Cover Photo: The Bala's Holiday Chalet, Cameron Highlands

Plan your picture-perfect staycation at these cosy cottages in Pahang

Longing to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? As Christmas draws near, couples, families and solo travellers are making up for lost time and heading to the dreamy destinations they couldn’t visit in Christmases past. If you’re in no mood for air travel during the holidays but would still like a nostalgic escape to the 'countryside', we recommend planning a trip to the beautiful state of Pahang for windy, off-the-beaten-track destinations in places like Cameron Highlands and Frasers Hill.

Read more: 7 dazzling Christmas mall decorations in the city to get you in the festive mood

Green Acres, Fraser's Hill

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Photo: Green Acres, Fraser's Hill
Above Photo: Green Acres Fraser's Hill

Synonymous with nature hikes, historic architecture and charming colonial resorts, Fraser's Hill – dubbed the Little England of Malaysia – is home to Green Acres bungalow. Located just an hour and 45min's drive from Kuala Lumpur, this family-friendly retreat has six bedrooms, accommodating up to 27 guests at a time. Visitors can book the entire bungalow or opt for rooms like the Aster Family Suite. Enjoy breakfast on the balcony and take in the amazing views of the surrounding greenery. If you're in the mood to indulge in a proper British dining experience, have your scones and tea in the garden.        

Green Acres Bungalow | Jalan Girdle, Bukit Fraser, Pahang | +6012 724 6575

See also: Game of thorns: 7 Airbnb stays in Malaysia for durian lovers

Ye Olde Smokehouse, Fraser's Hill

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Ye Olde Smokehouse Fraser's Hill. (Photo: @wanfei_lee)
Above Ye Olde Smokehouse Fraser's Hill. (Photo: @wanfei_lee)
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Above The Charlotte Honeymoon Suite at Ye Olde Smokehouse, Fraser's Hill

Charlotte, Victoria, Charles – the room names and pretty much every other detail at Ye Olde Smokehouse reveal traditional English influences. Inspired by the rustic charm of the English countryside, this quaint hilltop abode has long enticed guests with its beautiful colonial architecture and delightful afternoon tea out on the garden terrace. When the weather gets a tad chilly, head inside and sit by the cosy wood fireplace or grab some grub at Scott's Restaurant.  

Ye Olde Smokehouse | Jalan Jeriau, Bukit Fraser, Fraser's Hill, Pahang | +609 362 2119 or +609 3622226

The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

Afternoon tea in the garden. Trimmed hedges. Rolling hills in the distance. The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands completes this fairytale setting for the traveller who needs a break from the city. Curl up with a good book by the fireplace in the reading room, enjoy your tea at the Lakeview Terrance or take a stroll on the grounds to soak up those picture-perfect views. 

The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands | 30th Mile Ringlet, Cameron Highlands, Pahang | +605 495 6152

The Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands

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Above Photo: The Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands

Pack your bags, cameras and a big appetite when you pay a visit to The Smokehouse Hotel because you're in for one culinary treat after another at its restaurant (and we're not just talking about traditional afternoon tea). Outside, an idyllic setting awaits—think dreamy white swing sets and garden chairs, old-fashioned lamp posts and flowering plants in a myriad of colours. Since opening in 1937, The Smokehouse Hotel has thrilled local and international travellers with its beautifully appointed suites and hotel rooms which overlook the private gardens and the Cameron Highlands golf course.      

Smokehouse Hotel Cameron Highlands | By the Golf Course, Tanah Rata, Pahang | Call +605 4911215 or WhatsApp +6012 328 1937

More: 5 cosy retreats in Malaysia to wake up to nature's beauty

Bintang Cottage, Cameron Highlands

'gallery right' 'gallery right'
'gallery right' 'gallery right'
Photo 1 of 2 Photo: AirBnb
Photo 2 of 2 Photo: AirBnb

This spacious 3-bedroom cottage in Cameron Highlands has received plenty of positive reviews on AirBnB. It boasts some spectacular views of rolling hills and has a large flower garden filled with trees for those windy early evening walks. It's also located within walking distance to local attractions like Golden Hill Night Market and the Sultan Ahmad Shah Golf Club. The BOH Tea Centre Sungai Palas and Butterfly Farm Cameron Highlands are also a 25min drive away from the cottage. 

Bintang Cottage | Tanah Rata, Pahang | Book online via AirBnb        

The Bala's Holiday Chalet, Cameron Highlands

Come Christmas each year, The Bala's Holiday Chalet (also known as Planters Country Hotel) is decked from wall to wall in ornaments, stockings and leafy boughs. Interestingly, the building was formerly a British school that was later restored with cottage-inspired rooms and a garden paradise that's become a popular wedding venue in Cameron Highlands. Be it family, newlyweds or the solo traveller, a night or two in this cosy hideaway is all you need to send your stress packing and get your senses reinvigorated by the natural beauty of the surroundings.

The Bala's Holiday Chalet | Lot 55, Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands | +605 4911 660

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