YTL HOTELS’ Tanjong Jara Resort is set to welcome guests from 13 February, as the Malay resort re-opens after almost four months of annual closure

0000646_0This sanctuary of luxury steeped in age-old Malay traditions, upholds a philosophy based on the Malay concept of Sucimurni, which emphasises purity of spirit, health and well-being.

0000630_0Well known for its signature activities such as the Guided Bicycle Tour through a local fishing village, Sucimurni exercises with the ever-limber Captain Mokh, Morning Market visits with Chef Ann, and, come 1 March, snorkelling and diving in Tenggol Island, Tanjong Jara Resort never falls short of activities for guests to participate in, whether couple or family. New additions to the list include Wau, or traditional kite flying, on the beach, a pétanque court, and evening screenings of black and white Hollywood and P. Ramlee movies, the latter considered an icon of Malaysian entertainment.

0000657_0Guests can choose to stay in the refurbished sea-facing Anjung Rooms with their sunken outdoor baths and refreshed décor, or in a Bumbung or Serambi room instead. Whatever the choice, one is never far away from the long stretch of golden beach flanked by towering casuarinas.

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Weekends at Tanjong Jara Resort are a much anticipated affair as the resort reveals a warm insight into the traditional Malay way of life through its Kampong Sucimurni Lifestyle, reflecting the strong sense of community on the east coast. Between 5pm and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, tantalising aromas fill the air as authentic local delights such as keropok lekor – a delicacy of deep fried fish and kopi kampong – and a thick sweet local coffee are served from thatched village-style huts. Guests may try their hand at congkak, a local board game, play a round of sepak-takraw, a traditional woven rattan ball game, or showcase their prowess in spinning several gasing (tops) at once.0000638_0

With its restorative Malay treatments, the award-winning Spa Village Tanjong Jara is not to be missed. Here, all treatments begin with a Mandi Bunga – a bathing ritual where each guest is doused with seven blessings of water, each bestowing purity, sincerity, health, beauty, happiness, prosperity and longevity. The signature treatment, the Asam Roselle Experience, includes a relaxing massage and a rejuvenating scrub, concluding with Roselle tea.

0000645_0To experience the best of Tanjong Jara Resort, take advantage of East Coast Dreamin’, which includes daily breakfasts, two-course lunches and dinners, a guided Jara Hill Walk with the resident naturalist (subject to availability) and Kampong Sucimurni Lifestyle (Saturdays and Sundays) from £130 (MYR630++) per room, per night. Booking period is from now until 30th March 2015, and travel period is from 13 February to 31 March, 2015.