Beginner's Guide to Homestay (The Five Must Know's) by BnBHelpers Malaysia

Must know No.1: Knowing what you want from the business (The Objective)
Must know No.2: Investment to the business/ the house unit (Cash Commitment)
Must know No.3: Your commitment to the business (Time Commitment)
Must know No.4: Measuring ROI (Return of Investments)
Must know No.5: Other options (Plan B)

Humbly speaking, I have been running the Homestay business for over 4 years now. Managing dozens of houses and have gone through up and downs in the business.

Here's some must know's that I believe is important for new comers of the Homestay/Airbnb business/ Budget hotel.

Must know No.1: Knowing what you want from the business (The Objective)

You must know the objective of starting a Homestay business; or more specifically, how much do you expect to make from this business?

Is your reason,

- To cover your loan installment? and also some extra cash?
- A short term plan before you resell the unit?
- A long term plan to make money off this unoccupied house you have?

Your objective now will directly affect your decision on the next stage (Cash Investment). It will affect your renovation, your business strategy, your commitment to the business.

P/S: If you need help on deciding the best option for your property, give BnBHelpers a call.

Must know No.2: Investment to the business/ the house unit (Cash Commitment)

After decision on your objective, you need to think of the simplest cost-effective investment to your property.

Like,
- How to make your house outstanding with the least money spent?
- Where to get the best contractor for the job?
- How much to spend?
- What if you don't want to spend for renovation?

We at BnBHelpers Malaysia will be able provide a step by step analysis and suggestions for the works. Minimum spending guaranteed with appealing outlook. Give us a call and schedule a site viewing.

Must know No.3: Your commitment to the business (Time Commitment)

Setting Up the business:

Homestay/ Airbnb Business is 24 Hours/7 Days a week. Be prepared mentally and physically for answering customer inquiries, phone calls, emails; also expect last minute bookings.  Be sure to sync your calendars and check your phone at all times.
*Answer all inquiries quick and you will surely be rewarded.

Checking In your First Customer:

Always check the house before letting your customer check in. Make sure the house is ready to impress your customer.
Making sure that you start with a 5 Star review will give your business a boost. Be an active host, treat your customer with a smile and be sure to recommend your customers some famous local food shacks or a hidden bar.

Checking Out your Customer:

Be on time and bid your customer safe trip. Don''t forget to ask your customer to rate you 5 Star😀😀
Be sure to then clean up and have it ready for the next guest's arrival.

Must know No.4: Measuring ROI (Return of Investments)

You need to know that the Homestay/Airbnb Business doesn't always guarantee consistent stays every month. Some months are heavily occupied, while some are bad months.

But for Penang, you can expect high volume of tourist stays for most months in a year, not only holiday tourist, but also medical tourist and working tourist. The key is to monitor closely and to adjust your rates to maximize your earnings.

Prior experience in hosting Homestay/ Airbnb / Hotel Business is important in your planning and maximization of earnings. So, mix with some experienced host and gain some insights.

Must know No.5: Other options (Plan B)

If managing your own Homestay doesn't work out, hire a professional. BnBHelpers Malaysia is ready to take over your trouble and hassles. We offer services customized to your needs.

Contact us at: bnbhelpersmalaysia@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/bnbhelpersmalaysia/

Prepared & Written by: BnB Helpers Malaysia (Admin)

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Homestay Penang - Batu Ferringhi

Homestays in Penang - Batu Ferringhi

Homestays in Batu Ferringhi are the most sought-after homestays in Penang. There is huge demand for homestays at Batu Ferringhi because this location is the prime tourist spot; famous for its beautiful coast, water sport activities, night street market, seafood restaurants, massage parlours and much more. 

Penang attracts massive 80,000 international Travellers yearly and more than 60% of them stay at Batu Ferringhi. During peak Seasons, almost all hotels in Batu Ferringhi are fully booked / even over-booked. 

Here I am going to review about this nice Penang homestay. Meet this Batu Ferringhi 3 bed room serviced apartment - One of the most sought after homestay in Batu Ferringhi, Penang.

This homestay is located in center Batu Ferringhi and near to abundance of restaurants, massage centers, water sport centers, convenient stores and most importantly, THE BEACH side.

You can see that this homestay at Batu Ferringhi is not a really heavily-invested/ luxuriously decorated unit; but it serves the purpose of being affordable, clean and being nearby to the famous Batu Ferringhi beach.

This is Ferringghi Palm Suite Homestay located along Jalan Batu Ferringghi. Its nicely located nearby to the beach side, street market just downstairs. This is one of the highly in-demand homestays being managed by BnBHelpers Malaysia.

Contact us at: bnbhelpersmalaysia@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/bnbhelpersmalaysia/

Prepared & Written by: BnB Helpers Malaysia (Admin)

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Homestay Tourism Landscape in Malaysia (2017) Tourism Malaysia/ Tourism Penang

Homestay Tourism Landscape in Malaysia (2017)

My nation, Malaysia. Our nation progresses and rapid development shapes the landscape of our country, inevitably people are travelling from one place to another to work, study or just for leisure resulting in a burgeoning tourism sector.

With the strengthening influx of travellers into Malaysia, the nation is focusing on presenting itself as a diverse tourist attraction that offers world class attractions such as culture and heritage, ecotourism, Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE), shopping, international events and medical tourism, which presents visitors from all over the world a plethora of choices to enjoy.

The tourism sector has been recognised by the government as a major source of revenue and a catalyst for the Malaysian economic renaissance.

Ten years ago in 2006, tourist arrivals into Malaysia was 17.5 million and it has increase to 26.7 million on year 2016 (increase by 52.6% ), while its tourism receipts/value increased to MYR82.1 billion in 2016 compared with MYR36.3 billion in 2006 (value increases by MYR 45.8 billion).

Realising this potential, the government, through various initiatives under the Government Transformation Programme (GTP) has mapped out a set of deliverables for the Tourism Ministry in order to stimulate sustainable tourism as the nation races to achieve its high-income status by 2020.

Penang, is one of the main contributors in this sector.

Penang’s alluring charms and unique attributes together with its many-faceted cultures make it a favourite of many as a Meetings, Incentives, Conventions & Exhibitions (MICE) destination.

The fascinating culture is complemented by golden beaches and tranquil seas. 

It is truly a tropical paradise that offers something for everyone, from historical buffs and nature park enthusiasts to those just wanting to relax on a sun-drenched beach.

The easy going lifestyle on Penang is a result of the melting pot of cultures, religions and food.

 The UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town in particular, is a total fusion of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other races, evidence of which is apparent everywhere, from cuisine to architecture.

With the increasing number of Airbnb Homestay operators in Penang, it has its benefits in terms of creating more selection for avid travellers & risks in terms of over crowded supply of homestays & price wars.

(Example of Clean, Tidy & Bright House)

Still, I believe the strongest selling point for your homestay lies in:

 1. Hospitality 

2. Home Condition/ Comfort

3. Location/ Convenience

When we know we are strong in our hospitality, we must not compromise on the quality or our products and services such as the safety, cleanliness, and comfortability we offer to the guest who stay with us. 

In economic aspects, homestays stimulates a ripple-effect to the Penang's tourism sector. Increasing homestays not only allows homestay operators to gain additional income from un-occupied homes. Others can also earn money through the economic spin offs from other nearby homestay business such as opening food stalls to attract people to buy, hence giving the locals an opportunity to earn a living. When you put things together, everybody will have the opportunity to earn money

For those who are interested to tap into this Homestay industry.

"Homestay is a business by itself and it is not easy to manage it."

If you are ready to promote your homestay globally using Airbnb, you must be ready to deliver the very best to the overseas guests who will come and stay with you. You need to be prepared to commit yourself to the business. Or you could choose BnB Helpers Malaysia to manage your property or provide homestay services such as Check-in/out, Cleaning, Laundry & such.

Contact us at: bnbhelpersmalaysia@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/bnbhelpersmalaysia/

Prepared & Written by: BnB Helpers Malaysia (Admin)

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BnB Helpers Malaysia (Penang) - Why Every Homestay Owners should Hire Us

Tourism Outlook of Penang

A fusion of the East and West, Penang embraces its modernity while retaining its traditions and old world charm. The well-preserved heritage buildings during the British Colonization has led to George Town being accorded a listing as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site and thus have been attracting travelers. Long regarded as the food capital of Malaysia, Penang also entices visitors with its beautiful coasts and scrumptious cuisines. Realizing this, Penang has attracted travelers from far and wide and its tourism has been on a steady rise until now estimated at around 800,000 international travelers visiting Penang in a year.

Murals at Heritage Trails in Georgetown

(Credit to photographer)

Food in Penang

(Credit to photographer)

Opportunity of Extra Income from Homestay Business

With Penang attracting massive travelers from all over the world, there has been a rise in demand for Homestays in Penang. Travelers choose Homestays because some prefer staying in a local community, cheaper option compare to hotels, host being a local guide, unique home design that attracts and much more.

In short, there is a huge demand for Homestays and you can really make some good money out of your extra room or unoccupied house. 

One of those highly rated Homestays is able to host 10-15 nights a month during normal months, and hosting as high as over 20 nights during peak months.

Heritage Homestay & Budget Hotels

(Credit to photographer)

Why do you need BnB Helpers

1. Experience & Insights of experienced helpers - Assist in building guest impression & trust

We are a group of experienced BnB Helpers with years of hosting Homestays in Penang. 100% local Penangite giving much insights on the best food around, best places to vist and even arrange transports for a short tours in Penang.

Get in touch with BnB Helpers to handle your guest making sure their visit is well arranged

Local tours arrangement in Penang

(Credit to photographer)

2. Outsourcing operations in order to minimize hassle - Leave it to the professionals

We have the resources for:
- Guest check-in (Using local helpers),
- Guest check-out and cleaning (using our own cleaners),
- Laundry service
- Homestay maintenance/repair
- Guest transportation & arrangement

Airbnb helps you to get guest, BnB Helpers to do the dirty work afterwards

3. Improve your homestay business - Grow faster with more houses

If you are looking to expand your Homestay business but don't have the resources/capacity to take care of more homestay. We offer our services at a reasonable fee; and you wont be needing to hire an extra staff while you are growing the business.

Save cost & time of maintaining a permanent staff; ask for BnB Helpers instead.

4. When it gets too busy and you are missing out on life events

We understand that this homestay business is hectic especially during weekends and holiday seasons; and you may want to use this time to spend time with your family and friends. You should..

Get BnB Helpers to manage your homestay to ensure all guest are property taken care and yourself to be able to spend some quality time with your family.

Coast of Penang

(Credit to photographer)

In short, BnB Helpers are the solution to you Homestay hosting. They make sure your guest are well serviced and treated with warmth and care; also ensuring the back end operations of your business is well-taken cared.

Ask for a meet up by contacting Jeffrey (+6012-4488036); he is currently the main lead in the business operations of BnB Helpers.

Sincerely, thank you for reading this piece until the end.

Kek Lok Si Temple

(Credit to photographer)

Prepared & Written by: BnB Helpers Malaysia (Admin)