Theres nothing quite like a retreat to make you feel refreshed and ready to take on the world again. Home to lush green hills and calming ocean views, the eastern Malaysian state of Pahang is the place to head to for your next escape.
1. The Kasturi Resort, Cherating
From the beach-front villas with their private pools to the cosy corner studios, The Kasturi is a 5-star boutique resort inviting you to press pause and just breathe.
Sitting between the rainforest and the sea on Pantai Chendor, stepping into this luxurious retreat means getting closer to nature. Here, you're free to wander around. Let go of all your worries with grounds perfect for forest bathing. If you're feeling adventurous, take a kayak for a ride down the river, spotting fellow friends from giant sea eagles to otters. On the beach, listen to the waves, feel the breeze, and count the stars at night.
The Kasturi is also a short drive away from the resort-run Rimbun Dahan Turtle Hatchery, where you can support the conservation of endangered sea turtles and native terrapins by joining in releasing the hatchlings into the wild for a small fee.
2. Enderong Resort, Janda Baik
Nestled in nature, Enderong Resort stands at 2,000 feet above sea level in Tanarimba, an eco-sensitive gated community in Janda Baik.
While the star of this staycay spot is the Enderong House an award-winning architectural masterpiece with eight spacious bedrooms those looking for some me-time or to connect with a loved one can go for the twin-sharing Annexe Rooms, each with a private balcony overlooking the Enderong Valley.
While here, stroll the grounds, catch up on a book, meditate in the fresh air, or sign up for a guided hike to explore the areas flora and fauna.
3. Happi Village, Janda Baik
Happi Village is sure to put a smile on your face as you find yourself surrounded by serenity. With modern interiors balancing the industrial and the natural, each room on the ground floor comes with a bathtub and a private garden oh, imagine the zen. You can also take your stay to the next level (literally) with the upper floor room, where you'll find a bathtub on the balcony, so you can have your relaxing soak with the best views of the untouched forests.
Theres much more to be experienced in this little village. Savour sweet figs fresh on the farm, visit an organic passionfruit orchard, hike to a waterfall, swim in the saltwater pool, and on a cool night, fire up a hot pot filled with fresh produce straight from Bentong.
As if there isn't already lots to love about Happi Village, this eco-friendly getaway is also committed to doing good for our Mother Earth. To start, no trees were chopped and no land-levelling was allowed when building the resort. Continuing on this practice, an additional 600 trees were planted on the grounds, mountain water is used village-wide, and glass bottles are used in place of plastic.
