Encapsulated in Kuala Lumpur
By: Elmira A.
Know anyone coming to our side of town who is looking for affordable, fuss-free accommodation for a short stay? You should tell them about capsule hotels, a hotel trend that is beginning to make waves in Malaysia. The concept is not new – first introduced in Osaka, Japan in 1979, it was developed to provide a basic place to stay for guests and travellers who don’t need the services usually offered by conventional hotels. The target market were initially office workers who couldn’t catch the last train home, or locals on an overnight business trip, who only needed a bed to sleep on comfortably. But, like most things Japanese, its popularity spreads like wildfire, and although the idea behind it stays the same, capsule hotels grew significantly and became the talk of the town. Other countries have now begun to have their own, such as Russia and China and some European airports like the one in Amsterdam.
Each of the guest rooms in a capsule hotel are usually designed with fiberglass block, and though the sizes may differ, it is usually about 2 by 1 by 1.25 meters in dimension. Guests can sit comfortably in the capsule, and can enjoy some basic facilities such as a television and wireless internet, although this depends on the hotels as well. The capsules are stacked side by side, two units high, and guests needs to use the steps provided if they are allocated with a room in one of the top units. Bathrooms are communal, but guests will usually be provided with a towel and a yukata. Because of the open concept, some hotels offers separate sections for male and female guests as to ensure privacy.
However, I imagine that staying in a room big enough only to sleep in may not be ideal for some people, such as those with anxiety or claustrophobes. So before making that reservation, please ensure that you or the people you’re travelling with do not have any issues that may tamper your capsule hotel experience. If you are positive that small confined spaces won’t be a problem, then capsule hotels is an experience that you wouldn’t want to miss.
The trend is somewhat new in Malaysia, and so far, we are home to two popular capsule hotels:
- Capsule by Container Hotel
Transportation Hub at Gateway@KLIA2, Sepang
Brought by the same people who gave us Container Hotel, Capsule is designed for transit travellers, backpackers and frequent fliers who needs to crash overnight, or recharge before catching their flight. The hotel has a very artistic ambience, and as a testament to this, the corridor has been transformed into a creative space for local artists to display and share their works of art.
Capsule aims to make your stay as relaxed as possible, allowing you to fully rejuvenate before leaving its doors. Among the amenities provided are a towel, toiletries, indoor slippers and a shoe cabinet to safely keep your shoes in. They also have a locker for your luggage, and if yours is a big one, all you have is inform the front desk staff and they will be able to assist you. You can wind down and relax at the Capsule Bar, or if love to read, head to the library where you can even participate in their book exchange system. They also have a common area for you to chill, and if you have some pressing work to do, fret not – their WiFi is available for you to use. And one great thing about Capsule? They also have capsules that can fit 2 people comfortably, and so it’s perfect for couples.
Contact details
Address: Lot L1-2 3, Gateway, Terminal KLIA2, KL International Airport, Jalan KLIA 2/1, 64000 KLIA, Sepang, Selangor
Web: capsulecontainer.com
Phone: 03-76102020
Email: info@capsulecontainer.com
- UFO Capsule Hotel
Off Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
UFO caters to travellers who does not want to spend a small fortune on hotels with amenities they don’t necessarily need. It’s located strategically near some of KL’s most popular attractions, such as Berjaya Times Square and Bintang Walk which are located within a walking distance from the hotel. Other attractions are also just a short drive away, including Istana Negara, KLCC, and Dataran Merdeka. Public transportation is easily accessible, too, with the Imbi Monorail Station just a 5-minute walk away from the hotel.
UFO Capsule Hotel insist on providing a comfortable stay to all of their guests, while remaining simple and hassle-free. There are shops within the vicinity if you need to get something urgently, and WiFi is also available if you need to catch up with work, or stay connected to family and friends. Each capsule comes equipped with a mirror, a universal power point and a mini desk. A locker is also provided to store your bags and valuables.
Contact details
Address: No. 30, Jalan 1/77A, Kampung Dollah, Off Jalan Pudu, Kuala Lumpur
Web: www.facebook.com/ufocapsulehotel
Phone: 03-21480661
Do you know any other capsule hotels in KL or Malaysia that’s worth checking out?