Beach, Please! This Dreamy New Coastal Resort Is About To Become Your Next Holiday Obsession
Let's face it, Singaporeans are totally spoilt for choice when it comes to beach vacations. Besides numerous resorts located at our local beaches in Sentosa, there are also countless options to be found at popular hotspots like Bali, Phuket, Langkawi and Bintan, which are all a short flight away.
But if you're up to discover a real hidden gem on your next seaside getaway, we know just the place! Located on an island off the east coast of Malaysia is The Boathouse Pulau Tioman, a refreshing beachfront resort that just opened its doors at the start of this year. Best of all, you can get there without taking a plane — all it takes is a car-and-ferry combo to kick off your holiday.
To see what all the buzz is about, I spent 3 days at this coastal retreat to try everything it has to offer. Read on to find out the 8 reasons why this new resort stands out as a jewel among beach holiday destinations!
#1: Getting to the resort is a walk in the park
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Hate having to arrange for transport, navigate between connections and brave long journeys before you can even arrive at your holiday destination? Stressing out on vacay is a hard pass for me too, which is why The Boathouse’s seamless door-to-door transfers are a major win in my book!
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The resort handles your travel plans completely, from the moment you step out of your home to your arrival at the check-in desk. Yes, that means you can kick back, relax, and just enjoy the views during the whole journey via land travel from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur to Mersing, as well as on the ferry ride to Pulau Tioman.
Photo from The Boathouse Pulau Tioman
For guests arriving from other countries, convenient transfers are also available from Singapore Changi Airport or Kuala Lumpur International Airport.
#2: You'll stay in a gorgeous bungalow located just steps away from the beach
Photo from The Boathouse Pulau Tioman
I don’t know about you, but I can think of few experiences more luxurious or romantic than staying in a sea-facing bungalow, just metres away from the shoreline. Picture this: watching the sunset over the open water with loved ones from your private balcony, or taking a dip in the sparkling sea minutes after walking out the door.
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That’s exactly what visitors to The Boathouse Pulau Tioman get to enjoy during their stay and more! If that already sounds like a dream, wait till you see the inside of these bungalows. Each one comes furnished with sophisticated and thoughtfully designed furniture, inspired by traditional Malay elements.
Photo from The Boathouse Pulau Tioman
You can also pick from a wide selection of bungalows with different layouts to accommodate your needs: there are ones that offer picturesque garden or sea views, family bungalows with connecting rooms, two-storey lofts, and even 2-3 bedroom beach houses for larger groups who require more space.
P.S. Each room comes well-stocked with elegant bathroom toiletries and incredibly useful amenities like umbrellas, slippers, and bathrobes. Plus, guests can also look out for lovely welcome gifts upon arrival!
#3: It's the perfect blend of elegant luxury and rustic, traditional kampung living
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From the continuous noise of construction and traffic to the piles of work waiting to be completed on your office desk, or even the constant stress of too many options, the environmental stress caused by city living can get overwhelming and exhausting for even the most resilient of us.
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Which is why the tranquil, kampung-inspired surroundings and vibrant seascapes at The Boathouse makes for such a welcome respite away from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Every aspect of the resort, whether it’s the rustic-style buildings, lush greenery, or intimately designed settings, is perfectly tailored to help you retreat from modern distractions and immerse yourself in the joys of simple living.
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There are plenty of activities for visitors of all ages to indulge in: play traditional games like capteh and congka, make and fly your own kites, take on your family and friends in volleyball, sepak takraw, pool, or arcade game matches, or even try your hand at cooking authentic Malaysian dishes!
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Unlike more commonly visited beach destinations, Pulau Tioman is still far from being an overcrowded tourist hotspot. You can easily arrange for a day trip to the nearby towns to take in the charming views and do a little souvenir shopping. There are no snaking lines for the nearby ice cream store, nor throngs of visitors waiting for their turn to pose at the 'most Instagrammable spots' on the island!
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Instead, you’ll get to reconnect with nature and explore the island's beauty at your own pace. Sightseeing enthusiasts can take a leisurely hike to catch a glimpse of treasures like Tioman's Dragon's Horns, Asah Waterfall, and the ancient Mother Willow at Kampung Paya, while safely exploring fascinating facts about local flora and fauna with the help of a local guide.
#4: The resort is surrounded by sparkling, clear blue waters
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Not only is the view of the sea absolutely gorgeous when seen from the resort, its water is clean, crystal-clear and perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and other water activities too. Guests can directly access it via one of Pulau Tioman’s most pristine and secluded beaches, filled with soft and white sand.
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Oh, and did I mention? The Boathouse has its very own private jetty which leads directly up to the bungalows and premises. Yes, that means guests are free to take walks along the jetty, which offers amazing 360-degree views of the stunning water and coastline from day to night! It’s also home to many potential photo-taking angles (for those who are already planning their ideal vacation pictures) — just be careful to stay away from the sides, especially for the water-challenged amongst us.
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Naturally, you can find complimentary beach equipment including loungers, towels and umbrellas for your leisurely day at the beach. Those who are looking for a bit more action can embark on the resort’s exciting range of water activities, such as diving, snorkelling, cruises, fishing trips, or even an entire one-day guided round-island expedition that will take you to multiple kampungs, neighbouring islands, and a marine park.
Photo from The Boathouse Pulau Tioman
I particularly enjoyed the snorkelling experience thanks to the unparalleled visibility offered by the clear waters. This guided adventure will take you to the island's most famous snorkelling spots, where you can explore colourful coral reefs and stand the chance to encounter turtles, stingrays, and multicoloured schools of tropical fish.
#5: There are plenty of opportunities and spaces to mingle and meet new people
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What makes a good beach stay great? If you ask me, it’s all about the company and people you meet! The Boathouse makes it easy to form friendly connections with fellow vacationers and staff alike with their myriad resort activities and laidback spaces.
One of the resort’s must-visit spots is the tiki-style, open-air Beach Bar located near the restaurant and pool. It’s where you can join in on the Sunset Mingle from 6pm to 7pm daily, where guests can grab a refreshing drink and light bites while enjoying lively conversations by the sea.
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Of course, the view of the pool is not to be missed either. If you’ve watched Single’s Inferno on Netflix, you’ll understand exactly why the pool area at The Boathouse made me feel like I had found my way on set!
This isn’t your average small ‘infinity’ pool: by day, it’s a shimmering oasis that looks plucked from the pages of a luxury travel magazine, and by evening, it reflects the lively atmosphere of the restaurant and offers a gorgeous view of the sunset.
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For all you ardent seaside and poolside loungers, the magic doesn’t stop there. The resort plans special dinners on certain nights, where the restaurant will transform into a themed dining extravaganza unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
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During my stay, I was fortunate enough to catch a beachside BBQ-themed dinner complete with a small beachside bonfire, freshly grilled dishes served via pop-up ‘hawker stalls’, enjoyed while seated alfresco by the beach under the sparkle of fairy lights. Guests will certainly get the chance to join in on some unexpected conversations during these events, and who knows — you may just find yourself a vacation friendship or two!
#6: Every meal will keep you on your toes and craving more
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On that note, when you’re about to spend most of your time at a beachside resort, you know the food prepared there is going to play a huge part in your trip. That's why I simply have to highlight that The Boathouse’s dining options are as impressive as its breathtaking coastal views!
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While the resort’s restaurant, Attap Seed, serves up a delightful mix of local and international cuisine, it’s their take on traditional Malay and other Asian dishes like Beef Rendang, Sambal Seafood, Nasi Lemak, Nasi Goreng, Oxtail Soup, and many curry varieties that steal the spotlight. There are also a variety of delightful beverages, fruits, desserts and more available to complement the mains, helping each meal stay balanced.
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You can expect to find an all-different menu at breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, carefully prepared with rich spices and diverse flavours of the region and delivering an explosion of flavour with each bite! Every dish is Halal-friendly and puts a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients while offering options for vegetarians, pescatarians and gluten-free diners.
I would highly recommend trying the buffet service to fully enjoy the mouthwatering spread that the Attap Seed team puts together each day, but smaller eaters or those looking for a snack can also opt to be served ala carte.
#7: Protecting the environment and reef conservation is a top priority
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At The Boathouse, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a fundamental part of the resort’s ethos. Crafted from renewable, locally sourced timber that complements the surrounding tropical rainforest, the property emphasises the use of local materials in its construction and design. It’s also built with environmentally friendly practices in mind, including the use of renewable energy sources like solar panelling and rainwater harvesting.
At every turn you’ll spot proof of the resort’s commitment to minimising its carbon footprint and implementing waste reduction measures, such as water-saving fixtures and recycling programs.
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Guests are provided with drinking water in reusable glass bottles every day, and can freely top up their bottles at designated water fountains located around the resort — there’s one placed right at the Attap Seed restaurant for easy access! Even the toiletries included inside the rooms are eco-friendly and stored in refillable containers to minimise plastic waste.
The Boathouse has also partnered with Reef Check Malaysia to help protect the delicate and endangered coral reefs around the island, which keep the marine ecosystem thriving and the seawater clean and clear. As these reefs face constant environmental threats from climate change, tourism and development, the resort’s conservation efforts are a huge green flag for those who want to travel cleaner and more sustainably.
#8: The Boathouse makes you forget you're even on a beach vacation
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It's common for vacation-goers to come to the end of their trip feeling like it was all over way too quickly. I often spend the last day of my travels dreading the return to work and reality — but surprisingly this did not happen at the end of my stay at The Boathouse.
The reason is simple. This resort's homey, relaxing atmosphere makes guests feel completely at ease, like they're spending quality time at a friend or relative's home, only with plenty of top-class amenities.
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With every quiet stroll on the beach, nature hike, swim in the crystal-blue waters, and homecooked meal at Attap Seed, I found myself gradually unwinding and enjoying the simple tranquillity of the island so much that I sometimes forgot I was on holiday at all.
And with that, I unconsciously left behind the high expectations and pressure to have the most enjoyable 'beach vacation' possible, turning my full attention to actually having fun, enjoying the good company and soaking in the stunning views instead.
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So if you also seek the sort of vacation that will have you returning home feeling restful and recharged despite the endless activities and fun in the sun you had, I say: put The Boathouse Pulau Tioman at the top of your list!
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