Besides romantic resorts, gorgeous boutique hotels and beachside stays, Malaysia is filled with plenty of unique places you can have a fantastic time at. So while we wait for the country’s current situation to get better, check out this list of quirky spots to inspire your next getaway!
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 on 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!
Address: Cabana Retreat, Kampung Rampayan Laut, Jalan Kudat, 89150 Kota Belud, Sabah
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, a 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.
Address: Bukit Tadom, Kampung Labohan Dagang, 42700 Banting, Selangor
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. It 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.
Address: 544, Jalan Pantai, Batu 14, 71250 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
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.
Address: 1, Jln Meranti, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
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.
Address: Batu 7 Paya Rumput Rumbia, 78000 Paya Rumput, Melaka
Wind Paradise Mongolian Yurt | Sabah
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 feel 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.
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.
Address: 3.8km, Jalan Mesilau, Cinta Mata, Kundasang, Sabah
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.
Address: Lot 8592, Lorong Dato Panglima, Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
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 famous capsules, there’s a series of cabins that’s worth getting excited about.
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 front and side full glass windows and provides a better view of the surrounding forest reserve – an incredible landscape to wake up to if you ask us.
Address: Time Capsule Retreat, Sungai Lembing, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang
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.
Address: Lot 3357, Jalan Pengkalan Balak, Pengkalan Balak, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka
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?