The Best Nature Retreats Within a 2-Hour Drive From Kuala Lumpur

Words by Tania Jayatilaka
April 05, 2022
  1. Tiarasa Escapes, Janda Baik, Pahang
    Tiarasa Escapes, Janda Baik, Pahang
  2. Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, Rawang, Selangor
    Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, Rawang, Selangor
  3. Sekeping Serendah, Selangor
    Sekeping Serendah, Selangor
  4. Sarang by the Brook, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
    Sarang by the Brook, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
  5. Happi Village, Janda Baik, Pahang
    Happi Village, Janda Baik, Pahang
  6. Sailor's Rest, Janda Baik, Pahang
    Sailor's Rest, Janda Baik, Pahang
  7. Padibox Homestay, Sekinchan, Selangor
    Padibox Homestay, Sekinchan, Selangor
Cover Photo: Tiarasa Escapes

Janda Baik, Sekinchan and more peaceful spots for when you need a break from the city's breakneck pace

This article was first published on September 29, 2021 and updated on April 5, 2022.

Tiarasa Escapes, Janda Baik, Pahang

Dust off your hiking shoes and plan a stay at Tiarasa Escapes in Janda Baik. Located just a 45-minute drive away from Kuala Lumpur, Tiarasa Escape offers a boho-chic place to hunker down in luxury, from lavish safari-style tented villas and rustic treehouses to riverside picnics and an outdoor cinema experience under the stars. If misty, cool mornings in a majestic rainforest escape is your idea of a staycation done right, Tiarasa Escapes is the place to be. 

Tip: Social distancing is easily done at this glitzy retreat, which only accommodates up to 50 to 60 occupants at a time.    

Visit www.tiarasaescapes.com call +60 12-887 7777 

See also: 5 Malaysian Hillside Homes with Spectacular Views

Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, Rawang, Selangor

Tatler Asia
Templer Park Rainforest Retreat
Above Templer Park Rainforest Retreat
Tatler Asia
Photo: Serendah River Retreat
Above Photo: Serendah River Retreat
Tatler Asia
Photo: Serendah River Retreat
Above Photo: Serendah River Retreat

To skip the crowds on a truly outdoorsy escape overlooking the Kanching Rainforest Reserve, consider Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, just a 30-minute drive from KL. Guest quarters consist of the four-bedroom villa and the five-bedroom 'container' for group stays of 10 to 30 people. For privacy, the two are located about 60m apart, fringed by shrubs and trees.

Templer Park Rainforest Retreat's newest property, Brickhouse @Serendah River Retreat, is just 40 minutes from the KL, offering six air-conditioned bedrooms with exclusive access to the Sungai Selaru stream.   

Visit www.tprr.net for more information or call +6016-203 8562 (WhatsApp or call +6016-367 0067 for the Brickhouse Serendah River Retreat)  

See also: Garden Getaways: 5 Malaysian Retreats Surrounded by Greenery

Sekeping Serendah, Selangor

Situated within a five-acre tropical forest about an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, Sekeping Serendah consists of 10 minimalist sheds—you've probably spotted idyllic shots of the tree-perched Glass Shed on Instagram. Designed with few distractions to help guests commune with nature, this peaceful retreat sequestered in nature boasts two swimming pools, jungle trekking activities and, for those who need connectivity, common areas with WiFi.    

Visit www.sekeping.com/serendah or call +6012-324 6552 for more information

Related: 4 Malaysian Heritage Vacation Stays For An Immersive Cultural Experience

Sarang by the Brook, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor

Just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, Sarang by the Brook looks out over a peaceful jungle, offering just 11 turquoise container rooms in sizes of small, medium and large, all gathered around a saltwater pool. The retreat reopened its doors in September 2021, a colourful and fun alternative for those who prefer an out-of-the-box experience with nature (figuratively speaking).      

Visit www.sarangkkb.com or call +6019-3322448 for more information.

See also: This Award-Winning Janda Baik Retreat Converses Eloquently With Nature

Happi Village, Janda Baik, Pahang

This eco-conscious Janda Baik resort is located a 45-minute drive from Kuala Lumpur, a verdant weekend escape for those who need a break from the concrete jungle.

The upper floor rooms here have a balcony with its own bathtub, where guests can unwind and enjoy stunning views of the rainforest at sunset. Also, check out the new Rimbun villas or treehouses to bring your childhood treehouse dreams to life. Guests can also relax by the saltwater pool, take a stroll to the fig and passionfruit farms or head to the nearby waterfall for a refreshing dip.               

Visit www.happivillage.my or call +6012-321 7215 for more information. 

Related: Gorgeous Hiking Spots in the Klang Valley

Sailor's Rest, Janda Baik, Pahang

Here's one for the photo album: Book a stay on a rustic boathouse at Sailor's Rest Resort, located 600m above sea level overlooking the Titiwangsa mountain range. Perfect for couples, the boathouse sleeps two people with a luxurious queen-sized bedroom, an attached bathroom and a lounge area. Families or bigger groups may opt for the resort's glamping experience, the three-bedroom bungalow or the chalets. The lush green grounds are a wonderland for nature-lovers, boasting fish ponds and beautiful gardens full of mangosteen and durian trees.       

Visit www.sailorrest.com or WhatsApp +6011-2104 1659 for more information.  

Related: The Coolest Hotel Pools In Malaysia

Padibox Homestay, Sekinchan, Selangor

Picture yourself frolicking merrily in the padi fields of Sekinchan next to a curiously colourful structure housing quaint little rooms and a cafe—that's your basic itinerary for a staycation at The Padibox. Located just a one-and-a-half hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, The Padibox promises a comfortable and memorable stay in cosy rooms with a view along with access to Sekinchan's famous seafood eateries. If you're into seeing the sights at a slower pace, rent a bicycle at The Padipox for RM30 a day and get to exploring.                  

Visit www.padibox.com or call +6019-3205688.

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