JapaMala Resort

Best Place to Stay

Romantic Luxury

This has to be the best place I have ever stayed at, overall, for a total I-am-pampering-myself time.
Mind you, it is not for everyone.
First, if you like the big Berjaya type of places (I don't), then this is not for you.
It is very expensive, especially taking into account Malaysian hotel prices in general. They also charge a lot for pick up from airport jetty and diving, but we just took a private "taxi" voat from the airport. For diving, it would be possible to arrange for some of the centres in Tekek etc. to come and pick you up from Japamala.
However, I did not regret any of the money I spent.
Second, there is no mobile phone, phone, tv or internet coverage of any kind. You can phone from reception's landline. So if you love your TV, Internet and cannot live without mobile phone, this is not the place for you.
I myself cannot describe the relief of not hearing ANY phone ringing for 3 whole days! There Is a large flat screen TV (but no TV reception) in each chalet, and the reception have dozens of movies you can borrow.
The huts can be best described as jungle luxury, loved the furnishings, the fantastic array of natural toiletries included, robes and slippers, etc.
11 cabins, perched on the steep slopes rising from the beach, and 2 excellent restaurants for how many? maybe 30 people maximum (if you count extra beds), certainly less than 20 guests when we were there, but both restaurants were fully open all the time.
I loved the Indo-chinese food in the Tamarind terrace (see my restaurant tip) but the setting of the jetty restaurant is unbeatable. Beautiful seafood sitting under the stars with the South China Sea lapping under you (or coral fish swimming by in daytime).
Towels, snorkels, fins, kayaks..are free to just pick up and use. At 4 o'clock staff will locate you to give you your afternoon snack. There is no connection to anywhere by land in Tioman so you are forced to relax.
Stayed in a Treetop villa, as Seacliff was not available: those would be best for me.

Unique Quality: Totally cut-off from the world quality holiday. The first time the actual place actually looked like or was even better than the photos. Claims to be totally ecological.

• Opinion of Price: most expensive
• Related to: Eco-Tourism, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Luxury Travel

JapaMala Resort

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Tioman Island Only Boutique Resort

Japamala. The small hidden jewel of Tioman Island. Secretly hidden at the corner of the island.
A small boutique resort wth fantastic accomodations, food & spa. By the way it has its own private beach. No doubt abt the tiptop services frm the staff. Facilities & amenities is only ok, as they are now gg thru an upgrade & expansion. Come Sept 07 there will be more amenities for e.g cable, internet & in villa phone. Facilities wise, more villas, a bigger main pool and a spa centre will be ready by then. Basic water sports equipments, books & dvds are provided free of charge. Accomodations varies frm Treetop Chalets, Seaview Chalets, Sarang Villas & Hilltop Plunge Pool Villas. All come wth their own balcony. Watch out for the Seaview Pool Villas! It shld be ready by late 07. For those who are hungry for a midnite snack, they maybe disappointed as they hv a schedule for serving meals due to the fact of the small number of occupants. For pool lovers, u maybe disappointed as the current main pool is kinda small. U will hv to patiently wait till Sept 07 or later for them to finish up the new bigger main pool.
Would strongly recommended for those who are looking for a quiet & romantic getaway.

Unique Quality: The resorts concept itself is eco-friendly. U could see frm it by the way the villas are built, the walkways and even the restaurants. Every detail is taken into consideration not to disturb the natural landscape. Fresh seafood is a must as the chef served it wonderfully! Hv the seafood meal right above the sea. U will love it! The resort's Tamarind restaurant seems to be quite well known on the island itself. Treetop Villas & Seaview Villas hv the best seaview.

• Opinion of Price: most expensive
• Related to: Spa and Resort, Eco-Tourism, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons

JapaMala Resort Photo: View of the villa

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A Boutique Resort in Harmony With The Nature

• Opinion of Price: more expensive than average
• Related to: Spa and Resort, Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Beaches

JapaMala Resort Photo: The JapaMala Resort

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Where space is comfort & luxury is seclusion!

Even though I did not stay here before but I'm shocked to know that Berjaya Tioman Beach/Spa/Suite Resort may not be the best resort in Tioman island.

Japamala is a boutique resort in the heart of nature. Hidden amidst 11 acres of lush tropical rainforest are 4 exotic villas & 6 charming chalets, flanked by a quiet beach. In true seclusion, this resort is often besieged by nature-lovers & honeymooners or those who yearn to simply self-indulge.

Unique Quality: In its naturalistic state, Japamala's magnificent landscape is designed by natural streams, steep cliffs & towering boulders on which some of its Malay kampung-styled chalets on stilts sit. While these chalets offer the most hypnotic ocean views of the South China Sea, those hidden up in the forested canopy allow a life of uninterrupted pleasure.

Imagine the simplicity of the traditional living space adorned with a modern chic.

Japamala aspires to evoke your inner senses by leading you on a unique journey of Asian Experience - a refine blend of gourmet, green space & great recovery from a hectic lifestyle.

• Opinion of Price: most expensive
• Related to: Romantic Travel and Honeymoons, Luxury Travel, Family Travel

JapaMala Resort Photo: Japamala Resort beach

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