Belum Eco Resort — Hotel in Perak

We stayed a Belum Eco Resort as a family of 4 with 2 young children in August 2023. We were visiting Penang island for a couple weeks and looking for something a bit different to do while we were in Malaysia.

We contacted the booking team through WhatsApp who were really helpful, and reassured us things like the hike would be ok with kids and sent us some stunning photos of the resort. We booked the 3 day 2 night package and agreed to sleep the four of us in one cabin, we were warned it would be cramped (which proved true!) but it was no problem as we weren’t there to spend time in the cabin other than sleeping.

We hired a car and drove to Banding Jeti, a beautiful drive once out of Penang. On arrival you walk around the back of the jetty and pay 5rm per day for a parking ticket.

We then met our boat driver and host, he was brilliant helping us into the boat and keeping the kids entertained, encouraging them to sit up front with him and pointing out interesting sights. The trip started with a little rafflesia spotting (a short walk off the boat) and then on to the island. At this point you start to realise how remote the location is, there were very few tourists and boats around even near the jetty.

The next couple days were the highlight of our whole trip bar a few mosquito bites. The cabin was basic with a fan and a couple sockets that work for charging phones overnight when the power is on. The beds have thin mattresses but we didn’t find them uncomfortable. The outside shower / toilet was fine, with hot water and decent pressure.

We came semi prepared for the hike, it’s 45 minutes each way to a waterfall and back (or an hour if you’re grouped with a family like us with a 5 year old). Footwear wise, trainers were fine but hiking shoes are advisable. Also make sure to have thick socks or leech socks, thin hiking socks from Decathlon will not stop a leech as our 5 year old found out! Other than the initial surprise when we found the bite this was no issue and didn’t cause any trouble for the hike back.

Other activities included elephant spotting (no luck for us), kayaking and swimming in the lovely warm lake surrounding the island. It’s deep but you can grab a float to relax with.

The food was great, nothing fancy, more like good home cooking. They don’t serve alcohol but you’re welcome to take some with you and chill it in the kitchen fridge if needed.

The small team of staff were all friendly and helpful. There were a small number of other couples and families there at the same time as us, it’s a small resort. It was the most amazing trip and if you’re reading this sat on the fence about whether to go I can wholeheartedly...

It's a 20 minute speed boat to get to this place from Jeti Awam Pulau Banding. Currently booking of resort can be done only through WhatsApp number and more details can be found on their official website.

There are about 12 chalets which can accommodate from 2-4 pax. The chalets were clean and tidy considering the location. All chalets have a big balcony with chairs and table overlooking the lake. The entire island is owned by the resort so you can walk around the island as well.

Food was great considering the remote location, we had steamboat dinner, BBQ dinner where we had a good time socializing with others in the resort. They do vary items on the menu so that you don't get bored. Buffet style with breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner provided. They have ensured that very less plastic is used in the resort which is good.

It was extremely cold throughout the day and in the night we had to layer up since the temperature drops below 20 degrees. Morning sessions we were occupied with activities while late afternoon and evening is mostly free time.

No internet access, and range in the chalets, and currently you get network only near the dining area for Maxis, and Celcom networks(other networks don't work here). No WiFi and since electricity is from a diesel generator it is available from 6PM to 8AM in the entire resort.

The guides were extremely friendly and knowledgeable, they do know Malay and English which is good. It's an all inclusive package so the place we had carry some money was when we went to the orang asli village. Speed boats are not covered so carry your rain coats since they do go ahead with the tour even if it's raining.

Highly recommended place in case you want a peaceful place to stay amidst nature.

Areas of improvement: The kayaks are in bad condition, some parts of it broken and water just stagnates inside the kayak so there is mold and other slimy stuff inside the kayak.

It would be good if they offer longer bird watching sessions since this place is bustling with birds. We did spot a few birds but it would have been better if it was longer. Also custom bird watching tours and long hikes are a good options that...

Royal Belum Eco Resort is located on a small island on an expansive lake and surrounded by islands of lush dense rainforest. It is a truly stunning location, and we never got bored of just standing taking in the views and enjoying watching the weather roll in and out. We were picked up from the main public jetty and had a delightful 25 minute boat ride to the resort. It is very much a back-to-basics place, so expect very simple accommodation and facilities i.e bring your own towels and soap, outdoor toilet/shower cubicle, almost no internet/phone signal and none of the polish that the word ‘resort’ normally implies-but that is entirely the charm of the place! The staff are lovely and helpful, the food is simple but tasty, cold beer in the fridge if required after a day of hiking, swimming, kayaking, nature-watching or fishing and peaceful surroundings to sit and enjoy the beautiful views and enjoy a family game of cards. Steven our guide and host was friendly and extremely knowledgeable-a true conservationist. This place really feels like an escape from civilization and a chance to experience nature without the intrusion of commercial development and mod cons. And on the plus side, from my point of view, there were barely any creepy crawlies to cause bother (just remember to bring plenty of mosquito spray and a pair of leech socks for the hiking). This is the perfect place to escape the city and have an adventure for all the family (with children over toddler age) and we would definitely recommend it and...