Tucked away in a secluded corner of northeast coast of mainland Malaysia, Tanjong Jara Resort is the perfect spot for those looking to truly get away from it all and get a taste of local life. 

Kuala Terengganu airport (which is a 75km road transfer from the resort) is just a one hour flight from Malaysia’s iconic capital Kuala Lumpur, making this resort the ideal twin centre when pairing it with an exciting city break or combined with an idylic island stopover in Langkawi or Penang.

If you’re someone who wishes to observe the local way of life, then don’t forget to sign-up to the weekly bike tour. On this guided bicycle tour you’ll cycle past the shores of the East Coast and along the paths that weave through the local fishing village of Dungun. Finish by drinking kopi kampong, a thick sweet coffee of the region and sample local snacks whilst the sun sets on the surrounding verdant forest. 

The words hidden gem is all too often thrown about to describe somewhere slightly unique and just off the beaten path – however never have these words been more appropriate as Tanjong Jara Resort is the epitome of a hidden gem. 

Whilst many 5★ resorts claim to offer high end service, engaging experiences and sumptuous cuisine, few places achieve this to such an extent as Tanjong Jara does. This can be justified by the amount of repeat guests the resort receives. Here you’re not just another customer, you’re seen as a valued extension to the resort. Whether that is achieved by staff knowing your name, chefs walking round at dinner to get to know your culinary likes and your dislikes, or simply the range of activities and facilities on offer, the resort gets all the little things right which is all too often overlooked. That’s not to mention the resort being situated on a stunning stretch of unspoilt beach overlooking the warm South China Sea.

The resort describes itself as Unmistakably Malay. If you’re not too sure what that looks like then imagine architecture that’s inspired by ancient palaces, where every room commands a view of the idyllic sea, interior furnished with local timber & rich fabrics and tropical landscaped grounds where nature is the main character.

Dining at Tanjong Jara Resort's restaurants is scenic and exquisite with a focus on freshness and local flavours. Honouring the best ingredients on its doorstep, the seafood coupled with a charming setting made for a very memorable experience. In particular the signature prawns, with which the head chef advised which dishes or ingredients it should be accompanied with in accordance with our preferred tastes.

For a signature dining experience guests can also book a couple of options such as Dinner on the Rocks. This private experience is a delectable four-course dinner set on the rocks by the resort’s crescent-shaped beach. Enjoy the soft sea breeze, golden sands and dramatic beauty of the natural surroundings for a truly romantic outdoor setting.

Make use of the activities and facilities available to you. Like most 5★ properties, Tanjong Jara has a gym, tennis court, a couple of swimming pools but I’d like to mention a few stand-out activities and facilities on offer. 

The resort has an award-winning spa with a range of excellent treatments available. For families the resort has a brand new top of the range games room complete with a table tennis table, pool table, multiple game consoles and an impressive karaoke booth. The watersports department also deserves a special mention where snorkelling and diving trips can be organised to nearby Tenggol Island where the clear waters and vibrant marine life are good enough to rival any top diving destination. Not to mention between August and October the island is frequented by whale sharks which are regularly sighted. 

However, my top tip… Make time for the resort's most popular guest, the resident green sea turtles. The resort has its own hatchery on site and for me it is what makes it such a special and unique place. I mean how many resorts have you stayed at which has its own turtle hatchery? Here, guests are offered the opportunity to delve into the captivating world of sea turtles. Discover these majestic creatures that inhabit the oceans, learning about the challenges they encounter and if fortunate, you’ll be able to witness the mesmerising emergence of young hatchlings at night and guide them to the water.

For more inspiration take a look at our Malaysia Holidays pages.