The charming Temple Tree Resort, set amidst the idyllic Malaysian island of Langkawi, is a sanctuary where history, culture, and culinary arts blend seamlessly. Having spent four delightful days at this resort, I invite you to indulge me while I weave through the historic heritage houses and the enjoyable culinary adventures that await guests.
The most striking feature of the Temple Tree Resort is its collection of heritage houses, each a relic of Malaysia's rich history. From Chinese farmhouses to colonial bungalows, these structures from different parts of Malaysia, meticulously restored and repurposed into elegant accommodations, offer a unique glimpse into the past. Main Images above: Douglas Peris Expat Choice Reporter and Irene Vairo, Temple Tree’s general manager
Straits House
Walking through these houses is like traversing different eras, each telling its own story through antique furnishings and traditional designs. As you step into each house, you can close your eyes and imagine the families who once called these heritage houses their home. Authenticity reigns supreme at the Temple Tree Resort with the resort's eight fully restored heritage houses, aged between 80 and 120. Each house has a different layout, so whether it is just the two of you escaping for the weekend, a wedding party, or a corporate off-site meeting, it's all here.
Johor House
For example, The Negeri Sembilan House and its beautiful stained-glass windows make ideal bridal suites for the bride and groom, with more extensive outlines of a romantic room for two. The larger houses like the Plantation House with six suites, the Colonial House with four suites, and the Straits House with four suites, can comfortably sleep multi-generational families flying in for the occasion. By the way, the Straits House comes with a private pool. The Penang House and Estate House will meet the requirements of couples and single guests, featuring styles as different as the cultures they represent.
Colonial House
I stayed at the stately two-storey Colonial House with its high ceilings, expansive verandas, intricate wooden design, and picturesque tiled floors. This place is good for 10 to 12 people and ideal for large family groups. The vintage claw-feet bath is a luxurious treat. The main bedroom has a glorious four-poster bed with the mosquito nets required in the tropics. Creaking wooden floors add to the nostalgia of this house. Despite the ages of the houses, there is no need to worry as each comes fitted with modern amenities to meet all of today's travellers' needs.
Estate House
Langkawi is a 75-minute flight from Singapore, and with many airlines flying into Langkawi, airfares are excellent value. Also, the resort is a mere 10 minutes from the very modern and appealing Langkawi International Airport. There are no issues with taxis or Grab, so getting to the hotel is also a pleasant journey.
Plantation House
Arriving at the resort, you'll see that the reception is at the Ipoh House, which also houses the resort's restaurant and bar. The resort's GM, Irene Vairo, an Italian native, has been there for a few years and has made Langkawi her home. She is delightful and knowledgeable about the resort and its sustainability plans. Make sure you get a chance to enjoy a coffee with Irene.
The food and dining experiences at Temple Tree are just as memorable as the resort itself. Breakfast is a highlight, with local favourites like nasi lemak (coconut rice with sambal, fried anchovies, peanuts, and hard-boiled egg) served alongside Western morning staples. There is an egg station that does great omelettes and creamy scrambled eggs. You can also indulge in their unique floating breakfast - a tray with tropical fruits, pastries, juice, and coffee delivered to your private pool.
Penang House
As the sun sets, the Paloh Restaurant & Bar offers a beautiful dining experience and a casual cocktail bar. The surrounding garden comes alive with lights and music for the resort's popular "Dining Under the Stars" dinners. Tables are set around the grounds, so each feels intimate, yet you're all together. The menu highlights Malaysian cuisine's melting pot of Chinese, Indian, and Malay flavours. Don't worry if your palate craves some Western fare. The chefs are also adept at pasta and some of the best pizza I've had, including their Smoked Trout and Pesto Pizza. Amongst the many dishes served at the resort, I enjoyed a fragrant rendang, a spicy assam fish curry, and an excellent rich, coco-nutty Nyonya laksa.
Negeri Sembilan House
Monday night features a local band playing some golden oldies and sentimental serenades – a relaxing way to spend Monday evening after dinner. The bar serves some great cocktails and some with local flavours, like including pomelo juice in one of their cocktails. I think I had more than one of their signature Paloh Punch. The bar is also open to the public, so it's quite a nice combo of guests and locals. I liked that all the staff are Langkawi locals, so the resorts contribute to the island's prosperity by hiring local people.
Outside the resort, getting to the beach is a leisurely 10-minute stroll. A couple of modern-looking cafes are nearby, and the Bon Ton resort is right next door. You'll also find some local restaurants that are famous for their breakfasts. The magnificent sandy beaches of Pantai Cenang are a 10-minute taxi ride away, where you will also find a myriad of shops, cafes, pharmacies, and massage places.
Ipoh House
With its rich heritage and cuisine, Temple Tree Resort offers much more than a place to lay your head. It's an opportunity to dive into Malaysian culture, absorb the stories of the past, and create new memories that will stay with you long after leaving this magical destination. If your travels bring you to Langkawi, I can't recommend Temple Tree highly enough for a one-of-a-kind, memorable experience.
As I conclude my four-day odyssey in Langkawi, I'm left with a satisfied palate and a heart full of memories. Temple Tree Resort offers a unique and enriching escape for anyone seeking a blend of historical grandeur, culinary excellence and serene beauty. It is a destination not to be missed.
About The Writer
Doug Peris is a well-known writer and reporter for www.expatchoice.asia (Expat Choice Asia), a passionate foodie, and an avid traveller. Originally from Australia, he has been living in Singapore since 2000. With an appreciation and curiosity for good chefs, street food, unique travel destinations, and diverse cultures, Doug enjoys indulging in culinary delights when travelling for work or leisure. When Doug is not seeking out the best local eats, you can find him in the kitchen trying new recipes, cycling on the roads of Singapore, exploring local pubs and cafes, or planning his next beach getaway.
His varied experiences allow Doug to provide unique perspectives on the vibrant local food scenes across this dynamic region, where his recommendations are regarded as honest and reliable. Join Doug as he shares his food and travel adventures through thoughtful reports and articles published and distributed on www.expatchoice.asia. If you would like Doug or any of our reporters, writers, contributors or reviewers to visit your business as a guest to report on your unique experience and have this report published on Expat Choice, contact us via email with details of you offering at [email protected]
What better time than now to acquaint yourself with the resort and its heritage houses? Direct bookings can be made at www.templetree.com.my
#ExperienceTempleTree #TempleTreeLangkawi #MalaysianHeritageHouses,
@templetree_langkawi
a. Lot 1053, Jalan Pantai Chenang, Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
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