Experience Langkawi's rice-farming history by sleeping above rice paddies at Gemalai Village. 6 traditional stilted kampung huts, 3 double-story and 3 single-story, are connected by wooden boardwalks above water-filled paddy fields within the Laman Padi complex.
Guests get a taste of village life with hand-carved wooden furniture, a semi-outdoor bamboo-clad bathroom, and views of grazing water buffalo; all without sacrificing modern comforts like air-conditioning, a comfy bed, hot showers, and breakfast delivered to your room.
Staying true to its agricultural roots, Gemalai Village prioritizes sustainability with minimal use of plastic, and free bicycle hire to discourage carbon emissions from motor transport.
A night or two here provides the rare opportunity to be surrounded by nature whilst still being within walking, or cycling, distance of tourist district Pantai Cenang with its tropical beaches, duty-free shopping, and many restaurants.
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Overview
Rating
3 star VillaPrice
$$$$$Rates start at less than $59 per nightLocation
Rural- 6 Rooms
- Free on-site parking
- Breakfast included
- All ages welcome
- Opened 2014
- Check-in 2:00PM
- Check-out 12:00PM
Photos
Single-story chalet
Interconnecting boardwalks
2-story chalets
Aerial view of chalets
View of balcony and lounge
Boardwalk
Rice fields
Water buffalo grazing in rice fields
Rice fields at sunset
Fruiting banana tree
Flowering water lily
Water buffalo near villa
Grazing water buffalo
Young cow grazing
Local birds waiting for breakfast
Brahminy kite soaring above the rice fields
Pet catInternet & Tech
- Wifi access: Free (all guests)
- Wifi strength: Strong
- Wifi comments: WiFi strength drops by about 75% in the chalets furthest from the office.
- Laptop-friendly workspace
- Power outlets: Inconvenient
- Printer: Free (Lobby)
- In-room safe: 13 inch laptop friendly
- HDMI input in TV
- In-room music player: None
Rooms
- Very good bed comfort
- Air conditioning
- Heating
- Below Average soundproofing
- Light leaker window coverings
- 32" Local TV
- Medium size in-room safe
- Paid minibar
- Mini fridge
- Kettle
- Iron & board
- Complimentary coffee & tea
- Rain shower head
Room types:
Single story chalet with traditional-style wooden furnishings and modern comforts like air-conditioning and a soft bed. Semi-outdoor, bamboo-clad bathroom attached.
2-story chalet with enclosed bedroom and bathroom on top level and open-air dining and lounge area below.
Upper level bedroom
Hand-carved furniture
Complimentary tea and coffee
Upper level bathroom
View from upper level balcony
Lower level dining areaFacilities
- 24-hour front desk
- Bicycle hire
Food & Drink
- Very good food quality
- Friendly and prompt food service
- Room service available
- Gluten friendly
- Vegetarian options
- Vegan options
- Wheat-free options
- Restaurants nearby: Plenty
Restaurants:
Located across the rice fields from the hotel rooms, approx. 5-minute walk. Visitors can dine at ground level tables in individual huts above the rice fields, or in a communal dining area. The restaurant specializes in seafood and traditional Malay dishes.
1pm-3pm, 6pm-11pm, 7 days
Breakfast overlooking rice paddies
Local breakfast
Private dining huts
Nasi goreng (vegetarian)
Fried vegetablesWhat's Nearby
Laman Padi Langkawi
A museum dedicated to the history of rice cultivation in Malaysia and the state of Kedah. Informative posters explain the traditional farming equipment on display, ranging from straw hats to ploughing and harvesting tools.
430 meters (470 yards) Walking time: 5 mins
Pantai Cenang (Chenang Beach)
Langkawi’s most tourist-friendly beach. This 2km stretch of soft white sand is lined with coconut trees, beach umbrellas, jet ski vendors, and beach bars. By day, sunbathers, swimmers, and watersport enthusiasts dominate the sparkling shoreline. As the sun softly sets, a series of beach bars become the center of attention as beanbags and cocktail menus are brought onto the sand.
950 meters (1,039 yards) Bike time: 2 mins
Underwater World Langkawi
Aquarium with large freshwater fish, colourful marine fish, and a successful penguin breeding program. Other marine life includes sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and sea stars.
2.04 kms (1.28 miles) Bike time: 7 mins
Cenang Mall
2-story mall opposite Pantai Cenang. Several stores sell local items like souvenirs and batik products while international chains include The Body Shop. There is also a pharmacy, supermarket, duty-free store, and restaurant chains like Starbucks, McDonald's, and KFC.
1.76 kms (1.10 miles) Bike time: 6 mins
Mali Mali Beach Bar
Caribbean-style beach shack with colourful tables, chairs, and beanbags to enjoy a cocktail or beer on the beach. A popular spot to watch Pantai Cenang's epic sunsets.
750 meters (820 yards) Walking time: 9 mins
Insider Tips For The Gemalai Village
- The rice fields attract a small type of fly at night. If going out after dark, always turn off the lights in your room to avoid attracting the insects.
- Protect yourself from the elements by wearing sunblock during the day and insect repellent during the evening.
- Hot water switch needs to be turned on 15 minutes before showering to heat up.
- WiFi password is located next to the TV, but not labeled so easy to miss.
- Due to street noise, the hotel is best suited to a 1 or 2-night stay to soak up the experience, then move to a larger hotel with more modern soundproofing.
Scorecard
- Stilted chalets crafted in a similar style to traditional Malay villages with wooden furnishings.
- Close to nature. Wake up surrounded by green rice fields complete with water buffalo and birds. Several chickens and roosters also live in the complex.
- Location. Walking distance to many restaurants, shops, and attractions including Pantai Cenang.
- Eco-friendly. Focus on sustainability initiatives like refillable glass water jugs instead of plastic bottles.
- Free bicycle hire makes it easy to explore the area.
- In-chalet breakfast. Indulge with traditional dishes brought to your chalet at a time of your choosing.
- Privacy. Only 6 chalets available means few other guests share the common areas.
- Street noise. Wooden walls provide little soundproofing from the busy surrounding streets.
- Mosquitos and flies are attracted to the still water and are common around the chalets during evenings.
- Window coverings. The main glass doors have block-out curtains but the side and bathroom windows are open, allowing the early morning light into the room.
- Power switches for air conditioner and hot water should be labeled to avoid confusion.
- Electrical outlets are all used by lamps, TV, and fridge. Something must be unplugged to charge phones or laptops.
Oh, you're so close
The awesome itinerary feature is only for VIP Members.
But that's ok! You're welcome to join the cool club for free.
Joining only takes a minute and it's... um... free! Plus you get other perks like badges, points, and unicorns.
Contact Details
The Gemalai Village
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