This review is about a quiet little getaway to Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), a small town just an hour’s drive from KL.
Just an hour’s drive (50km) north of Kuala Lumpur, beyond the glass towers and gridlocked traffic, lies a hidden gem tucked in the embrace of the Malaysian jungle: Kuala Kubu Bharu. You may have seen it on the occasional tourism pamphlet or heard whispers from a friend who “knows a place”—but nothing prepares you for the real serenity that hits once you arrive.
Here’s a little glimpse into our 2D1N soul-recharging adventure—along with a total spend of just around RM500.
WHERE WE STAYED
We found ourselves in Fusion Longhouse, a whimsical bamboo-and-rattan treehouse that looks like it leapt out of a Studio Ghibli dream.
At RM200 a night, it’s a rustic haven with mod-cons: hot showers, hammocks, a fridge, clean toilets (bugs included—but hey, you are in nature), and walls adorned with mystical art. This place isn’t your average chalet—it’s a handcrafted love letter to nature.
We were welcomed with a warm hug from Antares, the longhouse owner, and the dogs who wanted all the pets. No cars, no construction noise—just frogs chirping and the distant rumble of thunder in the jungle.
THE RIVER
From 2:30 to 6:30pm, we hung out at the river. Wading, swimming, climbing rocks, bracing ourselves across a rope-tied section of deep water. The kind of physical activity that makes you feel alive.
There’s a flat rock in the middle of the river that catches the sun just right, turning the water into liquid gold. A weeping willow trails lazily into the current. That moment, reflecting on the glints of sun, I felt my nervous system reset.
No beer or expensive massage compares to the high of natural dopamine from a cold river in a quiet forest.
FOOD SPENDING & HITS/MISSES
We tried a few places in KKB town:
- Restaurant 89 (RM101): Giant tiger prawn (RM60) that looked like a sea creature, sweet pumpkin tofu (RM15), garden veggies (RM15), and rice (RM10). Worth. Every. Sen.
- Pizza Hut (RM88): Mistake. Stale pizza dough, reheated spaghetti, the wings were the only redeeming part. Could’ve had another feast at Restaurant 89 instead.
- First lunch (RM36): Singaporean-style tomato bee hoon and Chinese tea. A solid meal before heading into the hills.
- 7-Eleven Snacks (RM35): Two shin ramyeon cups (breakfast lifesavers), a Livita, Oreo KitKat (essential midnight snack), and 100 Plus. Honestly, these came in clutch during late-night hunger pangs.
- Guinness Stout + Mopiko (RM30): Mopiko saved us from mosquito bites. The stout? Meh—river vibes were better.
TOWN VIBES
KKB town closes early. We arrived at 8:35pm and nearly everything was shut—make sure to eat before 8pm. That said, the town itself is charming and super clean, with artistic wall murals and zero trash in sight. A rare, peaceful vibe that’s hard to find elsewhere.
OTHER NOTES
- Spring Water: We collected fresh spring water from roadside pipes—cool, clean, and better than any bottled brand.
- Driving at Night: Not recommended. The roads are winding, unlit, and remote. Plan to get to your lodging before sunset.
Final Thoughts
Kuala Kubu Bharu isn’t just a weekend destination—it’s a reminder of what peace feels like. A throwback to a time when we didn’t need five-star spas to feel relaxed. We just needed cold river water, a quiet night, stars overhead, and a family of dogs asking for cuddles.
It’s not just an escape from the city—it’s a return to yourself.
If you’re feeling burnt out, overstimulated, or just a little too detached from the natural world—KKB is calling. Will you answer?
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