Japamala Resort by Samadhi

681 reviews

#3 of 20 Hotels in Pulau Tioman

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Kampung Lanting, Tioman Island, Pulau Tioman 86800 Malaysia

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What you can expect during your stay

All linens sanitized in high-temperature wash
Face masks required for guests in public areas
Face masks required for staff in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to guests & staff
Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
Staff required to regularly wash hands

Updated 07/10/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

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Updated 07/10/20 Safety precautions are provided by the property and are not checked by Tripadvisor for accuracy.

About

4.5

Excellent

681 reviews

#3 of 20 hotels in Pulau Tioman

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Travellers' Choice

JapaMala is Tioman Island’s only boutique resort, and one-of-a-kind in Malaysia. This small and exclusive resort of 13 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 breath-taking 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, steep cliffs, towering boulders and where no trees are felled, the entire resort borrows from nature its elements to offer an exceptional sense of paradise, freedom from the real world. While serious relaxation is an elusive commodity for many, one can truly succumb to the healing effects JapaMala imparts through its holistic blend of sumptuous gourmet treats, intimacy between man and nature, unique spa experiences and truly unprecedented hospitality. Many say JapaMala is not just a place, but a state of mind.

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Property amenities

Free internet

Pool

Free breakfast

Beach

Diving

Airport transportation

Spa

Gift shop

Wifi

Pool / beach towels

Pool with view

Outdoor pool

Bar / lounge

Restaurant

Breakfast available

Breakfast buffet

Complimentary instant cofffee

Complimentary tea

Hiking

Snorkelling

Fishing

Couples massage

Foot massage

Full body massage

Head massage

Massage

Shops

Sun loungers / beach chairs

Sun terrace

Umbrella

24-hour front desk

Dry cleaning

Laundry service

Ironing service

Room features

Bathrobes

Air conditioning

Private beach

Housekeeping

Private balcony

Coffee / tea maker

Flatscreen TV

Bath / shower

Room service

Safe

Seating area

Wake-up service / alarm clock

Minibar

iPod docking station

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Ocean view

Non-smoking rooms

Suites

Good to know

HOTEL CLASS

HOTEL STYLE

Charming

Great View

Languages Spoken

English, Malay

681Reviews45Q+A100Room tips

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Popular mentions

Tia wrote a review Jan 2021

3 contributions1 helpful vote

Recommended

Had an amazing stay in japamala. Room was spacious clean and tidy. The staffs were super friendly and amazing. Have help out a lot during my stay but bare in minds there is no line at all,however there is a wifi :) I would definitely come back again...

Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Helpful

Response from Zachary P, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 6 Jan 2021

Dear JustTia, It was such a pleasure having you stay with us at Japamala Resort! We are truly glad that you have enjoyed your experience with us! Japamala Resort is a haven for those who wants to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect with nature and we hope you were able to experience just that! Your kind words on our hospitality is greatly appreciated and it will indeed push the team further and motivate them to continue improving. On behalf of the team, we would like to thank you once again for choosing Japamala Resort and look forward to welcoming you once again! Warm Regards, Zachary and The Japamala Team

Wei jia wrote a review Jan 2021

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia53 contributions16 helpful votes

Blissful eco friendly getaway

100% recommend Japamala to any couples looking to plan a romantic and quiet getaway. What we loved about the place - staff was excellent (especially Zach who came around a few times to ensure we were well taken care off), rooms were beautiful (we took the sea cliff room and spent hours lazing at the balcony overlooking the sea), food (although there’s only one restaurant and two cuisines, Italian and Thai, everything was absolutely delicious!), walk to Kg Genting (recommended by the front desk, the wooden walkways whilst precarious, was enjoyable as we arrived 45 mins later at an almost empty beach during monsoon season), complimentary sunset cocktails with a selection of really interesting cocktails with a local twist, complimentary cognac as part of the turndown too! Whilst we came during monsoon season, we lucked on sunny weather. Some items that were a challenge but overall, still contributed to a positive experience - boat ride was choppy during monsoon (we took the private commute due to the want to socially distance), a lot of staircases to get to room (we didn’t mind this but something to expect. All in all we would love to come back again to this blissful place. …

Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Helpful

Response from Zachary P, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 6 Jan 2021

Dear Ms. Wei Jia, It was a pleasure having the two of you at Japamala Resort and the team truly enjoyed your company. We truly are glad that you enjoyed the room and food that Japamala had to offer. As we are currently in our low season, we converted one of our restaurants into a lounge area; however all our guests are still able to enjoy both restaurant's cuisine. All our little Samadhi touches are what makes Japamala truly special, from our welcome drinks, afternoon tea time, sunset cocktail hour and daily turndown service. Certain rooms surrounded by lush greenery does have some height to them, however it makes the climb worth while with some of the most gorgeous views that Tioman has to offer. We thrive to provide exemplary customer service to all our guests and your kind words on our hospitality is greatly appreciated and it will indeed push the team further and motivate them to continue improving. We truly look forward to welcoming you back soon! Until then, stay safe! Warm regards, Zachary and The Japamala Team

AYM wrote a review Dec 2020

Aberdeen, United Kingdom3 contributions

Wonderful experience

Great place, tasty food and excellent service - Even tho the weather was rainy at times because of the monsoon. Thanks to BK and the F&B team, Mokhtar at reception and the boat transfer crew - all were very helpful throughout. Will be back!

Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with family

Helpful

Response from Zachary P, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 18 Dec 2020

Dear Axxmy, It was a pleasure having you at Japamala Resort and the team truly enjoyed your company. Though it is the East Coast Rainy Season, the team thrives to ensure that all our guest experience what Japamala is truly about. To experience Japamala during this time is truly unique. The rain gives out a complete different atmosphere to which we are glad that you were able to enjoy it! We thrive to provide exemplary customer service to all our guests and your kind words on our hospitality is greatly appreciated and it will indeed push the team further and motivate them to continue improving. We truly look forward to welcoming you back soon! Until then, stay safe! Warm regards, Zachary and The Japamala Team

shou en w wrote a review Dec 2020

Kuala Lumpur17 contributions38 helpful votes

Perfect

Thanks to Sabir and team, BK, EL, Norita and those behind the scene for making this trip just perfect and memorable. Despite it being the monsoon, it was perfect. Good service. Rustic with all the comforts of the 21st century. Keep up the good work!

Date of stay: December 2020Trip type: Travelled with family

1 Helpful vote

Helpful

Response from Zachary P, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 18 Dec 2020

Dear Ms. Shou En W, It was a pleasure having you and the whole family at Japamala Resort! The team truly enjoyed your family's company and are glad that you have thoroughly enjoyed Japamala Resort. Japamala gives out a complete different atmosphere during this season and we are glad that it was to perfection. We thrive to provide exemplary customer service to all our guests and your kind words on our hospitality is greatly appreciated and it will indeed push the team further and motivate them to continue improving. We truly look forward to welcoming you back soon! Until then, stay safe! Warm regards, Zachary and The Japamala Team

Karen Khim wrote a review Nov 2020

Kuala lumpur40 contributions3 helpful votes

An island for inner calm

JapaMala is not just a place, but a state of mind, I would completely agree with this says. I being solo travel these days, have been booked 3nights of sea cliff room at Japamala for my birthday celebration, and end up with another 5nights extended. This is absolutely an island that perfect for isolation. Got me a chance to reflect on the spiritual matter in solitude. Being peace of mind and inner calm during my stay in this one resort island. As I am a solo traveler, I always pay great attention to the hotel's accommodation and transportation arrangements. From the first email sent to Japamala, they gave the most appropriate and efficient service. The day before departure, they came for a reconfirmed regarding time and number of people that would pick up from Genting Pier. They paid attention to every little detail of the service. They being performed flawlessly from the beginning until I got off the boat and went ashore again at Genting Pier, they were still very enthusiastic not only sent the luggage ashore but also hoped to help me send the luggage to the next destination. From the moment I arrived at Japamala pier, I was welcomed with a warm and cordial smile. All the employees I met would give the friendliest smile and greet. They could not do anything better, always worried about not giving you a better service. Belle took me to the room, briefly introduced the room. They had prepared a birthday cake for me as a little surprise, so sweet and warm. The room was spotless, sandless. The cleanliness of the sheets is definitely not more critical. I always worried that luxury accommodations will provide bottled mineral water. Here, even my own bottles do not need to come in handy. The in-room drinking water, cold water in the fridge, and the sparkling water will often be refilled. Walking on any corner of the island, I don't need to bring my own bottle; there are drinking water and clean glasses in every pavilion, and drinking water is readily available wherever you go. Coffee and good tea are available in the room; It is French press pot provided; I appreciated that they are not sloppy on the tea provided; In addition to the oolong tea that most people love, they also provide silver needle Tea and lavender tea; I am a person who cannot enjoy caffeine drinks at night; Lavender tea to help sleep is a very considerate service. In the evening turndown service, a piece of chocolate will be placed on the left and right sides of the bed; there is also a decanter with brandy at the bedside table; the carpets on the left and right sides of the bed to clean your feet before going to bed are soft and comfortable. It makes you just feel so homey. These little details are definitely a point for their resort. They not only provided handmade mask and disinfectants upon arrival. The mosquito-proof in the room was perfect. They also provided tiger palm. I got mosquitoes to bite seriously, and they hurriedly sent me their own brand after Bite relieves itching oil, the caring and meticulous care absolutely makes people feel relieved. The room is cleaned up every morning and evening; the perfection is that I even admire the neatness and cleanliness of the sheets. How comfortable is the bedroom, every night when I back to the room it was a candle that brightens me in the dark. The candle lighting is also one of the points of the details. If I really want to be picky about the room, change the hair dryer! Changing to a 2000W hairdryer can save a lot of time for guests with long hair; in addition, it will be better if the hot water of the shower can last longer; I enjoy taking a slow shower, and the heat of the water cannot last for my entire shower time; this is not a big issue, but it is perfect if the heat of the water can last longer for a night bath. Zach is definitely the person who brings the resort service to a perfection. In addition to the professional services Zach brings out the top-level service, a more humane and warmer service; his kindness and easy-going, friendly, not you can get in most of the luxury hotel; the service is beyond professional. For the solo traveler who deliberately comes to enjoy the tranquility and does not want to be disturbed, yet love to spend a short time with people though, Zach has been well controlled the greetings and chats, which is a very comfortable distance for me; He will have a relaxing chat with me for a while on my breakfast time. In the evening, he will have a chat at the sunset bar for a period of time, not too long; I found that he is perfect in this regard; for guests who hang out with friends, he will stay longer; for a honeymoon couple, he will make it shorter; Zach is very concerned about the detail I told him, he always hopes to be more perfect. The sunset bar is definitely the main highlight of Japamala. Every evening, I look forward to having a cocktail over there; I will wait until everyone is gone for dinner, I am the last one left the bar; when I being alone at the sunset bar, it was such healing of nature. In the center surrounded by the sea, listening to the waves beating on pillars, watching the surrounding nature, I always suspected that it was unearthly. Japamala never had the slightest sloppy when it comes to bartending; I highly recommend their gin and tonic. That is just so amazing. They doing home infused gin. The home infused calamansi gin and tonic was so impressive. After I tasted the calamansi gin and tonic, I almost ordered a glass every day and being obsessed with it. I saw some warm details in their restaurant. Due to covid 19 and monsoon, and monsoon off-season, for a few days, I am the only guest. Even though I choose to sit at the same table every day, every morning, afternoon, and evening they re-arrange the whole restaurant tableware and napkins on each table neatly. This is absolutely possible to see that they are doing very well. Zach is also very familiar with the taste of every dish in the resort; he recommended some food that worth trying, I tried them one by one; after tasting them, I very much agree with the taste he recommends. Among that, I love pizza and pasta. The Italian restaurant kitchen crew make pizza and pasta starting with the flour. The pizza dough and the pasta noodles are both homemade. Their signature ravioli was sincerity. The taste was so rich and satisfied. The breakfast and afternoon tea were bombs; nasi lemak for breakfast is full of aroma, and the sambal is so exclusive; dhal with roti canai was another taste that amazed me; the juice and detox drinks are full of sincerity; I am not a person who wakes up for breakfast in the hotel, but the breakfast here makes me deliberately get up and get a great breakfast every day; In addition to breakfast, afternoon tea is also a highlight; this is another session that cannot be missed; I wanted to keep my tummy empty one of the afternoon so that the dinner can squeeze more for good taste; I was still annoyed that I missed that afternoon tea; cinnamon cookies are the most delightful for me; I suggest that these homemade cookies can be placed in the room for guests as snacks. Afternoon tea is served in the Pavilion. Every single of the pavilion facing invincible sea view. you can absolutely enjoy the sound of the waves and the wind. Lying at the pavilion is so comfortable! Be careful, you will fall asleep for a couple of hours. The ocean is divided into the left and right of the lobby, brings out different vibes. If you want to snorkel, go directly to the sunset bar and jump into the ocean~~ the sea is lovely enough. Not necessary to arrange another island tour for snorkeling. Passing through the penghulu suite, the beach is completely with a different atmosphere. Lying under the tree, I truly felt like I was on an uninhabited island. I have been spending 90days in Tioman Island, undoubtedly Japamala is the best accommodation in this idyllic island. Would strongly recommend this worthwhile rustic yet luxury stay and definitely, I’ll come back to this resort very soon. …

Date of stay: November 2020Trip type: Travelled solo

1 Helpful vote

Helpful

Response from Zachary P, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 23 Nov 2020

Dear Ms. Karen K, Thank you very much for choosing Japamala Resorts during your solitude escape around Malaysia. It was an absolute pleasure having you at the resort. All of us here enjoyed your presence and we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Here at Japamala, we truly focus on the guest experience, starting from the first click on your computer all the way to your departure and beyond. We strive to focus on exemplary customer service, starting and ending with a smile. We are also truly glad that you've enjoyed our little Japamala touches, from our welcome drink, afternoon tea, cocktail hour and daily nightcap. This truly makes Japamala a special little gem in Tioman Island and we are glad you were able to be a part of it. We truly appreciate your constructive feedback and will definitely look into improving those areas to ensure the utmost satisfaction on your future visits with us as well as all for all our guests. Your kind words on our hospitality are truly humbling and we sincerely thank you. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and it will indeed push us as a team further and motivate us to continue improving. We truly look forward to welcoming you back soon. Warm Regards, Zachary & The Japamala Team

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