Ever dreamt of visiting Santorini or St. Lucia because of its breathtaking views? Scenic destinations are great vacation spots for those wanting to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. However, places like Santorini and St. Lucia can easily suck your wallet dry and you have so many factors to think about before your departure. From flight schedules and visa to transport and currency rate; there are just too many things for you to think about prior to your actual vacation dates.

Instead of pulling your hair off when planning all those things, why not just stay within the country where you can still find countless of places with insanely beautiful views. To top your trip off, it doesn’t hurt to splurge a little bit on your accommodation. Boutique hotels are your best bet when you want to stay in the right atmosphere without blowing a hole in your budget. These places are a great middle ground if you want affordable luxurious accommodation with scenic views for your next gateway.

1. Alunan Boutique Resort, Perhentian Islands

Think of all the modern mansions you would see nesting on top of the hills of Los Angeles. Those modern, luxurious, beachside houses can actually be found right here in Malaysia, specifically in Perhentian Islands. The architecture of Aluna Boutique Resort is akin to those celebrity beach side mansions in Malibu because of its clean, modern design and the ceiling to wall windows. The balconies are also equipped with faux grass where you can lounge around with your significant other or group of friends under the warm Malaysian sun or the cooling night breeze of Pulau Perhentian.

Pick between the single, double, triple, or quad-sharing Serenity Suites or the bigger Family Suite with 2 bedrooms and private rooftop sun deck. In this resort, you can do all kinds of activities on sea or land like scuba diving, snorkeling, island hopping, jungle trekking, and kayaking.

Website: alunanresort.com

2. Lone Pine Hotel, Penang

The hotel itself described the place as an idyllic hotel tucked away in the secluded beach of Batu Ferringhi. It is the only boutique hotel along the Batu Ferringhi beach and it’s a nice alternative to the typical gigantic hotel filled with hundreds of people. Lone Pine Hotels combines colonial architecture with modern design. Each room is equipped with a Jacuzzi tub installed in the balcony and the pool is situated right next to the beach without any borders or partitions.

At the Lone Pine Hotel, you can relax and rejuvenate at their spa, maintain fitness at their gym, or dine at one of their three restaurant and bars, each with their own different types of cuisine. If you prefer outdoor activities, you can walk down to the beach to do horseback riding, banana boating, parasailing, or jet ski-ing.

Website: lonepinehotel.com

3. The Shorea Estate, Seremban

This resort might be slightly more expensive than the rest on this list. Perhaps it’s because they only offer bungalows and not individual rooms. Yet, The Shorea Estate is perfect for team retreats and family vacations. The bungalows and chalets come with their own infinity pools that overlook the Seremban forest and greeneries down below. The resort also has two different restaurants and an “In-Villa Dining” service so you don’t have to leave your beautiful suite.

Choose between the Duplex Pool Suite or the resort’s many villas. If you choose the latter, you have to sacrifice the idea of getting your own infinity pool. Nevertheless, all bungalows are equipped with balconies, a dazzling view, and the utmost privacy.

Website: theshorea.com

4. Sekeping Serendah, Kuala Lumpur

If The Lone Pine Hotel is tucked away in the secluded beach of Batu Ferringhi, this resort is hidden in Kuala Lumpur’s own jungles. Located only less than an hour away from the center of the city, Sekeping Serendah provides an affordable and accessible gateway destination. This place is perfect for those who don’t want to go too far from KL but feel the need to take a break from busy city. You have the choice of 5 different types of rooms or chalets, all overlooking the lush forest of Serendah.

The retreat uses an open concept for all its chalets. Whether it’s the lack of doors or the ceiling to floor windows, the design lets nature into the rooms. Most of their rooms are even equipped with outdoor showers, taking the idea of returning to nature to a whole another level.

Website: sekeping.com

5. The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

There’s a way to fulfill your desire to go on a Euro trip without leaving the country. The Lakehouse in Cameron Highlands is a Tudor-styled country house overlooking the green, rolling hills of the region. Mixed with the breezy weather of Cameron Highlands, you will definitely feel like you’re not in Malaysia anymore.

The Lakehouse was opened in 1966 and it still preserves the vintage and colonial atmosphere up to this day. The most affordable room is the Deluxe Room but you can always choose the most luxurious lodging option like the Family Suite, Cameron Suite, or Foster Suite. While you’re there, enjoy the beautiful lawns and gardens surrounding the hotel and have fancy afternoon tea at the Lakeview Terrace.

The resorts above prove that you don’t have to feed your wanderlust and start your journey halfway across the world. Simply get on the next train or drive for a few hours to these destinations to clear your mind and bask in the gorgeousness of Malaysia’s nature. As stressful as the cities in Malaysia can be, the country is still a beautiful place filled with natural wonders and breathtaking spots.

Website: lakehouse-cameron.com

Written by Febriani Ramadhanya from iPrice Group.