Caravan Serai Exclusive Private Villas & Eco Resort

“Depends on your expectaction really”

First of all, the name is really misleading. For those who didn't know in advance that this is more of a "glamping" experience then this place could be a letdown. I booked two tents one with a/c and one with a stand fan. It turned out that you don't really need them as you will be outdoors most of … more

First of all, the name is really misleading. For those who didn't know in advance that this is more of a "glamping" experience then this place could be a letdown. I booked two tents one with a/c and one with a stand fan. It turned out that you don't really need them as you will be outdoors most of the day and it was cool at night. The tent interiors looked like they have seen better days but the whole concept is still appealing. My kids loved the stream that goes through the property. It looked very safe with shallow and crystal clear water. Food was not so good but there is plenty of choice in Bentong town nearby. The nature walk was very nice, starting out with a steep climb up the hill behind the tents and then finishing with a nice walk along the stream. The view on top was gorgeous. Basically, it is a camping trip with added benefits like nice beds, working toilets and clean grounds. If you just look at the hotel, it does seem a bit overpriced but it's for me its the experience that counts.

less

“"Excellent staff service,lovely quiet place,disappointing facilities"”

Checked in here last minute as our trip to Jerejak was cancelled cos of typhoon,so my friend,her son and I booked this place and checked in on 10th November. Its such a lovely quiet place with clean neat grounds and a river,but sad to say we were given a run down patched mouldy tent facing a shab… more

Checked in here last minute as our trip to Jerejak was cancelled cos of typhoon,so my friend,her son and I booked this place and checked in on 10th November. Its such a lovely quiet place with clean neat grounds and a river,but sad to say we were given a run down patched mouldy tent facing a shabby pool and it was thoroughly disappointing.It had large gaping holes at all the corners and couldn't be zipped up fully as the zip was busted,the zip was also coming off from the zipper track.The bathroom was really a nightmare with stained toilet bowl and looked dinghy.The bathroom had so many crevices with holes in the corners too.Thinking this was a bad idea for an overnight stay as there could be snakes slithering in,we decided to ask for an upgrade to villa. I hate to say this but we were fooled by the pictures on Agoda.This kind of tents should not be given for guests,its really disgusting and unfit,there were traces of mould in the tent and it was patched up.There was a rickety mouldy chair and no hot water kettle was given too.The pool had peeling paint off its corners,there's no way I was going to take a dip in there. I told "Agus" the caretaker that we were unhappy with the tent and he informed we can upgrade to villa and had to pay another RM250.I eventually whatsapp and brought the matter up to Miss Christie and she said they would change the tent and said this is called "Glamping"!! Come on!! this isn't GLAMPING EXPEREINCE.I have stayed at Eagle Ranche tepee and that was much better off in facilities. This tents aren't fit to be lived in and they should not give excuses.A snake could slither in at night and my friends son was to be sleeping on the floor with a mattress. We ended up paying RM 250 to upgrade to villa instead,which was much comfortable.We enquired for dinner and were told that we had to order food earlier before our stay,and I don't recall being told this when i was on whatsapp with Miss Christie,so we had to drive out in the darkness for dinner and be back.At least provide guests with basic "nasi goreng" so we don't have to go out. Morning hike up the hill was fun but very slippery,I fell a few times with another guest.We did come with full hiking gear but were told our shoes would get wet in the river,but Wellington boots are definitely not safe for a slippery hill hike. The face saver was "Agus" the caretaker,he was such a lovely guy,Caravan serai is indeed lucky to have him as he brought the ratings up.Not recommending or coming back again.Front entrance has been filled with soft soil,and has become a muddy patch and my car skidded twice almost getting stuck. Overall,Its a lovely place but don't shortchange guests.Plenty mosquitoes too,but this is an orchard and its expected. My friend told me she couldn't sleep at night as something was throwing a stones at the window in the wee morning,well it could be monkeys. **to the management,please get rid of the mouldy patched up tents your retreat has so much more to offer.

less

“Over rated glamping place with not so reasonable price”

This is our first glamping experience and I went with my family as well as my another friend and her family. We both families were the same having the first glamping experience and obviously this really turned up to be our very memorable but not good glamping experience. Firstly, we booked 2 unit… more

This is our first glamping experience and I went with my family as well as my another friend and her family. We both families were the same having the first glamping experience and obviously this really turned up to be our very memorable but not good glamping experience. Firstly, we booked 2 units of tents with AC and 1 queen size bed which are supposed to be at the front of river pool and we were given the wrong units at the other section. Then the staff rectified for us and direct us to our correct ones but the 2 of ours were occupied by another group of people and I must say we were really so bad luck not only meeting the bad management of the place but the bad guests who are so unreasonable and stubborn. They booked 2 units of tents in front of pool with fan but they were directed to the wrong tents come with AC and when the staff told them the tents with AC are ours and would like to moved us in and they refused to change tents. Notwithstanding that, they occupied 3 tents in front of pool and in fact they only booked 2 tents. The staff had no choice later moved us to another section which the tents come with 2 single beds and without AC. I must say the staff were really friendly and helpful, they helped us to communicate with the bad guests wanted to move the AC from their tents to our tents and the bad guests stopped them from doing it. The management didn’t bother to communicate with the bad guests and just kept pushing its staff to liaise with bad guests. We really feel so disappointed with the management. Finally after few rounds of making noise with the management, we managed to have the AC in our tents. We were quite upset with tents conditions. The hygiene is really a no-no side, but we got no choice just tolerate it for one night sleep. Like other travelers mentioned from years ago, the carpet are damp and wet. Then, the tents also not well cleaned and with one kind of smell. The bedsheets and mattress doesn’t appear to be clean too. The toilet is also not properly cleaned. Most of the facilities are with dust and not well maintained. The so called river pool also with low level water, green algae and leaves inside. Even the receptionist area also with dust and doesn’t maintain well. The whole area is only with 2 staff running around. Nevertheless, we must give compliments to the staff that they are very friendly, helpful and responsible to their work. We actually pity them have to run all shows from day to night. The overall concept of the area is actually very good. The surrounding of the area with a small river is really a plus point for its glamping place. However, the management who really badly maintained the place really spoil the quality of the accommodation. And from the reviews since years ago, the same bad reviews been repeating and repeating again. For me, I don’t see the sincerity of the management to improve the place. The price paid for the accommodation include free breakfast and morning nature walk is not cheap too, definitely not worth that rate. Overall, we still enjoyed our first glamping experience simply because the river fun still give us and our children a very good experience. And I really hope the management can fulfil its say to make the place a good place for glamping experience.

less

“Serene, but needs some upkeeping.”

Have noticed this glamping spot for a while now and since I had to be in Bentong over the weekend, convinced a friend to go try it with me. As it's the fasting month, it was rather quiet and we had the whole place to ourselves. The size of the compound was good, but first impressions of the tent we… more

Have noticed this glamping spot for a while now and since I had to be in Bentong over the weekend, convinced a friend to go try it with me. As it's the fasting month, it was rather quiet and we had the whole place to ourselves. The size of the compound was good, but first impressions of the tent were not so good. It was obvious that the place needs some refurbishing, and replacement of the dusty carpet tiles to maybe vinyl floor tiles and the tents could do with maybe a good wash with pressure washers. Even our en suite's toilet seat & cover has seen better days. We had one of the tents right in front of the pool, and we wanted to cool ourselves down and guess what, lots of algae at the bottom of the pool, making it very slippery. But I'll give credit where it's due, and that the staff has done their leveled best with things that are within their control. Clean sheets, and friendly smiles. Good attitude too. Also, the grounds are quite well maintained despite abandoned tractors and jeep. There's some mobile coverage in our tent, but rather weak overall so we managed to get some real time off, and just enjoy the cool air and nature sounds. So as per some other reviews, it's about managing your expectations when coming here. We did enjoy ourselves and the serenity on the whole, but really feel that the Management should look into the upkeep so that we can consider return trips here.

less

“One with nature”

If you’re expecting a glamourous camping experience that you’d get overseas, then this place is NOT for you. The entire property was fully booked. Booked two tents for the school holidays. You’re given an access card to the property. There is no lock for the tents, so anyone can walk into your te… more

If you’re expecting a glamourous camping experience that you’d get overseas, then this place is NOT for you. The entire property was fully booked. Booked two tents for the school holidays. You’re given an access card to the property. There is no lock for the tents, so anyone can walk into your tent without you knowing when you’re out. Avoid bringing any valuables. As we entered the tent, I must say that I was disappointed. The floor was layered with damn musky carpet. Wood laminated floor would’ve been better and cleaner. The toilets were rustic with plants growing within it. You might have a few lizards as visitors ( cool experience 😅). Our tent had red ants crawling on the bed, but the staff helped to spray the room when we left for dinner. It’s easy to get good dinner as bentong and raub are nearby. If you go during durian season, then you’re in for a treat. There are many fruit trees around the property and you can pluck off the tree and eat ‘em. The best part of the entire trip was the hiking with yellow boots experience. The morning dew and hill view was breathtaking. The walk along the river was a good experience too and so refreshing. The staffs were helpful and friendly. I would recommend this place to anyone who wants to experience camping but with an attached toilet. I honestly didn’t find it glamourous but it’s an experience to stay one night out with nature. I expected more for the price that we paid for per tent was steep. Never the less, this is an experience you should try out once in your life !

less