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. For bookings and enquiries, email bookings@thesticks.my or get in touch through the forms on their website. From RM206 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 RM190++; suites from RM300++; 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. If you don’t mind sleeping outdoor, try the Hammock Spheres where each hammock is draped with canopy mosquito nets to keep the pesky bugs out. For a comfortable indoor staycation, opt for the Bamboo Hut, Bamboo Chalets, Semantan Chalets, Gendui Chalets or Hakka Village.

Bukit Tadom, Kampung Labohan Dagang, Banting (012 522 5728/012 522 5908/012 522 5883). From RM65 per night inclusive of breakfast and day pass.

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 air conditioning, full mini-bars stocked with champagne and wines, and spacious outdoor decks with sun loungers.

Kampung Lanting, 86800 Pulau Tioman, Pahang Darul Makmur 09 419 7777/09 419 7120). From RM880 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 team building activities or a large family get together. Activities are aplenty, from giant board games 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 glorified tents made of glass and minimal steel; the keyword is ‘open concept’, 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, fishing lakes and jungle treks.

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

Only 45 minutes away from the bustling city of KL, Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort is the perfect sanctuary for families, friends or couples. Offering the best facilities in the tented and treetop villas, each villa is air-conditioned and comes with a lounge as well as Wi-Fi. Explore the glamping grounds by going on a riverside picnic, birdwatching or an outdoor movie under the starry sky. Food for lunch and barbeque are delivered to guests upon request, while breakfast and kampong-style teatime will be available to all.

Jalan Enderong, Sum Sum Ulu, Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang (012 887 7777). Price from RM990 per night.

If sleeping under a blanket of stars doesn’t offer much of an adventure, get up-close to nature with activities like cycling around the glamping site or go fishing at a private pond. The luxurious bell tents (the main accommodation) are equipped with a few mattresses, a fan and two comfy chairs that can cater up to six people. Explore Bentong by joining the Kanopi Villa’s guided tours – 3 waterfalls tour, hot spring tour, Genting tour and Berjaya Hill tour.

25929, Kg Janda Baik, Bentong, 28750 Pahang (018 786 5152). From RM250 per night inclusive of English breakfast.