Pangkor Laut Resort

We stayed in a hill villa for 9 nights (3-11 March) on a bed and breakfast basis arranged by Trailfinders at the end of a trip to Malaysia. The transfer from Cameron Highlands was very efficient with speed boat transfer to island. This is not a resort for people with mobility problems. We concluded the very high villa we were shown was unsuitable as, although it had stunning views, it was accessed by lift and many stairs. However, the second one was perfect. Guest Liaison Supervisor Dian Karisma arranged everything to make us happy and satisfied including supply of fresh milk for our tea! We saw amazing wildlife easily visible on the island - countless cheeky hornbills, monkey troupe, lizards - even wild boar and a distant sea eagle nest. Emerald Bay accessed by buggy is unbelievably beautiful and the spa pool lovely. Perhaps the main lap pool could do with a little update and more sunbeds. Our only suggestions are: 1. screens are installed between villa balconies to give privacy, 2. an alternative casual/light dining option be available when a Malaysian Market night is happening and the excellent Chinese Restaurant is closed. The Malaysian Market doesn't offer European alternatives and the Malaysian cuisine is extremely highly spiced! 3. A more refined breakfast menu be offered - for instance - eggs Benedict, etc which would usually be an option at 5 star hotels.

The Pangkor Laut Resort is kind of exclusive; you get on a fast boat out to the north of the island, and you get an induction at reception. It is owned by ytl group largely a malay chinese family There are four or five different restaurants you can go to. You really need to get full board; all the restaurants seem to be pretty good and different. They do have a jungle walk at 9 o’clock each morning, leaving from the library, which is interesting; you see a bit of wildlife and experience some demanding jungle track. Shout out to Einstein took us (really thats his name) Coffee, tea, and water are available at any time on the full board package. For morning coffee the machine coffee is better than the jug coffee they bring round. They will bring you a pot of tea if you ask so you choose the strength. I understand when full it takes around 356 people? When we went, they were maybe 1/2 full, ( possibly due to the Iran crisis) so there were always sunbeds readily available around the pool. There is a limit on sunbeds, and I suspect if they get above 3/4 full they might run out of sunbeds as others have said and stretch the infrastructure a bit generally. They do have golf cart buggies which run around. The walking distances can be significant. Tip: Make a firm plan of what you want to do when you arrive and book the various restaurants asap To make the best of it, maybe stay 3-4 nights some stay longer but there is a lot else to see in Malaysia To be honest, I don’t think it really matters where you stay here. There’s not that much to see from the overwater bungalows, but they are nice nevertheless. There are a couple of bars which have happy hour with the two-for-one drinks, which people take advantage of. The time you paid your tax, I guess you’re talking about 20 ringgit for a beer or wine each, which is fine. I think it’s a pretty good destination; we found it quite friendly with guests saying good evening. All the water is piped from the mainland.

Calls itself "luxury" but isn't (can't be expected at that price), sea villa nice but average. If you imagine to dive into the sea from such a villa: you can’t. A whole island but only one little beach were you can swim in the sea. Resort was not half full when we were there (nine nights), but already then not enough sunbeds by the beach. Beach however is beautifully tropical. As it is an island you don't get away but at extra costs - but where to? Food is average and expensive for Asia (we compare to Thailand). No bar life, cocktails below average at almost European prices. Service people are very friendly, most of them Bangladeshi, some Nepalees and Balinese.

The worst Luxury Hotel ever , met at boat and the greater walked away with first 2 to unboard found our own way but sat for ages and host rushed through their map with no information on trips or times shuttles finished. rude reception staff. Catching a shuttle was a jokre often 30 minutr plus wait. Bteakfast no glasses for juice, slow topping up fruit. Staff are overworked and although waiting staff in the a la carte bars and resteraunts are good. Fishermans Cove 5 dtar was the best part of the holidayVery Dissapointed not a Luxury Hotel 3 star at best.

Absolutely amazing! Wonderful staff, good food, great resort!