Now that interstate and international travel restrictions have been lifted for fully vaccinated residents, more and more people are eager to travel domestically across the country. Being cooped up at home has taken a toll on so many, and we can’t think of a better way than to reconnect with nature.
Start writing your travel bucket list, folks! And while you’re at it, look at our curated list of locations that you should consider for your next voyage!
The Ritz-Carlton Langkawi, Kedah
Overview
Located just 10 minutes from Langkawi’s airport, Ritz-Carlton Langkawi consists of an unbroken forest in the shadow of Mount Machinchang, creating an isolated, beachfront enclave that’s perfect for fly-and-flop breaks. With an extensive number of attractions such as mangrove tours, a cable car and zip-line trail and colourful night markets all located within a 15 minute drive from the hotel, it’s to no doubt why this is a sought-after vacation spot in Langkawi. Apparently, customer service in Ritz-Carlton Langkawi is exceptional too. This includes tiny but meaningful gestures such as enthusiastic staff who can’t do enough to help, taking pains to remember guests’ names and delivering thoughtful, personal touches. Among the in-hotel facilities include, an adult-only infinity pool which would be perfect for sunset cocktails, a truly one-of-a-kind spa with treatment pavilions inspired by “bubu” fish traps, complimentary watersports, tennis, yoga, gym, nature walks and handicraft classes (which might come with some additional costs).
Details
Address: Jalan Pantai Kok, Teluk Nibung, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Phone Number: 04-952 4888
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theritzcarltonlangkawi
Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur
Overview
Often dubbed as an upscale, romantic retreat within the enclaves of the city, Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur consist of serene, villa-like rooms that have luxurious features. These features include scenic whirlpool tubs and pool-view furnished balconies. Per our observation, this place might be well-suited for newlyweds and couples as it’s definitely not very child-friendly. However, since it’s perfect for a short getaway from the kids and parent-like responsibilities for a few days, couples could actually enjoy the Malaysian-inspired atmosphere at the peaceful restaurant and the tranquility of the lagoon-like pool surrounded by greenery and natural shade.
Details
Address: 8, Jalan Madge, Taman U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur.
Phone Number: 03-2143 2300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillaSamadhiKL
Pangkor Laut Resort, Perak
Overview
The perfect combination of sophistication and tranquility comes in the form of this resort, located in Lumut, Perak. Surrounded by wild rainforest and glorious sandy beaches, lapped by a clear turquoise sea, who said, we can’t have the best of both worlds when it comes with vacation spots? The Pangkor Laut Resort, Perak also has one of the world’s best spas — well-known for their outdoor bathtubs. Each of them have their unique settings where you can choose from Sea, Beach, Spa, Hill or Garden Villas. If you’re lucky, you could even listen to the calls of macaque monkeys in the background! There are 2 swimming pools to choose from and you could even practise yoga on the Spa Villa Deck amidst a cooling sea breeze. Regardless if you’re an indoor sports lover or an outdoor person, there’s a place for everyone here. Take things up a notch by chartering a yacht while exploring the Straits of Malacca.
Details
Address: Jalan Utama Marina Island, 32200 Pangkor Island, Perak.
Phone Number: 03-2783 1000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pangkorlautresort
One&Only Desaru Coast, Johor
Overview
Over here, guests could enjoy a 128-acres worth of prime beachfront and the lush rainforest that brings an exotic aura to it. With illuminating excursions and hands-on experiences, designed and tailored exclusively just for the visitors, such as Silat Melayu classes, listening to the calls of the gibbons, having a bonfire session under the stars or simply climb up the trees in the surrounding rainforest, there’s an activity for everyone! The Chenot Spa here is basically an integration between health and wellness — which includes a VIP room, a relaxation pavilion, hot -and-cool pools, steam facilities and Pedi:Mani:Cure by Bastien Gonzalez. Sounds cool right? Well, there’s more.
For parents with easily bored kids, they could send their little ones to KidsOnly, a programme that’s specially curated for young children to learn about the local ecosystem and play at the same time. An integration between education and entertainment, kids could also learn how to fish at the nearby pond or get active at the Pelaga Laut Playground. For kids to unleash their creative side, parents could also send them to The Creative Studio which would definitely encourage them to be creative.
Details
Address: Darul Ta’zim, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, 81930 Johor.
Phone Number: 07-878 3400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oodesarucoast
The Datai Langkawi
Overview
With Datai Bay being rated as one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic, it’s not a wonder why it’s a captivating destination resort! Apart from blending into it’s natural surroundings, The Datai Langkawi is also nestled in the heart of a 10-million-year-old rainforest — allowing its visitors to reconnect with the beauty of mother nature, to uplift their souls as it offers the perfect escape, allows them to nurture the well-being of mind, body and spirit. There are various interesting facilities for the perusal of the visitors of The Datai Langkawi. For those who are interested in participating in conservation and nature activities, The Lab is the place to go where there would be workshops about sustainable activities. Inspired by the Nature Centre, there’s a tribal bamboo longhouse where visitors can take nature and beach walks with a resident naturalist and marine biologist.
Details
Address: Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Phone Number: 04-950 0500
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedatailangkawi
St Regis Langkawi, Kedah
Overview
Perhaps the main attraction factor of St Regis, Kedah would be the exquisite interiors designed by G.A. Design and architecture by renowned form Gensler, channeling a classical contemporary aesthetic with European and Middle Eastern influences. This hotel is nestled in a private cove on the southeast corner of Langkawi island, near the convention center. Located in UNESCO’s first Southeast Asia Geopark renowned for its 99-island archipelago, Malaysia’s coveted ‘Island Jewel of Southeast Asia’ is surrounded by centuries-old rainforest and a 600-meter white sand beach overlooking the emerald green waters of the Andaman Sea.
Details
Address: Jalan Pantai Beringin, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Phone Number: 04-960 6666
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stregislangkawi
Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu
Overview
The unique point of this resort would be it’s crescent-shaped beach of golden sand, shaded by tall palms rustling in the breeze with views of the turquoise sea. This peaceful resemblance is quite similar to the timeless traditions of Terengganu itself. A perfect cross between traditional luxury and well-being steeped in age-old Malay traditions, this resort offers a genuine taste of the region’s spirit and its rich natural heritage — emphasising on the purity of spirit, health and well-being. This secluded hideaway encourages true rejuvenation of both body and spirit. Whether you’d prefer to laze around and soak up in the sun or channel your energetic side, there’s a place for everyone here.
Details
Address: Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun, 23000 Kuala Dungun, Terengganu.
Phone Number: 09-845 1100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tanjongjararesort
Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi
Overview
The Four Seasons Resort is an unrivaled five-pearl property with an exclusive beachfront getaway on the north side of the island. This one-of-a-kind resort offers tours through the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park mangroves. Completed with Malayan beachfront villas which feature lovely wooden designs, outdoor terrazzo bathtubs, verandas, and private pools. Dubbed as a perfect balance between romantic and family-friendly vibes, there are intimate beach dinners, spa pampering in waterside cabanas, and an adult-only pool but also kids’ pools, pony rides, rock climbing, and an educational discovery center. Packed with bars, pools, restaurants, pools and a private beach, this would definitely appeal to a majority of prospective tourists out there.
Details
Address: Jalan Tanjung Rhu, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Phone Number: 04-950 8888
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FourSeasonsResortLangkawi
Club Med, Cherating
Overview
This is located in Pahang, Malaysia boasting a distinctive longhouse architectural design which happens to be one of the world’s longest wooden structure on stilts at 850 meters long. There are a total of 15 blocks (A to O blocks), offering 3 different room types. The main area consists of the reception, two restaurants, bar, gym, swimming pool, kids’ clubs, boutique, spa, theatre, land activities, and room blocks while the second area is located at Pantai Beach. Now, the beach has the Zen Pool, one restaurant, two bars, and beach activities. The Pantai Beach is connected to the main area by shuttle train that operates every 30 minutes, or you can take a 20 minutes’ walk through the jungle trail.
Details
Address: Jalan Kuantan Sungai Lembing, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang.
Phone Number: 09-581 9133
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Club-Med-Malaysia-105652540897926
The Kasturi Resort Cherating, Pahang
Overview
Built on 30 acres of coastal forest, facing the South China Sea, there’s a lot to say about this exclusive resort. Let’s start with its architecture. The chalets take its form inspired by traditional Malay architecture with an A-frame structure. The Kasturi Resort holds 23 keys and there’s room for every type of traveller. For families or those travelling in large groups, there’s the Beach Front Family Villas with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and the beach for its “backyard”. For couples looking for a romantic escape, the Beach Front Villa is perfect. Whichever you pick, all three of these accommodation types come with its own private plunge pool.
There’s also the option of Studios or Suites at the main building. The facilities include a private pool and the beach is accessible with just a walk out the gate. There’s also a spa, public swimming pool and a gym. Not to forget, bicycles placed around the resort for anyone who’s game. You could also visit the turtle hatchery, which releases hatchlings daily between May and October or if you’re not in the mood for it, you could even arrange for kayaking on the mangrove-fringed river.
Details
Address: Jalan Kuantan, Kemaman, 26080 Cherating, Pahang.
Phone Number: 09-582 5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheKasturiCherating
Lexis Hibiscus, Port Dickson
Overview
This hotel consist of 639 rooms conceptualised to make it one of the most iconic luxury hotels in the region. The villas are built over the water, forming the shape of a hibiscus flower stretching almost a mile into the Straits of Malacca! The suites are housed in a big tower overlooking the beach and all the rooms consist of top-notch features such as private plunge pools and steam rooms, and the vast majority of them offer great sea views. For those in search for a fun-filled family vacation, there are many facilities up for the perusal of the visitors. This includes, water sports, Segways, kids’ club and even helicopter rides. All of these come with an extra cost but fret not, as it’s totally worth it. A dozen restaurants offer varied food, from causal buffets and outdoor barbecue joints to more formal a la carte eateries.
Details
Address: Jalan Pantai, 71250 Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
Phone Number: 06-660 2626
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexishibiscuspd
Ambong Pool Villas, Langkawi
Overview
Ambong Pool Villas is not just another resort — providing its visitors with both sunrise and sunset views, depending on which villa is booked. The construction of the villa is ethereal yet minimal with giant trees and the jungle providing a lush natural border and magical decks with tress protruding from the middle. Just by looking at the villa, the visitors would feel a sense of calm and serenity washing over them. This property has 8 one-bedroom villas and 1 sizable 3 bedroom home. This is where the uniqueness comes in; rooms on the east catch the dawn while rooms on the west are bestowed with dusk. Each unit has been designed with a generous amount of floor to ceiling glass and large sliding doors that open up directly to the pool. Some of these units offer a children’s pool, wooden tubs, sunken bathtubs and some rooms offer varying views (sea and forest). For the perusal of all guests, there’s a 12-metre infinity pool, a grassed area with sun chairs outdoors and a semi-covered kitchen.
Details
Address: Jalan Teluk Baru, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah.
Phone Number: 04-955 8428
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmbongPoolVillas
Avani Sepang Goldcoast, Selangor
Overview
This resort which has 392 water villas consist of huge water villas, spread apart that it could almost take 15 minutes to walk from the reception to the farthest water villas. It’s main feature is supposedly the large infinity pool with an attached kids pool just adjacent to the main restaurants in the center of the flower. The pool, apparently makes for a lovely setting for the restaurant. There’s also a weight room and a full gym in one of the buildings just off the main pool with an added facility of a full-service spa with massages and other treatments. The activities there include, a large variety such as beach yoga, power walk, fun dance, giant bubble, kite flying, fun strider bike, towel animation class, batik painting, fruit craving lessons, spin bike, poi spinning exercises and anti-gravity yoga. Phew! That’s a lot. There would be 4 activity slots per day, with different things offered on different days.
Details
Address: 67 Jalan Pantai Bagan Lalang, Bagan Lalang, 43950 Sungai Pelek, Selangor.
Phone Number: 03-3182 3600
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avanisepang
These locations indeed seem amazing and interesting — perfect for a much-needed outing with the family or a private escapade. Whichever floats your boat, always remember to be vigilant of your health and safety. Mask up at all times and avoid crowded spaces.
Source: Facebook
