Ahh here we go again, Malaysia. Another lockdown.
But as the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme steadily taking place across the country, with more and more stocks of vaccines expected to arrive next month, we can’t help but be more hopeful of the future. Naive? Maybe. But perhaps, it is just our way to stay sane amidst this challenging time. After all, there’s some positivity to be obtained by having something to look forward to.
So in the spirit of keeping the wanderlust alive for us travellers, we compile a list of beautiful yet functional staycation places with privacy in mind, which you can survey now for your next family outing or friends’ reunion (…of course, when it safe to travel again.)
1. Tanah Larwina Retreat, Hulu Langat, Selangor
Some say nature is the best therapy out there, and we couldn’t agree more. So pack your bag first thing after the lockdown has eased and book a stay in the wild. One perfect place for this purpose is Tanah Larwina Retreat, which is set in a family-owned three-acre farm complete with a cascading stream and farm animals roaming in the area freely. The house has an open-concept style and is equipped with four queen-sized beds, including a kitchen with all basic essentials. Guests may enjoy various family-friendly activities here such as swimming, fishing, fruit picking and jungle-trekking.
Capacity: Up to 16 guests
Rates: From MYR1,737 per night
2. Dusun Bonda, Batang Kali, Selangor
A sanctuary within a fruit orchard, Dusun Bonda lets guests go camping in style. It comprises well-equipped villas and bell tents (some with beautiful waterfall views), including a common hall and a barbecue patio. This is the place where guests can enjoy nature at all times, so be sure to pack accordingly and take time to go jungle-trekking, fishing or dip in the natural hot springs within the vicinity.
Capacity: From two to 50 guests
Rates: From MYR350 per night
3. Teratak Sofea, Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor
Teratak Sofea satisfies the desire of those who want to stay in a kampung house, yet do not want to compromise comfort. There are three houses available for rent, all complete with full amenities, modern plumbing and two private pools each – one for adult and one for the children! There are also board games and bicycles for guests to enjoy in between swimming sessions.
Capacity: Up to 20 guests
Rates: Start from MYR450 per night
4. Kuang Kampung Retreat, Sungai Buloh, Selangor
If you’re a fan of the Malaysian TV series entitled ‘Nur’, then you’ll recognise this house immediately. It is the villa where the main characters of the show lived. It boasts three spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms and a private indoor plunge pool for guests to relax while admiring the tasteful traditional-inspired architecture. Ideally, the villa is located about 30 minutes by car from Kuala Lumpur.
Capacity: Up to 8 guests
Rates: From RM1,086 per night
5. Fifty4Ferns Resort, Janda Baik, Pahang
Located at the foothills at Janda Baik at the altitude of 700 metres above sea level, Fifty4Ferns provides a comfortable stay surrounded by well-preserved tropical rainforest. There are 24 chalets and cabins altogether, so it’s perfect for a group retreat and family private functions. There is a multipurpose court on site where guests get to enjoy a game of badminton, basketball or futsal. Other activities include all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides, board games, cycling, nature walk, spa sessions and bird watching, which allows you to spot over 30 different avian species!
Capacity: Up to six guests
Rates: From MYR450 per night
6. La Hilir Tiny House, Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan
If guests truly want to disconnect from urbanity yet remain close to conveniences, then look no further than La Hilir. Inspired by the tiny house concept made famous in America, La Hilir is the brainchild of a couple who moved away from the city and built a life in the arms of nature. It features a glamorous glamping tent in boho chic design complete with facilities that promise a comfortable stay. Come night-time, guests get to watch the outdoor movie under the stars.
Capacity: Up to 4 adult guests or two adult guests with three children
Rate: MYR199 per guest with breakfast and dinner
*Note: This glamping site is run within a private compound owned by a family.
7. The Hooton Retreat, Kuala Klawang, Negeri Sembilan
Soak up lush greeneries and fresh air in style by staying at The Hooton Retreat, an idyllic destination. Guests who prefer a unique stay can opt for the domes while bigger groups can make the most of the tropical modernist villas. There are plenty of activities available here such as campfire, stargazing, jungle-trekking and barbecuing. Nearby attractions include Lenggeng Recreational Park, Jeram Toi Waterfall, Ulu Serting Recreational Park and Jeram Tengkek Waterfall.
Capacity: Up to 10 guests
Rates: MYR580 per night
8. Tinyscale Homestay, Duyong, Melaka
An ideal family homestay, Tinyscale boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private children pool and a well-equipped barbecue facility for guests to spend quality time together in utmost privacy. Tinyscale keeps its design minimal and pleasing to the eyes on top of being cosy and homely. This homestay is only a short drive away from Hang Tuah Village, Bandar Hilir, Jonker Walk, Melaka Wonderland and Zoo Melaka.
Capacity: Up to 12 guests
Rates: From MYR600 per night (discounts will be given when guest books for two nights)
9. Limastiga Villa, Umbai, Melaka
Enjoy the serenity of Umbai – popular for its scrumptious seafood stalls – by staying at Limastiga, a Malay kampung-inspired retreat best-experienced for a travelling group of up to 30 people. There are three types of villas available, each designed with utmost care to provide guests with the sense of tranquility and security. Facilities include a private pool in the courtyard, a barbecue facility and a karaoke room. Guests can also explore the mysterious Pulau Besar, which is only 20 minutes away by boat.
Capacity: Up to 30 guests
Rates: From MYR2,500 per night (minimum stay of 2 nights)
10. The Fairy’s Cottage, Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Those who miss the cooler climes can head up to Cameron Highlands, dubbed as Malaysia’s Little England. Choices of accommodation are abundant to suit different budgets, but our personal recommendation is the quaint Fairy’s Cottage located in Tanah Rata. It has three bedrooms, two bathrooms with bathtubs, a tastefully designed living room and a kitchen filled with complete cooking utensils. You can also make use of its cosy balcony to admire the surrounding mountain views with a mug of warm tea in hand. If you plan to venture out, do visit the BOH tea plantation and strawberry farms 30 minutes away.
Capacity: Up to 8 guests
Rate: MYR268 per night
*All the prices stated above are true at the point of writing.
Filed in: Family / Group Travel / Malaysia / staycation