Cover Villa Astana in Balik Pulau, Penang and more Airbnb stays are perfect for durian fans (Photo: AirBnb)
Villa Astana in Balik Pulau, Penang and more Airbnb stays are perfect for durian fans (Photo: AirBnb)
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From a treehouse in an 80-year-old durian tree to retreats encroaching spacious durian orchards, these Airbnb stays are perfect for durian fans
How far would you go to enjoy a good durian feast? If you're the type that will brave traffic jams to visit your favourite durian stall or hit up the latest cafes for beloved durian-flavoured desserts, then it's time to up your game with an immersive staycation inspired by the thorny fruit in all its pungent goodness. To welcome the arrival of durian season in Malaysia, plan a pampering stay at these idyllic retreats on Airbnb that will feed your soul and your tummy, from Penang to Pahang.
Related: 5 weird and wonderful ways to eat durian, from fried rice to double-boiled soup
Brickhouse Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, Pahang
Brickhouse Bukit Tinggi can accommodate up to 16 guests
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This private hilltop hideaway in the breezy hills of Bentong, Pahang is the perfect place to enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and a beautiful durian orchard. Guests will appreciate the retreat's minimalist industrial interiors and its secluded location, trading the bustle of the city for fresh air, large open spaces filled with greenery, and a private pool at this highly rated eight-bedroom retreat.
Villa Astana, Balik Pulau, Penang
Villa Astana, Karuna Hill, a scenic sanctuary nestled in the hills
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When Penang's infamous Balik Pulau durians call your name, plan a staycation to complement your durian-hunting adventures at Villa Astana, Karuna Hill, a scenic sanctuary nestled in the hills. Guests can enjoy long breezy walks in the durian farm and snap pictures of blazing sunsets from their balcony, which boasts a delightful outdoor jacuzzi. Ideal for a small family of two adults and a child below the age of 12, Villa Astana sits in the most secluded part of Karina Hill.
See also: 10 sustainable bars and restaurants to visit in Malaysia
Tanah Larwina Retreat, Hulu Selangor, Malaysia
Above Tanah Larwina is an eco-retreat that was awarded the Airbnb Green Stays Gold Award 2021
Tanah Larwina is an eco-retreat that was awarded the Airbnb Green Stays Gold Award 2021
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Awarded the Airbnb Green Stays Gold Award 2021, Tanah Larwina is a cosy and spacious lodge that sits on a three-acre family farm rife with fruit trees (durian trees included). From its beautiful architecture to the serenity of the cascading stream that it overlooks, this retreat is unsurprisingly popular with travellers who come to enjoy its secluded beauty and peaceful jungle ambience.
The Durian Treehouse, Penang
The Durian Treehouse: a two-storey, open air treehouse is designed around an 80-year-old durian tree
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Reconnect with your inner child and plan a night or two in an actual treehouse in Balik Pulau, Penang. Made from recycled wood and locally harvested bamboo, this two-storey, open air treehouse is designed around an 80-year-old durian tree, set amidst a 16-acre sustainable fruit orchard.
Don't miss: 6 things you might not know about Harumanis mangoes
Far Far Away, Hulu Langat, Selangor
Far Far Away is surrounded by a forest reserve, a fully equipped resort that can house up to 12 guests
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Located just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, this eco-paradise is surrounded by a forest reserve, a fully equipped resort that can house up to 12 guests. Enjoy a dip in its private pool or catch a glimpse of friendly wildlife which include monkeys, birds and gibbons in the garden. The grounds are also peppered with fruit trees of various kinds, from durian and mangosteen to rambutan, pulasan and avocado.
Durian Guesthouse, Kulai, Johor
Above Immerse yourself in quiet farm life at the Durian Guesthouse in Kulai, Johor
Immerse yourself in quiet farm life at the Durian Guesthouse in Kulai, Johor
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Did you know that the family running this Durian Guesthouse in Kulai spent over 14 months reconstructing what was an 80-year-old farmhouse, filling it with handmade furniture made with used materials? Enjoy the slower pace of quiet farm life here and savour home-cooked meals before touring the property’s very own permaculture farm, with homegrown fruit trees, herbs and vegetables.
Read more: Award-Winning Architect Dr Tan Loke Mun Plants His Own Fruit Trees
Aman Dusun: The Blue House, Hulu Langat, Selangor
Aman Dusun Blue House is the place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city
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As its name implies, Aman Dusun offers a quiet and cosy jungle paradise with its own goat farm and a variety of local fruit trees including durian, rambutan and more. Travellers here can wake up to the sounds of chirping birds, a lively river and a beautiful garden overlooked by a balcony. There's also a swimming pool within a minute's walk of the blue house–a cosy, two-storey open concept cottage that can fit 14 people.
1858 Semungkis, Hulu Langat, Selangor
Above 1858 Semungkis in Hulu Langat, Selangor is a 50-year old retreat set in a beautiful fruit orchard
1858 Semungkis in Hulu Langat, Selangor is a 50-year old retreat set in a beautiful fruit orchard
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1858 Semungkis is a wistful green hidesaway, a unique 50-year-old retreat located just 30 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s bustle. Nestled in a fruit orchard, this haven offers three charming abodes - the Main House, Cabins, and Kampong House, perfect for up to 20 guests.
Take a refreshing dip in the Semungkis River, mere steps from your al fresco kitchen, or indulge in farm-to-table delights with their homegrown organic vegetables. This retreat offers a true escape, combining comfort with a touch of rustic charm. The name of the game is slowing down and embracing your surroundings, so things to do here include watching the stars over a hearty barbecue dinner, birdwatching for Oriental Dollarbirds and more. Durian adventures are easily accessible thanks to the orchard on the grounds, and after a day of exploration, unwind by the natural jacuzzi or simply gaze at the mesmerising night sky.
Bentong Nature Orchard Homestay, Bentong, Pahang
Above Bentong Nature Orchard Homestay is a sprawling 9-bedroom retreat in
Bentong Nature Orchard Homestay is a sprawling 9-bedroom retreat in
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Durian devotees, gather ‘round! Bentong Nature Orchard Homestay beckons. This sprawling 9-bedroom retreat offers a private pool, a garden paradise, and breathtaking views– all just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.
Guests are invited to unwind after a day of durian indulgence at the nearby Jimmy’s Durian Orchard or from exploring other local attractions like the Lentang Forest Reserve or the Bentong Market. The Bentong Nature Orchard Homestay is perfect for groups of up to 37, featuring a BBQ area for open-air feasts and a spacious layout for durian-fueled bonding.
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Previously contributing to Esquire Malaysia, Expat Lifestyle and Newsweek, Tania oversees digital stories across Tatler’s key content pillars, also leading the Front & Female platform exploring issues and topics affecting women today.
