Nestled by the sea on Tioman Island, Age 12 and Above Only is a boutique resort and nature retreat where comfort, adventure, and sustainability converge. Designed with deep respect for its lush rainforest surroundings, each of the 16 handcrafted chalets and villas blend seamlessly with nature, preserving the land's contours and habitats. Elevated walkways follow the terrain, ensuring minimal disruption to wildlife, embodying Japamala’s commitment to eco-conscious luxury. Guests can unwind on the private beach, enjoy the outdoor pool, or savor Asian delicacies at Tamarind Restaurant, one of three dining venues. Start your day with a complimentary local breakfast and end it with a drink at the bar/lounge. Modern amenities, including Smart TVs, minibars, and rainfall showers, enhance comfort, while private balconies offer serene views. With concierge services, and optional airport transfers, the resort caters to every need. Perfect for honeymoons or tranquil getaways, Japamala invites you to reconnect with nature in an idyllic sanctuary where luxury meets harmony, creating an unforgettable retreat
"The island's scenery is breathtaking, especially in the evenings as the sun sets. The combination of the boardwalk, the water, the clouds, and the seagulls is truly captivating. You can also snorkel and kayak on the island, or simply relax on a cushion by the beach, gazing at the clear blue water, listening to the crashing waves, and minding your own business. It's a relaxing and comfortable experience.
The rooms are decorated in a wood-style style. Ours even had a small pool, a patio, and a small loft. Everything was well-equipped. Knowing we were Chinese tourists, they even switched the Netflix program on the TV to Chinese—a thoughtful touch. The hotel also offers a turndown service with scented candles and a small note on a leaf, making you feel instantly at home. Regarding food, there's a Malaysian restaurant and an Italian restaurant on the island (the hotel owner is Italian, married to a Malaysian woman, and built a hotel here). Breakfast is served at the hotel's buffet, offering both a buffet and à la carte options. The bread, various toasts, muffins, and yogurt are all delicious. I recommend ordering the ones with peanut butter. We only ate at the Italian restaurant once, which was average. The rest of our stay was at the Malaysian restaurant. The chef is a master at making rich, spicy, sour, and fried dishes, and he's very humorous. The smoothies are also very authentic, and I especially recommend the green apple juice, which is a refreshing summer treat. There's also a small bar during happy hour that sells grilled food and fresh seafood. We didn't know about it and missed it, but we ended up ordering a burger, which was amazing! The gravy was juicy, and while the bread was a little dry, it outweighed the problem. Even the roasted potatoes on the side were delicious! Finally, the hotel service here is impeccable. The staff greets you with a smile and immediately seeks to assist you with any needs. In short, it feels like home, and thinking of them brings a sense of security.
Transportation was a bit of a hassle. We landed at Kuala Lumpur Airport, chartered a car to Mersing for a ferry, and spent a few hours exploring Malacca along the way. We departed from the airport's Outlet at around 2:00 PM, arrived in Malacca around 4:00 or 5:00 PM, and departed for Mersing at 7:00 PM, arriving around 11:00 PM. We slept in a homestay in Mersing. The next day, we took the 11:30 PM ferry to Tioman Island, and then another ten-minute ride on the hotel's boat to the hotel. It was a hassle, but on our last day, the hotel dropped us off at the Tioman Island jetty for the ferry. Seeing them say goodbye to us, I couldn't help but think I'd return one day. Besides the scenery, it was their simplicity, sincerity, and thoughtfulness that made this hotel feel like home. It truly was ”home, sweet home.”"