Awana Kijal (1)

"Awana Kijal Golf, Beach & Spa Resort is Terengganu's first ever 5 star Resort set amidst 800 acres of lush tropical greenery, fringed by a 7.6km private beach." reads the room's key card. That perfectly describes the resort.

Our family were there last year around August 2007 and it was refreshing to be there again May this year (2008). Gratefully, the place did not disappoint us. We just cannot stop ourselves from returning to the tranquility of the surroundings, the beautiful landscaping, and the variety of facilities & activities at the resort. Its exactly the kind of hotels & resorts for every holiday stay.


For each of our visits, we stayed in the deluxe rooms which were adequately spacious. All the rooms in the resort have a sea view, but we did notice that the right wing of the resort has a much better view of the sea and golf course. Although the rooms on the left wing has a sea view too, we didn't like the view as much mainly due to visibility of water hazards on the golf course. We'd prefer if the view overlooked the entire greens of the golf course.



It was however real cosy snuggling on the two-seater sofa overlooking the panoramic view of the sea. The TV set across the room is mounted on a rotatable stand and conveniently let's us watch from practically all corners of the room, well almost all. :-)



We do love the fact that there is ample table space in the room for us to scatter our belongings everywhere. And oh, the bedroom slippers are most welcome although its not really needed since the carpets are quite clean.



We personally like the bathroom design very much. There is a large basin, with a separate shower and bowl, and a long bathtub that opens into the room through a sliding window. Ahhh....what better way to enjoy perfect relaxation than to soak in the bathtub while enjoying the range of programmes on TV!



Not forgetting, the solid king size bed and pillows in clean sheets gave us the utmost comfort every night.

The rooms are still in tip-top condition and impeccably clean. I must say, house-keeping did a superb job up-keeping the place. The resort has a dedicated house-keeper for each floor designated to clean the rooms of the resort so you know who has been cleaning your room. We were very impressed by the profesionalism of the resort's house-keeping: clothes strewn across the room are all folded neatly, and our personal belongings are neatly re-arranged but never moved out of place so we can always find them where we left them.

Buffet breakfast is usually included and they have a decent variety of English and Asian breakfast. For bread lovers, the choice is plentiful. All-in-all, a truly satisfying meal to start the day.


As for the BEACH, the sand is just perfect for us! Aside from articles that are occasionally washed ashore, the beach is very well maintained and clean. You will not want to miss the spectacular view of the sun rising in the mornings from 6:30AM onwards.



There are plenty of trees shading the beach and quite a number of shaded benches so all the fair ladies out there can laze around all day without worrying about getting a tan under the scorching hot sun! My hubby and I had the most peaceful hours by the beach in the mornings, noons and evenings, just listening to the soothing music of South China Sea!!



And of course, the excellent service exuded by the staffs at the resort deserves a thumbs-up! Thus far, all the staffs we have met there are most friendly and give all out to assist us on any enquiries.

Needless to say, these are only some of the reasons why we would choose Awana Kijal again for our next vacation. A highly recommended getaway for family with kids.

With such a pleasant experience at Awana Kijal, my family would most certainly consider Awana Porto Malai resort for island getaways, or Awana Genting Highlands for our next highland trip.


Address: KM28 Jalan Kemaman Dungun, 24100 Kijal, Kemaman, Terengganu Darul Iman.
Tel: +609-864-1188, Fax: +609-864-1688

From Kuala Lumpur
- via East Coast Expressway approximately 3 hours
- via Karak Highway Route approximately 5 hours (352km)



See also:
Awana Kijal (2) - Things To Do
Awana Kijal (3) - Where To Eat

Cool Retreat to the Highlands (2) - Accomodation

Here are the reviews on several accomodations around Cameron Highlands that are worth mentioning:


1. Cameron Highlands Resort, YTL Hotel - http://www.cameronhighlandsresort.com/

Beautiful hotel, elegant lounge, spacious room with balcony overlooking golf course. Worth the value and highly recommended by many.

Pros: Cleaniness, cosy room, excellent service (except for some occasion), food was mediocre to good

Cons: Lack outside leisure space, very noisy as it is just by the roadside, smaller bathroom with no bathtub but has comfortable walk-in shower , no lunch (except for high tea) served at the hotel from 3 pm to 7 pm.

Facilities: Free wi-fi and 2 PCs with internet access at common area, gym, spa

Tips: Rooms on 2nd (top) floor should have better view. Try and get a room as far down the hallway from the lobby (Karaoke will be nuisance especially when hotel is crowded)

Avg Rates: ~USD200 onwards (MYR700)




2. Century Pines Resort - http://www.thongsin.com/CPS.html

This is one of the newer resorts in Cameron and reviews are good. Within walking distance to Tanah Rata town, is spared from the noisy traffic although its quite close to the main road .

Surrounded by pine trees, the resort has nice gardens and kids would just love playing there. However, the hotel is located near a mosque and every morning, one could hear the morning prayers, so it would be irritating for light sleepers.

We did pay a visit to the lobby and the grounds around this resort and was delighted by the landscaping. This would definitely be the choice for our next trip to Cameron. Hopefully they maintain the place well

Pros: Location close to attractions, luxurious room, cleaniness

Cons: Buffet breakfast is only during public holidays and on Saturdays and Sundays, food is less than mediocre, poor front desk service, bar only open on Sat/Sun

Facilities: Spa, sauna, gym, pub

Avg Rates: ~USD70 onwards (MYR240)




3. Equatorial Resort - http://www.equatorial.com/


Situated at the peak of Cameron Highlands at 1628 M/5300 FT above sea level, this has to be one of the hotels with the best views. If you go during low peak season, front desk would offer you rooms with better views overlooking the valley, so don't forget to ask.

Comparatively, this is the one other resort that is slightly away from the main road. Unlike most of the hotels/resorts in Cameron, I hadn't come across a review complaining of traffic noise here. But you'll get occasional barking from dogs in the farms below.

We checked in to the deluxe room in the main tower towards late afternoon, and the first thing I normally do, is kick off my shoes and check out condition of the room.

At first glance, it seemed a pretty decent room, as you can see from the pictures inset. A closer look at the interior would reveal how run-down they are. The drapes are old and dirty looking, windows are stained, the furniture is discoloured. Bathroom was not cleaned at all, we can see wet stains on the toilet bowl and the floor from previous guest use. It wasn't a good start.

As I walk around in bare feet looking for the bedroom slippers, I realized how grossly unclean the carpet was when something black and sticky stuck to my feet...ewww...not once but at several spots!!! House-keeping obviously done no carpet cleaning. Should have expected that since one review tested housekeeping by leaving a lint on the carpet, tipped them to vacumm the room cleanly, and disappointingly, the lint was still there after that.

Even so, I'd expect them to at least provide bedroom slippers so guest can be more comfortable in the room, but apparently, they charge a fee for the slippers. Good thing I brought my slippers along!

Well, at least the room did not have a musty smell, and one part of the windows had a mosquito netting that prevented insects from flying in if you chose to leave them open. It can get stuffy since there are no air-conditioning in the room. Letting the cool and fresh air condition the room is just perfect temperature, that is if your nose can bear with the light nitrate smell of fertilizers from the farms below.

The sunrise and morning mists is most breathtaking and is probably the best you can get at this resort. Also I wouldn't miss having another relaxing walk around the quiet surroundings of the resort.

In short, I guess some rooms are more well kept than others as reviews gathered varies. But on the overall, most complain of the cleaniness.

For those who are not so particular about condition of the room, this is a decent enough hotel at a resonable price for a good night rest, peaceful at least. However, its a definite no-no for those who are particular about cleanliness.

Pros: Great views, front desk customer service, location close to several tourists hot spots

Cons: Cleaniness, house-keeping, run-down interior, spring of the king-sized bed too soft

Facilities: Tennis court, squash court (under renovation), pool table

Tips: Get rooms with balcony and ask for one with a better view.

Avg Rates: ~USD122 onwards (MYR390)

4. The Lakehouse - http://www.lakehouse-cameron.com/

The LakeHouse brings British touch to Malaysia and is well worth the price. Situated at Ringlet, LakeHouse has Tudor-styled settings, plush carpets, warm lighting, fireplace, four posters beds, etc....well, you get what I mean.

Most reviews of this place was superb having excellent service but of late, it seemed service level went down. Apparently, dining room requires a dress code so do call and find out the details. Tour packages arranged by Cameron Secrets is also worth mentioning as several reviews give 'em thumbs-up.

However, this resort is rather out of the way as it is pretty far off from most of the attractions and away from Tanah Rata and Brinchang town. But if you're just looking for a relaxing getaway, no activities, LakeHouse is perfect place for you.

Pros: Cleaniness, spacious room, decor, honeymoon suite, tour packages, free car wash

Cons: Inconsistent service, overlooking a dirty muddy looking lake (though some enjoy the scenery of the lake), noisy traffic, expensive food, no TV in room- only in the lounge

Facilities: Free laptop and internet usage

Rates: ~USD170 onwards (MYR700)



5. The SmokeHouse - http://www.thesmokehouse.com.my/ch.htm

SmokeHouse has a charming English styled decor and is owned by the famous Anglo-phile Peter Lee. Nice gardens and is right next to a golf course.

They provide great traditional English meals but a little too pricey.

Pros: Location, comfortable bed
Cons: Overpriced, run down, cleanliness, poor water pressure, expensive food, leaks
Facilities: Pool table, games room
Tips: Have tea or drinks here and soak in the ambiance, but avoid the accomodation
Avg Rates: ~USD140 (MYR480)



6. Strawberry Park Resort - http://strawberryparkresorts.com/

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of town, it has a quiet ambience and beautiful surroundings but it could be inconvenient for those without transport. Cab to downtown costs MYR12 during day and 15 during evenings.

The exterior looks very promising with well maintained landscape and nice gardens. However, rooms are very worn out, dirty, damp and mouldy. It is desperate in need of a make-over. Cobwebs, moth and spiders are visible everywhere.

Balcony doors did not shut properly so the nights can be very cold sometimes. Toilet tiles can be very cold too especially at night.

Hot water needs to be turned on in advance and is limited to tank size. Once it runs out, you need to wait, especially when there's many waiting in line to shower.


Pros: Friendly staff, nice gardens
Cons: Cleanliness, run down interior, yellowish tap water
Facilities: Sauna, swimming pool
Avg Rates: ~USD108 (MYR360)



Overall Tip:
a. Best time to visit - Low peak season (avoid Malaysian school/public holidays)
b. Accomodations do not include air-conditioning due to the cool atmosphere all year round
c. Flies are common at certain times of the year

Note:
- Rates may vary depending on season
- Based on reviews gathered from the Internet as at May 2008
- There are plenty other budget accomodations (hotels/chalets) around Cameron Highlands

See also:
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (1)
Cool Retreat to the Highlands (3) - Where to Eat
From Highlands to the East