01/02/2026

ON SUNDAY February 1, 2026 X theSunday Special

Sometimes, stepping away is the most effective way to move forward productively BY DAYANA SOBRI 8 nature retreats to ease your burnout

2. Misty Mountain, Janda Baik Just under an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, Misty Mountain is a favourite for

environment like Janda Baik allows us to slow down and be present.

The retreat’s proximity to Kuala Lumpur means you can plan a

city dwellers looking to escape the heat and stress of the capital. Its calm, mist covered sur

restorative overnight stay without taking much time off work – a valuable op tion for those who cannot commit to long holidays. Address: Lot 15869, Kampung Chemperoh, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750

I F you have been feeling constantly exhausted, irritable or detached from your work, you are not alone. Burnout, a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion, has be come an increasingly common experience among Malaysians. The World Health Organization of- ¿FLDOO\ UHFRJQLVHG EXUQRXW DV DQ RFFXSD tional phenomenon in 2019 and a 2023 report by global HR solutions company Employment Hero revealed that 51% of Malaysian workers reported feeling burnt out – one of the highest rates in Asia. With long working hours, the rising cost 1. Gibbon Retreat, Bentong Nestled in the rainforest near Bentong, *LEERQ 5HWUHDW R̆ HUV D UDUH FKDQFH WR immerse yourself in nature without compromising comfort. The retreat consists of eco-friendly villas designed to blend into the surrounding jungle, allowing you to wake up to the sound of gibbons calling in the distance. For those recovering from burnout, the forest’s quiet and the absence of city noise provide a welcome sensory reset. Guests can spend their days trekking

roundings and riverside chalets make it an ideal setting for mind

of living and the ever-present pressure of digital connectivity, many are searching for ways to reset and recover. O QH H̆ HFWLYH ZD\ WR FRPEDW EXUQRXW is to reconnect with nature. Studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can lower cortisol levels, improve mood and restore mental focus. In Malaysia, we are blessed with lush rainforests, tranquil mountains and coastal retreats that provide the perfect escape from the urban grind. Here are eight nature retreats across Peninsular Malaysia where you can pause, breathe and reset your mind. to nearby waterfalls, birdwatching or simply lounging on their balcony with a book. Research from the University of Exeter found that spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being. A weekend at Gibbon Retreat easily ticks that box, making it an ideal quick escape. Address: Lot 17799 Sungei Semantut, 27600 Bentong, Pahang

ful activities such as yoga, meditation or for est bathing. Burnout often leaves us feeling disconnected from ourselves and being in a serene 3. The Dusun, Seremban Perched on the edge of a rainforest, The Dusun is a collection of rustic, self-catering houses overlooking the Berembun Forest Reserve. Known for its LQ¿QLW\ SRROV ZLWK VZHHSLQJ YLHZV WKLV retreat encourages you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with the natural rhythms of the day. A 2022 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that digital detoxes

Bentong, Pahang

FDQ VLJQL¿FDQWO\ UHGXFH VWUHVV DQG LP prove mental health. The Dusun’s limited phone reception and Wi-Fi availability encourage you to put down your devices – a practical step for those experiencing EXUQRXW GULYHQ E\ FRQVWDQW QRWL¿FDWLRQV and information overload. Address: 3437, Jalan Kampung Baharu Pantai, Pantai, 71770 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan

4. Mangala Estate, Kuantan For those who prefer a more luxurious escape, Mangala Estate in Kuantan R̆ HUV D VHUHQH HQYLURQPHQW DPLG ODNHV wetlands and rehabilitated palm oil plantations. The resort is known for its sustainability focus, with villas built from eco-friendly materials and set amid carefully restored nature. Burnout recovery requires both physical rest and mental nourishment and Mangala Estate provides both.

Guests can try paddleboarding on the lake, take nature walks or unwind at the spa. Research has shown that combin ing physical activity with exposure to nature leads to greater improvements in mental well-being compared with exercise alone, making this retreat a well-rounded choice. Address: Persiaran Tun Khalil Yaakob, Kampung Melayu Gambang, 26300 Kuantan, Pahang