Tanjong Jara Resort

Very nice resort and friendly team. 1/2 day snorkeling trip from the resort to Tengol Island was epic, thanks to the enthousiastic crew Naim, Haiqal, Syafiq and Muiz.

The beach and the sea are beautiful and very clean. The resort grounds are also well maintained, although it is obvious that the property is showing its age. The pool area was acceptable, but there was a lot of sand in the pool, and there were not enough sun loungers for the number of guests. We would especially like to thank the pool attendant, who was always friendly, hardworking, and genuinely tried to help guests. Unfortunately, the negatives outweighed the positives. From the first day of our stay, we reported that the air conditioning in our room could not be properly adjusted. Throughout our entire stay, the issue was never resolved. Because of the faulty air conditioning, our children’s beds repeatedly became wet from condensation. Despite reporting this several times, the hotel only made a half-hearted effort to fix the problem, and it remained unresolved until we checked out. This is simply not acceptable for a resort that advertises itself as a five-star luxury property. The beds were also extremely firm and uncomfortable. While the staff were generally polite, the service was slow and often lacked attentiveness. Breakfast was another major disappointment. During all seven mornings, the buffet was almost exactly the same. The only noticeable changes were alternating between two types of fruit and small variations in the pastries. Only after we specifically asked were we offered mangoes and bananas. For a five-star resort, we expected far more variety and a much higher standard. Overall, Tanjong Jara Resort creates the impression of being a high-end luxury resort, but unfortunately it does not deliver the experience it promises. The potential is certainly there, but the service, maintenance, and attention to detail fall well below the expectations of a five-star hotel. Based on our experience, we can only give this resort 2.5 out of 5 stars.

We stayed at Tanjong Jara Resort from 15 to 25 July, and it exceeded all our expectations. Nestled on a beautiful private beach with crystal-clear water and golden sand, where no boats or other outside activity disturb the peaceful surroundings, it is the perfect place to unwind while enjoying authentic Malaysian hospitality. The resort has two lovely swimming pools (including one exclusively for adults) and several excellent restaurants. Our favourite was Nelayan, where Asian flavours are creatively combined with Western culinary techniques. Dining on the terrace overlooking the moonlit South China Sea made every dinner feel truly special. What truly sets the resort apart, however, is its people. Every member of staff—from housekeeping and the restaurant teams to reception—made us feel genuinely welcome and did everything they could to make our stay special. For us, the absolute highlight was the Water Sports Centre and the diving trips to Tenggol Island. I completed my PADI Advanced Open Water certification during our stay, and my instructor, Syafiq, was exceptional: patient, knowledgeable, encouraging, and a gifted teacher. The entire dive team made every outing a pleasure. A heartfelt thank you to Haiqual, our boat captain, Muiz, our snorkeling guide, and Naim, our dive guide. Their professionalism, friendliness, and passion for the ocean made every trip both safe and unforgettable. The day trips to Tenggol Island are extremely well organised. A resort shuttle takes guests to the nearby harbour at around 8.30 am, returning to the resort at around 3:30 p.m. Each excursion includes two dives (or two snorkeling sessions), full scuba equipment rental, a delicious bento-box lunch on the island, and plenty of drinking water and soft drinks throughout the day. Everything is well arranged, allowing you to simply relax and enjoy some of the best diving in the area. The reefs are beautiful, the marine life is abundant, and the visibility was excellent during our stay. We left Tanjong Jara not only with wonderful memories but also with new skills, new friends, and a strong desire to return. If you're looking for a resort that combines a stunning beach, outstanding service, and a first-class diving experience, I cannot recommend it highly enough.