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8 Beautiful Riverside Accommodations In Malaysia For A Refreshing Nature Retreat

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Atiqah Mokhtar •  Jul 05, 2020

[Updated 25 July 2021]

There are many nature getaways in Malaysia such as Janda Baik, Hulu Langat and others where cool streams and rivers run through lush forest settings. Many of us love having a nature retreat in Malaysia, and it's even better when the accommodation we stay at has access to wonderful rivers that we can take a dip in! If you're looking for your next getaway, we've rounded up some beautiful riverside homestays and accommodations in Malaysia that are calling your name.

1. Tanah Larwina Retreat (Hulu Langat, Selangor)

Credit: Tanah Larwina on Airbnb

Located in Hulu Langat, Tanah Larwina offers a retreat within a tranquil setting that's as beautiful as it is conveniently accessible from the city. This lodge sits on a 3-acre piece of land, complete with a running stream nearby, an orchard and even a collection of farm animals! Tanah Larwina can accommodate groups of 8 (at the main lodge) all the way up to 16 (with additional pods and rooms that can cater to more guests).

The main lodge (Rumah Tebing) is located on the banks of Sungai Larwin, which guests can take a dip in. Tanah Larwina comes equipped with a kitchen, barbecue facilities, outdoor picnic and dining areas, and even a campfire spot to complete the experience. You can read more about Tanah Larwina here!

Capacity: Up to 16 people

Rate: Starts at RM1,680 per night on Airbnb (for 8 people. Do note that additional charges apply for more guests).

Address: Kg Paya Lebar, Batu 23, Jalan Sg Lui, Hulu Langat, Selangor

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Airbnb

2. Chalet Latip D'Ayer Hitam (Batu Kurau, Perak)

Credit: Chalet Latip D'Ayer Hitam on Facebook

Looking for affordable accommodation by the river? Chalet Latip is calling! This resort comprising of cutely coloured chalets and cottages located in Perak sits along a flowing stream that guests are welcome to access. The accommodations range from single rooms (RM150) and Deluxe rooms (RM25) to triangular cottages with lofts that can accommodate up to 6 - 7 people.

Rate: Starts from RM150 - RM350 (depending on accommodation type)

Address: Lot 6836A, Jalan Buah Manggis, Kg Air Hitam, 34500 Batu Kurau, Negeri Perak

Contact: +605 888 0284 / +6019 752 3794 / +603 4041 9533

Website | Facebook

3. Ratu Rening (Batang Kali, Selangor)

Stay in a beautifully designed home of your choice, either by a pond or along the riverfront amidst the lush greeneries of Batang Kali! Ratu Rening is a private estate comprising two accommodations available for guests - the impressive Dusun Raja that can fit up to 20 and is built around a spring water reservoir or the smaller but no less lovely Sekebun Bunga that can fit up to 12 and sits right by Sungai Hijau.

Credit: Ratu Rening Residency on Facebook 

Besides being beautifully built and equipped with all the modern comforts you'll need (like air-conditioning!), you're bound to be swept away by the surroundings and won't want to leave! You can read more about Ratu Rening here!

Capacity: Up to 12 pax for Sekebun Bunga and up to 20 pax for Dusun Raja

Rate:Starts at RM1,667 for Sekebun Bunga, and RM2,683 for Dusun Raja

Address: Kampong Hulu Rening, 44400 Batang Kali, Selangor

Contact: +6016 207 7671

Website | Facebook| Airbnb - Sekebun Bunga, Dusun Raja

4. Charis Janda Baik Villa (Janda Baik, Pahang)

Credit: Charis Janda Baik on Facebook

Located in cooler surroundings of Janda Baik, this resort not only provides guests with access to the refreshing Chemperoh River but also beautiful villas that'll make for an excellent getaway home. Three spacious villas are available, two of which come with their own private pool! Villa 1 has 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, while Villa 2 has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms.

Credit: Charis Janda Baik on Facebook

Besides the sizeable pool, guests will no doubt admire the minimal but tasteful furnishings, and it'll be a great place to enjoy your getaway within this private setting. To note, their third villa (Villa 3) accommodates 4 people and while it doesn't have a private pool, guests would have access to a man-made pool and river which is also accessible by to the other villas.

Capacity: 7 - 8 people (depending on the villa you choose)

Rate: Starts at RM467 for Villa 3, and RM883 per night for Villa 1 and Villa 2

Address: Lot 8535 Kuala Lurah, Chemperoh, Janda Baik (195.36 mi), Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang

Contact: +6017 626 5145

Website | Facebook | Airbnb - Villa 1, Villa 2, Villa 3

5. Selarulofthouse (Serendah, Selangor)

Credit: selarulofthouse on Airbnb

Are you and your friends looking for an unforgettable trip? Maybe you're looking for some quality bonding time while disconnecting in nature? Selarulofthouse will provide just that. This hut located in the forests of Serendah is perfect for those looking for a slightly more adventurous trip.

Credit: selarulofthouse on Airbnb

A bit of hiking (guided by your host Lutfi) is needed to get there (including crossing through a stream), but you'll no doubt be charmed by the modern design of the hut with its open concept, ground-to-ceiling glass windows and amenities including a kitchen and plenty of space to chill with your buddies. The river is right nearby so that dip in the cool waters of Selaru river will be waiting! Sounds exciting? You can read more about Selarulofthouse here!

Capacity: Up to 10 pax

Rate: Starts at RM300 on Airbnb

Address: Lot 34, 48200 Serendah, Selangor

Contact: +6012 579 9904

Website | Facebook | Airbnb

6. Saujana Janda Baik (Janda Baik, Pahang)

Credit: Saujana Janda Baik on Facebook

Enjoy serene vibes when you stay at Saujana Janda Baik. Nestled along the Chemperoh river amidst trees and cosy landscaping, it'll be the escape from city life that you need. Saujana Janda Baik offers two chalets - Chemperoh Villa that can accommodate up to 20 people and Meranti Villa that can accommodate up to 10.

Credit: Saujana Janda Baik on Facebook

Don't expect super luxurious furnishing but instead, bask in a real kampung-style stay in these traditional-style wooden houses (it also makes it much more affordable too!). For Muslim visitors, it's also good to note non-halal items such as alcohol and pork are not allowed to be brought in by guests. Do note that proper cooking (i.e. with direct fire) is not allowed in the house for safety reasons, but there are barbecue facilities in a covered hut outdoors that guests can use.

Capacity: Up to 10 pax for Meranti Villa, Up to 20 pax for Chemperoh Villa

Rate: Starts at RM500 for Meranti Villa and RM880 for Chemperoh Villa, via their website

Address: Lot 8535 Kuala Lurah, Chemperoh, Janda Baik (195.36 mi), Kampung Janda Baik, Pahang

Contact: +6011 1221 4123

Website | Facebook

7. Bagas Zakariah, Gopeng

Located in the lush surrounds of Gopeng, Perak, Bagas Zakariah will be a wonderful peaceful escape. Comprising of three houses - Rumah Lenggong, Rumah Kuning and Rumah Lawan Kuda (which can each fit between 8 - 10 people), you'll have a serene getaway at this estate measuring 5 acres of land.

Rumah Kuning (named after its bright yellow exterior) is a 100-year old house that's been beautifully maintained and restored. Each of the unique kampung houses is fitted with modern amenities such as modern plumbing (with hot water!), a fully-equipped kitchen, a flat-screen TV and WiFi. Surrounding the beautiful houses are fruit trees and even a natural stream flowing through the property that you can take a dip in. Before your trip, read more about Bagas Zakariah here!

Rate: Starts from RM550 - RM850 per night on Airbnb, depending on which house you choose

Address: 65, Lot 32804, Jln Besar, Kampung Lawan Kuda, 31600 Gopeng, Negeri Perak

Contact: +6017 552 1920

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Airbnb

8. Polumpung Melangkap, Sabah

Slightly different from the accommodations we've featured in the list, this camping site still deserves to be on your radar! Situated in Kota Belud, let the sweeping view of Mount Kinabalu captivate you at Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, this place ranks high on every nature lover's list as one of the most scenic campsites in Malaysia.

If you're looking for a campsite in Sabah that strikes a balance between serene nature and traditional village, this is it. Not only does Polumpung Melangkap has a scenic view of Mount Kinabalu, but it also sits on the banks of Panataran river to add a riverside experience to your camping adventure. You can read more about Polumpung Melangkap here!

Treating yourself to a nature getaway in Malaysia helps us to disconnect and take a breather from the hustle and bustle of city life. And it's always fun to have a splash about in rivers and streams for that complete outdoor experience! Book your next retreat at one of these spots and have a relaxing vacation. For more options, check out our recommended reads below!