So many holidays, so many long weekends in 2019! And sure, living your student life on campus is great, but it’s amazing to reset your mind from time to time and go for a trip somewhere in Malaysia. Just pack your friends, get in your old Myvi, and face the adventure!
So to all the fellow travellers out there: here is some inspiration for you! Get your car, or get a bus ticket, and go! We promise these won’t affect your wallet too much. All these places are student-friendly Below are the list of best and budget weekend getaway in Malaysia.
1. Taman Negara, Pahang
Do you need some fresh air? Need a break from all the pollution in the city? Then a rainforest getaway should be perfect! Malaysia is renowned for its tropical rainforest that is rich in flora and fauna. Numerous national parks across Malaysia have different sights to offer. One of the must-sees is Taman Negara Pahang located at Kuala Tahan, Pahang which is far away from the town (Jerantut).
It is a perfect getaway from the city hassle to embrace mother nature suitable for family, couples, friends, and solo travelers.
What to do there? Stay next to the jungle where at times tapirs and other animals can be spotted. Explore the beauty of the forest with guided tours and various activities or take a river cruise at night. Do not miss the trip to visit the Kampung Orang Asli (indigenous village) to know more about the local culture.
Travel time from Kuala Lumpur: 3 hours 30 minutes
Budget: RM200 per traveller (2D1N)
2. Sekinchan
Sekinchan is a small fishing village, which was set up in the 1920s. It’s located in Sabak Bernam, Selangor.
The main fishing area is Bagan where most Teow Chew fishermen earn a living. Today, Sekinchan has expanded into an agriculture area that produces major rice supply throughout Malaysia and a major eco-tourism destination.
Check the harvest calendar before going Sekinchan to capture the best moments at paddy fields. March to May and September to November are the best time periods to visit – as you can witness the green field turning yellow. The paddy plantation activities are at rest in January and February.
Pantai Redang beach is the best place to picnic and enjoy seafood from a few restaurants in the area. Do not forget to make a wish at The Wishing Tree with a ribbon! If you are staying overnight, a firefly tour is highly recommended near Kuala Selangor. Many have come from far to look for these fireflies! The night tour is really romantic – bring your bae with you!
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 90 minutes
Budget: RM50 per traveler (carpool & day trip)
3. Malacca
Malacca is a historical city – where Parameswara first discovered the perfect spot for trading and set up the first town in Malaysia. The architecture is the remain of the Portugal colonization – you’ve got to visit the classic spots, like A Famosa and the Dutch Square!
Food is a huge temptation when visiting Malacca – the “must-try” list stretches from shops in Jonker Street, Klebang Coconut Shake, satay celup, Nyonya cuisines, chicken ball rice, and many more.
Located only two hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur, it is a great place for a 1-day getaway from KL!
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 2 hours
Budget: RM50-80 per traveler (carpool & day trip)
4. Sekeping Serendah
The perfect retreat for the romantic weekend with your loved one.
The jungle surrounds the whole place, and in the morning, you wake up to bird and cricket chirping. The entire space is intentionally kept basic and minimalist for its inhabitants to commune with the land. A simple barbecue and cooking are allowed. There is a swimming pool available too!
Sekeping Serendah is near to the town of Serendah meandering past 2 Orang Asli villages. Other hotels that belong to the same franchise: Sekeping Tenggiri and Sekeping Kong Heng are available in Bangsar and Ipoh respectively, and offer a similar concept of retreat but with a different taste of living. Do book in advance as the spaces are limited.
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 1 hour
Budget: RM100 per traveler (2D1N – family sharing & carpool)
5. AwanMulan, Seremban
Sharing a similar concept to Sekeping Serendah, AwanMulan offers a bit wider range of accommodation. There is a restaurant available for dining from breakfast to dinner. Otherwise, you can prepare your own barbecue dinner.
Do pick up some famous Seremban Siew bao before heading to AwanMulan. The bonus point is you can bring along your pet, just notify the management about it when booking the room. Booking in advance is required to avoid disappointment.
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 1 hour
Budget: RM300-400 per traveler (2D1N)
6.Tadom Hill Resorts
Tadom Hill Resorts boasts almost 40 acres of limestone hills, lakes, and trees, surrounding the two brands of resorts under its wings, Tadom Bamboo Camp (campsite/dorms) and Tadom Bamboo Suites (premium chalets). Built to be an ecologically sustainable resort, most structures are made from bamboo.
The resort also strives to be financially and socially sustainable. There are many exciting features such as the bamboo diving platforms, floating lounge chairs handcrafted by bamboo (Lexies), Tarzan swings, and water swings. It is perfect for team building and family day, time to get disconnected to connect.
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 45 minutes
Budget: RM50 to RM100 per traveler (2D1N)
7. Sungai Chilling, Pahang
Commonly known as ‘Chiling Falls’ or ‘Chiling Waterfall’. The waterfall has a large flow rate with crystal clear water perfect for an escape from the heat. The area is managed by Selangor State Fisheries Department to protect mahseer fish species at a gazette permanent forest reserve. Visitors need to trek across six times of Chiling River that takes about 30-45 minutes before coming into view of the 80-meter waterfall.
The adrenaline rush of jumping into the water is normal and there are many people doing so all the time. Do bring your own food as there is no restaurant around. The operation hour is from 8 am-6 pm, so do make your way down the latest at 4 pm as it will take around one hour to reach. Otherwise, camping overnight is available at the designated camping site. Barbecue and other recreation activities are allowed too.
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 1 hour 30 minutes
Budget: RM100 per traveler (2D1N – family sharing & carpool)
8. Pulau Sembilan, Perak
Blue Sand is the main attraction to Pulau Sembilan. There is another spot in Miri, Sarawak to witness this natural phenomenon. Hence, you can save some money (instead of going abroad) and support local tourism!
Pulau Sembilan is connected by a 40 minutes’ boat ride from Sungai Burung Jetty, Teluk Intan, Perak. There is no accommodation on the island, but the campsite is available to fit from two to four people. An alternative will be staying in Teluk Intan– although it’s which is a less likely option because you can only see Blue Sand at night – and you never want to miss that when you are in Pulau Sembilan!
During the daytime, activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, boat sailing, and water activities are available. Meals are included when you sign up with the tour agent, eat all you can eat! Early booking is recommended to get everything in a package.
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 3 hours 30 minutes
Budget: RM300 to RM350 per traveller (2D1N)
9. Salt Lake, Kuala Selangor
Is Salt Flat Lake on your travel bucket list? Why not cross it off this weekend? Yes, you got me right, this weekend itself. It is only an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, and there you go, Sasaran at Selangor! This hidden gem has been trendy lately for its natural beauty, near the city, and ideal day trip spot for the family.
Make sure you get a tour guide before departure to catch the right time for photo shooting. Once you missed the time, then the sea water level will rise, and you must wait for another day. The boat ride will take around 45 minutes where you can enjoy the view of various flora and fauna. A useful guide will provide you with essential information that keeps you entertained throughout the ride!
Duration from Kuala Lumpur: 1 hour
Budget: RM100 per traveller (day trip)