Pangkor Island

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Pulau Pangkor is an island off the coast of Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia, reached by ferry from Lumut (a small coastal town that links to Ipoh, or from Sitiawan). It has a land area of only 8 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 25,000 islanders. It is heavily promoted as a low-key tourist destination by the Malaysian government, but fishing and fish products remain major industries.

Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local fishermen, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort in an effort to control the Perak tin trade. In 1874, it was the location of a historic treaty between the British government and a contender for the Perak throne (The Pangkor Treaty), which began the British colonial domination of the Malay Peninsula.

Pangkor is famous for its fine beaches and a mix of low budget to 5 star accommodations. Teluk Nipah and Coral Bay on the north west of the island is extremely popular with travelers from Europe. The quality of sand in the Pasir Bogak Beach is far superior to that elsewhere on the island. The sand is golden brown, quite similar to most leading prime beaches. There are a few resorts in Teluk Nipah or Nipah Bay.

You only need to contact me by phone or from this website, I will help you to get the best accommodation and is compatible with your budget in Pulau Pangkor.


By,
Gunnarleve

Pulau Pangkor - Fantastic Holiday Vacation Spot and Animal Kingdom

Out of quite a few Islands from the vivacious Malaysia, Pangkor deserves the perfect of the acclamation for its distinct attributes. Its all-natural innocence is anything that catches all people's eyes. By far the most appreciable fact of your Island is its site and natural prosperity. Anybody may be stunned to see the finest arrangement of dynamics so as to bring this island into currently being. Combining 1 massive mountainous Island and 3 smaller Islands, Pangkor Island present you with a memorable practical experience of excursion.

Outstanding coves and beaches and brilliant trails for mountain bikers are what invite the adventure seekers to this location. If you previously desire to own an adventurous excursion, Pangkor Island may perhaps prove to be the most effective vacation spot to suit your needs. You are able to achieve here by road and by air. The whole region is total of natural wonders. The cool fresh breezes take it easy your thoughts so properly that you simply sense a whole new electricity inside you.

Having said that, one particular additional element that determines the volume of day time you keep at a destination is the accommodation facility. Fortunately, Pangkor shows no lack of this trait. It provides wide range of hotelswhich fits to all pockets. All Pangkor hotels in Malaysia have fantastic amenities to produce your vacation totally relaxed. Due to the fact Pangkor is surely an Island, most of your resorts are waterfront hotels they usually render terrific memories. Each with the rooms in any hotel has that distinctive aroma that refreshing breezes carry.

Land wildlife

Like practically in all places in Malaysia, Pangkor has its own population of Macaque monkeys and they may be not shy. You are going to come across them nearly everywhere, at the seaside, seated close to your window within your resort home, near towards the restaurant you have your dinner waiting towards the left more than. They're browsing for foodstuff and if you are not informed, they steal your bags far too. So be cautious.

A significantly noticed animal will be the monitor lizard. These are prevalent in Malaysia. What is interesting in regards to the monitor lizard here is the fact that they frequently swim from Pangkor towards the mainland. We have noticed them crossing the tiny straits in among Pangkor plus the mainland. The monitor lizard might be as much as three meters prolonged.

The lizards you see are usually the younger kinds as the older and stronger animals have their territory commonly inside estates and jungle. Will not be stunned to view a lizard within the seashore far too. Monitor lizards in Malaysia are commonly shy, contrary to their cousins about the Indonesian islands Rincon and Komodo.

Malaysia has a huge selection of snakes. I've seen several cobras close to Lumut and Sitiawan but it surely was continually in incredibly quiet locations and late afternoons. Snakes are commonly shy and also you hardly see them until the villagers have caught 1.

Tortoises are nevertheless for being observed though the locals have caught most of them. You discover a lot of for the Fu Lin Kong Temple at SPK. You will find also some on the mainland. Towards the divers and snorkelers, you could possibly lucky to determine turtles.

North of Pangkor is usually a Turtle Breeding Station at a beach in which turtles lay eggs. People eggs are dug up and hatched ahead of setting them back. The station, 35 km north of Pangkor island, is really worth a visit.

The station has several total grown species which helps make the pay a visit to even more spectacular. These turtles came towards the station possibly wounded or caught by locals and therefore are not arranged again within the wild.

To attain the Turtle Breeding Station bring the highway from Lumut to Taiping. Pass Segari, right after three or more km, carry the junction still left (indicator board "Lumut power plant"). Adhere to this street to the 1st junction still left (initially asphalt road), go on the conclusion. On your appropriate facet, you find the Turtle Breeding Station (no public transport).

Families of wild boar nonetheless live in the jungle of Pangkor. Quite a few are hunted so very difficult that you can find couple of still left. In case you would like to see them, your best bet is the Vikry Beach Resort at Pasir Bogak. The owners feed the wild boars inside evenings.

Birds

The image of Pangkor is the Lesser Hornbill. There are a few distinctive unique families residing at Pangkor. 1 is located all around Nipah Bay, the moment near Pasir Bogak plus the third life south of Pasir Bogak. (to get an thought the place we discover them, see the map of Pangkor island for the Pangkor internet site, under).

There exists also An excellent Hornbill loved ones existing inside hills close to Tiger Rock and roll. You are going to must continue to be at Tiger Rock resort to be lucky enough to view them (evenings is most possible). The Wonderful Hornbill is imported from additional inside Malaysian peninsula.

Whilst the Lesser Hornbills arrive at Pasir Bogak primarily inside morning, at Nipah Bay (and also in Pangkor Town) they can be additional active inside late afternoons. In the morning, you are going to see plenty of Lesser Hornbills on the Sea View hotel where the operator feeds them fruits.

You'll see (and listen to) numerous from the timber and around the beach.

The entire working day you'll see eagle. They may be extra energetic within the east coast in the island hunting with the fish leftovers in the Pangkor angling industry. Pangkor and particularly just around the mainland near Teluk Rubiah, it is possible to location dozens of eagles in the earlier morning. One particular day time, we spotted in excess of 40 eagles in a single location once we ended up being around the solution to Teluk Rubiah.

By

Scarlet Kiltie

Enjoy the Beauty of Pangkor Island in Malaysia

Pangkor is an island in Malaysia that is located 84 kilometers from Ipoh City, three hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. It is a mostly a fishing community where in fishing is a main source of living for the people living here. Pangkor is a beautiful island packed with many wonderful and amazing beaches that is one of tourists' favorite places in Malaysia.

Here, one can enjoy the view of the elegant beaches and engage to certain beach activities. Pangkor is a tropical island that is quiet and peaceful getaway place. There are also several beach resorts to choose from offering the best accommodations and quality services. There are also numbers of private suites where visitors can fully enjoy the quietness and tranquility they're looking for.

Tourists visiting Malaysia always spare time to visit and stay in Pangkor to have a taste of the true Asian native experience. Pangkor beach resorts, though offers modern facilities has always maintained their natural features. One can enjoy here the joy of having the finest comforts with the best experiences with their family and friends. People visiting Pangkor will never have a time to feel bore, for viewing and taking time to see the beauty of the island itself is a very exciting experience.

Families and friends traveling abroad for their vacation trips are always welcome to visit Pangkor promising to be the best vacation place they will ever be. Being a gorgeous beach and a fun place for so many beach activities, Pangkor definitely has it all for everyone.

Also, discover Pangkor's amazing wildlife. The place has been a habitat for much wildlife among the forests and sea rocks lying in the shores; Pangkor is truly nature-friendly vicinity. There are so many incredible things one can discover here and one will always have something to enjoy.

Also, enjoy the experience of jungle trekking in Pangkor, one of the favorite activities in the island. There are lots to see around the island that will definitely fascinate everyone. Plus, witness the gorgeous view of Pangkor sky during the night. One will surely be captivated by its stunning evening beauty and the brightly sparkling stars.

Pangkor is a place for everyone to have the best times. There are other islands around Pangkor that will also definitely catch everybody's eyes. You can visit here any time of the year and take pleasure to experiencing having the best things nature has to offer.

by

Pinky Mcbanon

what to see and do in Perak.

A quiet, unassuming state Perak rarely makes the big headlines as far as Malaysian tourism is concerned. Having said this, there are some neat places to explore, most notably the Cameron Highlands and some of the exquisite beaches along Pulau Pangkor.

Places To See & Do In Perak

Pulau Pangkor - Promoted as one of Malaysia's finest beaches, the tiny island of Panglor (it's total area is under 10 sq km) boasts some spectacular beaches - for example, it's in Pangkor that you will find the beaches of Coral Bay, Pasir Bogak and Teluk Ketapang.

If you can afford it, the exclusive Pangkor Laut resort owns the fabulous Emerald Bay beach, attracting five star travellers who can laze in the stunning sands and crystal clear waters that the bay offers.

Pangkor Town is a small, and largely smutty place, and even though it's not one to spend any great length of time, it's worth stopping by just for a look around. Because it's a tiny island, it's possible to explore Pangkor within a day (it barely takes a couple of hours if you have transportation) and aside from the awesome beaches there is not a great deal to do or see. Notable points of interest on the island include a Hindu temple and the Kota Belanda fort.

Because of the outstanding beaches, Pangkor is a good place to enjoy a spot of snorkelling or water-sports. You can snorkel at Pangkor Laut Resort if you're staying there as it offers very good snorkelling facilities for guests. Alternatively, head to Pasir Bogak beach where you can hire some snorkelling equipment and do it yourself.

Hotels, Restaurants & Places To Relax In Pangkor

There's only one place to stay in Pangkor if your budget allows, and that's the exquisite Pangkor Laut resort. Yes, this will practically break the bank but the stunning rooms (often accompanied by equally splendid views) as well as the right to use the guests-only beach (one of the best in Malaysia) makes it worthwhile.

There's nothing else to compare with Pangkor Laut on the island, but there are other places for travellers with a budget:

In Teluk Nipah (one of the main beach areas with a splurge of fair, budget accommodation) there are the following hotels and chalets:

Nipah Bay Villa
Sunset View Chalet
Suria Beach Resort
Indah Beach
Havana Beach Resort

The other popular beach area that also has a decent sprinkling of places to stay is Pasir Bogak. Here you'll find more budget places such as:

Coral Bay Resort
Vikri Beach Resort
Sea View Hotel

Most of these places offer very modest accommodation but are clean and good value - often, travellers to Malaysia don't care about the type of accommodation thanks to the many awesome sights and sounds that the country offers outside of the hotel room.

By
Tuks K Engineer.

Facilities and Services in Pangkor Laut Resort

1.       Facilities

Defined not only by its magnificent location, but also by the attention to detail and hospitality of its staff, Pangkor Laut Resort provides those who visit with indelible memories and an environment where guests define their pace - facilitated by a team of gentle, caring and unobtrusive staff.

Whether guests choose to enjoy a game of tennis or squash, take to the sea on an ocean-going yacht, experience a jungle walk with the resident naturalist, or relax on a serenely intimate beach voted one of the world best - the overwhelming feeling is of peace....and possibilities.

·         Conference & Banquet Hall

·         Recreation

·         Kazbah Gift Shop

·         Library

·         TV Lounge

·         Island Clinic & Hair Salon

·         Island Spa Boutique

2.       Services

·         Island Transportation

·         Water Taxis

·         Airline Reservations & Ticketing

·         Medical

·         Baby-sitting

·         Secretarial

·         Postage

·         Others

Ø  Other available services include the Concierge, Laundry, Valet Services, Limousines and daily Newspapers. Internet access is available including wireless connection at selected areas.

Article Source: http://www.pangkorlautresort.com

Beaches in Malaysia's Perak State

Mention beaches in Malaysia, and thought automatically goes to the East Coast of the peninsula. However, if you only have a short weekend for a break, the only snag to visiting the East Coast is the long travelling distance by road.

Despair not! The beaches in the southern coastline of Perak around Lumut, and the offshore island of Pangkor offers several unspoiled beaches that are more easily accessible. Furthermore, they can be visited all-year round, and accommodation caters to both the budget conscious and the well-heeled.

Lumut lies 78 km southwest of Ipoh; though it is a holiday destination by itself, it is also the jumping off point to Pangkor Island and its sister Pangkor Laut Island. Travelling to Lumut from Ipoh, the State capital, takes slightly more than two hours, with scenic view of road meandering through coconut plantations in the Pusing district, where many of the palms are tapped to make toddy -- an alcoholic beverage with a strong kick. As one approaches Lumut, which lies on the estuary of the Dindings River, mangrove swamps with long-tailed macaques whiz past on both sides of the road.

Upon entering Lumut, an archway greets you. During the 8th and 9th centuries A.D., when the Buddhist-Hindu kingdom of Gangga Negara was at its zenith, Lumut was an important fishing village. After the collapse of Gangga Negara, Lumut declined into a hideout for pirates. In the late 1970's, Lumut grew in importance again when the Royal Malaysian Navy established its base here. A must-visit is the Naval Museum which is filled with ancient weapons and maritime equipment.

A spin around Lumut takes only minutes, which is tucked between Ungku Busu Hill and the Manjung Straits. The hill was named after a local warrior who led a ferocious battle against Lumut's pirates in the 1800's. Along Jalan Sultan Idris Shah, banks, money-changers and a tourist information centre hums with life. At the northern end of Jalan Titi Panjang, yachts bob about in the marina of the Perak Yacht Club. A handful of budget hotels, two first-class resorts, store selling coral and shell handicrafts, seafood restaurants and a seemingly incongruous eight-metre tall windmill complete the charming picture of the town. Why a windmill in Lumut? Well, in 1641, after the Dutch had conquered Malacca from the Portuguese, they made ineffectual attempts to control Perak's tin trade by establishing a fort in Pangkor Island. At the jetty, ferries depart to Pangkor Island and Pangkor Laut Island. There are also connections to Belawan, Medan's port, in Sumatra.

Seven kilometres from Lumut lay Teluk Batik Beach, a crescent-shaped sandy stretch. There are chalets, food stalls, public changing rooms, a children's playground and speed-boat operators. Situated six kilometres from the main road leading to Lumut, Teluk Rubiah Beach has great appeal for golfers. The Royal Teluk Rubiah Country Club offers an 18-hole course tucked between the emerald sea and verdant hills. Another interesting mainland beach is Pasir Panjang Beach which stretches 6 km from the northern banks of the Dindings River to Pantai Remis. From January to July, the Green Turtle and Olive Ridley Turtle make this beach their breeding ground. The Segari Turtle Hatchery (opens from 10am - 5pm) is one place to be guaranteed of seeing these creatures.

Pangkor Island has great historical significance in Perak's history as a treaty was signed in 1874 aboard a British gunboat on the waters of this island, which allowed the British to appoint a British Resident to rule the State. The island's terrain consists of rocky promontories that form placid bays fringed by glassy sands while its forest-carpeted summit offers a panoramic view of the Straits of Dindings. There is an airstrip north of the island which serves chartered flights.

Visitors usually stop at Pangkor Town, a settlement filled with budget inns, coffee shops and operators of van taxis. A round-the-island trip can be booked with these van taxis. South of the town stand the ruins of a Dutch fort, which was built in 1670 as a garrison for soldiers. Destroyed by in 1690 by Panglima Kulub, a local warrior, it was rebuilt in 1743, but 5 years later, it was abandoned after Dutch influence in the area declined. Nearby, there is a boulder with the year 1743 inscribed on it as well as a drawing of a tiger attacking a boy -- a sad memorial to the young Dutch victim who was the son of Dutch dignitary.

Most of Pangkor's beaches are at its western coastline. The crescent-shaped Pasir Bogak is extremely popular, and has a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. More isolated and less crowded beaches are found at Teluk Ketapang, Teluk Nipah, Coral Bay, Tortoise Bay, Pantai Puteri Dewi and Belanga Bay.

Fringed by palms, Teluk Ketapang offers a chance to see leatherback turtles during the months of May, June and July. Pantai Puteri Dewi is associated with the legend of a Sumatran princess who leapt to her death from a cliff as a result of a failed love affair. Formerly called Golden Sands Beach, it is now a private beach owned by a five-star hotel. Non-hotel guests can also use the beach but have to pay a charge. Coral Bay is excellent for snorkeling -- it is blessed with crystal clear waters and lots of marine life -- but one has clamber over rocks at the northern end of Teluk Nipah to reach it.

When one is satiated with the sun, sea and sand, there are other diversions such as enjoying seafood or taking in the sights of fishing villages on the east coast where boat-building thrives.

For exclusivity, hop over to Pangkor Laut Island, just two kilometres away. In 1999, Condo Naste, an international travel magazine, voted Pangkor Laut Island as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. World famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti who performed at the opening of the island's sole resort - and it's extremely up-market -- remarked: "It's so beautiful that I almost cried." - Enough said about this island! There are three excellent beaches. Emerald Bay is ideal of swimming; Coral beach is a haven for snorkelers; Royal Bay is suitable for windsurfing.

About 10 nautical miles south of Pangkor Island, an archipelago of islands known as the Pulau Sembilan offers the thrill of deep-sea fishing. You can land a marlin, sting-ray or even a swordfish in the waters of these islands. Dive spots bursting with corals include the channel between Rumbia Island and Lalang Island; and that between Buluh Island and Saga Island.

By

Paik-Leong Ewe.

image of Pangkor Laut Resort

Resort and Cheap Hotel in Pangkor Island

Travelers come to Pangkor for all the things that it lacks crowds, traffic, and noise. When it comes to lodging in Pangkor, you will find that the island is really up to date. There are accommodations for every budget, and sure to satisfy your needs during your vacation. Pangkor specializes on romantic places to stay offering quiet private accommodations with stunning views sure to spark romance if you are traveling with someone special. Pangkor is also very family friendly, and there are plenty

Pangkor specializes on romantic places to stay offering quiet private accommodations with stunning views sure to spark romance if you are traveling with someone special. Pangkor is also very family friendly, and there are plenty of accommodations that are kid friendly. Ok, enough talk; let's find your perfect accommodation in Pangkor Island-Hotel. Happy Exploring!!

Its Malaysia travel information about Pangkor Island one of the Country Island unspoiled, still uncrowned beaches and islands, great Malaysia hotel, resorts and chalet.

Our family fell in love with the people, with this entire perfect little island. We taste at some yummy restaurants and we slept at comfortable chalet on Pasir Bogak and Teluk Nipah beach. Pangkor Island Vacation. Lulled to sleep by ocean waves every night. And my family? Well, we fell in love with the beach. Pangkor Island beaches have so much to offer everyone.  Warmth, sunshine, peace, soft, white sand and golden when sunset.

Laze in a beach chair. So what was our favorite of all the Pangkor Island beaches, hotel, chalet or place of attraction? They all were! You see, every beach in Pangkor Island is different, each with its own qualities that make it special. How about Hotel, Resort and Chalet or many attraction places? How about historical places such as Dutch Fort or Dutch Tomb.

I've been able to learn about the place the tourists don’t discover. Things Like:

--"must do"

--Among Best hotels and resorts and chalet too (cheap)

--Must stay Hotel, Resort and Chalet -- where we stayed

--Yummiest restaurants (Malay, Chinese or Indian) do you like beef curry, nasi lemak, nasi goreng with teh tarik? (Flying tea)

--Most rewarding snorkeling spots at Teluk Nipah and Pasir Bogak.

--The totally unique "little things"(it a little secret I like to share with you)

By

Radin Ruslan

Best Hotels and Resorts

Pangkor Laut Resort Malaysia, located privately three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia, it’s a smaller island off Pangkor Island. This paradise has been 2 million years in the making; here you will find one of the world's premier resorts nestling in the shade of forest giants as old as the island. Stay individual at water villas build over the ocean, Straits of Malacca. Pricing a three-day two night package starts from RM 799 per person inclusive ferry transfers and meals.

Pangkor Island Beach Resort located on an unspoiled tropical island of Pangkor , on the west of Peninsular Malaysia, is surrounded by 73 acres of lush tropical Jungle, exotic jungle and marine life. On this private enclave, it offers 1.2 kilometres of white sandy beach with inviting emerald green sea.

In attractive low rise Malay-style architecture, this recently refurbished 258 rooms resort inclusive of suites spans across a cluster of private villas, the premier Ocean Wing, Pacific Wing and Garden Wing The newly renovated villas is an epitome of a traditional Malay village, sited on one end of the bay along the undulating slope covered with tropical jungle, with the sea front right on its doorstep. Each of the villas offer commanding vista of the sea and is luxuriously furnished with a large day bed fringing the bay windows, deep sunken bath and an oversized outdoor shower, surrounded by tropical jungle.

Discerning palates will be spoiled for choice with its range of Asian, Malaysian and Western culinary delights, complemented with exotic tropical cocktails at its restaurants and bars. Whilst relaxation is the ultimate pursuit at the resort, for the young at heart and energetic, a choice of recreational sports of both earth & sea are available for your selection.

For the Corporate meeting planner and Incentive specialists aspiring for the extra highlights, the resort's facilities and outdoor terrain, offer the penultimate for a fruitful and enjoyable experience.

Complete your stay with a full-body make up at the Aryani Malaysian Spa. Each of its treatment is therapeutic, leaving you rejuvenated and satiated at the end of your holiday.

By,

Gulflee Lee

A Perfect Island For a Carefree and Relaxing Holiday Destination

Unique and Economic Holiday in a Great Heavenly Place!

Pangkor offers such a unique yet inexpensive holiday destinations with a charming mix of fishing villages as well as resorts for the tourists. The tourists will have the chances to visit the fishermen and experienced by themselves on how they work, the lifestyle they had plus together with home staying with some of the villagers' families there. This is a very good idea since they do not have to book for rooms at the resorts. The villagers indeed are very friendly and you do not have to worry on how they will treat you.

More Exotic Things to be found in the Island of Malaysia

Pangkor Island is one of the most exotic islands which tourist can visit in Malaysia. Similar to every beautiful islands available in Malaysia, it gives bountifully beauty of sandy beaches at Seri Dewi Beach which is tailor made for sunbathing, adventurous snorkeling spots, jet skiing, canoeing, wind surfing and other water activities.

Snorkeling lovers will not miss their chance to explore Pasir Bogak Beach and Pangkor Laut, one of the familiar places where tourists will find gorgeous coral reefs in shallow waters as well as experiencing the mesmerizing sunset on its pristine beaches. One of the nine untouched island from development process, Sembilan Island, is a right place for scuba-diving lovers to dive all-out to see a wealth of marine life.

On Land Activities

For those who do not want their bodies to be under the crystal-clear water, they still can find attractive activities such as bird-watching around the island such as at the Teluk Nipah area. It is an unforgettable memory when you can watch the horn bills up close and personal with your own eyes. Most of the horn bills like to rest on electricity cables around the island. Therefore, you should take on precaution because you will surely bump into a few of the magnificent creatures during your stay. And they might also feed directly from your hand too!

Ground Attractions and Delightful Foods!

Other attractions which can be found at Pangkor Island the Dutch Fort which is originally built by the Dutch in order to take charge of the tin mines. Nearby, there is the tiger Rock which is a granite stone carved with an image of a tiger mauling a boy. Local people claimed that it portrays the son of a Dutch bigwig that disappeared and some others believed that the boy had been killed by a tiger in 1743.

Furthermore, you may savor the famous delicacies of local cuisine at the small town on the island at the stalls on the roadside. The stalls are being acknowledged for varieties of seafood dishes such as dried cuttlefish, grilled jellyfish and many more for your taste buds. Tourists can also shop all kinds of fresh dried and salted fish, squids, and anchovies at bargain price! Talking about accommodations, there are lists to be chosen depending on the budget you would like to spend.

By,

Hanne FN.

A unique resort on a unique island

Pangkor Laut and the YTL Spa Village, off Lamut, Malaysia, is best reached by a stunning under-hour helicopter ride north-west from Kuala Lumpur.

After jungle and hills, we came low over the sea, and landed on a platform off Pangkor Laut island, 300 acres of marvellous forested terrain. Less than 15% of the island has been developed, and roads are cantilevered on to the hills to prevent harming even a single tree. We were met by a bright apple green Toyota Rav4s that was for exclusive use of Estate One guests during a stay.

We did a brief tour, looking at Emerald Bay, with its crescent sand, green water, and the Spa Village, tennis courts, communal pool, discreet multi-storey blocks that somehow hold 156 bedrooms. A road marked Private to the Estates, which are villas with two to four bedrooms. Estate One was reached via a door in a solid dry-stone wall. Inside, stepping stone footpaths skirted trees and the 45-foot private infinity pool, with the beach immediately below. The villa has two separate wood-tiled bedrooms, each self-contained, plus as well, an indoor air-conditioned dining room with attendants' room behind (this estate comes with a butler, a butlerette and a chef). There is also an octagonal outdoor dining sala. Designer of this gorgeous complex is Lech Bunnag.

My wood-floored bedroom, with high cream walls rising to an open-eaved wood ceiling with fan, is dominated by the four-poster bed, made up with a selection of international and local linens and set in a metre-high, 50cm wide horizontal wood frame. The front and sides of the room look straight out, if you open heavy wooden shutters or wall blinds, to pool and greenery, and beach and horizon. At the back of the room all floors are smooth stone. There is a work area, with sensible desk/dressing table, and your own Airport for wireless. Here there is also a fridge with soft drinks, tea and coffee. Further back is the indoor bath area, with twin basin areas (big circular mirrors over units holding white ceramic hemispherical Kohler bowls, with wall-set magnifyers, hand-held mirrors, washcloths folded as conical sculptures). I have a safe, satin-wrapped hangers and a brown wicker beach basket. A central table holds a medieval-looking pot with yellow crysanthemums.

There are big glass-fronted toilet and shower rooms, the latter with side, handheld and rainforest outlets, and neatly set hotel-label toiletries (banana shampoo, zest conditioner, duneberry shower gel, peach lotion). Rear windows look into jungle. A side door leads to a private terrace with the really-hot outdoor tub, a marriage of permanently-warmed garden-set bathtub and stone jacuzzi with lying areas for 2 and a selection of potions to hand. All locks are simply pull-across wood bars, on both inside and outside of door or window shutter.

The YTL Spa Village - named for the resort's owners, YTL Corporation Berhad - is just that, with nine treatment villas in lovely gardens. I had a consultation with the Chinese doctor (he also has Indian and Malay colleagues). He told me I needed more water, and red wine. He then did a Chinese massage, 50 minutes of pummelling and yanking through a towel.

Right now you can dine internationally in Fisherman's Cove, or at specific Chinese or Malay outlets, all inside or outside-deck outlets overlooking the water - next month sushi, in the spa, and a Jim Thompson Thai restaurant will be added. Fisherman's Cove has Johann Later as a consultant but the menu is international. A caprese salad here is a patty of cubes of skinless tomato flesh topped by a dollop of goat cheese, drizzling of balsamico around. I followed this with home-made spaghetti and big mushrooms, and addictive mango sorbet. Back in my villa I found a home-made journal, with some leaves giving resort history, others plain for my own notes.

Before the sun came up gardeners were meticulous raking the beach, and scooping leaves from the pool. Out exercising, I pass a family of crab-eating monkeys (there are no crabs left so they have changed their diet). Back home, I plunge down into the sea for a quick swim, emerge, wash my feat with a half coconut shell in an urn of water - and turn to note four seals swimming exactly where I was. I plunge again, into my pool, watching 'em. Showered, I am driven in green Rav4 down to breakfast, memorable for a pair of peacock noisily courting, and the make-your-own toast, home made bread over a real charcoal grill. That toast, together with mango juice, papaya with sweet lime, Bridel salted or unsalted butters, and waiter Jerome courteously asking if I needed anything more - this is what all breakfasts should be like.

Daily at 1030 Uncle, a renowned retired horticulturalist, leads a two-hour heritage walk along the cross-island jungle path, explaining why trees that did not survive over the last 140 million (sic) years did not survive (we see a fig about to strangle an acacia, as an example). I checked out the air-conditioned gym, but not the squash courts. I liked the way the open-sided reception area flowed into library, with two computers, and on into one pool area, where apparently there are complimentary sorbet and fruits service at 3pm, 4pm. Despite the fact there must have been nearly 200 guests on site, you seldom saw anyone twice, or, except at meal times, anyone at all.

There was just time to say hello to YTL hotels' guru and co-owner, Dato' Mark Yeoh Seok Kah (see photo), visiting to see how everything was going, and then, sadly, it was time to switch into travel gear and little green Rav4 took me back to the landing pad. General Manager is Jeff Mong.

 By,

Mary Gostelow.