This article first appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, on December 17, 2015.

Have you ever been in awe when looking a photograph of a holiday destination only to be pleasantly surprised to learn that the venue is right here in Malaysia? When planning a holiday, more often than not, it is common to look at options outside one’s home country but our very own country has a lot to offer as a holiday destination. With a list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites — Penang, Melaka and Lenggong Valley in Perak, just to name a few — lush rainforests, bustling cities and pristine beaches, all in a melting pot of cultures, your next best getaway could be a lot closer to home than you think.

If you are contemplating a quick local getaway, here are some options you can consider.

Perlis

Tasoh Lake Resort and Retreat

www.tasohlakeresort.com

If you find yourself venturing up north of the peninsula, this ecotourism-based retreat situated at the Timah Tasoh dam boasts a panoramic view of Timah Tasoh Lake, Nakawan Range, Cabang Hill and Manik Hill. Apart from rooms, the accommodation choices also include apartments, semi-detached houses and bungalows for larger groups.

Kedah

Temple Tree at Bon Ton

www.templetree.com.my

Experience Langkawi island, the gem of Kedah, in the private setting of this 8 villa hotel that can be rented as one or as individual hotel rooms. Each building is a family home of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Eurasian origin with 70 to 110 years of history. A percentage of all profits go to the Langkawi Animal Shelter & Sanctuary Foundation, a project run by the owner of the resort.

Penang

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

www.cheongfatttzemansion.com

Also known as the Blue Mansion for its striking blue exterior, this boutique mansion that is more than a century old is named after its first owner a businessman and a politician. Be transformed into the 19th century era that he lived in and built the mansion with the 18 rooms are each individually themed from period furniture, precious heirlooms and antiques.

Perak

Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat

www.thebanjaran.com

This holistic wellness sanctuary is situated near Ipoh amid 260 million-year-old towering Paleozoic limestone hills, verdant rainforest, and cascading waterfalls. Enjoy the natural jacuzzi-style geothermal hot springs dipping pools, thermal steam cave, ice bath and meditation cave for a rejuvenating experience.

Selangor

The Villa at Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa

Unwind in the private villas with a private infinity-edge plunge pool and outdoor terrace each. It is easy to forget that you are still in the city. Despite its location in the concrete jungle of Bandar Sunway, The Villa is a haven, enclosed within a high stonewall and flourishing foliage of the tropical gardens around it.

Kuala Lumpur

Sekeping Terasek

www.sekeping.com/terasek

Located close to the heart of the city, this retreat offers the opportunity to see Kuala Lumpur from a different perspective. Nestled within the greenery is an industrial-minimalist themed accommodation that offers the best of both worlds — an escape from city traffic and into tranquillity while being strategically situated in the middle of Bangsar, should you decide to explore the city.

Negeri Sembilan

The Shorea

www.theshorea.com

For a forest getaway, head to the secluded villas set on natural terrains, with meandering paths leading down to a jungle stream, all within the 1,618.74ha of Berembun Forest Reserve. The resort is constructed using mainly the shorea timber species which is sourced locally. Other activities that can be done in the surrounding area are nature walks or jungle trekking to the waterfall.

Melaka

The Majestic

www.majesticmalacca.com

The main building of The Majestic maintains the original porcelain flooring, teakwood fittings, intricate artwork and antiques of the colonial mansion that dates back to the 1920s. Located in the centre of the historical city and nearby tourist attractions, the hotel’s restaurant also serves Peranakan cuisine should you choose to dine in the hotel.  

Johor

Anugraha Boutique Hotel at Pulai Springs Resort

www.pulaisprings.com

Escape to the traditional rustic wooden fittings in the tropical resort-style boutique hotel surrounded by lush greenery. Golfers can enjoy the 18-hole USGA championship golf course, Pulai Course and Melana Course with special golf rates for guests.

Kelantan

Villa Danialla Beach Resort

www.facebook.com/Villadanialla

For a quiet and relaxing holiday, escape to this resort by the beach at Bachok, Kelantan. You can discover the wonders of the Stong Waterfall and the rejuvenating powers of the La Hot Springs or idle time away by the beach. Choose from the selection of wooden chalets, traditional Malay long house-style villa or Balinese tree house style villa.

Pahang

Ye Olde Smokehouse

www.thesmokehouse.my

16 individually furnished suites or rooms and English restaurant and bar with a real fireplace. Experience the charm of English countryside and its architecture in the cool climate and tranquillity of Fraser’s Hill.

Terengganu

Tanjung Jara Resort

www.tanjongjararesort.com

The 99-room resort is designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of the 17th century Malay palaces. Pamper yourself in the Spa Village, a complex of structures, gardens and pools that also houses a therapy centre offering programs for relaxation, reinvigoration and stress relief based on traditional healing methods.