If you’re looking for a blissful vacation combined with cultural experience, pay a visit to Tanjong Jara Resort on the East Coast of Malaysia.
Situated along the coastline of Malaysia’s northeastern state Kuala Terengganu, Tanjong Jara Resort is the ideal place for a peaceful getaway. Not only can guests enjoy lazing on the beautiful secluded beach, they can also experience the Malay culture and way of life through cooking classes, market visits and guided walks. Designed to reflect the elegance and grandeur of 17th century palaces, the resort offers visitors an authentic taste of Malay hospitality. This is the ideal place to relax, unwind and rediscover yourself.
The Grounds
Tanjong Jara is located on 17-hectares of land facing the South China Sea. If you wish to explore the grounds further, the resort’s resident naturalist escorts guests on a trek through the jungle perimeter. You can discover interesting facts about the local flora and fauna, including many plants and trees that nearby villagers use in their daily lives.
The Room
The Serambi rooms at Tanjong Jara are 55 square metres in size and feature a king-size bed, a smaller bed, flat screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee making facilities, desk and walk-in wardrobe. Each room has a verandah overlooking the tropical gardens, providing the perfect place to read the morning paper with a cup of coffee, or enjoy a nightcap listening to the sound of the ocean.
The Bathroom
The spacious bathroom has two vanity units, plus separate bath and shower facilities. You can opt to use the walk-in rain shower, or take a relaxing soak in the raised bath tub.
The Gym
The fitness centre is located close to the Spa Village and has floor to ceiling windows overlooking the tropical gardens.
The Pool(s)
There are two swimming pools at Tanjong Jara Resort; a free-form pool near the lobby, and another pool right on the beach near the Spa Village. Each pool has towels with deck chairs, and a pool bar where refreshments are served. The pool on the beach is bigger and more beautiful, and it also features a cabana.
The Beach
If you’re tired of sharing the beach with lots of other tourists, you’ll be pleased to know that Tanjong Jara’s golden sandy beach is nice and secluded. Barring other guests at the resort, you’ll have the beach all to yourself!
The Spa Village
The Spa Village is a complex of structures, pools and gardens in a soothing and tranquil environment. The treatments are based on traditional healing methods which have been handed down from generation to generation. Try their Asam Roselle treatment, which starts with a massage to rejuvenate the body, followed by a creamy scrub to soften the skin. At the end of the treatment you will be given a cup of Roselle tea made from the Roselle plant, which was introduced to Malaysia from India. You also receive a batik sarong to take home as a memento of your visit to the spa.
The Cuisine
The resort has three different dining options, all offering scenic views. Breakfast is served at ‘Di Atas Sungei’ which overlooks the meandering river. At night the restaurant has no menu, so the fabulous Chef Ann will have a chat with you and create a custom Malay menu using the freshest ingredients.
Situated next to the resort’s free-form pool, the Teratai terrace serves evening cocktails and is also used for private dining experiences. Try a Malaysian steamboat dinner, which is a little bit like fondue. You are provided with a selection of noodles, seafood, vegetables, eggs and meat that you cook yourself in a bowl of simmering broth.
Nelayan restaurant can be found next to the swimming pool on the beach, and serves a variety of Western and Asian dishes. The atmosphere is relaxed and informal, and seafood is the speciality. At night time guests have the option of a private dinner on the beach accompanied by bamboo torches and a bonfire.
Activities
One of the best things about visiting a new country is experiencing the local culture. At Tanjong Jara there are a range of activities you can do besides lounging by the pool.
If you’re into diving or snorkeling, then make sure you take a boat trip to Pulau Tenggol, a small island in the South China Sea. The island forms part of the Terengganu Marine Park and the reef here is in almost perfect condition. You will be accompanied by expert guides, a dive master and PADI dive instructor, who are all accustomed to the waters around the island.
Don’t miss the Chef’s Morning Market Visit, which departs from the hotel at 09:30am. Chef Ann will take you to Dungun market, which sells all sorts of fresh fish, seafood and vegetables. Observe the local market traders and learn all about the region’s vegetables and herbs.
If you are interested in the local cuisine, you can take a Malaysian cooking class with Chef Ann and learn how to prepare some typical Malay dishes. You will cook two different dishes using spices and ingredients from the local market, then taste the final result for lunch!
Tanjong Jara resort is located on the East Coast of Malaysia between Kuala Terengganu in the North and Kuantan in the South. Malaysia Airlines, Air Asia and Firefly operate flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to the nearby airports of Kuala Terengganu, Kerteh and Kuantan. You may continue your journey from the airport to the Resort via their private limousine transfer.
Note: My stay at Tanjong Jara was complimentary.