Atmospheric, laidback and unusual (in a good way), Bon Ton is a careful blend of conservation principles and design savvy. The small resort - or 'Coconut Village' as it used to be called - comprises 8 rustic kampung houses on a former coconut plantation, just north of Langkawi's longest beach. Each house was acquired and painstakingly reassembled by Australian owner, Narelle McMurtrie, in a remarkable labour of love.
Overlooking a peaceful lily-strewn lagoon, the stilted wooden villas are individually styled with colourful fabrics, Malay songket weavings and striking antique furnishings. It's a far cry from the surrounding generic resort hotels, and what Bon Ton lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in character and charm. Even so, there's an attractive swimming pool, a west-facing cocktail deck, a wonderful restaurant serving Asian fusion cuisine and a lounge-bar set in a heritage Chinese shophouse. All in all, it's a wonderfully romantic hideaway.
Highs
- Exquisite, antique Malay architecture blended with chic, beautifully conceived interiors
- Delicious Asian-Mediterranean cuisine in Nam - the restaurant is one of Langkawi's best and Rick Stein is said to be a fan
- A couple of houses have private alfresco bathrooms for washing under the stars
- A totally different type of resort - secluded, romantic and full of atmosphere
- The bar serves some irresistible cocktails - try the mango daiquiri
Lows
- Mosquitoes can be an annoyance, but the hotel provides mozzie diffusers, sprays and nets
- The nearest beach is a mile away along a sandy track; staff will drop you down on request
- There are lots of cats around; they're very friendly, but those with allergies take note!
- The continental breakfasts, delivered to your room, could get a bit samey if you stay for more than a few days
- Some houses are quite close to one another and noise can carry
Best time to go
The hotel is open year-round. Peak season is December to March, when the weather is typically dry and sunny, though it is consistently warm (around 30C) all year. Rain is possible in any month but the official wet season is September to November. Even during the monsoon, it tends to pour for around two hours per day (usually during the late afternoon or at night).
Our top tips
A week is probably long enough to take in the main sights and attractions on Langkawi - though the island makes a great base for a relaxing 2-week holiday.
Location
Bon Ton Antique Wooden Villas is located 7-10 minutes from Langkawi airport and 20 minutes' walk from the main beach of Pantai Cenang on Pulau Langkawi, which is the main island of the Langkawi archipelago (about 100 islands lying off the north-western coast of Peninsula Malaysia).
By Air:
Langkawi International at Padang Mat Sirat (7km from Pantai Cenang). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
Bon Ton is less than a 10-minute drive from the airport. Guests all arrive by taxi (see Rates) or rental car which can be arranged on arrival at the airport. Bon Ton can also arrange hire cars for you.
By Rail:
KTM Berhad (KTMB) provides a comfortable and economical rail service from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau. From Alor Setar / Arau you can take a taxi or bus to Kuala Kedah/Kuala Perlis and from there by express ferry to Langkawi.
By Ferry:
Journey times to Langkawi range from 45 minutes to 3 hours by sea, depending on point of embarkation. Departure points are from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, and Georgetown on Penang Island. Visitors from Thailand depart from Satun.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.
More on getting to Malaysia and getting around.
Airports:
- Langkawi 7.0 km LGK
Other:
- Beach 1.0 km
- Shops 1.0 km
- Restaurant 1.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 1 independent review from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape