Ever spent a night in a restored rice barn? Guests can enjoy just such an experience at the cosy and spacious hilltop teak wood rice barns at Malihom, a 40-acre private estate in Balik Pulau, Penang.

Peaceful and secluded, Malihom offers both hillside accommodation and foothill homes amidst beautifully landscaped gardens lined with ponds and over 3,000 trees planted by the resort in the past 20 years.  

Need more convincing to put Malihom at the top of your 2022 staycation bucket list? Couples can take advantage of the resort's Romantic Escape for Two Package, inclusive of a dinner for two with breathtaking views of the surroundings. 

Malihom | Kiri NT 168, Jalan Bukit Penara, Mukim 6, Balik Pulau, Penang | Call +6012-428 5191 or email malihom.reservation@gmail.com

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Located only a 40-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, the Acres Resort in Kampung Bukit Tinggi enjoys great weather for exploring the verdant grounds and the adjacent organic vegetable farm, mini zoo and greenhouse.

This eco-friendly resort is a favourite with families as it boasts eight acres of land for the kids to roam and luxurious lodgings that open out to views of distant mountains and flower-dotted hills, like a scene from a Studio Ghibli film. For anyone looking to trade the manic pace of the concrete jungle for a more picturesque and laidback setting, The Acres Resort will not disappoint. 

The Acres Resort | Lot 28431 Kampung Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang | Call +6012-223 5866 or email theacresresort@gmail.com

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This family-run retreat in Negeri Sembilan is all about privacy and seclusion. The high point of a stay here is quite literally the awe-inspiring Titiwangsa mountain range. Five guesthouses—named Sasterawan, Senjja, Rahsiah, Evensong and Durian Runtuh—all face the sunset so that you can enjoy a breathtaking scene before dinnertime.

Pay a visit to the owner's beautifully kept flower garden where you'll also meet Daniel the dog, Baloo the puppy, and cats Cantik and Michelle.          

The Acres Resort | Lot 28431 Kampung Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang | Call +6012-223 5866 or email theacresresort@gmail.com

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Located 2,000 feet above sea level within the residential enclave of Tanarimba in Janda Baik, this highland nature retreat just a 45-min drive from Kuala Lumpur is known for its three-storey stone and timber house known as Enderong House.

This beautiful eight-bedroom home allows its occupants to wake up to the beauty of the surrounding rainforest and enjoy cool mountain breezes from the comfort of its spacious outdoor decks. In 2004, Enderong House was given an architectural design award from the Malaysia Institute of Architects.

Enderong Resort | Lot C21, Persiaran Enderong, Jalan Tanarimba Pine, Tanarimba, Janda Baik, Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang | Call +609 233 0533 or email resort@enderong.com

Said to be an ideal place for travellers to reconnect to nature, this unique resort lies on a secluded beach in full view of Mount Santubong, one of Sarawak’s most iconic landmarks.

Its 35 standard rooms and 10 suites are made from refurbished concrete culverts, designed to let guests soak in the scenic views of its lush green environment at all hours of the day. Even the spa here doesn’t conceal the Santubong’s beauty from guests while they enjoy a relaxing massage.

Tip: The Sunset Deck here is a highly popular spot to snap photos of these peaceful surroundings against amazing sunset views.

The Culvert Resort | Lot 285, Off Jalan Sultan Tengah, Santubong Damai, Kuching, Sarawak | Call +6019 8899925 or email contact@theculvert.com

Wake up to the sights and sounds of a majestic rainforest at this dreamy nature retreat located at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve in Sandakan. The ultimate resort for nature lovers and conservation enthusiasts, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort is close by to animal sanctuaries like the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sunbear Conservation Centre. The Safari Glamping Villas here offer stellar views of misty hilltops and towering trees, as do the cosy Malay-style eco-chalets, made of recycled wood. Those who would like a more traditional lodging experience can spend a night in the Longhouse.

Enjoy an early morning breakfast on your villa's outdoor deck or take a leisurely stroll through the lush grounds of this resort to catch a glimpse of unique birdlife. The resort's plunge pool in the centre of the large garden is a popular spot for photos. There's rarely a moment at this resort when you're not exposed to the vibrant greenery of the surroundings: some chalets even include an outdoor bathtub and rain shower area overlooking the jungle so you can spend as much time in the arms of nature, even while taking a shower!

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort | Jalan Rambutan, Sepilok, Mile 14, Sandakan, Sabah | Call +6016-523 3190 or email sepilokforestedge@gmail.com   

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