The First World Hotel is a popular mega-hotel in the Genting Highlands. With 7,351 rooms, it is the largest hotel in the world and a destination unto itself. It offers direct access to a huge shopping and dining mall, as well as to an indoor theme park, the Genting International Convention Center, and a highlands cable car. While this is a good pick for families on a budget wanting to make the most of the hotel’s location and attractions, rooms are small and have limited amenities. There have also been reports that units in Towers One and Two have maintenance issues. Most, however, have great mountain views, and rates are low, especially during the week. For something with a slightly more intimate vibe, consider sister property Awana Hotel.
The First World Hotel is a popular mega-hotel in the Genting Highlands. With 7,351 rooms, it is the largest hotel in the world and a destination unto itself. It offers direct access to a huge shopping and dining mall, as well as to an indoor theme park, the Genting International Convention Center, and a highlands cable car. While this is a good pick for families on a budget wanting to make the most of the hotel’s location and attractions, rooms are small and have limited amenities. There have also been reports that units in Towers One and Two have maintenance issues. Most, however, have great mountain views, and rates are low, especially during the week. For something with a slightly more intimate vibe, consider sister property Awana Hotel.
Japamala Resort - By Samadhi is an eco-luxe resort on a remote island and 45 minutes on foot from the nearest town. It’s beachfront location and heavy emphasis on nature attracts mostly couples looking for a quiet and romantic escape. With a spa, private beach, restaurants, two pools, and private boat for rent, guests don’t have to leave the resort. Plus, freebies like sundown snacks and hot breakfast in the mornings don’t hurt either. The 13 private villas are elegant and traditional with wood-heavy decor, air-conditioning, minibars, espresso makers, and some terraces or hot tubs. With that said, the restaurants are pricey and a difficult journey to reach the hotel might deter some travelers. Children are allowed, but gently discouraged. Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort is a good alternative for families, as it has daily resort activities and kid-friendly amenities.
Japamala Resort - By Samadhi is an eco-luxe resort on a remote island and 45 minutes on foot from the nearest town. It’s beachfront location and heavy emphasis on nature attracts mostly couples looking for a quiet and romantic escape. With a spa, private beach, restaurants, two pools, and private boat for rent, guests don’t have to leave the resort. Plus, freebies like sundown snacks and hot breakfast in the mornings don’t hurt either. The 13 private villas are elegant and traditional with wood-heavy decor, air-conditioning, minibars, espresso makers, and some terraces or hot tubs. With that said, the restaurants are pricey and a difficult journey to reach the hotel might deter some travelers. Children are allowed, but gently discouraged. Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort is a good alternative for families, as it has daily resort activities and kid-friendly amenities.
Minang Cove Resort is a three-pearl property that’s not an easy place to get to and that’s part of the draw. Only a private (paid) boat can take guests to this isolated property on Tioman Island, with its private beach and lush rain forest. Snorkelers and divers can take advantage of a dive shop, while massages can be set up for those who want to really relax. The Malay restaurant offers half-board dining and receives so-so reviews. The 15 rooms offer modern amenities like air-conditioning, minibars, and kettles -- but there's no Wi-Fi or TVs. Note that the hotel is seasonal and open from March through October. Travelers may prefer an actual resort-like property, such as Berjaya Tioman Resort - Malaysia which has multiple pools and restaurants, and a golf course on-site.
Minang Cove Resort is a three-pearl property that’s not an easy place to get to and that’s part of the draw. Only a private (paid) boat can take guests to this isolated property on Tioman Island, with its private beach and lush rain forest. Snorkelers and divers can take advantage of a dive shop, while massages can be set up for those who want to really relax. The Malay restaurant offers half-board dining and receives so-so reviews. The 15 rooms offer modern amenities like air-conditioning, minibars, and kettles -- but there's no Wi-Fi or TVs. Note that the hotel is seasonal and open from March through October. Travelers may prefer an actual resort-like property, such as Berjaya Tioman Resort - Malaysia which has multiple pools and restaurants, and a golf course on-site.
Set along a gold-sand beach and shimmering ocean with mountains as the backdrop, the upper-middle-range Berjaya Tioman Resort is a family-friendly property with mostly dated interiors showing wear. The 268 Malay-style chalets are rustic and often have maintenance issues, but they come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and terraces. An extensive range of facilities include two swimming pools, three hot tubs, basic spa and gym, function venues, golf course, dive center, and tennis courts. There are also two restaurants serving Malaysian and Thai fare, two bars, including a swim-up bar, and one lounge. There's little in the immediate area, and Wi-Fi is only available in public areas. It's worth considering Melina Beach Resort, an eco-resort that's a better maintained, though has fewer amenities.
Set along a gold-sand beach and shimmering ocean with mountains as the backdrop, the upper-middle-range Berjaya Tioman Resort is a family-friendly property with mostly dated interiors showing wear. The 268 Malay-style chalets are rustic and often have maintenance issues, but they come with flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, air-conditioning, and terraces. An extensive range of facilities include two swimming pools, three hot tubs, basic spa and gym, function venues, golf course, dive center, and tennis courts. There are also two restaurants serving Malaysian and Thai fare, two bars, including a swim-up bar, and one lounge. There's little in the immediate area, and Wi-Fi is only available in public areas. It's worth considering Melina Beach Resort, an eco-resort that's a better maintained, though has fewer amenities.
The upper-middle-range Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort is set on the southern shores of Tioman Island, a scenic location with a pretty beach and backdrop of stunning mountains -- but some find the journey to get here to be too much of a hassle (necessitating a ferry or plane, plus a speedboat transfer). The 54 guest villas are clean and pleasant, with balconies and a solid set of amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles. The resort offers an attractive infinity pool overlooking the beach, as well as a beachside restaurant and a bar with live music. Other features include a spa with a plunge pool and various organized activities and tours. Free breakfast is a welcome perk, as is the free Wi-Fi -- but it's unreliable. For nicer and better equipped villas, check out the Japamala Resort -- but prepare to pay more.
The upper-middle-range Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort is set on the southern shores of Tioman Island, a scenic location with a pretty beach and backdrop of stunning mountains -- but some find the journey to get here to be too much of a hassle (necessitating a ferry or plane, plus a speedboat transfer). The 54 guest villas are clean and pleasant, with balconies and a solid set of amenities like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and electric kettles. The resort offers an attractive infinity pool overlooking the beach, as well as a beachside restaurant and a bar with live music. Other features include a spa with a plunge pool and various organized activities and tours. Free breakfast is a welcome perk, as is the free Wi-Fi -- but it's unreliable. For nicer and better equipped villas, check out the Japamala Resort -- but prepare to pay more.
