Lenggong is a small town in the Malaysian state of Perak situated in the Lenggong Valley, Malaysia’s 4th UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located about one hour’s drive from the nearest city, Ipoh, Lenggong is accessible by car. From the North-South Expressway, take Exit No.143 at Kuala Kangsar, then take Route 76 to Lenggong. Your host, Nash Jalaluddin, who operates Rumah Tiang 16 - Lenggong’s first boutique homestay - will meet you here.

There are two guest rooms with queen-sized beds but you can also sleep on the floor in the third guest room that doubles as Nash’s study - just ask your friendly host to bring out the traditional kapok mattresses. A mosquito net is provided in the main guest rooms, but do bring your preferred insect repellent. Guests share a common toilet, typical of kampung homes. For the comfort of his guests/In the interest of his guests’ privacy, Rumah Tiang 16 will accommodate only one party at a time, meaning there will be no mixing of staying guests from different groups. 

For an immersive experience, we recommend a minimum 3D 2N stay at Rumah Tiang 16, inclusive of specially curated excursions of Lenggong’s highlights. If you don’t have time for an overnight stay, Nash can also help organise day tours.

To access some of the archaeologically significant sites, visitors need to write to the National Heritage Department to gain access. As a registered operator, Nash can make these arrangements, so you don’t have to worry about red tape.

The Perak Man, South-East Asia’s oldest and most complete human skeleton, is housed at the Lenggong Archaeological Museum. At time of writing, the museum is closed for upgrading works until further notice. 

Zambawood is best reached by road. From Manila, take the NLEX-SCTEX expressways, and exit at Subic. Follow directions until you reach San Narciso and follow the signs leading to Zambawood. The journey will take around three and a half hours each way.

For those taking public transportation, catch buses bound for Iba from Manila bus terminals. Transfer to a local bus and ask to be dropped off in San Narciso, Zambales. In San Narciso, you can catch a tricycle to Zambawood.

Julyan’s Garden in the South is a 90-minute drive from Metro Manila via South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and Star Toll.

View Zambawood location on map

Website

Facebook

Getting there: Banteay Chhmar is located 165km north-west of Siem Reap in Banteay Meanchey province. The closest city is Sisophon. The CBT can organise your transfer by private taxi to Banteay Chhmar from Siem Reap or Sisophon. For onward travel, taxis can take you back to Siem Reap, Sisophon, or to Phnom Penh. test

Visiting the temple: Unlimited multi-day entrance to the temples of Banteay Chhmar costs US$7 per adult (free for children under 12). Tickets must be purchased when you arrive. 

Best times to visit: November to April are Cambodia’s dry months, and ideal for visiting Banteay Chhmar. The rainy season falls between May and October. If you’re planning to travel at this time of year, remember to bring a rain jacket and weather-proof shoes.

Volunteer for temple restoration: Make a difference in temple restoration! Volunteers are not allowed to join building efforts for safety reasons, but you can help the team by clean stones and remove debris from the restoration sites. Contact Sophal directly to enquire.

Personal: Insect repellent and sun gear are essential.

From India, the best way to reach Habre’s Nest is to travel by air (to Bagdogra) or by train (to New Jalpaiguri or Siliguri railway station). From here, Habre’s Nest can arrange for a pick-up to Manebhanjang. This three-hour journey (one way) costs about INR9,000 (US$125) for a return trip.

Shared taxis are also available from New Jalpaiguri railway station to Manebhanjang. However, these are not direct and could require two to three transfers en route. The time taken to complete this journey varies as it would depend on all seats being filled before the shared taxi departs.

From Manebhanjang, there are two options: (i) trek to Kaiakata via Tumling (1.5 day) or (ii) hop on to a 1950s vintage Land Rover managed by the Singalila Land Rover Owners Welfare Association (~3 hours) which could cost ~ INR 3,000/ USD 42 for a return trip.

View location on map

Habre's Nest website

Habre's Nest Facebook page