Photo By: Elin Chow
Official Website: Pangkor Laut Resort

Located on a privately owned island, 3 miles off the West coast of Malaysia, along the Straits of Malacca is Pangkor Laut Resort, a whole island resort under the prestige hotel brand, YTL Hotels and Resorts Group.

Far away from the hustle and bustle from the modern world, the island is a haven of peace, tranquility and relaxation. Numerous media organizations and magazines had heaped praises and awards on Pangkor Laut Resort, with Conde Nast Traveller proclaiming it "The number one destination in the world" and CNNgo voted it the "Best Spa Resort" back in 2011.

The island of Pangkor Laut is 2 million years old and has only one resort, hence the tagline " One Island, One Resort", which contributed to its luxury status. It is one of the finest private island resort in Malaysia, renowned for its luxury accommodations, extraordinary services, world-class amenities and impressive spa facilities.

I have always wanted to stay at Pangkor Laut Resort due to its prestigious reputation, providing guests with the ultimate luxury experience, but unfortunately, could not afford to due to budget constraints. It is without a doubt that such luxury experience would usually comes with a hefty price tag, but I can assure you that it is worth every penny.

So when my company announced that we will be going to Pangkor Laut Resort for our annual company trip this year, I could not describe how happy and excited I was.

How To Get There

Our Pangkor Laut experience starts as soon as we arrived at their office at Marina Island, which is about 3 hours drive away from Kuala Lumpur (depending on traffic condition) where we will be transferred to Pangkor Laut Resort via a speed boat, with a travel time of approximately 15 minutes.


Before arrival, we were given luggage tag to tag our luggage. Make sure you have filled in your luggage tags correctly and attach them to each of your bags. This is to assist Pangkor Laut staffs transport your luggage.


An amazing team of Pangkor Laut professionals will be there for you from the beginning. Upon arrival, staffs immediately took over our luggage and escorted us to check in.


"Welcome",  with smiles on their face, every staff member greeted us warmly right at the moment we stepped into the office while welcome drinks are served.

Check in to the resort is conducted at the Marina Island Pangkor Laut Office while we were invited to wait and rest inside their office - a air-conditioned lounge with plenty of comfortable seating. Guests can relax and cool off in an air-conditioned lounge while waiting for a scheduled boat departure to Pangkor Laut Resort.

The speed boat transfer schedule is as follows:
However, the boat transfer to Pangkor Laut Resort is not free and definitely, not cheap at all. Speedboat transfers have to be pre-booked and are chargeable based on per person per way. The return cost of transfer for scheduled speed boat is as follows:

The one way transfer cost for private boat charter is chargeable at MYR 500 nett from 7.00 am to 9.00 pm and MYR 700 from 9.00 pm to 7.00 am. Yes, it is ridiculously expensive. Make sure you time your arrival and departures to match the boat transfer schedules.



< We were escorted to the jetty for the scheduled speed boat transfer once the staffs sorted out our luggage. Boat journey to island will take about 20 minutes.

Once onboard, we were asked to put on life jacket for safety just in case we fell out during the ride. There are enough life jackets for everyone on board.

A hidden gem of Malaysia, the island of Pangkor Laut exudes pure paradise, offering secluded luxury, exceptional services, indulgent spa treatments and impressive culinary experiences. A large portion of the island remains undeveloped, leaving rain forests and wilderness intact.

The eastern side of the island offers the most luxurious accommodation, dining options, spa and activities while the western side of the island offers a private pristine beach where one could find rest and relax.

Surrounding the island is magnificent turquoise clear waters, lush tropical vegetation and charming white beach. As the boat approaches the island, you will see stunning sea villas standing elegantly on stilts over the emerald green waters and the hill villas nestling high up on the hill, surrounded by ancient rain forest and wildlife.

The island is home to a variety of exotic wildlife. You might find long-tailed macaques and horn bills perched in the branches above and large monitor lizards soaking in the sun on the rocky outcrops around the island. Other than that, you might also find snakes, sea otters, fruit bats and green turtles during your stay on the island.

Moments later, our boat docked at an impressive jetty located at the eastern side of the island known as the Royal Bay. The eastern side of the island is not recommended for swimming due to the high boat traffic.

The minute I disembarked the boat at the dock, I knew I have found that little paradise that I have always dreamt of. Just like what I have expected, Pangkor Laut is incredibly enchanting. It is a tropical paradise nestled on a tiny secluded island in the Straits of Malacca, waiting to make all my luxury dreams come true!
Arriving at the island, we were escorted to the reception area. Strolling down the wooden pathway to the mainland, I looked around and was wowed by the natural beauty that surrounds me.

Pangkor Laut is truly a retreat that offers unique experience for everyone in a natural setting. It is hard to believe such unspoiled paradise actually exists in Malaysia. With accommodations blending seamlessly into the natural environment, the private island of Pangkor Laut resort offers a paradise escape that is naturally exclusive and tranquil.

Pangkor Laut, being a private island, is exclusive to the guests of the resort. To put it simply, non-resort guests will not be allowed to step into the island at all.

Along our way in, well-dressed staffs welcomed our arrival, greeting us with bright friendly smiles. Cold towels and welcome drinks are served at the reception area upon arrival. It was always such little gestures that made us feel incredibly special and welcome. We felt totally like VIPs!


Arriving at the reception area, you will instantly know that luxury and leisure await you. The atmosphere was very relaxed and tranquil. The cozy reception area offers plenty of comfortable seating for guests to relax, sit and interact with each other.

A short briefing about the resort was provided before we proceeded to our room. The staff gave a very good briefing about the facilities available at the resort. We were also reminded to keep all the doors and windows locked all the time, just in case the mischievous monkeys decide to enter and make a mess of our room. The resort have an abundance of mosquitoes. It is advisable to apply insect repellent at any time of the day to prevent bites.

Types Of Accommodations

Pangkor Laut Resort offers a variety of luxurious and secluded accommodations that are so good that you will never want to leave. The resort comprises of 140 luxury villas and suites and 8 Estates, all of which are completely independent from each other, thus offering ultimate privacy.

Surprisingly, all the villas do not have wired or wireless internet connection. The only way I could get internet access is via the complimentary YES Huddle XS 4G Mobile Hotspot device provided by the resort. For those who do not know, this is actually a pocket-sized MiFi device that will keep you connected to the internet at anytime and from anywhere. The device allows connection sharing up to 5 mobile devices and offers very strong, fast and reliable internet connection. Simply slip the device into your pocket or bag and you can bring it everywhere you go.

Hill View Villa

Pangkor Laut Resort offers a variety of different accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets.


I checked in the Hill view villa, which are set high amidst the hill, nestled within the lush greenery. Being perched on a hillside means that it is located further away from amenities and the crowds.



Seasonal Vegetables

Sambal Prawns





If I have to choose, the Juicing Station is definitely my favorite. One can choose from a variety of freshly cut fruits or vegetables and pass it to the juicer to create their own customized juices.


The restaurant also features live cooking stations where food are made to order. There are also wine cellar where guests can purchase wines of their choice.

Feast Village is also open for dinner. This was also where we had our dinner on our second night on the island. The buffet includes an impressive variety of Malay, Indian and Western cuisines that are sure to please all diners.

Uncle Lim's Kitchen

Built on a rocky outcrop overlooking the beautiful blue sea, the Uncle Lim's Kitchen serves authentic Hock Chew and Nyonya chinese-style home cooking.

While taking a stroll down the wooden pathway, past the sea villas, we came upon an unusual wooden building, mounted atop an impressive rock formation, surrounded by greenery.


Uncle Lim's Kitchen is probably the second most popular restaurant on the island, after the Feast Village. The restaurant is named after the head chef, Mr Lim Fat Tat (affectionately known by all as "Uncle Lim"), who has been with the resort since its inception in 1985. Born in the northern-state of Penang, Uncle Lim is known to have cultivated his culinary knowledge and cooking techniques from his father.

Decorated with traditional red lanterns and circular tables, the atmosphere is very relaxed and perfect for families and friends.


At Uncle Lim's Kitchen, guests can enjoy a delicious a meal while admiring the breaktaking sea view. The restaurant is only open for dinner, from 6.30 pm to 10.30 pm daily. However, Pangkor Laut was kind enough to arrange another private lunch session at Uncle's Lim Kitchen, specially just for our company.

For lunch, we were served a sumptuous 10-course meal, consisting of an appetizer, 8 main dishes and a dessert.

Hock Chew Fish Maw Broth




Chapman's Bar

The Chapman's Bar is located in Emerald Bay and serves a variety of Asian and Western specialties and beverages throughout the day.

The restaurant is named after a British Colonel, Freddy Spencer Chapman, who sought refuge at Emerald Bay before his escape in 1945. Tables are set directly right on the white sands of Emerald Bay with a spectacular view of the sea. Chapman's Bar is open from 11.00 am to 8.00 pm.


We had another private buffet dinner session arranged for us on the beach. The atmosphere was lovely and romantic, with tables illuminated by candlelight after dark.


It was nice to dine on the beach, with my bare feet digging into the soft white sand as cooling sea breeze gently blew through my hair. A truly unforgettable evening.

Again, everything offered at the buffet was simply delicious, though the selection was a little limited. But the great service and ambience made up a wonderful experience. A private dinner with a view, what more could one ask for?

Fisherman's Cove

Fisherman's Cove is a seaside fine dining restaurant located beside Spa Village and there is a strict dress code to observe. Gentlemen are to be dressed in shirt, full-length trousers and shoes while ladies are to be dressed in smart causal wear, and only children aged 16 and above are allowed in this restaurant.

The restaurant opens from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm daily and is famous for its seafood cuisines, specializing in Western Grill, Italian cuisines and Asian Fusion. If you are a big fan of seafood, this will be the perfect place for your evening meal.

Royal Beach Club

The Royal Beach Club overlooks the infinity pool with views of the vast blue sea.


The club is opens from 5.30 pm till midnight. Asian and international cuisines are served during lunch hours. The club is transform into chic chill out lounge after dark, serving a variety of cocktails and beverages.


There are plenty of comfortable couches which you can lounge around whole day, especially when you are using the infinity pool.

The Straits

Located right behind the Feast Village is The Straits, a fine dining restaurant that is built on the rocks and overlooks the sea.

The restaurant offers an exclusive and intimate private dining experience. Similar to the Fisherman's Cove, there is a strict dress code to be observed. No shorts, open-toe shoes or children under the age of 16 are allowed.

Private booth made of natural timber provides complete privacy and intimacy, with each overlooking the Royal Bay. A 24 hours reservation in advance is required if you wish to dine at the Straits.



After 3 days, our short escape is coming to an end. I was reluctant to say goodbye to this island paradise. As the staffs waved us goodbye at the jetty, I told myself that someday, I am going to return to this island again.

After a 20 minutes boat ride, I was brought back to reality. With a heavy heart, I boarded the bus back to Kuala Lumpur...

Overall, it was an enjoyable and memorable experience, probably one that I will not forget for a lifetime. We were well-taken of from the moment when we arrived at Pangkor Laut office at Marina Island, right to the moment we left the island. I will definitely recommend Pangkor Laut Resort to anyone seeking for privacy and exclusivity. This is where you will be pampered like royalty.

Pangkor Laut Resort really live up to its reputation and luxurious standard, offering quality accommodation, extraordinary services and 5-stars resort amenities. An oasis to escape the hustle and bustle of city life, the resort offers a very intimate and romantic ambiance for honeymooners and couples, thus is not very kid friendly.

If you love solitude, nature and pure relaxation, Pangkor Laut Resort is certainly the place to be. I really appreciate every of their effort to make our stay an enjoyable and unforgettable one, and every day, we felt important and well looked after. Hence, I would also like to take this chance to thank the team of Pangkor Laut for making our stay so unforgettable and pleasant, and also Ms Debbie from YTL Sales & Marketing Group, for all the special arrangements, which made our trip an even more awesome one.

It is true that such luxury will come with a hefty price tag, but the experience will make every penny worth it. We all agree that every once in a while, we need to splurge and treat ourselves to something special. Splurging on a luxury vacation is a way to pamper and treat ourselves. The next time you want to jet off and pamper yourself, just remember that you do not need to go very far enjoy such 5-star treatment.

Be sure to follow me on my Facebook | Instagram | Twitter to get the latest updates on my blog. Also, do not forget to share my blog posts with your family and friends if you find them helpful. In the meantime, you might also want to check My Wanderlust page for some of my other travel adventures.