The best glamping sites in Malaysia

Welcome to The Sticks. Check in for an off-the-grid weekend at this eco glamping retreat in the jungles of Kuala Kubu Baru, where you can stay in a ‘tendok’ (half tent, half pondok). If the weather permits, roll up the canvas walls to get the full jungle experience. Laze around in hammocks or chill by the river, or pick from the selection of activities, which include jungle trekking, paragliding, whitewater rafting and more.

Lot 213 Jalan KKB, Fraser’s Hill, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Peretak (012 631 0006). From RM130 per night.

Caravan Serai is well-positioned in the serene part of Bentong, surrounded by rivers, fruit orchards, stunning hill views and a lush forest. Luxury comes in the form of suites (up to six per room) and safari tents (up to four per tent) – all pimped up with a plush bed, air-conditioner and attached bathroom. The view is stunning enough to drag you out of your tents; you can also rough it out by exploring the jungle in ATVs. Plus, spas can be arranged onsite for that extra bit of pampering.

Lot 3159 & 3160, 12 ¾ mile Jalan Tras, Bentong (03 7972 3655). Deluxe safari tent from RM198 for two people; suites from RM338 for two people; both include breakfast and nature walk.

Glamping at Tadom Hill Resorts is a little less lavish, but you’ll be more in touch with nature. There are two pre-pitched tent sites: one with a lakeside view and the other with a garden view. A perfect fit for two, these tents also come with necessities like sleeping bags, sleeping mats and inflatable pillows, with breakfast thrown in. This is glamping at its bare minimum (there are no power sockets or fans), but it’s still a night under the stars you won’t regret.

Bukit Tadom, Kampung Labohan Dagang, Banting (012 522 5728/012 522 5908/012 522 5883). From RM100 per night, includes breakfast for two.

If sleeping under a blanket of stars doesn’t offer much of an adventure, get up-close to nature with the activities available at Johor's Canopy Tribes, from fishing and crabbing to cycling around the area surrounded by verdant greenery. Guided tours range from visiting the fruit farm and touring the Panti Bird Sanctuary to taking the firefly cruise along the riverbank. But if you like some time to yourself, go on a solo hike to the Kota Tinggi waterfall and clear your mind with a swim. The bell tents, which can accommodate up to four people, are reassuringly comfy.

7815 Jalan Lombong, Batu 8, Kota Tinggi (07 244 3788). Adults, RM150; children, RM120 per night including buffet barbecue dinner and English breakfast.

Sleeping bags and s’mores aren’t going to cut it. Tioman Island’s JapaMala Resort sits on a stretch of the still-unspoiled southern coast, a luxe resort amid lush rainforest. Think hillside nests with plunge pools; sea cliff sanctuaries overlooking the South China Sea; and wooden treetop houses perched above the canopy – because you want to be close to nature, but you also want to be close to airconditioning, full mini-bars stocked with champagne and wines, and spacious outdoor decks with sun loungers.

Tioman Island (03 2161 0769). From RM570 per night.

A scenic drive through a Malay kampung will lead you to the eight-acre Tanah Aina Fahad resort, which sits at the edge of the idyllic Sungai Dong. A cluster of tents is sprawled out in a spacious field – perfect for teambuilding activities or a large family gettogether. Activities are aplenty, from playing a supersized version of chess or ‘Snakes and Ladders’, to roughing it out with paintball in the jungle.

Lot 1053, Mukim Ulu Dong, Raub (03 5511 1669). From RM230 per person. Rates include four buffet meals per day and complimentary guided trekking.

Sekeping Serendah embodies the true Sekeping spirit: an eco-friendly existence, with beauty inside and out. The sheds are akin to glorifi ed tents made of glass and minimal steel; the keyword is ‘openconcept’, so as to best celebrate the surrounding wilderness and stars hanging overhead come nightfall. Amenities include barbecue equipment and cutleries, kitchenware and a refrigerator. The luxury extras here are all-natural; think cascading waterfalls, fi shing lakes and jungle treks.

Serendah (012 324 6552). From RM300 per night.