Tanjong Jara, 2024

It was on the eve of the Chinese New Year long holiday weekend when I decided to whisk myself to a private sanctuary away from the city frenzy. On a whim, I booked a short getaway to Tanjong Jara, a quiet and secluded resort nestled in an enclave off the coast of Dungun, Terengganu.

I took a flight from KLIA and did not come to expect that the flight would be full. But I continued on my journey, in hopes of finding the serenity I needed to placate my tired mind and body after a marathon of reading, writing, and learning that had occupied my days and weekends for the past two weeks.

Tanjong Jara Resort was built in the year 1976 by its first owners, who were the children of two prominent Malaysian politicians. However, the resort was not well managed and after over a decade of neglect, it became too much to handle and was sold to YTL in 1999. Although the resort was in a state of dilapidation, YTL saw its potential, and perhaps like myself, found the charms and serenity of its location to be captivating.

In no time, Tanjong Jara was reimagined and refurbished to bring its almost ruinous state to its present glory. Although the resort originally had a predominantly Malay architecture, it was redesigned to include Moorish influences characterised by bringing outdoor spaces into light. This was evident by the rebuilding of what was an enclosed lobby redesigned as an open-air area to welcome guests after a tiring journey from wherever they’ve come from. Today, decades after the sale, this resort still succeeds in luring guests from all corners of the globe to relish its mysterious beauty.

A gong was stroked to signal the arrival of guests. From then on, a fully immersive, gracious and generous Malay hospitality ensued for the guests to experience, starting with a refreshing icy Roselle welcome drink to quench their thirst after a long, hot day.

After registration and a brief explanation of the resort’s map, I was then taken to my room, which was located at the back of the resort grounds, facing the forests. As I entered the room, I was enthralled by its spaciousness and wooden beams, nyatoh furniture and Minangkabau-inspired flora and fauna motifs carved on wood as embellishment to the whole façade. I put my feet up and rested awhile before heading to the Di Atas Sungai Restaurant for dinner.

The novelty of the Di Atas Sungai lies in the fact that guests can request the chef to prepare  dishes which are off the menu, personalised to suit their individual tastebuds. Despite my small appetite, I made a special request for the chef to whip me up the best Terengganu-style nasi goreng kampung. I sat by the veranda, enjoying my meal while my gaze stretched beyond the bridge that crosses the river into the sea. It was such a bewitching scene and my mind wandered off into the horizon, witnessing the skies as it grew dimmer towards the evening.

After a restful sleep, I spent the next day mostly enjoying my own company; reading, basking in the sun and meditating while the sound of the roaring waves played quietly in the background. Time indeed stood still, as I found the perfect spot to laze around reading a book, laying down on a beach chair while getting a tan, then staring at the endless panorama across the blueish-green waters of the South China sea. I was mesmerized by the whole scene and fervently wished that I could extend my stay. In between waking and napping, I could feel my mind and body reinvigorated. This restful holiday was exactly what I needed to heal an overworked mind and a strained body.

As the late afternoon approached, the less severe heat and the cooling winds signalled that it was time for a swim. I changed into a bikini and swam in their infinity pool which overlooked the alluring sea. The water was tepid and the sun’s glare wasn’t too intense, I enjoyed a little bit of exercise before heading to dinner.

My final day on this short getaway came too soon. Before heading to the airport, I requested for a Malay massage as a finale to this restful escape. I went to the spa village and experienced their signature Suci Murni Malay massage, with an expert masseuse kneading my tense body. It left me feeling relaxed and sleepy and my body felt loose afterwards. Then it was time for me to leave the resort and head straight to the airport.

It’s no surprise that every time during the F1 races, Micheal Schumacher would head to Tanjong Jara for a brief sojourn in between his races. Other celebrities that have enjoyed an escape in  Tanjong Jara include Joan Collins, Michelle Yeoh, and action star Jackie Chan. Ning Baizura calls it her second home; whenever she plans to head to sea for a dive in Tenggol Island, she would choose Tanjong Jara as her temporary abode.

I too feel a certain connection with Tanjong Jara. It isn’t too far from Kuala Lumpur and it’s perfect for a rejuvenating trip without the hassle of travelling overseas. The Malay hospitality that exudes warmth and charm felt so welcoming and this short break provided me that much-needed interlude before I head back to real life in the city. Tanjong Jara is the place for that brief self-pampering treat we so desperately need before we move on to our next port in the sea of life.