Malaysia's 'One Island, One Resort', Pangkor Laut Resort Review

Everyone seeks an occasional escape from reality and if that’s what you’re desiring for your next holiday, then escape the world and relax in a tropical paradise by traveling to the luxurious ‘One Island, One Resort' property, Pangkor Laut Resort. The stunning Pangkor Laut Resort is YTL Hotels’ flagship property and is located three miles off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

We cannot speak fondly enough of our holiday getaways to this beautiful five-star resort having stayed there several times. The Malaysian resort provides a truly unforgettable experience from the moment you step foot upon the 300 acre private island.

The beginning journey, it has to be said, is not a pampering experience for international visitors. You can arrange with the resort for one of the resort’s taxis to pick you up from the airport. This is highly recommended if you’re planning on going straight from the airport because the tropical island paradise is an approximate 3.5 hour drive away, which when combined with your flight, is a lot of travelling! But it’s worth it.

The resort try their best to make the transition from airport to paradise as smooth as possible with spacious, air conditioned vehicles equipped with water and fee WiFi. At the end of your car journey, you’ll find you’re not quite there yet. But nearly! Problem is you’re on the mainland still and your final destination is a tropical 300 acre island.

You can either get to Pangkor Laut Resort from the mainland in style via a helicopter ride or on a stunning yacht. Most, including ourselves, go with the traditional option of a speedboat which jets off from Pangkor Laut Resort’s designated reception office on the mainland. This leaves at set times throughout the day or you can arrange private transportation for an extra fee.

After fifteen minutes of speeding across the waters, where you might even catch sight of a school of jumping dolphins if you’re very lucky, you will start to see the verdant island which looks almost untouched. It’s at this point the Jurrasic Park theme should be playing in your mind as you pull into the pier but any overactive fears of a T-Rex bursting out of the jungle is quickly brushed aside by a warm welcoming party.

You have arrived at Pangkor Laut Resort.

As soon as you step foot onto the pier, your relationship with the resort staff begins as they offer you a cool and refreshing welcoming drink. They are forever smiling and are extremely helpful and accommodating, willing to do whatever they can to craft an unforgettable experience. You will quickly find yourself amazed during your stay that everyone working there seems to know your name and will often surprise you by going that extra unrequested mile to make your stay even more memorable. Their attention to detail is an important part of why Pangkor Laut Resort has been recognised as one of the best places to stay in the world.

Only a fraction of the 300 acre private island has been developed and due to everything being spaced out, there is a real sense of seclusion and exclusivity as you walk through the resort. The island’s luscious natural landscapes has a choice of different accommodations available located at different sections of the island. This includes the Hill Villas, the Garden Villas, the Sea Villas and the Spa Villas. Each accommodation comes with their own perks; the Garden Villas are in close proximity to the dining and recreational facilities; the Hill Villas offer breath taking views of the island’s grounds and surrounding sea; the Sea Villas are situated over water allowing you to drift off to sleep with the gentle sound of the sea to listen to; and the Spa Villas are also built over water and are located within the very private Spa Village area of the resort. I’ve been lucky enough to stay in them all and it really is down to a personal choice what you prefer. I prefer the Hill Villas because I love an amazing view while Siobhán is partial to the Sea Villas.

With plentiful Malaysian wildlife orchestrating the daily sounds without another soul often in sight, you can often be forgiven for believing for a moment that you’re the only ones there. You can get more in touch with the lush two million year old rainforest with the aid of the resident naturalist who offers a daily nature walk which will guide you through the abundance of flora and fauna which inhabits the island. The walk takes roughly an hour to complete and concludes at Emerald Bay.

Ah Emerald Bay. What I wouldn’t give to be basking there now.

You will more than likely spend most of your time at the island’s private beach, Emerald Bay. The beach was once selected as the world’s most beautiful beach and for good reason. It is the perfect place to have a picnic which the resort is happy to specially prepare. What we hadn’t counted on was that we would be joined by an uninvited guest to our picnic who wasn’t very big on sharing once he got to the table. Naughty monkey indeed! Nevertheless, it all added to the experience.

There is a private dining option also available on Emerald Bay. Imagine a candlelit romantic meal just for two set up with your own personal waiter on hand to serve your dinner as you gaze into each other’s eyes while watching the sun set fire to the sky as day transcends into night. The perfect setting to ask a certain question or to celebrate your honeymoon.

The dining options available at Pangkor Laut Resort are fairly extensive and offer all sorts of different cuisine, from Malay to Western to Chinese to Japanese. There are seven world class restaurants on the island to choose from though I believe only Fisherman’s Cove, Uncle Lim’s Kitchen and Feast Village are open for dinner. Be aware to anyone reading with kids that Fisherman’s Cove operate a strict ‘Over 16’s’ policy and a proper dress code is required to dine there. With a terrace which overlooks the sea as the water crashes on the rocks beneath you, the setting and the delicious food is worth the extra effort to make it that little bit more special.

Breakfast is served at Feast Village in a buffet style with so many different options available, you will be full to bursting after trying everything. For lunch, your options are either at Spa Village’s Japanese Jamu Bar, Emerald Bay’s Chapman Bar and the Royal Bay Beach Club which is located right by the public infinity pool. The Royal Bay Beach Club is almost the heartbeat of the resort as it is located right next to the reception with a tennis court, a gym and water activities all a stone’s throw away. So kick back, relax and lounge out by the pool while giant hornbills and peacocks strut around you.

Other than swimming at the pool or lounging at the beach, there are a range of different activities that you can partake in, from kayaking around the island to an all-day chef’s experience, but there are two standout activities I highly recommend. One is the sunset cruise. Ask when you arrive when this is and sign yourself up for it. It leaves on a scheduled time from the pier on certain evenings and will take you out with drinks and food served on a cruise around the island so you can view a stunning sunset.

The other activity that you have to put aside some time to do is be pampered from head-to-toe in the award-winning Spa Village. It would almost be sacrilegious if you didn’t book yourself in for a spa treatment at the four acre haven of serenity. The whole process is a unique and therapeutic experience, even the initial part of walking through the chilly water (This part will certainly rejuvenate you)! This is not just for the ladies to do by the way. Couples can enjoy this experience together and if you’re a guy who needs some coaxing, get the Warrior Spa Treatment and prepare to melt in the hands of the dainty expert spa therapists. I'm not joking when I say that you will probably wake yourself up with a snore because the treatment was so relaxing. My advice is to get your spa treatment early into your holiday so you have enough time to get another if you want to!

There are some small things you need to be aware of before going.

Do be warned that when you’re on the island, you’re on an island. This means there are no shops to wander to for a snack, utilities or different restaurants to visit other than the resort’s own. Grab a few non-perishable snacks from the shop at the airport (I don’t mean ready-made dinners, but chocolate bars or crisps) and a bottle of wine or two so you have the option of sitting out at night on your own veranda and creating your own tranquil experience.

The other thing to be aware of is the monkeys. Maybe I have a small bit of resentment against those sandwich stealing, picnic gate crashers but those furry critters are inquisitive by nature. If you leave your room unlocked, chances are you will return to find garments of clothing hanging from the nearby trees.

Getting around the resort is easy, everything is within walking distance and if you’re not inclined to walk or trek through the jungle to get to Emerald Bay, there are shuttle buses which routinely travel around the resort to take you to whatever section you’re looking to get to.

Any other problem or inconvenience that arises is more than capable of being fixed by the extremely competent resort staff.

You will always look fondly on your stay at the award-winning Pangkor Laut Resort if you decide to go. I say this because I know I will. The Malaysian resort has created some treasured moments that I will cherish for years to come and I hope sharing my holiday experience will create some for you too.