When it comes to island getaways, Pulau Pangkor doesn’t top many lists. Sure, it isn’t as glamorous as Pulau Redang or Pulau Tioman, but the island does have its fair share of charms. And no place exemplifies this than Alun Retreat, a relatively new hotel which deserves more attention.
Have you ever wanted to be somewhere where you can just ditch your phone, sink your toes into the sand and just enjoy the ocean breeze? Alun Retreat really is the place to do all that and more. Here, you can enjoy the laid-back vibes and stunning views, complete with plenty of privacy.
Getting here
Getting here is rather simple. If you are coming from the mainland, the best (and only) option is to hop onto a ferry from Lumut. The ride is about 30 minutes, but if you want something faster, there are 10-minute ride options from the Marina Island Jetty Complex.
If you are coming from KL, driving to Lumut takes between three to four hours. Of course, you have the option of flying into Ipoh, which is about 90km from Lumut. There are plenty of ways to get here, so pick what suits you (and your budget) best.
Best time to come
As Alun Retreat is a beachside hotel, excellent weather will do wonders for your vacation. For that reason, the recommended time to stay here is between March and September. Days are warmer and sunnier during this time, perfect for your beach day.
What to expect?
Let’s say you arrive here on a nice, sunny day after a long journey. What can you expect? Well, for starters, Alun Retreat holds the honour of being Pangkor Island’s first container hotel. And there’s much more to look forward to than living in refurbished shipping containers.
Eco-friendly hotel
Image Credit: Sarra D’Dapo on Google Review (Left), St Maro on Google Review (Right)
A lot of care went into ensuring these containers are comfortable for guests. Not are they comfy and stylish, but they are also sustainable! They are insulated with rock wool, keeping the interior cool even during swelteringly hot days.
In fact, the hotel has an eco-friendly ethos, with a focus on minimising its carbon footprint. During the construction of the place, trees were left standing when possible. Additionally, biodegradable plates and utensils are used to reduce unnecessary waste.
What else is good?
Image Credit: Zixiang Huang on Google Review (Left), Sarra D’Dapo on Google Review (Right)
You don’t go to a hotel just because it’s eco-friendly though. How’s the beach? Two words: Peaceful and relaxing. Do you want a beach that is largely free of screaming kids and endless crowds? Alun Retreat just has the thing for you.
Due to Alun Retreat being a private property, guests will largely have the beachfront to themselves. Not only is the view beautiful, but the beach and the sea are both surprisingly pristine. It’s quite an impressive feat for a West Coast beach to be this pretty!
Some of the hotel’s 21 containers have the ocean practically at their doorsteps. Just imagine waking up and waltzing out the door to feel sand beneath your feet! Who needs to go to the Maldives at this rate?
Rooms & rates
Image Credit: Alun Retreat
Speaking of rooms, there are several options with rates ranging from RM300 to RM500. The Family Beachfront Rooms are the most appropriate for, well, families. Up to five people can have a comfy stay here, with two queen beds and a single bed provided.
If you are enjoying some private time with your squeeze, the Oceanfront and Garden View rooms are a good choice. They come with a private deck. It’s ideal to watch the sunset with a glass of wine in one hand and your partner’s hand in the other.
What to eat?
Image Credit: ATQ 301 on Google Review (Left), Zara Zul on Google Review (Right)
And as for food options, the hotel does provide certain meals. Quite a bit of the food served is made with ingredients sourced from local Pangkor markets. So, expect nothing but max freshness when you are enjoying your meal by the beach.
Alternatively, ask the hotel to help rent you a motorcycle or e-scooter and go foodhunting yourself! Uncle Lim’s Kitchen is worth checking out for its seriously good Hock Chew cuisine. There’s also the Nipah Deli Steamboat & Noodle House if you want great seafood.
Worth your time?
Image Credit: Mohammed Helmi Seth on Google Review (Left), Sarra D’Dapo on Google Review (Right)
Between great views, a private getaway and comfortable accommodation, it is hard to say what makes Alun Retreat as good as it is. Either way, maybe consider staying here to get away from the hectic city life. You deserve it.
Alun Retreat
Address: Jalan Pasir Bogak, 32300 Pulau Pangkor, Perak
Contact: 019-6756334
Reservations: alunretreat.com
You should also check out: Fleeing the city for a bit? There’s this lakeside 5-star resort with a fruit orchard in Kuantan
Feature Image Credit: Julia Juremi on Google Review (Left), Engku Afnan on Google Review (Right)
