Best Nature Retreats in Malaysia
Believe it or not, Malaysia is home to a number of breathtaking, beautiful and peaceful resorts. Nestled in the middle of nature’s forests that looks like your smartphone’s wallpaper. With that said, here is the list of the best retreats in Malaysia.
Living in Greater KL certainly has its perks — better salary, higher standard of living, good infrastructure and facilities, and a wide range of attractions and entertainment, just to name a few. This is probably why many people jump at the opportunity to move to the city if they’re given the chance.
But, at the same time, staying in the city certainly also comes with disadvantages — high pressure and stress in the workplace, fast-paced living, frustrating traffic, higher costs of living, and being part of an at-times exhausting rat race. These are some of the trade-offs we make for the good things that come along with living in the city.
One way to ease the negatives is to go for a short and relaxing weekend getaway whenever possible. However, when you need to decompress, the last thing that you want to do is to go through the hassle of flying somewhere far away or embarking on a long, tiring road trip.
So with that in mind, here are our recommendations for some terrific resorts and retreats in Malaysia that are all within a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and some can be reached in just under an hour!
#1 Dawn Haven, Janda Baik, Pahang
Located only about 40 minutes from KL, this exclusive retreat is the perfect getaway for large holidays with family or friends. Dawn Haven can fit more than 16 guests. However, you can also rent it for functions such as weddings or parties (additional charges may apply) as it can fit up to 100 guests.
Price: From RM4,000 per night.
Address: 68, Lorong Padang Ragut, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang.
#2 Dusun Raja @ Batang Kali, Selangor
Escape into the forest with your friends and stay in this hidden ecological retreat in Hulu Selangor. The villa has three air-conditioned bedrooms that can fit more than 16 guests. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a trek to the waterfall and swim in the lagoon. Do take note that the trek will need to be booked in advance as a guide will be required.
Price: From RM2,500 per night.
Address: Kampung Hulu Rening, 44200 Batang Kali, Selangor.
#3 The Hooton Retreat @ Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
Glamping at The Hooton Retreat will leave you with an amazing best of both world experience as you are surrounded with natural tropical jungle, limestone features, and even glamping activities! Listen, feel the calmness. Settle down, put away your phone and have a little chat with your buddies or family. When it’s night time, you get to relax under the night sky full of stars from the comfort of private villa or luxury dome!
Price: From RM580 per night.
Address: The Hooton Retreat, Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan.
#4 Rest. Pause. Rainforest Retreat @ Bentong, Pahang
This hidden retreat is located in the middle of the forest in the hills of Janda Baik. It comes with four spacious bedrooms, a full kitchen, TV, and a BBQ pit. If you’re looking for a cosy spot surrounded by fresh air and nature, this private holiday home is perfect for a group of 16 to 20 guests.
Price: RM950 per night.
Address: Lot A293, Sum Sum, Jalan Tanarimba Pine, Tanarimba, 27540 Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang.
#5 Templer Park Rainforest Retreat @ Rawang, Selangor
Only 30-minute drive from KL, this exclusive retreat is surrounded by the beautiful Kanching Rainforest Reserve. The villa is spread out over three acres of land and can accommodate more than 16 guests. It comes with a swimming pool, sauna, trampoline, and WiFi. It’s also located close to eateries and Tesco is an eight-minute drive away.
Price: From RM1,000 per night.
Address: Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, Pulau Banding, 33200 Gerik, Perak.
#6 Japamala Resort @ Kampung Lanting, Pahang
Japamala Resort is a boutique hotel nestled at Lanting Cove, a secluded bay between Genting and Nipah. Accessible via speedboat from any jetty around Tioman Island, or a boardwalk through the jungle from Genting, the resort is an exclusive luxury retreat with only 13 rooms available. Accommodation is based in traditional stilted wooden villas tucked away among the jungle trees and landscape.
Price: From RM1,000 per night.
Address: Japamala Resort, Kampung Lanting, 26800, Pahang.
#7 Glass House at 325 @ Janda Baik, Pahang
There’s always room for more glass boxes in Malaysia. Located 2,000 feet above sea level on a slope, Glass House at 325 is a hidden gem nestled amongst the tall trees for the ultimate privacy. With an open-plan design, touches of reflective “honey-beige’ marble, polished birch and Merbau wood flooring, the place is picture perfect. There are on-site caretakers as well to attend to your every need. Air-conditioning included.
Price: From RM1,250 per night.
Address: Jalan Tanarimba Pine, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang.
#8 The Waterway Villa @ Bukit Tinggi, Pahang
Imagine waking up to views of the rolling hills as the forest slowly comes to life and witnessing the picturesque sunrise through the leafy openings of the rainforest canopy. These are the things that you can experience when you stay at The Waterway Villa in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang. On the site of a former (and still producing) fruit farm, Waterway Villa is just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, and it’s a wonderful escape from the city’s tropical heat. With a wide range of varying rooms and villas, the resort reflects the beauty of the natural rainforest. Inspired by nature, all the details found in the villas have classic traditional designs and top-notch craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the resort, free your mind, and feel all rejuvenated after your stay at The Waterway Villa.
Price: Subject to date.
Address: Bt 7, Jalan Kuala Lumpur Lama, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong Pahang.
