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Tioman Island’s only boutique resort, and one-of-a-kind in Malaysia. This small and exclusive resort of 16 rooms is hidden amidst 11 acres of lush tropical rainforest. A one-village-one-resort property, Japamala has its own private and quiet beach. While some charming Malay village-style villas and chalets dot the jungle and beachfront, others nestle in the most breathtaking spots. Best described as an ‘eco-luxe’ resort, Japamala transcends the experience of living close to nature by redefining it with a touch of luxury. Designed by natural streams, cliffs, and towering boulders and where no trees are felled, the entire resort borrows from nature its elements to offer an exceptional sense of paradise and freedom from the real world.
we've been travelling South East Asia for over a year and have stayed at over 150 hotels - THIS IS BY FAR THE BEST - set on a private beach between crystal clear sea and lush verdant jungle this is the destination we were hoping to find - RUSTIC LUXURY - traditional kampong style wooden villas with comfy western living - we don't use this term lightly but the staff are truly amazing and you get a wholly personalised service !! - the food and drinks are top notch (malay and italian) - make sure you BOOK DIRECT to get extra complimentary benefits !! - these include: anytime breakfast, afternoon tea and snacks, evening cocktails, turn down with chocolate and port wine - SHOUL
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Very special place for relaxing holiday, extremely friendly and helpful staff! We felt super pampered and comfortable in our beautiful room surrounded by jungle. The food was incredible, big portions, fresh ingredients expertly cooked by their chef. Big thank you for Bella, Edwin and the other staff in the hotel! Can’t recommend this place more! We will definitely come back here with our family!
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Date of stay: January 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed a whole week at the resort and enjoyed the kind and gentle attention of it personnel. Despite the heavy rainfall, they kept their smiles and remained attentive to our every needs. The rooms of the resort are beautifully furbished and the bedding is really comfortable. This is an absolute quiet zone - no other access but the sea!
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Date of stay: January 2024
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where to begin! What an incredible stay. We recommend reaching the island with Cataferry, premium cabin. Transfer time from Singapore to Mersing was 2.5 hours (contrary to the resort’s advice of 5 hours!) and 4.5 hours for the Mersing to Kuala Lumpur leg. We found our own private taxi services which were much cheaper than other quotes received and we’d happily pass on their contact details to any future travellers. The speedboat from Genting to the resort was a quick 5 minute journey. We were in a seaview room which whilst it was lovely, became unbearably hot at night even with the fan on, and this combined with animals (frogs/lizards) inside the room, didn’t make for great sleeping. The housekeeping team were helpful at removing the animals but it appeared that general wear and tear enabled their entry. A storm one night also had rainwater pouring into the room, which again was quickly investigated by the team the following day but wasn’t ideal at 3am! The permitted usage of a drone by other guests was pretty intrusive (and actually appears was in contravention of Malaysian law). The spa was unavailable as they don’t have a therapist, however we were able to obtain a massage at another resort. The sundowners were lovely but the night it was held in Tamarind due to bad weather was actually more enjoyable than some of the other extremely windy nights at the jetty bar - it would be good to have the option of sundowners at either? Per another review, we also noticed there is zero flexibility r.e food/drink adjustments, and minor requests (e.g no mushrooms) often fell on deaf ears (we think this was often due to a language barrier issue, especially at breakfast). Again more flexibility in general wouldn’t go amiss. Lastly, I came down with stomach issues for the second half of our stay which put a dampener on things but at least my partner was unaffected. Let us caveat all of the above with the following. The service was absolutely second to none, and the staff could not have done more for us. They truly make Japamala what it is and John and Edwin in particular are an absolute credit to the resort. We were always overjoyed to find out if John would be serving us each day, and remember our chats with him very fondly. Edwin took us on a snorkelling trip which was superb and helped us swim with sharks and turtles, and also took us on a sunset trek. Zahaim (apologies for any misspelling) in the Lobby was another friendly face. Having heard that we hadn’t seen monkeys yet, both John and Edwin separately came and found us on our last day to show us the monkeys. Similarly on our last day, John ensured our afternoon tea drinks order was ready and waiting for our arrival from snorkelling - it’s the little touches like this that make such a difference, and is what really separates Japamala from other resorts. The level of personalised service we got there was the best we’ve received anywhere in the world. The two restaurants were amazing and exceeded expectations, especially considering the remoteness of the resort. It was a tough decision to decide which of the two to choose for our final couple’s dinner on the beach. We truly recommend the hotel to anyone looking for a relaxing stay in paradise, and hope one day to be able to return. …
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A very beautiful place, a very wonderful place-- so thank you very much. Living as we do on the other side of the world, we looked carefully for somewhere where we could be quiet after a busy week of work in Singapore, longing to walk into the water and see its wonders. Bali was possible, but at a friend's suggestion, we chose Tioman Island. The Japamala Resort satisfied every hope, known and unknown. The sea and sand was all we imagined and needed, our room was creatively curated in a Polynesian style, the food was different and unique (and tasty!), and the staff were exemplary. Mike stands out in his role overseeing the hospitality, characteristically eager and kind, able and willing to do anything needed to make our time a pleasurable one. Everything from the restaurants to the masseuse to the watermen who helped with the snorkeling, we were grateful for each one. Do we recommend? Yes, and yes again! --- Washington DC…
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Date of stay: October 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Japamala Resort is a maginificent place, a piece of paradise that allows you to forget about the boring and monotonous everyday life, as well as stress, and provides you with a serene delight for all your senses. Incredible nature, crystal clear waters, plenty of opportunities for active sports, but at the same time exceptional tranquility, world-class service - genuine nobility and attitude from all staff. Very smiley and friendly people! Thank you Captain, Bella, Edwin, Shuvo, and all the other wonderful people we met there who made sure we had an unforgettable vacation! We love you and will see you again!
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Date of stay: November 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Less than a day into our time at Japamala, my wife and I started ask each other, "Is this the best hotel we've ever stayed at?" And I'm still convinced the answer might be yes: A gorgeous beach, a lovely room, delicious food (especially at the Malaysian restaurant, but the Italian restaurant is good, too), and A+ treatment from the always friendly staff. Drinking cocktails on the jetty at sunset is an unforgettable experience. The only drawback is some difficulty reaching other parts of the island (the hike to a nearby village is doable but requires navigating a rickety wooden bridge). Still, there's so much to enjoy at Japamala itself that we weren't bothered.
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Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We just got back from Malaysia. During our trip we spent 3 beautiful days in Japamala. It was amazing. I can only recommend it. I will definitely be back! I will definitely be back! All the staff were great! Japamala is a paradise.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We stayed here for a special day and wow 🤩 the team of Japamala Resort made it a Special day! We have never experienced better hospitality in our life. The service is outstanding! The private bay it’s located in is in really good condition and gives this place an even more private and exclusive vibe. Sunset on the peer with home made Gin infusions, exquisit dining in the authentic Italien restaurant and a Room that was hidden in the forrest surrounded by nature and thoughtful put together just made this an unforgettable memory. If you happen to be on Tioman, you should really make this a stop in your itinerary.
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Date of stay: September 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was a magic experience ! All of it! The room was gorgeous, the food excellent but what makes it an ten/ten is the team of people working there. We really felt it as home. Tips: reach next village by foot. You can feel the jungle. Amazing Try one of the snorkeling excursions. Very well organized and totally worth it. First time to see a family of sharks!
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Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Leave your phone at the room and enjoy the experience
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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RM 1,089 - RM 1,382 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
japamala hotel pulau tioman, japamala resort, japamala pulau tioman
LOCATION
MalaysiaPahangRompin DistrictPulau Tioman
NUMBER OF ROOMS
16
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
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