The Shorea, Seremban (Malaysia)

The Shorea Retreats

Did you plan to visit Bali this year? Are you disappointed that  the Covid 19 pandemic has disrupted your plans to stay in a private tropical villa in Bali? Well, don't worry then. There is a resort here in Malaysia that is able to give you similar vibes in terms of the villa stay, if not the entire journey as compared to Bali. It is called The Shorea. But there are few things that you need to know before booking a villa here.

1. Location.

Located in Shorea estate, nearby to Seremban which takes about an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur city. (available in Waze and Google Maps; GPS coordinates: 2.805886, 102.024019).

As you reach the estate, the roads are bumpy and you may not have phone lines. So, when you make a direct booking, please confirm your arrival time with the villa staff, so that they send a staff to guide you to the villa from the main gate at Kampung Pantai (see the picture below).

2. Booking.

You can do direct booking with the villa via Whatsapp (No. +60173005600). It is easier to make pre-arrangements including choosing the suitable villa according to your budget and number of guests.

3. Types of Villa.

There are few types of villas and the price ranges from RM 600 and above. Let them know how many people you want to accommodate and preference of villa/ pool. Mostly are shared pool (as the one I stayed) but you may book a villa with a stand alone pool. The one I stayed is called Villa Kemboja and comes with the shared pool. Some villas seem to be a little old and needs proper maintenance, which I have already highlighted to the respective team. I am sharing this so that you will know what to expect from your stay.

4. The ambience and activity.

I personally liked the tropical feel with the buzzing sounds of the insects all day long and the infinity pool. Otherwise, there is no much activities to do. Recommended for just a peaceful stay in the midst of rain-forest, away from the city. You may rent the BBQ set from the villa if you wish to have a BBQ party with your travel partners. I brought my own mini Bluetooth speakers and laptop to keep me entertained at night as there is no radio or television in the villa. 

5. Food.

There is no restaurant inside the villa and hence you need to pre-book food so that they will prepare in their kitchen for you accordingly. The booking comes with free Asian breakfast and you can rent the floating basket (RM 50) for photography purpose. I wished to have my breakfast at the pool but unfortunately they prohibit guest from doing so. The staffs will set up the floating basket for you with some decorations. For other meals, you have to book in advance and they will send you the menu options prior to your stay. Honestly, I feel the food is quite pricey for a 3 star villa. So, bring a lot of snacks and own food if you want to cut cost. There is a kitchen in every villa with a stove for you to cook (which I didn't know initially). Thankfully, I brought a lot of snacks to munch all day long.  

I hope the information above is precise and helps you to set the right expectation while staying in The Shorea. Sometimes, it's not about going to the perfect place, but extracting the best out if it knowing the pros and cons before deciding on the trip. If you need a rustic stay, then why not give The Shorea a try.

"Before You Run Out of Time"

Powell Roy Louis @ theroytravels

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