[Updated 22 November 2020]
Other than romantic resorts, gorgeous boutique hotels and beachside stays, Malaysia's filled with plenty of unique places you can have an amazing time at. So while we wait for the current situation of the country to get better, check out this list of quirky spots to inspire your next getaway.
1. Cabana Retreat, Sabah
Come as you are to Cabana Retreat, and step into your private tent with a scenic view of Rampayan Beach. Situated in Kota Belud, Sabah, they pride themselves for being the first pop-up beach resort in Malaysia!
Five types of tents are available, ranging from Romantic (perfect for couples) and Deluxe Queen (great for a group of four). Each tent is fully furnished with comfortable beds, pillows, fresh linens and quilts. You can read more about Cabana Retreat here!
Rates: Starts at RM193 on Agoda
Address: Cabana Retreat, Kampung Rampayan Laut, Jalan Kudat, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
Contact: +608 897 1522
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2. Tadom Hill Resort, Selangor
It's not often to find a bamboo-inspired resort such as Tadom Hill Resorts. Just a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, you and your friend can book a stay at the Bamboo Tent that has two mattresses complete with pillows and duvets, mini ceiling fan, and a shared bathroom.
If you're coming in a group of seven people, you can spend the night at the traditional Bamboo Hut that has up to seven mattresses complete with canopy mosquito net.
Rate: Starts at RM250 on Agoda
Address: Bukit Tadom, Kampung Labohan Dagang, 42700 Banting, Selangor
Contact: +6012 522 5728 / +6012 522 5908 / +6012 522 5883
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3. Eagle Ranch Resort, Port Dickson
Say howdy to Eagle Ranch Resort, a family-friendly cowboy-themed resort in Port Dickson! Unlike any other themed accommodations in Malaysia, this resort will make you feel like you're stepping into Wild Wild West. There are six types of accommodations available, ranging from the iconic teepee to bandwagons!
If you're looking for a unique stay, check out the Bandwagon unit that can fit up to four people. Comes complete with an upstairs attic, it has two single beds and enough room to accommodate two mattresses too, if you're vacationing with the kids. You can read more about Eagle Ranch Resort here!
Rate: Starts at RM172 per night on Agoda
Address: 544, Jalan Pantai, Batu 14, 71250 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Contact: +606 661 0495
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4. Glamz at Genting, Pahang
If you're searching for a glamping adventure away from the bustling Genting Highlands, a stay at Glamz at Genting might be the one you're looking for.
Surrounded by cool weather and serene nature, you can occupy the Family Dome if you're arriving in a group of six people. There's also a common area and a barbecue pit where you can spend some leisure time outdoors.
Rate: Starts at RM300 (2 pax) on their website
Address: 1, Jln Meranti, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
Contact: +6012 664 5269
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5. Masbro Village, Melaka
Ever longed to have your own room in a loft attic? At Masbro Village, you can live out your dream when you stay in its colourful roof-shaped village houses! Set on the fringes of Melaka, Masbro Village Boutique Homestay is styled after English villages and offers both friends and families alike a cosy and stylish staycation in Melaka ?
Credit: MasBro Village 1 on Facebook
Rate: Starts at RM288 on their Facebook page
Address: Batu 7 Paya Rumput Rumbia, 78000 Paya Rumput, Melaka
Contact: +6013 313 6872
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6. Wind Paradise Mongolian Yurt, Sabah
Credit: KAKI SINI on Facebook
What’s a yurt, you’re wondering? It’s a portable, round tent used by nomads in Mongolia. In 2011, yurts were brought to Kundasang, giving people a chance to get a feel of what it’s like to sleep in the steppes. Nestled in the hills of Kundasang, the yurts at Wind Paradise are fitted with beds, an attached bathroom, toiletries and kitchen utensils. There are also barbecue and steamboat facilities available on-site, which you can rent and use while enjoying the serene view.
Credit: Jawahir Madeaming on Facebook
Just 10 minutes away is the Desa Dairy Farm - a.k.a. “New Zealand” of Sabah - where you can observe the milking process and see Friesian cows grazing green meadows. Alternatively, take a 15-minute drive to Kinabalu Park where you can stroll around its gardens, or dip your toes in the hot springs of Poring which is 45 minutes away by car. Tea drinkers can drop by Sabah Tea Garden for tea and pancakes, overlooking the lush plantations.
Rate: Starts at RM159 on their website
Address: 3.8km, Jalan Mesilau, Cinta Mata, Kundasang, Sabah
Contact: +6019 800 0201
7. Umea Glam Kundasang, Sabah
Opened in September 2019, Umea Glam Kundasang was an idea brought together by four business partners: Irwin bin Mohamad, Yusri Manaff, Redzuan Sapin and Rayner Roy Antis. It was their frequent trips to Kundasang, a popular town in Sabah, that inspired them to build a glamping spot that’s perfect for weekend family getaways.
Named after a city in eastern Sweden, Umea Glam Kundasang has four domes for guests to spend the night. While the founders took only three days to build each dome, they needed a few weeks to furnish them! You can tell why from the unique designs you're about to see when you step into each dome. You can read more about Umea Glam Kundasang here!
Rate: Starts at RM250 on their website
Address: Umea Glam Kundasang, Jalan Golf Course, Mesilau, Kundasang, Sabah
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8. Sailor's Rest, Janda Baik
Situated in Janda Baik, Sailor's Rest has various rooms catering to different travel groups. Nature lovers can spend the night glamping with their group of friends, and families can stay in a modern chalet. If you're opting for a unique stay, you're going to love spending the weekend in the boathouse at Sailor's Rest!
Possibly the only boathouse in Janda Baik that's situated 600 metres above sea level, the Boathouse is perfect for honeymoons and anniversaries as it only accommodates two people. Centred by a queen-size bed, it comes with an ensuite bathroom and a separate lounge area to relax and unwind. You can read more about Sailor's Rest here!
Rate: Starts at RM450 on Agoda (boathouse)
Address: Lot 8592, Lorong Dato Panglima, Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Contact: +6012 360 9227
9. Time Capsule Retreat, Pahang
The Time Capsule Retreat, near Sungai Lembing in Kuantan, Pahang, offers nature lovers the opportunity to sleep the night away in a tube. These concrete pipe cylinders aren’t big on space but inside you’ll find a comfy queen-sized bed, warm lighting, air-conditioning, wi-fi and plug sockets for a comfortable stay. Besides the popular capsules, there's a series of cabins that's worth getting excited about.
Bet you've never seen a reflective accommodation quite like these Parallel cabins! Starting at RM298 per night, you can stay at the Parallel Aurora, Parallel Corporate or Parallel Discovery that comes with its own unique features.
For travellers who prefer ample space, you can spend a bit more on the Parallel Discovery room that comes with a jacuzzi that sits on a private outdoor deck area. The room is also enclosed with a front and side full glass windows and provides a better view of the surrounding forest reserve - a great landscape to wake up to if you ask us. You can read more about it here!
#HHWT Tip: Apart from bringing your own towel and toiletries, don’t forget to pack some insect repellent to help keep the mozzies away!
Rate: Starts at RM159 on their website
Address: Time Capsule Retreat, Sungai Lembing, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang
Contact: +6013 963 8888
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10. Amanjena Resort, Melaka
It may be a 50-minute drive from the famous Jonker Walk, but The Amanjena Resort will make you feel like you're on a pretend vacation in Santorini. Situated on a secluded beach, architecture lovers would appreciate the resort's concept of Cycladic meets Greece design.
Similar to most resorts in Melaka, Amanjena has many rooms catering to different types of travellers. Families can enjoy a stay in the Pool View Family Room that can accommodate up to 7 people and couples can relax in the Sea View Deluxe King for a romantic getaway. You can read more about Amanjena Resort here!
Rate: Starts at RM350 on Agoda
Address: Lot 3357, Jalan Pengkalan Balak, Pengkalan Balak, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka
Contact: +6017 621 3055
Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Boulder Valley Glamping
Situated in Teluk Bahang, the other side of Penang Island, Boulder Valley Glamping is known for its safari-style tents and glasshouse chalets that can accommodate from 2 to 6 guests. Whether you're here on a romantic getaway or a family trip, you can find the perfect accommodation to fit the entire group.
Credit: Boulder Valley Glamping & Event Place on Facebook
For a true Boulder Valley Glamping experience, we recommend staying a few nights in the Safari Tent that's perfect for 2 guests. Families will also find the Chalet, which is suitable for 5-6 people, to be absolutely comfortable to stay in.
While some of the room packages include breakfast, do note that Boulder Valley Glamping only serves pork-free dishes, but not to worry! Since you're vacationing in the street food capital of Malaysia, you can also venture out and dine at the best halal eateries in Penang, ranging from nasi kandar to mee sotong!
Rate: Starts at RM384 on Agoda
Address: 8 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Teluk Bahang, Penang
Contact: +6012 490 6882
Website | Facebook | Instagram
12. Sixty Nine Avenue Residence
Credit: Sixty Nine Avenue Residence on Facebook
Situated in Batu Pahat, Sixty Nine Avenue Residence is one of the most adorable homestays to spend the night in Johor. Just a short drive from Wet World Batu Pahat Water Park, the residence consists of two English countryside cottages, namely Victoria Country and Eglantine Cottage.
While Sixty Nine Avenue Residence doesn't exactly boast the surroundings of the countryside (it's located in the city), the cottages' architecture and garden will make you feel like you're spending a weekend overseas.
Credit: Sixty Nine Avenue Residence on Facebook
Ideal for a small group of family or friends, we recommend booking both Victoria Country and Eglantine Cottage, so you can have the entire residence to yourself. The place is within driving distance from Square One Mall and Aeon Big Mall, so you can shop for halal ingredients and snacks to prep in the kitchen. Besides that, there are other interesting spots near the residence too, including Penggaram Square, Minyak Beku Beach, Old Street Commercial Centre, and Gallery of Dato' Onn. Read more about Sixty Nine Avenue Residence here.
Rate: Starts at RM148 (Victoria Country) and RM227 (Eglantine Cottage)
Address: Lot 69, Jalan Taman Tasek Merdeka, Bukit Pasir, 83000 Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia
Contact: +6012 696 9084
These are just a handful of unique getaways in Malaysia you should experience at least once in your lifetime. We’re already eyeing the Mongolian yurts in Sabah - what about you?