Ara Dinawan Island Resort

We had visited the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park a week before arriving on Ara Dinawan, so know how special it is to be on an island that beautiful with very few people! I think all in all about 30 others at any one time - for long periods, we actually had the beach to ourselves. Our glamping accommodation was absolutely beautiful and so well thought out (well beyond what we were expecting for ‘glamping’). Comfy beds and tons of space too. Food was buffet style and of great quality. We went for just one night and it was the perfect place to relax in nature, with a rustic, lo-fi feel to it. The secret beach sunset walk, snorkelling and using the kayak were big highlights. Would 100% recommend Ara Dinawan for anyone looking for an easy, idyllic escape from KK.

Sandflies were pretty grim (and got worse in the days following the bites). Though to be honest, they seemed DEET resistant and it was a relatively small price to pay to enjoy our own island paradise!

The island is beautiful and relaxing. Staffs are helpful and friendly.

There were rats. There was a dead one lying near the staff quarters for 2 days we were there. And in our room, we had unopened packet foods tucked deep in our luggages. But rats still got to them (bitemarks on packaging indicated it's probably rats). There are also lots of blood sucking sandflies on the beach. If they can do something about above two problems, we'd love to come again.

Relaxing atmosphere and vibe (even more after the day trippers have left the island) Nice food The glamping tents are well-equipped, even as non-campers we felt very comfortable

Be aware of the sandflies- bring repellent! It would have been great if the charges for lunch and dinner were already included in the price you pay via Booking to prevent hassle of dealing with it when you’re there (or in our case having to make a later payment)

The tents were really nice built also the organised trips, the boat transfers, the island itself - THE STAFF was really really friendly and helpful all the time every one of them, thank you so much!!

The aircon just worked from 2pm to 8am which would be ok I guess if it would be a good aircon - ours could not manage to get the heat out of the tent even we had it fully running the whole time. There are many sandflies on the beach but that‘s not the hotels fault just to know one should bring much insect repellent.

The food was excellent, the island was beautiful and very peaceful !

A shout-out thank you to Max, we had a really good travel because of your guide on the island. Even though there were no other guests, you still went through every activity without skipping anything or trying to save time, and we appreciate that a lot. The other staff members on the island were really friendly as well. Be sure you watch the sunrise when the weather is good, it's really beautiful. Thank you to the dogs on the island for keeping us company often as well.

This is not a complaint but just a tip for other guests who are not accustomed to Malaysian islands but thinking of staying on the island. There are big-sized sandflies that hurt when they sting, and I was absolutely murdered by the mosquitos. Mosquito bites still have not yet healed after 1 month of having left Malaysia. So be prepared and cover everywhere.

Food, location, tent, staff, quiet location

Nothing

The Tent was amazing!! The employees very friendly and the food was amazing!! Beach view