PeppaVille Resort, Tanarimba

PeppaVille Resort

A323 Jalan Tanarimba Sum Sum

Janda Baik Bentong

28750 Bukit Tinggi

Pahang Darul Makmur

(+60)12 548 2223

This is a boutique resort nestled in the forest of Tanarimba in Janda Baik. You may have heard of Tanarimba as it is a popular venue for outdoor weddings. This resort is further in. You can easily find it using Waze but just as easily, you might miss the turning so watch out if you're driving over at night or in bad weather.

  There are two security posts to go through. The first time you drive in, you will have to leave your driving license at the guard post. I already submitted my car registration number to the resort's contact person earlier. As I went for tea in the kampung nearby, I picked up my driving license and when we returned, we were given an overnight pass. I didn't have to surrender my license again.

Booking

Easy via online, I used Booking.com

Location

Good as a comfortable nature retreat. A bit of a drive so guests will have to plan for their meals and transportation

Rate

Average. RM480 for 3 pax

Dining

Decent breakfast

Service

Excellent. Very helpful staff. 

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

At RM160 per pax for a night, it may seem expensive to some. After all, the three of you are sharing one bathroom. Even with breakfast thrown in, some of you may still have to think about it.

The bathroom could be another issue to some. The shower(s) might wet the whole floor because of the way the room was designed. The floor was level so water can get just about everywhere. Then there's a long stone bench. My friend teased that it was like in a sauna but we can take shower together.

  And please shut the small ventilation window while you're in the shower. Those in the opposite block might get an accidental peep.

  Breakfast consisted of tea or coffee and eggs (choose your preferred style), a couple of toasts with a tub of butter, baked beans, side leafy stuff (salad), sausages and meatloaf. Ala carte. Some climbing expected to get to the dining area. So if you have an invalid or elderly person in your party, you may want to arrange something with the resort in advance.

  All that said, consider this view from our room.

Oh that one is a little shaky. I don't know why quite a few of the pics I took here are blurry. Maybe I was shaking with excitement.

  But seriously...

Consider that this is less than 2-hour drive from city centre. Serene. Peaceful. Gorgeous.

  I think it's worth it. Our goal was to relax and recuperate anyway. So one night was just nice for us. Two nights would probably be more satisfying but really there wasn't much to do for city folks other than rest or enjoy the nature.

They have an okay swimming pool. Not sure of the depth but probably safe for kids with adult supervision.

The swing is probably everyone's favourite spot. So wake up early. It is at the dining area by the way.

Good parking spots are limited so please carpool if possible.

I'd recommend a one-night stay for family with grown children or couple and small group of friends seeking to escape the crazy city.

  

Kelate Roadtrip Overview

Gang Penang Ke Kelate
Date: 3rd - 5th June 2016 (Friday to Sunday)
3 pax

A few days before fasting month, we visited the Land of Good Food a.k.a Kota Bharu, Kelantan. I didn't get to have the delicious laksam special during my visit on Labour Day so I was hoping that I'll get it before fasting.

  We left Penang in the morning and used the scenic East-West Highway a.k.a Gerik-Jeli Highway. Everyone should see this highway at least once. Drive safely though because the road can be quite dangerous especially at night. It is nothing like the more modern PLUS Highway.

East-West Highway

There are many gorgeous spots along the way as you'll be passing mountains and lakes and forests. Take your time to stop and take photos but be sure to choose safe areas to stop. Hentian Titiwangsa and Belum Rainforest Resort parking are among the popular stops. There is also a monument near Sri Banding Army Camp to commemorate those who died during the highway construction.

Hentian Titiwangsa (rest stop)

By noon, we arrived in Rantau Panjang, Kelantan. It was too early for Friday prayer so we just took photos and drove to Krung Thip Restaurant for lunch. It was closed :(

Beijing Mosque Rantau Panjang

We also went to Mok Su Nasi Sup Daging Bakar but it was also closed :( 

  So we went directly to Adni Studio homestay and checked-in.

Adni Studio KB City Point

In the evening, we went to AEON Mall Kota Bharu to buy some supply before heading to Tambatan Diraja to catch sunset. Once dark, we walked a block away to see the Muhibbah wall murals. 

Kelantan River

Lukisan Dinding Muhibah

If you're a fan of mango sticky rice or pulut mangga, remember to have some at Restoran Selera Kampung Padang Bank just a few steps from the wall murals.

Next, we went to get my laksam fix. Remember, the restaurant closes every Saturday and opens late in the evening (go after 4 pm to be safe).

By-T Laksam Special

Second day, we woke up early to hunt for sunrise.

Raja Gali River at sunrise

Kundur Beach

Then breakfast at our favourite Kedai Kopi Din Tokyo before walking to see Palestine street art near our homestay.

Air halia telur puyuh

Mural Palestin at Medan Ilmu Kota Bharu

Before going back to the homestay to rest, we had brunch at Nasi Kak Wook.

Nasi Kak Wook Jalan Telipot

I can't remember why but we were late going out for sunset. It was kinda dark when we reached Senok Beach so we didn't get to take pics among the trees. Tak dapat feeling-feeling Nami Island.

Senok Beach Lighthouse

Light dinner was at Pantai Cahaya Bulan. Luckily the shop we chose served nice fried thingy. I even tarpaoed some for midnight snack. Remember to choose Wan Zainab Seafood!

The next morning, we went to Pasar Siti Khadijah for last minute shopping. I bought some flowers for bathing and the boys bought lunch from the food court. And yeah we bought fish crackers and serunding as well.

Flowers for flower bath

Rantau Panjang Free Trade Zone

Before noon, we checked-out and left for Rantau Panjang before heading to Penang.