“A sanctuary with panoramic views of the city, lush greenery and the South China Sea.”
THE HIP LIFE ASIA
In need of clean, fresh air and a change in scenery? Enter Serayapuri Villa—the serene and remote getaway you didn’t know you needed, located at Bukit Besar in Terengganu. If you’re wondering how we came across this humble gem, Serayapuri belongs to Tuan Haji Dato Md Nasir b Md Arshad (Pak Nasir), father of Malaysia’s talented makeup artist and colour analyst—Ummi Nasir. Upon her balik kampung visit last December, she stayed there to find inspiration for her work. Now that this stunning new villa has opened, safe to say we know where she gets her creative flair from.
Tucked away from the hubbub of city life, Serayauri Villa is a paradise for any burnt-out creative mind or exhausted nine-to-fiver. Plus, it is a great group stay or family getaway for some quality bonding time. This traditional Terengganu Malay wooden house built using Seraya wood (Serayapuri) was thoughtfully constructed on a 7,000-square-foot plot of land, surrounded by a lush green backdrop of Acacia trees. Read on to discover the history, the making of this spectacular hideout and why you should book a stay before it blows up among tourists.
Terengganu Wooden House Concept
The inspiration behind Serayapuri is deeply rooted in the strength and timeless beauty of Terengganu’s traditional wooden houses. It began as a personal journey for Pak Nasir, whose growing fascination with the craft and philosophy of Malay timber architecture led him on years of exploration and study. Over more than five years, he immersed himself in research and visits to historic sites, including the Terengganu Museum—home to original wooden structures over a century old, meticulously built from chengal wood (Neobalanocarpus) and crowned with Singgora clay roof tiles.
These enduring homes, shaped by patience, skill, and respect for nature, became emotional touchstones for Serayapuri. Further inspiration was drawn from places devoted to preserving Terengganu’s architectural soul, such as Terrapuri Heritage Village in Kampung Penarik. Developed by Alex Lee, a Terengganu Peranakan Chinese descendant, the village comprises 29 lovingly restored traditional Malay wooden houses sourced from across the state—each carrying its own story, memory and sense of place.
Echoes of the past also live on in Kampung Losong, where historic structures like the Kota Lama Duyong house and Surau Tuan Haji Wan Abdul Latif—both over 100 years old—have been carefully restored at RM1.3 million. These preservation efforts stand as beautiful reminders that heritage, when cared for, continues to breathe, inspire and belong. It is this reverence for memory and craftsmanship that Serayapuri gently carries forward, offering not just a place to stay but a feeling of coming home.
Construction Process & Craftsmanship
The construction of Serayapuri was thoughtfully carried out across three distinct phases, each honouring time-tested building traditions. The first phase focused on forming the structural columns—carefully drilling their joints and shaping tenons at each end, allowing the pieces to interlock seamlessly, just as homes were once built by hand.
The second phase turned its attention to the roof, where intricate roof trusses took shape. From cross trusses and A-frame structures to the central support pole, known as the tongkat langit, every element was assembled with precision. Rafters, fascia boards, tile rails and the gracefully curved fascia cuts—hallmarks of Terengganu architecture—came together to create a roof that feels both protective and poetic.
Throughout Serayapuri, the walls are adorned with delicate ornaments such as the buah mutong, lovingly handcrafted motifs that celebrate the soul of Terengganu’s architectural heritage. These wood carvings are more than decorative details; they are expressions of skilled craftsmanship, mastery passed down through generations, and a deep respect for tradition. Beyond their beauty, this traditional method of construction is known to produce structures that are not only stronger, but more refined—homes built to endure, and to be remembered.
A Heritage-Inspired Villa Crafted for Today’s Way of Living
Spanning 2,100 square feet across two thoughtfully designed levels, Serayapuri Villa is a home that feels both familiar and quietly indulgent. Created with deep respect for tradition while embracing the beauty of modern living, the villa unfolds into spaces meant for gathering, resting, and lingering a little longer.
The upper floor houses two serene bedrooms, each paired with its own bathroom—private retreats that invite slow mornings and unhurried nights. On the ground level, an additional bedroom and bathroom sit alongside a welcoming pantry, dining and living areas, and a barbecue space that calls to mind long conversations, shared meals, and evenings that stretch gently into the night.
Moments Away from Culture and Nature
Designed as a retreat for the soul, the villa offers a pause from the rush and noise of city life, yet for those who feel the pull of curiosity, there is still much to discover. Just a 15-minute drive away, the rhythms of Terengganu are seen throughout Pasar Payang, Kampung Cina, Taman Tamadun Islam, Masjid Terapung Kuala Ibai, and the iconic Terengganu Drawbridge.
Cultural encounters await nearby, from witnessing the art of batik at Noor Arfa to the delicate craft of songket weaving, hands-on batik-making workshops, and the Terengganu Museum, where Malay heritage is thoughtfully preserved. History lingers at Kota Lama Duyong and surrounding sites, each offering the powerful stories of the past.
And for nature lovers, Bukit Besar calls—its 3,000 steps leading up to an elevation of 669 feet, where the climb is rewarded with sweeping views and a moment of stillness at the summit.
A Home Away From Home
Ultimately, Serayapuri Villa is an invitation for you to slow down. It offers you and your loved ones a rare sense of tranquillity and restoration—a place to breathe deeply, reconnect, and leave feeling recharged, ready to return to the world with renewed calm. If that sounds like the escape you’ve been longing for, this is your moment to book a stay and experience life in a traditional wooden home, where nature softens the passing of time and history and culture unfold gently around you.
The current rate is RM700 per night. To make your reservation, call 011 15577721.
“Designed for a big, deep exhale.”
THE HIP LIFE ASIA
For more ideas on new stays and breathtaking architecture to check out, here’s a list:
