Malaysia’s Tanjong Jara Resort – ideal if you’re looking for some R&R in Malaysia
When you’re done relaxing at the Malaysian east coast resort, you can take off on tours to the local fishing port or an energetic trek to a jungle waterfall
Where is it? Just north of the fishing port of Dungun, on peninsular Malaysia’s east coast, Tanjong Jara Resort occupies 17 hectares of tree-shrouded grounds alongside a crescent of beach (above). Arrive by night and the impression is of infinite calm; in the morning stroll though the greenery to the beach, and you will see deserted sands curving away to distant headlands in both directions.
Sounds enticing. Tell us more. This coast is renowned for its beaches, backed by casuarina trees and palms. Terengganu state, in which Tanjong Jara Resort lies, is given to Muslim customs of modesty, its beaches hosting fishing boats rather than bathers. So even though the resort’s beautiful beach is public property, it’s little used by non-guests. Or even guests, come to that, most of them being Malaysian or Singaporean.
How does the resort fit in? Established in 1979 by the Malaysian government, Tanjong Jara Resort’s architecture was inspired by the wooden palaces of Malay sultans, and garlanded with the prestigious Aga Khan Award. Now part of Malaysia’s YTL Hotels group and fully renovated to the standards of a modern deluxe international resort, its original beauty has been well preserved, in line with the resort’s mission of providing an “Unmistakably Malay” experience.
What does that mean? Well, beyond the architecture and natural environment, it mostly means a level of gracious, warm-hearted service far beyond the norms of luxury resorts. You feel genuinely appreciated as a guest – and the staff are highly efficient, too. Report a problem or ask for a service, and somebody will be there in a trice.