About

4.5

Excellent

743 reviews

#2 of 20 hotels in Pulau Tioman

Location

Cleanliness

Service

Value

Travellers' Choice

JapaMala is Tioman Island’s only boutique resort, and one-of-a-kind in Malaysia. This small and exclusive resort of 13 rooms is hidden amidst 11 acres of lush tropical rainforest. A one-village-one-resort property, JapaMala has its own private and quiet beach. While some charming Malay village-style villas and chalets dot the jungle and beachfront, others nestle in the most breath-taking spots.Best described as an ‘eco-luxe’ resort, JapaMala transcends the experience of living close to nature by redefining it with a touch of luxury. Designed by natural streams, steep cliffs, towering boulders and where no trees are felled, the entire resort borrows from nature its elements to offer an exceptional sense of paradise, freedom from the real world. While serious relaxation is an elusive commodity for many, one can truly succumb to the healing effects JapaMala imparts through its holistic blend of sumptuous gourmet treats, intimacy between man and nature, unique spa experiences and truly unprecedented hospitality. Many say JapaMala is not just a place, but a state of mind.

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Property amenities

Free internet

Pool

Free breakfast

Beach

Diving

Airport transportation

Spa

Gift shop

Wifi

Pool / beach towels

Pool with view

Outdoor pool

Bar / lounge

Restaurant

Breakfast available

Breakfast buffet

Complimentary Instant Coffee

Complimentary tea

Hiking

Snorkelling

Fishing

Couples massage

Foot massage

Full body massage

Head massage

Massage

Shops

Sun loungers / beach chairs

Sun terrace

Umbrella

24-hour front desk

Dry cleaning

Laundry service

Ironing service

Room features

Bathrobes

Air conditioning

Private beach

Housekeeping

Private balcony

Coffee / tea maker

Flatscreen TV

Bath / shower

Room service

Safe

Seating area

Wake-up service / alarm clock

Minibar

iPod docking station

Complimentary toiletries

Hair dryer

Room types

Ocean view

Non-smoking rooms

Suites

Good to know

HOTEL CLASS

HOTEL STYLE

Charming

Great View

Languages Spoken

English, Malay

Location

Kampung Lanting, Tioman Island, Pulau Tioman 86800 Malaysia

Getting there

Kuala Lumpur Intl Airport269 kmSee all flights

Car HireSee all Pulau Tioman car hire

See all nearby hotels

Nearby restaurants

Tioman Cabana Village

167 reviews

8.7 kmAsian

Mandi-Mandi Restaurant

Restoran White Seafood Cafe

1 review

2.2 kmChinese

See all nearby restaurants

743Reviews46Q+A100Room tips

Reviews

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Bernardina S wrote a review 11 May

8 contributions1 helpful vote

+1

Japamala's hotel's exoerience

Hotel is very nice. Almost everything is recycled and reused which I like. Service staff are great. Check with them on activities that could be done on the island while staying there. There are night tracks, night fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and etc. But do note the hotel room could be a furnace from 3-6pm as huts are under the sun always. Food for me is acceptable. I was hoping it wouldnt be that sweet or salty. Remember to bring lots of insect repellent and sun block!

Date of stay: May 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled with friends

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 2 weeks ago

Hi Bernardinas, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your review. We are truly glad that you have enjoyed staying with us recently. Thank you for supporting our resort concept. Japamala is eco resort that maintain the sustainability. The entire Japamala team work hard to prevent plastic in Japamala. We even do the 'Green Day' every Saturday and it is a volunteer program. All Japamala team are try our best level to assist our guest while staying with us. We are definitely taking your advise about the food. We will do our best to improve our food quality to meet our guest expectation. Thank you so much again for choosing us. Take care and see you next time.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

KeriBen wrote a review Apr 2023

Hong Kong, China5 contributions8 helpful votes

+1

Relax in Paradise

We had a wonderful 4 night stay at Japamala Resort aka paradise! It is the perfect place to get away and just relax. The staff were extremely professional and welcoming but also allowed space to ourselves. We stayed in the Seaview Sarang which I highly recommend. The room itself is huge with separate bedroom and dining spaces and a private outdoor plunge pool (with waterfall) and places to relax in the sun. The food was also a highlight especially our daily breakfast of roti canai! Evening cocktails on the pier were a perfect way to wind down after a day of doing nothing. One evening we even got a pod of dolphins swimming past! The resort takes a bit of effort to get to (part of the isolated charm) but the Samadhi team were extremely helpful in organising. We ended up staying at Villa Samadhi in Singapore for a night and getting an early morning transfer to the ferry in Mersing, Malaysia. Next time we might brave the flight into Tioman from KL. I highly recommend staying here for perfect relaxation in paradise.…

Date of stay: April 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

Room Tip: Highly recommend the Seaview Sarang for plenty of space and privacy amongst the trees

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 2 weeks ago

Hi Keriben, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your review. We are truly glad that you have enjoyed staying with us recently. Thank you for supporting us. You are right it's need a little effort in order to get to Tioman. first choice will be using the flight from Subang Airport to Tioman. This is the fastest way to get here. others option will be the public ferry from Mersing or From Tanjung Gemuk. most of people they like to use ferry. Thank you so much for taking a time and support us with the 5 stars review. We are happy to welcome you back real soon.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Gary Tan Wee Kiat Pup, (Chen Wei Jie) wrote a review Apr 2023

Singapore, Singapore26 contributions13 helpful votes

Double standard when it comes to kids

We’ve been coming to japamala for almost 13 years. During covid year, our booking got postponed because of travel restrictions. We’ve rearranged with the resort via email, to go back on Good Friday weekend. During that 13 years of going back, we always just show up with our kids. Only had to inform them which room we wanted. As of 2022 nov they’ve changed the rules to not allow kids. Nobody updated or texted on email. When we got there on Good Friday weekend, they informed us we weren’t allowed to stay at their resort. We were assisted to be relocated to another resort, which happened to be really good too. But here’s the part When we got off, we saw another family with kid getting on. We texted the resort, and the reply we got is that they’ve booked the penghulu house. Their child is allowed to stay on. Most of the original staff have left this resort. All new staff with the exception of a few. I can only say, I’m terribly disappointed. To the best 13 years with japamala, Aruni and her team, was the best time we had there. We won’t be welcomed back at japamala in the future anyway, maybe if we book the penghulu we’ll be allowed? Lol.…

Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Samadhi Retreats, Other at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 2 weeks ago

Dear GaryTWKPcwj, Thank you for taking the time to share with us your feedback, we understand the importance of good customer service and how it can impact a business. It is unfortunate to hear about the experience you had at Japamala Resort during your recent visit on Good Friday weekend. It is understandable that you were disappointed with the no-children policy, however as part of the standard and regulation set it's been a standard for the team to have this policy informed upon every reservation made, and prior to check-in of every stay. In terms of the accommodation booked, the occupancy for the room type booked is only for 2 adults, and unfortunately will not be able to accommodate your party of 4 persons due to the size and space of the room. In the resort, the only room that could accommodate 4 adults is the Penghulu House and that room was is already booked prior and post your stay. As a result, you were relocated to another resort due to this mishap that occurred, in conclusion, it is always disappointing when a business fails to meet the expectations of its loyal customers. and we take every feedback seriously and are always looking for ways to improve our offerings and service better. Once again thank you for your constructive feedback, and we do look forward to have you back should your travels bring you back to Tioman. Warm regards, Japamala Resort

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tade Ojo wrote a review Apr 2023

Johor Bahru, Malaysia189 contributions107 helpful votes

+1

2nd Time Aroun

Perfect spot to unwind and relax. I previously visited in 2017 with my wife. This time I just wanted the silence of the tree tops and waves crashing. I remembered to pack a poncho for the trip from Mersing Jetty to Genting Island. That air conditioning can be harsh so be prepared. Japamala’s boat was on hand to collect me at Genting and they got me to Japamala in about 5-10 minutes. I stayed in the tree house studio. It’s a good hike via steps but I chose it for the little exercise I wanted on the trip. Staff were exceptional professional and helpful. They attended to my every query via WhatsApp and in person. I can’t commend them enough. As I said I came to relax so I got my work done then arranged a fishing trip for the following day. It was a 2hour (RM300) trip with Uncle Syed, a seasoned fisherman. He taught me a few tricks of deep sea fishing and we caught a decent haul albeit a few tiddlers. Netflix and Chill was on the menu and their WiFi was spot on. Food was great and the cocktails met my approval (don’t drink). Please note that I don’t eat much so maybe I’m not the best adjudicator where catering’s concerned. Fact; I’ll be returning again as it’s a fabulous spot to unwind. Refreshed and ready for the world. Enjoy!…

Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled solo

Room Tip: Trust in the staff’s advice. Visit during March - October before the monsoon. Island hop

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This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 2 weeks ago

Hi Tadeojo, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your review. We are truly glad that you have enjoyed staying with us recently. Thank you so much for liking our resort concept. Japamala team are trying their best level to giving the nice experiences for every guest are visiting us. Our property are connected with wooden walkway which is required our guest to walk up to their room with a little exercise. Thank you again for your support and we are always ready to welcome you soon.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Giles B wrote a review Apr 2023

Cambridge, United Kingdom12 contributions16 helpful votes

A beautiful and peaceful escape!

We spent 5 nights of our honeymoon on Japamala and loved our time here! After an initial mix up around our room, which was handled really well, we quickly settled in to the gentle pace of life on this small romantic getaway. Every single member of staff is delightful. The rooms are recently refurbished and full of little thoughtful touches to make your stay special. Good a/c and plenty of hot water and breathtaking views. Clean deserted beaches and fab breakfasts, delicious teas showcasing local treats and sundowner cocktails on the jetty every evening! We had a couple of good massages and a great snorkelling trip out to a nearby island. Some areas of the resort are undergoing refurbishment, but this does not impact on your stay but they could do with providing a few more sun loungers or cabanas for when it is busy. No one likes to have to stress about bagging a sun bed!! Thank you for a wonderful holiday - we will be back!!…

Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 2 weeks ago

Hi Giles, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your review. We are truly glad that you have enjoyed staying with us recently. Japamala team surely trying our best level to giving wonderful experiences to our guest with this unique concept. Tioman is the best place to do snorkeling and diving. Thank you and see you soon.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

russsoul wrote a review Apr 2023

Washington DC, District of Columbia7 contributions1 helpful vote

A very special experience

Our entire Japamala experience was beyond superb. So much so - that we decided to extend our stay while on site! From booking with Adim and Muhamad - who gratefully supplied timely answers to our million questions, and the drives to/from KL and Mersing with Gary, who was prompt and safe - on top of being a great conversationalist and someone from who we learned a ton (so much so that the drive went by too quickly!)... every inch and step even prior to arrival was seamless. On arrival, we were greeted so warmly by Belle and her team who made every effort to accommodate us (U.S.) weary travelers! Our stay itself was absolutely lovely. The ambience was entirely surreal and truly the best of both jungle and beach. Special touches, discoveries and options marked every moment. We were especially taken by the attempts made to operate and source sustainably and would encourage the resort to continue to grow in this respect - celebrating the local, the organic, and the responsible! Meanwhile, the entire staff made us feel so special; our stay, so effortless with their exemplary attention to detail and clockwork coordination. Housekeeping: the unsung heroes working diligently behind the scenes to ensure our comfort: thank you for your attentions and smiles! We fell in love with Malaysian cuisine thanks to Chef Julius, whose robust menu of delights was varied enough to ensure that we need not repeat a dish - though we opted to do so on several occasions because it was too good!! BK, Shuvo and Remon (Shansha too!) stole our hearts in the Pavilion. Their beautiful smiles never faded - and made our own hearts smile. Expertly handling our countless orders and nuanced requests, they navigated we needy people and our endless demands without hesitation and with admirable enthusiasm. We are so grateful to them and their attentions for making us feel so special! For all your wildlife questions, be sure to check in with Edwin, whose knowledge on the local flora and fauna is superb! We’re grateful to him for leading us up the “easy” trail to the lookout - a site not to be missed while at the resort. We do regret we never made it on a night walk with Joe (the ever friendly!) - but that was our own fault - weary after days of diving and post-diving snorkeling. There is a bit of a house reef - don’t forget your reef-friendly sunscreen! And P.S. For those looking to scuba dive on island, Sorte Met Stella was superb. We’re super grateful to Japamala for making this connection; Irwin’s operation exceeded every expectation and in our opinion should be the diving operator of choice for the resort. Thank you to all for a wonderful experience we will never forget!…

Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 11 Apr 2023

Hi Russoul, Thank you very much for taking the time to leave your review. We are truly glad that you have enjoyed staying with us recently. Thank you for supporting our resort concept. Japamala is eco resort that maintain the sustainability. The entire Japamala team work hard to prevent plastic in Japamala. We even do the 'Green Day' every Saturday and it is a volunteer program. All Japamala team are try our best level to assist our guest while staying with us. Thank you so much again for choosing us. Your happy nice family making our days in Japamala. Take care and see you next time.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Tina L wrote a review Apr 2023

1 contribution

Stunning eco friendly resort

We are a family of 6 adults and we stayed at the Japamala Resort for 7 nights. The Japamala Resort is a very unique, quiet, peaceful, authentic and lovely resort placed at the border of jungle and beach. The resort has a wonderful eco friendly design. It is built into the natural landscape with a huge respect of animals, and plants. No trees fell during the construction and nature was disturbed as little as possible. Japamala is the right place to connect with nature. We enjoyed every single hour of our holiday there. The private beaches are beautiful and well maintained. The snorkelling from the Japamala pier/jetty is good. We saw a big turtle, clown fishes and lots more. We also did a snorkelling tour to Renggis Island, where we got to see a shark. Japamala has an outstanding service team. The service by the staff including the restaurant team members is excellent: charming, attentive, and flexible. Everyone meets you with a great welcoming smile. Thanks to all of the staff of Japamala.…

Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled with family

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 8 Apr 2023

Hi Tina, it's wonderful to have a beautiful review from a nice happy family. Thank you so much Tina. Our team is very glad to hear that your family enjoyed your recent stay with us. Japamala is just a small resort with the rustic concept built in the rainforest by the beach front. Our guests can experience nature by doing the jungle walk and relaxing at the beach after. We are happy your family is enjoyed your snorkeling day around private beach by our resort. Thank you again for your beautiful review. Stay safe and see you guy's next time.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

JKreviewer wrote a review Apr 2023

Cornwall67 contributions36 helpful votes

+1

Rainforest luxury

Japamala is the most incredible place I have ever been. I was travelling on my own, and from the moment I stepped off the plane and was greeted by a member of the Japamala team who took me to the boat waiting for me, from the moment the boat captain walked with me back to the airport, I felt completely surrounded by luxury. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, the service was impeccable, you pay a lot up front but so much is included. My package included boat transfers from the airport, breakfast, afternoon tea, happy hour drinks, chocolates with the turndown service, and everything in the room. I stayed in a treetop chalet (number 12) and although it isn’t billed as having a sea view you could see and hear the sea through the trees from the balcony, and it’s only a very short walk along the boardwalks down to the beach. I took a snorkelling trip to Renggis island which our captain arranged for the morning to beat the crowds (it worked - we were the only boat there), and walked up to the lookout point above Japamala to watch the sunset. I snorkelled from the beach at Japamala three times each day and although a lot of the coral is dead following a bleaching several years ago, there is plenty to see. This really is a trip of a lifetime.…

Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled solo

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 8 Apr 2023

Hi Eva, Thank you so much for your wonderful review, Eva. We are glad to hear you really enjoyed your recent stay with us. Japamala is missing you here. The Porcupines are waiting for you at the wooden walkway every evening. Our team here is very excited to welcome you again real soon. Stay safe and see you next time Eva.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Offstone L wrote a review Apr 2023

4 contributions

+1

Great resort

Resort chalet is thoroughly cleaned daily. Staffs are friendly. We did one night shore snorkeling and Edwin with the hunter's sharp eyes joined us second time, showed us turtle just near the beach, two scorpion fishes etc. Salam the captain helped to monitor the surrounding. He also alerted us on the blooming Tioman Rafflesia cantleyi flower which we managed to view. And again on our departure date, he alerted us on swimming dolphins which could be seen from jetty. Edwin is very helpful and gives us a lot of information of the resort and Tioman island.

Date of stay: April 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 8 Apr 2023

Hi OffstoneL, Thank you for your amazing review. We are glad to hear you enjoyed your recent stay with us. Our team are very happy to assist every guests we have while staying with us. Thank you for supporting us through your review and see you next time.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Hendrik L wrote a review Mar 2023

Zurich, Switzerland37 contributions23 helpful votes

+1

Outstanding resort at the border of jungle and beach

We stayed in a Sea Cliff Chalet of the Japamala Resort for 11 nights. The Japamala Resort is a very unique, lovely place at the border of jungle and beach, with an outstanding service team. We loved and enjoyed every single hour of our recreative stay. The Sea Cliff Chalet was serviced twice a day with room service. The beautiful private beaches were well maintained and safe. A la carte breakfast is available until 3pm, at 4pm you can have a tea or coffee and some treats, the happy hour starts at 6pm, and all of that is for free. The dinner menu offers a huge variety, with affordable prices, and the food prepared by Julius is excellent. The service by BK, Schuvo, Remon and the other restaurant team members is excellent: charming, attentive, quick, and flexible. The lobby team loves to competently arrange trips and treatments for you. We did the exciting Renggis Island snorkeling trip twice, we did a jungle hike to Genting on our own, and we enjoyed a SPA treatment (Balinese massage). The Sea Cliff Chalet offers everything to prepare an excellent morning coffee or tea that can be enjoyed on the balcony, with an excellent view onto the sea (see attached photo). For us, it was a (hopefully not) once-in-a-lifetime experience - thank you, Japamala team!…

Date of stay: March 2023

Value

Location

Service

Trip type: Travelled as a couple

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Response from Joe Jumadin, Innkeeper at Japamala Resort by Samadhi

Responded 31 Mar 2023

Hi Hendril, Thank you so much for your amazing review. We are really happy to hear your guys are appreciated our effort. Japamala is a small resort can provide jungle and beach front at the same time like what you has been experience. Just to highlights and make a correction that we serve all day breakfast. Thank you so much for you amazing review and support. Stay safe and see you guys next time.

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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