Places to stay with overseas vibes
Malaysians love travelling whether locally or overseas whenever we get the chance. But it can be widely agreed that many of us prefer exploring local places as trips to foreign countries can be expensive. So, travelling overseas remains an unfulfilled dream for many people throughout their lives.
Luckily, that will no longer be the case as there are places within our own country to experience overseas vibes without having to burn a hole in your pocket. Here are seven such places for a surreal staycation starting from as low as just RM100 per night.
1. The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort, Pahang
Image credit: The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort
Of all far-flung destinations, Europe is arguably the fanciest travel dream for many Malaysians who wish to immerse themselves in European architecture from different centuries. If you have been longing for such a trip, look no further than Pahang.
Image credit: The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort
The east coast state is known for its amazing resorts and hotels either up in the sprawling mountains or just by the shimmering seaside. Just an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, you’ll be able to experience medieval France at The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort.
The architecture is so spot on that you can easily fool your friends into thinking that you’re away on a trip to Europe.
Image credit: The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort
This lavish spa resort offers great mountain views of Pahang, as it’s located up in the hills of Bukit Tinggi – this guarantees maximum privacy for guests. Spend a night in comfy rooms with great ambience and access to amenities such as TVs, spacious wardrobes, bathtubs, work desks and more for a luxurious travelling experience.
Price per night: From RM570
Address: KM48, Persimpangan Bertingkat, Lebuhraya Karak, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Karak, Pahang
Telephone: 09-221 3888
The Chateau Spa & Wellness Resort website | Facebook | Instagram
2. The Lost Paradise Resort, Penang
Image credit: The Lost Paradise Resort
There is no doubt that Bali is one of the most beautiful places on Earth and certainly a must-visit tourist destination in Asia. But getting there may not be so cheap after taking into account the hotels and flights which can exhaust your wallet quickly.
Image credit: The Lost Paradise Resort
Why not visit The Lost Paradise Resort in Penang instead? It’s a Balinese-style resort that’s perfect for budget travellers who are looking to experience the ‘Land of the Gods’ as a stay here will only set you back RM135/night.
Image credit: Booking.com
Not only is a night’s stay at the resort really affordable, but it also offers patrons great sea views of Penang.
Image credit: The Lost Paradise Resort
There’s a vibrant blue pool surrounded by colourful plants, tropical trees and ornamental decorations that set the scene for you to escape your daily routine. The roof of the buildings and the carvings on the wooden doors, in particular, mimics Balinese architecture in exquisite detail.
Price per night: From RM135
Address: 262, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Telephone: 04-890 4800
The Lost Paradise Resort website | Facebook | Instagram
3. The Amanjena Resort, Melaka
Image credit: The Amanjena Resort
Melaka is arguably one of the most popular tourist spots in our country due to its diverse culture, food and heritage. But the historic southern state certainly has more to offer than just the lively Jonker Street night markets and traditional Baba Nyonya cuisine.
Image credit: The Amanjena Resort
One such place to discover is a Mediterranean-inspired staycation spot called the Amanjena Resort. Located on Jalan Pengkalan Balak, this resort promises Greek vibes for guests in Malaysia with its stunning architecture that closely mimics the cubiform houses in Santorini, Greece.
Besides being an ideal backdrop for photos, the spotless white buildings accompanied by the bright blue doors and curtains on the windows will make you feel like you’re indeed in Santorini.
Image credit: The Amanjena Resort
A stay at any resort wouldn’t be complete without a cosy room to rest in. The rooms at this resort are absolutely neat and well designed. They come with a smart TV, minibar, and standard bathroom amenities such as hair dryers among others, along with a balcony that opens out to partial sea views.
Price per night: From RM350
Address: Lot 3357, Jalan Pengkalan Balak, 78300 Masjid Tanah, Melaka
Telephone: 017-322 5055
The Amanjena Resort website | Facebook | Instagram
4. 1825 Gallery Hotel, Melaka
Image credit: 1825 Gallery Hotel
Another place in Melaka to experience Mediterranean vibes is 1825 Gallery Hotel. This very affordable hotel easily transports you to Venice, Italy, thanks to the Melaka River.
Image credit: @addyadzmi
The resort is located right next to the Melaka River, along with other buildings that are lined up in a similar fashion to those in Venice. Apart from being affordable, the rooms here are clean and cosy. The overall property is well maintained for maximum comfort too.
Image credit: 1825 Gallery Hotel
If you’d like to enjoy the fantastic view of the Melaka River, then the River Suite Rooms with their dedicated balconies would be an ideal choice. Other than that, the rooms in this hotel have basic amenities such as TV, free Wi-Fi, and even a rotary telephone, as well as a jacuzzi bathtub in selected rooms.
Price per night: From RM125
Address: 27, Jalan Bunga Raya, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
Telephone: 06-288 2868
1825 Gallery Hotel website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping, Sabah
Image credit: Alex T C Chin
Switzerland is a central European country that’s well-known for its breathtaking landscape. A close match to that in Malaysia would have to be none other than Sabah which boasts many mountainous areas, including the tallest mountain in our country.
This mountainous landscape in Sabah is also home to Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping that’s often referred to as Malaysia’s very own Switzerland by some locals. Located in Bundu Tuhan, this hidden gem is just 30 minutes away from Kundasang.
Image credit: Tuck Wai Loh
Set in a rainforest, Hounon Ridge is a lodge and a camping site with basic rooms, a shared kitchen and amazing views of Mount Kinabalu. The chilly air, foggy sky and coniferous trees in the location will make you feel like you are having a vacay in the farmhouses of the Swiss Alps.
Image credit: Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping
The rooms here start from as low as RM120 per night, which is perfect for budget or backpack travellers. There are dorm-style shared rooms and regular family-friendly ones with double beds. Selected rooms also have a balcony for guests to enjoy the magnificent sunset and sunrise over the horizon.
Price per night: From RM120
Address: Kampung Himbaan, Bundu Tuhan, 89308 Ranau, Sabah
Telephone: 013-850 6463
Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping Facebook | Instagram
6. Pangkor Laut Resort, Perak
Image credit: Sonny Shan
Listen up island hoppers, cause there’s a resort in Malaysia that looks like the Maldives – Pangkor Laut Resort in Perak. This luxury resort is situated on a privately owned island for patrons who love a staycay in the middle of the ocean.
The similarity between the two is quite impressive – the resort is even dubbed the ‘Maldives of Malaysia’ because it resembles the floating beach resorts of the island nation.
Image credit: 阿君
Of all the places listed here, this resort would be the priciest with rooms starting from RM855/night. But it’s definitely worth a visit if you have been thinking about going to the Maldives for its pristine beaches, as this will easily cost you several thousand ringgits.
It’s also a great opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Pangkor Laut Island because only a small portion of the land here is developed. The rest remains untouched, with lush greeneries and wildlife that can be spotted easily during your trip.
Image credit: Hotelbeds
The rooms at Pangkor Laut Resort have incredible ambience and utmost comfort for a satisfying solo trip or a romantic getaway with your special someone.
There is a spa, infinity pool, fitness centre, bar, restaurant, laundry service, as well as free WiFi – pretty much all you can ask for while you’re staying on an island.
Price per night: From RM855
Address: Pangkor Laut Island Pangkor Laut, 32200 Lumut, Perak
Telephone: 05-699 1100
Pangkor Laut Resort website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Sri Berkat Rest House, Selangor
Image credit: Rumah Rehat Sri Berkat
Scotland may not be one of the places Malaysians would immediately think of when planning to visit the UK. But those of you who want to get a glimpse of Scottish stone houses should definitely visit Sri Berkat Rest House on Fraser’s Hill.
Image credit: Rumah Rehat Sri Berkat
This resthouse mimics a traditional Scottish country house from top to bottom. The roof, stone brick walls, windows and plants around the house will transport you to Scotland.
Image credit: Rumah Rehat Sri Berkat
A stay at this resthouse starts from as low as RM100 per night, making it a great option for budget travellers. Basic amenities such as beds, toilets, dining area and kitchen are provided. And since the resthouse is located on a hilly landscape, it’s also suitable for those who prefer a quiet staycay.
Image credit: Rumah Rehat Sri Berkat
Price per night: From RM100
Address: Jalan Bukit Padang, Taman Fraser, 44000 Fraser’s Hill, Selangor
Telephone: 03-5513 2000
Sri Berkat Rest House website | Facebook
Hotels and homestays with overseas vibes in Malaysia
From Europe to Asia, there are more and more places to stay that have been cropping up in recent years throughout our country. They offer Malaysians a chance to experience the overseas vibes at home, and are great for travellers on a tight budget but who are still looking to have a wonderful travel experience with their loved ones.
Read more here:
- The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, a luxury spa resort in Perak
- 10 mountain resorts in Malaysia with awesome views
- Sea Horizon Resort, a cosy glamping resort in Johor
Cover image adapted from: The Chateau Spa & Organic Wellness Resort, Rumah Rehat Sri Berkat, The Lost Paradise Resort and 1825 Gallery Hotel