> > by Steve and Lynn Hill
The multi-award winning Pangkor Laut Resort sits on a private 300 acre tropical island near the main island of Pangkor, off the west coast of the Malay Peninsula in the Mallaca Straights. With white sandy beaches, washed by emerald seas and a backdrop of lush green rainforest, the resort has an exotic ambience all of its own.
THE ROOMSGuests have the choice of the iconic Sea Villas which sit serenely on stilts above the water, the Beach Villas that are right by the white sandy beach, or the Hill Villas, nestled on the slopes of the rainforest with fabulous views of the bay. One such Hill Villa is the Pavarotti suite, dedicated to the opera maestro. All villas are furnished in luxurious Malay style with bedroom, private balcony, dressing area and ensuite.
TASTE TEMPTATIONS
Where to start? Pangkor Laut is a culinary adventure! Feast Village offers the most wonderful menu of food from around the globe, the iconic Uncle Lim’s Kitchen offers traditional Hock Chew cuisine, while Fishermans Cove serves the freshest seafood ever. Relax over lunch at the Royal Bay Beach Club, or wander round to picturesque Emerald Bay and chill out at Chapman’s Bar. Our favourite though was a private candlelit gourmet dinner at Straights, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bay, very romantic!
COUPLES WILL LOVE
Lounging on the white sandy beach of Emerald Bay – absolutely sublime!
AND a couples experience in the Spa Village Bath House, including a traditional Malay Bath, Japanese Bath, and Shanghai Scrub – emerge feeling totally cleansed, totally relaxed and blissed out!
VENTURING OUT
There is absolutely no need (and no desire) to leave the resort as there is so much to do! Try a jungle walk with Uncle Yip, the resort’s resident naturalist, or enjoy the many sea sports on offer. There are three tennis courts, a squash court, swimming pool, lap pool and fitness centre, a well-stocked library, plus seven different restaurants and bars, all with amazing vistas and a relaxed atmosphere. The piece-de-resistance, Spa Village, is also highly recommended!
GETTING THERE
Malaysia Airlines fly direct to Kuala Lumpur from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth. www.malaysiaairlines.com
The best way to reach the resort is by car from KL, KLIA or Subang airport. The trip takes around 2.5 to 3 hours via a freeway and is quite a pleasant trip to Lumut. Private ferries leave from Pangkor Island to Pangkor Laut Resort. All transfers can be arranged by the resort.