Tanjung Sanctuary is on a small, hilly, jungle clad peninsula in the north west of Langkawi. The luxury, boutique resort had its soft opening in May and I was fortunate to stay there then, very fortunate. My wife, daughter and I had the place to ourselves. Since it won’t be fully open until the end of the year, small adjustments are being made, there’s a chance that if you go soon it might be the same for you too. This is a place that simply must be experienced as it’s the perfect romantic retreat amid nurturing nature. Ok, you’re thinking I probably stayed for free and am therefore duty bound to say that but you are wrong. Not wrong about me staying there for free but wrong to question my assertion that you must experience this place. It’s very close to paradise on Earth. Really, sincerely!

On the tip of the peninsula there’s a magical restaurant perched on stilts, waves crashing all around and with views to behold. The menu is kept simple with a handful of quality Western and Asian offerings. During the day guests can watch as the local fleet heads out to the fishing grounds, majestic eagles circle, and monitor lizards bask when the tide recedes. In the evening the sun sets and a zillion stars come out. Back from the restaurant there’s a cooling pool and by the time you read this it will probably be served by an extensive bar. The landward side of the peninsula is rocky with views over Langkawi and it gets the sun in the morning. The western side looks out to the Indian Ocean. Occasionally yachts from the marina can be seen venturing forth and there’s the exceedingly fine beach. Tanjung Sanctuary’s beach is perfectly horse shoe shaped with rocky headlands at both ends. Jungle is loud and proud all around with some mangrove swamp and it’s small and perfectly formed, not more than 500 metres point to point. It has white sand and water depth that falls away rapidly so that at high tide three to four steps are all that’s required to take you out of your depth. Anyway, the picture says a thousand words, you can see for yourself, I’ll move on.

The sanctuary is also a reserve, the 16 villas (32 rooms) taking up just 2.4 hectares of the 25 hectare chunk of proper jungle. Groups of monkeys live in the reserve, macaques but also the loveable dusky leaf monkeys. These peaceful vegetarians are to be found in the trees around the villas in the morning partaking of a leafy breakfast. They may be found round the pool later. There are even flying monkeys that glide through the night. One almost landed on my head. Giant squirrels make a bit of din sometimes as do the hornbills and beautiful geckos adorn the trees like jewels. Fun tours are given by highly informed members of staff like nature guide Hairun and recreation supervisor Amalina who are all too happy to impart some of their extensive knowledge of the jungle to guests. For these tours its best to wear trousers, covered footwear and take water. Remember, the jungle isn’t a place for the faint hearted.

The villas are appointed to the highest standard with a Malay and Asian theme but quality and taste are the deciding factors for the fittings. IKEA doesn’t figure. At over 80 square metres, the rooms are large with a sofa, dining table and a big balcony and bathroom. The balcony has a sofa recliner, perfect for chilling and reading on and the bathroom has a deep Japanese bath, again perfect for reclining in. There’s nothing threadbare or down at heal about this, it’s all brand new.

Finally, the staff have been handpicked by the urbane and gracious General Manager, Thiry Camille, a Belgian who has spent more than 15 years on Langkawi. He has done a commendable job of refurbishing Tanjung Sanctuary and has staffed it with a reassuringly, some might say refreshingly, competent team.

Worth noting for those lucky enough to be staying so long that they may wish to consider an excursion one evening – a short trip north to Telaga Harbour is well worth it for the Tapaz restaurant alone. It offers sensational, authentic Spanish cuisine with knock out cocktails.

We Expats love Langkawi and with good reason. With the reopening of Tanjung Sanctuary it just got even better. Call them soon to arrange your stay.

See www.tanjungsanctuary.com.my for more details or call 04.952 0222