Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Monica Tindall

Nestled in a lush oasis of swaying palm trees and vibrant flora, Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi is an exotic haven that exudes an aura of tranquillity and serenity. It lies on what we think is the most beautiful beach in Langkawi, and rooms, restaurants and facilities take full advantage of the views.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Most Beautiful Beach in Langkawi

Tanjung Rhu Resort’s beach is two-and-a-half kilometres stretch, beginning at a jungle-covered headland and reaching the mouth of the Kilim River and Geopark. Unlike many beaches on the island, it’s white, sandy, flat and rarely afflicted with jellyfish (or motorised watersports). Having an uninterrupted sea view is luxury but add in mysterious rocky outcrops, and it’s magical. The sun rises behind the incredible karst formations of the geopark at one end of the beach and sets at the other, offering breathtaking views from daybreak to dusk.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Sunrise
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Sunset

Bridging the rooms and beach is a line of giant Casuarina trees. The species are like the superheroes of the plant world, able to withstand harsh conditions that would defeat other trees. They’re often used in reforestation and erosion-control projects but also provide plentiful shade for the deck chairs facing the sea. The property is spread over 1,100 acres – even when the resort is full, it doesn’t seem crowded.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Chairs Shaded by Majestic Casuarinas

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi, is currently undergoing a transformation under new ownership, and the investment into the property plans to elevate it to its former glory. One of the highlights of this resort is its beachfront position. Each suite has a balcony facing the sea, garden, or both, providing guests with stunning views of their surroundings and access to the beach mere minutes from their room.

The Bayu Senja Suite is a perfect example of the comfortable living spaces available at Tanjung Rhu Resort. It boasts a king-size bed and two outdoor spaces offering incredible views of Langkawi’s most beautiful beach and the palm-lined central courtyard. The suite also features a separate living area with a lounge, mini-bar, and TV, a dressing room and a bathroom with a rain shower, bathtub, and folding windows that can be opened up or closed for privacy.

The hardwood floors, large French windows, and Asian-influenced décor create a light, bright atmosphere well-suited to the seaside setting. Given the resort’s isolation, we were also surprised by the Wi-Fi quality. I had no trouble working, uploading photos and editing videos, and Netflix streamed without a hitch.

Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Bayu Senja Suite
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Bayu Senja Suite – Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Facilities

In addition to its newly refreshed rooms with incredible panoramas, Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi, boasts a range of facilities and activities to keep guests entertained during their stay. The resort’s private beach is a highlight, providing a serene and peaceful setting for swimming, sunbathing, and beach activities. The beachside amenities, including towels, sun loungers, and umbrellas, make it easy to spend a day at the beach without hassle.

The infinity pool, with its breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea, is a sight to behold. The adult-only pool provides a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and soaking up the sun. The family pool at the other end of the resort, with its miniature garden islands, offers a shaded area for guests with children.

The fitness centre is well-equipped with modern machines and equipment, and the glass wall provides a natural and inspiring view of the garden and pool. Adjacent to the gym, the spa offers a range of treatments and massages that use natural ingredients to rejuvenate the body and soothe the soul. The private villas and skilled therapists ensure complete privacy and a luxurious experience.

Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Adults-only Pool
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Family Pool
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Stunning Beach
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Tanjung Rhu Beach
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
More of that Beautiful Beach – Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Kayaking Around Nearby Islands
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Fitness Room
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Most Beautiful Beach in Langkawi
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Tanjung Rhu Beach

Restaurants & Bars – Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

When it comes to dining, Tanjung Rhu Resort has several restaurants and bars, all of which take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings.

The Sands

The Sands is the resort’s all-day-dining restaurant, offering a buffet breakfast and an ala carte menu of international cuisine and local delicacies for lunch and dinner. The head chef, Normatias Tanjung, is from Indonesia and, coincidentally, shares the same surname as the resort. He’s kind and friendly and explained the extensive menu of local and international dishes. He wants everyone to feel welcome and satisfied eating here.

The breakfast buffet at Sands is included in most packages at Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi. There’s a variety of hot and cold items with chefs at noodle, pancake and waffle, roti canai and egg stations making orders ala minute. Coffee is freshly brewed, offered black or with full cream milk, and tea is by Boh.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Breakfast at Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

For lunch, we tried several local and international recipes. Who doesn’t love a good Avocado Salad (RM 38)? We sure do, and it’s a fantastic beginning on a hot day. Sands restaurant’s version is made with onion, mixed leaves and cherry tomatoes. Three pieces of breaded deep-fried Camembert cheese give it a little 5-star decadence. As is often the case in Malaysia, the kitchen team is generous with the dressing, so ask for this on the side if you prefer a lightly dressed salad.

Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Avocado Salad

From the local favourites menu, both the Nasi Goreng Kambing (RM 40) and Nasi Goreng Udang (RM 40) – fried rice with mutton or freshwater prawns – are recommended. The latter seems the obvious choice since most seafood comes from Langkawi. Our eyes popped as the mound of rice was delivered alongside an enormous freshwater prawn. This beauty had more meat than some lobsters. The rice was peppered with fish balls, tofu, shredded carrot and bok choy.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Nasi Goreng Udang – Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Clay Pot Yee Mee (RM 35) is another crowd-pleaser. The braised yee mee is cooked in the same pot as chicken pieces, fish balls, mushrooms and vegetables and served in the same. The giant river prawn reappeared on the noodles, proving itself more than a one-hit wonder. We realised our mistake in ordering a western main with a few spoons in. This would have done as both starter and main in a single bowl.

Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Clay Pot Yee Mee

The Pan-seared Seabass (RM 60) is a hot seller if you’d prefer to mix things up with Western flavours. The fish is cooked until golden on the edges and accompanied by roasted potato and veggies. The flesh is sweet, moist and flaky – sufficiently flavoursome on its own, but a creamy orange sauce is provided if you want just a little more.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Pan-seared Seabass

Alternatively, pizza might be more your jam. Before you jump straight in and order, though, make sure to note that there are two menus. One is cooked in the oven, and the other in the wood-fired oven. But wait, before you start having expectations of trending Italian-style crusts rested for several days on a sourdough base… that is not served here. The wood-fired oven pizza is made on the same base as the gas-oven-baked one, it just takes a little longer to prepare, and the oven infuses a little smokiness into the dough. There are some adventurous toppings, such as saffron mutton curry and Tex-Mex marinara. We keep things simple with the localised version of a Margherita Pizza (RM 40) piled high with golden cheese.

Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Pizza

Sunset Pool Bar

The resort’s Sunset Pool Bar is the perfect place to enjoy a refreshing cocktail, snack or light bite while watching the kids in the pool or simply just taking in the views. From pool to sea to exotic rocky outcrops, we don’t know where to rest our gaze. The restaurant is humming with upbeat music and is surrounded by attractive shades of blue. A light breeze streams through the passage from the sea to the jungle, taking the edge off the heat and humidity.

Light bites and uncomplicated cuisines are served here. Fried Spring Rolls (RM 20, 6 pieces) – filo pastry rolled with vegetables and served with Thai sweet chilli sauce – took hubby’s fancy. I preferred something lighter in the Caesar Salad (RM 38). The tropical version features plump grilled spicy prawns as the protein. Romaine lettuce, anchovies, croutons, spicy beef bacon and Parmesan cheese, filled the rest of the bowl. As always, ask for the dressing on the side if you’d rather have lightly dressed leaves.

Tanjung’s Grilled Burger (RM42) is a popular pick for a main. The kitchen team make their own beef (or chicken) patty and layers it with cheese, lettuce, tomato and cucumber on a soft white bun. Steak fries are the standard side, but you can request salad instead of potato if you wish. The Tanjung Club Sandwich (RM 35) is another standard pool-side recipe. The triple-decker meal is composed of Cajun chicken, turkey bacon, egg, avocado, tomato and cucumber and moistened with lemongrass mayo. Potato wedges come on the side.

We’re happy to report the staff’s flexibility in adjusting dishes to our liking. Dressings served apart, various juice combos, salad instead of fries – all of our requests were met with ease.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Sunset Pool Bar
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Tanjung’s Grilled Burger – Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Tanjung Club Sandwich

Saffron

Guests are spoilt for choice with beautiful locations to dine at Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi. Saffron also serves international fare and is set by the beach, but with tables set on a smooth sheet of concrete and no trees obstructing the views, it feels as if you are truly dining under the stars. It’s open air, starry nights and sea breezes, without chairs sinking into the sand and insects that sometimes come with beach dining. A lively soundtrack of contemporary pop tunes hums in the background as the skies light up with green (squid fishing) and the occasional lightning bolt.

Saffron is home to the resort’s wood-fired oven, and we hope to see more use of it in the future. At the moment, it imparts a nice smoky flavour into commercial-style pizza bases loaded with international toppings. One such example, the Arabian Chicken Shawarma Pizza (RM 48), is piled high with kebab chicken, arugula salad, tomato, lemon balsamic sauce and mozzarella cheese.

My healthy predilections balance the pizza slice with a light, nutritious Nicoise Salad (RM 38). It’s a significant bowl of coral lettuce, French beans, eggs, tuna chunks, black olives, baby potatoes and cherry tomatoes. Going for some local flavours, the Mutton Masala (RM 42) is a tasty curry with aromatic spices and two fat slices of toasted Bengali bread.

Tanjung Rhu Resort Langkawi
Saffron
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Nicoise Salad – Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Romantic Beach Dinner

For guests looking for something special outside the regular food and beverage offerings at Tanjung Rhu Resort, a Romantic Beach Dinner could be just the thing.

The location of the dinner is on the most beautiful beach in Langkawi, where a table for two is decorated with linens and tropical flowers, and lit with candles, creating a truly magical ambience. The view of the water, with its backdrop of layered island tops, is reminiscent of an Indonesian shadow puppet theatre. As the sun sets, the serene surface of the water glows, creating a truly awe-inspiring sight. We couldn’t take our eyes off the view for a good half an hour, amazed by nature’s spectacular light show. Lightning flashed in the distance, adding to the surreal atmosphere.

The Romantic Beach Dinner began with Smoked Salmon Salad, where vibrant pink fish slices were plated in a trio of swirls and garnished with orange pieces, red radish, edible flowers, and salmon roe. Next up was an Onion soup, which came as a dark brown liquid topped with a slice of brioche bun encrusted with melted cheese. The cheese provided a savoury contrast to the sweet caramelised onion. Mango Ice Sorbet served as a palate cleanser between courses. It was smooth with fine granules and only mildly sweet.

It was a choice of land or sea for the main course. The Pan-seared Seabass was served with a delicate Champagne beurre blanc sauce alongside sliced pumpkin and vegetables. It highlighted the freshness of local ingredients and is a solid option for seafood lovers. On the other hand, the Lamb Rack comprised three ribs accompanied by a savoury garlic sauce, diced potatoes, and buttered vegetables. The meat was cooked to medium doneness, boasting a nicely browned exterior and a tender, pink centre. Pavlova concluded the Romantic Beach Dinner, sided with vanilla ice cream, mixed fruits, strawberry coulis and cream patisserie.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Romantic Beach Dinner
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Romantic Beach Dinner – Sunset Bubbly
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Salmon
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Lamb – Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Pavlova

Happy Hours

Drinks at Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi’s restaurants are reasonably priced for a resort. My favourite is Fresh Young Coconut (RM 20), and hubby enjoyed various freshly squeezed juices (RM 20). Happy Hours run from 5 pm to 8 pm in all outlets, but our preferred location is the bar by the Sands adults-only pool. There are one-for-one deals on beer, select cocktails and wine. We tried a few cocktails, but the best option was wine, which gives two glasses of the house-pouring red, white or rose for RM 25.

Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
Happy Hours
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Adults-only Pool

Tanjung Rhu Resort Review

While Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi, is in the process of being upgraded, prices are quite affordable considering the size of the rooms, private location and absolutely gorgeous beach and views. The adults-only pool is a definite highlight, and a treatment in the spa should be considered if you enjoy a good pampering. Tanjung Rhu Resort is the perfect destination for those seeking a tropical paradise where they can relax, unwind, and rejuvenate.

Most Beautiful Beach in Malaysia
By the Pool
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Beach Chairs
Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Can’t Get Enough of Those Sunsets at Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

Reasons to visit Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi: located on the most beautiful beach in Langkawi, with spectacular sunsets, light and bright spacious rooms, and an intimate feel bordered by the jungle and the sea.

Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi
Mukim Ayer Hangat, 07000 Pulau Langkawi
Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
+604 959 1033
https://tanjungrhu.com.my

Find more recommendations for travel to Langkawi here and stay up to date with the latest gourmet happenings in Malaysia here and here.

One Comment

  1. There’s Tanjong Rhu in Singapore too – used to go swimming there in the70’s. Dunno if it is still around with the land reclamation and all since around that time.

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