Unmistakably Malay: Tanjong Jara Resort

by Yen Simpson

Feb 21, 2012

If your goal in 2012 is to travel more, put Tanjong Jara Resort on your list. Based on the Malaysian sucimurni philosophy, which aims to refresh the body and soul through an emphasis on spirit, health, and overall wellbeing, guests here are encouraged to immerse themselves in the traditional Malay surroundings and find peace in the award-winning Spa Village.

If this doesn't tempt you into a weekend of relaxation, try this: Tanjong Jara was recently awarded the HAPA Signature Luxury Resort (Gold), and is also part of the Small Luxury Hotels network. Together this means that you can be assured that you're in for a weekend of exclusivity and the exceptional experiences.

All in the details
The 99-room resort is designed to reflect the grandeur of traditional 17th century Malay palaces -- Malay culture and heritage are ingrained in every feature of the resort.

“Tanjong Jara Resort offers a truly unmistakably Malay experience with its unique and beautiful authentic Malay architecture,” says Siobhan O’Dea, PR Executive for YTL Hotels, which represents other major resorts in the country including Cameron Highlands.

In 1981, only two years after the hotel opened, Tanjong Jara won the coveted Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The Aga Khan award jurors applauded Tanjong Jara “for successfully adapting a rapidly disappearing traditional architecture to meet the demands of contemporary architecture.”

The rooms are luxuriously appointed with beautiful views of well-manicured tropical gardens or the South China Sea. Choose from four different accommodation options, each furnished with a king-size bed, sofa bed and a spacious bathroom.

The crème de la crème of accommodation is the 176-square-metre Anjung Suite, with a living room, dining room, a bar and powder room. True to Malay traditions, the suite is designed like a traditional fishing village home and rests on stilts overlooking the river that runs through the resort.

Wherever you stay though, hospitality is king, and guests enjoy a warm, personal experience from the moment they come in contact with the staff. When you arrive, before you even get to your room, a gentleman dressed in a traditional Malay costume greets you with a strike of a gong and a refreshing roselle drink are presented in the grand reception area of the resort.

More than just design
The emerald sea and pristine beaches at Tanjong Jara is captivating. For diving enthusiasts, Tenggol Island, which is just 45 minutes from the resort, is one of the best diving locations in Peninsular Malaysia.

“We have collaborated with Reef Check Malaysia to preserve the natural surrounding beauty in Terengganu with underwater clean-up activities such as removing old fishing nets and waste dumped into the sea, and beach clean-ups,” says O’Dea.

At Di Atas Sungei, one of Tanjong Jara's three restaurants, you'll find perfectly executed Malaysian cuisine, as well as the unique “walking menu”, where the menu experts will offer recommendations tailored to your needs, prepared using only fresh produce.

Nelayan, another of the resort's F&B locations, serves both local and Western cuisine, specializing in fresh local seafood bought from local fishermen. Diners can enjoy a casual steamboat dinner with a view of the sea at Teratai Terrace.

Guests can also experience the authentic Malay culture with private cooking classes introducing them to various cuisines of Malaysia, or indulging in activities such as congkak, or go on handicraft tours in surrounding Malay villages.

A Malay spa experience
Spa Village Tanjong Jara has numerous awards under its belt, from prestigious names including Malaysia Spa & Wellness (2011), Conde Nast Traveller (2008) and Tatler UK (2007). Elle UK described the spa as “luxurious but unpretentious” when featuring Tanjong Jara alongside nine other world-renowned spas in the magazine’s elite “Top 10 Super Spas” list.

The restorative spa treatments are based on ancient Malay healing traditions, unique to the east coast of Malaysia. Try the signature Asam Roselle experience (RM450) includes a body treatment, massage and cream scrub or the Traditional Malay experience (RM720), which includes three hours of pampering.

Each spa experience starts with the mandi bunga (Malay floral bath) and ultimately patrons are given a batik sarong as a memento of their sucimurni experience.

For Tanjong Jara listings details, click through to “Unmistakably Malay: Tanjong Jara Resort”. For other articles on the Malaysia travel read on at “5 Malaysia Escapes for Couples” and “Head ‘Strait’ to Luxury”.

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