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Tourism Malaysia

REDISCOVER REDANG AT THE TAARAS BEACH & SPA RESORT

Redang Island has long been a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With long stretches of sparkling white sand overlooking gorgeous turquoise water and complemented by a protected marine park, it has become a destination of choice for weddings, honeymoons, family getaways, corporate retreats and those seeking adventure and thrills.

Most will head to Long Beach where there are plenty of accommodation and restaurant choices. But for those who want to escape the crowd and want to feel like they have the whole island to themselves, head to the Berjaya Redang Island, a self-sufficient island, where the aptly named Taaras Beach and Spa Resort, Sanskrit for Goddess of the Sea, is located.

The Taaras itself is a vision of paradise. No matter which part of the resort you choose to stay in, it will give you visual pleasures, be it overlooking the ocean waters, or gorgeous landscapes of the garden, or the scenic steep cliffs of the island.  With 184 rooms and suites in various layouts, there is a perfect option for everyone. Even though everything about Taraas screams luxury, the ultimate in luxury and opulence is its Taaras Villa, with its dedicated butler service, gorgeous cliff-side location, and impressive 16m-infinity pool overlooking the bay.

Now, you can travel to Taaras in style following the recent partnership between the Berjaya Hotels Resorts with Prima Air, which provides chartered flights between Subang Airport and Berjaya Redang Island. Guests of The Taaras will be flown to the island using Prima Air’s 10-seater Cessna Grand Caravan EX light aircraft.

Imagine yourself strolling barefoot along a sandy beach while an aircraft flies low over the island. It is reminiscent of the opening scene from the 1980’s Fantasy Island TV show where one of the characters, Tattoo rings the tower bell while screaming “The plane, The plane” whenever he sees a plane coming to the island.

The Taaras has its own private beach with its powdery white sand and crystal clear water. Be warned though that in such an idyllic setting, you may not want to do anything except laze around on the beach or perhaps take a dip in the beautiful ocean in between that.

Knowing the thrill-seekers though, they will want to partake in both water and land activities such as diving, snorkeling, island hopping, kayaking, jungle trekking, and beach volleyball, to name a few. The resort has one of the best diving spots with a 5-star PADI Dive Resort Instructor Development Centre, if you are too lazy to go to the nearby marine park. There are also swimming pools for both adults and children at the resort, where you can rent various shapes of inflatable floats. Mind you, who can resist a unicorn and doughnut-shaped floats.

Guests can also charter the Berjaya Belle Private Yacht for a half or full day experience on the South China Sea exploring the nearby islands in search of dolphins or even whale sharks.

As for food and beverages, you can fill your stomach and quench your thirst at these in-house restaurants comprising the Beach Brasserie, the Asean All Day Dining, the Asean Terrace Lounge and the Bayu Bar.

In the evening, you can sit at the bar by the beach to enjoy the beautiful sunset and at night, have a quiet conversation at the same open bar with the sound of soft and gentle waves hitting the shoreline in the background. You can listen to a live band or check into the karaoke rooms to belt out your favourite songs, watch a movie, or simply read a book at the modest library.

Taaras is indeed, a self-sufficient resort. It has everything that you need while holidaying in a secluded island. It even has a small village outside of the resort, where you can interact with the locals, if you feel like it. Oh, if you are in Taaras, don’t forget to look out for Jojo, Taaras’ very own resident turtle who might show up when you are snorkeling at the resort’s reef or turtle watching by glass-bottom boat.

GETTING HERE:

By Road:

All express/long-haul bus and coaches are available daily via the central bus terminal for eastern region (Hentian Putra Station) located near PWTC. The journey will take about 7-8 hours with several stops and the final stop will be at the Kuala Terengganu Terminal (MPKT). The Kuala Terengganu Shah Bandar Jetty is 5 minutes away where you can opt for public ferry transfer to Redang Island.

 

By Air:

The closest airport to Redang is the Kuala Terengganu Airport . There are various airlines flying in and out of this airport daily. Land and sea (at Merang Jetty) transfers are available with prior reservation. The accumulated journey is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.

 

Chartered Flight – Prima Air:

The Wednesday, Friday and Sunday flights between Subang Airport and Redang Airport are scheduled as below:

Subang Airport to Redang Airport:

Depart at 11.30 am

Redang Airport to Subang Airport:

Depart at 2.30pm

 

WHO TO CONTACT

For more information, please contact:

The Taaras Beach Spa Resort,

Pulau Redang, 20928 Redang, Malaysia.

T : + 60 (3) 2149 1788 F : + 60 (3) 2149 1499

E : sales@thetaaras.com

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Lingering at Lang Tengah Island

By Anis Rozalina Ramli

On the 45-minute boat journey from Merang, Terengganu, it was evident which of the many islands on the horizon belonged to Pulau Lang Tengah. It was the only one circled by a lone eagle, or lang, in flight.

The island’s geographical location, sandwiched between Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang, explains the other part of its name.

Like the middle child in a family, Pulau Lang Tengah does suffer somewhat from the middle child syndrome. It is often overlooked in favor of Pulau Redang’s famous marine park and Pulau Perhentian’s Long Beach – both having earned a following among tourists and backpackers from foreign countries.

When it comes to Pulau Lang Tengah, even the locals in Terengganu could only offer a blank stare as to its location.

Beautiful Rock formation on Pulau Lang Tengah

Well, perhaps, this disregard is not such a bad thing because, in the end, it puts Pulau Lang Tengah where it should be – left for the quiet enjoyment of those who truly appreciate the peaceful nature of this secluded gem in the South China Sea. Because unlike its siblings, Pulau Lang Tengah is best enjoyed unhurriedly, like that slow sip of fine champagne or the melting of a truly fine piece of chocolate on the tongue.

Without the crowd of lounging backpackers, swaggering divers, and tired-looking families, you get the sense that the island is all yours. There is no one around to block the sun while you sunbathe, no one to elbow at the buffet counter, no one to fight with over the last deck chair. With only a handful of resort operators spaced out on separate beaches on the island, there really is space for you to breathe and relax, whether on land or in the water.

Of course, when in the water, you might have to jostle about with the schools of fish, but again, that’s not a bad thing. Not when you have colorful parrot fish, silver needlefish, and sergeant fish coming up close to inspect their new swimming partner.

With just a mask, fins and, for safety, a life jacket, one can already enjoy what Pulau Lang Tengah serves up best – abundant marine life in its beautiful blue waters. Most resort operators here offer full-board package deals that already include a few snorkeling trips around the island.

Snorkeling off the beach easily offers encounters with colourful fish and corals. With a boat, snorkelers can explore the underwater world at other parts around the island like Batu Bulan, Karang Nibong and Blue Coral where the best snorkeling sites are Fry fish, silvery pompano, red-breasted Maori wrasse, snapper and masked rabbitfish are among the common underwater denizens. The various types of coral here include a table, boulder, brain, cabbage and staghorn corals.

There have been sightings of blacktip sharks around the rocky outcrops in the sea by snorkelers. Harmless, the guys at the dive shop say. Still, a close encounter with this shark may stir memories of another dorsal fin that struck fear in many. Besides spotting a shark or two, the other highlight would be to see turtles coming up to lay eggs on the beach at Turtle Bay. It happens but is a rare occasion. Guests can check with the resort operator for details.

For an even closer look at the underwater world, there is diving to be done. Most of the resorts on the island have their own dive shop with PADI-certified dive guides. The ten or so dive sites around the island are colourful feasts for the eyes.

So yes, despite being the hidden gem that it is, Pulau Lang Tengah has plenty to keep its guests occupied. But then, who cares about all that when you’ve come to escape from it all.

 

 

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

BuBu Villa, Perhentian Island: Entrapped… in Paradise

Our exclusive complex of 18 villas is ideally located towards the southern end of Long Beach on Pulau Perhentian Kecil – the best beach in the Perhentian Islands, and arguably in all of Malaysia. At BuBu Villa you are within easy reach not just of the golden sands and clear blue waters of Long Beach, but also of a range of restaurants, bars, dive centres and more.

BuBu Villas offers an oasis of peace and relaxation. Enter our secluded complex from the beach, and you are in your own private world – something other hotels in Perhentian cannot match. Sit in your own private walled front garden and relax or play games with the family. Enjoy a café latte, cocktail, snack or meal in our Italian-themed restaurant, the World Café. Venture out again to take advantage of our dedicated sunbeds and straw parasols, or to splash or swim in the nearby clear blue waters. Lively or relaxed, or a mixture of both – the choice is yours.

All our villas have their own independently controllable ACs and en suite bathrooms. Twin Villas and Family Villas can accommodate up to four people (one double and two single beds), while our Beach Villas and Garden Villas are ideal for couples.

 

HOW TO GET THERE

By Air

Nearest airport is the Sultan Ismail Petra Airport in Kota Bharu. Car transfer from the airport to Kuala Besut Jetty would take approximately 45 minutes.

By Land

Guests arriving at the Kuala Besut Jetty will be transferred to the Resort by speed boat. Distances and travel time estimates from major locations:

  • Kuala Lumpur: 460km, 6 hours 30 minutes
  • Penang: 356km, 5 hours 30 minutes
  • Taman Negara: 488km, 6 hours
  • Cameron Highlands: 308km, 5 hours
  • Singapore: 672km, 8 hours 30 minutes

 

By Sea

Journey time from Kuala Besut Jetty to the Resort is approximately 30 minutes

 

ACCOMMODATION

  • 4 Beach Villas, 70 square meters Villa Facilities – Air Conditioning Ceiling Fan, Bathrobes
  • 10 Garden Villas, 60 square meters Bathroom Amenities, Hair Dryer, Bath Towels
  • 2 Family Villas, 90 square meters Hot Water Shower, In-room Electronic Deposit Safe Box
  • 2 Twin Villas, 90 square meters

 

 

FACILITIES AND SERVICES

  • Airport Transfer
  • Speed Boat Transfer
  • Water Taxi Service
  • Massage
  • Sun Lounger
  • Beach Terrace
  • Baby Cot (upon request, check with reception)
  • Laundry Services (upon request, check with reception)
  • Kuala Besut Jetty Meet Greet Services
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi Internet (in selected areas)

 

DINING

The World Café Its attractive circular roof and al fresco design, is the dedicated restaurant for BuBu Villa. Situated at the entrance to our exclusive secluded villa complex, the World Café has an enviable location looking right onto the powdery white sand of Long Beach.

The World Café’s a la carte menu is distinctively Italian – hardly surprising, since we have a genuine Italian chef. At the same time, it draws on Asian and other international influences to produce a varied menu that will satisfy any discerning palate.

Open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Seats a maximum of 100 persons.

 

RECREATION FACILITIES

  • Beach Volleyball
  • Canoeing
  • Island Hopping
  • Snorkelling
  • Sunset Cruise/ Round Island Cruise
  • Fishing Trip
  • Hybrid Station Trail/ Jungle Trekking
  • Beach Wedding Ceremony/ Event
  • Diving (by appointment)

 

 

 

INFORMATION

BuBu Resort Sdn. Bhd. (Company No: 536204-P)

Kuala Lumpur Sales Office:

G-1, Ground Floor, Wisma SPS, No. 32 Jalan Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Tel: +603-2142 6688

Fax: +603-2141 0080

Email: info@buburesort.com

Website: www.buburesort.com

 

BuBu Villa

Long Beach, Perhentian Island, Terengganu, Malaysia.

Tel: +6016-260 3548

 

* All image credit to www.buburesort.com

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Unique luxury resorts of Malaysia

The Datai, Langkawi

1

There are a number of luxury resorts on Pulau langkawi that can offer a great hideaway for you and your loved one. One of the finest of these is The Datai Resort which epitomises all that’s great about Langkawi.

As well as being nestled in the heart of the rainforest, the resort also overlooks the tranquil Datai Bay, one of the top beaches in the world as voted by National Geographic, leaving you with a choice of environments to relax in.

 

Pangkor Laut Resort, Pangkor Laut

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If it’s seclusion you’re looking for, you can’t get much better than Pangkor Laut Island. As there is only one resort on this island, it exudes exclusivity and makes an ideal location for some quality rest and relaxation.

In the sanctuary of this privately owned island, you have the secluded beaches and virgin rainforest all to yourselves. The resort has been sensitively developed to cover only a fraction of the island’s 300 acres so you can embrace the raw natural beauty of this idyllic setting.

The rooms come in a variety of styles including villas nestled in to the hills, chalets perched on stilts stretching out over the ocean, and character filled 2-4 bedroom private estates that harp back to the British colonial days of old Malaya.

 

The Lakehouse, Cameron Highlands

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Set in stunningly lush grounds, this Tudor-style boutique resort radiates old English charm. The immaculately groomed gardens and distinctive Tudor décor make this an ideal spot to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Enjoy refreshments on the terrace overlooking the Sultan Abu Bakar Lake and, to completely immerse yourself in the British theme, indulge in an afternoon tea of scones, jam and clotted cream.

Once you’re done exploring the beautiful surrounding hills for the day, snuggle up in front of the log fireplace in the antique filled lounge or retire to your romantic suite, complete with sunken bath, walk in wardrobe, and four-poster bed.

 

Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, Penang

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For a touch of history, head to Penang and the famous Blue Mansion hotel in Georgetown.

This 19th century grand estate was once home to one of China’s wealthiest tycoons but is now converted into a four star hotel comprising of 18 suites. It has been showered with awards for its impressive architecture and delicate restoration, making it a striking and unique place to spend a few nights.

 

Bubu Resort Villas, Perhentian

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Situated off the coast of Terengganu, the Perhentian Islands are considered some of the finest islands Malaysia has to offer. Still relatively untouched, this collection of tiny islands captures nature in its purest form. These islands can only be reached by speedboat which helps the area to preserve its unspoilt environment.

The smaller of the two main islands, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, retains its picturesque feel with a complete lack of roads and limited beach development. It also boasts some of the best snorkelling spots in Malaysia. Here you have the luxury of going right off the sandy shores or alternatively catch one of the boat tours out to some of the more spectacular sites. Turtles and sharks are almost a guarantee in this area so keep your eyes peeled!

Bubu Resort and Villas, located on Long Beach, is a great place to enjoy this natural beauty. The rustic feel of the island and its surrounding nature offers up the dream desert island experience.