Batu Batu - Tengah Island

Batu Batu, Tengah Island, East Coast, Malaysia - Explore & Book

"Sunlight danced on the waves as we sped across the South China Sea, weaving around wooden fishing boats and away from the bustling port of Mersing. Stepping off the boat at our destination 20 minutes later, we were awe-struck by the dazzling blue of the shallows, the pure white of the sand and the deep green of the jungle; put simply, Pulau Tengah (‘Middle Island’) is as close to paradise as we’d ever come.Hugging a stretch of the 3km coastline, between thriving coral reefs and swaying coconut palms, Batu Batu is the only resort on the otherwise uninhabited island. Its 22 traditional Malay villas were built by local carpenters; some have 1 bedroom, others annexes for children, but all are quietly luxurious, with four-poster beds and huge tubs. The vibe throughout is relaxed, and as we explored we saw kids playing in the infinity pool and couples lingering over cocktails in the bar. We spent our time immersed in nature – swimming with reef sharks and clownfish, releasing turtle hatchlings into the surf, and sunning ourselves on near-deserted beaches. We’d also intended to scuba-dive with the on-site PADI school and spoil ourselves in the spa, but for that we'll have to return; it transpires 3 nights in paradise just aren’t enough. Highs Barefoot luxury in a truly unspoilt setting – and a commitment to protecting the island's natural beautyA friendly, laid-back ambiance: we felt ourselves start to unwind the moment we stepped off the boatDelicious, daily-changing meals in the restaurant, some using ingredients grown on the islandA huge array of activities: paddle boarding, scuba diving, PADI courses, jungle walks, kayaking, spa treatments Manager MacNeil and his team go above and beyond, always with huge smiles Lows A trek to get here (a 3-5 hour drive from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, followed by a boat transfer), but oh-so worth itFull pre-payment is required, and rates don't include any food (you'll need to buy a separate meal plan)WiFi is limited to some communal areas, although we enjoyed the digital detoxThere are mozzies and sandflies, plus occasional jellyfish in the sea (you can buy a special jellyfish repellent)It's a 15-minute walk from the furthest villas to the pool and restaurant" - Emily McDonnell