Malaysia Travelogue: Taaras Beach and Spa Resort (and everything in between)

It was my first time visiting Malaysia, and to be honest it was very long due already. That is why when I got an email invitation from The Bergaya Hotels and Resorts team to explore Redang Island and discover Taaras Beach and Spa Resort, who am I to say no.

I have a handful of friends who are based in Malaysia and I have been hearing / reading so many things about the Philippines neighboring country. To say that I was excited to explore Malaysia (and not only KL) is an understatement.

I guess like me, your first plan is to look for a destination then look for a place to stay, right? The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort gives you the best of both worlds as this resort is already a destination by itself. More about this at the later part of this blog. Let me bring you first on my journey, traveling 4 hours from Manila to Kuala Lumpur and waiting more than 12 hours before we travel to Redang Island.

[caption id="attachment_4956" align="alignnone" width="800"] A little postcard greeting inside my room at the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort[/caption]

PRE PARADISE TRIP (FIRST IMPRESSION)

I had a very smooth travel from Manila to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur. I took a budget airline flight via Air Aisia where I got a 20% fare discount just by using their mobile app. I arrived around 10am at the KLIA (airport name), at first, I got confused to the location of the immigration area as the farther I walked the lesser people I saw, at one point even, I found myself walking alone in the airport.

Immigration done and I am out! Yey! So, first order of business, exchange money and get a sim card, which by the way, don’t do it in the airport. As an avid traveler, I should have known already that the exchange rate at the airport area are ridiculously low (I did anyway cause---yeah, I need money). Also the sim card deals are better when you reach KL Sentral. If you have a credit card, use it to book for your Uber or buy your Express Train ticket to KL Sentral and change your money (USD) there.--- just a tip but not a rule ok?

[caption id="attachment_4944" align="alignnone" width="800"] Ticket to ride the KLIA Express[/caption]

To get out of the airport you can either get:

KLIA Express Train: 55 rm (I took this option)

BUS: 12 rm (if you are not in a hurry, I suggest you take this)

UBER/ Grab : around 85 rm (well, if you have cash to spare who am I to stop you?)

My first agenda for the day is to have a lunch date with the Berjaya Hotels and Resorts team. They knew that I will arrive early and they were so sweet to invite me over (aaaw).

As a typical first timer in a big city, I got lost inside the KL Sentral. I didn’t realize it to be so huge and at one point I found my self inside a mall where the monorail station can be found.

The monorail is so easy to navigate and I found myself at the Berjaya Times Square (just a few minutes late) for our scheduled lunch.

We had lunch at the Berjaya Times Square Hotel’s Big Apple Restaurant. It was a perfect first meal in KL as the view from the restaurant showed a little overview of the whole KL town center. I ordered the Grilled Chicken with Mash which was AMAZING!!

[caption id="attachment_4967" align="alignnone" width="800"] Grilled chicken anyone?  This is super yummy![/caption]

Ok done with lunch and a little chitchat with the team but I still have 7 hours to roam around and kill time before our official trip launch. From Times Square, the best place and closest to visit for a first time tourist, is Bukit Bintang.

[caption id="attachment_4937" align="alignnone" width="800"] The shops around Bukit Bintang[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRIFpQcAVJV/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Bukit Bintang is known at KL’s shopping district. I got overwhelmed with the number of shops in the area. For someone who didn’t have any plan to shop, I got tricked to buy a few items from Uniqlo (haha).

A few minutes walk (depending on your pace) you can reach KLCC. I didn’t know it then, but when I reached KLCC, I just realized that I was standing at the foot of The Petronas Tower. YEY! It is also a shopping mall, so pretty much I went from one mall to another. I saw one of my Bruneian friend there who was covering a story of the KL Shopping Festival.

It was an interesting kick starter of my trip around Malaysia (why around? You’ll find out at the end of this blog haha).

Time to go back Berjaya Times Square and meet the other participants.

THE TRIP TO REDANG

11pm, we gathered at the Berjaya Times Square Starbucks, a total of 35ish influencers, blogger/vloggers and editors. I met a handful during a brief chitchat over a cup of coffee and quiche (so hipster haha).

[caption id="attachment_4965" align="alignnone" width="800"] We were given this for our ID badge. Check out all these hashtags in your social media to see all of the things we did.[/caption]

1am, off we go! It was almost a 7hour bus drive to Kuala Terengganu where we had our breakfast at China Town (note that most of the food here are not halal). After breakfast, we roam around the cute colorful town. Very different from what I saw back in KL. Little houses painted with bright pastel colors and shops offering a quick snack to visitors.

[caption id="attachment_4964" align="alignnone" width="800"] Where we had our breakfast[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4963" align="alignnone" width="800"] There are numerous food stalls offering breakfast along China Town[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4962" align="alignnone" width="800"] My big breakfast!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4961" align="alignnone" width="800"] The colorful houses around Terengganu[/caption]

We drove a little more to reach the Merang Waterfront Jetty. This part was very interesting. I have been in countless boat rides. My home country, the Philippines is not a stranger to motorboats. In fact, whenever you get out of Manila to explore south of the Philippines, most likely your itinerary will involve riding a small motorboat. But even if you think you are immune to sea-sickness, we were strongly advised to take 2 tablets of sea-sick pills……

[caption id="attachment_4959" align="alignnone" width="800"] Our 10 seater boat that will bring us to Redang Island[/caption]

….right so, I almost got nauseated. I think, if we will last another 10 minutes, I might loose it. The reason was, the time of our visit was the end of the monsoon and the waters were still very choppy. To put it into words, we were flying up and down for 1 hour and a half. I guess it wasn’t only me who will say that I am glad it was over. (watch my vlog below to have an idea).

Surely the way to paradise ain't easy, and rightly so, we arrived in PARA-PARA-PARADISE.

TAARAS BEACH AND SPA RESORT

The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort is Berjaya Group’s most prized possession. The name Taaras came from a Sanskrit language meaning “Goddess of the sea”, “the Star”, and “The Apple of My Eye”. It is definitely the star of Redang Island.

[caption id="attachment_4934" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Taaras Beach with the view of their luxury private villa[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4955" align="alignnone" width="800"] The peaceful beach[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4936" align="alignnone" width="800"] yheap...para para paradise @evansiau[/caption]

Situated on a concealed area of Redang Island, away from the busy port, you can easily feel that you are in your own private beach.

We were greeted with a glass of pinacolada and right away ushered to our designated rooms to change our wet clothes.

MY ROOM

My room looked amazing. Everything spells TROPICAL PARADISE. My room was located at the 2^nd floor of a 2-storey chalet. The room has its own living area, I got 2 beds (so I can invite people for a party haha) and a shower complete with a tub. Also, because I was at the 2^nd floor I got a good view of our part of the resort.

[caption id="attachment_4958" align="alignnone" width="800"] The view from my room. Also, my chalet looks similar.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4957" align="alignnone" width="800"] Bedroom[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4942" align="alignnone" width="800"] Living area[/caption]

Our visit or should I say, ‘rediscovering trip’ was pretty chill. Most of our itineraries involved eating and free time (just the way I like it).

FOOD

Let’s start with the generous buffet spread. After freshening up, we immediately went to the buffet area and had our big lunch. This is also the same place where we had our daily breakfast where they offer continental and Asian cuisines.

For dinner, we stayed away from the normal buffet option. For the first night, we had it at the Beach Brasserie, where a set menu were prepared for us, complete with a designated table with our names on it (so fancy).

[caption id="attachment_4954" align="alignnone" width="800"] Feeling super special...can you see my name?[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4953" align="alignnone" width="800"] Tuna Carpaccio with Wasabi and Miso Dressing..whew[/caption]

The 2^nd night, we had dinner served in the luxury private villa. We were also given a tour around the villa worth 23,000rm/night. Talk about luxury. Situated at the edge of the property (not really sure if this is the correct description), but it is on a cliff over looking the Taaras Beach. The view is A+mazing!

[caption id="attachment_4948" align="alignnone" width="800"] The grand salon inside the luxury private villa[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4947" align="alignnone" width="800"] Literally on the edge[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BROb6qwANsF/?taken-by=kennethsurat

[caption id="attachment_4945" align="alignnone" width="800"] Our Malaysian carousel . Yheap, RENDANG!!![/caption]

For our last night, and also sort of our send off dinner, we joined the hotel’s barbecue night. Think of satay, steak, seafood! YES!

[caption id="attachment_4931" align="alignnone" width="800"] All grill-goodness[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4932" align="alignnone" width="800"] Serving the dish hot hot hot[/caption]

THE BEACH, POOL, SNORKEL and DIVE

During our free time (which was most of the time), we chose to chill by the beach. Either play with the waves and body surf or just lounge around the nearby beach bar. We also had a chance to snorkel while those with license went scuba diving.

Redang boasts as one of the best diving spots in Malaysia and Taaras as a 5-star Padi Dive Resort.

[caption id="attachment_4933" align="alignnone" width="800"] Free diving and snorkeling activities....@ahsrajavideo[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4949" align="alignnone" width="800"] Playing with the waves....@desmond_tey[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4941" align="alignnone" width="800"] Lounging at the pool....@reinalum[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4951" align="alignnone" width="800"] ....or simply having a great time with friends (@wayne_wayne23 and @travelinspiration360)[/caption]

PRIMA AIR

Part of our activities and also the main reason why we got invited was to be a witness to the signing of the MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) between Berjaya Hotels and Resorts and Prima Air.

Remember our scary boat ride? If you are planning to visit Taaras, you now have an option to skip this and hop on a chartered flight via Prima Air. YEY!! You can book this option directly when booking a room at the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort, as easy as that.

[caption id="attachment_4952" align="alignnone" width="800"] Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between Berjaya and Prima Air[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4946" align="alignnone" width="800"] With the pilot of the first Prima Air flight to Redang[/caption]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRKxnKhAZOX/?taken-by=kennethsurat

The few days I spent at the Taaras, gave me a view of a different side of Malaysia. Something I am familiar with back home but somehow still very different. I guess the luxurious experience that is not very intimidating gives it a relaxed tropical feeling that everyone will surely enjoy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BRN54DCAp8N/?taken-by=kennethsurat

Will I recommend this place? Definitely! In fact I already did and some of my friends will be visiting this summer.

Watch the full Vlog on my experience at the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort below (also subscribe to my youtube channel ^^).



This is my first blog of my trip around Malaysia. My 4 days trip turned into almost 1 month and I have explored other attractions and states around the country. Watch out for more blogs and vlogs about Malaysia soon.

---

This trip was in collaboration with Berjaya Hotels and Resort.

Berjaya Hotels & Resorts is a member of the Berjaya Corporation Group of Companies, a public listed Malaysian conglomerate. Presently, the group manages Berjaya properties in Malaysia, Asia Pacific and UK. From the exotic island resorts of Langkawi, Tioman and Redang, to the city hotels of Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Penang in Malaysia, Berjaya Hotels & Resorts’ prominence extends across borders with the establishment of international hotels and resorts in Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Seychelles and United Kingdom. The group also owns and operates a commercial airline, service suites and exclusive golf & country clubs in Malaysia. Visit online at www.berjayahotel.com for more information.

 

Islas De Gigantes: Your Next Summer Getaway

Summer is coming and the quest to look for an 'Island Getaway' is on. Call it being biased but I still believe that the Philippines is home of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

I must admit that I still need to discover more of the 7,600++ islands of the Archipelago, but last year, I can say that I have been in one of the best island destinations that the Philippine has to offer.

A group of Islands called Islas de Gigantes most popularly known as the Gigantes Group of Islands.

[caption id="attachment_4907" align="alignnone" width="800"] The Islas de Gigantes Poster Island: Cabugao Gamay[/caption]

Part of the province of Iloilo off the coast of Carles, we went to the Islands on a trip tailored by Las Islas Travel and Tours all the way from Capiz.

We were so happy to be hosted by Las Islas Travel and Tours as they are the only DOT accredited tour operator in the Gigantes Group of Islands, this means that we are in good hands (details on how to reach them at the end of the blog).

[caption id="attachment_4910" align="alignnone" width="800"] Fishermen and traders at the Carles port[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4912" align="alignnone" width="800"] Our boatman from Las Islas Travel and Tours[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4908" align="alignnone" width="800"] Leaving the port area and off to a new adventure[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4903" align="alignnone" width="800"] A boat reminding us our location in the Philippines ^^[/caption]

On our boat ride to Cabugao Gamay where we will stay at Maruja Flora’s Island Resort we already had a glimpse of the several Islands we will be visiting. These islands are, Cabugao Dako, Bantique Sandbar, Anotnia Beach, Gigantes Norte Island, Bantique Sandbar, Pulupandan Island and Tangke Lagoon.

CABUGAO GAMAY ISLAND

[caption id="attachment_4887" align="alignnone" width="800"] Even from the shore, you can easily see how clear the waters are[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4886" align="alignnone" width="800"] My friend @jelitodeleon admiring the island through his lens. Check out his photos at www.jelitodeleon.com[/caption]

When we arrived at Cabugao Gamay, I was so surprised when they told us that we will stay there. This island looks like PARADISE. Imagine, you have a beach on both sides. Like an island sand bar (hmmm just look at the photos to understand what I am saying). No wonder it is the POSTER-ISLAND.

Though it lacks the convenience of most hotels, our accommodation is perfect to experience life in the island.

The most famous thing to do in the island is to climb one of the limestone hills and have a view of the whole island and islands near it from the top. Because we technically lived there, we had a chance to experience this beautiful view early in the morning and just before sunset.

[caption id="attachment_4876" align="alignnone" width="800"] yheap! We climbed that hill during sunrise and sunset.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4888" align="alignnone" width="800"] The breathtaking view from the top of the hill[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4881" align="alignnone" width="800"] Because everyone needs a selfie here. hahaha[/caption]

Though we only have a day to hop around the islands, I felt it was enough to at least get introduced to them.

GIGANTES NORTE ISLAND

First stop was the Barangay-Island called Gigantes Norte Island. While walking on the shore, we saw hills of scallop shells by the beach. It was the first time I saw such a thing. At some point we were actually walking on scallop shells.

We explored the town riding a motorbike aka ‘habal-habal’ and went first to the abandoned light house (dramatic photo time—lol).

[caption id="attachment_4902" align="alignnone" width="800"] Mountains and mountains of shells can be found along the shore of the beach[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4889" align="alignnone" width="800"] Mode of transportation: HABAL HABAL!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4898" align="alignnone" width="800"] On our way to the light house.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4897" align="alignnone" width="800"] One of the main attraction in the island is the abandoned lighthouse.[/caption]

Walking around the area, we saw kids selling several crafts made from shell, they said they are using the money they earn as allowance for school. I love that this village doesn’t look so commercialized but at the same time, residents can also benefit from its tourism potential.

Our last stop for our land tour was the Bakwitan Cave. At first, I was not really keen to visit the cave as in the previous trip we had (in Antique), we got a bit traumatized with the number of hiking/trekking we did, but of course, I have to say yes to adventure or else I will leave this place thinking what if. To our surprise, the trek to the cave wasn’t that hard, and maneuvering inside the cave was easy to average in difficulty.

[caption id="attachment_4896" align="alignnone" width="800"] At the mouth of Bakwitan Cave.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4899" align="alignnone" width="800"] We met a young girl selling little turtles made from small shells.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4894" align="alignnone" width="800"] A small sari-sari store, which also serves as a souvenir shop and apparently a printing shop.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4895" align="alignnone" width="800"] We saw him eating a wasay wasay (some kind of a hybrid between an oyster and a mussel). He offered us to have a little taste ^^. YUM[/caption]

TANGKE LAGOOD

Our visit was perfect. The Tangke Lagoon was closed for rehabilitation and was finally opened a few days before we arrived. Though going to the lagoon was challenging and scary, the view inside was totally worth it. The place was like our own private natural swimming pool. Easily my favorite.

[caption id="attachment_4892" align="alignnone" width="800"] The access to the Tangke Lagoon (the current was so strong that our boat can't dock properly)[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4891" align="alignnone" width="800"] The lagoon was rehabilitated and we were among the first to visit it.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4890" align="alignnone" width="800"] one of my favorite spots in the whole Gigantes Group of Islands[/caption]

CABUGAO DAKO ISLAND

Cabugao Dako, which means directly translates as Cabugao Big, got its name as a comparison to Cabugao Gamay. Here, you can swim, snorkel and even cliff dive (which it is famous for). Me and my friend Hannah, chose to cliff dive while the rest of our friends enjoyed the blue waters.

[caption id="attachment_4884" align="alignnone" width="800"] A limestone formation at the edge of the island where my friend Hannah and I cliff dived.[/caption]

ANTONIA BEACH

Antonia Beach is the most developed resort in the group of islands. You can even rent as snorkel here. From a far, it looks like a real resort with colored flags all over the beach. Just like Cabugao Gamay, it is also in between 2 limestone hills creating a beach on both sides of the island.

[caption id="attachment_4883" align="alignnone" width="800"] The closest to a commercial beach that the Group of Islands can offer.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4882" align="alignnone" width="800"] The view from the top of one of its hills[/caption]

BANTIQUE SANDBAR

Bantique Sandbar, a huge sand bar right across Cabugao Gamay. What we did there? Hmmmm play on the sand and watch the sun – almost – set. They said it is better to visit the sand bar when the sun is still high, this way, you can see it shining really white.

[caption id="attachment_4880" align="alignnone" width="800"] A long stretch of sand bar.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4879" align="alignnone" width="800"] It was very hypnotizing to see how these waves intersect each other.[/caption]

After the Bantique Sandbar, we went back to Cabugao Gamay and watch the sunset properly there. It was magical. I said this so many times already, THE PHILIPPINES HAS THE BEST SUNSET IN THE WORLD.

[caption id="attachment_4877" align="alignnone" width="800"] Sunset in the Philippines is just L O V E[/caption]

PULUPANDAN ISLAND

One interesting island we passed by was the Pulupandan Island. An island with a single coconut tree in the middle. Yheap, like the emoji.

[caption id="attachment_4875" align="alignnone" width="800"] Can be a poster of the quote: NO MAN IS AN ISLAND[/caption]

Aside from the obviously beautiful islands and hypnotic crystal blue waters, one of the highlights of our trip was the overflowing scallops! 1 peso a piece! Yes! You can have a scallop party in the island! We also tried a hybrid of a mussel and an oyster called the wasay-wasay (it looks like an alien but definitely tasty).

[caption id="attachment_4904" align="alignnone" width="800"] Island breakast[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4874" align="alignnone" width="800"] Imagine, 1 scallop for 1 peso waaaaah!!![/caption]

[caption id="attachment_4885" align="alignnone" width="800"] More wasay wasay guys?![/caption]

Book This Tour with Las Islas Travel and Tours

Mobile:0917-709-3856 / 0939-534-0828 / (036) 521-0725

Email: info@lasislas.ph

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Pueblo de Panay, Roxas, Capiz, Philippines