Top 10 Sensational Nature Staycations in Asia
It’s safe to say at this point, with what’s been going on in the world, when you can’t even tell what day it is anymore or if time is even passing with how long you’ve been bound to the four walls of your home, it’s still well and good to have in mind where you can go to for your next break from city life.
In this issue, Asean Food & Travel shares its random list of the top ten nature getaways in Asia where awe-inspiring nature together with comfort give you a break that you will never forget, be it just for a change of scenery or a break-away from the hustle and bustle of life.
Pulaithree Retreat, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Malaysia
(Photo Courtesy: Pulaithree)
Tucked in a rainforest atop a private hill in the Titiwangsa Mountain Range, and situated near the rustic town of Kuala Kubu Bharu in Malaysia is where you’ll find PulaiThree, a cosy and stylish villa designed with an open-shed concept and a deep respect for the environment. This 2-bedroom hideaway offers a picturesque view of the emerald green forested mountains beyond the beautiful town. Take the time to cool off in the tranquil pool, and when night falls, head on to the open platform as you enjoy a peaceful dinner with the full kitchen and outdoor barbeque area.
(Photo Courtesy: Pulaithree)
Elephant Hills, Thailand
Elephant Hills is Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp situated in the Khao Sok National Park, part of southern Thailand’s largest stretch of primary rainforest in the Surat Thani province. Their signature Elephant Hills Tours are reminiscent of the safari camp idea of African national parks with the spectacular tropical evergreen forest environment of southern Thailand’s Khao Sok National Park. Elephant Hills comprises two camps, Elephant Camp, the main camp, and the floating Rainforest Camp, both housing spacious, waterproof glamping tents that come fully equipped with all the amenities you’d be accustomed to finding at a regular 4-star hotel room.
Tiarasa Escapes, Janda Baik, Pahang, Malaysia
(Photo Courtesy: Tiarasa Escapes)
Nestled in the cool foothills of Janda Baik in the state of Pahang in Peninsular Malaysia stands a glamping wonderland short of a 45-minute drive from the city. Established by celebrated Malaysian director, producer and actress Tiara Jacquelina, Tiarasa Escapes spreads across 7 acres of majestic trees and fragrant fruit-laden grounds. The award-winning landscape architects at WHZ Environmental Design worked with the existing ecosystem to beautifully balance natural elements to furnish the area with 20 luxurious safari-style tents and 5 treetop villas, creating a charming space for corporate and intimate retreats, destination weddings and special events.
(Photo Courtesy: Tiarasa Escapes)
The Rainforest Ecolodge, Sri Lanka
The Rainforest Ecolodge was designed to preserve and provide a sensational experience of the forest habitat in all its glory. Thriving on a five hundred-acre division of the Enselwatte Tea Estate bordering the South-eastern side of the Sinharaja Rainforest, the environmentally-friendly alfresco room, observation deck, lounge and meeting room form key components within each unit. Guests can also enjoy the spellbinding view from any part of the lodge.
Treeful Treehouse Resort, Japan
(Photo Courtesy: Treeful Treehouse)
Located in Nago City, the northern part of the main island of Okinawa, Japan is Treeful Treehouse. Inspired by the concept of a “Sustainable Treehouse Resort”, the treehouse is supported by a living tree and legs based on an independent foundation, with one of our treehouses built on the side of the Genka River. This is all done strategically to ensure that nature’s creatures are undisturbed. The resort also promotes and acts on creating a sustainable society by not using fossil fuels but using electricity instead, and producing more electricity with solar energy than used. Kitchen waste is used as compost and used as fertilizer in the field.
(Photo Courtesy: Treeful Treehouse)
Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary, Phillipines
Secret Paradise Resort & Turtle Sanctuary is perfectly situated between Port Barton’s Marine Park and Sabang’s world famous ‘Puerto Princesa Subterranean Underground River’, voted one of the ‘New 7 Wonders of Nature.’ This getaway is also special for being an accredited Turtle Sanctuary by the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and is a partner of WWF-Philippines. Turtle Bay marine sanctuary has promoted the protection and increase of beautiful corals, tropical fish and sea turtles for the last 12 years, and operates with a vision and mission of protecting endangered sea turtles and the surrounding large nature reserve.
Kingfisher Ecolodge, Laos
(Photo Courtesy: Kingfisher Ecolodge)
Kingfisher Ecolodge is a perfect retreat situated just outside the Ban Kiat Ngong village in Pathoumphone District, Champasak Province, Southern Laos, and in access to some of the last remaining elephants in Southern Laos. The Xe Pian National Protected Area, soon to become a national park, attracts its fair share of visitors as it’s in view of an array of birds and other nature-dwelling creatures.
Like a number of retreats featured on this list, Kingfisher Ecolodge is dedicated to ensuring everything operates as sustainably as possible with its location. As a single-use plastic free lodge, every room is equipped with refillable bottles and a refill station is open to all guests. Hot water is supplied by a solar panel heating system, a vanity unit, tea and coffee and a spacious veranda complements a luxurious lounge for a relaxing stay.
(Photo Courtesy: Kingfisher Ecolodge)
Malihom, Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Malihom is a homegrown retreat tucked away in a 40-acre private estate in Balik Pulau, Penang. Open to the public since 2009, it offers two types of accommodations that one can choose from. Its signature Hilltop barns will have you spending your days in rice barns made of teak wood.
The Foothill homes, an old artist-in-residence turn into a co-living home for families or groups, is an Airbnb-style accommodation perfect for a close group of 5 to 6 people, and is equipped with a kitchen, BBQ pit and outdoor patio, while bathroom is on the floor above. A special treat about this residence comes in the form of its natural spring. From the water you drink to the water you bath in, all of it comes from this natural-occurring source.
Lodges Ekologika on Portibi Farm, Indonesia
A place for a great getaway, and rediscovering nature, Lodges Ekologika situated on Portibi Farm is a place to eat well with friends and colleagues while enjoying the simplicity of how life can be. Part of a reforestation project that mixes available local knowledge, guests have the unique experience to try their hand at more urban activities including farming, construction, and old school kitchen mastery. When that’s all said and done, it’s nice to just sit in the company of one another, digging into local and international flavours and creating a place to share wonderful tastes and stories, while the trees grow up around you.
The Sticks, Fraser’s Hill, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Malaysia
You’re probably well familiar with this entry to the list. The Sticks is an off-grid glamping retreat set in a lush Malaysian jungle an hour away from Kuala Lumpur. Featuring 12 unique houses and ‘tendoks’, a stay here will have you getting lost in nature and feeding into your inner daredevil. From white water rafting and paragliding to just lazing in a hammock, you’ll never be bored that’s for sure. And when that’s all over and done with, enjoy hearty home-cooked meals prepared on a flame-grilled barbeque or flavourful steamboat spread to satisfy every gastronomic craving you have during your stay. It’s no wonder many people can’t get enough of this place.
