The Boathouse Pulau Tioman is a recently opened resort on Tioman Island, off the coast of Pahang. Managed by HPL Hotels & Resorts, this island escape on the Southwest coast of Pulau Tioman is miles away from the hustle and bustle of the mainland. However, the strategic location adds to the charm of The Boathouse, making it the perfect getaway for a uniquely tranquil experience.
We recently had the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the serenity of The Boathouse Pulau Tioman for a few days; and we’ve returned with a lot of thoughts about the new resort. Thankfully, we have nothing but praise, particularly how welcomed we felt there, despite being on a resort that’s only accessible by boat. If you’re planning for an idyllic getaway to Pulau Tioman, here are the reasons why we believe you should consider The Boathouse Pulau Tioman:
The Kampung Style Vibes
While going for a traditional Malay approach for a Malaysian island resort may not seem groundbreaking, we applaud The Boathouse for going all out with a mini kampung on the island. The resort follows the concept of a village, inspired by the drawings of renowned local cartoonist Lat. Each of the 31 bungalows is crafted from renewable, locally sourced timber and interior decorations feature batik and rattan.
The Boathouse also kept the “streets” authentic and didn’t shy away from placing utility poles and drain covers front and centre – thankfully so, because it echoes the rustic charm of a village to offer guests a taste of the local culture. Many of our fellow guests also praise the traditional Malay architecture, saying that it contrasts the usually modern approach other resorts take and adds a sense of serenity to the place.
Friendly Staff (And Felines)
The staff at a resort can determine your entire experience on a trip – and we can confidently say the team at The Boathouse Pulau Tioman was wonderful from the moment we arrived to the day we left the island. Throughout the trip, the staff did their best to make us feel welcome, at home and comfortable despite being on a secluded island.
In addition to the hospitable human staff, there were many friendly feline staff at The Boathouse Pulau Tioman. You won’t know much about these kitties, given that the resort never quite mentioned them, but these cats are native to the island and thus made the resort their home. The cats were excellent companionship when we were casually chilling by the beach.
Fulfilling Your Needs – Both In Front & Behind The Scenes
Of course, maintaining a resort on a secluded island is a challenge, given that you’ll have to prepare for the unexpected. Early on during our trip, Felix revealed that the resort tirelessly maintains a sewage system, a water treatment, a power generator and a drinking water bottling system, all on-site; all to ensure guests get the best during their stay. The staff work hard behind the scenes so guests can have it easy on the other side.
And sure enough, the service on the outside was impeccable, and it seemed we had everything we needed. Besides our needs, the team calmly handled our wants, even when it’s not on the menu. Felix also shared that the staff, particularly those at the front desk, kitchen and bar, are tasked to follow through with guests’ requests to the best of their ability. While putting guests first isn’t groundbreaking per se, we appreciate the thought and dedication put into every act of service at The Boathouse.
Secluded Location For Complete Serenity
They say home is where you can feel at peace. One highlight from The Boathouse Pulau Tioman is the resort’s private beach offers serenity and seclusion from the other villages on Tioman Island. After experiencing the stark difference between being on The Boathouse and the popular Kampung Paya, we can vouch this resort is the better option.
While there’s nothing wrong with choosing a place with easy accessibility to sundry shops and restaurants, having a private beach has many perks. During our free time on the island, we could comfortably walk along the beach and stroll down the private jetty to take in the beauty of Pulau Tioman – quickly becoming our favourite part of the trip.
The Boathouse Pulau Tioman officially opened its doors on 1st July 2024. The resort is part of HPL Hotels & Resorts’ portfolio of distinguished properties, where each offers an exceptional experience reflecting the beauty and culture of its location. For reservations and more information, call (60) 9419 2888 or visit www.boathouse-tioman.com
