Pangkor Laut Resort – A Tropical Paradise with Room for Improvement
Pros
- Stunning Natural Beauty: The resort is nestled on a small jungle island with breathtaking views of the sea and lush tropical gardens. The sunrise view from our Hill Villa was nothing short of spectacular.
- Excellent Dining Options: The variety of food offered was impressive, especially the breakfast which had different options each day. The seafood at Fisherman’s Cove Restaurant was fresh and delicious.
- Friendly and Helpful Staff: The staff were consistently courteous and attentive, making us feel very welcome. They truly enhanced our stay with their exceptional service.
- Luxurious Spa: The spa treatments were top-notch and incredibly relaxing. We opted for a package treatment and it was the best spa experience we’ve ever had.
- Wildlife and Natural Environment: The resort’s layout respects the natural environment, and it was a delight to see native wildlife such as monkeys and hornbills around the property.
Cons
- Beach Cleanliness: While Emerald Bay is beautiful, there were times when trash was carried in by the current. The staff did their best to clean it, but it was still a slight drawback.
- Inconsistent WiFi: The WiFi connection was weak and sporadic, making it difficult to stay connected at times.
- Room for Improvement in Amenities: The Hill Villa’s balcony and bathtub sliding doors had gaps, which made us uncomfortable. Additionally, there were ants in the room which was a bit of a nuisance.
- Transportation Within the Resort: The shuttle service was helpful, but we often had to wait for it, especially during peak times. Walking around the hilly terrain can be quite challenging.
- Check-In/Check-Out Times: The check-in time is 3 pm, and check-out is at 11 am. This felt a bit unfair, particularly since early check-in was not available even though we arrived early.
Overall Experience
Despite a few minor inconveniences, our stay at Pangkor Laut Resort was memorable and enjoyable. The combination of natural beauty, excellent service, and luxurious amenities makes it a fantastic destination, especially for couples looking for a romantic getaway. We would definitely consider returning in the future.
Birgitt –
[+] Our experience at Pangkor Laut was absolutely wonderful. Nestled on a charming jungle island, the resort is stunning. The staff were incredibly friendly, polite, and always ready to assist. Every aspect of our stay, from our room and its view to the poolside, beach, and spa, was flawless. While shuttle buses are available to navigate the resort, we chose to explore on foot. Do note that the terrain is quite hilly, especially when heading to the beach. The presence of wildlife, such as monkeys and hornbills, added an extra layer of enjoyment to our stay. The resort exudes a serene atmosphere and has a beautiful ambiance, complemented by top-notch service and delectable food. We are definitely looking forward to returning.
Navin –
[+] The level of service was exceptional. The dining options, including those by the beach and the pool, were fantastic. The natural beauty of the location was unparalleled.
[-] None.
Say38 –
Great for privacy and perfect for a honeymoon. The accommodation is comfortable, the food is superb, and it’s excellent value for money. Highly recommended!
Olga –
[+] This hotel has a lot to offer and I enjoyed my stay overall. The fish restaurant serves excellent food and the service is top-notch. The property features ample green spaces for walking and a clean, stunning beach. There’s also a wide range of activities available.
[-] However, there were some downsides. We experienced long waits at several points: before check-in (despite arriving early, which some hotels accommodate), during check-out, and for the bus to the beach. Although we booked a beach villa, we were disappointed to find that the swimming beach was a 40-minute walk away from our villa, located on the other side of the island. While a bus service is available, the wait times can be lengthy. The rooms could use some updates, particularly with more sockets. Additionally, check-in is at 3 pm, but check-out is at 11 am, which feels unfair, especially since early check-in wasn’t available. It’s also important to note that the only way to reach the island is via a hotel-provided boat, which costs 80 ringgit per person each way.
Vanessa –
[+] The Emerald Bay is stunning, offering breathtaking views from the infinity pool. The restaurants are excellent, each with its own beautiful scenery. The breakfast selection was particularly impressive. The boat transfer service was punctual and comfortable. Our room was lovely, especially at sunrise, and we appreciated the wide variety of TV channels and the availability of free water throughout the hotel.
[-] There was some trash on the beach, likely brought in by the current. While this isn’t the hotel’s fault, the staff works hard to clean it frequently, particularly during high tide. The games room could be larger; although it was enjoyable, it became quite crowded around 9 PM, causing some waiting time to play. Unfortunately, the jacuzzi in our villa was not covered, so debris like leaves and rainwater collected in it, making it unusable.
Minhee –
[+] The bed was extremely comfortable, and the public restrooms and shower facilities were adequately clean.
[-] However, during our stay in the hill villa, we noticed that the sliding doors for the balcony and bathtub could use some improvement as there were gaps that made us feel uneasy. Additionally, there were ants everywhere. Despite these issues, the bed was great.
Sharon –
[+] The sunrise view from Hill Villa was absolutely spectacular! The soothing sounds of nature were truly calming. The bathtub that opens to the rainforest provided a unique and wonderful experience. The staff were excellent. Overall, we had a thoroughly enjoyable stay.
Catherine –
[+] The resort is beautiful and peaceful, with fascinating native wildlife that is enjoyable to watch. The layout of the resort harmonizes with the natural environment, and the well-maintained gardens add to the charm.
[-] Absolutely everything was fantastic! The breakfast buffet offered a wide variety of international dishes, all fresh and delicious. The spa experience was truly world-class.
Irene –
[+] The food was amazing! I appreciated that breakfast varied each day, which kept things interesting. The pasar malam was a unique and enjoyable experience. The facial and massage my husband and I received were the best we’ve ever had. The resort is absolutely beautiful, making our honeymoon at Pangkor Laut Resort truly memorable.
[-] However, the TV channels were quite limited, and the Wi-Fi connection was weak and inconsistent throughout the day.
Anuj –
[+] Staying in the Spa villa felt like waking up in a dream each morning.
We absolutely adored Emerald Bay and could have spent hours in the water!
The breakfast was excellent and the dinners were delicious.
The spa treatment was extraordinary; we opted for a package and it was the most luxurious experience we’ve ever had.
The staff here are incredibly kind and friendly, making us feel truly special.
Thank you!
[-] Nothing!