Nature Meets Luxury: A Guide to Glamping in Malaysia
Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out for camping, and there’s nothing wrong with that at all! Some people don’t like the inconveniences that come with regular camping while others simply can’t because of different reasons–that’s where glamping comes in.
What is glamping?
Glamping is a blend of the words glamorous and camping. It removes the challenges of camping where campers take shelter in more comfortable lodging options complete with amenities such as bathrooms, kitchens, etc.
Think of it as staying at a hotel. Only this time, you get to be surrounded by nature and the accommodation options themselves come in the form of pods, cabins, luxurious tents, etc.
This activity is great, as it makes camping a lot more accessible while still offering the pleasure of staying in the great outdoors. An alternative like this is great for people with disabilities, families with kids or anyone who simply wants a quick getaway.
In Malaysia, glamping is a famous activity thanks to the country’s beautiful selection of natural landscapes. Join us here as we take a look at some of its best glamping spots, and be sure to stick until the end to learn the important things you need to remember!
Best Glamping Spots in Malaysia
Malaysia features a wide array of amazing glamping sites in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka and more. Check out some of the best ones we recommend below:
1. Tiarasa Escapes
Address: Persiaran Enderong, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 12-887 7777, tiarasa@enfiniti.com.my
Website: https://tiarasaescapes.com
Rates: RM 990 to RM 3,200+
Tiarasa Escapes is great if you want a fairy-tail-like getaway that isn’t too far away from Kuala Lumpur. It’s only 45 minutes away from the capital but it will immediately make you feel like you’ve been transported into another world!
Located near the village of Janda Baik, this resort/glamping site is equipped with everything you need for a quick getaway. For starters, the establishment features a great selection of lodging options ranging from suites to villas and tents.
Aside from the accommodations, the surroundings of this glamping site are worth highlighting too, as it’s a breath of fresh air from the bustling city. This place is the complete opposite of the concrete jungle that is KL with its different trees, orchards and other forms of vegetation,
You can even catch a glimpse of some rare birds heading to this paradise to seek refuge. That’s how serene this place is!
2. Japamala Resort
Address: Kampung Lanting, Pahang Tua, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 3-2771 2741, reservations@japamalaresorts.com
Website: https://www.japamalaresorts.com
Rates: RM 1,100 to RM 2,600+/night
If you ever find yourself on the famous Tioman Island, we recommend checking out this resort/glamping site called Jamapala Resort. This establishment is arguably the best lodging option in Pulau Tioman and there are various reasons why.
One of the best highlights of this place is the accommodation itself. They feature several villas and suites, but one that they’re known for is their Seacliff Chalets, which are rooms perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.
This glamping site is a sure-fire hit for both adults and kids thanks to the variety of activities it offers its campers. Some of the things you can do here include jungle trekking, cave exploration, diving and boat riding.
3. The Rubber Escape
Address: Jalan Lendu Bakti 8, 78000 Alor Gajah, Melaka, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 17-678 3611, therubberescape@gmail.com
Website: https://www.therubberescape.com/
Rates: RM 350 to RM 500+/night
Located only 30 minutes away from Melaka city centre is a luxurious retreat glamping site called, The Rubber Escape. Among all the glamping sites on this list, this is probably the one that offers the most privacy.
That’s because aside from being secluded from the city centre, the establishment itself features fewer units than your usual glamping sites. This makes it perfect for private family gatherings, team building or any other kind of gathering.
Staying here will make you feel like you’re in paradise because of its 360-degree view of nothing but trees and other greeneries. The main attraction, however, is the infinity pool that’s in the middle of the glamping site.
The place also offers numerous facilities for entertainment purposes for you and your loved ones. They have a karaoke machine, an abundance of board games and a junior-level archery range.
4. Glamz at Genting
Address: 1, Jln Meranti, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 12-664 5269, hello@glamz.com.my
Website: https://glamz.com.my
Rates: RM 300 to RM 800+
Have you ever seen those cool photos of dome-looking tents on social media? If you’ve always wanted to know what it’s like to see and live in these tents, you can now thanks to Glamz at Genting!
Glamz at Genting is a great option for couples, as it provides privacy even though the domes have some transparent panels. Moreover, they also have a VIP dome that comes with its own jacuzzi, which is perfect for romantic getaways.
That’s not to say that this spot is strictly for couples though. The place also comes with family domes that can house more than 6 people.
Furthermore, you can take a detour to the Genting Highlands before, during or after your trip, as it’s only a 28-minute drive away from this glamping site.
5. The Sticks
Address: Lot 213 Jalan KKB – Fraser’s Hill, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Contact details: bookings@thesticks.my
Website: https://thesticks.my
Rates: RM 206+/ night
Ever wondered what it’s like to live lavishly in the jungle? That’s basically the idea of booking a stay at The Sticks at Kuala Kubu Bharu.
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous, this is the spot we recommend the most, as getting here is already a tough trek. You’ll have to hike through the jungle and even cross a low-hanging bridge just to get here, but thankfully, everything is worth it.
This place serves as the perfect getaway spot from the busy streets of Kuala Lumpur, as it surrounds its visitors with nature while providing world-class lodgings. What’s more impressive is that this luscious jungle is only an hour and a half away from Kuala Lumpur!
The great thing about this glamping spot is that they offer packages that go above and beyond providing accommodation. They have packages that include activities and freshly-cooked meals so that you won’t have to prepare them yourself!
6. Sea Horizon Resort
Address: Lot 901, Kuala Sedili Besar 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 16-720 0399
Website: https://seahorizon.my
Rates: RM 200+/night
Sometimes, the best place to relax is near the sea. For this type of getaway, a glamping site we highly recommend is Sea Horizon Resort in Johor.
This place features various rooms, suites, cottages and even dome-shaped tents! Some units are more spacious than others but all of them come equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay.
Also, regardless of which room you choose, one thing’s for sure and that is the breathtaking view of the majestic sea opposite the resort. Simply admiring this huge body of water is already serene in itself but the place makes it more relaxing thanks to its lodgings.
7. Time Capsule Retreat
Address: Sungai Lembing, 26200 Sungai Lembing, Pahang
Contact details: +6013-963 8888
Website: https://www.timecapsuleretreat.com
Rates: RM 159+/night
One of the most famous glamping trends as of late is staying inside a capsule in the middle of the forest. A must-recommend establishment that offers this type of experience is a glamping site aptly named Time Capsule Retreat.
This is one of the coolest ways to immerse yourself in nature. It offers just the right protection from outside elements without breaking the connection between you and the surrounding luscious greenery.
Even though it may look like a tight fit from the outside, these capsules actually provide more than ample space. Plus, it’s also worth noting that the beds feature proper mattresses that have the same comfort levels as the ones you’ll find in hotels.
8. Gopeng Glamping Park
Address: LOT 10846, Jln Besar, kampung chulek, 31600 Gopeng, Perak, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 13-240 8857
Website: https://www.gopengglampingpark.com
Rates: RM 158+/room
Gopeng Glamping Park offers the ultimate outdoor camping experience minus the hassle. It’s located in the middle of various natural landscapes such as hills, caves, rivers and forests to provide visitors with a getaway like no other.
This glamping site is a superb option for families, friend groups and company team building because of its spacious area and amenities. The place features a playground, river beach, hammock and an open field where you can rent a bicycle and ride around.
That’s just barely scratching the surface! They offer other outdoor activities where they provide visitors with free shuttle services for a laid-back trip.
They also feature a variety of entertainment and family services such as board games, karaoke sets and an exciting fire show. Food isn’t a problem as well, as the establishment offers buffet meals and bbq sets.
Honourable Mention: Castra by Colony
Address: Star Boulevard KLCC, 1 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact details: +60 18-213 8086, ask@colony.work
Website: https://colony.work/glamping-in-kl-malaysia/
Rates: RM 990 to RM3,200+
Our honourable mention goes to Castra by Colon. This is because even though it doesn’t surround its visitors in nature, they still provide an impressive glamping experience.
Castra by Colon is located on a rooftop in KL but it still comes with the regular camping fix-ins such as tents and other amenities. This is great for those people who just want a quick getaway without leaving the capital, as it does indeed provide a sense of serenity in the middle of the city.
So, instead of an actual jungle, you’ll be surrounded by the concrete jungle that is the KL skyline. Furthermore, instead of twinkling stars, you’ll get to see the bright lights of the various buildings in the city centre.
Important Things to Remember When Glamping in Malaysia
Now that you’ve learned about the wonderful options for glamping here in Malaysia, you need to know a few key things. Knowing these will help you avoid trouble and keep your trip as smooth as possible.
Malaysia’s Tourist Tax Act
Malaysia has implemented a law called “Tourism Tax Act 2017”, which has become effective in January of 2023. This law states that foreign tourists are required to pay a tourist tax with a flat rate of RM10 whenever they stay at any accommodation option in the country.
So, when an establishment charges you with an additional tax, it’s not a scam! Instead, it’s a requirement from the government that every tourist must abide by.
The only people exempted from this law are Malaysians or permanent residents of the country with MyPR cards. If you don’t fall under these two categories, you’re subjected to paying the tourism tax.
Things to Bring When Glamping in Malaysia
Although glamping is a much laid-back version of camping, there are still some things that you need to bring to ensure a smooth-sailing trip. This includes:
- Flashlight: Always bring a flashlight with you, especially if you’re planning to hike in the dark.
- Bug spray: Staying at luxurious lodging options doesn’t make you immune to mosquito and other insect bites. Bring a bug spray to make sure you’re safe even when you step outside of your accommodation.
- Sunscreen: Protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV Rays by applying sunscreen whenever you head outside your accommodation.
- First aid kit: One of the most important rules of camping is to always bring a first aid kit. This way, you can tend to minor injuries such as cuts and burns before help arrives or before you head to the nearest medical facility.
- Water bottle: Bring an extra bottle of water to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated during your hike. Furthermore, not all glamping sites can provide you with mineral water so it doesn’t hurt to pack a bottle with you just in case.
- Extra blankets: Some establishments don’t provide enough blankets so be sure to bring extra ones, especially if you have low tolerance to cold.
- Snacks: Some glamping sites offer meals while others don’t. To make sure that you don’t go hungry during your trip, bring some snacks.
Proper Dress Code for Glamping in Malaysia
Don’t get us wrong, you’re free to wear whatever you like on your glamping trip. However, there are some cases, especially when the site is located somewhere remote, where you need to wear the recommended clothes.
A great rule of thumb that you can simply follow is comfort over style, whenever you’re going outside the site itself.
Save your “instagram-worthy” outfits for your photos at the actual glamping site. However, once you need to trek or hike, make sure to switch to something more comfortable.
This is to make sure that your movements aren’t hindered and that you’ll have full mobility, as you traverse through the tough trails that you’ll face. Furthermore, doing this can also help you save the quality of your “fancy” clothes.