Coral Redang Island Resort, Pulau Redang

Coral Redang Island Resort

Pasir Panjang Beach,

Pulau Redang,

Terengganu Darul Iman

reservation@coralredang.com.my

(+60)17 981 6200

(+60)9 630 7110

Sometimes, the best trips are the ones you don't really plan for. Our trip to Redang Island in Terengganu was a result of a moreh session one Ramadhan. Birthdays were coming up and we decided that the least we should do is a fun trip. Two weeks after raya, 8 adults and 2 kids headed to the East Coast and hopped on boats to meet on Redang Island.

  Once you're in Terengganu, you should head to either the Merang Jetty or the Shahbandar Jetty. The speedboat trip from Merang Jetty takes about an hour while the ferry from Shahbandar Jetty may take about an hour and a half to two hours to reach the island. The return boat transfer is included in the full board package offered by the resort so they will ask your preferences; preferred arrival and departure time and jetty. You will only have to pay the Marine Park Conservation Fee and in my case, the Setiu Jetty Access Charge because I took a speedboat from Merang Jetty.

  Also included in the full board package by Coral Redang Island Resort: 

• 2 nights accommodation
• 2 buffet breakfast+lunch+dinner
• 2 boat trips/day for snorkelling (equipments can be rented from the dive shop, less than RM30/day)

Booking

I sent an enquiry via their website www.coralredang.com.my and after they replied, I submitted my bookings. Did two separate bookings because one family has a toddler and they chose the ferry while the rest of us took speedboat. Paid 50% deposit instead of giving my credit card details via email. 

  So, yeah. Booking for full board package could have been made easier.

Location

Pasir Panjang Beach or the Long Beach is the popular stretch of beach with many resorts. If you want somewhat private beach, consider The Taaras or Wisana Village. Personally, I like this location because there are other souvenir shops and restaurants and warung to hang out at.

Rate

Value for money. We stayed in Standard Room and paid RM1160/room for 3D2N. That's like RM290/night per adult including meals and snorkelling. And boat trips from and back to mainland.

Dining

Love the buffet. Different menu every day. We had nasi lemak, pancakes, omelette, sausages and cereal and toast and yoghurt for breakfast. Lunch and dinner were rice with selections of chicken, beef, fish and other seafood. We even had lamb. Then there were fresh fruits all the time. Omg we gained more weight than we did for raya.

Service

The reception team weren't the friendliest but they were helpful (even when it's not their duty like taking photos) and professional. Love the F&B team, they went out of their ways to help us prepare for the triple birthday celebration. They let us borrow their kitchen so my friend could carve a watermelon cake. Yay! The F&B staff were also the ones who suggested places to visit and offered to show us around.

  I must also mention the dive centre staff. The team really took care of us and were knowledgable. The morning session went a little scary after the sea turned rough so suddenly but the staff kept their cool and got everybody back safely.

  The evening session was thankfully sunny and the guide told us spots to go to at the Marine Park. I only wish that we get longer than an hour per session to snorkel.

Overall 4.5 <3<3<3<3< of 5

   Oh, try the massage centre near the lobby. D'Manja has proper outlets in Redang Bay and Laguna Redang but I recommend the open platform right in front of Coral Redang. Love the massage with beach view. The masseurs were good too.

 Our party was awesome! And the resort was the perfect background. We love our rooms even though they are basic. The meals were local dishes and delicious. Pool wasn't huge but still, we love it. The view right in front of the resort, LOVE. 

  Omg, just go already. I wish I am back there.

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm

1, Lot 3707 Jalan Jati 2

Gohtong Jaya

69000 Genting Highlands

Pahang Darul Makmur

Hours

0900 - 1830 daily

The Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm or the Taman Santai Strawberi Genting is less than 10-minute walk from Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting. It is right opposite the Gohtong Sports Centre where some visitors park their cars.

  There is strawberry picking here but I am not sure about the rate. You can also buy packed strawberry for similar price if you buy from AEON. Most people come here to take photos as the farm also showcases flowers and plants. You can buy some of the plants as well.

It is not a particularly big farm but they'll make you walk the entire farm and if you buy an ice cream from the cafe and walk towards the exit, you'll either finish your ice cream first or the ice cream will melt away before you reach exit.

  Recommended to visit if you're already in Gohtong Jaya and have about
an hour to kill.

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

Hotel Seri Malaysia Genting Highland

11 Jalan Jati Satu

Gohtong Jaya

69000 Genting Highlands

Pahang Darul Makmur

(+603) 6100 2525

Booking

Booked directly from their website. It was a mistake. Room rate was not competitive and it can be troublesome to cancel or modify booking. Only phone number provided and you may only contact them during working hours. When I phoned the hotel, staff was not familiar with the process and could not advise accordingly.

Location

Good. About 5 minutes drive to Genting Highland Premium Outlet. Plenty of shops and attractions nearby. 20 - 30 minutes drive to Genting hilltop. 

Rate

Poor compared to state of the room. We booked four rooms. Three were in level 1 and all were stinky with either cigarette or dirty water smell. Hot shower available but old style- you gotta adjust it. One room had no fridge and my room had a "waterfall feature"- the toilet bowl water kept running. Only the one in level 3 was acceptable.

Dining

Breakfast buffet inclusive. Fair choices and acceptable taste. 

Service

Average. Staff was fairly helpful.

Overall 2 <3<3 of 5

They provided towels and a prayer mat. The towels were thin and sad. No bath mat or kain lap kaki either. I saw an extra pillow in the cupboard but the cupboard was so smelly I dare not touch anything. 

To avoid burn, switch on the cold shower first. Then, *very* carefully twist the handle for hot water bit by bit.

View (back facing rooms)

Recommended for one night if you are not too fussy. Avoid the rooms on level 1. Oh, don't use the iron in the common area either. One of us got her tops wooly(?).

Genting Highland Premium Outlet & Awana SkyWay

Genting Highland Premium Outlet

69000 Genting Highland
Pahang Darul Makmur


Hours
1000 - 2200 daily

Parking Rates
Weekdays: RM5 per day
Weekends: RM8 per day

I don't have a lot of photos of GHPO because on both visits, I was too busy shopping. Finding the place should be no trouble. There are sufficient signs and once you arrived, there should be plenty of indoor parking spots available. Even on weekends.

  GHPO is located just after Gohtong Jaya so you don't have to drive all the way up to Genting. If your main objective is to shop, you can opt to stay at one of the hotels or homestays in Gohtong Jaya. I think the drive from Gohtong Jaya is shorter compared to downhill drive from Genting top.

  There are a lot of popular premium brands in GHPO and their deals are pretty good as well. Restaurants and cafes are plenty; aside from the food court, they have a whole street just for eateries. I saw a playground for kids at the Low Street (food & beverages area). Prayer room and wheelchair are also available. There's a masjid just down the road anyway. Exit the roundabout, go straight instead of taking the u-turn to GHPO. The mosque is at the end of the road.

***

Awana SkyWay Lower Station

Next to the premium outlet is the Awana SkyWay station, connected at High Street. I couldn't find the parking (if any) at the station so your only option may be to park at GHPO. From the station, you can get to Chin Swee Temple and go further up to SkyAvenue.

One-way ticket for standard gondola is only RM8 per adult. Return tickets are valid for 72 hours from date purchased. Tickets can be purchased from the self-service kiosks and counters.

  Visitors will have to go through metal detector. One carry-on baggage is allowed. The security check isn't as strict as at airport but the usual dangerous and sharp items are not allowed. So check the notice board. Wheelchair and cane aren't allowed in the glass floor gondola (RM40 per pax).

I took the SkyWay on Sunday morning so the crowd wasn't too big. I imagine it might get quite busy on Saturdays and school holidays. Fret not, you can pay extra for express passes.

So yeah. If you go shopping up in SkyAvenue and plan to return via cable car, consider the baggage limit :) Even if you don't want to go up to the hilltop shopping mall (why not? There are Sephora and Uniqlo and Burger & Lobster up there!) there are shops and eateries in the Awana SkyWay Lower Station that might interest you to hop over the road.

  You can find Kenny Roger's, bak kut teh restaurant, shops selling local/Asian snacks, Family Mart (try their cheesecake ice cream if you haven't), a gadget (and other trinkets) shop, bakery and many more on the station side. 

  Oh, Thai Odyssey is over on this side as well :) I mean, all those shopping walking, right?

KhunThai, Teluk Kumbar

KhunThai

1052 Mukim 9 Pasir Belanda

Teluk Kumbar

11920 Bayan Lepas

Pulau Pinang

(+60)4 625 1155

Hours

1100 - midnight daily

Such a short and sweet name to remember. If you're a Thai cuisine fan in Penang, come over to KhunThai Authentic Thai Restaurant in Teluk Kumbar. It is about 20 minutes drive from Penang Airport. Use Waze or Google Map to help you. Once you're in the area, there is a signboard you can't miss. Ample parking available but careful not to hit/step on some of the dogs roaming nearby.

This restaurant has seaview option but if you come in small party, you may have to compromise about roof. The tables under the roof are big round ones while the smaller ones are outside. Of course, it is a non-issue if you come at non-peak hours. We got the whole big table for the two of us.

The staff were friendly and helpful. Be sure to ask them if you need clarification on things like price and portion size.

  I went there for lunch and there were about 3 or 4 other tables occupied but service took some time. It wasn't a really long wait mind you, but I can imagine they *might* get slow on busy days. 

Taste

Good and portion was generous

Price

Fair. RM67 for 2 pax

Ambiance

Thai hut-like feel. A bit dated but good enough to bring guests

If you want somewhere with aircond, try Siriwan

Thai Style Salted Egg Prawn (small) RM27

Kailan Oyster Sauce (small) RM10

We also tried their Green Curry Chicken, also small portion at RM21. It looks ugly, the chicken was cut in a way I don't favour (I'm fussy) and a little oily but it was also delicious. I love everything we ordered! Obviously I didn't eat the kailan but the kuah was tasty. And seriously their portion was generous. We thought 3 small dishes of lauks are just enough for the two of us. Boy, we had to skip dinner.

  Highly recommended especially on lazy weekends and if you don't mind a bit of waiting. The food was good and pretty worth it. While waiting, just go to the beach and have a swing or two.

Stardorm Ipoh Homestay

Stardorm Homestay

Menara Majestic

Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar

30300 Ipoh

Perak Darul Ridzuan

FOR a double birthday celebration in October, we headed to Ipoh and stayed for one night in this unique homestay. The place has three bedroom and it can cater up to 10 pax. Two parking spots and a couple sets of keys and pass cards are provided.

  The interior decor was exactly like in the photos provided. Star Wars would appreciate this. WiFi, HyppTV and game are available for the guests.

Booking

Easy via Airbnb. Payment done using the same site. The host provided us with details of the homestay and check-in & check-out instructions a few days before our visit

Location

Strategic location in Ipoh town. Popular eateries and attractions such as Gerbang Malam are within walking distance

Rate

Fair. Less than RM450 per night for 7 pax

Dining

Not applicable

Service

Friendly and helpful host. 

Overall 4 <3<3<3<3 of 5

The homestay is also well-equipped with a small kitchen and two bathrooms. Stove, kettle, fridge and iron are among the appliances available. Although guests are required to bring their own towel, shower gel and shampoo are provided.

Master bedroom with view & ensuite shower

The sheets were clean although the pillows could have been more comfortable. All the rooms and living area have air-conditions and fans.

  If it isn't too hot outside, guests can sit in the balcony to enjoy the town view.

Security in Menara Majestic was satisfactory. Guests need access card to get into the parking,  work the elevator and to access each level. 

  Swimming pool and gym facilities are available in the building. At the top, there is a small rooftop garden and skybridge.

I'd recommend this place even if you have no Star Wars fan among you. As it is a homestay, you'll have to keep it clean and tidy. The hosts are reachable via phone should you need assistance during your stay.