From souped-up tents to gorgeous bamboo structures, these glamping retreats offer different ways to experience Malaysia’s landscapes up close
Tiarasa Escapes in Janda Baik
The first glamping resort of its kind in Malaysia, Tiarasa Escapes is set in the foothills of the misty Janda Baik forests. With 20 safari-style tents and five treetop villas, the rooms bring you as close to nature as you need, while still being able to draw the curtain on nighttime mosquitoes. The tented villas offer all the charm of camping, but with an actual (king-size!) bed, and the very necessary luxuries of WiFi and air-conditioning. Head out on a nature walk with Tiarasa’s rangers, who will guide you through the trees and point out native birds and animals – if you’re lucky you might even spot a crimson-winged woodpecker. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the river banks, and at night enjoy the moonlit cinema on the lawn. tiarasaescapes.com
The Sticks in Fraser’s Hill
Fraser’s Hill has long been a favourite escape from Malaysia’s bustling cities, and now at the Sticks you can savour an even more off-grid experience. The Sticks is a collection of 12 different guesthouses. Each one is unique and designed to make the most of the natural surroundings. Bamboo and natural materials abound, with traditional-style ventilation that opens up the rooms to the cool jungle breeze. The Sticks also offers a number of activities for guests, including jungle treks, white water rafting, paragliding and tubing. thesticks.my
Tadom Hill Resorts in Banting
Tadom Hill Resorts has a range of different rooms, chalets and huts for the would-be glamper – and all of them are built from bamboo. Whether you’re travelling in a large group or small, there’ll be a beautiful bamboo room made for you. Solo travellers can choose to stay in the Hammock Sphere, a beautiful vaulted bamboo tent equipped with hammocks and the very necessary mosquito nets. The surrounding grounds offer plenty to do – take advantage of the lake with the resort’s bamboo rafts (of course), diving platform and tarzan swing, or head out on an ATV or abseiling adventure. tadomhillresorts.com
Sea Horizon Resort in Johor
Perched on a cliffside overlooking the sea, Sea Horizon Resort has a variety of different rooms, suites and cottages, but one of their most popular is the Stargazer Dome. The clear-roofed dome offers an unobstructed view of the sky and sea – right from your bed. Even if you’re not staying in the Dome, stargazing is a popular activity at Sea Horizon Resort, as well as paragliding, eco trail trekking and kayaking. seahorizon.my
Castra by Colony in KL
This is not exactly glamping as you may know it. Castra by Colony is a luxe glamping and event space set on a private rooftop terrace in the heart of KL city. Whether you just want a one-of-a-kind getaway or you’re planning a special event, Castra by Colony has all the makings of an excellent evening – bohemian-style tents, a manicured garden space, wifi, air-conditioning, outdoor speakers and entertainment and, of course, a barbeque deck. colony.work/glamping-in-kl-castra
