Nipah Beach

Unlike other Nipah hotels, Anjungan's well-maintained, spacious grounds are bordered next to the dense jungle, creating a nice buffer zone from neighbourhood acoustics. Their landscaped grounds also include a large boat-shaped pool, with a centrepiece inclusive of a jacuzzi in the boat's bow and plenty of umbrellas and sun loungers to go around. With upstairs and downstairs suites available, the airy rooms are downright luxurious considering their relatively low rates. Besides large plush beds, hot-water showers, mini-fridge, electric teapots, flat screen TV, closet space and a private veranda, they also throw in breakfast for two. Their open-air restaurant also serves as the reception and lobby area with WiFi available. Nipah Beach and Coral Beach are both just a short walk away, with plenty of waterfront restaurants available.

All of their 16 rooms are upstairs with small private balconies boasting either a view of the jungle or the sea, inclusive of neighbouring rooftops. The simple dark wood rooms include a sturdy king or twin beds, hot-water shower, TV and air-con and have just enough room to not feel too cramped. WiFi is available in the upstairs open-air common area, with plenty of chairs and table space and a great viewing point for sunsets and the lively main street. The Horizon Inn also rents out motorbikes and can make any travel or tour arrangements for you.

Rooms are crisp and clean with dark wood interiors set against stark white bed linens, giving it slightly summer camp feel. Each unit comes with some variation of a veranda, complete with a couple of chairs and a table depending on space. Additional hot-water showers, air-con, Astro TV and lobby WiFi make Nipah Bay Villas a good find. They have an on-site restaurant and common area as well as a reflexology and massage service. Their location is just a 10-minute walk to the Nipah Bay waterfront, minimarts and plenty of places to grab a bite to eat. Long-term stay discounts are available at the management's discretion.

Surrounded by lush foliage, the 16 small chalets include a bed with a small desk and chair, ensuite cold-water shower and cosy garden view verandas. Free WiFi is also available in their small reception area. Furnishings are on the rustic side, but the tiled floors and bathrooms are spotless. Sunset View's claim to fame includes a daily sunset hornbill feeding, when chalet owner Noordin takes great pride in the beauty of his birds as well as his skills as a smartphone cinematographer. He's been feeding the local hornbill population for more than 14 years and is happy to video visitors while they hand-feed the wild birds.

The intimate grounds and stucco white buildings are impressive-looking but they border on spooky at night as the walkways are poorly lit. On a good day a friendly, smiling front man will present himself; otherwise the non-smiling 2IC will be there to extend the warmth of an ice cube. Nonetheless, location and reasonable rates make Palma a decent pick for budget travellers. With 27 clean and basic rooms available, there is a choice of upstairs or downstairs and although furnishings have seen better days, air-con, hot-water shower and private veranda makes up for it. Their large open-air reception area offers a hot and cold-water dispenser, a few tables and chairs and free WiFi. Discounted rates may be negotiable for longer stays.

The simple rooms are clean, compact and efficient and include air-con, hot-water showers, flat screen TV, electric tea kettle, mini-fridge and cosy private verandas. They also include free breakfast and WiFi is available in their garden common area. The area is relatively quiet and just a short walk to the Teluk Nipah waterfront and all that it has to offer. The staff is quite warm and friendly, making solo travellers feel right at home.