Eagle Ranch Resort

The Eagle Ranch Resort is a big, 32-acre slice of western America in the middle of a rugged stretch of coastal rain forest. Large, red playbill lettering announces the resort's name on a grassy mound in front of the open-air lobby, which is under a pavilion that's not particularly western in appearance. Old-time lanterns decorate the timber columns and a wooden carriage sits on a lawn beneath two palm trees. The theme is somewhat inconsistent throughout -- laid on thick in the main Watering Hole Restaurant with wagon wheels and wooden barrels everywhere, but is largely absent around the pool. Rooms designed like teepees and bandwagons cover large parts of the grounds, but there's also a lagoon-style pool with more traditional Kampung houses on stilts. It's best-suited to families with kids and team-building groups.

The resort is located at the 14th mile along the main coastal road, surrounded by forests with nothing in walking distance. Port Dickson is at least a 26-minute drive to the northwest, but regional attractions such as the Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, Rachardo Lighthouse, and the popular Port Dickson Ostrich Farm are all within a 13-minute drive. Kuala Lumpur and Subang Airport are about a 90-minute drive away.

The resort has 116 rooms, including a fun variety of options in the form of teepees or bi-level bandwagons with twin or queen beds. These are the most thematic, but they're rugged, with worn and minimal furnishings, and dated amenities such as old tube-style TVs. Additionally, some guests have reported teepees flooding when it rains. Free Wi-Fi comes standard along with electric kettles, but some are run-down and in need of a renovation. 

The larger Paddock Chalets are just as rustic, but have shared outdoor balconies and add mini-fridges. At the top tier, the Log Cabins have a more attractive timber and faux-stone decor, with western (or Native American) artwork, while the Kampung houses built on stilts over a lagoon-style pool depart from the theme entirely. Both have private balconies. There are also Log or Paddock Dormitories without en-suite bathrooms that sleep groups of eight to 20 people on bunk beds.

The resort's main attractions center around outdoor recreational activities such as obstacle courses and its big go-kart track. Kids can play paintball, practice repelling on a rope course, and make use of the basketball court and sand volleyball court. Some of the resort's recreational activities, including horse riding and archery, even fit in well with the overall theme. The large outdoor lap pool is set away from other facilities in a well-maintained lawn with a kiddy pool, and a hot tub under a shady pavilion. There are no spa or fitness center though. On-site dining options include a buffet restaurant, and a cowboy-themed bar, along with a poolside bar. Free breakfast is included, but options are limited and only valid for two per room (extra fees for more guests apply). The resort also has several meeting rooms and runs team-building activities for corporate groups.