[Updated 22 October 2020]
Yearning for a little rest and rejuvenation within a peaceful setting? A kampung retreat may just be the answer, and there are plenty of kampung homestays and retreats in Malaysia to choose from! From affordable houses for a real kampung experience to heritage villas that offer a comfortable stay within a beautiful traditional setting, we've rounded up some of the best kampung homestays in Malaysia for your next escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
1. Bagas Zakariah (Gopeng, Perak)
Credit: Bagas Zakariah Orchard Lodge on Facebook
Located in the lush surrounds of Gopeng, Perak, Bagas Zakariah will be the perfect peaceful escape. Comprising of three houses - Rumah Lenggong, Rumah Kuning and Rumah Lawan Kuda (which can each fit between 8 - 10 people), you'll have a serene getaway at this estate measuring 5 acres of land.
Each of the unique kampung houses is fitted with modern amenities such as modern plumbing (with hot water!), a fully-equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and WiFI. Surrounding the beautiful houses are fruit trees and even a natural stream flowing through the property. There are also fun recreational activities guests can sign up for, such as jungle-trekking, hiking and cave exploration excursions.
Rate: Starts from RM550-RM850 per night on Airbnb, depending on which house you choose
Address: 65, Lot 32804, Jln Besar, Kampung Lawan Kuda, 31600 Gopeng, Perak
Contact: +6017 552 1920
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Airbnb
2. Desa Balqis Beach Resort (Kuala Linggi, Melaka)
Credit: Desa Balqis Beach Resort on Facebook
Desa Balqis Beach Resort has become known as THE place for families or groups if you're looking for a kampung-style getaway. The resort sits on a sprawling property, with more than 15 houses all built in the traditional Malay style. The houses themselves are cutely named after familial Malay terms such as Pak Long, Pak Su, Nenek, Pak Anjang and Atok and vary in sizes catering from 2 up to 15 pax.
Don't expect luxurious furnishings - the resort's decor is meant to be true to the kampung setting, but the location's marvellous, with the property right by the beach that you can access via a direct staircase.
Rate: Starts from RM150-RM850 per night
Address: KM 50, Kampung Bukit Darat, Kuala Linggi, Kuala Sungai Baru, Masjid Tanah, 78200 Melaka
Contact: +603 4022 7728
3. Teratak Sofea (Teluk Panglima Garang, Selangor)
Teratak Sofea is a collection of houses offering a kampung getaway but with all the modern amenities you'll need. Comprising 3 houses - Rumah Ibu Mertuaku, Rumah Anak Bapak and Rumah Masam2Manis - each house comes not only with one but two private pools, one larger one for adults and a smaller one for the tiny splashers in your family!
Rumah Ibu Mertuaku and Rumah Anak Bapak can each house 20 people, while the smaller Rumah Masam2Manis can accommodate 10 people. The houses are constructed beautifully in the traditional style, with wooden structures, elevated entrances, classic windows, carved awnings, the whole works! But don't worry, all rooms come with air-conditioners and bathrooms with modern plumbing ? You can read more about Teratak Sofea here!
Rate: Starts at RM600 per night
Address: Lot 1263, Jalan manggis bt 9, Kampung Medan, 42500 Telok Panglima Garang, Selangor
Contact:+6012 221 3636 (WhatsApp preferred)
4. Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas (Langkawi, Kedah)
Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas promises a stay like no other. Located near the Pantai Cenang area, the resort features 20 villas built in traditional Malay style. Showcasing architectural styles from across the country, you'll find gorgeous elevated wooden structures, thatched roofs, beautiful carved balustrades, and more!
Each villa is unique in design and has its own name, such as Manong, Mahsuri, Tok Perak and so on. You're also bound to be smitten by the resort's saltwater pool, which is picturesquely located at the centre of a small lake surrounded by greenery ? You can read more about Kunang-Kunang Heritage Villas here!
Rate: Starts at RM320 on Booking.com
Address: Lot 1947 A Jalan Pantai Cenang | Kampung Gelam, Langkawi 07000, Malaysia
Contact: +604 952 3656 /+6013 437 2378
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Terrapuri Heritage Village (Penarik, Terengganu)
Credit: Terrapuri on Facebook
Have an escape to a quiet village of houses located right by the beaches of Terengganu. Terrapuri is a unique resort that doubles as a conservation project. Featuring 20 traditional Malay houses that have been restored, it's tucked in a quiet beachside location that you can explore by bicycle. Breakfast is included in your stay, though guests also have the option to pay for additional meals like lunch and dinner, served at the Sesayap Courtyard restaurant.
Terrapuri is currently having a promotion until the end of the year with room rates going from RM429, inclusive of breakfast and complimentary bike usage for 2 hours.
Rate: Starts at RM429 (inclusive of breakfast and bicycle usage) - see the full price listing here
Address: Terrapuri, Kampung Mangkuk, 22120 Setiu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Contact: +6012 988 8399 / +6013 742 7617 (WhatsApp preferred)
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Saujana Janda Baik (Janda Baik, Pahang)
Credit: Saujana Janda Baik on Facebook
Enjoy serene vibes when you stay at Saujana Janda Baik. Nestled along the Chemperoh river amidst trees and cosy landscaping, it'll be the escape from city life that you need. Saujana Janda Baik offers two chalets - Chemperoh Villa that can accommodate up to 20 people and Meranti Villa that can accommodate up to 10.
Credit: Saujana Janda Baik on Facebook
Don't expect super luxurious furnishing but instead, bask in a real kampung-style stay in these traditional-style wooden houses (it also makes it much more affordable too!). Do note that proper cooking (i.e. with direct fire) is not allowed in the house for safety reasons, but there are barbecue facilities in a covered hut outdoors that guests can use.
Rate: Starts from RM500 (Meranti Villa) to RM880 (Chemperoh Villa) per night
Address: Lot 8535 Kuala Lurah, Chemperoh, Janda Baik (195.36 mi), 28750 Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang
Contact: +6011 1221 4123
7. The Gemalai Village (Langkawi, Kedah)
Just a two-minute drive from Pantai Cenang, you can spend a relaxing getaway at The Gemalai Village Langkawi. Perched on a vast paddy field, this laid-back accommodation will bring a wave of calmness and nostalgia to your vacation, similar to the vibe you get from a traditional kampung.
We recommend staying in the Teratak chalet, so you can enjoy your breakfast at the outdoor dining area while admiring the vast paddy fields. You can read more about The Gemalai Village here!
Rate: Starts at RM100 per night
Address: Laman Padi, Jalan Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Contact: +604 955 3225
8. Kuang Kampung Retreat (Sungai Buloh, Selangor)
Situated in Sungai Buloh, make your way to Kuang Kampung Retreat for a relaxing getaway to remember. Just a 30-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, this nature retreat in Selangor can accommodate up to 8 people, which is perfect for large family getaways.
The best part about booking a stay at Kuang Kampung Retreat is having the entire villa to yourself! Complete with 3 bedrooms (together with a sofa bed) and an indoor private pool, your family can enjoy their stay in comfort while being surrounded by the sounds of nature. You can read more about Kuang Kampung Retreat here!
Rate: Starts at RM1,057 on Airbnb (8 guests)
Address: Lorong Orkid Kuang, 47100 Sungai Buloh, Selangor, Malaysia
With so many beautiful kampung style retreats, it's time for that unique next getaway! Whether you want a genuine kampung experience or would prefer a more luxurious stay within a heritage setting, you'll be covered ?