Guests at Cove 55 Sarawak are invited to take a break from the tropical climate and unwind in the coolness of the property's well-stocked ground-floor library or one of the sunken lounges under shade within the garden. When planning a stay, be sure to book time enough to both soak up and enjoy the relaxing environs of Cove 55 Santubong, and to immerse yourself in the surrounding Sarawakian heritage. Booking a wetlands wildlife cruise to catch a glimpse of the neighborhood’s Irrawaddy dolphins, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles, is a must-do activity during a stay at Cove 55. For the fit and keen walkers, take a guided hike to the top of Mount Santubong, this is a great walk in Sarawak’s nature and one that is rewarded with breathtaking views from the top. And be sure to ask about spending some unforgettable moments with orangutans in their natural surroundings by supporting the work of the nearby Semenggoh Orang Utan Wildlife Reserve that is home to a colony of orangutans. For those looking for more gentle pursuits, bicycles are available at the Cove 55 Resort Santubong for exploring the nearby fishing villages, markets, and national parks.
Christoph Leonhard
Your Host and The Team
Cove 55 Resort Blends Sarawak Culture with Idyllic Luxury
Created as a private retreat for a local Iban family, Cove 55 Resort has opened to guests from around the world who seek an intimate retreat in Sarawak, a boutique hotel that offers privacy and tranquility, away from the bustle of the outside world. The light, bright and airy guest rooms have been sumptuously created from the property’s villa wings and offer guests private courtyards or balconies. Each room and suite at Cove 55 has been tastefully decorated in soothing shades of blue and white, adorned with design motifs from the Iban culture, and includes private ensuite bathrooms for every room type at Cove 55. The ground-floor garden rooms feature the privacy of a courtyard garden concealed by a laced brick wall. On the first floor are eight well-appointed balcony rooms and two suites with incredible views of the mountain and ocean. Guests seeking more space and additional privacy can opt for a one- or two-bedroom Cove 55 The ground-floor garden rooms feature the privacy of a courtyard garden concealed by a laced brick wall. On the first floor are eight well-appointed balcony rooms and two suites, and all of these rooms enjoy spectacular views of the ocean. Guests seeking more space and additional privacy can opt for a one- or two-bedroom Cove 55 Resort stand-alone villa, either shrouded in lush mangrove jungle or with a private pool overlooking the ocean. Each villa is ideal for families who will appreciate the spacious indoor and outdoor living spaces, king-sized beds, and large sofas that fold out to create another queen-sized sleeping option. The villas with their own private pools are perfect for enjoying a cool dip at the end of a fun day discovering Sarawak while enjoying a glass of something fresh, fruity, and cool delivered to the room from the Cove Bar.
As well as providing guests with the ultimate private getaway, Cove 55 Malaysia is happy to host events such as yoga retreats, corporate getaways, wine tastings, and champagne celebrations as well as being the quintessential venue for your Cove 55 Kuching wedding. The Ocean Pavilion, with its panoramic ocean views and hardwood timber frames, adds a traditional Sarawakian charm to any celebration, party, or event. Cove 55 Resort Santubong can add extra comfort and sparkle to corporate and leisure experiences with its state-of-the-art ‘Sera’ 250-seat event space. An outdoor terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows mean participants can revel in the unbeatable panoramic mountain, mangrove, and South China Sea views. It is important to add that while Cove 55 can expertly host weddings and events, the design of the property and event spaces ensures that events do not impact on guests who are not attending the event. The privacy, comfort and tranquility of every guest at Cove 55 is of paramount importance.
Cove 55 Malaysia – The Gateway to Sarawak
The owners of Cove 55 Malaysia have always made it their mission to share their former family home with visitors while introducing guests to Sarawak’s diverse heritage and culture. The all too rare opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat is not to be missed, and the Cove 55 Sarawak staff will be more than happy to organize a day at the Semenggoh Nature Reserve which has long been a refuge for rescued and orphaned orangutans, and home to a semi-wild colony of orangutans today. Thanks to the work of the reserve and the support from locals and visitors, the surrounding forest now boasts a healthy population of these magnificent ginger primates. Spend the late afternoon and early evening cruising the rivers, mangroves, and creeks of the Santubong Peninsula. The adventure begins with a pick-up from Cove 55 Kuching and a short drive to the Santubong River Boat Club. The mouth of the Santubong River is often patrolled by the elusive Irrawaddy dolphin and further upriver is the chance to spot exotic fauna such as monitor lizards, long-tailed macaque monkeys, silver-leaf monkeys, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and fireflies as well as birds including kingfishers, white-bellied sea eagles, and egrets.
Sarawak is truly a wonderland of nature. More water-based adventure is to be had for Cove 55 Resort guests with a boat trip out to Satang Island in the South China Sea. The excursion begins at the mouth of the Salak River for some Irrawaddy dolphin spotting before heading to Satang Island which is home to rare Hawksbill Turtles and protected Green Turtles. The white sandy beaches of Satang Island, colorful corals, and crystal-clear waters are perfect for an afternoon’s snorkeling. Guests of Cove 55 Resort Santubong are also afforded exclusive access to Matang Jungle Golf – a celebrated 9-hole course where the indigenous flora and fauna are as much a feature of the game as the players. The hilly terrain, giant trees, and natural setting create a challenging golfing experience that is available exclusively to Cove 55 Hotel guests and a golfing experience that is not quickly forgotten. Head back to Cove 55 Kuching for a well-deserved dip in the pool and a sundowner from the poolside bar.
Rooms
Garden Rooms (5 units)
At 30sqm, the garden Rooms at Cove 55 are set with either a king bed or twin single beds and comfortably sleep up to 2 guests. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a walk-in rain shower. Located on the ground floor, each room has its own private courtyard garden with comfy day bed and dining space, where the privacy is assured set as it is behind a verdant laced brickwork wall.Balcony Rooms (8 units)
Located on the first floor of Cove 55’s two villa wings, the 40sqm Balcony Rooms are set with either a king bed or twin single beds and comfortably sleep up to 2 guests. The en-suite bathroom is fitted with a walk-in rain shower. The balconies of these spacious first floor rooms enjoy a large comfy day bed, dining space, and partial views of the South China Sea.Corner Suite (1 unit)
The spacious 74sqm Corner Suite comfortably sleeps 2 guests as standard, and a maximum of 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children (with the extra guests sleeping on the sofa bed which converts into a queen sized bed, chargeable). Set on the 1st floor, the Corner Suite enjoys 180-degree views, taking in the sights of Cove 55’s grounds and the South China Sea. Perfect for couples and small families, the suite includes both a dining and a lounge space, and the en-suite bathroom is fitted with a walk-in rain shower.Balcony Suite (1 unit)
At 74sqm the Balcony Suite is perfect for couples looking for a luxurious space and for families of up to 4 people (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children). Sleeping 2 people as standard, the bedroom is set with a king-sized bed, and to accommodate 4 guests, the sofa bed converts into a queen sized bed (chargeable). The suite includes both a dining space and a comfy lounge space in an open-plan style. The en-suite bathroom is set with a walk-in rain shower. Located as it is on the first floor, the Balcony Suite shares uninterrupted 180-degree views of the sea and of Mount Santubong.Garden Villa (1 unit)
The Garden Villa is a very spacious 86sqm and very comfortably sleeps 2 guests or a maximum of 4 guests (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children). The bedroom is fitted with a king bed and the sofa in the lounge converts into a comfy queen sized bed (additional charges apply to sleep more than 2 guests). This villa is set with a bedroom fitted with a king size bed, a large comfy lounge, a walk-in wardrobe and a large en-suite bathroom fitted with both a bathtub (with sea views from the tub!) and a separate walk-in rain shower. The Garden Villa is located between the gardens and the Sea Deck, assuring extra privacy for guests staying in this villa.Mangrove Villas (4 units)
Nestling between lush mangroves, the Mangrove Villas at 87sqm make for a very luxurious space for up to 2 guests. The open plan design incorporates a bedroom set with either a king bed or twin single beds, and a large comfy lounge with smart TV and coffee machine. The luxury continues in the en-suite bathroom which is fitted with double vanities, a bathtub and a separate walk-in rain shower. The Mangrove Villas also share an outdoor deck space to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as you relax.Mangrove Family Villas (4 units)
The Mangrove Family Villas are a spacious 87sqm and comfortably sleep 2 guests as standard, on a custom designed king bed, or a maximum of 4 guests (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children) with the sofa in the lounge converting into a comfy queen-sized bed (additional charges apply to sleep more than 2 guests in this villa). The open plan design includes the bedroom and a large comfortable lounge with smart TV, full size and comfy sofa, espresso coffee machine and a well-stocked minibar. The en-suite bathroom includes a bathtub and separate walk-in rain shower. The Mangrove Family Villas also have an outdoor deck space, perfect for families to sit and enjoy the surrounding nature.Two Bedroom Mangrove Villa (1 unit)
The Two Bedroom Mangrove Villa is 209sqm and comfortably sleeps 4 guests as standard or a maximum of 8 guests. Both sofas in this villa convert when required into comfy queen-sized beds to accommodate up to 6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children (chargeable). The Master Bedroom is fitted with a king size bed and includes a lounge space with full size sofa, and the 2nd Bedroom is set with twin single beds or a king bed. There are 2 en-suite bathrooms, one with double vanities, a bathtub and a separate walk-in rain shower, and the 2nd bedroom’s en-suite is set with double vanities and a walk-in rain shower. The separate lounge is set with a big comfy sofa that converts into a queen-sized bed. Both lounges include a smart TV and the main lounge is also set with a coffee machine and minibar. The outdoor deck has a comfy sunken lounge, a lovely comfortable space to sit with family and enjoy the surrounding nature.Ocean Pool Villa (1 unit)
Set to enjoy uninterrupted sea views, the Ocean Pool Villa is a very spacious 123 sqm, and very comfortably sleeps up to 2 guests. The open plan design includes a bedroom with king or twin single beds, and a lounge with sofa, smart TV, espresso coffee machine and minibar. The en-suite bathroom includes double vanities, a bathtub, and a separate walk-in rain shower. The outdoor deck continues the luxury of this oceanfront villa. The deck is set with a private pool and plenty of deck space to relax and sunbathe.Ocean Pool Family Villa (1 unit)
At 123sqm the Ocean Pool Family Villa comfortably sleeps 2 people as standard on a custom designed king bed, or up to 4 people (3 adults or 2 adults and 2 children) with the sofa converted into a queen-sized bed (charges apply). With an oceanfront location the villa enjoys uninterrupted sea views. The bedroom and lounge are of an open plan design, with the lounge including a full size sofa, a smart TV, coffee machine and minibar. The en-suite bathroom includes a bathtub, double vanities and a separate walk-in rain shower. The highlight of this villa though has to be the large outdoor deck which includes a private pool and plenty of deck space for relaxing and sunbathing.Two Bedroom Ocean Pool Villa (1 unit)
Set to enjoy sea views, the 276sqm Two Bedroom Oceanfront Pool Villa offers the height of luxury for 4 guests as standard, or for up to 8 guests (6 adults or 4 adults and 4 children) by using the 2 sofas that convert into comfy queen-sized beds (additional charges apply). The Master Bedroom has a king bed and lounge space with full size sofa. The ensuite bathroom is fitted with double vanities, a bathtub and a separate walk-in rain shower. The 2nd Bedroom can be set with either a king bed or twin single bed. The ensuite bathroom is fitted with double vanities and a walk-in rain shower. The Villa’s lounge is fitted with a full-size sofa that can be converted into a queen-sized bed. Both lounges have a smart TV and the main lounge has a coffee machine and minibar. The highlight of this villa has to be the outdoor deck with the private swimming pool, a separate shallow pool ideal for children, a comfy sunken lounge, and lots of space for lounging and sunbathing.Useful Information
GENERAL
Total number of rooms: 28Time zone: (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur
Currency accepted: MYR
Credit cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Electricity voltage: 220V
Electricity plug type:
ACCESS
An easy and scenic 40-minute drive from Kuching Airport to the coastal town of Santubong, then a short drive to Cove 55’s oceanfront location.Airport: Kuching International Airport (KCH) - 35 km
CONTACT
Lot 55, Jalan Sultan Tengah (Santubong / Damai Road) Santubong, Sarawak 93010 , MalaysiaCONTACT HERE
CONCIERGE
contact them on dream@secret-retreats.com
We Care
The Tun Jugah Foundation
The Tun Jugah Foundation is a charitable organization which aims to research, preserve, and promote the rich culture of the Iban people for future generations. The foundation was established in 1985 by the owner of the Cove 55 Hotel, Kuching, and takes its name from Tun Jugah Anak Barieng – a prominent chief of the Iban tribe and one of the founding fathers of the Malaysian State of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. The Textile, Museum and Gallery, the tangible arm of the operation, was established in 2000 in Kuching and provides handlooms, facilities, materials, and support for Iban weavers to create and sell their art in an environment that also houses and displays rare Iban textiles and accessories, some of which are more than two centuries old. The Foundation also takes care of Fort Silvia in Kapit, a monument that dates back to 1880 and the first White Rajah of Sarawak, Charles Brookes. A stone’s throw from the Kuching waterfront, the weaving studio and museum contains an unrivaled collection of Iban and Orang Ulu artifacts. There is also an impressive collection of ceramics, silver jewelry, and a separate gallery containing an impressive bead collection that continues to be grown and added to by the foundation’s creators and owners of Cove 55 Hotel where other examples of traditional weaving and Iban culture are also on display to share the hotel’s Iban heritage with guests and visitors to the hotel. Among the manyfold aims of the foundation is the preservation of the legacy of the revered Sarawak leader Tun Jugah and his wife Toh Puan Tiong anak Anding, an accomplished weaver in her own right. Several rooms at the gallery contain vivid examples of old textiles and detailed descriptions of the weaving process. A large room containing looms in various stages of the weaving process displays the very finest examples of Iban ikat (fabric created from tie-dyed yarn), sungkit (gold brocade), and colorful beadwork. Weavers hard at work on textiles, garments, and tapestries are willing to answer any questions visitors might have. And weaving classes are available to those keen for a more hands-on experience.
Guide to the Textile Museum and Gallery, and Fort Sylvia
The Textile Museum and Gallery in Kuching features five main galleries. The Dato Margaret Linggi Gallery: An advocate for the preservation of traditional Iban ikat weaving and art, the eponymous gallery contains photographs and woven items created by this gifted weaver and gallery founder. Gallery 1 - The Display Gallery: A display of implements used in the process of textile weaving including looms, traditional tools, and raw materials.
Gallery 2 - The Weaving Gallery: Where visitors can watch the traditional process in action. Gallery 3 - Museum: The museum contains a collection of hundreds of textiles, costumes, ceramics, jewelry, and accessories.
Gallery 4 - Memorial: A memorial to Tun Juga featuring a collection of personal items, mementos, and photographs that once belonged to the distinguished post WWII Malaysian politician.
Fort Sylvia in Kapit is a fascinating day out for guests staying at Cove 55 Hotel. The historic wooden fort was named after Ranee Sylvia, the wife of Charles Brookes, the 19th century White Rajah of Sarawak. In 1997 the state government of Sarawak gave permission for the Tun Jugah Foundation to take on renovation and conservation works at the fort as well as establish a museum on the property. Numerous photographs, artifacts, and documents illustrate the fascinating history of the fort and life under the colonial-era White Rajahs. A large room on the ground floor is home to a gallery exhibiting traditional tools and fine examples of amber carving as well as the Peace Jar that symbolized the coming together of the warring tribes of the Kenyah, Kayan, and Iban groups at the peace ceremony of 1924. The exhibition is dominated by a large mural painting that graphically depicts the Iban way of life. In keeping with the Tun Jugah Foundation’s objective of promoting and preserving the tradition of Iban ikat weaving, organizations are offered the opportunity to conduct weaving workshops, exhibitions and competitions at Fort Sylvia. Weaving activities are often held during local festivities, and carving, basketry, and beadwork workshops are also conducted throughout the year.
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