Guest Book

Here are comments from just a few of the guests who have visited and enjoyed Bagus Place:


Stunning scenery - the majestic mountain and unspoilt beach, the beautiful clear warm water and the white soft sands – have I found paradise?Ali, UK


The sand is the most icing-sugarish I've ever seen, and the beach had the added bonus of having nobody but me on it. As for the hotel itself, it seems so improbable to find somewhere this comfy and chic in the absolute middle of nowhere. Freya Williams, New York.


What a magnificent job you have done. You have found beautiful surroundings and built a charming retreat for those of us seeking peace and rest. I shall recommend that my friends and family visit you a.s.a.p! Brian, UK


For us, the best thing about the place is the atmosphere: the long private beach; the sound of the sea (which really does sound better on this side of the island); and best of all, the very friendly, hospitable and genuine staff who want you to enjoy your holiday.Mahesh, Singapore


Congratulations guys! An amazing place for inspiring experiences is what you’ve managed to create – “Bravooo”!! Pascal, Hong Kong


We’re so impressed by the way you have used the natural features of the bay and have carefully knitted the resort into it…it really does add such a lot to the quality of the stay and retains such natural beauty…well done! Alex and Peter, New Zealand


Thank you for a splendidly relaxing stay at what must be one of the loveliest locations on the island.Peter, Singapore


It truly is a haven and I am sure I am not the first (or last) to feel incredibly lucky to visit you here. I will always remember the stunning peaceful beach, dramatic backdrop of mountains and jungle, the log-fun of the waterfall, and tonight we encountered two flying foxes!Rachael, Australia


On the sixth day of our stay, we went on a walk to the end of the beach, near the rocky jetty. In the lee of the mountain peeks, with the sun reflecting off the crystal clear water, I asked Louisa to marry me. She said yes! We’re getting married in September 2005. Nick, UK



Happily newly married couple

Sadly took our leave of our Bagus Place paradise waving goodbye to Claire, Ajay and Yono and the crew and the crystal clear turquoise blue waters, golden sands and jungle of beautiful Tioman Island for the short hop to Singapore.-Travelpod Crew

Captain Yono plays the guitar

Introduction-Our Story

Without knowing why, a man from Paris called Eric found himself in South East Asia, with the dream of setting up a hotel, first in Indonesia, then in Malaysia.


At the end of a long search, having almost given up, he returned to Tioman for a break. While there, he made friends with a group of adventurous project builders who were creating a small trekking centre. One of the group was a special guy called Yono. This meeting was a catalyst for bringing both their dreams closer to fruition.


During his stay Eric discovered a beautiful deserted beach: this was the place! White sand, turquoise waters, magnificent rocks, lush jungle and dramatic mountains : simply the most enchanting spot on Tioman. Bagus! said the boatman, looking at the beach. Bagus means beautiful and good. The name was obvious: Bagus Place.



After an initial phase of development, Eric and Yono felt the need to introduce new ideas and new energy to the project. Eric developed a website to share the magic of Tioman with others and to seek the involvement of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Ajay, who was from England but living in Singapore had already experienced the mystical attraction of Tioman when he discovered the website and responded to Eric and Yono’s invitation. After realising that they shared the same vision, Ajay visited Yono at Bagus Place and instantly joined the team.

Ajay brought the project a step forward by buying the land and bringing life to a solid company, guided by social and environmental responsibility. In line with the vision of the three, it was necessary to find a design that would maximise and protect the natural beauty of Bagus Place, while providing simple yet luxurious accommodation.



After two hard years of designing and construction time, Bagus Place received its first customer in June 2004!

Ajay and his wife Claire spent two years managing Bagus Place and living the dream. At the same time learning Malay, local customs, and ensuring that Bagus Place lived up to its promise of homely comfort and impeccable service. In 2006, they returned to England, leaving the management and care of Bagus Place in the capable hands of Yono and his multinational team.

Also in 2006, Eric unfortunately left the company for family reasons making space for two new partners, Lilian Gille (Yohann our bar man’s father!) and Ajay’s father, to join the adventure and keep the dream alive.

In 2007, the fourth chalet Boat House was completed - an ambitious and creative project, bringing inspired architecture to Tioman Island.

Getting Here & Reservations

Even though Tioman feels like a remote island paradise, it’s surprisingly well connected. Please choose whether you’ll be coming from (or via) Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

From Kuala Lumpur

By Air: You can fly direct from KL to Tioman in just 45 minutes on Berjaya Air (www.berjaya-air.com). Flights depart daily on Dash 7 aircraft, which is a 48-seater propeller plane. We’ll pick you up from the airport and take you by speedboat to Bagus Place, which will take about 25 minutes.

By Sea: Ferries depart regularly throughout the day from Mersing to Tioman. please email us so we can help you plan your journey overland to Mersing, from KL or other points in Malaysia.



From Singapore

By Air: Berjaya Air (www.berjaya-air.com) flies to Tioman every day from Seletar airport in Singapore. Seletar airport is about 15 minutes taxi ride from Changi international airport. The journey to Tioman takes about 40 minutes on a Dash 7 48-seater propeller plane. We will pick you up from the airport and take you by speedboat to Bagus Place, which will take about 25 minutes.

Alternatively, you can take a bus from Singapore to Mersing on mainland Malaysia. This will take four to five hours. From there you can take a speedboat or ferry to Tioman. If you’d like more information on this option, please email us.

Reservations


We believe in making your stay as comfortable and worry free as possible by providing an all-inclusive service. The rates include :

-Transfers to and from the airport or ferry ports on the island
-Breakfast, lunch and dinner (picnics also provided for trips)
-Soft drinks with your meals in the restaurant (not soft drinks outside mealtimes or at the bar)
-Tea and coffee all day (self-service from restaurant)
-Mineral water (tap water is from a spring and also drinkable)
-Complementary drinks in your chalet fridge on arrival
-Room cleaning
-Use of all our sports equipment - including kayaks and snorkelling gear
-Guided tours and trips to local places of interest, including trekking and snorkelling (at our discretion, weather permitting and depending on availability of our boat)
-Evening entertainment which can include live music, bonfire, karaoke and home cinema

We always offer 7 nights for the price of 6, 14 nights for the price of 12, plus we have extra special rates for group bookings.

When you are ready to book, or for more information, please email us. If the period you request is available, you will be asked to make a 20% deposit to confirm your reservation. The balance is payable on departure from Bagus Place, or in advance if you prefer (no credit card machine on site).

We accept electronic transfers to our bank account if we hold one in your country, or credit card payments through Paypal. If paying the deposit by Paypal or bank transfer in the UK the Pounds Sterling price will be determined in Pounds sterling according to commercial rates quoted by Travelex on the day. It is not necessary to become a Paypal member to make the payment. Terms and conditions of bookings will be provided by e-mail prior to payment of the deposit. We look forward to hearing from you!


For booking or any enquiry please email :

Bookings: Reservation@BagusPlace.com

For more detail of our package and rate please find out at:

Website http://www.bagusplace.com/

See you and welcome to the paradise

Restaurant and Bar

All your meals are included in your stay at Bagus Place. They are all home-cooked Asian style, as far as possible using the ingredients we find around us. This means lots of freshly caught fish! We also offer kids meals and take account of special dietary needs.

Please advise us at the time of booking of any special dietary requirements.



Twin Peaks Restaurant



Bagus Place has a well-stocked bar offering a wide variety of drinks and cocktails at reasonable prices. We also offer bar games, movies, karaoke, and live music courtesy of Yono on special evenings!

Dragon Bar



Dragon bar at night




Music time!



Special beach dinner

Special Guy Captain Yono entertaining the guest.

Accomodation

There are four beautiful chalets at Bagus Place. All designed from natural materials to integrate with the natural environment and allow sea breezes to circulate so there’s no need for air-con. Every chalet has hot water bathroom, a mini fridge with complementary drinks and mineral water, remote control fans, mosquito nets in the bedrooms, and amazing sea views!

Our family sized chalets Eagle View and Big Chief are almost identical. Perched a little way up the hill and surrounded by jungle, they provide spacious accommodation for up to five. The double bedroom at the front has great sea views, and the rear bedroom can be set up as twin or king size bed depending on your group. The spacious lounge has a day bed for the fifth person, as well as sea views. A granite tiled bathroom with hot shower completes the set-up!

Our newer smaller chalets, Rock House and Boat House, have double bedroom, lounge, bathroom and verandah, with right on the sea locations so you can hear the tide coming in!

We are also building a new Tree House for the 2008 season. Ideal for two, the Tree House will have sea views and nestle up in the branches, around a strong tree trunk.

Please note that as we are only a small resort and all chalets are the same price and quality, we do not guarantee your choice. We reserve the right to move bookings in advance of arrival to another appropriate chalet to accommodate new enquiries. In the unlikely event that we should need to do this we will endeavour to let you know in advance of arrival.

Boat House view from deck

Eagle View Chalet

Eagle View is named after the view we think our resident eagle has when he perches in his favourite high tree above the chalet.

The chalet has a spacious verandah, two bedrooms, a lounge and a bathroom. The lounge and double bedroom have the most spectacular views of our jetty and the sea. French doors open along the entire front walls of both rooms, giving a real outside-in feeling.

The lounge has comfy chairs and a bed for an extra person. All rooms have remote-controlled fans. There is a modern bathroom with hot shower.

Exterior of Eagle View Chalet

Big Chief Chalet

Big Chief is named after a huge, majestic rock that sits below it on the beach. The house has two connecting verandahs and two separate front doors, ideal for groups who want to come and go separately or for a family.

There is a double room with a window facing south and a french window facing east towards the beach. From the bed you can lie and watch the waves roll in. The second bedroom has twin beds which can be made into a king size if you require.

The lounge has comfy chairs and a bed for an extra person. All rooms have remote-controlled fans. There is a modern bathroom with hot shower.

Exterior of Big Chief Chalet

Rock House

Rock House is a tranquil beachfront hideaway for romance-seekers. Perched atop the huge granite boulders which are characteristic of Bagus Place, Rock House has one double bedroom, a bathroom and a living room. The living room contains a day bed which can accommodate a third person if required.

Built in 2006, Rock House offers the same high standard of decor and amenities as our other chalets, compliments the natural environment, and is perfect for couples! All rooms have remote-controlled fans, the bathroom is modern with hot shower and the lounge is equipped with mini-fridge.

Just open all the front doors for a breathtaking sea view!

Rock House and Dragon bar from jetty

Boat House

Boat House is our innovative new addition to the Bagus Place family - styled upon sea faring legend!

As if about to launch into the South China Sea, Boat House provides fantastic views of the turquoise bay, and its own sun deck for land lovers! There is one double bedroom on the top deck, with bathroom and living room ‘below’. The living room contains two day beds which can accommodate two extra passengers if required.

Built in 2007, Boat House offers the same high standards of accommodation as our other chalets and is perfect for couples or for young families! All rooms have remote-controlled fans, the bathroom is modern with hot shower and the lounge is equipped with mini-fridge.

Just lie in bed and enjoy the views!

Boat House

Photo Gallery

Looking out towards the bar and jetty, high tide


View from Rock House

The majestic Twin Peaks

Sunset from the bar

Beach deck

View along our beach towards old rock jetty

Activities

Bagus Place offers a wide range of activities for everyone. Our beach is clean and safe with crystal clear water. Gentle waves lap at the water’s edge, and the sea stays shallow for about 50 metres at high tide, making Bagus Place excellent for paddling and swimming. The coral reef at the end of the jetty is ideal for snorkelling and diving.

For the active there are plenty of opportunities for trekking and further afield even golf! For relaxation Tioman has two spas which offer a wide range of massages and treatments.

Kids will also love to explore the rocks and rock pools, and observe the crabs and fish. Nets, buckets and spades are available (please bring plastic shoes).

Berjaya golf course


Tioman island has some of the best diving in the world:

The water here is teeming with many different aquatic creatures. Good for both snorkelling and diving. DiveUNuts.com

I had a memorable night-dive here. I headed off from the jetty to the west (seaward) side of the tiny island of Renggis nearby. The angelfish, butterflyfish and pufferfish were trying to sleep, the parrotfish were already ensconced in their mucus cocoons, but small blacktip reef sharks followed me around. Moray eels, nudibranchs, stingrays, shellfish, sea urchins and sea stars were out and about, while the polyps of black corals and other gorgonians were feeding. The water was warm and there was no current. Night-diving just doesn't get much easier. Divernet.com




Marine life of the South China Sea



We can arrange diving trips through reliable, local dive shops. The South China Sea is home to a fascinating array of marine life (too many to mention here) but including, turtles, sharks, barracuda, manta rays and dolphins. There are also a number of wrecks to dive.

If you’d prefer to stay above water, you can snorkel around Bagus Place, or take one of our kayaks to explore the magical hidden coves and beaches of the Tioman coastline. We offer trips to neighbouring islands for swimming, snorkelling and picnics. You can take a short hike into the jungle to find the idyllic waterfall, where you can cool down with a freshwater dip. Longer day treks across the whole island can be arranged to enable you to savour the sights, sounds and smells of a tropical jungle.

BAGUS IS GOOD

Located on beautiful Tioman Island in the South China Sea, Bagus Place Retreat is a peaceful sanctuary of breathtaking natural beauty. We invite you to rejuvenate body and mind at Bagus Place and be enchanted by the sights and sounds of nature.

Bagus Place sits on a secluded beach with crystal clear water, surrounded by tropical forest, at the foot of two mountains where eagles nest.

Mr.Yono , The Captain


Tioman Island is home to a fantastic variety of flora and fauna. New species are still being discovered. Lots of these species can be found at Bagus Place where we are fortunate to have jungle, freshwater and sea habitats. A typical day's nature-watching might go something like this:

Early morning

Awake to the sound of monkeys outside your chalet, quite probably chattering to each other. Maybe eating fruit and throwing the seeds on your chalet roof! The birds are chirping and the jungle is waking up to a new day.

Mid morning

Down at the river the monitor lizards are searching for their next meal. These prehistoric creatures are as much at home in the water as on the land, but will run away from you not towards you!

You can hear the parrot fish munching on the coral as you snorkel above them. The squid observe you with interest, staring at you with their green eyes. Shoals of fish dart this way and that, as one. Their silver scales glint in the sunlight.

Early afternoon

Swallows fly to and fro, collecting bits and pieces for their nest, dipping into the river for a cooling drink from time to time. A solitary eagle soars on the hot thermal currents above Bagus Place.

Butterflies chase each other, alighting briefly on flowers. Some are white, some brown, orange or brilliant blue. Red dragonflies compete for your attention.

Late afternoon

Taking a walk along the beach you are aware of sea shells moving across the sand with a life of their own. These are the hermit crabs, carrying their homes on their backs. The monkeys are back again, balancing on the electric wires like tightrope walkers. The jungle orchestra is tuning up.

Dusk

The bats are out! Snacking on insects as they flutter and swoop between the trees. As you watch the sun set from the jetty, beige-coloured baby sharks and blue and orange stingrays play beneath you in the shallow waters.

Night

Porcupines patter across the beach. Mouse deer forage in the undergrowth. You fall asleep to the lullaby of the waves and the hum of the tropical insects.