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To be honest there’s not a lot of difference between them, even the asking prices are more or less identical, but if it’s location you’re after you can’t beat this neck of the neighbourhood at Batu Ferringhi, well, unless you’re prepared to cough up big bucks for a fancy resort.

Easy to spot from the street. Photo: Sally Arnold

Baba Guesthouse gets our vote not only for the very welcoming family (although that seemed to be the case in every place we visited here), but the modest rooms were a little better maintained than many of the others. Rooms are either in the double-storey blue wooden house or in a row of white painted brick shipping container-sized buildings that line the driveway.

All have small windows, yet you won’t catch a sea view from any, but a communal balcony in the main house enjoys views and the sea breeze. Choose from fan-cooled twins and doubles with a share hot-water bathroom or twins and doubles with air-con and ensuites.

Rooms live up to the simple branding. Photo: Sally Arnold

Don’t expect much, but rooms are clean and provide a comfortable bed with fresh laundered linen, a small desk and a plastic chair. Stairs to the upper floor can be a little challenging, so if that’s an issue choose one of the rooms at the front. Basic combo toilet-showers are clean but compact, and a towel rail should help keep your clothes dry.

Breakfast is not included, but drinks are for sale and a laundry service is also on offer. Pack earplugs if you don't wish to be woken by the call to prayer from the nearby mosque. Alternatively, up the road Ali’s Guesthouse has more of a (very) basic hotel feel than homestay and is marginally closer to the shore with a pleasant verandah overlooking the beach. Prices are moderately higher, but rooms provide a small TV.