Family getaways that are home-away-from-home
Source: @leonjakelim
Unlike regular staycations, family getaways have requirements – enough rooms or beds to comfortably fit the family, the accommodation shouldn’t look too romantic lest the children feel icky, and interesting activities should be plenty enough to keep the whole family occupied for days.
Thankfully, homestays are scattered all over the country, offering a plethora of unique features – some stand tall above water, some are treehouses and others have a pool inside the accommodation itself! Here are 11 homestays perfect for a Malaysian family getaway!
1. Sekinchan Container Hotel
Source: @gbspanda
Situated just opposite a paddy field, this combination of bright red freight containers is part of the FarmVille Cafe and Homestay. The tranquil countryside hotel in Selangor is perfect for families seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Each room is a modern design, exuding a familiar cosiness. And though not spacious, the family suite fits a family of 4. Those who feel mendak easily can head up to the rooftop for a mini golf course match while watching the sunset against the backdrop of a paddy field.
Rates: From RM98
Address: FarmVille Cafe & Homestay. Lot 11304, Jalan Tepi Sawah, Kampung Site B Tambahan, 45400 Sekinchan, Selangor, Malaysia
How to get there: Either drive there or you can catch a bus to Sekinchan from Pudu Sentral located in the heart of KL near petaling street. Buy a ticket from counter KT40.
Website
2. Secret Penang Spice
A beautiful preservation and renovation of Straits architecture, this boutique bed and breakfast homestay in George Town gives you a taste of history. Most of the original structure of the 4 townhouses were retained and restored, with modern elements added to provide a contemporary touch.
Upon entering, you’ll be captivated by the Bodhi tree that hugs and lines the wall. Rooms accommodate two to four people, and named after various spices such as clove, cumin and paprika. Rather than just being a place to rest, this hotel is part of heritage, for families interested in a culture tour of Penang.
Source: @ajimashaary
Rates: From RM600 for a family suite
Address: No.5 Lorong Lumut, 10200, George Town, Penang, Malaysia
How to get there: You can walk there from the Bus Terminal Komtar. Walk along Jalan Penang and turn left onto Jalan Magazine at the junction and keep walking straight, past the TGV cinema. Turn left at first avenue mall onto Lebuh Macnair. Turn right onto Lebuh Acheh and right again at Bayleaf india onto Lorong Lumat.
Website
3. China Tiger Studio Apartment
This colourful home away from home is located within a historic art-deco era building on China Street, one of the oldest streets in Georgetown. The two-story loft is designed for an open-spaced layout, with an eclectic mix of old school wooden furnitures and bright, patterned colours. Vivid prints and asian artworks adorn the walls, adding life to the room – a personal touch by the artist owners.
The best part – other than free WI-FI – is the well-stocked pantry, with its bread, granola, yogurt, and juices. Perfect for families or a group of friends, this funky, vintage-styled, livable apartment looks exactly like it was furnished by a family of interior designers.
Rates: From RM500
Address: 29 China Street, 10200 George Town, Penang.
How to get there: Click here to find out
Website
4. Terra Tree House
Source: @m.o.l.e.y
Childhood fantasies of living in a treehouse never expire – these 6 houses built from bamboo and Nipah palm leaves offer a safe haven for those wishing for an exciting break to enjoy nature, fresh air, and peace. While there are no WI-FI or cell service, outdoor activities for you to engage in are plenty – visit the farm, walk through the hiking trail or relax on one of the swings.
This truly is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be immersed in nature and leave all your real world problems at the door. Do note that you’ll be meeting the hosts near Copthorne Hotel at Brinchang to be picked up by a 4-wheel-drive before heading to Terra Tree House.
Source: @edenteee
Source: @travin
Rates: From RM360
Address: Jalan Sungai Mansion, Brinchang, Pahang, Cameron Highlands
How to get there: You can get to Cameron either by bus or by car. A shuttle van transfer is also available from Georgetown, Swiss Inn in KL, and Taman Negara-pick up at Kuala Tembeling Jetty. Your best bet of getting to Copthorne Hotel is by car.
Website
5. The Happy 8 Kuala Sepetang
Located right by the riverbank, Happy 8 stands out at 4 storeys high amongst low rise houses and fishing boats moored next to it. While it may seem odd that the entrance is via a fish dealer’s warehouse, this heritage and cultural hotel is anything but dodgy. Made using local building resources, each piece of decor is actually painstakingly handcrafted.
Rooms are designed to feel as though you are at sea, each having their own theme and mural. Imagine sleeping on a boat, or waking up to a mural that portrays underwater life!
Rates: From RM140
Address: No.46, Jalan Market, Ipoh, Perak. Malaysia
How to get there: It takes about an hour 15 minutes to get to The Happy 8 from Penang International Aiport by car. There’s an airport transfer you can board for RM150.
Website
6. Sekeping Tenggiri in Bangsar
Upon first impression, Sekeping Tenggiri looks like a modern house stagnated in the final stages of construction, with its skeletal roof and lack of walls. However, the swimming pool and sleek furnishings contrast this illusion. Also, the timber accents, glass and lack of walls allow for abundant amount of natural light to flood in, complementing its simple and rustic charm.
Rates: From RM220
Address: No. 48, Off Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Tenggiri, 59100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How to get there: Take the KLIA train to KL sentral and then change to the Putra LRT and alight at Bangsar station. It is a 20-minute walk from there. Alternatively, take a cab from the airport.
Website
7. Templer Park Rainforest Retreat @ Selangor
A short 30-minute drive from KL leads you to Templer Park Rainforest Retreat, a homestay to chill, destress, and recharge in. WI-FI and internet services are available despite its remoteness but what makes Templer Park the perfect homestay is the huge amount of space, spectacular view of the mountains, the fishing pond, as well as the BBQ set and hammocks that are all set up.
Spend the day reliving your childhood by playing with the variety of games provided – water guns, dart boards, jump ropes, and more. Some natural landmarks in the vicinity worth visiting include Kanching Falls, Batu Caves and Selayang Hot Springs. Accommodating up to 16 people, Templer Park Rainforest Retreat is the perfect place to reconnect with extended family.
Source: @aimiemyzura
Rates:
Sun – Thurs, from RM700/night for first 4 guest.
Fri – Sat, from RM1200/night for first 4 guest.
Subsequently, additional RM150 per guest.
Address: No 23, Jalan 3/2, Templer Heights, Templer Park, Rawang
How to get there: Your best bet would be to drive up or take a cab. Once you reach Templer Park, keep left and follow the signs for Taman Riba templer.
Website
8. Container Hotel
Providing a unique, yet affordable accommodation, the Container Hotel allows you to rejuvenate from the city’s hectic life. The modern architecture promotes sustainability – it’s built from renewable freight containers. Families can choose to book the Container Deluxe Room or Container Suite, where there is a private bathroom.
The cozy cabana room (Camp Site room) has a pretty makeshift tent that’ll identify well with children and the capsule room will appeal to romantic couples with a penchant for tight spaces. Careful attention to detail is given, with the compound displaying artistry in its architectural design – the building is built from different materials like metal, wood, concrete and glass!
Rates: From RM120
Address: 1, Jalan Delima 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
How to get there: You can take the Skybus to KL Sentral, and then change the monorail to Bukit Bintang Station. Alternatively, if you are coming from the TBS Bus terminal, you can take the train from Bandar Tasik Selatan Station to Bukit Bintang Station. From there, it is a 20-minute walk.
Website
9. The Loft
Experience living in an authentic 1973 three-storey pre-war apartment, which still retains it’s british charm. Despite the modern amenities, this place is furnished with vintage East Asian decor, retaining the old world charm amidst the contemporary furniture.
This european-style home is just 5 minutes away from the main attractions such as Jonker Walk, St Paul’s Hill, and Chinatown and is a good change of environment for families who are cemented in urbanity.
Rates: From RM380
Address: 13, Jalan Bunga Raya 75200 Melaka
How to get there: You may take bus 17 and alight at Dutch Square. From there, turn right along Jalan Laksamana and walk along the path of the red buildings. Keep walking past St. Francis Xavier and turn left onto Jalan Bunga Raya. Cross over at discovery cafe and keep walking down for another 2 minutes.
Website
10. Rimba Mac Villa Melaka Retreat Guesthouse
Other than The Loft, Jonker Street is a short distance – a 10-minute drive – to a resort-like escapade, Rimba Mac Villa Melaka Retreat Guesthouse. With wood panels, white linen sheets and abundant amounts of natural light, you will immediately feel at home in this retreat guesthouse – it is after all, an actual bungalow converted into a guesthouse.
A large garden and a swimming pool is part of Rimba Mac Villa, which spells for a perfect family fun. If you plan on driving, the carpark allows for two vehicles – which means your extended family can enjoy the accommodation too! With 4 large bedrooms, modern furnishings, and plenty of space, this homestay can be a space for family gatherings and celebrations!
Rates: From RM850
Address: Taman Ayer Leleh Permai,, 75050 Melaka, Malaysia
Website
11. Avillion Port Dickson
Source: @jedtheoptimist
In this private retreat, you get to live in a modern-day luxury kelong – an accommodation with full hotel facilities that’s standing above water. The rooms are kept simple and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows and wooden furniture, making the room bright and airy. For larger families, opt for the villa which comes with a private jacuzzi.
There are attractions for both kids and adults to enjoy, such as an orchid enclosure, spice farm, petting zoo, swimming pools, and more. Alternatively, relax and dine at one of the eight restaurants after a long day, or enjoy the Straits of Melaka’s stunning sunset with loved ones.
Rates: From RM1000
Address: 3rd Mile, Jalan Pantai, 71000 Port Dickson,Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
How to get there: From the town centre, the fastest way to get there would be by car.
Website
Homestays for every family requirement
Family getaways often require a tedious amount of planning to ensure everything goes smoothly – especially true when toddlers are part of the family. Whether the getaway is a reward for the over-achieving kids, mom’s birthday celebration, or wedding anniversary, these 11 homestays offer conditions that appeal to any family with a specific requirement.