Ever gotten so inspired by ‘Tarzan and Jane’ and ‘George in the Jungle’ when you were much younger, that all you wanted to do was strip to your bare minimums and swing on the hammock extended from your personal treehouse? Well, at some point of time, we all had that as our childhood dreams.
While you let that dream fades back into time and be disappointed, take a look at these beautiful tree houses around Southeast Asia where you can let your dream become a reality over the weekends.
Bangkok Tree House Hotel, Samut Prakarn, Thailand
Think: Opportunity to connect with nature and provide an escape from the bustling heart of the city.
This environmentally friendly and uniquely designed hotel is only accessible by foot or boat. There are 11 cosy nests with picturesque view over the river, outdoor showers, and natural pond; a haven for nature lovers. One of the room options includes an open air bedroom, romantically surrounded by palm trees swaying with the rhythm of breezes, raised on a bamboo platform; you can fall asleep under the guardian stars. To cater to different preferences, you can choose from Treetop nest, Bee Hive, View with a Room, Family Nest, or River Nest (depending on tidal season).
Sovena Kiri Resort, Ko Kood, Thailand
On this 150 acres of beach and tropical rainforest where hues of blues meet the shades of greens, a dream destination for eco-friendlies. Featuring 42 resort villas and 21 private residences, the main attraction of this resort located in the remote Thai island of Kood is its dining experience. Though not all rooms are perched on a tree, you will be overwhelmed with a meal 16 ft off the ground, with a flying waiter serving all your food via a zip line.
The Gibbon Experience in the Jungle of Bokeo, Bokeo Province, Laos
A forest enclave hidden in Bokeo province of Northern Laos, this conservation project aims to preserve the Nature Reserve and protect its inhabitants. Guests live and sleep in the jungle canopy, only accessible by a network of zip lines; and wake up to the deep forest mist.
Though food and accommodation facilities are basic, you will be awed by the wonders of the nature - the wildlife and serenity as you gaze out from your cabin.
Laiya Coco Grove Resort, Batangas, the Philippines
Located in the municipality of San Juan, Sigayan Bay has 6 kilometres of beach and water frontage with preserved mangroves. Each tree house is unique with its own character, having varying designs that are dependent on the host tree. While you seek shady refuge in your covered patio, you can gaze out to the sandy beach against the mighty mountains while you drift in and out of your siesta.
Hang Nga’s Treehouse hotel, Da Lat, Vietnam
Also known as Crazy House, the Hang Nga’s Guesthouse was opened in 1990 in Da Lat - the brainchild of architect Dang Viet Nga. Unlike the usual tree houses that sit on trees, this tree house is literally a house in the tree. Its uneven windows and tunnel shaped stairways has it crowned the ‘fairytale house’. There are 10 themed guest rooms such as Tiger Room, Eagle Room, Kangaroo Room, Ant Room, each with matching handicrafted furniture.
Not only an accommodation choice, there’s also a museum for visitors price at VND 200,000.
Sekeping Serendah, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tucked away in the lush rainforests 45 minutes outside of Kuala Lumpur, you will experience the meet between nature and modern architecture; finding peace and tranquility. The sheds are of open concept yet promising privacy between each shed. The different accommodation types - Glass Shed, Mud Shed, Warehouse, Timbre House - are suitable for big group gatherings, family getaways, or even romantic staycation. Be sure to book in advance, especially during the weekends.
Like any other tree houses, you will get to see all types of wildlife and insects. Also, check out Serendah Waterfall that is located near Sekeping Serendah. This is not a mere getaway that will rejuvenate nature lovers, but also an inspiration for interior designers.
Bunga Raya Hotel, Sabah, Malaysia
A secluded island enclave of simple luxury, the timbered resort is situated on a obscured bay with white sand beach on one side and century-old virgin jungle on the other.
Reflecting the traditional simplicity of Borneo architecture, each villa is handcrafted by local tradesmen with locally source materials from the natural environment, accommodating the comforts and needs of all travellers. Your jungle hideaway experience is completed with an intimate outdoor jacuzzi and private jungle plunge pool.
Nature’s Lodge Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri, Cambodia
Sitting atop the hillside overlooking the immense jungle, Nature’s Lodge offers 30 solid wood bungalows, boasting a balcony platform for communal dining and outdoor hammocks. Submerged in the natural land of finest views and misty hills of Mondulkiri highlands, you can spot Cambodia’s wildlife while sipping on local Mondulkiri coffee. Did I mention the romantic sunset scene?
Sharma Springs @ Green Village Bali, Ubud, Indonesia
You’ll be willingly trapped in this myriad of bamboos and begging not to leave after. 6 storey structure designed by architect Elora Hardy is made almost entirely of bamboo accompanied by furnitures made out of bamboos to complement the atmosphere, and houses a library and spa.
Set within a valley along the sacred Ayung River, this eco initiative blends in with its surrounding, not a blatant luxurious place in the Balinese village. Here, you can practise yoga with the morning sun.
Panchoran Retreat, Bali, Indonesia
A soothing sanctuary, a basic haven that relaxes your mind while you communicate with the nature. In Panchoran Retreat, there are 6 well spaced out forest retreats - Waterfall House, River House, Modern Waterfall House, Coconut House, Bamboo Garden House - made from recycled and sustainable materials, blurring the dichotomy between the natural exterior and man-made interior. Other zen-mode activities that you can indulge in are Yoga at the Pavilion and Bamboo Meditation.
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