*announcement tones over the PA system* Ladies and gentlemen, your flight to Malaysia’s first airplane hotel will be ready for boarding soon. Kindly make your way over to Sungai Lembing, Pahang by 2020. Thank you.
Head Up in the Skies
Before it was in the works, it was called a “crazy idea”. But, this father-and-son duo made this “crazy idea” work! Also the owners of Time Capsule Retreat in Sungai Lembing, Pahang, they purchased a real Boeing 737-400 and hauled it all the way to the forest to create Malaysia’s first ever airplane hotel. The airplane in question was one that had exceeded the service period, and was about to be disposed of. And who is this father-and-son duo? May we present to you Young Yeong Long, 61 years old, and Kevin Young Thien Sheng, 30 years old.
Boarding in 2020
In early May, Kevin just had the airplane transported from Selangor to Sungai Lembing, and the hotel is expected to be completed in 2020. Transporting the plane itself was quite challenging, as he had to “cut it to a few parts, hire five trailers and two cranes to lift the aircraft”. To “ensure maximum comfort for guests”, there will only be 5 rooms in the 36.57-metre aircraft. Not only that, but Kevin also plans to retain the cockpit area for visitors to “have lasting memories”.
Away from the City
As for why Kevin decided to set up this hotel in the forest, it’s all about connecting with nature. We city-dwellers hardly get to breathe, and this hotel aims to provide an opportunity to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. People ask Kevin, “Isn’t it easier to just construct a plane-shaped building?” Well, yes, of course, it’s easier and cheaper too! However, that would take away the uniqueness of having an actual plane for a hotel. To protect this uniqueness, Kevin has registered his hotel brand with the Malaysia’s Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).
Last but not least, are you keen on staying at this one-of-a-kind hotel? Let us know in the comments below, and keep an eye on our page for more updates!
