If you have already been to Johor Bahru 13809 times, and are looking for a new affordable getaway spot near Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is a good idea for your next reality escape.
Nested right next to the bustling city is a large rainforest dotted with affordable retreats priced from as low as $11/night per person. These places are relatively unknown – even to locals. All of the ones listed below are suitable large groups so you can head down for some fun family time, or a budget weekend trip with your friends!
Psst…read our article on cheap things to do in KL here, and on the most happening KL clubs here.
Enderong Resort is on a different playing field from the rest with its humongous Enderong House, which may as well be called a mansion. We’re talking a 3 storey bungalow that can fit up to 28 people.
Image credit: @jiengalacticpresident
This is a superb spot for birthdays, wedding parties, bonding trips; basically any large group gatherings you can think of.
Image credit: Enderong Resort
Inside, floor to ceiling windows in the bedrooms give you panoramic views from the moment you open your eyes in the morning.
But it isn’t just go big or go home with this resort as they have smaller Twin Rooms priced from RM370 (~S$120)/ night that are suitable for cosy couple trips.
The swimming pool appears connected to the large pond beside it. Image credit: Enderong Resort
If you are looking to build up some sweat, there is a hiking trail right next to the resort and trekking tours available that you can sign up for.
Before heading up, remember to register your vehicle with the resort as Enderong sits in a private estate and security is tighter there.
Enderong Resort
Distance from KL: 45 min
Price: from RM108 (S$36) per person, per night for Enderong House.
Wifi: Available
Address: Lot C21, Persiaran Enderong, Jalan Tanarimba Pine, Tanarimba, Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Darul Makmur
Website
Disclaimer: Enderong house, Annexe hall and annexe rooms will be closed for upgrading until August 2018
Image credit: @mytravelguide
The Glasshouse @ 325 gives you the feeling of being encompassed in nature without the mozzies and summer heat. With floor to ceiling windows stretching across two storeys, you get to marvel at the vast wilderness in the comfort of an air conditioned room!
Image credit: @zuraposdzi
If even that isn’t enough, step out into the balcony where you get to see the vast rainforest lying below you! Full blown panoramic view, check.
Snuggle up in this lush “treetop” bedroom. Image credit: darentimes
There’s also no need to chiong in to chope the best rooms here – the architects made sure to give each of its cosy four bedrooms a great view of the woodlands around.
The Glasshouse @ 325
Distance from KL: 50 min
Price: from RM107 (~S$36) per person, for 15 people
Wifi: Available
Address: Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang, Malaysia
Website
This kampung-style retreat is a throwback to the olden days, and it’s so authentic that you’ll hear chickens crowing every morning.
Image adapted from: Kameel Ispha
If you’re coming in a large group of around 12 people, stay in the Bird of Paradise Bungalow RM390 (~S$130) / night, where the cost for each person works out to be S$11 per night. This bungalow blends straight into the jungle with its rattan walls and traditional gabled roofs lined with tree vines.
Image credit: Bamboo Village
There are regular beds available, but if you are looking for a little twist, opt for the roll out mattresses!
Image credit: Murujan
Other than with ringgit, you can pay for your stay in another way: Bamboo Village runs a Workaway-like scheme where you can actually choose to work and stay there for free.
They also take the kampung life very seriously there, so keep in mind that air conditioners or hot water aren’t available – it’s just purely you and nature.
Bamboo Village
Distance from KL: 30min
Price: from RM 33 (S$11) per person, min 12 people
WiFi: Available
Address: Jalan Pelangi 5, 43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
Website
Hidden by towering trees and accessible only by short pathway leading into the forest from the main street, the rustic-modern Twinkle Villa is the very definition of a hidden treasure.
Image credit: Twinkle Villa
Open concept kitchen and dining room in Twinkle Villa. Image credit: Twinkle Villa
The entire building is tastefully decorated with framed paintings and nature inspired sculptures, giving this place a tingle of class and modernity. If you appreciate the fine arts, this might be the retreat for you.
Image credit: Booking
Image credit: Twinkle Villa
Inside, the walls are lined with bricks and decorated with wooden furniture, creating an uber cosy vibe. The large windows and open spaces also ensure maximum natural lighting during the day.
You can book the rooms individually or rent the whole villa to own the entire space for a night or two. The Twinkle Villa can house up to 13 people in its 4 bedrooms.
Twinkle Villa
Distance from KL: 45 min
Price: from RM245 (S$115) per person, for 13 people
Wifi: Available
Address: Lorong Sum Sum 2, Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang, Malaysia
Website
Image credit: @ananivilla
If you’ve been feeling stressed, doing yoga atop the Pahang Rainforest ought to relax that wound-up mind. Occasionally, Anani Villa offers overnight yoga packages where you can rid off any tension in your system with a group of like-minded people – beginners are welcome!
Junior Suite for four. Image credit: Booking
But it is not just yoga that makes the villa a calming retreat. Anani Villa also has their design all set to zen with its minimalist layout, simple geometric furniture and monochromatic color scheme.
Lounge in their cosy open air communal lobbies. Image credit: @lim_kok_kuan
They offer three types of dormitories – with 8 to 16 beds in one room – from RM100 (S$35) as well as suites that are priced from RM320 (S$107) for two.
Image credit: Anani Villa
Aside from relaxing yoga, the resort provides activities for your adrenaline junkie side too. Hop on an ATV and rumble through the surrounding jungle from RM50 (~S$17) or, if really want to soak in nature, go for Waterfall Abseiling from RM150.00 (~S$50).
Anani Villa
Distance from KL: 45 min
Price: from RM100 (S$35) per person.
Wifi: Available
Address: Lot 280, Jalan Tanarimba Sum Sum, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang, Malaysia
Website
Don’t be put off by its name. Unlike the usual kampung affair, Balik Kampung Villa will give you a luxurious experience as each room comes with a private infinity pool and gazebo that faces the Hulu Langat Rainforest.
Image Credit: Balik Kampung Villa
Image Credit: Balik Kampung Villa
Their furniture and layout is inspired by the Bali culture; meaning a spacious and airy living space. In fact, their smallest villa is more than three times the size of your regular HDBs!
Cosy bedroom with mahogany furniture and a four poster bed. Image credit: @deeecupps
As a cherry on top, there’s a secret waterfall nearby that only people in the area know about. Try asking the staff at Balik Kampung to find out where it is!
Balik Kampung Villa
Distance from KL: 35min
Price: from RM227 (~S$76) per person, for 3 people
Wifi: Available
Address: 49, B52,Batu, Jalan 17, 43100 Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia
Website
Image credit: @mrsgracechew
Templer Park Rainforest Retreat hits all the latest trends with its stylish container rooms and infinity pool overlooking the surrounding Kanching Rainforest.
Image credit: Templer Park Rainforest Retreat
Villa bedroom. Image credit: Templer Park Rainforest Retreat
Each room in the container house is spacious and can fit up to seven people. For in-room entertainment, you can request for a projector – available F.O.C – and hold a cosy movie night with your roommates.
Image credit: Templer Park Rainforest Retreat
This resort sits on spacious, elevated land, and it makes full use of its vantage with gazebos and hammocks where you can get a game of carrom going with your vacation buddies in front of a stunning view.
Image credit: @mandaisme
If you manage to pry yourself away from the cool pool waters, delve further into nature by exploring the nearby attractions. Kanching Waterfalls and Selayang Hot Springs are just a 5 and 15 minute drive away respectively.
Templer Park is one of the closer resorts to the city, and this gem is slowly but surely being uncovered by travellers, so make sure you get there before the crowd hits!
Templer Park Rainforest Retreat
Distance from KL: 30min
Price: RM167 (S$56) per person, for 6 people
Wifi: Yes
Address: 22, Jalan 3/2, Templer Height, Templer Park, 48000 Rawang, Selangor, Malaysia
Website
If you are looking to escape from the concrete jungle into an actual ones, Kuala Lumpur is where you’ll find your sweet escape. With huge resorts than can house your entire gang of kakis, there’s no way anyone would be left out.
These nature-immersed vacation spots are relatively unknown – at least for now – so check them out while they’re still under the radar.
P.S.: Even if you’re looking for a “detox” from the city, we know wifi is very essential, so don’t worry – while these places are off the beaten track, they’re certainly not off the grid.
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