Nestled by the sea on Tioman Island, Age 12 and Above Only is a boutique resort and nature retreat where comfort, adventure, and sustainability converge. Designed with deep respect for its lush rainforest surroundings, each of the 16 handcrafted chalets and villas blend seamlessly with nature, preserving the land's contours and habitats. Elevated walkways follow the terrain, ensuring minimal disruption to wildlife, embodying Japamala’s commitment to eco-conscious luxury. Guests can unwind on the private beach, enjoy the outdoor pool, or savor Asian delicacies at Tamarind Restaurant, one of three dining venues. Start your day with a complimentary local breakfast and end it with a drink at the bar/lounge. Modern amenities, including Smart TVs, minibars, and rainfall showers, enhance comfort, while private balconies offer serene views. With concierge services, and optional airport transfers, the resort caters to every need. Perfect for honeymoons or tranquil getaways, Japamala invites you to reconnect with nature in an idyllic sanctuary where luxury meets harmony, creating an unforgettable retreat
"The rooms are clean and relaxing, with many decorations and items made from local, handcrafted materials, which is both eco-friendly and gives the hotel its unique character. The hotel owner and staff are polite and sincere, without any noticeable commercial vibe. The natural environment is quiet and pristine, and the hotel blends seamlessly with its surroundings. Most guests here are couples enjoying their time together; we were the only ones with children during our three-day stay. We really loved this quiet, non-commercial holiday environment.
January is monsoon season, so the winds and waves were strong. We tried snorkeling on two mornings, but it wasn't amazing. The ecosystem here isn't as vibrant as in Mataking, Semporna; we didn't see as many types of fish, and there were more rocks, making the snorkeling environment less friendly than Mataking. However, the hotel stay itself was truly comfortable, and we felt the energy of nature – a great opportunity to relax. The staff and owner were fantastic and even personally picked us up and dropped us off at the pier. Their service felt genuinely sincere, unlike Semporna, where there's a strong commercial atmosphere, and you don't feel the same genuine human interaction, but rather more commercialism, and the room rates are many times higher without the corresponding service quality.
We love this kind of hotel vacation experience. It's filled with the scent of nature everywhere, with streams flowing through the rainforest, integrating the hotel with the sea – a resort that has both mountains and the ocean.
Friendly tip: The hotel carefully prepares all three meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). The food provided is consistently delicious, and although the prices are not cheap, it's worth it."