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Everybody loves vacations and if you are planning to go local, why not try glamping in our tropical rainforest for an unusual holiday experience?
The word glamping is the combination of glamorous and camping, which is essentially staying in a hotel-like environment amidst nature within a tent or at least canvassed walls.
EdgeProp.my has found five glamping sites, many of which are located around the verdant forest and hills of Pahang such as the Janda Baik area, thanks to its cool and lush natural environment as well as accessibility via highways from Kuala Lumpur, which is a mere 45-minute drive away.
1. Tiarasa Escapes
The brainchild of Malaysian director, producer and actress Puan Sri Tiara Jacquelina Eu Effendi, this is one of the most luxurious glamping sites you can come across in Malaysia. Choose from over 20 safari-style tented villas and five dreamy treetop villas — with attached bathrooms, hot showers, deep soaking bathtubs, air-conditioning, and free WiFi. If you need a bigger space, three bespoke villas await you — The Maui Treehouse, The Lion Sands Tent and The Marrakech Tent.
Sprawled across seven acres of pristine rainforest with natural streams in Janda Baik, you will not be bored with the many activities you can participate in as part of your glamping experience including nature walks, bird-watching, enjoying a movie under the stars at the Moonlight Cinema and stargazing. You can also be part of the lighting ceremony of tiki torches and the bonfire at sunset.
Complimentary breakfast baskets can be delivered directly to your room or you can have your afternoon tea at a picnic by the Enderong River, packed in evocative tiffin carriers and served on camping plates, with teh tarik in camping mugs, for an authentic camping experience.
Where: Tiarasa Escapes, Lorong Enderong, Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong
Contact: (012) 8877777
Website: tiarasaescapes.com
Tent rates from: RM990 per night
2. Glamz @ Genting
Many of us would be familiar with Genting Highlands and the many hotels up there. But you can also choose to go glamping there
these days.
One would often associate camping with being in a hot and humid jungle but not here — Glamz @ Genting offers a cool crisp atmosphere at the foothills of the highlands.
There are several room types including the dome room, VIP room with private Jacuzzi and the bell tents. Some of the facilities provided for all the rooms include attached shower and toilet, a private entrance, room light, personal storage basket, hammock and floor bean bags.
The rooms are not sound-proof, allowing you to fully immerse in the outdoor experience. One could also host events such as weddings, celebrations or corporate team building at the Glamz Dome and Greenhouse which can fit 350 people and 120 people respectively.
Some of the activities you can take part in include jungle hiking or your own BBQ party at a minimal charge.
Where: Glamz, 1, Jalan Meranti, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang
Website: glamz.com.my
Rates from: RM250 per night for room stay, RM3,150 for Glamz Dome event space and RM2,300 for Greenhouse event space
3. Tanjung Inn
Located in Cherating, Pahang, this resort has been operating for more than 25 years. Formerly known as Villa De Fedella, there are a total of 34 chalets and 21 tents available for rent. The tents are more fondly known as Tanjung Tents with their tagline — “Where you can spend a small fortune to live like a homeless person”. Nevertheless, the tents sit on a 12 by 12 inch platform with two single mattresses, mosquito nets, fan, plug points, reading lights and a small faucet. The tents are decked with a patio overlooking a pond while the bathrooms are communal and located on either side of the pond. Some of the activities you can enjoy in the vicinity (outside the resort) include firefly-watching tours, visits to the turtle sanctuary and kiteboarding.
Where: Tanjung Inn, Jalan Cherating Lama, Kampung Cherating Lama, 26080 Pahang
Website: tanjunginn.com
Contact: (011) 3989 9402
Rates from: RM70 for tents (excluding breakfast)
4. The Sticks
Have you heard of the word tendok? Well, at The Sticks located at Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor you will be able to experience what it feels like living in a cross between a tent and a wooden hut or pondok as they call it in Bahasa Malaysia. This gives your stay a truly rustic feel.
The accommodation options include the Reading Rock Tendok, the Beach Tendok, the First Tendok, Bamboo House, Riverside Tendok, Serengeti Tent, The Nest and Opera House to accommodate a varied number of people (from two to six).
A variety of activities one could enjoy include jungle trekking, paragliding (depending on the weather), white water rafting, Sticks botanical walk or even just enjoying the good ol’ board games. Some of the activities require a fee and a minimum number of people before the activity can be carried out.
Half-board meals are also included with the accommodation package while full board meals can be arranged with additional charge. For those who cannot spend a night in the accommodation, day trip arrangements are also available during weekends and public holidays.
Where: The Sticks, Lot 213, Jalan KKB – Fraser’s Hill, 44000 Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor
Website: thesticks.my
Rates from: RM206 per night per person
5. Caravan Serai
Spanning some 10 acres of lush greenery, Caravan Serai’s mission is to give you a true nature staycation. There is a mix of private suites and glamping tents available. The Deluxe Safari Tent is fully equipped with a queen size bed or twin-sharing single beds, basic furniture, air-conditioner or standing fan and an attached bathroom which will be much welcomed by first-time campers.
The project in Bentong, Pahang has a 150m hill as its backyard and is surrounded by the Keratong River. It offers 10 suites and 34 units of Safari Tents. Some of the cool activities you can take part in are: going on a local Bentong ground tour which has to be pre-arranged beforehand, river and nature walks, DIY handmade soap, crochet workshops and even karaoke! Guests can also opt to dine at the Keratong Riverside Restaurant at Caravan Serai where simple farm fresh steamboat and barbecue meals can be prepared for you.
Where: Caravan Serai, Lot 3159 & Lot 3160, 12 3/4 Mile Jalan Tras, 28700 Bentong, Pahang
Contact: (03) 7972 3655
Website: caravanserai.com.my
Rates from: RM190 ++ per night
This story first appeared in the EdgeProp.my pullout on Dec 28, 2018. You can access back issues here.
