Elevator pitch
A trip to Kuala Lumpur is always the right call. The neighbouring city is teeming with old world charm; a patchwork of the old and new as the metropolitan continues to rise. At the heart of it all sits the city’s busiest district—also known as the Golden Triangle—where an eclectic mix of food, shopping and multicultural landmarks stand tall. Amidst the bustling urban precinct, a Michelin Key hotel is subtly woven into the skyline, offering a hidden oasis. Welcome to The Ruma Kuala Lumpur.
Derived from the Malay word rumah, which means ‘home’, The Ruma is quietly tucked at the corner of a street that leads to the Petronas Twin Towers and the Bukit Bintang shopping district, offering convenient access sans the typical city hubbub. A member of Urban Resort Concepts by The Puli, the collective is known for creating pockets of calm amidst concrete jungles. True to form, The Ruma is an urban respite that welcomes you with open arms.
The stay
Like its name implies, checking in to The Ruma feels like an elevated home stay by a distinguished host. The moment I arrive at the lobby, I am heartily greeted with “Welcome home!”: a telling hint of what’s to come. A seamless check-in process followed suit before I was ushered to my home for the next few days: the Corner Studio.
As I enter, automated blinds roll up to reveal the surrounding dynamic urban landscape and uninterrupted views of the landmark Petronas Twin Towers. The room is generously spacious, opening with a cosy lounge area that I can’t help but sink into at the end of the day. The bedroom sits adjacent to a king bed in the centre. Falling asleep each night feels effortless, the 330-thread count Egyptian cotton linen instantly transporting me into dreamland. A few steps behind is the expansive bathroom, complete with twin vanity basins and a custom bathtub with a rainforest shower.
From beginning to the end, each step throughout the hotel is an immersive experience in the local culture. Thoughtful design touches are scattered throughout, found in the likes of the batik stamps hung on the wall and the architectural rattan leitmotif. Here, Malaysian hospitality is brought to the fore.
The dining
The Ruma’s signature restaurant Atas offers Malaysian cuisine with a refined twist. The team never fails to brighten up your day, serving every dish and request with vigour. Its lunch menu is in collaboration with The Chow Kit Kitchen & Bar and inspired by the communal dining traditions of towkays. Take your pick from dishes like Johor Laksa, Ikan Assam Pedas or Nyonya Kari Kapitan.
This season’s Atas Key Tables—its hallmark collaborative dining series—brings contemporary Korean steakhouse Gu:um to Kuala Lumpur for a limited time. Helmed by Michelin-starred chef-owner Louis Han, the four-month residency marks his sophomore appearance as he brings a delectable feast fanned over flame back to the table.
The limited edition menu opens with a selection of innovative Korean starters. The Seafood Pajeon is a medley of flavours; the warm, crisp scallion pancake topped with charred smoky grilled seafood. Where the mains are concerned, the Surf and Turf platter steals the spotlight. One is spoilt for choice with a variety of cuts from both land and sea: Wagyu striploin, tenderloin, tiger prawns and Jeju-style marinated butterflied grouper all masterfully grilled on charcoal. A fusion-style Sujebi Mac & Cheese on the side is proper indulgence, but the layers of hand-pulled dough pieces, beef bacon and cheese will only leave you wanting more. End the evening on a sweet note with the Hotteok, where the humble pairing of the beloved Korean dessert pancake with burnt honey ice cream hits the spot. At Gu:um, a tantalising gastronomic experience of fire, flavour and heritage awaits.
Itching for a nightcap? Consider Seven, the gin specialty bar at the lobby. Here, you can take your pick from 77 different gins sourced from around the globe or a cocktail flight infused with local ingredients and familiar flavours. The Kaya Raya is layered with pandan and coconut, reminiscent of the seri muka kueh that accompanies the drink.
The itinerary
The Ruma may be surrounded by gleaming skyscrapers but it offers idyllic grounds for rest and relaxation. The saltwater pool overlooks the city, the Santai Pool Bar and Lounge by its side with a rotation of cocktails and snacks. Thinking of having a casual evening in? A poolside cocktail against the glittering skyline at dusk might do the trick.
For a delightful afternoon affair, look no further than The Librari. Tucked away at the side of the ground floor away from the lobby crowd, the lounge is lined with shelves of artefacts and flea market antiques from the city’s past. Staying true to its name, a curation of books spanning culture, design and architecture lets your mind escape to new dimensions. At The Librari is where you’ll find Chapters of Ruma, a high tea experience inspired by local flavours and heritage. Sweet and savoury treats are served on a handcrafted congkak board, nostalgic memories of childhood and shared moments imbued in every bite.
And if a time of stillness is what you’re after, head further down the pool and you’ll find yourself at Ur Spa. Treatments on the menu are imbued with unique traditional regional rituals. Signature experiences include Urutan Malaysia, a holistic treatment that blends a herbal foot soak, Chinese Qi Gong breathwork, an Indian head massage, and reflexology. I opted for the Dusun Inan Body Therapy, derived from age-old practices of the Lotud Dusuns, a local tribe from Northern Borneo. Though originally meant to soothe the weathered bodies of paddy field workers, the deep-tissue massage instantly eased the lingering aches and pains of my ‘office syndrome’.
Refreshed and restored, the afternoon demanded I give it its time of day. With nothing on the agenda, I returned to a cosy nook in the corner of my room and let my thoughts drift away, with the towering view of the Twin Towers in the background.
