Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu, Malaysia

The sun is beginning to shine again on the East Coast of Malaysia as the rainy season says farewell for another year, revealing blue skies and calmer seas. Not all was quiet however under the wet spell. A team of busy bees has been hard at work for the past four months refreshing rooms, building new facilities and in general giving Tanjong Jara Resort a good spruce up.

Beach and Boat

The stunning beachside resort is ready again for visitors, and we had the chance to take a look on their opening weekend, noting recent refurbishments and luxuriating in that distinctive hospitality YTL properties have become well reputed for.

But, before we go too much further, and you start remembering Terengganu as a minimum three or four night stay location, be cheerfully advised that the new highway has just opened its final stretch, connecting Kuala Lumpur to the East Coast in a smooth four hour ride without traffic (and that’s sticking to the speed limit, as we strongly advise all responsible road users to do). That turns Tanjong Jara Resort into an easy weekend getaway, and, with some great all-inclusive packages valid until the end of March, we suggest you start making your travel plans pronto before all the weekends get booked up.

Private Car Transfer from KL – smooth sailing with a YTL driver and a brand new highway

Sun Chairs

Tanjong Jara Resort has long been the place to stay on the East Coast, especially for those who like their accommodations with a splash of luxury, graceful service and superb facilities. And… the latest revamp only serves to enhance that opinion even more so.

On the security side, a new fence has been built securing the entire perimeter of the 17 hectare property. A Nepalese security crew has been hired and they patrol the borders at night with a team of huskies. Rooms were already fit with standard safety measures such as fire extinguishers, but now too have emergency lights, and updated electronic safety boxes.

Beach Chairs and Sunrise

Besides a general freshening of appearance through the upgrade of some fittings, polishing of floors and touch up coats of paint, rooms have added décor in the form of ceramics and photographs, giving each space a more sophisticated feel. Outdoor balconies too got an upgrade with coffee table and chairs joining the day bed.

Malay Architecture

Serambai Seaview Room

Balcony

Green Grounds – View from our Balcony

Bathroom with Double Vanity, Separate Shower, Bathtub and Toilet

Facilities

The beautiful manicured gardens, tropical seaside atmosphere and long stretch of golden beach is the main leisure attraction, but Tanjong Jara Resort, buffs up the options of things to do with modernized facilities and a few new additions. Shaded tennis courts kept hubby busy for a good few hours, as did not one but two pools: one overlooking the sand and sea suitable for families, and another adults’ only pool three metres in depth also used for dive courses (of which by the way of note is a brand new dive centre). A glass walled gym allowed us to exercise in air-conditioned comfort, and the introduction of volleyball and badminton courts provide further alternatives for play. For less active pursuits hammocks, day beds and lounges are spread across the property issuing many a spot to loll in the cooling sea zephyr, contemplating life, or nothing at all.

Walkway to Beach

The resort sits on a long stretch of beach

Adults’ Only Pool

Gymnasium

Pool at Sunrise

Main Pool

Tennis Courts

Spa Village Tanjong Jara

Without doubt, YTL’s Spa Village brand across the country is one of the most highly respected and desirable names in the industry. Weaving together a magical formula of well-designed spaces, highly skilled therapists and locally inspired treatments, peaceful havens of wellness and relaxation are a trademark assurance. Find a full review of the Spa Village, with photos and suggested treatments in this link.

Spa Village Tanjong Jara

At Tanjong Jara Resort guests can do as much or as little as they like. For those who want activity though, there’s definitely no shortage of it. Capturing the local vibe, visitors can fully immerse themselves in Malay culture with a host of inspired recreation alternatives.

Hammock

For the active there’s a guided bicycle tour through a local fishing village, sucimurni exercises on the lawn, a nature walk accompanied by the in-house botanist, or even a jungle trek to the 200 metre high Chemerung Waterfall. Added just this year are wau (traditional kite flying on the beach), a pétanque court, and black and white screenings of Hollywood and P. Ramlee movies on beanbags by the pool. Come March 1, when the waters have stilled, snorkeling and diving around Tenggol Island will certainly be a highlight.

A Good Day Excursion is a Trek to Chemerung Waterfall

For those with more culinary inclined interests, a morning market visit followed by a cooking class with Chef Ann (a character no guest ever forgets) is a must.

Chef Ann at the Market

On the weekends, the village comes to you, with the Kampong Sucimurni Lifestyle program. Artisans, cooks and fun seekers display their wares, let you sample their fare, and engage guests in anything from a traditional dance, or board game to a round of sepaktakraw (similar to soccer where a rattan ball is kicked around the lawn). Caffeine addicts should be sure to try the thick sweet kopi kampong, and a bite of keropok lekor, deep-fried fish serves as a great pre-dinner bite.

Kampong Sucimurni Lifestyle Program

Food and beverage options have also been expanded this season. Teratai Terrace boosts the food selection with some light poolside bites, while the original, Di Atas Sungei serving many Malaysian favourites at breakfast and dinner, has been refreshed. Nelayan though is our favourite spot. Perched on the beach, whether it’s sunny or stormy, the glass walled interior or al fresco settings, allow us to marvel in the magic of the sea: high waves rolling in, or innocently calm, the scene changes day to day, season to season.

Di Atas Sungei

From Di Atas Sungei Patio

Pastries and Coffee at Di Atas Sungei

Beer and Beach

Coconut at Nelayan Restaurant

Beach Dinners with Your Feet in the Sand are Easily Arranged with a Little Notice

Terratai Terrace at Night

Nelayan Restaurant

The Rock

The Rock is a very special addition this year: a unique private dining experience exclusive to Tanjong Jara Resort. Ideal for proposals, honeymooners, romance, or just a highly invigorating dinner setting, words cannot possibly do justice to this location, so follow this link to find a photo journal of our experience on The Rock.

The Rock at Sunset

Private Cocktail on The Rock

One thing that hasn’t changed at Tanjong Jara Resort is the service, and thankfully so. We feel cared for here. At breakfast a waiter notices me squinting with the rising of the sun and, and without me communicating this discomfort verbally, he lowers the blinds and draws the sun shade across just enough to relieve my eyes but not too much to cover my view. Later at Nelayan restaurant, the manager Remy, greets us by name, recalling my requests from the day prior for vegetarian dishes, and hubby’s fondness for burgers and beer. The attention to detail and warmth in service continues throughout our stay, right up to our departure where we’re waved off and bid a pleasant journey.

Friendly Staff Welcoming Us With a Bang on the Gong

Until the 31st of March the resort is offering an East Coast Dreamin’ deal where rooms, including breakfast, lunch and dinner, and some activities, are priced from RM630++ per night, for a minimum two night stay. Make your reservations here.

Water and Greenery are Prominent Throughout the Resort

Reasons to visit: stunning seaside location; only a four hour drive on a brand new highway from Kuala Lumpur; plenty of activities or quiet as you desire; a unique dining experience at The Rock.

Batu 8, Off Jalan Dungun

23000 Dungun

Terengganu

Malaysia

+6 03 2783 1000