Did you know what being in nature helps reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, enhance immune system function and boost self-esteem and mood.

Chinese physician Qing Li found that after a couple hours in the woods, blood pressure went down an average of five points. The effects didn’t end once people left the woods as it was noted that stress hormones were measurably lower for a week…

So we need to incorporate more nature getaways in our lives whether it’s once a week, once a fortnight or once a month!!!

Here are three beautiful nature getaways to consider which are just barely an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, in Hulu Selangor…

Rumah Hutan by Bonda Rozita

Bonda Valley by Bonda Rozita is owned by  Sendayu Tinggi Herbal Health Products & Jamu founder, Rozita Ibrahim…. 

This beautiful modern traditional concept set in beautiful nature on a little hill is perfect for those who want to enjoy the beauty and solitude of nature…

Visitors can also take the opportunity to indulge in Rumah Hutan’s Treatment Center, Massage, and SPA.

The homestays/chalet/villas here can accompany anywhere from 2 to 20pax comfortably

There is even a lovely cafe / Warung Bonda,  that serves up delicious traditional Javanese/ Malay food such as daging gulai and ayam masak hitam etc

Address – Rumah Hutan Terapi Alam, Jalan Lama Genting, 44300 Batang Kali

Beacon Resort

There’s a not so little resort just an hour away from Kuala Lumpur where you can wake up amid lush greenery and forget all about the stresses of daily life while admiring the natural beauty around you. 

Beacon Resort in Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor is a 50 acres (and growing) scenic natural escape by the riverside with natural hot springs, tropical greenery and scenic lakes and you can even spot the rare rajah brooke butterflies if you look closely enough…

This Resort is the ideal place for you to heal yourself literally and learn more about healthy eating and also how to take care of your health.

You can rest assured the food served here is all organic, healthy and halal… they use Radiant Eggs and Beacon Chickens which have been raised with seaweed feed….

Beacon Resort emphasize on the ineffable joy of family and friends gatherings and the fun of togetherness, and spending real quality time here at the Beacon Resort making unforgettable memories….

PT 4049, Mukim Sungai Gumut, Kampung Gumut Tambahan, 44100 Kalumpang, Hulu Selangor (60 minutes away from KL)

Selangor Fruit Valley

Bring the family out for a healthy getaway at the Selangor Fruit Valley plantation just an hour out of Kuala Lumpur

It is a beautiful plantation developed by the Selangor Agricultural Development Corporation, a subsidiary of the Selangor state government….

This huge plantation was established to give visitors the chance to experience agricultural life and taste fresh produce grown and sold by local farmers.

There are also plenty of activities /atteactions at the Selangor Fruit Valley such as:

• Tram and tractor ride;
• Petting zoo (deers, rabbits, hedgehogs, guinea pigs, goats, ducks, geese, chickens, turkeys);
• Herbs and spices garden;
• Tropical fruits farm (banana, coconut, rambutan, durian, star fruit, soursop, breadfruit, jackfruit, guava, ciku, nangka, passion fruit, figs, pomelo, mango, corn, dragon fruit, papaya, pulasan, mangosteen, lime, jasmine and wax gourds);
• Vegetable harvesting (pak choi, spinach, kangkung, sawi);
• Orchid garden;
• Stingless bees (lebah kelulut);
• Cycling;
• Nursery (banana and pandan coconut seedling);
• Rubber plantation;
• Biotech lab (tissue culture, cloning, seed bank);
• Paddleboating;
• Pavilion and 3-storey observation tower;
• Traditional Selangor house (event space and seminar hall); and
• Eco Bridge courtyard and Rimbun cafe.

Address – KM 7, Jalan Rawang – Bestari Jaya, 45600 Bestari Jaya, Selangor.

Thanks to Gaya Travel Magazine for having me along for their Hulu Selangor – Rumpun Selangor day trip recently