Most of us treat JB like our second home – pop over for a quick massage, feast on lok lok, then rush back before the jams hit. But just a 40-minute car ride or 50-minute train ride from JB Sentral is Kulai, a lesser-known town in Johor without the crowds and where slow living is a thing.
And if you’re looking to stay the night, check out Durian Guesthouse – a cosy kampung-style Airbnb that ticks all the boxes of a nature escape you’ve been manifesting.
The current exchange rate is RM1 = ~S$0.30 as of 20th May 2025.
This isn’t just another aesthetic Airbnb for your weekend getaway pics – Durian Guesthouse is a homestay run by a local couple who have poured their heart and soul into the place.
The space itself is an 80-year-old farmhouse that took the couple 14 months to rebuild, and now sits on a 7,000 sq ft permaculture farm, where they grow their own spices, fruits, and veggies. They also make handmade soaps for guests.
A lot of the furniture here is either made from reclaimed materials or upcycled from pre-loved pieces, so you’ll see plenty of wood and rustic touches like vintage typewriters and mismatched chairs.
Fun fact: the guesthouse bagged the Airbnb Green Stays Gold Award in 2021, which highlights sustainable local stays in Malaysia.
Spot fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables – all grown by the owners themselves – once you step in. They even turn their harvest into homemade goodies like fruit jams, dried fruit, pickles, herbal tea, and vinegar.
There’s also a community farm located about 1km away from the guesthouse, where you’ll get to be a farmer for a day. Just let the owners know in advance when booking a stay, and they’ll link you up.
Back at the guesthouse, there’s a patio with a pond where you can keep a lookout for fish swimming around, or just sit back and chill while enjoying the peace and quiet.
But keep in mind that you’ll be out and about in nature, which means getting friendly with bugs is just part of the full kampung experience. The owners don’t use pesticides either, so it’s all very au naturel. Just remember to bring some insect repellent along, and you’ll get by just fine.
As part of the homestay vibes, you’ll be staying under the same roof as the owners and their toddler daughter, so expect a warm, lived-in atmosphere instead of a sterile hotel setup. There are 4 rooms in total, with 3 open for booking.
We chose to stay in the Triple Room (from S$104/night*), which comes with a queen bed on a lower platform and a single bunk bed.
And if you’ve got a sharp eye, you might spot the aircon discreetly mounted on the wall. Yup, it works – there’s no need to worry if you’re not quite ready to go full kampung mode.
The en suite bathroom is fully equipped with modern amenities – there’s a proper toilet bowl, a shower set with a heater, and everything was clean and well-maintained. We did spot a couple of ants here and there, both in the room and the toilet. Nature has no boundaries, okay?
To be fair, the owner did give a heads up in the Airbnb listing – if you’re deathly afraid of bugs, this stay might not be for you. The 3 of us are scaredy-cats, but we needed a break from city life, so we just YOLO-ed and went. If we survived, you probably will too.
Couples can opt for the Double Room (from S$74/night*), while bigger groups or families can go for the Family Room (from S$143/night*) – it has 6 bunk beds, so confirm got space for everyone to KO after a long day.
*May vary depending on the dates and number of people.
Breakfast is included with your stay, and it’s something to look forward to.
We could hear the owners cooking breakfast bright and early in the morning – it almost felt like waking up to a hearty meal by grandma herself. The spread consisted of fried beehoon with sambal, green bean soup, and some papaya slices on the side. Nothing fancy, but delicious and nutritious.
Take note that there’s no breakfast menu – the owners whip up whatever they have, so come with an open mind.
Breakfast is served from 8.30am to 10am, but if you can’t wake up in time for it, just give the owners a heads-up to prevent food wastage.
There are also plans to launch a farm-to-table experience sometime in June 2025, with prices ranging from RM168 to RM368 (~S$50.61-S$110.86) per person. Stay tuned to Durian Guesthouse’s Facebook and Instagram for the latest details.
The next time you find yourself planning a trip to Johor, skip the city centre hustle and make your way to Kulai instead. Durian Guesthouse is a charming Airbnb that’s just waiting to be your next slow-living escape.
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Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local
Photography by Cassia Leong.
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