Guest Reviews

Manukan Island Resort: "Great relaxing break"

"We stayed 2 nights in hillside villa 11. Boat trip over and back was included in the room cost. After a small mix up we travelled over on a day trippers boat which was fine. We were welcomed off the boat and taken through to the small reception room and given refresher towels and a drink while doing the paperwork. We knew we wouldn’t be able to get into our room straight away so had come prepared to swim. The pool was lovely and was never busy so we always felt like we were the only ones there. We relaxed on the beach until our room was ready an hour early. The room was amazing, beyond expectations. Everything was modern and clean. We were shown through and informed that the soft drinks in the fridge were complimentary which was a lovely touch. The view from both balconies was incredible and as our room faced away from the jetty we really didn’t even know day trippers were there until we went for a walk. The TV had a range of channels, the air con and fans worked well, and the hot water was easy to use just by turning on the switch half and hour before you wanted to use it. We were surprised to find the food was cheaper than at sutera harbour resort and just as lovely. We only had dinner at the restaurant the first night. The second night we decided to try the cheap take away stall near the beach mid afternoon and then just had snacks for dinner. The food at this stall was ok and really cheap. We had rice with beef and black bean sauce for 7.50rm. Breakfast had 6 items to order from but then they also brought extras to your table including fruit, bread to toast over coals, yogurt, juice and cereal. It was one of the more relaxing and enjoyable breakfasts I have had while travelling and certainly plentiful. We decided to travel to Sapi Island to go on the coral flyer and Ben organised for us to go on one of the island hopper boats. It seemed quite expensive to us but we were ok with that. Unfortunately the Coral flyer was fully booked when we got there but we enjoyed a snorkel and look around Sapi anyway. The internet was intermittent. We managed to log on in the mornings and evenings quite quickly but during the day it seemed more difficult. This didn’t really bother us as it is nice to be without internet and not constantly checking it. The things that we didn’t enjoy about Manukan Island were way beyond the resorts control so would in no way negatively review the resort for them, but here they are. The water was very murky. That was probably the biggest disappointment. I’m guessing that time of year and number of boats can affect that but for us it was almost zero visibility. We were fortunate to see a lot of wildlife, some more friendly than others. We spotted the birds the island is named after on our way back from sunset point as well as some fireflies. We saw a rhinoceros beetle and some geckos on our balcony. We spotted a couple of monitor lizards around the island. Now the not so nice ones. We had a snake go across our balcony but were assured it was harmless and Ben said he has only seen a handful in all his years on the island. Then we had a centipede in our bath. As soon as we informed staff it was gone within 5 minutes which was appreciated. When we left we were walked out to the jetty and put on the resort boat and waved off. Amongst the boards of day trippers this made us feel pretty special. We were the only ones on the boat and the trip back was smooth and easy. Over all I would highly recommend Manukan Island as a lovely relaxing get away, just don’t expect to spend the whole time snorkeling."

Bassac Cruises: "Very enjoyable and better than expected"

We were lucky to have been allocated Bassac 1. I say that because she is an original vessel with fewer cabins than her sister boats and has a very pleasing worn in feel. We were greeted on board by the charming and friendly crew who looked after us very well throughout. Other reviewers have kindly given the details of the various things that you can see on or off the boat but my take is that this is definitely something worth doing. Sitting on deck as the sun sinks below the river is a wonderful experience. We would have happily spent another night on board.

Sandat Glamping Tents: "Stupendo"

"Struttura meravigliosa , immerso all'interno delle risaie . Entrando nel sandat sembra di entrare in un mondo zen , tranquillità , pace e meraviglia ! Sono stati 4 giorni stupendi abbiamo conosciuto Buda una ragazzo fantastico e simpatico come il resto del personale ! Consiglio di visitare la città con un autista della struttura praticamente un escursione privata ( ovviamente dovete sapere l' inglese) . Stupendo Stayed September 2016, traveled as a couple"

Manukan Island Resort: "Absolute paradise."

I have never before, and will probably never again, stay in such a beautiful resort. The rooms were worth 10 stars, as was the location. Yes, there are many tourists during the day, but they did not bother us in the slightest. The serenity of the island after the tourists leave is amazing - very romantic and beautiful. The breakfast, a la carte menu and various buffets were extraordinary. A very, very, very special mention to all of the lovely staff who were so genuinely kind, and made the stay what it was. If you find yourself at the bar, look for Frederick who makes the worlds best Espresso Martini!!!

Reverie Siam: "Excellent Hotel"

Nice hotel in a good location just outside the town and near to the river. The rooms are well appointed with lovely bathroom with roll top baths. Very clean and very nice comfortable bed. The surprise for me was the menu which is Mediterranean was a good selection to choose from.

Cheong Fatt Tze – Blue Mansion: "Pretty as the pictures"

We stayed here two nights rather than the three scheduled because of a change in itinerary. Room was gorgeous, pool and gardens the same. Probably the best breakfast we had throughout our stay in Malaysia (mostly in Borneo). Front desk staff helpful in answering our questions, set up a day long tour with local guide, to visit the specific sights we wanted to see. All around excellent. We just wish we could have stayed the extra night.

Tugu Malang: "Geweldig hotel"

"Wat een prachtig sfeervol hotel met veel antieke beelden en meubelen. Is eigenlijk ook soort museum. Heerlijk gegeten in 't restaurant aan het zwembad met tropische beplanting. Grote sfeervolle kamer, koloniale stijl. Heerlijke massage gehad. Goed gelegen."

Tugu Lombok: "Amazing stay at Tugu Lombok"

"We spent a memorable 10 days in Tugu Lombok. Everything about the hotel was incredible. From the fireworks on the beach, to world class massages and cuisine. The hotel staff went out of there way to ensure a luxurious a stay as possible - including our nighttime beach barbecue under the stars. The food is delicious. We have had bbq fish all over south east asia, but Tugu Lombok really pushed the boundaries, blending traditional flavours, with the freshest seafood. We had a nightmare on the day we were leaving whereby our boats were cancelled, but hotel Tugu pulled out all the stops at the last minute, to find us an alternative Particular mentions to Hanny, Elly, Henry, Januar - but frankly the entire team were incredibly attentive. We very much look forward to revisiting Be Lucky!"

Talabgaon Castle: "Lovely secluded heritage hotel"

"Stayed for a night at the Talabgaon Castle with my husband. It was intended to be a night stop-over to break our road trip from Ranthambore to Delhi. But, to our surprise, it turned out to be so much more than comfortable beds and clean sheets. Although a little ways off the main highway (a few miles on a narrow village road), it was certainly worth the detour. A beautifully and functionally restored Rajasthani heritage property, the Talabgaon castle has comfortable and well appointed rooms and bathrooms. Large gardens with intimate seating areas (and, the main garden/lawn has a resident emu.....along with a few peacocks passing through), a nice swimming pool with ample sunbeds and a seating area, and a restaurant, offering both indoor and al fresco courtyard dining. Dinner was good with plenty of variety on the menu. The only two letdowns were the very limited choice and and taste of breakfast, and the TV (it was a small box TV with no channels). But, given the location and alternative ways to spend our time, we did not really miss the TV too much. And, are happy to give this property a 5 star rating and a recommendation of ""do visit""."

Tugu Lombok: "Exceeding Expectations"

"It was the third time for my wife and me to stay in Hotel Tugu Lombok... When you decide to repeat a stay in a hotel, for a long stay, there should be a deep reason behind... That is the case with Hotel Tugu Lombok... you will never get disappointed!. The location of this hotel is so privileged that you will discover gains from it, every day…starting at the very first moment of your arrival. When walking around for the first time, most likely you will think… Is this real?... how is it possible to have such an amazing place in a XXI Century Earth?...An Awesome Sunrise will wake you up every morning… just get up, walk few steps towards the beach… and seat down there for a unique experience…. And… you know?... that is every day during your stay!!.. and... waiting for a breathtaking Sunset.... magnificent!!. The staff is so efficient and kind that will prepare the breakfast for you somewhere, close to that place, if you like … up to you. You may also like to go swimming in those sea crystal waters, feeling God’s blessings!. After starting the day in that way… what else may I add?... Actually, many other experiences and magic moments… The staff is always caring of you, wherever you are. You do not feel they are doing so, however, you will feel like “the only guest”… I cannot explain how they do that, but every time I came to Tugu Lombok I received the same awareness and “interest”. What about the meals?... excellent, although it was very good during previous stays, we noted that this time “the kitchen” has even improved. It seems that the new team is renovating but keeping tradition and style, in both international and local choices. The place is so quiet and romantic that you may opt to stay, relaxing…walking along the beach…. and dreaming of the next time to come. The offer of the types of “Villas”, Suites… Bungalows… is so wide that it is up to you to explore those options. However, I suggest going for “Suite Sea View” (front line)…or, one of the 4 big Villas, if your budget gives you room. My favorite ones are Suite 107…101, and the 4 big Villas. When I stay in such a Paradise, I use to enjoy much more thinking that this is not going to be the only time to stay there…but, there will be more times to amaze in here. Enjoying the stay in the hotel or doing other activities, is up to you… the staff will arrange any excursions, sea activities, sailing…etc… just let your wishes to tell. Lombok is a wonderful island that has a lot of surprises to show. You have some drivers and cars, boats and guides available at the hotel. Anytime, easy and enjoyable!. Our experience in Hotel Tugu Lombok is “Exceeding Expectations”… for third time. The location is still well maintained, without hotels close to, the facilities are unique in the world, the staff is – as always – well trained and “wishing” you feel the only one guest… Only one more thing to say: As previous times… I leave for home, thinking of coming back!.. Thank you very much for all your attentions. Terima Kasih Banyak, Banyak!..."