Located about 4.8km off the West Coast of Malaysia, in Perak along the Straits of Malacca, Pangkor Laut Resort is set on a 300-acre private island with a history not many know of. The island was where British Army officer Freddie Spencer Chapman spent 36 hours in May 1945 during the Japanese occupation of Malaya before making his last escape. It was from this island that he swam 45 metres out to see in the dark to be rescued by the Royal Navy submarine, HMS Statesman.
Since 1985, a fraction of the forest-clad island has been developed to house the luxurious Pangkor Laut Resort. It’s even been declared a paradise by the late Italian operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and previously voted ‘Number One in the World’ by Condé Nast Traveller. What do Pangkor Laut Resort and Maldives have in common? They’re both located in Asia and surrounded by a body of clear emerald waters, and strips of pristine white beaches, but that’s not all. Here are the reasons why Pangkor Laut Resort is the Maldives of Malaysia.
1. Luxury and Romance
Many couples have gone to the Maldives for a tropical vacation to soak up the sun, surrounded by nothing but greenery, sand and sea. In Pangkor Laut Resort, couples can have a similar experience of a holiday in Maldives closer to Singapore. Couples can stay at luxurious the Estates on-site equipped with private pools or enjoy an intimate candlelit dinner on the beach.
2. Tropical Resort-Style Accommodation
After spending most of our lives in HDB flats, a resort villa is a welcomed change of scenery. The typical accommodation on island resorts is wooden overwater villas on stilts, offering direct access to the sea. Built with wood, they blend in seamlessly with the natural environment. Besides these overwater villas, Pangkor Laut Resort also offers villas nestled amidst the hills or within lush gardens. The prices of Garden Villa, Hill Villa and Beach Villa range from about $500 to $800 per night.
3. Relaxation and Rejuvenate
Luxuriate in Pangkor Laut Resort’s Spa Village which offers various spa treatments and activities based on the healing practices of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures. The Belian Treatment Pavilion is equipped with its own outdoor whirlpool, yoga pavilion, nap gazebo, steam room and private treatment area. You can also explore other features of the Spa Village such as the lap pool and bathhouse.
4. Sail On The High Seas
Pangkor Laut Resort offers a private cruise, sunset cruise and chartered luxury cruises to explore the water and surrounding islands. Circle around the resort on an Oriental junk boat while enjoying free-flow soft drinks and alcohol or take a trip to the resort’s private beach while enjoying a breathtaking view of the vistas aboard a private sports yacht steered by a skilled crew.
5. Enjoy Local Delicacies and Specialty Drinks
The resort houses a “Feast Village” where guests can enjoy flavourful Malay cuisine for dinner. There are also two restaurants: Fisherman’s Cove which serves seafood-centric dishes, and Uncle Lim’s Kitchen which specialises in Nyonya and Hockchew Chinese-style home cooking. Royal Bay Beach Club, Chapman’s Bar and Jamu Bar serves a variety of cocktails and other beverages as well as healthy salads and speciality drinks.
5. Island Activities
The resort offers a number of activities that guests can participate in. Go on a guided jungle trek with its resident naturalist, start your morning with tai chi or yoga sessions, embark on a fishing excursion or go island hopping and discover the sleepy island of Pangkor, located opposite the resort.
