Meet the Man Who Spends RM1,000 a Month Reviewing Hotels

A Passion Turned into an Addiction

Burhanuddin Abdul Jalil, a 55-year-old senior executive at a financial firm, spends about RM1,000 of his salary each month staying at different hotels and reviewing his experiences. He checks into a hotel practically every weekend, and since embarking on this “hobby” in 2020, he has logged at least 234 stays at 169 hotels in Malaysia, most of them located in the Klang Valley.

From Photography to Hotel Reviews

Before taking up hotel reviewing, Burhanuddin’s hobby was photography, and his favorite subject was landscapes. He would capture stunning views from tall buildings or natural settings across various locations, including in Indonesia. However, when travel restrictions were imposed during the pandemic, he took the opportunity to book hotels around the capital city as accommodation was still allowed to operate under certain standard operating procedures at that time.

A Source of Joy

What began as a way to cure boredom has now turned into an “addiction” and a source of joy, he said, prompting him to continue doing it to this day. He writes detailed reviews of three- to five-star establishments, covering aspects such as location, room layout, facilities, and staff service.

Sharing His Experiences

“My friends would often ask for hotel recommendations, so I decided to start writing reviews on each place I visit. Since I’m also good at photography, it felt like a natural fit,” he said. He writes his reviews in the form of short essays using simple Bahasa Malaysia, and has received a lot of positive feedback, with his reviews helping others make informed decisions about hotels that suit their needs.

Hotel Prices and Booking Tips

Based on Burhanuddin’s experience, hotel prices can vary greatly: sometimes they are very affordable, while other times they skyrocket. He recommends using online booking apps to compare prices, and pointed out that bookings made two or three months in advance are the “best way to secure a good deal”, often resulting in significant savings.

Conclusion

Burhanuddin’s passion for hotel reviewing has turned into a unique hobby that brings him joy and helps others make informed decisions about their accommodations. His reviews can be found on his website and on the ‘Hotel Review Malaysia’ Facebook page.

FAQs

Q: How many hotels has Burhanuddin reviewed?
A: He has reviewed at least 169 hotels in Malaysia, with a total of 234 stays.

Q: What aspects does Burhanuddin cover in his reviews?
A: He covers location, room layout, facilities, and staff service in his reviews.

Q: How does Burhanuddin write his reviews?
A: He writes his reviews in the form of short essays using simple Bahasa Malaysia.

Q: Where can I find Burhanuddin’s reviews?
A: His reviews can be found on his website and on the ‘Hotel Review Malaysia’ Facebook page.