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.

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(?).

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.

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.

  

Adagio Bangkok

Adagio Bangkok

1/50-51 Sukhumvit 39 Alley (Prompong)

Klongton-Nua, Wattana

10110 Bangkok

Thailand

I booked their Superior Double/Twin room and a Two-Bedroom Suite. During check-in, the staff upgraded the Superior room for free. Wheeee! 

Booking

Hassle-free via Booking.com

Location

Excellent! It is within walking distance to EmQuartier Bangkok, a luxurious shopping complex (they have Sephora) but it wasn't noisy. A good massage school is also on the same row. Near public transport

Rate

Value for money. THB9400 for the two rooms, 3D2N. Only THB783/person a night and look at how pretty the rooms are!

Dining

N/A. No breakfast option while I was visiting. Not an issue

Service

Good. Friendly and helpful staff

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

Double Room

Double Room

Double Room Shower and Bath

The washing machine is in common area. Not sure if there's a charge to use it.

2-Bedroom Suite

2-Bedroom Suite

2-Bedroom Suite

2-Bedroom Suite

Recommended for couple, family and small group of friends. Take note that the elevator is quite small. I took the stairs, quicker.