Roughing it out in the wilderness underneath the stars and also amongst the bugs and dirt, may be appealing to some, however, have you ever wanted to go camping but have been put off by the idea of lugging the tent to the campsite and setting it up? Maybe you’re a lot like me and think camping is a great way to connect with nature but don’t actually fancy sleeping outdoors on an uncomfortable mat?
This is why ‘glamping’ might be just the thing for you. It is the new way to camp without neglecting all the comforts of home.
Offering you the best of both worlds, glamping is a mix between staying in a hotel in a remote land and pitching up a tent in your local wooded area for a rough night. Most glamping accommodations are designed to be in harmony with the landscape, immersed in nature and all its wonders.
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To help bring Southeast Asians closer to nature, while not giving up all the creature comforts we’re used to, we look at some of the best glamping options close to home:
JapaMala Resort in Pahang
Image: JapaMala Resort, Tioman Island – credit to JapaMala Resort Facebook
Just a short flight away for most of us or even a ferry-ride away is Tioman island in Pahang, a popular destination for Southeast Asians. Nestled in that island is JapaMala Resort, a luxury glamping site.
Exchange your sleeping bags and packed sandwiches to sit back and enjoy the view from one of the many cabins in JapaMala Resort. The resort is located on a stretch of unspoiled southern coast, amidst lush rainforest teeming with wildlife.
Spend your days in wooden treetop houses perched above the canopy, as close as you can be to nature, but you also have the perks and amenities of a 5-star hotel and air conditioning.
4 Rivers Floating Lodge in Cambodia
A two-hour flight will get you to Cambodia for an environmentally friendly glamping trip on the Koh Andet Island. The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge puts you right in the centre of the natural beauty of The Cardamom Rainforest. Guests staying at the eco-lodge contribute to protecting the environment and help to improve the quality of life of the local community. The 4 Rivers Floating Lodge employs local people and initiates community projects for the surrounding area such as building infrastructure and educational facilities, producing clean water and making electricity accessible to the locals, as well as generating awareness around environmental issues.
The tented accommodation also follows the theme of being eco friendly, without compromising on luxury. Their claim to fame is having the first floating tents in the world, housing double beds, and furniture built from locally resourced materials. These are no ordinary tents, as they come with private balconies, baths and showers with running water, lighting, ceiling fan, a DVD player, TV, and a mini bar.
Guests can also connect with nature with daily picturesque sunsets, aquatic life and treks to the Tatai waterfalls and Cardomom Mountains.
Escape Nomade in Bali
On your next trip to Bali, you might want to try a glamping holiday at Escape Nomade. Experience another side of Bali with a chic glamping experience that exudes a colonial charm. Guests immerse themselves in a woodland ambience and can enjoy relaxing Balinese massages.
Primarily a designer and manufacturer of luxury tents, they also offer these tented experiences to bring you closer to nature in Bali, while also living the high life on this island paradise..
It is an almost perfect antidote to your stressful life, inclusive of a secluded picnic lunch, which unveils the river view and picturesque terraced hillside.
Bluewater Sumilon in The Philippines
Don’t forget The Philippines, which offers some of the most underrated holiday destinations in Southeast Asia. Now you can add glamping experiences as well, with Bluewater Sumilon, located on the coral island of Sumilon in Cebu province.
Get ready for beautiful pristine beaches and crystal clear waters. For those looking for an experience closer to nature, can rent glamping tents for a few nights, and each comes with comfy beds and round-the-clock electricity.
The resort offers a glamping experience seemingly made for the Instagram-generation with gorgeous sunsets and the rich island aesthetic. If you’re lucky, whale sharks can be spotted between November through May as they migrate.
Khao Sok Tree House Resort in Thailand
For an experience in the heart of a national park, there’s no better place than Khao Sok Tree House Resort in Thailand. Located inside the national park of the same name, this glamping site consists of 19 tree houses connected by walkways built with locally sourced materials. Located high above ground, it helps eliminate the issue with mosquitos and most pests.
Because it’s within the national park, there are amazing excursions available such as canoeing, elephant watching and jungle trekking. The glamping compound also has a cascading-water swimming pool, so the fun doesn’t end when you get back.
Each room is surrounded by nature and not many other glamping sites offer such an intense nature experience, while ensuring you have the creature comforts of a hotel stay as well.
READ MORE: Start your Thailand travel journey with our Thailand travel guide
Why should you choose glamping?
Well, besides the hefty price tag for glamping, the accommodations, the services, and the unique experiences offer something truly magical.
Glamping offers those who prefer luxury, the opportunity to experience the charm of camping without the inconvenience. Now you can be at one with nature, go to isolated places and observe the wildlife in comfort.
One of the best parts, is that you completely avoid the stress and hassle of setting up camp. With all the pros and very few cons, glamping is definitely something that you should try out.
