Be closer to the diverse landscapes of Malaysia by staying at some unique accommodations that complement its natural topography while providing travellers with cozy modern lodging.
Mangala Resort & Spa
Palm oil plantations are a dime a dozen in the Malaysia countryside, sprawling hills of spiky trees that contribute to the country’s economy. To our surprise, in the state of Pahang sees a rare oasis that is located on a palm oil estate called Mangala Resort and Spa. The resort is nestled between a plantation and a lake, the land once barren from its mining days.
Now a nature refuge has risen from the ashes with luxury accommodations and a recreational plan to melt the stress away. Water villas called the Jala are perched on the lake with king size beds facing the tranquil wetlands. While the Vana villas are next to the plantation grounds and feature its own backyard swimming pool.
Activities include cycling or better yet, horse riding along the cooling atmosphere of the estate. One can kayak on the emerald green waters of the lake or admire it while eating at Mangala Lakeside Restaurant. After a day out, the Mangala Spa can rejuvenate your body thanks to the variety of treatments from the kneading-heavy Malay Massage to the Warm Stone Massage using handpicked century rocks.
Lebuhraya Tun Razak 26300 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
You can’t get any closer to Mother Nature than when you are at Banjaran Hotsprings. The luxury hot spring getaway is nestled in a valley of ancient limestone hills bursting with greenery that has its very own natural geothermal pool with a sprinkle of caves that they have turned into meditation spaces.
The 25-exclusive garden and water villas are built around the natural topography of the hills and are equipped with luxurious 7-foot king-sized bed and private pools. The surrounding caves are worth highlighting due to the stunning limestone walls that have been carved over time.
The limestone caves at the Banjaran is where their bar, Jeff’s Cellar is located to sip organic and rare wines among a truly unique setting. Make sure to take a dip in the hot spring dipping pools and basked in the surrounding greenery as your body soaks up all the beneficial minerals from the water.
No. 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia
Tadom Hill Resort
This nature retreat is unique because it is located next to the Bukit Tadom Indigenous Village and most of the staff on the property come from there as well. It made its rounds on social media as the place to experience ‘glamping’ in the state of Selangor.
Accommodations include Bamboo Huts that you share with 12 other occupants where the mattresses are separated by curtain partitions. The Hammock Spheres give homage to tree houses where 10 hammocks are draped in capony-style mosquito nets. If you fancy privacy, then the Gendui chalets and Garden Bamboo Tents are made from natural materials like bamboo and Nipah palm leaves.
The place is no short of activities that range from easy to the extreme. Explore the water on handmade bamboo rafts or try your hand on cliff jumping off a bamboo plank straight into the lake. Those that want to cross the lake without getting wet must try the 165 meter flying fox alongside other activities like abseiling down the rocky hills.
Bukit Tadom, Kampung Labohan Dagang, Banting, Selangor
Time Capsule Retreat
Another glamping site, this time in Pahang, the Time Capsule Retreat is popular thanks to its one-of-a-kind capsule style lodging close to Sungai Lembing or Lembing River. Sungai Lembing is more than just its natural surrounding as its former reputation as a mining town went down in the history books.
Some of the mines have been turned into attractions and even boasts a museum featuring artifacts from the mining days. The location is home to Panorama Hill which is known to be the best place to catch the sunrise in Pahang, taking about 40 minutes to reach the peak. Another stunning product of Mother Nature is the Rainbow Waterfall where the waterfall’s mist creates optimum conditions for a rainbow to form across the waters.
Accommodations come in capsule form that are built in gigantic sewer pipes with queen bedding and air- conditioning. The Parallel lodging are suites with extra beds for bigger groups and come with attached private bathroom. The Parallel Discovery even has its own deck and jacuzzi overlooking the forest.
Sungai Lembing 26200 Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia
