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7 Eco-Friendly Staycation Spots
The first of Malaysia's long weekends of 2018 happens at the end of January. If you're looking for a quiet retreat surrounded by greenery and marine life, read on for our recommended destinations.
by Elizabeth Gerard / Published: 03 Jan 2018
Gaya Island, Sabah
Operating as both a luxury resort and a marine conservation site, Gayana Marine Resort consists of 52 villas across various categories:
- Lagoon Villa - overlooking the entire resort
- Mangrove Villa - panaromic view of the island's mangroves
- Rainforest Villa - faces the tropical forest
- Ocean Villa - views on the South China Sea
- Palm Villa - architecture reflects chic tropical interiors
The Marine Ecology Research Centre situated on the tip of Malohom Bay is a must-visit and encourages guests to participate in their Reef Regeneration Programme. Explore the reef and get up close with the local seahorses and bamboo sharks, and help with coral conservation. The programme is also very educational and lots of fun for kids!
Malohom Bay, Gaya Island,
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: 088-380 390
echoresorts.com/gayana
Berembun Forest Reserve, Negeri Sembilan
Neatly tucked near the Berembun Mountain trailhead, The Shorea Retreats are located in the state of Negeri Sembilan and an easy 90-minute drive from KL.
Built with recycled Shorea species timber, natural slates and stones, and reclaimed terracotta roof tiles, there are two main wings to choose from – The Shorea ESTATE and The Shorea RESORT. The ESTATE offers duplex air-conditioned villas with private pools, while the RESORT villas offer great views of the Berembum Forest Reserve.
Go walking along nature trails, trekking through the jungle or even picnicking at the Jeram Toi Waterfalls.
Kampung Kolam Air, Mukim Pantai,
Jalan Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan
Tel: 017-300 5600
www.theshorea.com
Tasik Belum, Perak
The Belum Eco Resort is an island resort located in Tasik Belum in the state of Perak, near the Royal Belum National Park.
Come here for total peace and quiet, and to indulge in activities like kayaking, bird-watching and fishing (catch-and-release only). You can also organise to go on jungle treks to Orang Asli villages and animal salt licks. If you're lucky, you may be able to spot elephants!
The resort was constructed by hand and without use of heavy machinery, and comprises three types of accomodation – dormitories, boat houses and 'A' frame chalets.
25 Hala Rasi Jaya 7,
Taman Rasi Jaya, Menglembu, Perak
Tel: 012-524 9184
www.belumecoresort.com.my
Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor
Surrounded by verdant greenery and located beside streams and a river, communing with nature is only a tent flap away. The Sticks is a family-friendly eco-glamping retreat located near Fraser's Hill with accommodation called 'tendoks', which are a cross between a tent and a pondok (hut in Malay).
There are seven types of accommodations to choose from including the Opera House (spacious and airy), the Serengeti Tent (a tent on a wooden platform), the Riverside Tendok (next to the river) and the Bamboo House.
This is an all-inclusive resort with room rates per pwerson inclusive of breakfast and dinner. This can be reasonably upgraded to include lunch and afternoon tea.
213 Jalan KKB-Fraser's Hill,
Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor
Pangkor Island, Perak
At first glance, Tiger Rock gives visitors the impression that they have stepped back in time. This bijou boutique resort has eight rooms and two pools spread over two house complexes.
With its great position on Pangkor Island and surrounded by greenery, Tiger Rock is the ideal retreat for a long weekend away from the city.
The Main House is built in traditional kampung (village in Malay) style, while the Hill House resembles a colonial tea estate bungalow. Go bird watching, paint (paints are provided), go on an island tour or just do nothing at all!
WD.2 Pangkor,
Pangkor Island, Perak
Tel: 04-264 3580
tigerrock.info
Cherating Beach, Pahang
The Kasturi is a new addition to the Cherating coast and has much to offer if you're looking to spend your long weekend by the sea.
This contemporary resort takes sustainability serving the community seriously and used labour-intensive construction methods to using local materials and recycled timber.
The design ensured that the resort integrated as naturally as possible with the surrounds, and rain water collected in tanks is used for toilets and to water the garden.
Visit the turtle hatchery, observe sea otters at the nearby river or just do beach time – it's all fun and relaxing.
KM 32.5 Jalan Kuantan,
Kemaman, Cherating, Pahang
Tel: 09-582 5000
the-kasturi.com
Mersing, Johor
(Batu Batu is currently closed for renovation and general maintenance until Feb 11, 2018. Deepest apologies for any inconvenience caused.)
From the get go, this uninhabitated island of Pulau Tengah in the South China Sea greets visitors with its stunning beaches, coconut palm groves and clear waters.
Built in the style of a Malay kampung (village in Malay), Batu Batu offers charming accommodations perfect for couples and families (certain villas have a children's bunk annexe).
The resort has been designed to elegantly meld into the surrounds and their tagline of 'a private island paradise' certainly rings true. Responsible tourism and conservation is key here and the resort takes great care in ensuring the environment and the wildlife within are well safeguarded.
Snorkel, dive, hike through the jungle or do nothing at all – the perfect long weekend break.
125A Jalan Damai,
Johor Bahru, Johor
Tel: 07-228 8000
www.batubatu.com.my
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