Imagine waking to lush Balinese greenery after a good night’s sleep on a luxurious bed, set in a giant teepee. Or having a foot massage in a treehouse after bamboo rafting in the Borneo rainforest.
Glamourous camping “glamping” is essentially outdoor camping, levelled up. It gives you the unique opportunity to be one with nature, sans tent-pitching, river baths and trudging in ankle-high mud while desperately swotting insects away from your sunburnt face.
We have uncovered six exotic glampsites in Southeast Asia for a secluded getaway, swopping our concrete jungle for an actual one without compromising an ounce of comfort. Perfect for us city dwellers who could really use a nature-meets-luxury respite – no camping gear is necessary, all you need to do is show up with a luggage in hand.
1. Sandat Glamping Tents (Bali, Indonesia)
Photo: sandat glamping tents
While Bali is known for its stunning beaches and private villas, it also boasts a luxurious gem of a glampsite in Ubud. In the middle of vast paddy fields are safari-style tents, each with its own pool and a terrace that oversees the pristine forest. WiFi, room service and a flat-screen TV are available to satisfy your modern needs while you embrace the great outdoors.
Mount Batur, Ubud Market and the Monkey Cave are popular attractions nearby. Scale the active Batur volcano to catch the phenomenal sunrise, and then head back your glampsite for a rewarding soak in your private pool.
Sandat Glamping Tents
Jalan Subak Sala Pejang Kawan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia 80571
(website)
2. Permai Rainforest Resort (Sarawak, Malaysia)
Photo: permai rainforest resort
This private, eco-resort tucked away in the Borneo rainforest makes for a relaxing jungle experience. Each treehouse here is three storeys above the ground, nestled among the dense forest canopy. An extensive list of activities from nature walks, dolphin watching, coastal kayaking to a high ropes obstacle course are available all day – there is something for everyone here. Watch the sunset from your bed, and wake up to the murmurs of jungle wildlife around you. Note that each treehouse only accommodates two so if you are travelling with family or friends, opt for the fully air-conditioned ground cabins instead.
Permai Rainforest Resort
Pantai Damai Santubong, Jalan Sultan Tengah, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia
(website)
3. 4 Rivers Floating Lodge (Cambodia)
Photo: internationaltravellermag
Here, you live in a floating villa that hovers above the Tatai river. You are in the middle of nowhere, and your view is a seemingly endless blanket of calm waters stretching into the far horizon. The Cardamom Mountains, home to Indochinese tigers and Javan rhinos, makes for a pretty impressive backdrop. Activities range from snapper fishing to a scenic kayak down the river. There are also daily jungle tours for wildlife enthusiasts. As with most remote resorts, this place is highly secluded and only accessible via boat from Tatai Village, but we reckon this near-nirvana experience is worth all the travelling.
4 Rivers Floating Lodge
Koh Andet Island, Tatai, Cambodia
(website)
4. The Canopi (Bintan Island, Indonesia)
Photo: The Canopi, ourhappylittlesuns
The Canopi is Singapore’s answer to the worldwide glamping phenomena. Geographically speaking, it is not exactly in Singapore, but the mere 50-minute boat ride almost feels like we never left home. The close proximity makes this resort the most convenient glampsite for a quick weekend getaway. The cozy, island-themed tents here are spacious and equipped with an LCD TV, a four-poster bed and yes – powerful A/C. Loan a segway to explore the resort, or try you hand at water sports in the Crystal Lagoon – the largest man-made lagoon with aqua blue waters. Extra amenities include a BBQ pit and outdoor jacuzzis for selected tents.
The Canopi
Treasure Bay Bintan, Jln Raya Haji, (Right Beside Bintan Resorts Ferry Terminal)
Lagoi, Riau, Indonesia 29152
(website)
5. Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle (Chiang Rai, Thailand)
Photo: theroadlestravelled
Bangkok will always hold an irreplaceable place in our hearts, but the highly remote Four Seasons Tented Camp in lesser known Chiang Rai offers the complete Jungle Book experience. Within the lush estate that overlooks Myanmar and Laos is an elephant camp for you to interact with the rescued giants. This treetop resort perched high up in the Northern Thai wilderness balances out its nature offering with lush amenities, from fine dining under the stars to a pool overlooking the river.
Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle
Chiang Saen Post Office, Chiang Saen 57150, Thailand
(website)
6. Sang Giri Mountain Tent Resort (Bali, Indonesia)
Photo: sang giri mountain tent resort
You will literally have your head in the clouds at this tent resort sitting high up in the Jatiluwih Mountain. Each tent is fitted with a private terrace offering panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding forests. Adventure seekers will enjoy mountain biking and white water rafting; or you could always chill in your open terrace and take in the immaculate sunset. If this is camping, let us camp always.
Sang Giri Mountain Tent Resort
Jatiluwih Kangin, Penebel, Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia 82152
(website)
