With so many long weekends this year, there can only be one more thing left to do – to plan quick getaways. The weekends are probably not long enough for anyone to go far, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a mini holiday to unwind and just catch up with yourself. Or, you know, with a loved one, or friends, or family. You get the drills. As such, we’ve found a few places that are optimum for you to do just that, ranging from the secluded resorts surrounded by greenery to the quaint little gems within civilisation. Best of all, these places are mostly within reach as you can get to them by car!
You ready for some R&R? Here are our “totally zen” picks:
1. Villa Samadhi
Awanmulan is a collection of small homes in the hills located in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan which is an ideal getaway from the bustling Kuala Lumpur located only 2 – 3 hours’ drive away. A sanctuary in the hills, the houses on stilts sit on a hill slope overlooking a lush valley and surrounded by hills of green forests. There’s really nothing much to do at Awanmulan except to sit here upon the wooden deck and watch the rain come in over the hills and the mist that rises from the valley below, or lounge by the pool or go for a dip in the refreshing river pool, piped directly from the upstream river in the forests, or watch the beautiful sunsets over the Straits of Malacca light up the sky in hues of red and yellow. It’ll entertain you for hours in its therapeutic movements.
For more information, visit their website.
10. Taman Sari
For city slickers, being in the city 24/7 can be horribly mundane and because of that, a quick getaway for a breath of fresh air can quickly change things up after a stressful week. Venture 45 minutes’ drive away from Kuala Lumpur and you’ll find yourself an oasis of calm at Taman Sari in Hulu Langat, with fresh air and greenery to recharge you, mind, body and soul. At Taman Sari, they offer a unique retreat experience with bed and breakfast for those who love open air, gardens, and a natural environment with a breathtaking view. The retreat is located close to a village where time has almost stood still, where you can sample local cuisine in the village or go exploring the rivers and waterfalls that are famous with city folk during the weekend.
For more information, visit their website.
11. MaliHom Private Estate
The MaliHom Private Estate is a luxury private estate in the hills of Penang, offering the perfect blend of natural surroundings, intimate service, privacy and seclusion. Surrounded by greenery, it boasts an outdoor pool and private rooms with rustic décor, and the rooms eature private grounds or deck with beautiful views of the natural landscapes. Each room comes equipped with an electric teakettle and minibar, and private bathrooms come with essential oil toiletries and a hairdryer. MaliHom Private Estate guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or read a book at the library, while afternoons can be spent soaking up the sun by the pool while taking in the beautiful mountain views.
For more information, visit their website.
12. Sekeping Kong Heng
Sekeping Kong Heng, in the charming old town of Ipoh, is the latest addition to the Sekeping family of retreats. Testimony to Ipoh’s decadent past, Kong Heng was used as a hostel to house theatre performers who performed in the adjacent theatre building that was burnt down in the 50s. Now rejuvenated, it is hoped that Sekeping Kong Heng will be able to offer guests a slice of history within a real old town setting which is alive, working and real. It is located in a 3-storey neo-classical building which also houses a famous coffee shop of the same name on the ground floor that serves great coffee and the best local dishes in town. All effort has been made to preserve as much of the character of the existing building as possible in contrast to the surrounding new architectural interventions. In addition, an extension has been added at the back, tucked away to reveal an inner courtyard with a dramatic stairway to take guests up to their rooms.
For more information, visit their website.
