Tanjong Jara Resort, Terengganu

We booked 5 nights here in a Bumbung Room which is the lead in room type, they are above the Serembi rooms and were really nice and I couldn't see the point of paying more. The only drawback is that they had patio doors but no balcony unless you are lucky enough to get one of the 2 special rooms with an extended balcony with sundeck and day bed, we had one of these rooms (no 306) and it also had beautiful sea views.

The main pool is large with a lovely sea view and plenty of sunbeds, they also come round with complimentary iced water but you do get the noise from any kids here so we preferred the smaller pool at the Teratai Terrace as this was an adult only pool again with a bar and snack menu service.

This was like our own private pool most of the time.

Activities: Our main activity was lifting a glass and knife & fork along with re-applying the sun lotion, but if you wanted to do more than us there is a good choice including some excellent snorkeling and diving, push biking, cooking classes and lots more.

We ate at all 3 restaurants;

Nelayan: is a seafood speciality restaurant but still had western food and also served lunch. You can have a table set up on the beach if you prefer.

Teratai Terrace: is for Private Dinning around the small pool which is ideal for a nice romantic meal.

Di Atas Sungei: Typically Malaysian Food is served here at night but it is a 'Menu less' experience, the Menu Masters come out and chat about the type of food that you like and how spicy you want it, they then put the dishes together for you, they do wonderful Curry and Fish dishes. The famous 'Chef Ann' is here and she is such a character, very eccentric and takes of the English accent so well she really makes the eating experience. Breakfast is also served hers with the usual western choice and eastern food (still can't have curry & rice before 9am).

On a whole it is a lovely hotel to relax and enjoy the activities offered but there is really nothing else outside the hotel such as local shops and local eating out.

Perfect for people that don't feel the urge to explore, personally I do need to get into the local culture for eating out so for me 5 nights was lovely, longer and I would start to get itchy feet. Most people could probably spend 10 nights there and be OK.

Weather: Being on the East Coast it means that the weather is practically opposite to KL, Langkawi & Penang so it make a great choice for visiting during our summer months which is great for the Summer Wedding/Honeymoons.

The staff here are outstanding from management to the gardeners and cleaners...