When planning our recent weekend trip to Kluang, we knew we wanted something fuss-free, central, and affordable. Hotel Anika Kluang ticked all the right boxes. This budget-friendly hotel is one of the few accommodations that is centrally located and within walking distance from Terminal Bas Kluang – where we alighted after a long three-hour bus ride from Luckin Central JB. Yes, the traffic was no joke.
This was not my first time in Kluang. I had visited here a couple of years ago, but it was my first time staying overnight in the town itself. My friend and I decided to stay for two nights to casually explore what Kluang has to offer, beyond just a few hours of cafe-hopping.
Arrival and First Impressions
Before heading to the hotel, we grabbed a hearty double-patty burger from the well-known Fendy’s Burger Stall. It as a satisfying late dinner to beat our post-travel hunger. As it was already late, most cafes and restaurants around the area had closed. It was still nice to see that there were plenty of dining options nearby too.
Upon arriving at Hotel Anika Kluang, the first thing that struck us was the cold, no-frills look of the lobby. The place is functional and simple—not the most welcoming, but it served its purpose. There is also an open-air carpark right in front of the hotel, which would be convenient for those driving in.
Our Stay: Basic, Clean, and Decent for the Price
We checked into a Standard Twin Room, our backup choice since Kluang Container Hotel was already fully booked. The room was modest and equipped with the basics. Unfortunately, the bathtub looked a little grimy, so I skipped using it altogether. Still, the room was not too shabby, and it was good enough for a short stay.
Exploring Kluang
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Hotel Anika is how accessible everything is. The next morning, we started our day early with breakfast at Hill & Heal. The lovely cafe is located right at the base of Gunung Lambak—a local favorite for trekking and morning exercise. We did not climb the hill, but it was great to be around greenery.
We spent the second half of the day exploring our hotel’s vicinity by foot. It was easy thanks to its strategic location. Here are a few highlights:
- Kluang Street Art – Beautiful wall murals as photo backdrop
- Kluang Cendol Kader – A refreshing treat to beat the heat
- Tong Huat Traditional Confectionery – I queued for a good 30 minutes to get my hands on their famous tau sar piah
- Kluang Rail Coffee – Famous coffee place beside the old railway station
Although it was a short trip, it felt refreshingly different from our usual city routines. Hotel Anika Kluang may not be fancy, but if you’re looking for a clean, accessible, and wallet-friendly option to base yourself while you explore Kluang, it is a great choice.
We had a fulfilling time and I’ll be sharing more details soon on some of the places we visited. Stay tuned if you are planning a Kluang trip of your own! Do check out my other hotel reviews too!