Batu Batu Resort

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Meaning “rocks” in the local Malay language, Batu Batu is a rustic island retreat set among coconut palms, rocky outcrops and fine sandy beaches on the uninhabited island of Pulau Tengah, off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Built by local carpenters from a variety of tropical hardwoods using traditional techniques in the Malay vernacular style, the 20 one-bedroom villas and 2 two-bedroom villas are nestled within the island’s wild, natural surroundings in a way that evokes a “kampung,” or Malay village.

You can spend lazy, sun-filled days exploring the island’s eight white-sand beaches, wandering through the jungle, or learning about its fragile ecosystems from TIC biologists. Kayaks and paddleboards invite visitors to venture out into the open blue, while those wishing to explore the coral realms of the South China Sea need only grab a mask and snorkel and step off the beach.

Batu Batu strives to tread lightly, source sustainably, act responsibly and support the local economy wherever possible.

Food is one of Batu Batu’s highlights, with full-board meals served three times a day in the resort’s main restaurant, an open, breezy pavilion offering a 270-degree view over the ocean.

Batu Batu’s restaurant 
Our bakery and pastry section is also a highlight, with excellent homemade breads, mousses, ice creams and pies, and of course, fresh tropical fruit.

Batu Batu’s kitchen caters to babies and children, with a simple, rotating children’s menu available every day.

The Bar
Set among the rocks with sweeping sea views, the bar sits next to the resort’s main restaurant. Enjoy a lemongrass martini, a cold beer or a fresh fruit juice while taking in the expanse of the South China Sea.

The Tiki Bar 
The small, rustic beach shack on Long Beach that moves with the tides. The Tiki Bar is open from 11am until nightfall, serving a small selection of drinks for guests relaxing on the beach.

Rooms

Batu Batu has 20 one-bedroom villas and 2 two-bedroom villas, all built from tropical hardwood and designed to blend into the natural surroundings.

Inspired by Malaysian architecture, the villas feature high roofs and large glass doors opening onto a spacious balcony overlooking the sea or the jungle, providing privacy and quiet. The bathrooms are spacious and well equipped, with bathtubs, showers, toilets and double stone basins, as well as wall-to-wall windows overlooking the sea or the jungle.

Some villas are further from the main facilities, while others are just a few steps away. Some villas may not be suitable for people with reduced mobility or families with young children.

All villas come with a DVD player, drinking water, tea and coffee facilities, a kettle, a mini-bar fridge, a free-standing bathtub, a rain shower, Malin + Goetz toiletries, a hairdryer, a safe and a solar water heater.

SPA

“Health is a gift” is the guiding philosophy at Batu Batu Spa, where therapists offer a selection of massages and beauty treatments, including the Batu Batu oil massage, a full-body massage combining Balinese and Swedish techniques with hot stones. Drawing on ancient techniques from holistic healing systems, including those of India, Indonesia and Hawaii, guests are invited to release stress to the rhythm of the sea breeze, the rustle of leaves in the surrounding canopy and the sound of waves — the soundtrack to Batu Batu's wellness journey.

The natural products used at the spa come from local artisans; many, including plant-based scrubs and body masks, are freshly made on the island. High-quality, moisturising aromatherapy oils are blended with natural ingredients sourced from Pulau Tengah. The Batu Batu Hotel spa includes two fan-cooled treatment rooms.