Maleny Tropical Retreat, Maleny

Advantages: good Value
Disadvantages: Hot

...Nowhere else in south-east Asia is the transformation from old to new more stark. Malaysia is split between the tribal jungles of Borneo and the hi-tech industries of Kuala Lumpur, home to the world's tallest building, the Petronas Towers. The holiday islands of Langkawi, Penang and Tioman are just off the mainland Peninsular Malaysia and easy to reach. The rest of the peninsular, especially Melacca, is also worth exploring. But don't get your highlands mixed up - Cameron Highlands is a relaxing, countryside retreat, while Genting Highlands is a brash and tacky gambling resort. Malaysia is a bargain for visitors. It is Tropical, hot and steamy. Monsoon rains hit different parts of the country at different times.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Friendly atmosphere, good value,
Disadvantages: None

...Surrounded by lovely tropical gardens (with a pool!) Frogshollow is a friendly hostel in a quiet area that's a short walk from the centre of Darwin. The area is lovely and no more than 10 minutes from the main shops etc. and there is a large supermarket (Woolworths) at the top of the road - handy for self-caterers. The rooms are nice and reasonably spacious. The were all clean and you have the choice of rooms with a fan or with air conditioning (depending on how much you want to pay). A room with a fan was fine in April. There are bunk beds and each bed has a locker opposite although you'll need to bring your own padlock. The single-sex bathrooms were clean (little lizards running up the walls as is typical in the tropical climate!). There were plenty of toilet cubicles and showers - never needed to queue and the hostel was fairly busy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Bargain Dominican Luxury
Disadvantages: Remote location (but ok if you want to escape!)

...My boyfriend and I took a holiday in September 2003 at Bahia Principe in Dominican Republic. Opting for an all-inclusive (to help stretch our budget) we were abit apprehensive due to some horror stories we'd heard about all-inclusive's in general. We booked through teletext so managed to get a decent deal. After a long day of travel (including 8 hour flight!) we were ready to collapse by the time we arrived. The first thing that struck us was the lavish grounds of the complex. Next came the charms of the wonderful staff who couldn't do enough for us!!! Our room was spacious and well air conditioned; it was a perfect retreat from the heat! The rooms are spread out in small apartments of 8 rooms, and are surrounded by tropical gardens. One thing worth a mention with regard the rooms is the high standard of daily cleaning- and constant... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful