I was in Langkawi over the weekend for a dose of sun, sea and surf (not forgetting the other s – spirits ;)). It’s about a 1 hour flight from KL and as soon as I exited the airport, there was a sign with “Poh Huai Bin” waiting for me.
It was the concierge from Tanjung Rhu Resort and I was pleased with the luxurious van that provided airport transfer to the resort (complete with the driver offering you a wet towel as soon as you make yourself comfortable).
Tanjung Rhu resort is one of the best resorts in Langkawi, or so I hear. I was there to check it out for myself. The lobby is built according to an open concept with various water features (of the natural kind), a nice cool sea breeze and birds chirping.
There’s even a real, live hornbill (and a six foot monitor lizard they call Jack). The check-in is very hassle free – it’s done in your room! This brings personalized check in to a whole new level. Heh!
Your luggage is dropped in the lobby to be ferried to your room later while a nice lady shows you your room, offers you a wet towel (everyone needs a towel), takes out some ice cubes and pours a drink for you.
She fills in all your details too! I think every hotel should offer this service. In-room check-in FTW!
The room is large and spacious – it has a huge tub and a gigantic bed which was rather wasted on one person. π
It’s the small touches that makes Tanjung Rhu such a luxurious place – Time magazine on a practical shelf beside the bed, a balcony overlooking one of the pools, and chocolates at night in a proper wooden box instead of paper.
There is a reason Tanjung Rhu is the hotel/resort with the 3rd highest spend in Malaysia – they treat their guests really well, with an amazing memory prowess which enables them to remember your name and greet you when you walk past them! MENSA grade, seriously.
Oh, and another reason could be the RM 155 champagne cocktail flutes, of which I had a few. π
There’s no lack of activities to do in Tanjung Rhu – we went for a Mangrove Tour (RM 220) which brings you to:
Monkeys – Langkawi is INFESTED with primates, we even saw a family on the way to the airport
The mangrove swamp
This reminds me of a certain scene in Apocalypse Now
This one brings back memories of The Two Towers
Bat caves
Cute!
Eagles and kites
A fishing village…featuring the amazing spitting fish!
We took turns to operate the boat too – I think I freaked out the tour guide when I put it on full throttle. π
I have to reiterate that it is of utmost importance to wear flip flops on this tour since you’re on a boat.
Leave your mosquito repellent at home since the bats here eats all of them so there’s none! π
I also went for a swim in one of their pools – they have several, with one reserved for adults only. One interesting thing about Tanjung Rhu is that they limit the amount of children in the resort to about 5 and of the restaurants – The Rhu – does not allow kids inside.
However, one of the best features in Tanjung Rhu is the remarkable sandbar which makes it possible for you to actually WALK to the Turtle Islands over yonder. They have an awesome spa and massage too!
Tanjung Rhu Resort room rates ranges from RM 1,850 to RM 3,250 per night. I recommend going for the all inclusive package where all food and drinks are free, no matter how much you eat. It also includes room service, but unfortunately not alcohol.
Sunbathing naked is officially prohibited by the resort though.
It’s still a very chill and relaxing resort if for a nice beach holiday.
Heck, with room rates starting from RM 1,850 per night, it better be good! π