[Updated 6 July 2021]
While everyone is staying safe at home and pausing their international travel plans during the pandemic, we can't help but wonder about the many staycation spots in Malaysia that remind us of overseas destinations.
If you're looking for a way to relive your travel memories, or at least pretend that you're vacationing outside of Malaysia for a weekend, here are some gorgeous accommodations in Malaysia that look like they're overseas!
1. Sixty Nine Avenue Residence, Johor
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. 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.
P.S. Check out our article to read more about Sixty Nine Avenue Residence!
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
2. My Mom Houz, Melaka
Situated in the serene area of Jasin in Melaka, make yourself at home at My Mom Houz. Styled with American colonial design, this homestay in Melaka is so beautiful that it's fully booked on most weekends! The weekday rate may start at RM1,000 per night, but this homestay can fit up to 20 people excluding kids below 4 years old. If you split the cost in a group, it remains affordable for large family getaways - approximately RM50 per person, if you do the math.
P.S. Check out our article to read more about My Mom Houz!
Rate: Starts at RM1,000 (weekday rate)
Address: Bt. 21, Kesang Luar 77000 Jasin, Melaka
Contact: +6012 202 1851 (WhatsApp only)
3. The Tudor, Ipoh
Just a 13-minute drive from Ipoh Parade, you'll find The Tudor, a colonial bungalow that stands tall amid a scenic view. A family home built by a pilot in 1980, the shape of the house resembles a turtle, which signifies longevity, good fortune, and happiness. If you're travelling in a group, you'll definitely appreciate the spaciousness of it all. Guests can choose to stay in the bungalow's attic rooms, family rooms or double rooms.
P.S. Check out our article to read more about The Tudor!
Rate: Starts at RM125 on Agoda
Address: 2, Persiaran Anderson, 30300 Ipoh, Perak
Contact: +6017 613 8874
Website | Facebook | Instagram
4. The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands
Situated in Cameron Highlands, be enchanted in a fairy tale world where the Tudor-style country house of The Lakehouse awaits you. Just a short driving distance to Tanah Rata (2km) and Ringlet (6km), this luxurious resort in Cameron Highlands overlooks a sea of rolling hills against a peaceful woodlands setting, making it the perfect candidate for an Insta-worthy snap.
Housing 19 elegant rooms and suites, you'll be in for a treat during your stay at The Lakehouse with its unique wooden ceiling beams and four-poster beds. Adding to its classy interior are the rafters, fine carpets and Victorian furniture. Beyond offering a stylish stay, you can book a guided jungle trek through the resort to explore Cameron Highlands nature.
Rates: Starts at RM593 on Agoda
Address: 30th Mile, Jalan Ringlet - Sungai Koyan, Sungai Khazanah, 39000 Ringlet, Pahang
Contact: +605 495 6152
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Mountain Valley Resort, Sabah
Situated in Bundu Tuhan, a village near Kinabalu Park, Mountain Valley Resort is a 15-minute drive from Kundasang, Sabah. This hillside resort is occupied with 15 guestrooms consisting of Family Room, Signature Deluxe Room, and Standard Room. Starting at RM360 per night, you can choose to stay in the Mountain wing (with a view of Mount Kinabalu) or Valley wing (with a view of Bundu Tuhan valley).
P.S. Check out our article to read more about Mountain Valley Resort!
Rate: Starts at RM360 per night (excluding breakfast)
Address: Mountain Valley Resort, Jalan Tenompok Bundu Tuhan, Bundu Tuhan, 89300 Tenompok, Sabah
Contact: +6017 777 6750
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. 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.
P.S. Check out our article to read more about The Amanjena Resort!
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
7. Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, Sipadan Island
Perched on the sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is immensely popular among honeymooners. While it may look like a village out of nowhere, a night spent at this luxury water village will make you feel like you’re in paradise. Overlooking the Celebes Sea, each wooden chalet also comes with its own private balcony - and it reminds us of the beautiful floating villas in the Maldives!
If you want to try diving for the first time, fret not as this is the right place for you to start! The resort offers shore diving as well as snorkelling for those who wish to spend more time in the waters.
Rate: Starts at RM2,126 per night (with a minimum 2-night stay), inclusive of meals, based on Booking.com
Address: Semporna, Sabah
8. Lankayan Island Dive Resort, Sabah
If you're planning to spend a night in this stunning Lankayan Island, there's only one resort you can go, and that is Lankayan Island Dive Resort. A luxury resort that sits above the waters, it's no surprise why this accommodation is popular among honeymooners and for wedding ceremonies. Lankayan Island Dive Resort has 16 beachfront chalets and 9 over-the-water chalets, which resembles the resorts in the Maldives. Since this resort primarily caters to divers, it's definitely better to book the diving package that starts at RM2,382 per person (3D2N stay). Don't worry, non-divers package is also available!
P.S. Check out our article to read more about Lankayan Island Dive Resort!
Rate: Starts at RM1,916 per person (non-diving package) based on their website
Address: Lankayan Island, Sandakan, Sabah
Contact: +6089 673 999
9. Eastern & Oriental Hotel, Penang
Situated in Georgetown, a luxurious experience awaits at Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang. Known as the grande dame of heritage hotels, the early chapter of Eastern & Oriental Hotel goes way back to 1885 when the Sarkies brothers established this stunning hotel in Penang. Eastern & Oriental Hotel is divided into two sections: the Heritage Wing and Victory Annexe. If you decide to choose a suite in the Heritage Wing, let it be the Premier Suites with a choice between a balcony and garden terrace.
P.S. Check out our article to read more about Eastern & Oriental Hotel!
Rate: Starts at RM439 per night on Agoda
Address: 10, Lebuh Farquhar, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +604 222 2000
Website | Facebook | Instagram
10. Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills, Pahang
Perfect for a weekend getaway, make your way to Bukit Tinggi and visit the colourful Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills. Situated amid the lush rainforest in Bentong, this French-inspired village is reminiscent of the 16th-century Colmar town in France and it's pretty fun to explore its surroundings. You can also spend the weekend at Colmar Tropicale, where there are many rooms and suites available.
Rate: Starts at RM208 via their website
Address: KM 48 Persimpangan Bertingkat, Lebuhraya Karak, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Contact: +609 221 3666
Website | Facebook | Instagram
11. Wind Paradise Mongolian Yurt, Sabah
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. 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.
Rate: Starts at RM159 on their website
Address: 3.8km, Jalan Mesilau, Cinta Mata, Kundasang, Sabah
Contact: +6019 800 0201
It may be a while before we can travel abroad again, but let's keep our travel spirit alive by spending the night in these gorgeous accommodations in Malaysia that look like they're overseas! For more travel inspirations, check out our recommended reads below: