Well-known for deep-sea fishing, Pulau Pemanggil is fishermen’s heaven located 45km off Mersing.
The calm emerald water surrounds the pristine island homes to lavishness of colourful coral reefs and marine life.
Hence, plenty of water sports can be enjoyed on the island.
Due to the large sacred boulder in the middle of the island, many tourists find this island an elegant yet mysterious one.
Up until now, it has welcomed lots of tourists from all over the world since the opening of their first resort.
Why Stay in Pulau Pemanggil?
Pulau Pemanggil is perfect for a serene and peaceful getaway. There are a few well-maintained resorts on the island. Their services are rated excellent and heart-warming.
Pulau Pemanggil offers long stretches of stunning beaches and crystal clear water. Lying on the beach, floating on the water and a leisure stroll are the simplest and the most relaxed activities on the island.
Photo credits: pulaumalaysia.com
Deep-sea fishing is opened to all tourists in Pulau Pemanggil. There are various ideal fishing spot available and the island holds one of the famous fish hunting grounds in Malaysia. Goods around the island are mackerels and marlins.
Apart from deep-sea fishing, various water sports are available on the island. The resort will provide all the equipment you need. The island is also well-suited for adventurous people.
It offers an exciting and challenging hiking experience to the hilltop for a scenic view of dazzling ocean. Tourists can even visit the local village to learn their culture.
How To Go To Pulau Pemanggil
Mersing Jetty is the only take-off point to Pulau Pemanggil and it requires 4- 5 hours boat ride to arrive at the island.
Normally, the resort will arrange a boat transfer for you which is either fast or slow boat services. Fast boat services are more expensive compared to the slow one.
Note: Please take note that the boat transfers always depends on the tidal conditions.
There are 2 ways to get to Mersing Jetty from Singapore either by private car or by coach. Both journey takes around 3 hours.
Coach From Singapore To Mersing Jetty
Coach services are cheaper and are suitable for budget travellers.
In Singapore, The One Travel & Tours offers coach services to Mersing jetty with Golden Mile Complex as their pick-up point.
The coach normally leaves early in the morning. Online booking is available.
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What to Do in Pulau Pemanggil
Don’t underestimate this small and pristine island as there are lots of relaxing and challenging activities you can enjoyed here.
1. Island hopping at Pemanggil Island
The resort offers an excursion to nearby islands such as Pulau Aur, Pulau Dayang and Pulau Lang. These islands are beautiful and suitable for photographing too.
2. Deep-sea fishing
There are various ideal fishing spots available for fishing enthusiasts and even first-timers. September to December is the best period for fishing. Or, fish in between May to August for seasonal fishes.
3. Scuba diving at Pemanggil Island
Explore the mysterious underwater world through scuba diving in Malaysia. The divers can have a closer look to the beautiful coral reefs and sea creatures. The equipment you will need can be rent from the resort.
4. Snorkelling at Pemanggil Island
Snorkelling is one of the best ways to get personal with the incredible coral reefs surround Pulau Pemanggil and you’ll find diverse marine life in the water. Mask up and have a try!
5. Hiking at Pemanggil Island
Hiking is great for adventurous people! While staying here, hike to the hilltop for an amazing view of South China Sea and the surrounding islands.
Enjoy the beauty of nature by sunbathing and have a stroll along the beach. It helps you to relax and refresh your mind and soul.
7. Visit to Pulau Pemanggil’s local village
Never miss out the chance to experience the local living and learn their culture. Plan a visit to the main village on the island – Kampung Buau. It’s definitely a rewarding and interesting trip.
Where to Stay in Pulau Pemanggil
1. Lanting Beach Resort
Lanting Beach Resort is the most famous resort on Pulau Pemanggil. It features Malay-style beachfront rooms ranging from standard room, deluxe room, family room to suites. Besides, long houses which can accommodate up to 14 persons are available for large group travellers.
Savour delicious food ranging from local dishes to western dishes at their on-site restaurant. All the seafood is cooked in local ways. They even prepare BBQ dinner with wide array of options.
Water sports can be enjoyed and all the equipment can be rent from the resort. Also, the resort provides free indoor games include monopoly, cards, mahjong, ping-pong and carom.
For outdoor games, beach volleyball is provided. You can even enjoy the latest films and singing at their In-house movie & Karaoke.
The resort offers a 3D2N packages for tourists. Here is the itinerary of the trip.
Day 1
Leave for Pulau Pemanggil from Mersing jetty early in the morning.
Accommodation check-in
Free time for fishing, swimming, snorkelling, jet skiing or canoeing for the whole day
Buffet lunch and dinner are served
Karaoke and in-house movie are provided
Day 2
Island hopping after breakfast
Packed lunch is provided
Return to resort for more water sports and leisure time
BBQ dinner
Day 3
Check-out after breakfast
Leave the island through ferry transfer
2. Pemanggil Holiday Heaven Chalet
3. Family Inn Resort
4. Pemanggil Indah
5. Pak Kaleh Chalet
Pulau Pemanggil Tips & Info
Only one plug in the room, I recommend you to bring your own extended socket.
Do not forget to bring your sunblock lotion, hats, umbrellas and other sunscreen items.
You can rent the life jackets and scuba-diving equipment, please contact staff if necessary.
There are a number of necessary items sell in the resort, just next to restaurant.
No towels available in the room, please take your towel at the counter when you do the registration and remember to return back after you check out the resort.
For safety reasons, the resort will based on the weather of the day to decide whether to go to sea.
The Lanting Beach Resort has many ladders, please walk-in caution.
If you need hot water, you can request from the resort’s staffs.
When is The Best Time to Visit Pulau Pemanggil
Pulau Pemanggil is influenced by monsoon season which falls from October to March. Travel during monsoon season may lead to disappointment as the resorts close their doors within this period of time. Hence, April to September would be the best time to visit Pulau Pemanggil.
It’s encouraged to travel from April to September as there are less rainfalls and the coast is clear. The island is less susceptible to strong winds and rough sea waves. It’s always sunny day thus water sports and other beach activities can be enjoyed throughout the day.
Even though the resort is closed, online booking at the resorts are available throughout the year.
Read on to discover all about Tanjung Piai, that’s close to Singapore and also mainland Asia’s southernmost tip, and why by the end of this, you’ll want to make a visit to experience it for yourself.
Tanjung Piai
Tanjung Piai is the answer, at the cape of Pontian, Johor and is a must place to visit due to its many unique features, and offers visitors a great alternative to city destination holidays.
The park is in fact Peninsula Malaysia’s and mainland Asia’s southernmost tip. Getting here to enjoy nature and all its beauty is made even special by the fact that you’re at the southern tip of the continent.
Tanjung Piai National Park is characterized by deep twisting mangroves of 526 hectares and inter-tidal mudflat lands, another area of 400 hectares, which provide much of the support to the eco system in the park, surrounding forestry as well as protection to some of the animals and insect in this habitat.
1. How To Go To Tanjung Piai National Park From Singapore
You can reach Tanjung Piai National Park from Senai International Airport in just 72 minutes by car, and it takes just 75 minutes to from Singapore Tuas Checkpoint. Besides that, it’s about 13 minute drive from Kukup. Perhaps you can take a visit here while you’re having a holiday in Kukup. Transport to Tanjung Piai as describe in below:
1.1 Bus To Tanjung Piai National Park From Singapore
Currently, there are no direct coaches or public bus to Tanjung Piai National Park from Singapore or other bus terminals in Malaysia too. Thus, the most convenient and time efficient way to travel here is by private car.
2. Tanjung Piai National Park Attractions
There is plenty to see and do at the park, and we’re sure you’ll find more than one activity for every member of the family to enjoy.
Coming in from an elevated walkway you can’t miss this section from the main entrance. Here, visitors purchase entrance tickets to the park with these located here too:
Multipurpose hall
Souvenir shop
Prayer room
Park’s office
2.2 Tanjung Piai National Park Landmark Monument
The landmark of Tanjung Piai Pontian Johor is a monument made from eco-friendly concrete that reaches a height of 20 meters and only 10 centimeters wide.
The monument is grey in color and reflects the muddy flatlands and twist mangroves that stem from the forest floor.
On the face monument, visitors can clearly see two ferns of an indigenous fern which Tanjung Piai gets its name, the Paku Piai Raya fern, which is native to Tanjung Piai’s forests.
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2.3 Boardwalk
Elevated wood boardwalk connects the different parts of the park and takes visitors directly to the center of the mangrove forest without having to step in the grey sticky mud.
The boardwalk totals 1200 meters provides visitors with a nature experience plus light exercise.
2.4 Observation Tower
The panoramic views and spectacular sights of the forest is breath taking from the two observation towers and numerous viewing platforms.
Here visitors are surrounded by nature and can view levels of the forest from the mangrove mud floors till the canopy, home to many species of birds.
2.5 Campsite
Visitors to Tanjung Piai National Park can opt to stay in camps at the campsite of the park for a truly unique experience.
The campsite has a total of 30 elevated tents and is divided into sections for male and female and can accommodate at any one time up to 120 guests.
2.6 Jetty & The Southern Most Tip
Coming off your boardwalk, you’ll walk directly to the jetty area and the southernmost point that’s marked by a plaque and also a globe monument to mark the significance of Tanjung Piai.
Also off the boardwalk is the jetty area, another popular spot among visitors to witness boats and tankers pulling out towards the sea.
With so much to discover, visitors will be spoilt for choice as to what activity to partake in, but whether your choice is more leisurely one or a full on activity, you’ll certainly find a match for your pace below:
Sunset Viewing and Observation of passing ships on the Straits of Malacca
Firefly Trail
Nightwalk
Obstacle Course and Southern Race
Fishing
4. Facilities At Tanjung Piai National Park
For the comfort of visitors to the park these are facilities provided within the park:
Washroom
Prayer Room
AV Room
Souvenir Shop
Information gallery
Fishing platform
Campsite
5. Tanjung Piai National Park Visitor Tips
For visitors a quick list on useful information and tips before you head out to Tanjung Piai National Park:
Wear comfortable neutral colored clothes along with sturdy, comfortable walking closed toe shoes.
Protect yourself with insect repellents, sunglasses and a hat.
Bring extra clothes, water. Stationary (book, pen) and personal equipment (binoculars, camera).
Monkeys do approach visitors. Do not feed them or wear shiny items such as jewelry as this attracts them.
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Tanjung Piai National Park GPS Coordinates: 1.2681° N, 103.5087° E Contact: +607-696 9712 Email:[email protected] Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00a.m – 5:00p.m
Closed on: Monday
6. Tanjung Piai National Park Entrance Fees
6.1 Entrance Fee For Malaysian
Adult: RM5
Student (below 18 years old): RM3
Senior Citizen (50 years old and above): RM3
Child (6 years old and below): Free entry
6.2 Entrance Fee For International Traveler:
Adult: RM20
Student (below 18 years old): RM10
Senior Citizen (50 years old and above): RM10
Child (6 years old and below): Free entry
7. Tanjung Piai Resort Pontian Johor
A 20 minute walk away from the park there’s also Tanjung Piai Resort so that guests don’t need to travel far and be close to the park. It makes sense for visitors to choose to stay closest to the park as possible to maximize their visit.
A range of outdoor activities are arranged by the resort to challenge the adventurer in you, view the complete list of activities below:
Kayak
Jetty Jump
Paintball
ATV
Camp Fire
Cycling
River Obstacle
Archery
Fishing
Camping Site
Coconut Climbing
Target Range [Paintball]
Telematch
Tanjung Piai Resort Pontian Johor Location: J48, Tanjung Piai, 82030 Kukup, Johor, Malaysia. Contact: +607-696 0011 Facebook
image credit: Nirian/Getty ImagesWhether you’re a nature lover, wildlife enthusiast, conservationist or simply a seeker of comfort, an uninterrupted getaway at a luxury island resort is something that everyone craves. Malaysia is undoubtedly one of the best and most affordable options for nature-friendly luxury resorts, especially those located on its many mesmerising islands.
Some of these island and beach resorts in Malaysia have gone the extra mile to provide the utmost luxury without disturbing the ecological balance. Additionally, they offer activities that educate and make you more aware of the environment. After all, what is better than a luxury getaway where you bring home more knowledge?
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While some island resorts in Malaysia are perfect for couples, others are kid-friendly. Confused about which one to pick for a tranquil holiday over the next long weekend? We’ve got you covered.
12 best island resorts in Malaysia for your next luxury vacation
The Danna, Langkawi
Image credit: The Danna
Sitting pretty at the doorstep of some of Langkawi’s major attractions — the SkyBridge, Seven Wells Waterfall, and the Oriental Village, the Danna is a majestic addition to the city’s prime beachfront. Blending colonial architecture with contemporary minimalism, the 125-room luxury property works its whimsical magic, on a canvas of creams, beiges, and other neutral palettes. The vast central courtyard is embellished with landscaped greenery and fish ponds, thus contributing to a feeling of tranquillity. The soaring ceilings add to the ambience while its three-tier pool — the largest infinity pool on the island — keeps you happily cocooned in vacation mode. Relaxing cabanas, slouchy chairs, and beanbags line the sea-facing al-fresco space.
The Danna’s main restaurant, Planter’s, serves excellent Mediterranean, European-inspired, and local cuisine which can be enjoyed both indoors or on the terrace. The rooms come with dark wood interiors and a largely natural colour scheme. There’s also an outdoor hot tub and a children’s pool. Inside, you’ll also find a spa with nine treatment rooms, a fitness room, a games room with billiards, snooker, and board games, as well as a library.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo
Image credit: The Shangri-La
An embodiment of the brand’s signature aesthetic with its white marble, heavy wooden furniture and contemporary art, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort finds itself rebelliously jutting out into its own peninsula in the Borneo region of Malaysia. The resort is divided into two sections for guests to enjoy: Rooms in the Kinabalu Wing face either the sea or mountains; while those in the Tanjung Wing face only the sea. The facilities at this Shangri-La property extend beyond the regular secluded beach and manorial central block. Think sunrise yoga, kayaking lessons, and the extremely fun, coconut bowling.
Attendees can choose from a variety of gastronomic experiences available within the premise. Shang Palace, the resort’s Chinese eatery, and Peppino’s, the Italian alternative, offer formal dining, while the lively cooking stations of Café TATU are more casual. The most enjoyable, however, is Coco Joe’s: a zany, al fresco restaurant serving grills, huge mains, cocktails, and unhindered sea views.
Image credit: The Marriott
Unparalleled luxury takes a new form with the St. Regis’s Langkawi property. Nestled on the beachside island town of Kuah, the massive architectural marvel impresses with its Middle Eastern-inspired white walls and wooden arches. Inside, the decor of The Mansion feels reminiscent of a cool European city hotel with high ceilings, white lounges, and local art. The main highlight, however, is the Kayu Puti: a wooden beach house built over the ocean, and designed by renowned architect Bill Bensley. International antiques, seashells, and throne-like chairs with peacock feathers are found inside, with the structure serving as a prime spot for sunset cocktails.
The resort’s Pantai Grill offers wood-fired cooking on the sand, offering delicacies like steaks and snapper, ceviche, and tacos. Kayu Puti’s innovative Asian-inspired cuisine, especially signature seafood dishes such as the parmesan-crusted grouper are audience favourites. Breakfast at L’Orangerie has everything from croissants and champagne to Chinese dumplings, with Moroccan and Middle Eastern dishes on the menu, such as shakshuka.
Image credit: The Four Seasons
Cleverly tucked away within a UNESCO World Geopark — Southeast Asia’s first, Langkawi’s Four Seasons Resort is an enigmatic space sandwiched between lush thickets of landscaped greenery, limestone rock formations, and powder-white sands of their own private beach. Spread amidst 48 acres of land, the luxury property is lined with mangroves, winding rivers, and ancient limestone caves for guests to discover. Be it the beachfront or forest-facing rooms, the resort is an eclectic mix of Moorish-inspired architecture and traditional Malay-style pavilions. The expansive wood-beamed ceilings and revived teak floors with bold accents of blues and teals enliven the space, creating an island-side oasis for luxury lovers.
The sprawling Geo Spa is perhaps the most innovative facility on the property, allowing guests to indulge in a range of treatments, such as the Marine Flora Immersion ritual, which is said to revitalise the lymphatic and immune systems. After concluding a relaxing spa session, one can enjoy tropical cocktails and fusion snacks by the Rhu Bar, a Middle Eastern-inspired lounge and home to the best sunset-viewing spot at the Four Seasons.
Dreaming about a luxury stay surrounded by islands while in a rainforest? Ambong-Ambong Rainforest Retreat is your place to be. Its exotic villas are based around a sustainable and tropical-chic theme, complete with private pools and endless sunrise and sunset views.
You can spend a relaxing session at its spa, which provides healing based on the seven chakras by using “traditions of the Malaysian indigenous tribes,” or indulge in the heritage-filled cooking and dining experiences by savouring delectable Malay dishes.
Taking things to another level is their UNESCO Geopark Experiences, wherein you can go on an informative and interesting tour through the mangrove forests.
Known as Permata Kedah by locals, Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands and can be reached in many ways from Singapore. The fastest option to reach the tranquil island is by direct flight, which takes around 1.5 hours. However, other methods such as train, bus or ferry can also take you there.
Batu-Batu Resort – located on Tengah Island – is well known for blending nature conservation with luxury.
Described as “an unspoilt island retreat with an ecological ethos and conviction that tourism can support biodiversity and local communities,” Batu-Batu Resort has 20 one-bedroom and two two-bedroom villas that are designed to showcase traditional Malaysian architecture. These luxurious abodes come with balconies overlooking the tranquil sea or the jungles and are fitted with glass doors so you’ll enjoy infinite views of nature from the comfort of your plush, cosy bed. If you’re bringing children, some rooms come with little enclosures that house bunk beds too.
Apart from relaxing in the lap of nature, you can partake in their conservation activities and contribute to the environment as well. The main restaurant offers a 270-degree view of the natural surroundings and scrumptious seafood options, which are all made fresh with locally sourced ingredients. Their fresh grilled snapper in banana leaf is especially popular and is prepared using authentic Malaysian-style chilli paste. A bakery is also on hand to provide an array of desserts for those with an insatiable sweet tooth.
Johor can be reached by road from Singapore in under two hours if traffic conditions are favourable, so expect to get there in no time at all.
Besides offering mesmerising views of the sea and rainforests to guests staying in its villas, Gaya Island Resort has a special property called the Spa Village. Here, the ethos is “It’s not just a place, it’s a philosophy,” so expect healing therapies that involve authentic local ingredients. Its unique scrubs and practices bring ancient traditions alive while establishing a balance between the body and soul.
Other than the spa, there is an array of experiences to choose from; set out on an intriguing marine expedition or go on nature trails amid the exquisite flora and fauna through mangroves, or spot the red giant flying squirrels. You can also visit their Marine Centre to know more about endangered marine life, turtle rescue, and coral reef restoration.
After an informative day out, you can choose to dine at either Fisherman’s Cove for seafood-themed dishes, or Omakase, a two-storey Japanese restaurant that’s perched on a hillside with a stunning view of Malohom Bay and Mount Kinabalu. Arrange a special private dinner for your special someone by the sea if you’re celebrating a special occasion too.
To reach this haven located at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Kota Kinabalu, you can take a direct flight that’s approximately two hours and 35 minutes.
Image: Courtesy Japamala Resort by Samadhi, Tioman Island
Based on rustic-luxe design philosophy, their villas — or ‘Sarangs’, as called by them — speak of the wilderness, amidst which they are built. As they have been cautious enough to not disrupt the ecological balance by preserving the surrounding trees or rocks, each villa is uniquely different.
Their various ‘chalets’ and ‘Sarangs’ include Treetop Chalets, Seacliff Chalets, Beach Sarang, Luxe Treetop Sarang, Jungle Luxe Sarang, Hillside Sarang, Seaview Sarang and Penghulu’s House, each with its own charm and view.
If you wish to explore the marine wilderness, you can try scuba diving, especially at night for a thrilling adventure. Boat excursions and jungle trekking options are also available. Want to soak in the romance while you’re here? Head to the romantic sunset viewpoint with your special someone for some alone time.
The resort arranges personal transfers between Mersing Jetty, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It takes around two hours from Mersing Jetty via a public ferry and nearly four hours by flight from Kuala Lumpur. However, buses take longer — around eight to nine hours.
Located within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park is this breathtaking island resort, wherein you can get one of the best marine life experiences. The island gets its name ‘Rawa’ from the informal Malay word for white dove.
You can stay in the spacious rooms categorised as Hillside Deluxe, Beachview/Beachfront Chalet, Waterfront Bungalow and Frangipani Villa, depending on your choice of aesthetics. Each has a gorgeous view of lush jungles, turquoise waters, or silver sand.
Their spa is also not just about a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating plunge. Here, infinite views of the South China Sea and a living tree inside the spa area bring the outdoors within, immersing you in a wave of tranquillity.
To explore the local marine life, choose from one of their many diving options. A scuba diving course is also on hand should you wish to pick up the sport, and you can do so at their PADI Five-Star Scuba Diving Instructor Development Center.
When it comes time to eat and drink, enjoy a lavish spread from the various international and local cuisines and fresh tropical fruit that are offered at their buffet restaurant.
Set around 5km from the west coast of Malaysia on a private island is the Pangkor Laut Resort, along the Malacca Straits.
The stunning property has seven villa and suite categories to choose from — Garden Villa, Hill Villa, Beach Villa, Sea Villa, Spa Villa, Suria and Purnama Suite and Pavarotti Suite.
Named after the famous tenor Luciano Pavarotti, the latter was named after it was rumoured that the artist fell in love with Pangkor Laut. This two-bedroom suite has everything you’ll need for a comfortable and luxurious vacation, and besides majestic rooms and views of the sea and rainforests, also promises a huge open-air bathing space.
With seven different dining options, this island resort takes the gastronomic experience to another level. One of its restaurants, Uncle Lim’s Kitchen, is recommended for Nyonya and Hock Chew Chinese-style home cooking. It is named after the chef who has been associated with the resort since the day it was established. Don’t miss dining at their Royal Bay Beach Club on the terrace either, which offers infinity pool views and exotic Asian dishes to feast upon.
Pangkor Laut can be reached by Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and the resort provides car transfers to their office on Marina Island, Pangkor and a speedboat ride from there to the resort. From Singapore, fly either via Firefly or Malindo Air to the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, and then hop on a 90-minute private car or taxi transfer to Pangkor Laut Resort’s office at Marina Island Pangkor, followed by a speedboat transfer to Pangkor Laut Resort.
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Gem Island Resort & Spa, Terengganu
Image: Courtesy Gem Island Resort, Terengganu
Whether you are travelling solo, with your family, a special someone, or a group of friends, you can customise your package with the various offers provided by this beautiful island resort. For those who are fond of a perfectly organised trip, the Uniquely Tailored Experience option will help you tailor your stay sightseeing options, and meals according to your preference.
Besides Premiere Villas and Water Villas, Gem Island Resort & Spa’s two-storey Hideaway Suites and Hideaway Villas can prove to be one of the cosiest options, especially since they’re swathed by local fauna.
Their restaurant, which sits along the coastline, offers delectable Asian and Western cuisines and some of the finest wines.
Located at the Pulau Gemia islands in the town of Marang, the resort can be reached from Marang Jetty, which is accessible from Singapore by bus via a 10-hour drive. If you opt for a flight, it takes around 30 minutes from the Kuala Terengganu Airport.
Image: Courtesy Rebak Island Resort & Marina, Langkawi
Nestled amid rich greens on a private island is this resort by Vivanta, where each of its suites exudes rich Malaysian culture and architecture with timber finishing and spacious balconies overlooking the sea or the forests.
Here, the island resort offers various activities and entertainment options, including archery classes, cooking classes, darts, karaoke, water sports, kids’ club, themed dinners and temporary art galleries, making it a beautiful place to tickle the artist or the adventure seeker in you? Additionally, while you unwind, your little ones are taken care of as they provide babysitting services on request.
The island resort in Malaysia also features exotic restaurants and bars serving delicious Asian and continental dishes, with the Strait’s Grill providing some freshly caught seafood for discerning gourmands. With three bars on the site, you can decide whether to try their selected wines or refreshing cocktails.
To get to Langkawi Airport from Singapore, take a direct flight via AirAsia or Scoot. Langkawi Airport is around 8km from the Cenang Port Jetty, which is nearly seven minutes by boat from the resort.
This story first appeared here.
(Main and featured image credit: Nirian/Getty Images)
