Andrew Davies

Has anybody found the near perfect beach resort in Malaysia? All the books have conflicting viewpoints on the merits of eg. Penang, Langkaw, Pangkor and the east coast.We have five days spare and want a resort that has a range of activities, good beach without hazard eg.jellyfish, snakes, litter (according to the Lonely Planet guide Batu Ferringhi is covered) etc..<BR>Can anybody help as this is our first trip to Malaysia?<BR>

Kathie

I don't know about perfect, but I always enjoy Kuantan. The beach is nice and there is a lovely Hyatt there. The prices are low.

Andrew Davies

Thanks for the reply. Do you know how easy was it to get to Kuantan from KL? Also is it a good family location and where did you stay?

Andrew Davies

Sorry you did say the Hyatt

Kathie

It's a quick flight from KL. It's a fine place for a family. I suppose you could drive from KL... probably a couple of hours(?). On weekends, there are often families that come from KL for a quick vacation. Kuantan is quietier than many resort areas. I like that.

Ricky

Although Batu Ferringhi is not perfect, Golden Sands Resort has a number of activities for kids. I suggest to stay at Rasa Sayang Resort with better view(managed by same group) and use the facilties of Golden Sands.

Anne

Returned from KL a couple of days ago. My family were first on Langkawi for 8 nights - second time we have been there in space of a year. Stayed at Sheraton Langkawi again - could not fault this wonderful hotel. Many things to do. Car hire is cheap and the roads no problem. It is only a one hour flight from KLIA. We then took ferry from Langkawi to Penang (would fly next time). Stayed at Rasa Sayang which is absolutely gorgeous: wonderful swimming pools, many things for the children (including a tree house). A water slide here too. Even a trapeze at the Golden Sands!! The beach is quite nice. My daughters (21 and 15) would prefer to return to Penang as there are so many activities and many young people there. My husband and I loved Penang and would like to return. Langkawi we will definitely return to as it is such a relaxing spot and the Sheraton Langkawi is extremely well managed and the staff are delightful.

Nancy

I am a big fan of the east coast of Malaysia, especially in the non-monsoon months, roughly June through the end of October. I think the east coast is less developed and has prettier beaches than the west coast. Kuantan, mentioned above is fairly far south on the coast, from KL I think it would take more like 5-7 hours. You can fly into Kuantan (may have to go through Singapore). Instead of Kuantan, you might consider driving across from KL to the Kuala Terengganu and area, stay at the fabulous Tanjang Jara Resort. This is a gorgeous resort, built of teak in Malaysia long-house style. They are part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which gives you some idea the quality. They have an infinity pool that looks spectacular. The beach is beautiful. The diving is the world-class, you can hire boats for the day to go out into the South China Sea. You could also fly from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu, and then take a taxi or hotel car to the hotel (about an hour); it might also be possible to rent a car at the airport in Kuala Terengganu and drive yourself. I could not find a website for the hotel, but they are in the website for Small Luxury Hotels of the World at: slh.com<BR><BR>For my money, the most beautiful beach in South East Asia is Rawa Island, of the east coast off Mersing. I spent 10 years living in Asia and looking for the best beach, and that wins for me hands down. It is a small island (you can swim or canoe around it). It is without doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in the world: soft white sand and clear water that changes from blue, to green to purple depending on weather. There is one hotel on the island, and as it is small, the staff is very attentive. The hotel is about a 3-star, but the beach and surrounding islands make up for any lack of luxury. The diving is great, you can dive or snorkel right from the beach, or the hotel will arrange for a boat to take you to more remote islands/reefs/wrecks. The hotel is called Rawa Safaris. I would suggest you check their website: rawasfr.com. To reach Rawa, you could drive from Singapore (3 hours, you can charter a taxi) and then take a ferry for about 1 hour. You might also fly from KL to Kuantan and drive to Mersing (maybe 1 -2 hours). I am not a fan of Tioman Island, a bit south of Rawa, which often gets mentions on this site. It is overbuilt and overcrowded.<BR><BR>A final place to consider is the island of Borneo/ East Malaysia. There are several nice hotels along the west coast near Kota Kinabalu (including two nice Shangri La hotels, check out shangri-la.com, choose Malaysia and Kota Kinabalu. You can also arrange to climb Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia. The climb takes 1 11/2 days, you overnight a few hours below the summit and get up top for sunrise. The climb is not difficult, but there are a LOT of stairs. The view is worth it in the end, and it’s a fun activity. Yu can fly from KL to Kota Kinabalu (may have to connect through Singapore) in about 3/12 hours.<BR><BR><BR>

amy

Nancy,<BR><BR>Can we fly from Singapore to Mersing or close by airport in Malaysia at all?<BR>Do you know anything about Besar &amp; Sibu island? Would you still vote for Rawa Isalnd vs Sibu &amp; Besar.<BR>Thank you so much.

Andrew Davies

Thank you for all the fantastic ideas. We starting to veer towards the idea of Penang or Langkawi, although I keep hearing how wonderful Riwa is . One question - how likely am I to be confronted by my biggest fear - snakes in resorts like Penang, Langkawi or even Riwa?

Anne

When we were at the Sheraton Langkawi last January I heard of someone spotting a snake - early in the morning, it had caught some sort of rodent. But I have never seen a snake &quot;on the loose&quot;. There is a lot of wildlife if you take the time to look around, the hornbills being my favourite. There weren't many macaques at the resort this January as last Jan. - possibly something to do with the weather. It had been a little bit wetter this time than last, although usually short sharp bursts followed by a settled, sunny late afternoon. Can hardly wait to get back there.

Nancy

I have not stayed on Pulau Sibu in many years, and at that time there were only very basic accommodations. It is a pretty island, but I still have to say that I think Rawa is a prettier island, it is so small and intimate and seeing the other islands rising up out of the sea around you is so beautiful. The water color on the beach there is something I can never forget.<BR><BR>Babi Besar is a good choice also. The water color is also pretty. Again, my personal view is that Rawa is prettier, as it is on a smaller scale. However, Babi Besar would be a close second, and better in my view than Sibu. If you haven't already seen it, a good website is besarisland.com.my, you can find information on Besar as well as Rawa, Sibu and other islands in the Malay archipelago<BR><BR>I am not aware of any way that you can fly from Singapore to Mersing. The closest airport would be in Kuantan I believe, which would be about 2 hours north. However, I think you have to change planes in KL, which would make for a long flight from Singapore (but OK if you are coming from KL, flight is about 40 minutes). It is actually easier to drive from Singapore than to try to fly. You can hire a taxi (may have to go to Johore Baru o hire one with Malaysian plates) or arrange for a car service in Singapore. There is an express bus services from Newton Circus Food Court in Singapore (near the &quot;IN&quot; entrance to the car park) and Jalan Sultan Bus Station. Depart at 6:30 a.m. daily. I only took the bus once more than 10 years ago and I would say the taxi/car option is easier and better especially if there are at least 2 people to split the cost. The drive takes about 3 hours, much of it through coconut plantations and small villages, and is very pretty.<BR>

amy

Nancy,<BR><BR>Thank you so much for your advise. Our itinerary is Singapore &amp; Malaysia.<BR>We would like to do some sight seeing and after that relax at the beach resort. We do want luxury accomdations if that is possible in Malaysia.<BR><BR>1. We're staying 3 or 4 nights in Singapore &amp; have 8 nights in Malaysia.<BR>In Singapore, we can't decide which hotel to stay at??<BR>2. In Malaysia, we are not sure which city to visit/resort to stay at &amp; for the beach location we want clear water with white sand beach. Per your comments, Rawa doesn't have 5 star resort.<BR>3. Could you please tell me more about the Tangung Jara resort in Kuala Terengganu.<BR>4. Is the resort on the beach &amp; if the beach is clean &amp; water is clear or not?<BR>When is the best time to visit? I can't tell looking at their web site!<BR><BR>5. In Malaysia, What would be your recommendation on which city to visit and resort to stay?<BR>Thank you so much again, I read all of your posting about Hongkong, Bangkok, Phuket &amp; Malaysia.

Nancy

There are so many good-quality hotels in Singapore that it is hard to choose. Run a search on this site and also click on &quot;Hotels&quot; above, then choose Singapore to see ratings and comments from Fodorites who have stayed at the hotels listed. My personal favorites include the following:<BR><BR>1. Raffles - for colonial elegance. No views from the rooms, all the must-sees are inside the hotel. Read your Somerset Maughm stories before you stay here. Good location. Expensive.<BR><BR>2. Ritz-Carlton - for 21st century elegance and views. Great bathrooms. Good location. Expensive.<BR><BR>3. Shangri-La - always high on Conde Nast list. The Garden Wing is especially nice. The pool area and gardens are great. Brunch on Sunday is good for people watching, as it is a hangout for locals and expats. Good for shopping in the Orchard Road area. Interesting neighbourhood of old-style &quot;black and white&quot; bungalows, which are increasingly rare in Singapore. Expensive.<BR><BR>4. Inn at Temple Street - in China Town, this is a newish boutique hotel in an old colonial-style Chinese shophouse. Good neighbourhood for shopping and restaurants. No views. Moderate.<BR><BR>5. The Beaufort - out on Sentosa island, this is a resort hotel about 15 minutes drive from the city center. Great black pool and a nice beach. Perhaps not the best choice is you want to do a lot of sightseeing or shopping in the city center or Orchard Road; however you will get a real resort feeling here and will definitely feel you have left the city behind you. Great rooms and facilities. Moderate to expensive.<BR><BR>6. The Marriott - located in the heart of everything, at the corner of Scotts Road and Orchard Road. Great for shopping and restaurants. High floors would have good views over the city. Moderate to expensive.<BR><BR>As for Malaysia, the area in north Malaysia around the Tanjang Jara Resort is relatively undeveloped; as is most of the east coast of Malaysia. The water and beach were very clean all the times I have been in the area, and the water is clear for snorkelling and diving. The facilities at the hotel are 5-star and as nice as they look in the website. If you like diving or snorkelling this is a good place, although my recommendation would be to hire a boat and go out to some of the outlying islands. There is not really any coral right off the beaches anyplace in Malaysia, you need to get to the off-shore islands to find this.<BR><BR>For cities in Malaysia, Penang and Malacca on the west coast are good choices. I am not such a fan of Kuala Lumpur as it is just a big city with some shopping and some very tall buildings. Penang and Malacca have some colonial charm to them. Malacca is an easy drive from Singapore, 2-3 hours with small villages along the way. Penang is drivable, although it is easier and more convenient to fly. On the east coast, there aren't really any cities to speak of. Kuantan is quite small, but does have a nice beach and several good hotels (you can also golf in the area). Kuala Terrenganu in the far north of the east coast is not worth a visit, but it is a good place to fly into if you are going down to the Tanjang Jara Resort.<BR><BR>Finally, many people on this site like the island of Langkawi off the west coast. There are many nice hotels here and nice beaches. My two objections are that it is over-developed as there are so many hotels, and the water is not as clear as you will find on the east coast. Langkawi was once a tin mining site and there is still substantial run-off from the mines which clouds the water.<BR>

Kathie

Some quick info on flying into Kuantan: You can fly non-stop from Singapore on Silk Air several days a week. Malaysian Air flies it from KL - a very short flight, several flights a day. Take a look at a map. Kuantan is north of KL, but Kuala Terengganu is MUCH farther north, not really a drive form KL.

Cicerone

topping

Jenner

Just perusing the posts and thought I'd throw in a few notes from the resident expert... well, not much of an expert, but a few things I can speak of with authority.... ;-)<BR><BR>The drive to Kuantan from KL takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. It's not a great highway, only two lanes and very winding, and if you hit traffic (ie: lorries) it can take forever. I've never driven to Terranganu - we flew on Malaysian Airline and it took about 35 minutes. But I think you have to go to Kuantan and up the coast, so it's 3-6 hours PLUS probably at least another 3.<BR><BR>Personally didn't find the beaches near Kuantan anything special. There is a Club Med at Cherating (a bit north of Kuantan) so I assume that beach is better, but I haven't seen it.<BR><BR>Generally the consensus is that you'll find better beaches at the East Coast but then you won't find any really top-notch hotels. I'm sure Tioman will have one soon, as it's recently become a duty free zone, but for now it's not great. <BR><BR>I have not been to Rawa, but saw it from a ferry returning from Tioman and it looked nice. Not a luxury resort, but has the whole island to itself and has lots of activities.<BR><BR>You cannot fly to Mersing from KL or S'pore, but you can fly to Tioman from either, I believe. If you wanted to get to one of the other islands in that area you could just take a speedboat from Tioman.<BR><BR>Once again I'll vote for Melaka/Malacca as a city worth checking out in Malaysia. I haven't scoped the hotels because I live here, but there are a handful of nice ones (the Renaissance comes to mind). I agree with the previous poster who said KL doesn't have much to see (though will vote for the Mandarin Oriental for a great hotel). Don't plan on spending any more than two days there, and do go out to see Batu Caves. Otherwise it's just shopping.<BR><BR>I guess that's all I've got to say today!<BR><BR>Jen, in Melaka

bclad

We were at the Perhentian Island almost 4 weeks ago. It is not as developed compared to Tioman Island and Langkawi. That's why we loved it there. It has clean white beautiful beaches and coral reefs. You can go ocean kayaking, snorkelling, and diving. We chose that island because it is clean, highly recommended by Lonely Planet and also from other tourists that had been there. They were right. It was a paradise! Cocohut Chalet was where we stayed. www.cocohuttravel.com (The food and service is probably the best on the big island)

TonyMac

We are looking at Perhentian Island Resort to visit in September - goinf for the hightly rated beach,coral etc - but bit concerned about the food and that alcohol isn't readily available - a holidays not complete without a couple of drinks as the sun goes down!

rhkkmk

we loved langkawi on our first visit to malaysia...we also stayed at the sheraton resort....it is quite spread out but they do provide transportation between areas and have a range of restaurants....the pool is beautiful and only 2 steps from the sea....<BR><BR>our funny story is this: just after we arrived in our room, which was very beautiful and loaded with teak, we heard a huge thud outside our sliding window....we opened the curtain and there was a monkey or two on our balcony eating a coconut that they had knocked out of the tree above our balcony....they stared at us and we at them.....they are all around the property and love to steal stuff ...