A few weeks ago we spent the weekend at the breathtaking boutique resort Batu Batu- a private Island a boat ride away from Mersing, Malaysia. I was desperate to write a post about it on return, but couldn't help but think I was perhaps basking in post holiday rose-tinted reverie. So I let it sink in went back to work and the rigmarole of day to day life with the aim of providing a more level headed review. What's happened in that period of time? Well, nothings changed and Batu Batu has comfortably secured itself as my 'happy place'.
Our memories of Batu Batu are blissful and real. When the stresses of work get the better of me its the calming crystal clear waters, subtle morning glow, and undisturbed horizons that I still flitter back too to regain equilibrium. Here I aim to write honestly, yet not to give too much away, for as the trailer of a good movie should, I want to encourage you all to experience this unique, utopia for yourselves.
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| Batu Batu Home Page |
Travel from Singapore
Condo to Coral in 3 and a half hours. We couldn't even get to Edinburgh from London in the time. All you need to arrange for yourself if travelling from Singapore is transport to the port in Mersing. We were recommended a private driver who picked us up at 7am, we slept in the car, and woke up in Mersing, in just 3 hours even during Hari Raya. This was safe, efficient and affordable at $150 each way for your own space and no queues, definitely worth the money. Coaches and mini bus hire are also available. Details of our driver 'Wan the Taxi man' can be found at the end of the post. *
Staff from Batu Batu meet you at the port and you are promptly ushered toward a private boat, nothing too fancy but it goes hell for leather and they provide life jackets for Children. This in itself is a luxury.
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| Farewell Mersing |
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| Arranging the 'logistics' |
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| Captain Batu Batu wasn't ready to give up his previous life as a coach driver, not without that seat. |
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| Hello Batu Batu |
The Resort
There are beach resorts you can travel to where you expect (and pay) for luxury, and by luxury I mean textbook opulence, robotic staff and activities to fill every waking hour sandwiched between dining and drinking facilities worth travelling for alone. Now we are not ones to shy away from a bit of over indulgence, perhaps we could be accused of swaying towards it, with our last trip to the Banyan Tree in Bintan setting a high benchmark. However the air of simplicity, natural calm and the quality of everything your senses stumble upon in Batu Batu is something I truly believe money cannot buy.
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| Nothingness |
Whether other confess to this or not, with many 5 star reorts I often feel the presence of an unidentified pressure. Whether its on myself, other guest or the staff to maintain a certain standard and front I'm unsure, but there is something so often in the air. Yes its nice to 'dress' for dinner, have a cold towel at the raise of a hand and a wine list thicker than the yellow pages...but sometimes you just want to be. Not to have to wear a collar and long trousers to dinner, or to think you may be judged for literally mopping your plate clean...
This is not an issue at Batu Batu. Our stay evoked a sense of 'staying with friends'. (ok, if those friends were the Bransons) The entire resort adn staff resonate with warmth and personality. No one will bat an eyelid if you chose to come to dinner in flip flops and a tshirt, if you want to have wine and a cocktail at the same time. The friendly staff will pop over and chat to you, but there is no sense of hovering to clear your table for the next seating. Some may feel iclined to moan that a waiter is not a cough away- but give them a wave and they'll jog on over with a smile and fingers crossed, another bottle. Don't however be worried that the quality of your stay is by any means treated in a lax manner, everything from the towels to the bread rolls are of a very high quality. A mint on your pillow and complimentary chauffeurs are one thing but Batu Batu strive for a new level of luxury, in a broader interpretation of the word. Not necessarily 'more indulgent' but more normal. They have achieved this not by adding anything, but by taking something away. I would describe Batu Batu as Nuveau Luxury, Clean, uncomplicated, eco friendly ... Paradise without the pressure.
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| Pool and restaurant from afar |
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| Dining at Sea |
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| capturing the capturing of the moment |
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| Weekend White Lines |
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| hectic |
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| Why bother going to the Spa when they just pop over to your villa |
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| edge of the world |
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| Rustic looking walkways lead you to hidden villas and secluded beaches |
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| Et Voila |
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| 1 way in 1 way out |
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| Beautiful, 24 hours. |
The Villas
I must be honest with you, I was unsure what to expect with the Villas as the pictures on the website really do not do them justice. With Batu Batu being so new I can only presume they were taken at stage of completion, and therefore appear to somewhat lack a personal, lived in touch- ubiquitos with the rest of the resort.
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| No Neighbours |
I can however assure you that in keeping with the rest of the island, the villas do not disappoint. Incredibly spacious, light and well air conditioned, each villa provides a unique view of the South China Sea. Thoughtfully keeping the main feature of the villa, that view, as the uninterrupted focal point. They are tastefully decorated in neutral colours with devouring duvets, feather soft pillows and gorgeous eco friendly beauty products. Walking into your villa almost feels like life switches into soft focus. Serenity is the understated theme and stress seems like a foreign word.
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| Morning Rays |
TVs are provided but only play DVDs (selection at Reception) and the mini bar is full of essentials not extravagance. The rooms feel like a natural extension of the Island, with their rustic appearance and uncomplicated finish, yet offer unexpected peace that no star rating could encompass.
One of my favourite parts of the day on holiday is padding out of the shower, feeling clean, wrapping your sun kissed skin in a too large white towel and returning to the chapter that you didn't quite finish by the pool. Insert into that equation the devine products supplied at Batu Batu from Malin Gotez, with Betgamot, Lavender, and Peppermint scents delighting your senses and softening your skin you almost won't want to unwrap yourself to get changed for dinner (even if it is into shorts and Tshirt)
Malin and Goetz are eco friendly organic products from a NY based Duo available online here
Island Galavanting
If you are looking for Water sports, Kids clubs and jam packed beach front bars, Batu Batu is not where you'll find it. When you do feel the urge to work off your breakfast however there are plenty of activities which utilise the natural surroundings and provide no disturbance to other guests. Activieties include snorkelling, kayaking and a nature trail around the Island, oh and sandcastle making...obviously. We went snorkelling twice as the glass like see provides a perfect window to watch the fish "just hanging out", we even spotted a turtle. The Island also has its own in house naturist, perfect for any nature buffs out there who want to go exploring the tropical island. See his blog Here
The Food
For fear of not doing it the justice it deserves I will say as little as possible about the food. Belgain head Chef Evert Onderbeke knocked up some of the most delicious food we have tasted. Perhaps exaggerated by the fact that you just don't expect it in such a remote location, and you can smell the evening meals being prepared whilst loungin by the pool, excrutiating tastebud torture at its best.
The flavours and aromas are a common topic of conversation of guests waiting in anticipation for the next surprises. The menus are varied but limited enough not to leave your brain frazzled and overcome with indecision. When you go, trust me- you'll understand. I took some pictures in a meak attempt to convey our satisfaction, so for now, they will have to do.
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| sorry I was too late |
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| ...and again |
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The Perfect Long weekend getaway I hope this has been enough to tempt you to visit for yourselves. I can see us revisiting this gorgeous pocket of paradise for many years to come...
Until next time Batu Batu
XXX
*Details of driver to come
