I was away for part of last week, taking a long awaited quick getaway with my family. We had decided to visit the luxury resort of Pangkor Laut Resort, after hearing a lot about it. Its also been quite a while since I’ve gone to the beach or to an island so I was looking forward to it 😀
The journey started by road from Kuala Lumpur, at about 6.30am for the 3.5 hour drive to the coastal town of Lumut, to board the ferry to the privately owned island. Try squeezing 6 adults into a car, with the driver (moi!) not quite sure of the way, and it promised to be lots of “fun” 😛
Still, we made it to Lumut in one piece, parked the car in the multi-storey car park (about RM10/day) and headed to the Pangkor Laut Resort office to check in, and for a cool towel and drink. There’s a computer and wifi in there, but really, do you want to be online while the great outdoors and the sea beckons?! The island itself is about half an hour away by speed boat and I was raring to go. Come on already! 😀
And here’s one of the first views of the island and resort from the jetty! If you plan to visit (and its a luxury resort so prices are mind blowing) and are Malaysian, there is a per person package price of about RM799++ for a 3 day/2 night deal which is inclusive of transfers, accommodation and 3 meals a day. That’s the package deal we took advantage of and it truly offers you the best value for money.
The Garden Villa we were allocated to was truly luxurious and HUGE. And this was perhaps the most basic rooms they had! The Sea Villas were undergoing renovation so there was no chance of an upgrade in any event.
There was an amazing outdoor sunken bathtub that fits 2 quite comfortably *wink* but I opted to not use it because it would have used up too much water just for one. Besides, the rain shower was just as wonderful. Also, the swimming pool and outdoor jacuzzi, beautifully warmed up by the hot sun beckoned, and I really wanted to be out there enjoying the sea breeze 🙂
Not forgetting my sunblock, naturally 😉
I’ve already told you before about the Australia Cancer Council Ultra Sunscreen which I used for the body. The Mentholatum Sunplay SPF80 PA++ is a mist sunblock that I’m using for the first time, and I’ll tell you about it soon. Its quite different from the usual sunscreens. For the face, I was using the Clarins UV Plus HP Day Screen with SPF40 PA+++ and I’ll tell you about that one soon too 🙂 Suffice to say, I’m happy with the Clarins one.
I also went on a 2 hour jungle trek the next morning which is quite unusual for me as I’m a self proclaimed sloth 😛 But if you do go to Pangkor Laut Resort, do join the jungle trek. It opens your eyes up to a lot of what nature offers, and the resident naturalist Mr. Yip is a fount of information about the flora and fauna of the island.
Look at this – we all thought it was a fossil of a plant, but it wasn’t. It was “dendrites” – natural chemical deposits that seep under sandstone rock, in this case, and look like fossilized ferns. Very amazing and beautiful. There are a few slabs of sandstone used in the construction on the resort that display these unique formations so keep an eye out for them.
I also got to crane my neck to peer up at the tall trees in the rainforest (and fail to see the tops) while climbing up the small hill under the cool canopy of trees.
I learnt that the resident hornbill (shown above) and the great hornbill (spotted but not photographed) are not unique to Borneo, but are also found here on the Peninsular and there are quite a few of these birds on the island. There are also some resident peacocks which I spotted but which failed to make an appearance to display their tails for my camera.
After the “strenuous” nature walk, it was time to chill out with a relaxing spa session at the Spa Village which my Mom proclaimed the best spa experience she’d ever had. It most certainly is, and pricey as it is, I’d say its an experience unlike any other so do savour it if you go there.
For some reason, the weather was not conducive for a beautiful sunset so I missed out on viewing the sunset both evenings that I was there, but sitting and listening to the surf pounding the beach was therapeutic and very relaxing.
Remember I told you the package deal offered the best value for money? It being the only resort on the island, food prices are earth shattering. Its very expensive. But on the package, you get 3 meals a day covered and for lunch and dinner, its a 3 course meal every day you’re there with a buffet breakfast in the morning. The biggest struggle for us was finding the time to digest your food so you can partake of the next meal! Believe you me, its worth it. Here’s a selection of the food we had.
With a starter, main and dessert at every lunch and dinner, I can safely say I’ve definitely put on some weight since getting back, so its diet and exercise for now! The staff on the resort are very helpful and friendly and make an effort to fulfill your every wish which is most gratifying. If you really feel the need to get online or be connected to the world, there’s Wifi in the Library and a few computers you can use. 3G reception is fair everywhere on the island, if you feel you absolutely have to be online 24/7. I chose to be unwired except for a few minutes in the morning and it was liberating!
The evenings are ideal for sitting by the beach or pool, listening to the sea. There’s nothing much else to do, which I think is absolutely perfect. Pangkor Laut Resort is a place I’d go with a loved one or with my family. The relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal place to bond and renew ties that we might take for granted in this increasingly rushed world. I’m glad I went even if it means emptying the piggy bank – absolutely worth every cent 🙂
Definitely a slice of paradise, and I’ve got my sights set on visiting their other sister resorts in time to come 😉
I hope you’ve enjoyed the mid-week virtual break as much as I enjoyed reliving my short getaway 🙂
Paris B
Find out more about Pangkor Laut Resort by going to their website. This post isn’t sponsored but I wish it was 😛
AAAHHHH!!!! I want an island getaway!!! >.< I miss Kapalai!!! (it's the one near Sipadan ^.^)
I haven’t been there, but it sounds like a lovely place! 😀
looks fun! i have not been to any other island in msia other than langkawi 😀 it’s high time then i visit one 😉
Its fun! Perhaps if you’re in the market for a short local getaway you can consider? With hubby and all 😉
Your photos makes me hungry altho I just had nasi lemak at the cafeteria >.<
Hehe… the food is absolutely delish!!!
I could use a break too…. ahhh…..
A break is good for the soul. especially now that you’ve started working 😉
U make me wanna go on a vacation….so relaxing~~
It is… and if you haven’t gone on one, its about time you did! 😉
OMG!!! Seeing your post I need a weekend gateway too!!!
Quick! Plan one! 😉
Ahhhh I so want to go back there. We had a great time on our honeymoon. The package price is such a good deal but not looking forward to such a drive – previously could fly direct there, on a prop plane tho 😮 Garden Villas look nicer than Sea/Spa Villas imo, after awhile the novelty wears off.
Its really nice isn’t it? There is a flying option (we chose not to because its pricey) but I think you lose time because of the earlier check out time. If you drive, you can check out later 😀 I didn’t get to see the Sea Villas because they were under renovation but they did look enticing perched over the sea that way
Okay, for my next island getaway, I wanna go there too… *plots and plans*
And oh, I nearly LOL’d in my office at the artfully arranged picture of your 3 different types of sunblock, PB! 😛
Yes do! 😀 Its an awesome relaxing place. And the sunblocks look like an ad right? 😀
hey there!
Same weekend we had a beach holiday. Was in Perhentian swimming with fishies! Looks like you and family had a good time. Catch up soon.
luv oddie
Wahey! What’s a coincidence! I gotta give you a call soon – was just thinking about you 😀
urgh! I really wished I get to have a short vacation away from work and reality too! it really looks soo calming and peaceful…
It most certainly is! I find getting away to somewhere focused on nature is the best way to unwind from the stresses of the city. You don’t have to go very far 😉
Paris!!! You can’t do this mid-week! You will drive us nuts wanting an island holiday bad bad bad pronto! Post it on a Friday or something, less traumatising LOL. But great sharing. I’m a beach+island bum. Have visited most of Malaysia’s islands except Pangkor and I know now that I should take advantage of the Malaysian package (which I have been eyeing for a while). Your post just did it. Making bookings almost right awayyyyy. Wheeee!
Erm… oops? 😉 Look at it this way Michelle – now there’s something to look forward to once you make your booking! 😀 I think you’ll have a great time 😀
nice! YTL hotels are like the best!! I’ve never been to one before but I know they are… hahaha… my aunt knows someone working with YTL and she gets free vacations to their hotels!!!
U got a VERY good deal!!
Its an excellent deal and I really want to visit the other resorts now! LOL… Your aunt’s lucky to get free vacations to their hotels! Always a luxurious treat isn’t it? 🙂
wow, the island looks perfect! looks very relaxong and the food looks so yummy!!! i want an island getaway too!!!
Yay for islang getaways! 😀 Yes it was very relaxing and the food was beyond awesome!
Haven’t been to too many Malaysian island resorts – only Redang and Tioman, which were both absolutely wonderful. I should look into Pangkor Laut now. 🙂
My late father used to go there often, for conferences and work. Should have followed him on one of his many trips there. At least, it’s sponsored (trips). 😉
Have been to the other ‘sisters’ except this one…been putting it off because we have been trying to find out how to make our way there! Thank you thank you for the review. The food looks so delicious. I love all the spa experiences….alot of detail put into it.
Oohhh Are the other sister resorts as good? I hear the Tanjung Jara one is really nice too but I’m trying to work out how to go there 😛 Getting to Lumut isn’t hard – literally just follow the signs! And if you tell the travel centre you need a map, they’ll email you one 🙂
TJ is a kampung concept, i liked the environment, food was only alright, food at Pangkor looked better and i really loved the spa. The treatment room had glass panels encased that brought light in and it was surrounded by greenery, so it was really relaxing. We flew to KT and then took a taxi to the resort which was about an hour’s drive. Cameron’s was really nice too, i guess the weather made the whole experience including the spa really enjoyable too. One thing they all had in common was, how relaxed and pampered the stay was, i felt it was a combination of the environment and good service.
I hope you enjoy your future stays! I am definitely planning for Pangkor now!
Hi, the RM799 package is included activities on the island? The jungle trekking is free of charge?
Activities are chargable as it is on all resorts. The jungle trek is free though.
Hi ParisB – Great article.
Friends of ours have extolled the virtues of Pangkor Laut for a few years, having spent short breaks there when visiting family in Malaysia. This year my wife and I are joining them and would have liked to visit, unfortunately the cost is proving rather prohibitive based on the expensive ‘foreigners rates’, the UK pound not holding up as well as the RM. If we could get such a deal as the locals we would be booked in now. I would not feel comfortable knowing that there is are two rates.
I am told there are many other good places to stay, any suggestions!
I’m not sure if there are any other package rates available at this resort. My suggestion is to check with the hotel/travel centre. Most local hotels/resorts have special rates for locals to encourage local travel. There is no other resort on this island as it is a private island, but you can always find other resorts or chalets on the main Pangkor Island nearby. Those are, I believe, more affordable options but I cannot recommend any as I have not been to Pangkor Island.
Hi,
I recently came home from an amazing retreat at PLR too.
But sadly, we didn’t manage to book a spa treatment cos it was full!!
It’s a relaxing summer vacation for my family and myself =)
Thanks ParisB for sharing this info. Can you let us know where can we book this package price of about RM799++ for a 3 day/2 night deal ? We are malaysian and trying to book for 6 pax. We had tried the official pangkor laut resort official website but they only offer in USD and really expensive. Please advise. Thanks.
The local rates aren’t listed online (probably makes people jealous 😛 ). You have to call the YTL Travel Centre +60 3 2783 1000
Hi Paris, we just booked ourselves for a trip there too! Just wondering, how much did the spa cost – and was it worth it?
Hi Amy I’ve got the lowdown in my previous Spa Village review and I think there’s a link to the spa menu (and prices) in that post too. Enjoy!