If setting up a tent, inflating a mattress and cooking your own meals sound like too much work, glamping may be the perfect alternative.
Glamping, or “glamorous camping”, lets people experience the outdoors without giving up daily comforts: beds, prepared meals, and at some places, even air-conditioning.
The concept grew in popularity worldwide in the mid-2000s as more travellers began looking for nature-based holidays with a touch of luxury. From safari-style tents hidden deep in forests to glass cabins, hilltop domes and beachfront retreats, glamping now comes in many forms.
In Malaysia, this style of travel is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the country’s diverse natural landscapes.
Here are some destinations to consider for a glamping getaway.
Kedah
Kedah in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia is best known for its padi fields and the “99” islands of Langkawi.
The archipelago has become a hotspot for nature-based stays, with glamping-style accommodation set against the island’s Unesco Global Geopark landscape.
Among the more unique stays is Coconest Langkawi, where guests sleep in floating giant coconut-shaped pods overlooking lush mountain scenery. Another spot is The Found Mansion Langkawi, known for its nature-inspired villas and peaceful surroundings. The island is also home to various eco-retreats and beachside glamping experiences.
Other parts of Kedah offer quieter alternatives. Places such as Amantara Glamping (Jitra), Jerai Nature Glamping (Yan) and Sanjana Glamping Resort (Yan) are tucked within lush greenery, making them great for nature escapes.
Pahang
Pahang, home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Taman Negara, is often associated with mountains and dense jungle landscapes.
The largest state in Peninsular Malaysia boasts an array of glamping experiences, too, from cool hill stations to rainforest retreats.
The ever-popular Cameron Highlands remains a favourite for those seeking crisp mountain air and rolling tea plantations, where glamping sites feature panoramic valley views and cool nighttime temperatures. Some of the places you can check out include A’mos Farmstay, The Backyard Glamping and Zen by Stellar.
Another cool retreat is Genting Highlands with places such as Glamz at Genting and Rustcamps Glamping Resort.
Closer to the capital, Suka Camping Bentong has both camping and glamping experiences.
Nearby Janda Baik is home to Tiarasa Escapes Glamping Resort and Chengal Hill Retreat. The latter is known for its rustic Apache-style huts nestled within the rainforest.
Selangor
Selangor is one of the most convenient states for quick nature getaways, especially for those staying in Kuala Lumpur.
Guests can stay in open-air glasshouses, riverside tents or rustic cabins surrounded by greenery. It has become a favourite among city-dwellers looking for a weekend reset without travelling too far.
Popular choices include Villa Takun, SkyTree Glamping, River & Glamp and Qowiy Village Langat.
Johor
If you are looking for coastal escapes and rainforest adventures, Johor has the best of both worlds – one day by the ocean, the next deep in the forest.
The Desaru Coast area, for example, is known for its beaches and stylish outdoor stays that blend seaside views with tented luxury concepts. Among the places are Kanopi Tipi Glamping Desaru and Rustika Glamping Village.
Elsewhere in Johor, travellers can also explore places such as Sea Horizon Resort in Kota Tinggi, known for its cliffside glamping views overlooking the sea.
Perak
Beyond Ipoh’s tourist-favourite Concubine Lane and mouth-watering chicken rice, Perak is known for its natural escapes.
From limestone cliffs on the outskirts of Ipoh to lakeside retreats and rainforest hideaways, the state is filled with outdoor experiences.
Options include Gopeng Glamping Park (Gopeng), Kuak Hill Resort (Lenggong), Tingkat Valley (Ipoh) and D’Rambong Glamping Park & Campsite (Selama), among others.
