Temple Tree at Bon Ton

Temple Tree at Bon Ton offers unconventional accommodations in a recreation of a Malaysian village from a bygone era; its eight brightly painted intricately designed homes date back 70 to 110 years. Shaded by trees, a sandy parking lot sits at the front of the main building that was built in the 1920s and features a blue porch and yellow painted interiors. The overall atmosphere is warm and low-key. Cats from the nearby animal shelter, which is run by the same owners, wander around the property and can be found napping on the restaurant’s dining table. (A portion of the hotel’s proceeds benefit the shelter.) The Temple Tree at Bon Ton appeals to tourists -- mostly couples -- who are attracted by the welcoming and homey interiors and atmosphere, as well as the quiet setting. 

This location is within walking distance of the Pantai Cenang beach and Jalan Pantai Chenang, the waterfront promenade on the west coast of the island that’s lined with hotels, cafes, and restaurants. The hotel is hidden behind trees on a long side street and located beside the Bon Ton Resort, Langkawi Yoga, and Langkawi Animal Clinic with friendly cats that wander the area. The Langkawi International Airport is 10 minutes away by car, and some aircraft noise can be heard on-site. Many attractions are easy to reach by car, such as the Underwater World Langkawi (a five-minute drive) and the Langkawi Cable Car and Langkawi Sky Bridge (both a 20-minute drive away). Travelers with kids can get to the Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise in 35 minutes by car.

Spread out over the property are intricately designed Malaysian homes that were constructed 70 to 110 years ago and imported from mainland Malaysia. The houses feature beautiful wooden carvings, shingle roofs, and patios without screens, while living rooms are filled with colorful textiles, traditional artwork, and modern furniture. Bedrooms include charming wooden bathtubs. There are 20 rooms in total, but entire homes can be rented as well. Mosquitoes and critters often come inside, so beds have nets. The Chinese House and Penang House both offer two bedrooms, while the two-floor Colonial House has four bedrooms and a dining area. The Black and White House features a living/dining room and separate bedroom. The 1940s-built Estate has five hotel rooms, and the Plantation offers six rooms. All rooms have flat-screen TVs for DVDs only, ceiling fans, AC, free Wi-Fi, safes, toasters, kettles, and French presses. A simple continental breakfast is left in mini-fridges every evening. 

The Temple Tree at Bon Ton’s main house, the Straits Club, serves as the lobby and offers a pleasant restaurant with a bar and outdoor seating on a veranda. Also in the main building is a billiard room and a library with books, board games, a PC computer, and a printer. Meetings of up to 22 people can be accommodated in the Straits Club. There are two lovely outdoor pools in the garden, one of which is long and narrow and suited for laps. Bordered by grass, the pool areas offer lounge chairs and umbrellas on the surrounding lawn. Guests sometimes complain, however, that the water is grimy. The friendly staff often helps guests rent scooters and cars, which can be parked in an outdoor lot at no extra charge.