My “Hotel-in-Hospital” Experience at Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh
From the moment I stepped in, I felt whisked away not to a typical hospital — but to a welcoming, classy retreat. The lobby smelled heavenly (yes, I mean that diffuser scent, not the usual antiseptic odour), soft lighting, and polished décor made me think I had arrived at a boutique hotel, not a hospital.
The Room & the Setting
I was admitted to a single-room upgraded to a VIP suite on the 6th floor — and what a delight. I was only charged the Single room rate of RM260 per night. I was pleasantly surprised by how affordable Sunway’s charges were, and as a senior above 60, the Cherish Membership discount made my stay even more reassuring.
The bed, bedding and overall ambience were more like a nice hotel suite than a ward. I had a TV with Netflix and YouTube — a godsend for someone lying mostly still.
A fridge, tea n coffee making facilities, Free WiFi and clean washroom facilities, added to the comfort.
The Care: Impeccable, Personal, Attentive
Check-in: smooth, fast, and friendly. I was then wheeled upstairs — all handled with care and kindness.
Nurses and staff were warm, professional. One in particular — “Sister Malini” — introduced herself and made sure I felt at ease.
I’m notorious for having uncooperative veins (IV attempts in other hospitals often lead me to become a pin-cushion). Not this time. The hospital used ultrasoundguided access to find the right vein, got my IV in on the first try, and the infusion tube stayed in place without any drama for the entire three-day stay. Changed drip bags? No problem. Nurses were prompt and efficient.
Housekeeping was top-notch. After my shower they came in to clean and dry the stall again — felt like hotel room service.
Medical Services & Logistics – Smooth as Clockwork
I was scheduled for a CT scan during my stay. The ward staff wheeled me down, the radiology team were efficient, and there was no long waiting time for anything. I had all test and scan appointments honoured quickly. No stress, no dragging — just smoothly coordinated care.
Food & A Touch of Personalisation
At dinner on the first evening, the chef / F&B manager Chef Khairil Anwar popped by to ask about my food preferences. Knowing how they tend to keep the food bland, I told him straight: “I can take my spice — don’t hold back.” That evening I was served a fabulous fish curry with dhal — generous portion, full of flavour, comforting home-cooked food, and absolutely more than enough for me. For someone in hospital, that was a lovely surprise.
Efficient Discharge — With A Smile
After my doctor Dr. Sivaneswaran said I was good to leave after 3 nights, the morning checkout was a breeze. I signed off, swiped my credit card — and by ~10:00 a.m. I was being wheeled out. No fuss, no waiting around, just seamless exit.
About Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh
Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh officially opened in 2025, with a capacity of 165 licensed beds.
The hospital offers a full suite of services: general inpatient & outpatient care, radiology (scans), advanced diagnostics, a dedicated Cancer Centre, a Nuclear Medicine Centre, ICU/HDU, operating theatres, and a broad range of specialties including cardiology, neurology, gastroenterology, women’s & children’s health, orthopaedics and more.
Patients have access to amenities such as free WIFI, clean washrooms on every floor, a cafeteria, a nursingroom/ diaper-changing facility, and a prayer (surau) room — which helps make hospital stays that little bit more comfortable and human.
In Summary — A Hospital Stay I Almost Forgot Was “Hospital”
If I were to sum it up: my stay at Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh felt less like a medical admission, more like a well-staffed, serene wellness stay. From the diffuserscented lobby to the efficient scans, from the carefully managed IV drip to the unexpectedly tasty curry dinner — it was flawless. My attending doctor Dr. Sivaneswaran , nurses, support staff, housekeeping and even the food crew treated me like a guest rather than a patient.
If you want medical care in Ipoh but dread the cold, sterile, impersonal atmosphere of a hospital — go to Sunway. I came in wary (IV antibiotics + scan = not fun) and left feeling genuinely cared for, comfortable — and even a bit pampered.
