Pangkor Laut Estates by way of a BA 787-900
Aug 17, 2016, 9:46 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Programs: Virgin Flying Club Red, Emirates Skywards Blue, BA Executive Club Blue, Amex BA
Posts: 2,377
Pangkor Laut Estates by way of a BA 787-900
Another year, another trip report
I'll keep the fight one short and focus on the Pangkor Laut Estates.As some of you may know, I've been searching for the perfect luxury resort. After much thinking, I chose the Pangkor Laut Estates. Our 3 night stay at Estate 5 cost $15,000, including full-board (minus alcoholic drinks), luxury yacht transfer on the YTL Lady, and 6 members of staff (a butler, 2 housekeepers, 2 chefs and a gardener). Booking was painless and they accept Amex
Unfortunately I missed the BA F sale, so had to pay near full price, minus a bit by using Avios.
Last edited by GodAtum; Aug 29, 2016 at 5:11 am
Aug 17, 2016, 2:02 pm
#2
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
I have stayed at the hotel and it was excellent for sure. Impressive service and unbeatable breakfast. My only nitpick was always how much trash was in the water on Emerald Bay even despite the trash barge and clean up crews that were cruising the beach all day. But all in all, VERY nice place and one I would return to. The walk with the resident biologist is fun, as were the dinners at Uncle Lim's. Have fun.
Aug 27, 2016, 7:57 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Programs: Virgin Flying Club Red, Emirates Skywards Blue, BA Executive Club Blue, Amex BA
Posts: 2,377
Aug 29, 2016, 5:10 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Programs: Virgin Flying Club Red, Emirates Skywards Blue, BA Executive Club Blue, Amex BA
Posts: 2,377
BA33 Heathrow to Kuala Lumpur
Images are on my blog.
My mum was travelling on the same flight, so I had the opportunity of guesting her into the CCR. She was taken about at how luxurious it was and all the free food and drink! For tea, we had the laksa chicken curry which was nice, then we sat in the Dining room for dinner. I had spring smokers salmon following by the pan seared red snapper (was was delicious) ending with the chocolate and raspberry torte.
Priority boarding was enforced, but had to shoulder barge the lice out of the way and get death stares (suits me as I'm a DYKWIA :roll eyes
I had been very exciting for the flight as it was on a brand new 787-900, I forgot to make a note of the tail number, but the pilot said it had only flow a few flights since being brought from the factory.
The F seat was comfy, with no scuffs or tears (yet!). A huge bonus is there are only 6 seats in the F cabin. For dinner I ordered the Severn and Wye smoked salmon cannelloni, pan-fried sea bass and chocolate salted caramel pudding. the salmon was just OK, the fish was quite nice and the pudding delicious. I finished by having some chocolates.
I do not want to get into a debate, but my heart sank when a couple with a baby came into F. As I did not want to cause a fuss or be rude, I quietly slipped out into a spare CW seat and slept there.
I woke for breakfast where I had the hot-smoked salmon. It was quite dry, the nicest part where the warm pastries.
Immigration and baggage collection was a breeze as I could use the premium lane, and I stopped into the MAS golden Satellite lounge for a toilet break (is there a separate arrivals lounge?).
My mum was travelling on the same flight, so I had the opportunity of guesting her into the CCR. She was taken about at how luxurious it was and all the free food and drink! For tea, we had the laksa chicken curry which was nice, then we sat in the Dining room for dinner. I had spring smokers salmon following by the pan seared red snapper (was was delicious) ending with the chocolate and raspberry torte.
Priority boarding was enforced, but had to shoulder barge the lice out of the way and get death stares (suits me as I'm a DYKWIA :roll eyes
I had been very exciting for the flight as it was on a brand new 787-900, I forgot to make a note of the tail number, but the pilot said it had only flow a few flights since being brought from the factory.
The F seat was comfy, with no scuffs or tears (yet!). A huge bonus is there are only 6 seats in the F cabin. For dinner I ordered the Severn and Wye smoked salmon cannelloni, pan-fried sea bass and chocolate salted caramel pudding. the salmon was just OK, the fish was quite nice and the pudding delicious. I finished by having some chocolates.
I do not want to get into a debate, but my heart sank when a couple with a baby came into F. As I did not want to cause a fuss or be rude, I quietly slipped out into a spare CW seat and slept there.
I woke for breakfast where I had the hot-smoked salmon. It was quite dry, the nicest part where the warm pastries.
Immigration and baggage collection was a breeze as I could use the premium lane, and I stopped into the MAS golden Satellite lounge for a toilet break (is there a separate arrivals lounge?).
Aug 29, 2016, 5:30 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Programs: Virgin Flying Club Red, Emirates Skywards Blue, BA Executive Club Blue, Amex BA
Posts: 2,377
Pangkor Laut Estates
Images are on my blog.
After a drive that seemed an eternity, we arrived at the Marina Bay jetty area, where we were dropped off the the Pangkor Laut reception. This consists of a small indoor waiting area and reception desk. We were given cold towels and a fruit ice drink. If you are staying with the plebs you will need to be checked in and waiting for the ferry. However, even though we where can hour early we where whisked aboard a private motorboat, the YTL Kura-Kura and served some cold lime drinks and cold towels. The yacht was very luxurious, but not quite to Sunseeker standard.
After around 20 minutes, we arrived at the island resort, around the same time other guests were leaving. Got quit a few stares and photos, maybe they thought we where celebs! A welcome by the resort manager was following by him driving us up in our private 4x4 to the Estate. Upon arrival, we were introduced to our staff (a butler, 2 housekeepers, 2 chefs and a gardener).
We quickly settled in after a tour of the Estate, which is huge and takes a surprising long amount of time to walk from room to room! Estate 5 consists of 3 villa bedrooms (a master, and one with its own outdoor jacuzzi). All 3 have beautifully large bathrooms, a veranda and large bed. The Estate also has a huge infinity pool, a fish pond, outdoor lounge pavilion and dining villa.
Throughout our say we were looked after by our butler, who as expected would go out of his way to never say no to a request. Each day a breakfast feast was laid out in the dining villa. I request chocolate chip pancakes, along with Malaysian dishes of roti chani with chicken curry, rice porridge and condiments, plus fresh fruit and cakes. The amount of food was had was obscene for 4 of us! We also received a bottle of Bollinger on the house.
One night we ate at the Fisherman’s Cove restaurant, where I had a delicious grilled lobster with garlic butter. Another night the staff put on an amazing BBQ in our Estate, consisting of freshly caught seafood, lobster, sea bass, grouper, lamb, chicken wings, squid, crab, prawns and satay. Way too much for us to finish! The last night we ate at the Straits restaurant. This was a set Thai menu.
During the days, we spent most mornings on Emerald Bay, which is the main beautiful beach on the island. I could have reserved us a good spot, but did not bother as it was always quite empty in the mornings. In the afternoons we stayed in our Estate and made use of the jacuzzi and pool.
One morning I also had a spa treatment, the Warrior treatment. I’ve had this a few times before and it’s my favourite as it’s 3 hours long. For the benefit of people who have not read my previous report, the treatment consists of:
* Bath House Experience
* Malay Specialist Consultation
* Urutan Panglima (Warrior Massage)
* Ikal-ikal (Herbal Hair Root Treatment)
* Boros Akar (Herbal Roots Scrub)
* Mandian Rempah Ratus (Herbal Spices Bath)
* Mandi Wap Minyak Herba (Herbal Oil Steambath)*
* Akar Periok (Herbal Root Tonic Drink)
The best bit is the Malay bath as they serve this delicious herbal tea with honey.
We had a sunset cruise as part of our package, which we took on a teak junk. A lovely boat with a roof area to lay down on. We were served wine and some high tea (the curry puffs were yummy!).
I cannot put into words how amazing our stay in the Estate was. Now I’ve experienced how the other half live I cannot go back! All the staff through the resort addressed us by name (I think our butler must have told everyone in the morning what we were wearing?). We were treated like royalty, it ended up being quite funny. When I was walking from the spa to the bar, a member of staff carried my bags and people were looking. The service was unbelievable, I have never experience anything as close. Some 5 star hotels like the Ritz-Carlton say they have butler service, but they do not compare! I wonder how hotels like Aman or the Maldives resorts compare?
I have included a link to videos of the yacht transfer and a tour of the estate below (coming soon).
After a drive that seemed an eternity, we arrived at the Marina Bay jetty area, where we were dropped off the the Pangkor Laut reception. This consists of a small indoor waiting area and reception desk. We were given cold towels and a fruit ice drink. If you are staying with the plebs you will need to be checked in and waiting for the ferry. However, even though we where can hour early we where whisked aboard a private motorboat, the YTL Kura-Kura and served some cold lime drinks and cold towels. The yacht was very luxurious, but not quite to Sunseeker standard.
After around 20 minutes, we arrived at the island resort, around the same time other guests were leaving. Got quit a few stares and photos, maybe they thought we where celebs! A welcome by the resort manager was following by him driving us up in our private 4x4 to the Estate. Upon arrival, we were introduced to our staff (a butler, 2 housekeepers, 2 chefs and a gardener).
We quickly settled in after a tour of the Estate, which is huge and takes a surprising long amount of time to walk from room to room! Estate 5 consists of 3 villa bedrooms (a master, and one with its own outdoor jacuzzi). All 3 have beautifully large bathrooms, a veranda and large bed. The Estate also has a huge infinity pool, a fish pond, outdoor lounge pavilion and dining villa.
Throughout our say we were looked after by our butler, who as expected would go out of his way to never say no to a request. Each day a breakfast feast was laid out in the dining villa. I request chocolate chip pancakes, along with Malaysian dishes of roti chani with chicken curry, rice porridge and condiments, plus fresh fruit and cakes. The amount of food was had was obscene for 4 of us! We also received a bottle of Bollinger on the house.
One night we ate at the Fisherman’s Cove restaurant, where I had a delicious grilled lobster with garlic butter. Another night the staff put on an amazing BBQ in our Estate, consisting of freshly caught seafood, lobster, sea bass, grouper, lamb, chicken wings, squid, crab, prawns and satay. Way too much for us to finish! The last night we ate at the Straits restaurant. This was a set Thai menu.
During the days, we spent most mornings on Emerald Bay, which is the main beautiful beach on the island. I could have reserved us a good spot, but did not bother as it was always quite empty in the mornings. In the afternoons we stayed in our Estate and made use of the jacuzzi and pool.
One morning I also had a spa treatment, the Warrior treatment. I’ve had this a few times before and it’s my favourite as it’s 3 hours long. For the benefit of people who have not read my previous report, the treatment consists of:
* Bath House Experience
* Malay Specialist Consultation
* Urutan Panglima (Warrior Massage)
* Ikal-ikal (Herbal Hair Root Treatment)
* Boros Akar (Herbal Roots Scrub)
* Mandian Rempah Ratus (Herbal Spices Bath)
* Mandi Wap Minyak Herba (Herbal Oil Steambath)*
* Akar Periok (Herbal Root Tonic Drink)
The best bit is the Malay bath as they serve this delicious herbal tea with honey.
We had a sunset cruise as part of our package, which we took on a teak junk. A lovely boat with a roof area to lay down on. We were served wine and some high tea (the curry puffs were yummy!).
I cannot put into words how amazing our stay in the Estate was. Now I’ve experienced how the other half live I cannot go back! All the staff through the resort addressed us by name (I think our butler must have told everyone in the morning what we were wearing?). We were treated like royalty, it ended up being quite funny. When I was walking from the spa to the bar, a member of staff carried my bags and people were looking. The service was unbelievable, I have never experience anything as close. Some 5 star hotels like the Ritz-Carlton say they have butler service, but they do not compare! I wonder how hotels like Aman or the Maldives resorts compare?
I have included a link to videos of the yacht transfer and a tour of the estate below (coming soon).
Aug 29, 2016, 7:38 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: AA LT Plat, UA 1k/1mm+, National EE, IC Plat, Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 2,605
Images are on my blog.I cannot put into words how amazing our stay in the Estate was. Now I’ve experienced how the other half live I cannot go back! All the staff through the resort addressed us by name (I think our butler must have told everyone in the morning what we were wearing?). We were treated like royalty, it ended up being quite funny. When I was walking from the spa to the bar, a member of staff carried my bags and people were looking. The service was unbelievable, I have never experience anything as close. Some 5 star hotels like the Ritz-Carlton say they have butler service, but they do not compare! I wonder how hotels like Aman or the Maldives resorts compare?
Aug 30, 2016, 11:51 am
#13
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: North-West Europe
Programs: Flying Blue, BA Executive Club, LH Miles & More, Air Asia BigShot, Les Collectioneurs
Posts: 268
GodAturn, nice report! resorts looks amazing.
I am curious about your motivation/rational to spend $5k per day for four people?
It must be a very special occasion.
I am curious about your motivation/rational to spend $5k per day for four people?
It must be a very special occasion.
Sep 3, 2016, 7:51 am
#15
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: UK
Programs: Virgin Flying Club Red, Emirates Skywards Blue, BA Executive Club Blue, Amex BA
Posts: 2,377
Shangri-La KL
Photos on my blog.
Our taxi from Ipoh arrived at the hotel at mid-afternoon. There was a security checkpoint before the drop-off where a cursory search of the boot was undertaken. Also, very annoyingly there was a pointless bag search before people entered the hotel, which consisted of a metal-detector wand being waved over our hand luggage. It did not detected my laptop, camera or any other metal items!
The hotel lobby itself is very impressive, and were greeted straight away by a staff member who guided us to the reception. When the receptionist realised we booked into the Horizon Premier Selection Suite, we were ushered to the Horizon Club check-in. I’m not sure how it works, maybe we should tell them first before wasting time at the main reception? After about 15 minutes waiting with no welcome drink or cold towels, we finally checked in. I noticed the people checking in beside us did not take their drinks or towels so used them instead.
The suite itself is nicely decorated, with a walk-in wardrobe, lounge and bedroom. It is smaller than the Mandarin Park Suite though. The TV was awful, only fuzzy SD channels.
The breakfast in the lobby was very busy with lots of middle eastern and indian customers. There was a varied selection of worldwide cuisine, but I don’t think the food was as nice as the Mandarin.
The pool area was OK, but I prefer the Mandarin’s rooftop one and the service there was better (as free cocktails for suites).
The Japanese restaurant Zipangu was excellent but service was a bit slow. We had o-toro (bluefin tune belly sashimi) along with braised beef udon noodles. Both were delicious, especially the sashimi which I have never tried before.
Check-out for Golden Circle members was 2pm and we where allowed to stay and make use of the hotel facilities until our link transfer at 7pm.
There is a free shuttle service to the main shopping malls (KLCC, Pavilion/Starhill and Lot 10/Sungei Wang) but the timings are very bad … departs the hotel at 1030, 1200, 1330, 1530 and 1700. More freedom walking or taking the monorail.
The Horizon Club serves breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. It is a nice, quiet place to relax, the darjeeling tea is delicious and there is a small food selection. The Singapore sling is also good too. Below is a scan of what is on offer.
Our taxi from Ipoh arrived at the hotel at mid-afternoon. There was a security checkpoint before the drop-off where a cursory search of the boot was undertaken. Also, very annoyingly there was a pointless bag search before people entered the hotel, which consisted of a metal-detector wand being waved over our hand luggage. It did not detected my laptop, camera or any other metal items!
The hotel lobby itself is very impressive, and were greeted straight away by a staff member who guided us to the reception. When the receptionist realised we booked into the Horizon Premier Selection Suite, we were ushered to the Horizon Club check-in. I’m not sure how it works, maybe we should tell them first before wasting time at the main reception? After about 15 minutes waiting with no welcome drink or cold towels, we finally checked in. I noticed the people checking in beside us did not take their drinks or towels so used them instead.
The suite itself is nicely decorated, with a walk-in wardrobe, lounge and bedroom. It is smaller than the Mandarin Park Suite though. The TV was awful, only fuzzy SD channels.
The breakfast in the lobby was very busy with lots of middle eastern and indian customers. There was a varied selection of worldwide cuisine, but I don’t think the food was as nice as the Mandarin.
The pool area was OK, but I prefer the Mandarin’s rooftop one and the service there was better (as free cocktails for suites).
The Japanese restaurant Zipangu was excellent but service was a bit slow. We had o-toro (bluefin tune belly sashimi) along with braised beef udon noodles. Both were delicious, especially the sashimi which I have never tried before.
Check-out for Golden Circle members was 2pm and we where allowed to stay and make use of the hotel facilities until our link transfer at 7pm.
There is a free shuttle service to the main shopping malls (KLCC, Pavilion/Starhill and Lot 10/Sungei Wang) but the timings are very bad … departs the hotel at 1030, 1200, 1330, 1530 and 1700. More freedom walking or taking the monorail.
The Horizon Club serves breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails. It is a nice, quiet place to relax, the darjeeling tea is delicious and there is a small food selection. The Singapore sling is also good too. Below is a scan of what is on offer.