In Malaysia, the U.S. dollar remains strong against the Malaysian Ringgit (approximately 3.49 MYR to $1) and prices in the Southeast Asian country are cost-efficient, thus allowing travelers to enjoy luxurious vacations without breaking the bank. In Malaysia, visitors can book four- and five-star hotels at less than $150 a night. Even in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, prime properties such as the Hotel Maya KL (starting at $110 per night), PNB Darby Park (starting at $80 per night), and the Trader's Hotel KL (by Shangri-La, starting at $85 per night) let travelers stay in luxury without breaking the bank. For budget travelers, Tune Hotels has revolutionized the sector with hotel rooms as low as $3 a night (with advance booking). Tune Hotels follow a "no-frills" concept by eliminating meeting rooms, swimming pools, gyms, spas, room service, etc. The chain offers hotels with top-notch beds and showers, but keep amenities like towels, in-room Wi-Fi, air-conditioning and toiletries as reasonably priced "pay as you use" added items.
The country hosts three major annual sales carnivals, which feature special promotions and discounts on a wide variety of items nationwide. For the end of the year, visitors can enjoy the Malaysia Savings Sale, from Nov. 29 to Jan. 4. Tell clients to bring their passport and check with any mall's concierge desk for any special discounts for international travelers. At Malaysia's numerous hawker stalls, travelers can purchase fresh curry puffs, satay and other popular small eats for less than a dollar.
The Malaysian International Gourmet Festival (MIGF) takes place each November. The MIGF (www.migf.com) offers cooking classes with top chefs from around Malaysia, ranging from $12 to $57 per class (each class is two to four hours long and includes up to a three-course meal). This year, visitors can also have a five-day, four-night stay during the Festival for $1,075 to $1,335 (land only). The highest-priced package, which houses travelers at the Mandarin Oriental KL, costs only $333 per night, inclusive of gourmet meals at a selection of the 28 restaurants featured (selection made by visitor). Each of the 28 restaurants participating in the MIGF will offer pre-set gourmet meals, ranging from $40 to $105, some of which come with complimentary glasses of wine or beverage. For more information, visit www.TourismMalaysiaUSA.com.
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