When the bustle of urban life starts to overwhelm, a relaxing retreat to nature could be the only way to hack away at the stress.
Home to gorgeous tropical landscapes, rich flora and fauna, incredible limestone caves, lush rainforests, and a warm climate perfect for perpetual beach lounging, Malaysia is one of those countries where you can leave your worries behind in the concrete jungle and spend a weekend or two frolicking in the ocean or rubbing shoulders with wildlife.
So the next time you’re planning a peaceful getaway for the entire family, check out our list of farmhouses, bungalows, cottages, and villas across Malaysia to unwind in tranquility.
Johor Bahru: Resort paradise
When you book a stay at Leisure Farm Resort’s 4-bedroom house, you’ll get access to all the facilities on the premises, including the golf course, restaurant, and horse stables. Plus, the private garden comes outfitted with a BBQ area, a trampoline, and a verandah by the pool. It’s also a short distance away from Legoland and Johor’s Premium Outlets, in case you need an… escape from all that tranquility.
Approx US$164/night.
Kuala Pilah: Garden retreat
Built in the 1960s, this 5-room Malay village home in the town of Seri Menanti comes with a swimming pool, a BBQ pavilion, an orchard, and a fishing pond on its grounds. It’s quite the scenic oasis, with abundant greenery for you to get up close and personal with nature.
Approx US$96/night.
Langkawi: Rustic villa
With picturesque views of valleys, paddy fields, and far off mountains in the distance, this two-bedroom villa, inspired by traditional Malay furnishings, is one of the five in the residential area sharing a swimming pool. It’s idyllic especially at sunrise and sunset, but should you want to do a bit of exploring, Cenang Beach is a short drive away.
Approx US$99/night.
Malacca: Traditional Malay home
Avoid the crowds in town and get comfortable at this charming two-bedroom spot, modeled after a traditional Malay house. Here, you can stroll across the garden to take a dip in the tiny pool, host a BBQ night, cook in the outdoor kitchen, or even play a little round of golf. There’s also a fruit and vegetable farm on the premises for those who’d like to do the whole ‘farm to table’ thing.
Approx US$199/night.
Pahang: Hilltop farmhouse
Fancy a stay at a quaint place called the Hallelujah Farmhouse? This 5-bedroom structure sits on top of a hill, surrounded on all sides by greenery, with jungle trails and mini waterfalls just a scenic trek away.
Furry friends are welcome as well, so the entire family can get together for a nature escape. Oh, and if you’d like a feast of fruits, the farm grows its own organic durian, jackfruit, papaya, passion fruit, and banana, which guests can get at a discount when they’re in season.
Approx US$123/night.
Penang: Beachside bungalow
With 6 bedrooms scattered across the two-storey bungalow, you’ll have all the space you need to bring your fam along for the ride. It’s nestled in the town of Tanjung Bungah, a suburb of George Town, with all the amenities you’re used to, including a fully equipped kitchen, an outdoor BBQ grill, WiFi, air-conditioning, and an LED TV. Plus, the interior decor is quirky and cool, blending industrial chic with rustic homeliness for a comfortable stay.
Approx US$179/night.
Penang: Entertainment villa
Also in Penang, you’ll find a contemporary-looking villa just a couple metres away from Batu Ferringhi Beach, where you can chill on the balcony, play a game of mahjong, table tennis, or foosball, and recline on a massage chair. To keep you totally entertained — should you wish to stay in all weekend — the place also hosts a swimming pool, badminton court, basketball court, and karaoke sound system.
Approx US$298/night.
Sabah: Sunset villa
Situated at the tip of Borneo, this 4-bedroom villa comes with its own private pool, so you can really get into the holiday mood and stick to your digital detox (since the house has no cell phone reception due to its remote location). It’s right by the beach, which means you get stunning views of the sun over the horizon, and the space comes decked out in a lovely mix of traditional and contemporary furnishings.
Approx US$190/night.
Selangor: Idyllic cottage
A little 2-bedroom cottage facing a stretch of sprawling rice fields, this resort-style home features plenty of open air pockets for you to relish the fresh air in peace and quiet. The furnishings are modest, and certain parts of the house are built with wood from demolished buildings, but the place comes fully air-conditioned, with a kitchen and a BBQ hut next to the house so you can enjoy all the modern comforts of home away from home.
Approx US$112/night.
