Have a unique holiday and book yourself a nature retreat at these 10 best treehouse hotels in Southeast Asia.
Hands up if, like us, you’re always on the hunt for new experiences. Adding to our growing list of favourite adventure vacays – this includes glamping, volcano treks and wreck diving – is treehouse living. For the city-weary, living high above the jungle is pure bliss. It’s the ultimate outdoors experience; with nothing but the sound of chirping birds and rustling leaves keeping you company, you’re free to completely connect with nature. Below, we pick out the 10 best treehouse hotels in Southeast Asia to take your holiday to new heights.
Treetop lofts, Singapore
If you’re looking for a real escape within our cityscape, your average boutique hotel ain’t the answer. We’ll let you in on one of Sentosa’s most enticing secrets: Treetop Lofts. That’s right, the “State of Fun” is home to a nature hideaway high above a forest canopy. Perched 12 metres above the ground, the two one-bedroom lofts are spacious abodes kitted out with walk-in wardrobes, outdoor terraces and luxe amenities, including a personalised butler service.
Treetop Lofts, The Western Zone of Resorts World Sentosa, e. [email protected], p. 6577 8899
Bangkok Tree House, Thailand
Smoggy air, traffic noise and busy streets are some of Bangkok’s biggest traits – it’s fair to say that the Thai city’s far from a green destination. But if you’re desperately escaping from the bustle, pack an overnight bag and head to Bangkok Tree House’s cosy nests in the sky. Mid-priced (and comfortable) rooms include the three-storey Tree-Top Nests, which features an open-air rooftop. But if you’re yearning for an adventure of sorts, literally sleep under the stars at The View with a Room or float on a bed in your very own River Nest (obviously not for the faint-hearted).
Bangkok Tree House, Bang Namphueng, Moo 1, Samut Prakarn, Greater Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand, e. [email protected]
Khaosok Tree House, Surrathani, Thailand
Wildlife is abundant at this rustic resort – don’t be surprised to find an unexpected visitor on your balcony or terrace. 19 assorted treehouses of differing sizes make up the complex. Though simple in decor, rooms are perfectly comfortable for the average traveller. If kicking back in your treehouse isn’t the only thing on your agenda, be sure to book a couple of tours, including river tubing, jungle trekking and lakeside camping.
Khaosok Tree House, 233 Moo 6, Khaosok Phanom Surrathani, 84250
Sekeping Serendah, Malaysia
Situated in the sleepy town of Serendah (an hour away from bustling Kuala Lumpur), this 10-shed forest retreat is not for fussies. Intentionally sparse and barren with plenty of natural light, the hotel is a minimalist’s dream space. These aren’t your typical wooden treehouses – the sheds, that float above the forest floor, are decked out with floor-to-ceiling windows, pristine white bedding and incorporate industrial items like netting for its modern-meets-gritty decor.
Sekeping Hotel, 67, Jln Tempinis Satu, Lucky Garden, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur 59100, Malaysia, p. +012 324 6552, e. [email protected]
Crazy House, Dalat, Vietnam
First things first, let’s start with a disclaimer: Dalat’s famed Crazy House isn’t built on a tree, it’s built within one. Resembling a bizarre Gaudi-esque fairytale treehouse, this kooky hotel is a must-visit when travelling in Vietnam. The fantastical 10-bedroom guesthouse is an exploration of surrealism (Dr. Seuss, anyone?) with its cave-like staircases and hallways, uneven windows and hidden nooks. The bizarre, topsy-turvy hotel is also open to visitors during the day, but why not just spend a night here? After all, a night’s stay starts from only $40.
Crazy House, 03 Huynh Thuc Khang Street,Ward 4,Dalat City 67000,Lam Dong, Trần Phú, Phường 4, tp. Đà Lạt, Lâm Đồng, Vietnam, p. +84 63 3822 070
Sharma Springs, Bali
Located within a valley along Ayung River, the six-storey bamboo house is part of Green Village, a community made up of 18 dramatically constructed bamboo properties. Sharma Springs is the latest addition – the jaw-dropping six-storey landmark is a forest-fantasy escape. It’s made entirely out of bamboo, and boasts custom-made furniture, four double rooms, a private pool and sunset views over the Ayung river valley and Green Village.
Sharma Springs, Green Village, Sibang Gede, Abiansemal, Badung Regency, Bali 80352, Indonesia
The Gibbon Experience, Laos
For eco-warriors, The Gibbon Experience is heaven on earth. The retreat aims to respect the Bokeo Forest by upholding sustainability – ancient trees are revered and preserved while both commercial (on farmer’s land for sustainable logging purposes) and non-commercial (restoring the National Park’s degraded parts) reforestation schemes are in place. Treehouses here are said to be the highest in the world – these include ones suspended on wires and set on wooden consoles. Pick from three packages – the classic, waterfall, or express – which include treks, and long ziplines from hill to hill.
The Gibbon Experience, Ban Houayxay, Bokeo Province, Lao P.D.R, e. [email protected]
Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort, Chiang Mai, Thailand
Don’t expect the finest luxuries at Rabeang Pasak – the treehouse resort’s charm lies in its family-owned roots and simple way of life. Six cottages and two family treehouses make up the resort. Each treehouse is different from the other; depending on your choice, its features include open-air showers, bathtubs, natural pools and rooftop private terraces. You’ll also find plenty to do here – attractions include a bat cave and the red sand desert.
Rabeang Pasak Treehouse Resort, 7 Moo 1 Pasak Ngam Village, Chiang Mai, e. [email protected]
JapaMala Resort, Tioman Island, Malaysia
A popular spot for beginner divers, the unspoiled Tioman Island is a haven for both aquatic lovers and budget travellers. But if luxury’s what you’re after, you’re in luck. Two words: JapaMala Resort. Designed and built around the island’s natural landscape, accommodation here includes treetop chalets. These “sarangs” (meaning nests, but referred to as rooms here) are perched high above the canopy and located only a short walk from the beach. Amenities include a verandah with a futon and creature comforts including a flat-screen TV, air-conditioning and a full mini-bar thoughtfully stocked with wines and bubbly.
JapaMala Resort, Tioman island, Pahang, Malaysia, e. [email protected], p. +60 321610769
Permai Rainforest Resort, Borneo, Sarawak
An eco-resort nestled in the pristine rainforest of Borneo, this one’s the ideal nature retreat for hardcore urbanites. With only 10 units (can we say exclusivity?), the treehouses are built 20 feet above ground, placing you high within the forest canopy. Air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, the leafy abodes (from $108) will have you feeling like a whole new person as you wake to nothing but chirping birds and rustling leaves.
Permai Rainforest Resort, Pantai Damai Santubong, Jalan Sultan Tengah, 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, p. +60 82 846467
