Kick Start A Monday @ Swiss Garden, Damai Laut
May 19, 2010 | 9,458 viewsTo do away with the midweek blues many of us might be having (and the incessant cravings for the weekend!), this was how I fended off my Monday blues last week; immersing myself in a short 3 days 2 nights getaway to Swiss Garden Golf Resort & Spa at Damai Laut, Lumut. Here’s their website, in case you wanna read more about this almost secluded piece of land to the west of Perak, within spitting distance from Pangkor Island; THE most idyllic island getaway one can hope for when you’re in Perak ….
Established since 1997 (yup, a good 13 years!) Swiss Garden Golf Resort & Spa does not change one bit. Or at least that was how the place looked like to me, on this 3rd visit.
A soothing respite before bracing myself for the onslaught of deadlines and impending headaches (read my Pusing’s Ming Feong post for more musings) for the rest of the week …
We were put up in those apartment-like buildings, but sadly not facing the sea. Our balcony was facing the hills, forests and grounds for various sports; such as a court for netball, archery, and even paintball (I believe)
The twin-sharing room, with basic amenities, as well as perks such as high speed internet access, cable channels, a wardrobe, tea/coffee making facilities, and hot shower/bath tub.
Even more so when the holiday’s on the house. Hahaha … no, this holiday was NOT sponsored by the hotel, in case you’re sensing bias in my writing and getting ready with a rotten tomato in hand, and a sinister thought in mind.
But being another one of those ‘meeting-course-seminar‘ thingy, spanning hours after hours of boring talks and such …. you know the drill. Anyway, nothing beats a timely retreat in these dire times. 🙂
A stroll around the maze-like labyrinth in the evenings …. (Seriously, it took us a few rounds before we got accustomed to the layout of the whole resort)
Swiss Garden Golf Resort & Spa is an exclusive 4 star resort, separated from the bustling tourist-y magnet of Pangkor Island, and situated a short distance away from Pantai Remis, Sitiawan, Seri Manjung and Lumut. No idea where all these places are? No worries, refer to my personal Perak Food Guide for some useful references; food-wise, of course.
Sit back, relax and soak in the sun …. blissful.
A little secluded than imaginable, you literally have to brace yourself for the bumpy roads, passing through the ‘wilderness’ (figure of speech, really), some random dragonfruit plantations, and scary notions of getting lost in the middle of nowhere (very true if you decide to check in during the darker hours of the day!).
The free form swimming pool that is suitable for a lap or two, or better yet, some splashing fun with the kids!
I remember most about Swiss Garden since my previous two visits (one during the late 90’s, and another about 3 years or so later) was the swimming pool. Yes, overlooking the thick foliage beneath, and the setting sun in the evenings casting its glow on the straits of Malacca. And best of all, the place was shaded by palm trees of all heights and shapes, rendering even a swim in the heat of the afternoon feasible.
Quirky yet brought a much pleasant sense of vibrancy to the ambience – The colourful chairs of Garden Terrace, where we had our feasts throughout the 3 days.
As the nearest town (Ayer Tawar/Sitiawan or Seri Manjung) is at least half an hour away, it’s almost impractical to go on an exodus come mealtimes when you’re staying in this resort.
Hence, you’re left with a few choices; either die from famine (drink water from the sea/pool?) OR you can patronize any one of their F&B establishments, which include an all-day dining option at Garden Terrace, Mediterranean & European cuisine at Blossom Courtyard, or even at The Gayam, which is only opened for dinner, specializing in BBQ and seafood buffet, overlooking the sea so you can listen to the crashing waves while digging in into your crustaceans.
The al fresco seating area, on the verandah outside of Garden Terrace.
There isn’t much to do at Swiss Garden, but golfing, swimming and tanning, and then repeating the cycle again and again ………
Yes, you can drink the night away while being gently caressed by the sea breeze …..
Anyway, mind if I reinstate again; this is NOT an endorsement by Swiss Garden Golf Resort & Spa. I did not receive any monetary or non-monetary compensation for this post. Okay, the accommodation was paid for, but NOT by the hotel management, nor any advertising companies.
Phew … but of course, anyone who is itching to buy me a drink, bring me for lunch, or spend me a night at the resort would be much, MUCH welcomed to do so! 🙂
A map taken from their official website.
SWISS GARDEN GOLF RESORT & SPA,
Off Pangkor Island, Malaysia
Persiaran Swiss- Garden, Jalan Damai Laut, Off Jalan Teluk Senangin,
32200 Lumut, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia.
Tel : 605 – 684 3333 Fax : 605 – 618 3388
Directions : Let’s say you’re from Ipoh, Perak, using the Lumut Highway connecting Ipoh to Lumut. Just before you reach Ayer Tawar town, you will reach a traffic lights at a crossroad, with a school on your right. Turn RIGHT towards Pantai Remis direction, and proceed until you reach a T-junction. Take a LEFT (RIGHT will take you to Pantai Remis town), and go forth until you see the big signboard indicating Swiss Garden Golf Resort & Spa on your RIGHT. Turn RIGHT, and follow the route until you reach the resort.
** Wait just one minute !!! NO FOOD in this post?!!!!! Whoops …. but no worries, stay tuned for the review of yet another restaurant in Sitiawan serving Foo Chow cuisine. I promise! **
Gosh this resort looks familiar. But then again, after one too many roadshows and seminars and trainings around the country, all the golf & country & beach resorts sorta look the same… 😛
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War…I wanna go there. 😀
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this resort is good for honeymooners.. and company training trips…. but other than tat… a bit isolated and lacking entertainment
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
Yeah, kinda true. Not much beach activities either, nor any other options when it comes to the food.
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meme Reply:
June 14th, 2014 at 9:00 pm
There are so many flies here it is terrible. Everywhere, flies.
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My colleague used to stay here also whenever she travel there 😀
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… oh… i am going to the pahang one this friday. I think i will try some kayaking to update my tan!
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 12:57 pm
Haha, good good … kayaking not enough, so sunbath!!!!
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this resort and the place are still as pretty as they are. i was here at my age of 12 🙂 miss the blue blue sea a lot
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*siiiiiiiiiiiiiiiigh*
Now you got me dreaming of a beach holiday while I am trapped in my office cubicle! 😛
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Reminiscence! I think I was here more than 10 years ago.. probably when it just opened not too long! Ahh the beach and the room still looked the same.. but so did the lack of activities 😛 This is good for a really relaxing holiday where you really don’t do anything at all, literally..
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are you soliciting for a free nite hahah??
loved the place when i last visited almost 3 years ago, looks the same from the pictures!
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 20th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Free night? Hahaha, care to donate to Motormouth funds? 🙂
Nah …. for the time being I’d rather stay indoors.
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i went there for a company trip few years back, nice place!
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This place is really secluded ( more like deserted ) on normal days. Some years back they had the Korean & Jap golf trainees or so to bump the place up ( dunno about today). We used to play golf here once in (say) 3 years… 😀 The bright spark & continuing attraction to us is a few km away at Teluk Senangi ( as Teluk Batik used to look like 20 years or so ago ) & Pasir Panjang ( turtle sanctuary , Lumut Power Plant and the 2nd most awesome/natural sandy beach in Perak, after Pangkor Laut’s Emerald Bay).
Yeah , and we couldn’t afford the beers sold here, coz we always go toddying in Kg Cina for a 10th of the price ! Damai Laut Resort – until today we never know why it was built here, with nary a sandy beach for the midnight swim
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this is surely an incredible place! when i see these pictures, it makes me wan to go there straightaway with my loved one 😀 it’s been so long since i went to such resort, this is indeed a very place to stay during the holidays!
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Have you tried Pangkor Laut Resort in Pangkor? You should try it for a short break.. it’s a really awesome resort!
All I can remember about Swiss Garden are the flies!! Everywhere! Do they still have the same problem?
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 21st, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Pangkor Laut Resort too exclusive lah … but meanwhile, they’re having a promotion of sorts, according to my friend.
About RM800 or so for 3 days 2 nights stay, WITH all meals provided! A steal, right?
Now lemme find the time ….
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[…] Swiss Garden Golf Resort & Spa @ Damai Laut, Lumut – Off Pangkor Island | Motormouth Fr&#… […]
is the buffet still infested with flies? i’ve never seen so many flies in a hotel buffet before. some chappie, must be singaporean la, went and complained that a fly had touched his food, and the waiter gave him this look that said, “so? deal with it”….
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 21st, 2010 at 11:26 pm
What? Rest assured none of those problems anymore. If I recall correctly, this cafe was NOT in an enclosed area, but half al fresco style, right?
But this time it’s fully air-conditioned, and without a single fly.
Aside from those on the trousers …. 🙂
okay okay .. bad joke.
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meme Reply:
June 14th, 2014 at 9:01 pm
There are flies everywhere. Some days they seem to leave, but most days they are here swarming everywhere. It is quite awful, unsanitary, and sickening.
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Stayed here for 1 nite 10 years ago due to a project at Manjong. Thanks for the posting that rekindles some old memories of my travelling days.
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 23rd, 2010 at 9:55 pm
A full decade ago? 🙂
Haha, I also felt the nostalgia when driving back to the resort again.
Though back then, we had to use the ferry service.
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Hey, is the beach clean? By the look of the pic, it looks so so only. What about the water? Clear blue or just full of rubbish? 🙁 I thought of making a stop there one of these days.
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J2Kfm Reply:
May 26th, 2010 at 10:17 pm
Hi nat,
The beach was okay … not as stellar, and the waters not as pristine as I would have hoped for.
Anyway, we did not enjoy the beach & sea much even way back then ……
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[…] place reminded me of our very own Swiss Garden Damai Laut Resort in more ways than one. Firstly, the resort was isolated from civilization. You don’t see […]
you may go Turtle Breeding Farm (Pusat Penetasan Penyu) at Pantai Pasir Panjang, near swiss garden lumut,
Swiss Garden Lumut, perak
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Oh man. Mention of this place & I remember flies. The cafe area for breakfast was infested with flies and it’s an enclosed area (7th picture). I did not enjoy my breakfast at all. I was there for a conference & I got the grand prize for the lucky draw……3D2N stay at the hotel!! What a joke. I gave the vouchers away LOL! This was last year. I wonder whether is this a seasonal problem or all year round?
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beth abd jay Reply:
August 11th, 2012 at 9:44 pm
we just went there last week….. quite far,,,we enjoy our 4 hrs trip from kl…coz its raining ahlf way going there,and again heavy rain while driving back home….when we saw the sign board and follow the road…i didnt expect that the place was nice and cool…….4hrs driving was worth it…..but the problem was,,,,wherever we go the flies guide us every time,,to the point that… we were about to bring them to kl,,coz they follow inside the car..hahahahah…its quite far,,we have to travel half an hour to reach the town…
But realy we enjoy the entertainment in chips lounge.they are good singers,,,,,not bcoz they are filipino like me,,but really they are good performer……….
hope u can solve the flies prob there,,,,
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Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.|
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