These 10 resorts, conveniently located in Southeast Asia makes for a quick getaway with the family that’s not only super fun, it’s educational too.
From nature trails to conservation efforts, these resorts have it all and a whole host of interesting experiences just waiting for your family to uncover.
Text: Atika Lim
What: Five minutes away from Gunung Mulu National Park, the luxurious Mulu Marriott Resort and Spa in Sarawak, Malaysia is equal parts enchanting and relaxing.
Guests get to stay in ethnic longhouses that feature an outdoor pool or a private balcony. You and your family can watch exotic birds and other animals in their natural habitats.
There’s also the world famous Mulu Caves , where you and your loved ones can go long boating and trekking in.
The resort also has an evening boat ride where you can enjoy fascinating views of the Mulu Mountains.
What: With adventure packages like forest walks, night treks, fishing and so much more, the Belum Rainforest Resort in Perak is a nature lover’s dream.
Besides fun activities, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for exotic birds and plants as well as Malaysian tigers, Asian elephants and tapirs that can sometimes be spotted in the Belum-Temenggor Rainforest.
Visit: www.belumresort.com
What: Who wouldn’t love a resort with a name like Elephant Hills? Set in the tropical forests of Khao Lak, this luxury jungle camp site gives you a chance to get up close with Asian elephants on site.
Due to ethical reasons however, these elephants are not for you to ride on but instead to feed, wash and interact with. We’re sure your kids will love getting to see these gentle giants up close and learn a thing or two about respecting nature at the same time.
Visit: www.elephanthills.com
What: It’s located just minutes away from the entrance of Khao Sok National Park but already, you can hear the calls of gibbons and birds waking you up from the Thanyamundra Resort.
The cozy resort features nine suites that are built into two teak villas. Your suite also comes with a personal butler that’s there for you 24 hours a day. While there, take your family out to explore the national park and take in the sights of majestic limestone karst. We guarantee it’ll be majestic.
Visit: www.thanyamundra.com
What: Designed by world famous architect, Jean Michel Gathy, the Malikha Lodge in Myanmar creates the feeling of luxury amidst a wilderness setting.
With activities like river diving, mountain biking and whitewater rafting, you’ll love the multitude of nature-style activities that you and your family can get involved in.
There are also day trips where you can explore dense forestations and meet with the tribes that live in these forests.
What: Perched atop a volcanic peak, the Popa Mountain Resort offers a truly unique experience with unparalleled views of the mountains and valleys that are nearby.
The resort is an hour away from the city of Bagan and guests can take a tour of the resort’s organic farms. Other nature activities include horse riding and trekking.
What: A resort and spa in Ubud, Bali, Anahata is a retreat for the mind, soul and body. Besides being deep in in the forest, the resort has gorgeous plunge pools where you can soak in the sights of nature.
You’ll also get a chance to mountain bike and trek through plenty of nature reserves like the Monkey Forest.
Visit: www.anahataresort.com
What: Located on the side of a lush green hill in Ubud, the Nandini Bali has 18 thatched huts and a rainforest spa. While there, you’ll get to see plenty of jungle monkeys while swimming in a pool suspended 15 metres above a green canyon.
As always, there are a series of rainforest activities you can check out while you’re there like trekking and mountain biking.
Visit: www.nandinibali.com
What: Surrounded by lush beaches and tropical forests, the Secret Paradise Resort and Turtle Sanctuary is perfect for a family holiday. Besides learning more about the turtles that inhabit the sea there, you’ll also get a chance to snorkel and get up close with other marine animals there.
There are also two national parks near the resort allowing you the chance to explore and really learn more about nature.
Visit: www.secretparadiseresort.com
What: Perhaps the most interesting of all resorts, the Panglao Island Nature Resort and Spa has heaps of activities for families to enjoy. From dolphin watching tours to snorkeling and line fishing, there’s just so many opportunities for families to share experiences and learn a thing or two about nature.
VIsit: www.panglaoisland.com