Refresh, Recharge: 9 Nature Inspired Holidays for a Great Outdoor Vacation

“Nature bathing” activates the nervous system to conserve energy, slows down the heart rate and puts the body in a restful state.

What better way for you to reconnect with nature and its surroundings than with a holiday getaway? Put aside the lure of theme parks and city staycations, and explore the road less travelled. On top of feeling rejuvenated from being close to nature, you can also engage in a variety of nature-based activities like trekking, hiking, fishing or kayaking – so you can stay fit and active at the same time!

Here is a selection of nature-based holiday destinations in Asia, ranging from glamping to plain camping to consider for your next travels: 

Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp, Indonesia

Images by Jeeva Beloam Beach Camp

Jeeva Beloam takes the whole concept of “unplugged” very seriously. All of its lodges in Lombok are inspired by the traditional Sasak fishing camp, and do not have WiFi or TV. Jeeva, meaning “soul” in Sasak language, invites guests to return to the rhythm of life by disconnecting from distractions and immersing themselves in the beauty of the forest reserve and its secluded cove.

Images by Elephant Hills

Looking for a connection to nature like no other? Elephant Hills, touted as Thailand’s first luxury tented jungle camp, offers just that. Their unique nature adventure package comes with an ethical way to get up and close to elephants and watch them roam in a sanctuary. The tented camps are no less impressive with all the amenities you would expect from a hotel, all in the heart of Khao Sok National Park.

Images by Japamala Resort

On the island of Tioman in our backyard lies the Japamala Resort. Boasting chalets in varying locations throughout the resort, you can choose to stay in a chalet above treetops, on a cliff or on a hillside that offers gorgeous views of the sea. The island location is home to a variety of flora and fauna perfect for guests to discover, whether on foot via a jungle trek through the 150-million-year old rainforest, or by boat for a leisurely scuba dive. In the evenings, enjoy an aromatherapy turn-down service that’s sure to put you in a relaxed mood. 

The Rainforest Ecolodge, Sri Lanka

Images by The Rainforest Ecolodge

The Rainforest Ecolodge is located in the Sinharaja Forest, Sri Lanka’s only UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. Located 1000 meters above sea level, the ecolodge sits on previously cultivated tea lands, has a temperate climate and is also designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – meaning it is a location with plants and animals of unusual scientific and natural interest. Enjoy bird watching, fish therapy and nature trail walks, all of which make the most out of the location’s biodiversity.

4 Rivers Floating Lodge, Cambodia

Images by 4 Rivers Floating Lodge

Located in Tatai River, the 4 Rivers Floating Lodge is a charming tented resort that allows its guests to enjoy the beauty of the surrounding rivers, mountains and rainforests. Walk through mangroves, kayak with fireflies, paddle board, visit a waterfall, go fishing, join a jungle trek at dawn or be adventurous and trek up Cardamom Mountains for a view from the top – there’s plenty of nature-based activities for every level of fitness. 

Images by La Cocoteraie Ecolodge

You don’t need much to get by when you have nature at your doorstep. Guests at this tented resort on Gili Trawangan island enjoy free use of a snorkeling set and a bicycle, which they can use to explore the beaches, forests and observe underwater marine life at the resort.

The Sticks, Malaysia

Images by The Sticks

Located in Kuala Kubu Bharu, The Sticks features unique jungle homes that come in the form of “tendoks” or a cross between a tent and a pondok, which can accommodate two to six people at a time. The full-board lodge also hosts exciting activities for guests of all ages and fitness levels, like paragliding and white water rafting. For the more adventurous and able, there are also guided jungle treks to an old tin mine or an adventurous whole-day hike up Bukit Kutu.

Gua Tempurung Outdoor Camp

Images by Gua Tempurung Outdoor Camp

Gua Tempurung Outdoor Camp, located just 25 minutes from Ipoh, is an ideal getaway for city dwellers to immerse themselves in nature. Magnificent limestone formations await to be discovered via caving, or by meandering down Kampar River on a tube. If you’re feeling more adventurous, try white water rafting or waterfall abseiling.  For accommodation, guests can choose to stay the night in basic chalets, or in tents available for rent at Laman Maisya.

Rainforest Camping, Pulau Perhentian

Images by Rainforest Camping Pulau Perhentian

If you are the kind of traveler who doesn’t mind sacrificing comfort for experience, look no further than this campsite on Pulau Perhentian Kecil. With access to a private, secluded beach and the opportunity to see turtles laying eggs on the beach, this is definitely one of the harder-to-get-by camping experiences. Accommodation is provided in the form of large tents and mattresses.

Holidays are a time for exploration, discovery and inspiration. Wherever you travel to, make the most out of your vacation by engaging in an activity that helps to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul. Happy travels!