Pangkor Laut Resort

The morning yoga classes and the people working here stayed with us just as much as the island’s scenery. The F&B staff were working breakfast, lunch, and dinner, often the same faces through what looked like very long days, yet they greeted us warmly every morning. It was impressive, and a little confronting to see. We stayed three nights in a Tropical Hill Villa, which felt like the right amount of time to enjoy the place. We had the dinner buffet once and ate at Uncle Lim’s twice. The island is beautiful, with rainforest all around, and Emerald Bay was especially peaceful, with soft sand, clear water, and forest along the shore. The rooms and buffet areas used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner could do with updating. Our room wasn’t spotless, and some parts looked ready for refurbishment. We understood that keeping things maintained in a remote tropical island setting comes with logistical challenges. What we enjoyed most was the natural beauty, the quiet, and the staff who work hard to make guests feel welcome.

We stayed in a Spa Villa, and it was stunning. The island feels magical, the rooms are spectacular, and the spa is world class. The resort is luxurious, Asian in style, immaculately clean, and the service is at a very high level. If you arrive expecting an ultra modern hotel, this isn’t that kind of place. It’s more of an Asian retreat, and I’d be surprised if someone came with that expectation and left disappointed. The staff were a pleasure to be around, each with their own personality while clearly following the hardworking, passionate GM Ivy, who goes out of her way to keep guests happy. We didn’t always get a sun bed, but there was seating by the pool. The food was high quality, though I would have liked room service and maybe a pizza one night 😂. I’d definitely come back. Great island, even better staff and facilities. I could keep going. Saw Hollywood royalty here too.

Ms Vigneswari at reception went above and beyond to help with our needs. The service was excellent throughout, and we plan to come back. It was a peaceful, laid back resort, with clean beaches and spacious, comfortable, clean rooms. Breakfast had plenty of good options, and the food was great at all the restaurants we tried.

We were there for 2N, but lost access to our room on the first night. We were left outside late at night getting bitten by mosquitoes while waiting for staff to bring a new set of cards. The room was tucked away in a quiet, quaint corner of the resort. A buggy was ready for us the next morning without us having to call, which was some service recovery, and we really enjoyed the massage. The food was edible, though I wouldn’t come here expecting a feast. The mainland would probably be better for that. The gym could use better maintenance. I also expected someone to explain the resort activities during check-in. This is an island, not a big city where we could easily find other things to do, and we ended up mostly lounging on the sun beds.