Have you only ever seen turtles on TV or on your phone? Magnificent creatures that are critically endangered, there are several sanctuaries around Malaysia dedicated to ensuring turtles survive during these difficult times. And one such place happens to be Cherating’s Kasturi Resort.
A resort surrounded by nature
Designed by and named after the famous architect Hijjas Kasturi, this five-star resort opened back in 2017. It is quite a gorgeous property, surrounded by forest and facing the South China Sea. In fact, wild animals like turtles, otters and eagles are spotted here quite often.
An eco-sustainable resort
Speaking of wild animals, let us talk about the turtle sanctuary here! It’s called the Rimbun Dahan Turtle Hatchery, and it lets guests visit and participate in releasing the turtles during the right season. These baby turtles are hatched from eggs collected from nearby beaches by local children.
RIP Pak Su
The hatchery has been doing nature a service since 2013. A local turtle warrior, Arrifin bin Hassan aka Pak Su was responsible for the survival of thousands of turtles every year. While he passed away in 2018, his daughters continue to run the place, ensuring his legacy continues on.
Other than that, Kasturi Resort collects rainwater for its gardens and bathrooms. Some of the air-conditioners are also solar-powered, while walkways are kept elevated to avoid disturbing the forest ground. Talk about keeping your carbon footprint small while on holiday!
23 kampung-inspired villas
While that is certainly a heartwarming fact, Kasturi Resort has more than interesting wildlife. The resort has 23 villas, inspired by traditional Malay architecture. There are many different villas for different travellers, so there are options for both solo travellers and families.
Villas for every traveller
For example, the Beach Front Family Villa comes with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and direct access to the beach. There is also the Forest View Villa, which is surrounded by greenery. For couples, the Beach Front Villa is perfect. Also, all villas come with their own private plunge pool!
Beautiful, inside & outside
No matter which villa you choose, all guests are treated like VIPs when they arrive. After checking in, you will be whisked away to your villa via buggy. From the outside, the villas look like traditional kampung houses, but the inside will likely wow you.
All the villas come with modern-day conveniences like air-conditioning and Smart TVs. After a long journey, you will be tempted to climb into the large bathtub or take an outdoor shower. Heaven may not be real, but you will certainly feel like you’re there.
Private pool? Yes, please!
When relaxing in the villa, you can choose to laze in the private pool or maybe take a stroll onto the beach right outside. The resort also has a spa, public pool and gym to check out. You can choose to get around either on foot or by hailing the resort buggy.
Meals until you’re Kenyang
Kasturi Resort currently has a single restaurant, the Kenyang. While this limits the number of options you have, the restaurant has a rotating menu which often features delicacies native to the East Coast. Alternatively, you could dine at the many restaurants outside the resort.
Kayaking with fireflies
On the resort grounds is a river leading to the sea, inhabited by otters, which are most active in the early morning. You can actually rent a kayak from the hotel to go exploring. Plus, at night, some parts of the river are alive and rife with fireflies.
It should be mentioned that due to its location, Kasturi Resort has mosquitoes occasionally buzzing around. While it is not too big an issue, you might be bitten every now and then. So consider bringing repellent to spare yourself an itch.
Kayaking with fireflies
If you’d like to check out Kasturi Resort, flying to Kuantan or Kuala Terengganu is a valid option. From the respective airports, it takes an hour or two to get to the resort. Directly driving from KL to Cherating takes about three hours.
How much is it
Due to the luxuries provided, staying at the villas will set you back from RM1,350 onwards. The price is inclusive of a daily breakfast and the mini-bar. There are cheaper alternatives, like studios and suites in the main building, from RM520 onwards.
Worth your time?
While Cherating may not have the same glamour as Bali, Kasturi Resort certainly does its best at making you forget your woes. Whether you are travelling alone or with family, this place will be your own personal peaceful paradise.
Kasturi Resort Cherating
Address: KM 32.5, Jalan Kuantan, Kemaman, 26080 Cherating, Pahang
Contact: +609-5825000
Reservation: reservation@the-kasturi.com
You should also check out: Where can you find this private beachside hotel with white sand, blue sea just 3 hrs from KL?
Image Credit: The-Kasturi.com
