Tanjong Jara Resort

The game room idea is good, but the setup feels unbelievably stingy. Everything seems to require asking the operator first: need to play, request an unlock; need to log in, wait for them. It feels more like applying for a visa than using a gaming room. The GeForce NOW service is powered by YES, but the PCs are so underpowered the CPU looks like it came free in a cereal box. A gaming setup with truly inspirationally budget hardware. Login is awkward, the computers are struggling to survive, and whether there’s a gaming vibe seems to depend on the operator’s mood. If the PCs were any weaker, they’d need permission to breathe too.

I’ve been to this resort many times. The upgrades aren’t very noticeable, but it’s clear the place is well maintained, and they’re taking care of the small things, like adding an auto sensored light and more variety to the game room. Very well done to resident manager Mr Ong, you’ve made Tanjong Jara a lively resort.

Staff hospitality was outstanding. They went out of their way to help and made us feel very welcome, and the grounds are beautiful, with well-kept greenery and a clean private beach. Still, I wouldn’t stay again in its current state, even if they paid me. There’s little good food or anything interesting nearby, and the interiors don’t feel luxurious. Terengganu felt like there was f all going on. The hotel’s price also makes the food especially disappointing. Dinner buffet was RM170++ per pax for lok lok, meat and vegetables on sticks that you boil yourself, plus some satay sticks. That was literally all the buffet had. The location was extremely windy when we went in mid Feb, at the tail end of monsoon season, so swimming or sitting on the loungers wasn’t enjoyable with the battering gusts. The interiors are very dated, with a yellowing bathtub, and the floor stayed sticky from sea wind coming through gaps even with the doors shut. The dripping AC and broken door lock when we arrived were both fixed, but the rooms need an update, not just old yellowing caulking. With better food and room improvements, I might consider coming back. YTL, reinvest in your properties!

The rooms are spacious, with big bathrooms, generous closet space, and very comfortable beds with lots of room to unwind. The pool is deep, and the spa was amazing, though I wish there were more treatment slots. Families will like the huge games room and the KTV upstairs. Hotel food could be better, but there’s an excellent Chinese seafood restaurant just three minutes down the road. We had a wonderful time and would definitely come back to this family-friendly resort.