Check Out These Seven Local Unique Airbnbs, Now You Can Even Build Your Own With Their Help
Creativity comes in all shapes and sizes, and that includes actual homes! Airbnb has recently launched a OMG! Fund, a fund to build the craziest places on earth.
In conjunction with the contest, we’ve highlighted an array of Malaysia’s quirkiest homes on Airbnb—from a converted bus to an award-winning treehouse overlooking a gorgeous valley, these are the seven local homestays to add to your travel bucket list this year.
The long weekend is right around the corner and if you’ve caught the travel bug, and you’re searching the internet high and low for locations to visit this holiday, look no further and continue scrolling!
Rumah No.2 Bus
If you’re looking to up your travelling game for an unexpected, off-the-beaten-path experience, visit the Rumah No.2 Bus. Located at the outskirts of suburban Kuala Lumpur and against the backdrop of the expansive University of Malaya campus, this converted bus is the perfect opportunity for does who have been wanting to live the camper van dream.
Parked in the ground of the main house, this four-wheeled ‘home’ is a fully furnished living space comprising a sitting area, a kitchenette and a bedroom—it has even earned a spot in Airbnb’s OMG! Category.
Plateau Farm Sustainable Treehouse Camp
View this post on Instagram
The tiny home trend has been hard to ignore over the last several years, especially during the pandemic. There’s an increasingly saturated market of TV shows and Pinterest pictures dedicated to the topic of exploring micro-dwellings where your home is reduced to the size of a walk-in closet, and you’ve been dying to actually try living in one, well, now you can.
At 500 metres above sea-level, the Plateau Farm Treehouse is located only 40 minutes away from Klang Valley. Crafted from recycled materials, the treehouse nestles amongst some trees on the site with beautiful views of the adjacent valley.
Bonus points: it’s the best location for bird watching, relaxing and reading (especially if you’re reading a copy of our magazine).
Sekeping Serendah
Tucked away in the sleepy town of Serendah, it is roughly an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur. Along the road to Serendah, you will drive through two orang asli villages. In fact, one of the activities you can do here is to visit these villages!
Sekeping Serendah is a private retreat attempting to tread lightly on the land. Adopting a rather open concept—one that brings us closer to mother nature. Therefore, the sheds are mostly transparent, but far away from one another to have your own privacy.
The sheds are intentionally kept basic and free from lavishness. They are seen more as ‘glorified tents’ to provide basic shelter for its inhabitants as they commune with the land. Definitely worth a visit!
Selaru Loft House
If you’re looking for that one-of-a-kind getaway with your friends, away from the city, then this is your best bet. The Selaru Loft House is a homestay that’s surrounded by nature, located in the forest reserve of Serendah. It’s perfect for those looking for a slightly more adventurous trip.
Guided by your host, a little bit of hiking is needed to get there, including crossing a stream—now don’t let that turn you off, we are sure you’ll be charmed by the untouched surroundings! The modern loft has an open concept, ground-to-ceiling glass windows and a kitchen equipped with basic cooking essentials and plenty of space to chill with your buddies. In your leisure time, you can even head to the crystal clear river right next to the villa to swim and visit a mini waterfall just five minutes walk from the stay.
However, do note that children aged below 12 years old are not allowed due to safety reasons.
The Riverview House
Charming, secluded and off-the-grid, Malaysians looking to experience life on a farm can visit the Aman Dusun Riverview House. Offering a sunny balcony with barbecue and an outdoor swimming pool, The Riverview House is just the start of the Aman Dusun experience.
There are many other interesting features within the space including a goat farm that produces the very milk and yoghurt provided during breakfast, and if you walk around, you will see an array of different trees that grow a wide variety of fruits: rambutan, durian, pulasan and more.
Hold your horses because that’s not all, there is even a badminton court and a yoga shala available for guests! Though, badminton rackets and shuttlecocks are not provided, and yoga classes are available upon request at 6.30am to 7.30am. Do take note that guests are required to pay RM25 per pax, with a minimum of three pax per group.
The Blue House
Hosted by the Riverview House’s very same host, the Blue House is a serene place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the cities and reconnect with nature, where you can live life on your own terms.
It is a cosy two-story open concept cottage that fits up to 14 people. With a BBQ pit available for guests, including a stainless steel grill mesh, your friends and family will surely enjoy a sizzling hot steak and some scrumptious burgers, but if they’re looking to have some pizza instead, the Blue House has a firewood pizza oven available for RM50. While firewood will be provided, do bring your own charcoal and fire starters.
Guests will also be able to use the badminton court and also fish in the adjacent river but fishing gears are not provided. However, it is not encouraged for guests to swim in the river due to the unpredictable current.
Other than that, feel free to walk around Aman Dusun, visit its attractions, and learn its history. Time to get cultured!
Brickhouse Bukit Tinggi
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Brickhouse Bukit Tinggi (@brickhousebukittinggi)
We all know Pahang is a great place to start if you’re looking for outdoor resorts, homestays or chalets. However, one of the many spots that would be perfect for your next family getaway is Brickhouse Bukit Tinggi.
It is a unique eco stay for travellers looking for a private hideaway up in the mountains but not too far from the city life. Nestled at the top of a hill overlooking a beautiful durian orchard, it offers spectacular views and constant breeze. This place offers lots of sunshine, fresh air and privacy.
There are eight bedrooms in the entire villa, all of various sizes with king beds, queen beds and bunk beds. It can accommodate up to a group of 20 people—so if you’re planning a trip with your large family of uncles, aunts, cousins, their spouses, their kids, their kids’ spouses (the list goes on and on), then this is the place to be.
At the Brickhouse, you’ll have access to amenities like a kitchen, gas BBQ grill and charcoal BBQ grill for an awesome cookout session under the stars. Though, you’ll have to bring your own charcoal.
Bonus points: the sweeping view of lush hills and clear skies makes it look like it’s straight out of a postcard. Don’t miss the opportunity of snapping a cool photo here and make sure to share it on your feed for an Insta-worthy post.
Have a cool idea you want to turn into reality? Airbnb recently launched the US$10,000,000 (approximately RM44,000,000) OMG! Fund which will help finance 100 of the craziest ideas, giving 100 people an opportunity to turn them into actual Airbnb OMG! Category listings—which are Airbnb’s collection of the most unique homes.
The USD $10,000,000 OMG! Fund will be open until 23 July 2022 at 11:59 am MYT (Malaysia Standard Time). The 100 fund recipients will be selected by the panel over the next several months, with the intent of having their newly-constructed spaces complete next year.
To apply, click here.
