Japamala Resort is a rustic eco-luxe retreat, set off the east coast of Malaysia on Tioman Island. Situated on the west coast of the island, it enjoys beautiful sunsets over the sea, backed by tropical rainforests, home to butterflies, lizards and monkeys. However, the island is especially known for its wonderful diving and snorkelling possibilities. Children will love visiting the Juara Turtle Project, a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles including the endangered Green Sea Turtles.
Accommodation at the Japamala Resort comprises of 13 Kampung-style villas, all of which are spread out in the tropical rainforest, providing plenty of privacy. All Sarang (Malaysian for Nest) are spacious, and stylishly furnished and come with a veranda to enjoy the rich flora and fauna, with a soothing jungle soundtrack. For ultimate romance, opt for the super-secluded Seaview Sarang, where you can gaze out to sea from your private plunge pool.
Three dining options offer a range of international, Mediterranean and Asian cuisines. All are carefully situated to provide interesting views of the jungle or dramatic vistas of the turquoise sea. Nestled in the tropical rainforest is the Samadhi Spa offering a range of Asian therapies. Activity enthusiasts can take snorkelling or diving trip to explore the amazing coral life or kayak into the nearby mangroves. There are also guided treks that go through the inland’s rainforest.
Amenities
24hr Room ServiceBar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableGardenMultilingual StaffOutdoor PoolPrivate BeachRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesSpa/SaunaWater SportsWi-Fi AvailableStay Japamala Resort features just 13 Kampung-style villas. These are grouped in 6 categories of Sarang (rooms or nests), chalets and one Punghulu House. Built with local wood and bamboo, each are unique in design but most have private decks or outdoor showers while others have an open-air private plunge pool. The Pengulus house, is the resort's only two-storey, two-bedroom villa. It has a private pool with the beach at its doorstep and the jungle at its backyard.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at the Japamala Resort but there are no specific facilities available for children. Although there are no interconnecting rooms an extra bed can be arranged, upon request.
Dine There are three restaurants at Japamala Resort. Tamarind Tioman, the main restaurant is part of the award-winning Tamarind chain and specialises in Malay, Thai and Indochinese cuisine. The newly opened Italian restaurant Il Tempio is ideal for pasta, pizza and steak. The Mandi-Mandi serving barbecue and grill, enjoys an enviable position on the jetty, offering memorable sunset views, perfect for sundowners after a day swimming in the crystal-clear waters off the private beach.
Relax For relaxation, Japamala Resort has a lovely swimming pool overlooking the sea and Samadhi Spa, safely tucked under the jungle canopy. Emphasis is placed on the spa's choice of pure therapeutic grade essential oils from the renowned doTERRA brand. Alternatively, curl up in a cabana, or sprawl on the bamboo mats on sand, with a book in hand.
Experience Tioman Island is a nature reserve, ringed by beaches and known for its dive sites, which have corals, sea fans and sea sponges, as well as shipwrecks. Japamala Resort can arrange snorkelling and scuba diving, with a range of excellent dives and courses, boat trips and sea-kayaking. Boat excursions can also be arranged to nearby island’s scenic waterfalls, bays and villages. Active members can take guided trek through the 150-million-year-old rainforest from Japamala to Genting Village.
Location Japamala Resort is located on Tioman Island which is just of the east coast of mainland Malaysia. The resort itself feels quite secluded and is best accessed by boat.
Getting there Ferry service is the only option to reach Tioman from Mersing or Tanjung Gemok. The most common options to reach both jetties from Kuala Lumpur are to take a car or bus as the only flight, Berjaya Air, had cancelled all its flights to Tioman Island.
When to go The best season to visit Tioman island is from March to October. You can find resorts of different budgets in the island for accommodation. The island will become almost desolated from October end to March beginning. Most of the resorts will be closed November to February.
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