Private beachfront location with loungers
Lovely rooms with minibars, kettles, and terraces
Malay restaurant offers half-board to all guests
Beach bar provides drinks and beautiful sea views
Dive shop and snorkeling gear for rent
Private speedboat for island tours
Small spa offers massages
No pool
Rooms lack TVs and no Wi-Fi throughout
Remote location can only be accessed by paid boat ride
Reports of poor breakfast quality and slightly worn rooms
Only open from March to October
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.
Scene
Remote hotel with open-air, Malaysian-style spaces and eco-friendly practices
Surrounded on one side by a jungle and the other side by the beach and ocean, Minang Cove Resort offers a relaxing getaway on Tioman Island complete with no cell phone coverage, Wi-Fi, or TVs. Opened in 2005, the hotel is not a luxury property by any means, but relies on the lush greenery and beautiful sea to play the biggest role in property decor. Reception is an open-air space with couches placed next to the water. There are multiple two-story buildings made from local wood, with lovely terraces that look out to the sea. The restaurant features a local Malaysian design and white tiled floors with worn wooden tables and chairs. While the beach is not particularly large, the hotel managed to provide terraces near the water with loungers and cabanas for guests to lay out in the sun. Most travelers are couples looking for a romantic getaway. Note that this is a seasonal hotel that's open from March to October.
Location
Surrounded by jungle and beach, only reachable by private (paid) boat
Minang Cove Resort is located on the southern edge of Tioman Island, known for its beautiful reefs in crystal-clear waters. The hotel is ideal for travelers seeking a remote place to disconnect from the world, as the only way to reach the resort is by at 15-minute ride on the hotel’s private boat (which costs a fee) from Genting, after taking a two-hour ferry from Mersing to Tioman Island. As the resort is surrounded by rain forest, there are wonderful day-long hikes from the property, but don’t expect to be able to walk to any other dining establishments in less than 45 minutes.
Rooms
Contemporary rooms with no TVs or Wi-Fi, only kettles, minibars, and air-conditioning
Rooms at this property feature a contemporary design with Malaysian hints in local wood furniture or the artwork on the walls. Pink and floral bed accents aim to provide a romantic atmosphere, but it looks a little mismatched. There are no TVs or Wi-Fi, but amenities include kettles, minibars, beach towels, and air-conditioning. Bathrooms are simple, if not bare, and showers aren’t separated by a wall from the rest of the room. Minimal toiletries are provided and hairdryers must be requested from reception. With water views and large terraces, guests enjoy beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
Features
Private beach offers water activities and Malay restaurant with half-board dining
The crowning feature at Minang Cove Resort is its setting on a private beach and calm waters filled with tropical fish and reefs. It’s a perfect spot for snorkeling and visitors can rent equipment from the hotel or set up dives from the dive shop. With the beach, there’s really no need for a pool. As far as leisure facilities, there’s a small spa that offers massages. The hotel has a Malay restaurant and bar. Half-board rates includes breakfast, dinner, and afternoon tea. Breakfast has some Western and local options, though guests report limits on eggs and poor Western selections. As for dinner, choices are limited and lunch receives poor notes, too. The hotel’s speed boat can take guests on private tours or around the island. There’s no Wi-Fi on the property.