128 AsiaSpa November/December 2017TheGreatEscape
and visibility were the best I have seen
in Asia, rivaling even that of the flawless
Maldivian waters. The morning begins at
Sunset Point, where the reef can be accessed
by the beach, so you can retreat to shore and
read in a hammock or have a go on the tree
swings, where forgetting responsibilities is
surprisingly easy.
After snorkellers and divers regroup for
lunch on the beach, together we head for
Turtle Point, where ogling cartoony coral
and swimming with a school of bulbous
humphead wrasse is a treat. The divers
were lucky enough to see whale sharks on
a recent dive, confirming the site as one of
Malaysia’s best-kept (not anymore) secrets
for thriving marine life. The crew kept us
entertained with playful antics and it was a
fantastic day on the water.
For a different wildlife encounter, Kenyir
Elephant Village, located by Temelong River,
is a sanctuary dedicated to improving the
human-wildlife conflict and increasing
awareness by giving rescued and orphan
elephants and home, which of which 90
per cent of the 256 hectares are untouched
in an attempt to preserve their natural
habitat. Breathtaking landscapes around the
resort also include the 300m Chemerung
Waterfall, where you can hike its craggy
mountainside and take a dip in crystal
clear water.