Review: JapaMala Resort, Tioman Island

My heart thumped in my chest and a smug grin slid across my face as we bounced across the dazzling aquamarine waters of the South China Sea. If there’s one way to reach your hotel in style, it had to be like this; via speedboat. We were racing towards JapaMala Resort on Tioman Island.

Seducing my new husband and I with the promise of a secluded jungle outpost, we had chosen the boutique hotel for the final fling of our Borneo honeymoon.

Enveloped amid 11 acres of verdant rainforest, the resort was barely visible from our boat as we approached a small jetty. Padding along a wooden boardwalk, we were led through an open-sided reception offset by a natural waterfall, along a pearl white beachfront where treetop chalets peeked through dense foliage and through a wall-less restaurant where the jungle provided a stunning backdrop. Inspired by nature, the resort effortlessly blended into its surroundings.

Equally jaw-dropping was our Jungle Luxe Sarang Villa. Combining minimalist Asian elegance with modern chic, our spacious bedroom boasted acres of dark wood, an enormous bed, a flat screen TV and DVD player, a snug lounge corner and - rather quirkily – a ladder leading to a first floor gallery. Our large bathroom had all the expected luxury trimmings, while sliding doors led to a private deck featuring an open-air bathtub, rainforest shower, table and sun loungers. I was blown away.

The next 72 hours passed in a gentle rhythm of sublime idleness. Every morning, we woke to find a large lizard basking in the sun’s rays in a rock pool by our deck. For breakfast, we tucked into pancakes, cereals, toasts, yoghurts and tropical fruit cocktails as birds and butterflies flitted nearby. Under sunny skies, we spent hours swimming and snorkelling in clear, translucent seas. Despite the fact we had to gingerly pick our way over the exposed coral at low tide, I couldn't complain. The resort was a honeymooner’s dream; at times, we even had the entire beach to ourselves.

One afternoon, we tore ourselves away from JapaMala by booking a dive trip to Renggis Island. Although the health of the coral was poor in places, the marine life was thrilling. In just 50 minutes, I encountered a blacktip reef shark, blue spotted ray, a slack-jawed moray eel, a nonchalant green turtle as well as a myriad technicolour fish.

Back at the resort, we decided to indulge in the hotel's Samadhi Spa services. Opting for the Classic Thai Massage for couples, my husband and I lay side by side as we were pummelled and kneaded simultaneously on a private outdoor deck whilst an ocean breeze tickled our skin and the sun dipped into the horizon.

Sunset brought a magical sheen to JapaMala. Sweets were delivered to our veranda; candle light and fragrant oils suffused our villa and countless lanterns bathed the resort in a soft, golden glow.

For dinner, there were two options. The stylish, open-sided Tamarind Terrace Restaurant dotted with stone-carved Buddha statues offered an extensive Asian menu. One night, I dined on succulent, delicately spiced Vietnamese buttered tiger prawns cooked in a clay pot accompanied by vegetable fried rice.

However, the less formal Mandi-Mandi restaurant was hard to beat for its stilts-over-the-sea setting. Six well spaced tables, soft mattresses instead of chairs and discreet service enhanced the feeling of relaxed intimacy. Under a canopy of twinkling stars, my husband and I enjoyed our final night by tucking into a mouth-watering, freshly caught lobster.

By the next afternoon when it was time to leave JapaMala, I knew I was well and truly smitten - and not just with my other half.

JapaMala Resort
Kampung Lanting, 86800 Pulau Tioman, Malaysia
Tel: 6 (09) 419 7777.
Website: www.japamalaresorts.com
Price: Jungle Luxe Sarang Villa from 750 Ringitt (£132) per room per night, with breakfast.

23 October 2009