These secluded forest and jungle resorts in South East Asia provide the perfect escape from city life and are great alternatives to beach vacations.
Rainforest resorts, lush greenery and exotic jungle scenery – just the idea of losing ourselves in a hidden nature retreat is enough to trigger a serious case of wanderlust. Here’s something new to add to your travel bucket list: These rainforest resorts are great alternatives to beach vacations; and they’re in some of the region’s most serene spots, far from the hustle and bustle of city life. From affordable chalets with barbecue facilities to luxurious multi-storeyed villas, we bring you eight of the best jungle retreats scattered (or rather, hidden) across South East Asia.
Pssst, if you’d like to spend time getting even closer to nature, check out our guide to nature holidays where you can experience exotic animals in the wild.
Rain Forest Resort, Phitsanulok
Nature and culture come hand in hand at this resort (pictured top) as its forest location is a great base to visit nearby World Heritage sites including Sukhothai and Sri Satchanalai Historical Parks – and it’s just minutes away from the spectacular Kangsong Waterfall. The resort is also home to an organic farm, and impressive four-level, tree-house style restaurant that serves regional specialties including freshwater fish and locally grown coffee. Our hot tip: the superior family cottage is great value for larger families and is equipped with two bathrooms and a private verandah overlooking the waterfall.
Rain Forest Resort, Wang Thong District, Phitsanulok, Thailand
Anahata Villa and Spa Resort, Bali
This premier luxe villa is located in the luscious, pristine greenery of Ubud and is a hot spot for couples and families looking for total relaxation. For the fam, the Family Holiday Package (maximum five people) offers a three-day sanctuary at its three-storeyed villa with three bedrooms, a living room, dining room and kitchenette for you to cook up a storm with all that fresh Balinese produce. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and there’s even a great private plunge pool for your kids to wade around and beautiful gardens to explore.
Anahata Villa and Spa Resort, Br Umah Anyar, Pejeng kaja Tampak Siring, Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa
A truly luxe experience awaits you at this calm oasis surrounded by rice terraces and banana groves. Stay in either the Jungle View Villa or Sunrise Villa. Constructed from natural materials, the villas are landscaped into the hillside and offer comfortable furnishings, air-conditioning and wireless internet. We also suggest dipping in the incredible hillside pool (oh yes), going on a village tour to observe authentic Javanese culture or exploring the monkey forest.
Nandini Bali Jungle Resort and Spa, Br. Susut, Buahan – Payangan, Ubud, Bali 80572, Indonesia
Elephant Hills, Khao Lak
Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp (check out our guide to glamping) offers you a safari experience (without the crazy expensive flight tickets) in the steaming tropical rainforests of Thailand. Go on two to four day adventures in the jungle; canoe down a river, explore mangrove swamps teeming with wildlife and explore the rainforests before returning to your luxe abodes – tailor-made tents equipped with all the creature comforts. The best part? Elephant Hills really cares and respects for its 11 elephants (no riding on them here!) and places great emphasis on recycling and resource-saving.
Elephant Hills, 170 Moo 7 Tambon Klong Sok, Panom District, Suratthani 84250 Thailand
Dusuntara Jungle Retreat
This resort’s motto is “rejuvenate, recharge, rediscover” for good reason. Located less than an hour from the buzzing city of Kuala Lumpur, this affordable jungle retreat sits quietly amongst the lush foliage of Batang Kali. Choose from two rustic air-conditioned chalets which can accommodate between five to seven people. Spend the day fishing in the lakes, wading around in the salt water pool and jacuzzi or have a barbie at the self-bbq and cooking facilities (go ahead and request for your choice of marinated meats – the staff will have it specially prepared). For an excursion, pack your bags and have the kids strap on their explorer boots; there are waterfalls, hot springs and trails to trek.
Dusuntara Jungle Retreat, No.1 Dusun Drive, Batang Kali Estate | Kg. Sungei Kamin, Batang Kali 48300, Malaysia
The Rainforest Eco Lodge, Sri Lanka
Okay, so this isn’t exactly located in South East Asia (it’s along the border though!) but this lodge is a great nature getaway to replenish your city-worn spirits. And it’s located in one of the world’s most precious places – the Sinharaja Rainforest is Sri Lanka’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage site and is rich with flora and fauna. Kick back in any of the 16 comfortable chalets constructed from recycled shipping containers. Perched on stilts above a tea plantation, these chalets are great for smaller families and house a bedroom, washroom, living room and private deck. Picture waking up to a symphony of birds chirping in the morning and stepping out on the private deck with the kids to catch the sun rising above the forest canopy. Sheer bliss.
The Rainfoest Eco Lodge, Enselwatte, Viharahena, Sinharaja Rainforest, Deniyaya, Sri Lanka, e. [email protected]
Permai Rainforest Resort, Borneo
An eco-resort nestled in the pristine rainforest of Borneo, this is the ultimate nature retreat for hardcore urbanites and kids raised in the city. With only 10 units (how’s that for a real escape from Singapore city life), the Treehouses are built 20 feet above ground, placing you high within the forest canopy. Air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, the leafy abodes will have you feeling like a whole new person as you wake to nothing but chirping birds and crashing waves.
Permai Rainforest Resort, Pantai Damai Santubong, Jalan Sultan Tengah, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
The Shorea Seremban, Berembun
Built within a tropical nature reserve, The Shorea’s secluded villas are a big hit with families and big groups. They’re each extremely spacious and offer magnificent views of the verdant greenery, mountainous region and gorgeous salt water infinity pool. For a trip with the hubby, the smaller Villa Kemboja is situated high above the resort and provides spectacular views and privacy. For families with kids, Villa Shorea is double-storeyed and equipped with two bedrooms and bathrooms and direct pool access. A perfect luxe getaway without scrimping on everyday comfort.
The Shorea Seremban, Kampung Kolam Air, Mukim Pantai, Jalan Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan Malaysia, 71770