The Sticks

For city dwellers in Selangor constantly seeking a refreshing escape from the concrete jungle, the allure of nature's embrace is undeniable. The desire to disconnect, breathe fresh air, and immerse oneself in lush greenery leads many to discover hidden gems within their own state. One such exceptional destination, nestled amidst the tranquil rainforests of Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB), is The Sticks. More than just a place to stay, The Sticks offers a unique eco-resort and glamping experience that promises a genuine "digital detox" and a deep connection with nature.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to The Sticks, highlighting why it has become a cherished retreat for locals in Selangor and beyond. We'll explore its secluded yet accessible location, the distinctive accommodations and services it offers, its immersive features, and how it caters to those yearning for a blend of adventure and tranquility in the wild heart of Malaysia.

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The Sticks is an eco-resort and glamping site located in the rainforests of Kuala Kubu Bharu, Hulu Selangor district. It's designed for guests to unwind and reconnect with nature without sacrificing comfort. Built on a former tin mining site, this unique retreat emphasizes environmental sustainability, with facilities constructed to minimize clearing of the surrounding rainforest. The resort generates its electricity through solar power and sources water from the nearby Sungai Meranti, which also provides a refreshing stream for guests to enjoy.

What truly sets The Sticks apart is its distinctive accommodation style, affectionately named "tendoks" – a clever portmanteau of 'tent' and 'pondok' (Malay for hut). Each of the 12 tendoks is uniquely designed, varying in capacity and reflecting a distinct element of its natural surroundings. They offer a rustic living experience amidst nature, yet come furnished with comfortable beds, plush duvets, ceiling fans, and water heaters with spring water, ensuring a comfortable stay without air-conditioning or TVs, thereby encouraging a genuine digital detox. This commitment to an off-grid experience, combined with hearty home-cooked meals and a variety of activities, makes The Sticks an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil and adventurous escape from urban life.

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The Sticks is located in Pekan Kuala Kubu Bharu, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, Malaysia. While the address points to the town, the actual retreat is tucked away in the rainforest, ensuring a secluded and immersive natural experience. It's approximately an hour and a half drive from Kuala Lumpur, making it a feasible weekend getaway for city dwellers.

Getting to The Sticks involves a bit of an adventure, which adds to its charm and the sense of escaping into the wild. After reaching the main road leading to the resort, guests typically embark on a short, approximately 10-minute jungle trail. This walk often includes crossing a hanging bridge over a shaded stream, immediately immersing visitors in the natural environment. For luggage transport, a 4x4 pick-up truck is usually available to deliver guests' belongings directly to the resort, ensuring convenience despite the rustic setting.

For those relying on public transport, Kuala Kubu Bharu is accessible via the KTM Komuter train service from KL Sentral, making it possible to reach the town without a private vehicle. From the KKB KTM station, guests would then need to arrange for a taxi or ride-hailing service to the starting point of the jungle trail leading to The Sticks. It is always advisable to communicate with The Sticks prior to arrival for detailed directions and assistance with the final leg of the journey, especially if you are not driving.

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The Sticks offers a full-board retreat experience, focusing on comfort, nature immersion, and a range of activities. Their services are designed to provide a hassle-free and enriching stay:

• Accommodation: Guests can choose from 12 uniquely designed "tendoks" (a mix of tent and hut), including bamboo huts, rustic wooden bungalows, and tent-style quarters. Each comes with cosy beds, plush duvets, ceiling fans, and water heaters with spring water. Some have en-suite toilets and private decks.
• Inclusive Meals: Dinner and breakfast are included in the room rates (half-board). Guests can opt for full-board by adding lunch and afternoon tea for an additional charge. Meals are home-cooked, flavorful local dishes, with Saturday nights often featuring a barbecue or steamboat spread. All meats are sourced from halal vendors, and the retreat is pork-free.
• Jungle Immersion: The retreat provides opportunities to simply relax and unwind amidst the natural beauty, including lounging on Thai cushions under trees, or taking a dip in the cool waters of the adjacent Sungai Meranti.
• Outdoor Activities: A variety of adventure activities are available, including:
  • Jungle trekking: Short treks are offered for visitors to explore the surrounding rainforest.
  • White water rafting: Exciting rafting experiences along the Hulu Selangor River.
  • Paragliding: For adrenaline junkies, paragliding experiences in KKB are highly popular.
  • Botanical walks: Guided walks to learn about the local flora.
  • River tubing: Tubes are available for guests to float down the serene river (deposit required).
• Group and Event Hosting: The Sticks is an ideal location for corporate getaways, family gatherings, romantic proposals, or birthday celebrations, offering a unique venue amidst nature.
• Basic Amenities: Despite being off-grid, essential amenities like fresh spring water, basic lighting, and electrical sockets are available in the tendoks. Towels and toiletries are provided for overnight guests.
• Digital Detox Environment: No air-conditioning or TVs in the rooms encourages guests to disconnect from screens and truly engage with their natural surroundings.

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The Sticks stands out with several distinctive features and highlights that contribute to its popularity and unique appeal:

• Unique "Tendok" Accommodations: Each of the 12 tendoks is a one-of-a-kind design, providing a truly individual and rustic glamping experience. They are built with environmental sustainability in mind, minimizing impact on the rainforest.
• Off-Grid, Eco-Friendly Concept: Powered by solar energy and utilizing natural spring water, The Sticks offers a genuine eco-friendly escape. This commitment to sustainability appeals to environmentally conscious travelers.
• Immersive Nature Experience: The retreat is deep within the rainforest, offering a serene environment where guests can truly disconnect from urban stresses. The soothing sounds of nature and cooler night temperatures (being 300m above sea level) enhance the experience.
• Inclusive Home-Cooked Meals: The provision of delicious, home-style local dishes for breakfast and dinner (with options for full-board) ensures guests are well-fed without needing to venture out. The emphasis on halal-sourced meats is also a significant plus for many Malaysian visitors.
• Adventure Hub: Beyond relaxation, The Sticks serves as a base for thrilling activities like white water rafting and paragliding, both renowned in the Kuala Kubu Bharu area. This caters to adventure seekers looking for an active getaway.
• Authentic Digital Detox: The absence of air-conditioning and TVs in the tendoks, combined with limited phone reception in some areas, actively encourages guests to put away their devices and engage with their surroundings and fellow travelers.
• River Access: The presence of the Sungai Meranti river flowing by the retreat offers opportunities for swimming, tubing, and simply enjoying the cool waters, particularly refreshing on warm days.
• Serene and Tranquil Ambiance: Reviews often highlight the peaceful and calming atmosphere, making it perfect for unwinding and rejuvenating the senses.

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The Sticks offers various packages designed to cater to different types of visitors and experiences, serving as their "promotions" or special offers. These are primarily focused on day trips and different meal board options:

• Day Trip Packages: For those who wish to experience The Sticks without an overnight stay, they offer day trip packages. These typically include:
  • Access to the grounds from 9 am to 6 pm.
  • Lunch and afternoon tea.
  • Free use of common facilities.
  Options like the "Day Hut Package" (max 10 pax) and "Yoga Hut Package" (max 30 pax) provide exclusive use of certain areas with comfortable seating. Pricing starts from RM90 per person, with discounts for children aged 10 and under.
• Off-Peak Weekday Day Trip: A special offer available for up to 4 people from Monday to Thursday (excluding public holidays) at RM90 per person, offering a quieter experience.
• Half Board vs. Full Board: Accommodation prices typically include half-board (dinner and breakfast). Guests can upgrade to full-board by adding lunch and afternoon tea for an additional per-person charge (e.g., RM48 per pax per day, free for kids under 2).
• Celebration Services: While not a discount, they offer services for special celebrations, such as cake orders, room service dinner, and champagne buckets, which can be arranged upon request to enhance a special occasion.

It's crucial for locals to visit The Sticks' official website (thesticks.my) or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on pricing, package inclusions, and any seasonal promotions, as these can be subject to change and availability, especially during peak seasons or public holidays.

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To plan your escape to The Sticks or for any inquiries, here's how you can get in touch:

Address: Pekan Kuala Kubu Bharu, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, Malaysia (Note: The actual site is a short journey from Pekan KKB, so refer to their official website or pre-arrival instructions for exact directions to the meeting point for transfer/walk in.)

General Inquiries Email: bookings@thesticks.my

Phone: +60 173459109 (This number has been widely cited for bookings and inquiries.)

It is highly recommended to use their official contact methods for bookings and detailed questions about accommodation, activities, and specific dietary requirements, as they prioritize personalized service.

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The Sticks in Kuala Kubu Bharu is an exceptionally suitable destination for locals in Selangor, offering a refreshing and much-needed respite from urban life for several compelling reasons:

• Perfect Digital Detox: In an age dominated by screens, The Sticks provides a rare opportunity for a true digital detox. The lack of TVs and air-conditioning, coupled with the immersive natural environment, encourages genuine reconnection with nature, family, and oneself – a vital service for stressed urban dwellers.
• Accessible Nature Escape: Despite its secluded feel, The Sticks is conveniently located about 1.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur, making it an ideal choice for a weekend getaway without extensive travel. The relatively easy access via road and even KTM Komuter makes it a feasible spontaneous escape.
• Comfort Meets Rustic Charm: Locals can experience the raw beauty of the rainforest without sacrificing comfort. The unique, well-designed "tendoks" with comfortable amenities, along with delicious home-cooked meals, provide a comfortable and worry-free stay, perfect for those new to glamping or desiring a step above traditional camping.
• Variety of Experiences: Whether seeking pure relaxation by the river, thrilling adventures like white water rafting and paragliding, or educational jungle treks, The Sticks caters to a wide range of interests. This versatility means it's suitable for families, couples, or groups of friends looking for different types of engagement with nature.
• Sustainable Tourism: For locals who are increasingly environmentally conscious, The Sticks' commitment to solar power and natural water sourcing aligns with responsible travel values, offering a guilt-free way to enjoy nature.
• All-Inclusive Ease: With meals often included and activities readily available, The Sticks provides a hassle-free holiday experience where guests can simply arrive and immerse themselves without worrying about logistics, a highly appealing factor for busy individuals and families.

In conclusion, The Sticks is more than just a tourist attraction; it's a sanctuary for the soul, offering Selangor locals an unparalleled opportunity to recharge, reconnect, and rediscover the profound beauty of Malaysia's natural heritage, all within a comfortable and sustainably minded environment. It's a true gem for those looking to get lost, naturally.

The Sticks

Pekan Kuala Kubu Bharu, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor, Malaysia