Bon Ton Langkawi Resort

Langkawi is home to many lovely resorts, from the ultra exclusive and expensive Datai to the comfortable yet affordable Bon Ton Langkawi Resort. If you're travelling with a limited budget, just steer clear of anywhere right in Kuah town.

Bon Ton Langkawi is a very unique place to hang out during your visit in Langkawi. This Langkawi resort consists of five restored 100-year-old wooden Malay house on stilts, decorated with antique furniture and textiles. The exclusive kampong (village) houses on the western edge of the island are surrounded by coconut palms and look out on to a deep-blue oblong pool with a Jacuzzi at one end.

The Owner

Bon Ton Langkawi is owned by Australian owner Narelle McMurtrie who purchased the antique Malay villas from the islanders, dismantled them and then reassembled them on her 1.5 hectare compound. Narelle has kept the building's rustic charm but without skimping on luxuries. There are air conditioning, a DVD player with 50 films, silk slippers and, yes, a hairdryer. You can choose to stay in the century-old Black Coral, 60-year-old Yellow Orchid (formerly the home of a fisherman), the painstakingly restored 80-year-old White Frangipani or the equally venerable Blue Ginger.

The names might seem funky, but important architectural details, including original louvered shutters and latticed panels found only on original Malay houses have been retained. Each of this Langkawi resort's room is tastefully equipped with with white linen, Asian accessories and a few modern amenities such as a hot shower and a mini fridge.

You'll find it comfortable to be tucked up in bed, protected by a huge muslin mosquito net, listening to the mesmerising calls of crickets, frogs, birds and water buffalo outside. Taking a shower is another great experience - the shower-head is the size of a dinner plate and it's mesmerising to watch the water drain straight through the gaps in the floorboards.

Hotel Facilities

There's no beach at Bon Ton's doorstep, but a pool sits just meters away. Bon Ton Langkawi houses one of the best restaurants to be found on the island. The Balinese-style Nam restaurant and Chin Chin Lounge Bar (formerly a 90-year-old shophouse) make up for almost anything. Just try the barbecue rock lobster ... it's wonderful.

The Nam restaurant in Bon Ton Langkawi is an open air pavillion from which you can choose local & Thai influenced meals such as Nyonya Platter, 9 dishes served on a banana leaf including Grilled Coconut Chicken, Beef &ap Peanuts, Lamb Rendang, Mango Prawn Curry, marinated vegetables & Rice. Desserts are really delicious too.

Room Rates

Bon Ton Langkawi is quite pricey for budget travellers. The Kampung houses with a heavy lean towards Balinese structures cost about RM160 per night. Bon Ton also has yachts available for rental so that you can explore the waters around.

Even if you're not staying at Bon Ton, you'll find it's interesting to visit Bon Ton and have a close look at the lovely houses. Who knows, you might get lucky to have a sneak peak into the houses - they'll conduct a tour if any of the houses are not occupied.

If you visit Bon Ton during the day, try to have steak sandwiches for lunch at the resort's restaurant. It will only cost you about RM40 for two and they are really nice... . Dining for dinner is yet another different experience at Bon Ton. A superbly delicious 3 course dinner for two will cost you about RM120, a bit pricey but it's worth it.

It's even well worth it more when you know that all the restaurant profits are used to fund the only animal rescue centre on the Island. If you love cats, keep your eyes open as you might come accross some beautiful cats with amazing characters. If not, try to have a peak at the rescue centre.