Posted by Have you made plans for the long weekend yet? We’ve got two coming up and the options certainly are aplenty right here on home ground. Do us a favour and disconnect this weekend, don’t think about your manager or worry about productivity (there’s an app for that). Instead, reconnect with your loved ones, return to the wild and just live a little before you get back on your grind.
1. Terrapuri Heritage Village (Setiu, Terengganu)
Ever wondered what 17th century Terengganu Malay Palace architecture looked like? Head on over to Terrapuri Heritage Village. This scenic spot is also home to the Setui Wetlands Sanctuary where you can find painted terrapins, marine turtles, fireflies, and mangroves. The refurbished villas are between 100 – 250 years old and feature unique traditional decor. If you’re looking for some old-school wonder this long weekend – look no further.
2. Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm – KOREF (Kluang, Johor)
This long weekend, go down a different holiday route at Malaysia’s pioneer organic rice farm. Experience kampung-living at its best and get back to the basics at KOREF. You and your family can try your hand at harvesting rice, going through the obstacle course, enjoy bamboo rafting and the flying fox among other activities. There’s even a boat trip to check out the fireflies in Sungai Tambang. Who else is ready for a rustic good time?
3. Farmville Cafe & Homestay (Sekinchan, Selangor)
When you think of containers, you usually associate them with storage space. In real life, they can be so much more. Enter the “Sekinchan Container Hotel”; a unique space constructed using different sized metal containers placed strategically to give guests a full view of the Sekinchan paddy fields. The best part about this place? local attractions and delicious seafood are a mere 5 minutes drive away.
4. Bamboo Village (Hulu Langat, Kuala Lumpur)
Designed by nature lovers for nature lovers. Relax amidst the greenery at Bamboo Village in Hulu Langat. These retreat guest houses are made from bamboo and stand between gardens, ponds and a fish farm. Need more relaxation? Take a 15-minute walk to Sungai Serai Hot Spring. There’s even a small waterfall 5 minutes away on foot.
5. Tubotel Langkawi (Kuala Cenang, Langkawi)
Fancy a no frills stay? Then get ready for the thrills at Tubotel. Inspired by Austria’s Dasparkhotel, you’ll be staying in concrete tubes when you’re not out enjoying the sea view. There’s plenty to do with Cenang Beach only five minutes away, jungle trekking, cruises and tours available.
6. The Sticks (Fraser’s Hill, Pahang)
Ready for a unique experience? Try The Sticks at Fraser’s Hill. Go on an adventurous trek, relax in the river, go on a botanical walk, try your hand at white water rafting, get a long nap in the afternoon (no one will judge you), enjoy home-cooked meals and stare at the stars at night. This escapade is yours to claim. Prefer a day trip instead? Check out the packages available on the website.
7. The Plantation Project (Bentong, Pahang)
Searching for a place that runs on sustainable solar power and uses chemical-free water filtration system? The Plantation has got you covered! This eco-friendly resort in Pahang boasts an open concept sleeping area, living halls, and kitchen with unbeatable views of the tropical forest. Best part? It’s only an hour away from KL.
8. Terra Tree House (Cameron Highlands, Pahang)
Deep in the mountain region of Cameron Highlands lies Terra’s Tree House. The road to Terra may be bumpy but the destination is totally worth it. Do take note that the owners recommend that you travel light (with a backpack) instead of bringing trolley luggage. There are six tree houses to choose from, an activity hall and a common kitchen for you to utilise during your stay. The water at Terra comes straight from a clean mountain stream and electricity is available from 6.30pm to 9.30pm only. It’s time for you to properly detach from the city and reconnect with nature.
9. Time Capsule Retreat (Pahang)
Escape the city clock with these cosy capsules in the middle of Sungai Lembing town in Kuantan, Pahang. This family-run retreat has there times of accommodations, namely, 7 feet by 10 feet concrete cylinder Capsules, Parallel Aurora which comes with two bedrooms, a ceiling to floor glass window with forest views and an attached bathroom as well as White Cottages (standard and superior). Take a walk along the hanging bridge, visit the Sungai Lembing Museum, hike to Panorama Hill, take the rainbow waterfall tour or explore the town of Sungai Lembing during your stay.
10. Japamala Resort, Tioman Island (Pahang)
Craving for the sun and sea? This eco-luxe resort should do the trick! You’ll be spoilt for choice on where to stay with the treetop chalets, seacliff chalets, jungle luxe sarang, hillside sarang, Seaview sarang or Penghulu’s house. Some rooms even come with private plunge pools and wooden sun decks. Go on jungle treks, leisure scuba dives or boat excursions to the nearby islands, bays, and villages for a holiday you won’t soon forget.
Related: 10 Best Staycation Spots in Malaysia
11. Tanah Aina Resorts (Pahang)
Longing for an eco-tourism experience? You can’t go wrong with one of Tanah Aina’s eco resorts. Experience and enjoy what nature has to offer at Farrah Soraya Exclusive Eco Resort (Raub, Pahang), Farhana Beachfront Resort (Desaru, Johor), Fareena Orchard Resort (Lentang, Pahang), Farouq Durian Orchard Resort (Raub, Pahang), or Fahad Glamping Resort (Ulu Dong, Raub, Pahang). Made to preserve nature without compromising on modern comforts, each resort is poised to take you to your happy place in nature.
12. Villa Idaman (Tanarimba Janda Baik, Pahang)
Just 35km away from downtown Kuala Lumpur, Villa Idaman is home to views of lush hills, gardens, and the tropical rainforest. This private home has its own swimming pool and secret tree house. Make full use of this safe haven over the weekend. We totally would!
13. Melina Beach Resort (Tioman Island)
Take the family to Melina this long weekend. Enjoy the quiet on a secluded beach, get drinks at Frog’s Bar, eat at the seaside restaurant and book an appointment at the Lemongrass Spa. Once that’s done, go for a rainforest trek, snorkel or scuba dive. A picture-perfect escape awaits you and your loved ones at Melina.
14. Tunamaya Beach and Spa Resort (Tioman Island)
A short stay at Tunamaya Resort can do wonders for your soul. Enjoy the clear turquoise waters and sandy, secluded beach to truly unplug from the city bustle. In addition to island hopping, diving, and hiking, you can enjoy Tunamaya’s Sarang Spa, go snorkelling, lounge by the infinity pool, indulge in duty-free shopping or even go golfing. Consider all your bases covered.
15. Villa Samadhi (Kuala Lumpur)
A romantic respite right here in KL city. Villa Samadhi’s rustic design, minimalistic style, and Asian sophisticated elements make for a luxe escape over the weekend. All their ground floor units are built alongside the ‘lagoon pool’ so you’ve got direct access to the water. When you’re not relaxing in your room or the pool, book a tour at the elephant sanctuary at Kuala Gandah and maybe go for the heritage food tour after.
16. The Banjaran Hotsprings (Ipoh)
Leave the city and your stress behind. Head on to Malaysia’s first luxury, natural hot springs. The Banjaran Hotsprings Ipoh offers holistic experiences designed to help you recuperate and relax. The retreat is cradled 260 million-year-old Paleozoic limestone hills, geothermal hot springs, the rainforest, waterfalls and natural caves. A luxurious treat for you away from worldly concerns.
17. MaliHom Private Estate (Penang)
Malihom means ‘village of the fragrant rice’. This unique estate is made up of traditional Thai rice barns that have been converted to include modern comforts. There are 8 barns available for rent, each with its unique name and character. During your stay, explore the hills of Balik Pulau, go for swims, or pamper your senses with a traditional Malay massage.
18. Green Acres Orchard & Ecolodge (Balik Pulau, Penang)
Return to the wild with sustainably built eco lodges at Green Acres. Learn more about the orchard by going for one of their private tours to find out more about fruit farming, organic composting, building sustainable homes and the heritage of Balik Pulau. Need to cool off? There’s a fresh spring water dipping pool nearby too. Experience rural, rustic charm at its best.
19. Fig Tree Hill Resort (Penang)
What’s good in Penang besides the lovely people and good eats? Gems like Fig Tree Hill Resort, of course! Perched atop a tropical hill, Fig Tree Hill Resort is all about that green, good life away from the city. It even has a natural hill water pool. Relaxation is bound to come easy when the view is this good.
20. Awanmulan (Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan)
Get back to greenery at Awanmulan in Negeri Sembilan. Wake up to the sound of birds chirping, rustling leaves and natural light pouring through the trees. There are two salted swimming pools for you to enjoy with your loved ones as you take in the cool jungle air and scenic views.
Related: It’s possible to Travel with a Full-time Job
21. The Dusun (Seremban, Negeri Sembilan)
Reconnect with your loved ones amidst jungle views and lush greenery at The Dusun. This nature resort has five unique houses on its property for your privacy, personal space, and enjoyment. Enjoy activities such as getting your portrait taken, photography workshops, bird watching, jungle trek to a waterfall, visit the deer park, indulge in massages and more. There’s always something to do at The Dusun.
22. The Shorea Resort (Negeri Sembilan)
If mountain views are your thing, then check out Villa Shorea. This spacious two bedroom space is said to be popular with groups and families of 6. When you’re not enjoying the decor, facilities and the view, take a trip to one of the four major waterfalls nearby. You can also go jungle trekking or opt for a nature walk. Tranquillity is within reach at The Shorea.
23. Sekeping Kong Heng (Ipoh)
Located in charming Ipoh, Sekeping Kong Heng is the latest addition to the Sekeping retreats list. Situated in a 3-storey neoclassical building which has a coffee shop on the ground floor, there’s even an inner courtyard and staircase to take you up to your rooms. It’s the perfect place to start your Ipoh culinary adventure and explore.
24. Templer Park Rainforest Retreat (Rawang)
Bask in the calmness of Templer Park Rainforest Retreat. Enjoy mountain views of Bukit Takun, a golf course, and a lake. Get away from the city stressors, and rejuvenate amidst nature here. The retreat boasts an infinity pool with splash pool and jet spa. There’s even BBQ and Steamboat equipment for your cooking needs. Need we say more?
25. Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside (Putrajaya)
A little peace and quiet doesn’t have to happen to far away from home. Take a trip to Pullman Putrajaya Lakeside for some down time this long weekend. The grounds are spread over four acres on the shores of the Putrajaya Lake with picturesque views. Treat yourself at the spa with a massage, facial, manicure and/or pedicure. You can even get on a canoe, kayak, paddle boat, go on a cruise or go parasailing.