Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Japamala Resort by Samadhi sits on Tioman Island and is exclusively for adults. You get rainforest, timber buildings and direct access to the beach, making it more suited to couples looking to stay put than to a quick island stopover. Each accommodation is arranged to give you privacy and views of either the greenery or the sea.

The interiors use classic timber features and large windows that bring in plenty of natural light. Terraces, balconies and seating areas give you somewhere to have your morning coffee or linger quietly after dinner. Communication is geared towards English-speaking guests.

For a stay as a couple, the set-up is straightforward: adults, rainforest, the beach on your doorstep and a spa for tired shoulders. Families with children aged 13 and over can also book, although check-in is only available from the age of 18.

Tioman Island is part of Malaysia, and the resort stands on the island's southern coast, directly by the sea. You reach the private beach without any detour, with the waters of the South China Sea immediately in front of you. Tropical rainforest begins behind the accommodation, so the layout is easy to understand: sea on one side, jungle on the other.

From the public jetty at Genting, you reach the resort by boat in about ten minutes. The crossing from the jetty at Mersing to Tioman Island takes roughly two hours; rough seas can make the journey longer or alter the service. That is simply part of island travel, so leave some margin rather than planning tight connections.

Genting Beach is about 1.9 miles away and Paya Beach about 3.4 miles. Twin Peaks is roughly 2.8 miles away, the waterfall about 4.0 miles and Tat Turtle Sanctuary around 4.7 miles. Pulau Tioman Airport is approximately 5.6 miles away.

The accommodation differs not just in name but also in position, layout and outdoor space. If you want to stay as close to the water as possible, Beach Sarang is the obvious choice for two: the balcony and direct beach access keep the route from bed to sea pleasantly short. Seaview Sarang adds a kitchenette and partial sea views.

If you need more room and your own small pool, Penghulu's House has two bedrooms and a plunge pool. For couples who would rather stay among the greenery, Jungle Luxe Sarang and Hillside Sarang combine a terrace or hillside setting with a private plunge pool. The cards below this text show the respective sizes and occupancies; for booking purposes, the main question is whether you value beach access, a sea view or a more secluded position in the rainforest.

Air conditioning and a ceiling fan help you settle in during the tropical heat. Every unit has a private bathroom, towels, bathrobes, a hairdryer, shower, wardrobe and seating area. A minibar and tea- and coffee-making facilities cover the first drink, while the flat-screen TV, satellite channels and streaming services can take over in the evening if you are not ready to switch off completely. Daily housekeeping keeps things simple.

Three restaurants give you a choice of meals without requiring a trip to Genting. Tamarind Tioman serves Malaysian dishes. Il Tempio works with Italian recipes, while Mandi-Mandi specialises in grilled food. After a long day in the water, that gives you a practical change of pace: something familiar one evening, island cooking the next.

Breakfast at Tamarind Tioman is available as a buffet or à la carte. Choices include continental, vegetarian and Asian dishes. Special dietary requirements can be catered for on request. There is also a bar area and a minibar for times when you need a drink more than a full meal.

For two, you can also arrange an Island Picnic on the beach, with gourmet touches and local flavours, accompanied by chilled house wine or sangria. Private dinners for two are available as well. After eating, you can stay on site rather than having to look for the next place along the island.

The outdoor pool and whirlpool cover the part of the day when you would rather not put your fins on again. Sun loungers and beach towels are provided for longer breaks, along with a sun terrace, garden and private beach area. There is no need for a packed programme here: after several dives, a book, some shade and a straightforward walk back to your room may be quite enough.

The spa focuses on massages, including back, neck, head, hand, foot and full-body treatments. One treatment is called “Alchemy of Fire & Rain” and uses warming essential oils of cassia, cardamom, basil and fennel. It suits a rainy day on Tioman as well as tired muscles.

If you do want to do something, you can go snorkelling, join guided walks, fish or hike. A golf course is within 1.9 miles. For a quieter hour together, the Island Picnic on the beach is an option, with the surrounding rainforest providing the backdrop.

The journey usually starts at Mersing Jetty, where you take the public ferry to Tioman Island. A shuttle service is available for the onward journey to the resort, and an airport transfer can also be arranged. The boat trip from Genting Jetty to the property takes about ten minutes. Allow extra time, as crossings depend on sea conditions.

Check-in is available between 14:00 and 20:00, while check-out is between 09:30 and 12:00. Tell the resort your expected arrival time in advance. You will need a photo ID and credit card at check-in. Upper floors are accessible by stairs only.

Concierge service, wake-up calls, daily housekeeping and express check-in and check-out help with the practicalities of your stay. Wi-Fi is free in the public areas, although the connection can be interrupted at times because of the island's remote location. Mobile reception is not reliable at the property, so deal with ferry times, booking confirmations and important messages before you make the crossing.