JapaMala Resort

Rooms

There are 16 Kampung-style villas dotted between the trees and boulders, complementing the natural landscape and providing plenty of privacy. Each is rustic-chic unique and feels impossibly luxurious. Bathrooms all feature powerful rainfall showers.

We were in a Tree Top Chalet and spent a lot of time on the terrace, curled up in our suspended wicker chair. We often had monkeys perched on our windowsill and the jungle provided a soothing soundtrack. Sea Cliff Chalets are similar, but they jut out over the canopy, with mesmerizing views of the ocean.

The Sarang rooms are more luxurious. Jungle Luxe Sarangs have a living area and an outdoor tub. Split-level Hillside Sarangs have a veranda, a living space and a plunge pool. Seaview Sarang is super-secluded and chic inside, but for ultimate romance, opt for the spacious Beach Sarang, where you can gaze out to sea from your private plunge pool and raised terrace.

The more modern two-storey Penghulu’s House can be found at the end of the resort, right on the beach. It has a double and a twin bedroom, lots of living space, and its own pool.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Coffee / tea making
• Fan
• Minibar
• TV

Eating

There are three restaurants at JapaMala: beachfront Tamarind Tioman (fantastic Malaysian cuisine); poolside Italian restaurant Il Tempio; striking Mandi-Mandi seafood and cocktail pavilion, perched directly above the turquoise water.

We took dinner at Tamarind Tioman, where classic Malaysian fare is served by candlelight. Spring rolls were crisp, stir-fried vegetables spicy, and lemongrass prawns plump and juicy.

Our lunchtime pizza at Italian Il Tempio was light and full of flavour, but we got serious food envy as we watched plates of fresh fish and bruschetta pass us. Come sunset, everyone gathers at Mandi-Mandi at the end of the jetty for grilled seafood, cocktails and infinite views across the South East China Sea. It’s the definition of romantic.

An indulgent and leisurely breakfast, served at Tamarind Tioman, was a sprawling spread of fruit, yoghurt, pastries and cakes. An a la carte menu of hot dishes includes eggs, pancakes and some local dishes.

Fresh juices, coffee and cocktails are served throughout the day at all three locations, and drinks and nibbles can be ordered to your sun spot. During rainy season (November-February), access to Il Tempio and Mandi-Mandi can be restricted, but the menu at the former will be available at Tamarind Tioman.

Features include:

• Bar
• Breakfast
• Restaurant
• Room service

Activities

• You can easily spend hours chasing colourful fish through the corals; we saw blacktip reef sharks, clown fish and parrot fish. Dive excursions can be arranged, too
  
• Jump in the kayak and paddle along the coast line, discovering hidden coves; on your return, curl up in a cabana, or sprawl on the bamboo mats on sand, with a book in hand (there’s a huge selection available in the book-swap library)
  
• Take a trek to Genting, keeping your eyes peeled for tropical birds, monkeys and monitor lizards
  
• The hotel can arrange excursions to waterfalls, visits to Monkey Bay Marine Park, and round-island cruises, plus interesting side trips to enliven the transfer if you're heading next to sister property Villa Samadhi in KL

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Fishing
• Golf
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Plantlife / flora
• Scuba diving courses
• Snorkelling
• Swimming
• Well being
• Wildlife

Kids

This is predominantly a grown-up resort for couples, and children under 12 are not permitted.

Family friendly accommodation:

Two-storey Penghulu's House is the resort's only family villa, right on the beach. The double bedroom has a vast living space opening to a spectacular view of the sea; the twin has direct access to a beautifully decked plunge pool. Hillside Sarang, Seaview Sarang, and Beach Sarang can all fit an extra bed.

Extra Beds Available

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

Location
Tioman Island is a 2-3 hour boat journey off the east coast of Malaysia.

By Air:
There are no flights to Tioman Island, so you'll need to fly into Singapore Changi or Kuala Lumpur International; both are major airports served by numerous airlines. From here, you'll take a car transfer followed by a boat to Tioman.

Land and Boat transfers:
The hotel operates a car and ferry shuttle service from sister hotel Villa Samadhi Kuala Lumpur from March-October. This needs to be booked at least 7 days in advance.

Otherwise, you'll need to get a public ferry. Transfers from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore to Mersing ferry port take around 3-5 hours. The hotel can help arrange a private driver, or you can opt for the daily bus to Mersing bus station.

From Mersing jetty the ferry crossing to Tioman Island takes 2-3 hours. Please note ferry tickets are in high demand - make sure you book at least 14 days in advance to guarantee a ticket.

The hotel will arrange transfers from the ferry drop off point. If you need help in arranging transfers, the hotel will be able to point you in the right direction.

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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