The Bala's Holiday Chalet

Bala's is a former British colonial school built in 1934 but run as a resort for the last 47 years but Bala and his slightly eccentric wife. I stayed here for 10 days, alone, on a self-styled writer's retreat and it was exactly what I needed. Coming from Singapore it was cool and peaceful and surrounded by mountains. ||My room was simply furnished but vast, with a bed, a writing desk, two armchairs either side of a coffee table in front of the bay window for reading, a sideboard and TV (that I never switched on), and a bathroom. I slept like a baby with the windows open every night - impossible in Singapore. Each day I would take breakfast on the veranda, watching the clouds slowly dissipate from the mountain tops as the sun warmed them up. ||The staff were unfailingly friendly and polite, if not always effective (it took three tries to fix the hot water in my room until someone realised the battery had run out on the ignition!). And they were generous too - on my last day chef slipped me a couple of scones with jam and cream for the bus journey and gave me a lift into town.||Bala himself is a character who mixes with the guests and might join you for lunch. The guests I observed were from Singapore & Malaysia, of course, but also Italy, Spain, France, Switzerland and India and I shared a sundowner or two with several of them during my stay. ||Bala's is not fancy but it's not meant to be. It is a simple, friendly, distraction-free break from the city within easy reach of Tana Rata, the hiking trails, The Smokehouse (best Beef Wellington ever!), and I will definitely back to kick start my next writing project.

I came here for evening tea with my family and truly enjoyed it. The place has a beautiful English concept that adds a special charm to the experience. The ambiance was pleasant and relaxing. The scones were delicious — fresh and flavorful! If you enjoy the classic English tea experience, I would definitely recommend visiting this place.

Aesthetically very pleasing rooms. The furniture, upholstery were very pleasing and beautiful. Spacious rooms and good hospitality by the staff. However, the management could consider providing a hair dryer, a mini refrigerator and fan in the rooms. Though the weather is cool, we need fan for better air circulation. A hair dryer is also a basic need in any hotel room. Having provided such cosy rooms and these few misses made me little disappointed. Thank you.

I recently had the pleasure of staying at The Bala’s Holiday Chalet, and it was truly a delightful experience. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this charming colonial-style boutique hotel offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. From the moment we arrived, the warm hospitality of the staff made us feel at home. The vintage English cottage ambiance, complete with beautiful gardens and traditional decor, transports you back in time. The rooms are cozy and well-maintained, with a rustic charm that adds to the overall experience. One of the highlights of our stay was the afternoon tea served in their lovely garden. Sipping on freshly brewed coffee while enjoying homemade scones and pastries was simply perfect, especially in the cool highland weather. The on-site restaurant also offers a selection of delicious local and Western dishes, making dining a pleasant experience. The location is ideal, just a short drive from popular attractions like the Mossy Forest, tea plantations, and strawberry farms. While the chalet maintains a serene and old-world charm, it’s well-equipped with modern conveniences for a comfortable stay. Overall, The Bala’s Holiday Chalet is a perfect retreat for couples, families, or anyone looking to unwind in a historic yet cozy setting. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a touch of nostalgia and nature’s beauty!

This was, without exaggeration, the worst room I have ever stayed in. The moment we walked in, we were hit by an awful, musty stench that lingered like a warning. The walls were stained and peeling from what looked like long-term water damage—completely unsightly and honestly depressing. To make matters worse, there were ants crawling in the toilet, like they had moved in before we did. The bedsheets? Yellowed, stained, and clearly not cleaned. We wouldn’t have let a stray dog sleep on them. When we complained, we were met with complete indifference. Oh, and the cherry on top? We didn’t even get the room we booked. No explanation, no apology—just a shrug and a key to this nightmare. I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone. Pay a bit more and sleep somewhere that doesn’t feel like a health hazard.

One of the best staycation for me and husband🩷 we love the coziness, the room was so clean and food is just great! Not forget the garden, just like a piece land from fairytale Just small recommendation: hope the staffs can a bit friendly with the guests just greeting good morning or something like that. It will more appreciate and people could feel welcomed.

A wonderful and tranquil place with beautiful surroundings. The owner and staffs (including the rooster:)) were friendly and welcoming. While the breakfast selection could be expanded for more variety, and room’s water pressure and heater could be better regulated, these were minor issues in an otherwise pleasant stay. Overall, a great stay!

Went for a high tea. We are not scone specialists, but their quality seems decent, although the whipped cream is straight from the can, quite compact, and not fluffy at all. The apple pie was nothing to gloat about.. coffee and tea were average. Price 60rm for 2 is expensive, but you probably pay for the historical value of this beautiful house. We didn't spend a night, but we walked around, peaked into some rooms, and the least we can say is that some serious renovation work needs to be carried out. Good luck for that.