Tanjung Sanctuary Langkawi

Would I stay at this location again:

Absolutely!

Comments:

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Tanjung Sanctuary. It is a peaceful setting surrounded by both flora and fauna. From the large balcony that was facing the beach we could see both leaf monkeys and macaques on a daily basis, coming to forage in the treetops ( leaf monkeys ) or by the rock formations adjacent to the beach ( macaques ). Various birds were visible in the trees and in the sky above the beach ( hornbills, fish eagles and assorted smaller birds. At breakfast there were frequent visits from the local monitor lizard population on the rocks below the restaurant which had a magnificent location on a point overlooking the sea. The beachfront villa was spacious and very simply(bordering on rustically)decorated. For the physically challenged and elderly there is a major problem as all units require the use of stairs because the whole area is on a major slope. For those looking for resort activities, entertainment and a party atmosphere, this is definitely not the place for you. Go to Phuket instead. For the people looking to rejuvenate, enjoy solitude with a partner or family this place is for you. There are a few rustic wooden loungers on the beach but no umbrellas ( tree shade is limited ). The water is very user friendly and safe for small children during dry season. ( our visit was the last week of February ). The resort is isolated so a car is recommended ( by us ). There are taxis available to go to the marina area ( closest location for restaurants outside the resort) or the Oriental Village ( next to the Langkawi Cable Car station ) for those that are not comfortable driving on the left side of the road. Eat at the resort only if absolutely necessary. The preparation of the food seems to have the same refrain: peppery and spicy even if one requests none of the previous. The dinner menu is very limited and does not include Western cuisine. The closest mini-mart is at the gas station across from the marina. There is also a bank and ATM machine and a KFC in the mall adjacent to the mini-mart. The average cost to go to the mini-mart/marina area is about 16 RM and Cable Car/Oriental Village about 20 RM. A trip to the mini-mart ( return ), Oriental Village (return) and visit to Tengah Beach (return) could equal the cost of a car rental for the day if done by taxi. All sightseeing may be done independently on Langkawi without the necessity of " guided " tours. It is hard to get lost as there are a limited number of roads. The trip from/to the airport is painless and fast. The cost by taxi is 20RM each way. From the ferry jetty in Kuah the taxi was 30 RM. NOTE:We found having a car of our own much more convenient to explore the island. There are some negatives at the Tanjung Sanctuary. We have the following suggestions for the improvement at the Tanjung Sanctuary in order for it to be noted as a Four Star Establishment: * The beachfront units are very spacious and comfortable but the furniture is worn. All furniture should be updated in order for the resort to be noted as a Four Star establishment. The glass doors are outdated as well. They need to be replaced with new proper sliding glass patio doors. * The beach towels are threadbare and "ratty" so they need to provide clients with proper pool and beach towels and not the old bathroom throw-away-towels as they are currently doing *The pool water quality is not good. We did not enter the pool all week because the water was cloudy- in great need of the use of a clarifier agent. * The beach area is naturally beautiful, however, the few rickity wooden lounges must be replaced with Four star quality furniture enough for at least 20 people to enjoy this lovely setting. * The four current broken-down wooden "palapa" beach umbrellas must be removed from the beach since it is an eyesore to this beautiful environment. * Beach umbrellas must be provided as well as small tables for clients to set their drinks etc. on. * The beach must be cleaned each day after high tide since many plastic objects wash on shore. This results in a very littered beach. This is not only an eyesore and unhealthy to guests but very bad for the animals living at the Sanctuary There should be workers assigned to this task. These workers should be supervised by a person of authority since their work habits are questionable. NOTE:Workers cleaned the beach once during our stay and they dumped the rubbish/garbage further up the beach behind the shrubs where they think most of the guests do not go to. Unfortunately this area is one of the best parts of the beach where the water is clearest, calmest and most private. Having made all these practical suggestions, we look forward to seeing these suggestions implemented when we return to Tanjung Sanctuary in the near future. It is a magical place and ,therefore, should be better maintained.