This September term vacation, I wasn’t able to bring the children anywhere for a holiday. While they didn’t mind (being relieved to simply have time to goof off a bit), I personally felt a little nostalgic for the days when I could just take off at a moment’s notice. Travel has always been important to me, not as a break to do nothing, but a chance to experience so much more. So I did the next best thing: I trawled through my old travel photographs. One of the loveliest holidays I’ve had with just M5, was enjoyed in January 2017 when we went to Pangkor Laut Resort. http://Singapore.ytlhotels.com
Getting There
M5 was four years old at the time, terribly excited to go on her first mother-daughter trip with me and was very pleased with our matching paper plane print outfits. I remember being relieved that she was in good spirits throughout our hour-long flight to Ipoh. A car met us at the airport and sent us to the Marina 90 minutes away. M5 found the Pangkor Laut Resort spa menu in the pocket of the carseat and occupied herself describing the photos to her Peppa Pig, promising it a very luxe holiday, until we read that children under 16 weren’t allowed in the spa. Any disappointment was eradicated by the enormously fun 20 minute speedboat ride that hurtled us right to the pier of paradise.
Island Specials
Views
The moment I set foot on the pier of Pangkor Laut Resort, I felt a great weight lift, as if I had been transported into an enchanted rainforest faraway from the frenetic mania I had left behind. In fact, Pangkor Laut Resort was unobstrusively developed on the cusp of a private island, much of which remains undisturbed. As a result, the surrounding views were astounding, yet calming. I felt at once humbled and protected by a greater force that had created the vast stretches of beach, the emerald waters that yawned away from the bay and the swathes of dense green foliage that cloaked the island. More than anything, I was so grateful to be able to share this experience with my daughter.
Wildlife
As we wandered through Pangkor Laut Resort, M5 was delighted to see a number of hornbills including a family who had build a nest next to our villa and a tree that was plastered with a multitude of bats.
Pangkor Laut Resort
Staff
It must be the pure air on the island but I found the staff exceptionally friendly and kind. In fact, M5 got on so well with the chambermaid that she would help her make the bed whenever she came around. Led by my tummy, I myself sought out and befriended the chefs, who gamely posed for photos.
Pool
Without a doubt, if I had gone to Pangkor Laut Resort on my own, I would’ve spent all my afternoons at the spa. However, as M5 was underaged, we lounged by the pool instead, taking in the view and just being silly. It was also here at the Royal Bay Beach Club that we discovered our favorite dish of the trip: Ipoh Sar Hor Fun.
Beach
Whenever we weren’t at the infinity pool, we were playing on the beach. M5 enjoyed splashing around the bay, trying to catch fish that darted around in the clear water. Unsurprisingly, my favorite part about the beach was the wonderful lunch we had at Chapman’s Bar, at a table that was picturesquely nestled on the soft white sand yet in the cool shade of the trees.
Eating On The Island
Breakfast with Nature
Now, I must confess that I hardly eat breakfast on a regular day; it just seems like such a waste of time when I could grab a few extra minutes’ sleep instead. Yet here in Pangkor Laut Resort, I looked forward to breakfast everyday. M5 & I always chose a table right next to the water. Then she would scamper around the vastly arrayed buffet tables looking for all sorts of treats. Left alone for awhile, I would sip my coffee, listening to the waves lapping close by, while the breeze sighed through the leaves and scattered flowers in its wake. It felt like a great way to start the day, being one with nature.
Dinner on the Rocks
Similarly, the dining experience at Uncle Lim’s Kitchen, left a deep impression because the restaurant itself was built on and around a rocky prominence. M5 had a grand time clambering around the rocks that protruded out of the flooring, and poking about the stairs overlooking the Straits of Malacca. She was rewarded when she discovered a monitor lizard lurking just below the restaurant. Meanwhile I missed all the action as I chatted with Chef who recommended some of their Nyonya and Hockchew dishes. I felt so honored to meet (Chef) Uncle Lim himself, a legend on the island.
Precious Memories
Before I left the island I was pleased to get my hands on an antique plate from a sunken ship, part of the recovered treasure that was for sale.
Meanwhile, M5 had acquired treasure of a different sort. Amidst the sunbathing retirees and moonbathing couples, M5 found the only other family who had brought a small child her age. The young girls picked flowers for each other’s hair, deciphered maps of the island and bounced around together. I’m delighted to share that they remain good friends today, a modern version of penpals, sending each other voice memos and photographs via their mummies’ mobile phones. It’s really the sweetest thing. (Addendum: I’m pleased to share more tales about their friendship subsequently when Celebrating M5 turning 6 by eating through Kuala Lumpur )
So, I never visited the famous spa on Pangkor Laut Resort. I do plan to go back with M1-3 to attempt the annual Chapman’s race, or with M4 whom I know will adore the wildlife but I also have M5 clamouring to return. So maybe my next trip there still won’t be an idyllic spa vacation still but a raucous family party. Whatever it turns out to be, I’m certain we’ll make more memories to treasure.
