Tanjong Jara Resort

Tanjong Jara Resort exudes an air of calm, tranquility and relaxation from the moment you arrive. Fish filled pools, water lilies, gongs and traditional Malay architecture everywhere you look. We were checked in seamlessly and soon escorted to one of 99 villas and suites spread across a spacious garden. Some have verandas with sea or garden views. Ours was on the first floor and had a superb view right along the beach. The rooms are spacious and very well furnished including separate baths and double size showers and a comfortable day bed. There is a well stocked mini bar and tea & coffee making facilities. Upon our return to our room on our first evening we found that the Turndown Service had taken place and to our delight our bath was filled with foam, flower petals and surrounded by tea lights. There are plenty of activities including hill walks, snorkeling & diving, river cruises and the resort has its own tennis courts and gym. There are even cooking courses with the hotel’s Master Chef who will also take you to the market to buy seafood, vegetables, spices and herbs which will be used to prepare dinner later that day. For those who merely wish to relax, there are two pools – the deep blue, adults only, Teratai pool, with adjoining pool bar and the larger shallower family pool which is great for sunbathing. The beach is also well provided with comfortable sun beds, towels and is fully serviced by the resort’s staff. It is safe to swim for much of the year and the sea is like a warm bath. For those who wish to push relaxation to the limit there is an expansive Spa Village with 7 spacious treatment suites each having an individual changing area, toilet and shower. The Spa offers a comprehensive range of treatments to suit all tastes (and pockets) and I chose the traditional Malay Massage: a relaxing and pampering experience which starts with a “flower bath” and continues with a fully body massage with aromatic oils. Dinner presents you with a choice: The beach side Nelayen Restaurant, relaxed and informal with its menu of international cuisine and emphasis on fresh fish. There is a very nice sea facing bar adjacent to the restaurant where you can enjoy a cocktail in the sun set. Or try the Di Atas Sungei restaurant which is built in traditional Malay style over a river and specializes in East Coast cuisine. Chef Ann, the resort’s Master Chef treats all guests dining here as if they are guests at her own home. We were welcomed by Ann using our first names and the dinner options were explained – there is no menu – so that a series of dishes could be prepared to suit our individual tastes. We tried two dishes - fresh prawns in coconut milk and filleted sea bass served with green vegetables and steamed rice. All followed up with Chef Ann’s special Chocolate Volcano cake and vanilla ice cream - truly delicious and a very memorable evening. Breakfast next morning was served once again in the Di Atas Sungei restaurant. An expansive buffet of fresh fruit, yogurt, breads, cereal, cold cuts, cheese, freshly squeezed juice etc together with cooked to order American Breakfast and Asian favorites. All very relaxed, breakfast runs till 11am but no one appears in a hurry for you to leave and you can linger over a cappuccino, as we did, for as long as you like. We can definitely recommend a stay at Tanjong Jara. Indeed, we may see you there as we hope to go back again very soon!