Rain Forest Inn — Hotel in Pahang

Definitely enjoyed it immensely during the day but let's just say I came to greatly appreciate the comforts of modernity came nightfall haha.  It's fantastic to have all meals next to the waterfall and pretty amazing to slowly drift down the small river pool on a bamboo raft without it being a tourist 'activity'. Climb over rocks upstream to see small fish in a rock pool and incredible lush rainforest. Perfect to spend 2-3 nights here to have 1 full day for sights in Cameron Highlands and another just to relax.||||The 6㎡ 'double room' is a shared hut. The 10㎡ 'family room' is its own hut but also with a detached shared bathroom. The other 3 room types (15/18/25㎡) are all standalone huts with their own ensuite bathroom. We opted for the biggest ''superior chalet'' with its own hammock & detached covered private dining area right out just for the 2 of us even though there are 3 queen sized mattresses - pricey for a hut but it's meant for 6 people and each bed is encased in its own separate mosquito net so it's easier for midnight toilet trips. The whole hut vibrates if someone moves so get your own hut if you're a light sleeper - the 18㎡ one-bedroom chalet next to it is a few meters away. There are more huts higher up & on the other side of the bamboo bridge/river, pretty spread out on slopes.|| The area itself is much more attractive than Ringlet (and other towns) which is a 15-minute drive away... not exactly in the jungle but surrounded by nature - more like a campground with huts built in the traditional Orang Asli style, near a shallow river/waterfall with bamboo rafts you're free to use. Also volleyball net & basketball hoop on the grounds.   Paths to the huts are paved in concrete so no problem to have a suitcase - better to have something you can zip up because there are small creatures out and about here and there. Electricity & warm shower plus cell reception in some areas, weak/slow but works sometimes. This whole place accommodates 40 but only 6 guests here then just us since January is apparently their low season, busier in July/August.||||Being immersed in nature means mozzies/ants and more flying bugs especially after dusk past 7 at night - hut's off the ground but not sealed.  Okay in the rain, just a little loud/humid - rain dries up fast though. Not cold at night, 18 C and mid 20s during the day. Bed's really comfy & room can be brightly lit inside at night which attracts insects so best have something you can do on the mattress inside the mosquito net where you're 'safe' from too much nature ;) - would recommend keeping a bottle of water & cell phone flashlight inside the net.   Whole bathroom gets wet after you shower but dries fast & a couple of times there were ants on the toilet seat when there was heavy rain.  Bring your own toiletries/bug spray & an adapter if you don't have Type G plugs. If the sounds of nature might bother you, prepare earplugs.   Basically, don't expect a hotel room - it's more like camping/glamping, with stuff flying around/resting on mosquito nets  that have a couple of small holes.  People who run the place always try to make sure you have everything you need - feels much more personal/genuine than hotels.||||The 15 minute “hike” upriver requires runners at least but just abruptly ends after leading to a burst pipe lol... some bits quite steep and just wide enough for one foot so requires great care. Out the sometimes locked gate, it's 10 minutes down the concrete road to a village with friendly indigenous Orang Asli folks who apparently benefit from the operation of this place... some even come to hang out at the river here. The village has government-built concrete houses and locals are just in regular clothing getting around in motorcycles/cars, probably more modern than you imagine. ||||We were told this inn's owned, built, maintained, and staffed by aboriginal Orang Asli who were previously exploited by tour guides who didn't properly give them a cut for allowing tourists to come so they decided to start their own place in 2013/2014.  In fact, apparently non-natives cannot have something like this here so you get to experience their lifestyle somewhat.  Muin is the main go-to guy who knows enough English to show us around and demonstrate interesting traditional blow darts and traps. His father owns the right to use the land and some of his extended family work/live on site.||||Really good multi-dish dinner of chicken/fish/ veg cooked over fire the traditional way for 35 RM/night that's only done when there are more than 4 guests here so they also got other tasty local meals for us, different breakfast every morning. There's a kitchen you can use with a fridge & place for doing/hanging laundry. Drinking water in a jug is provided - no trouble from drinking it. ||||Chinese Malaysian co-operator 'Ong Gee Tatt' who speaks English & Chinese is the main contact for tourists, gave lots of info but no pressure to join tours run by another company -  98 RM per person (plus 20 for transport & extra for lunch) for a full day jungle trekking to see rafflesia (biggest 'flower' in the world - wet & muddy after/in the rain with MANY LEECHES that can climb on your ankle, stomach , neck, and face  - NEED high top waterproof hiking boots & long socks plus shirt/pants you can tuck in in addition to a waterproof jacket... better go when it's dry!) & the magical mossy forest plus BOH tea plantation - tour started 1.5 hours away so leave at 8 am. Cheaper/half day tours also available. Possible to rent a scooter from here for 80 RM/day to ride around. Another 10 RM tourist tax per room per night.||||Can contact him on WeChat/WhatsApp to arrange pick-up at 'Tanah Rata' at 35 RM or take a taxi to 'Ringlet' then be transferred to the inn.  It's 150 RM to 'Tapah' for train to George Town, Penang.  We couldn't be bothered with the bus/train/ferry so he drove us in a nice 4-seater pickup truck from our accommodation in Ipoh (2 hours/250 RM) and to Penang's George Town (4 hours/450 RM) - an hour of windy...

A Hidden Gem Beyond the Hype

As someone who often finds myself let down by viral food spots or overhyped destinations, I’ve grown used to keeping my expectations low. I tend to approach travel with curiosity—but also caution—especially after experiencing one too many underwhelming "must-visit" places.

This time, however, the recommendation came not from social media or popular travel lists, but from a friend. It was a place I had never heard of—an Orang Asli homestay tucked about 15 km from Ringlet, en route to Kuala Lipis. Quiet, unassuming, and far from the buzz of tourist crowds, I decided to give it a try. We stayed for 2 days and 1 night.

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted by the workers, who brought us to our designated hut. Built traditionally, the hut featured bamboo flooring, rotan walls, and a nipah roof that naturally cooled the space with excellent ventilation. Despite its rustic charm, it was thoughtfully equipped with a cement-and-brick toilet, blending practicality with authenticity.

Meals were served at a humble canteen by a waterfall—scenic, serene, and soothing. We were treated to Orang Asli cuisine, which was new to me. The highlight was their wrapped rice, simple yet full of character, with each dish explained to us as we ate. It added context and appreciation to the flavors.

Between meals, we got to try traditional activities: using a sumpit (blowpipe), learning about animal traps, and even solving a handmade puzzle toy. These hands-on experiences offered a glimpse into a way of life rarely seen by outsiders.

But for me, the most memorable moment was dipping into the calm, clear river nearby. The water was cold, refreshing, and strangely invigorating—I felt recharged, physically and mentally. It reminded me why I travel in the first place.

This place wasn’t viral, and maybe that’s what made it special. It was sincere. Real. Sometimes, the hidden gems aren’t the ones everyone talks about—they’re the ones you stumble upon with an open heart and leave with...

Amazing place :) We stayed in a 4 person bungalow with private bathroom. Facilities are basic as you would expect, but spacious and clean :) there is hot water in the electric shower, umbrellas you can borrow, drinking water, hair dryer, fan, covered outside sitting area. Air-conditioning was not needed at night as it's cooler there. We could use the shared fridge and they also had some beer in the fridge we could buy cheaply. The stay includes unique experience like learning how the food is prepared in traditional way, learning how to use the hunting blowpipe and how the traps are set. We did a 4 hr jungle hike with the local Asli guide, in the jungle behind the homestay, and it was better than the usual Mossy Forest or any tea plantations (we did that too on the next day). The jungle hike was very hard at first 30mins and we thought we would give up if it continued going up the hill haha but then it was quite OK, but very steep going back down. We were shown various plants and ate lovely wild fruits. Take DEET!!!! Or you will be eaten alive by mosquitos. The dinner and breakfast are both amazing! The food is so delicious and plenty of it (Any surplus food goes to local Asli village). No wifi but phone reception was excellent, much better than in other places we stayed haha as there is tower closeby. We also had a full day tour with wonderful guide Raja. The tea plantation views are stunning, although the whole site is overcrowded and becoming very touristy with concrete, broadwalks. Mossy Forest is nice although they are now making everything into broadwalk as well. We definitely preferred the hike in natural jungle next to the homestay :) Raja was an excellent driver though and he even took us with him for dinner at his family's home (it was Deepavali the day...