世外桃源 - the Chinese proverb that immediately surfaced in my mind when I set foot into Banjaran Hotspring Retreat.
(Translation note: the proverbs sort of mean Paradise on Earth / Shangri-La - basically an expression used to describe a beautiful place)
Cliche much? Absolutely. But just take a look at the photo below and tell me how is it not 世外桃源???
Banjaran has long been on my list of to-visit places. A random fun fact - I've actually been to this exact spot many years ago as a kid when this place used to be a public hotspring. My family & I used to visit the then public hotspring with my extended family occasionally when we were back at Ipoh. These hotspring trips used to be such a treat - we get to dip our feet in the naturally heated geothermal lake and apply the layer of "mud" from the bed of the lake on our limbs as though we were in a spa, cook half-boiled eggs in the springs (which somehow I think tastes so much better than eggs cooked in regular water!)
Until one fateful day...when my parents broke the news that we no longer can visit the hotsprings as it has been taken over by a private company, to be turned into a luxury resort. The hotsprings will no longer be open to the public, only to their in-house guest (and priced at a very steep premium), and that was the end of our hotspring visits, until very recently.
With the steep premium, I thought I'd never be able to visit Banjaran until I'm in my late forties/fifties. But thanks to the benefits I get with my current role, the wait has been expedited.
As we made the turning in from the main road into the compound of Banjaran, we first have to go through verification at the security booth, as only Banjaran guests/day pass holders are allowed to enter the premise of Banjaran. We were directed to the carpark area, after which a staff came over and ushered us warmly to the lobby area.
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| The lobby area |
I had momentarily forgotten where I was - it felt as though we were in Bali, with the gentle lapping of water, and soothing music playing in the background in the lobby area.
As per the custom/tradition of Banjaran, we were first invited to sound the gong to signify our arrival.
followed by check-in procedure & briefing complete with our welcome refreshments.
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| Welcome drink & dessert and cold towel upon arrival - a welcome respite from the heat! |
We arrived way before check-in time, so we hung around at their all-day dining restaurant, Pomelo, before we were whisked away by the buggy for a briefing and tour around the compound of Banjaran, and to our private villa.
Our Room - Lake Villa
There are a total of 44 villas at Banjaran, and only three types of villas are open for reservation as of the time of my visit (April 2023) - the Lake Villa, Garden Villa and Grand Garden Villa (arranged in ascending order of its size/price). We stayed in the smallest villa - Lake Villa.
You'll find a handwritten note and a pomelo, which is the famous local produce in the Tambun district of Ipoh.
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| One side of the bed faces the plunge pool |
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| and the other side faces the lake! |
The Lake Villa, as the name suggests, is perched by the lake. Each lake villa has its own verandah/balcony, with mosquito coil and tiger plushies to fend off any unwanted guests (read: monkey). I thought the villa was pretty sizeable, despite the Lake Villa being the smallest villa in Banjaran - can't imagine how big the other villas would be!
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| The balcony/verandah area, facing the lake! The lake is really clean and you can even see fishes swiming in it. We even saw monitor lizards swimming in it! (They're harmless don't worry) |
Each villa comes with a "smart" censor system, whereby when the sliding doors are opened, the aircond will be automatically turned off. Another cool thing about the villa - we were each given a waterproof (& presumably heat-proof) rubber band thingy to be worn around our wrists which serves as our key to enter our villa - thought that this is a pretty smart & convenient concept, given that we are likely to be soaking in the hotsprings when we're out!
The best part of the villa - the icy cold plunge pool and your own hotspring tub! Each villa comes with its own hot spring dipping pool & plunge pool, so regardless of which villa you choose - you get your own private ensuite pool & hotspring!
The water from the hotspring tub flows continuously to ensure the tub is always warm. The stream of water into plunge pool shuts off automatically by 9pm and switches on in the morning, but one can always call the reception to request for it to be turned on throughout the night if you'd like to be accompanied by the sound of water gushing in your sleep.
The bathroom comes with two vanities, a complete toiletries set and rain shower with water pressure level which I approve of. Also wanted to shout out about their toiletries - Banjaran provides Ren toiletries which smell absolutely amazing!
Each villa is also equipped with a Nespresso machine, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and all the items you need if you have BYOB. A random note - the soundproofing of the villas is pretty solid - at one point I was blasting the music rather loudly and was worried we may be disrupting our neighbours. I was surprised that I could barely hear a thing when I shut the balcony doors/main doors from the outside!
Honestly - I feel like I was happy to just stay in my villa throughout my entire stay. I could soak in the hotspring tub in the privacy of my own room, lounge by the verandah and snack on the refreshment provided when I'm feeling peckish.
But of course, it'd be such a waste to not explore the beautiful compound of Banjaran, which has so much to offer. My biggest dilemma during my short 2 days 1 night stay is to decide where to spend my time.
The Compound
The Banjaran Hotspring Retreat span accross a huge 22.47 acre land. The compound can be roughly split into two halves - with one half being the villa area, and the other half being the facilities/recreational/dining (hot spring/caves) area, leading towards the lobby.
We were provided with a detailed map of the Banjaran compound in our villa, but I've forgotten to take a photo of it - you may refer to this image for the map (source)
Hotel guests may call for the buggy service to get around the compound, but since the weather was fine, we decided to explore around via foot instead.
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| greens, greens everywhere! |
A bottle of mosquito spray is provided to you in your villa - you're encouraged to give yourself a spray or two before you head out from your villa as there are lots of mosquitoes around.
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| Walking around the compound of Banjaran was such a pleasant experience - each turn reveal a breathtaking scenery |
The Midpoint marker for Banjaran is dubbed as the "Sweet Spot" - guests can drop by anytime throughout the day for free flow ice-cream and bottled water.
Hotspring Pool
Other than your personal hotspring tub in your own villa, there are a few outdoor hotspring pool guests can enjoy. Note that the outdoor hotspring facilities are open from 7am-7pm daily - but of course, one can always still continue to enjoy the hotsprings at their own villa beyond those hours!
Dipping pool
Probably the most Instagrammed spot in Banjaran, and I could really see why!
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| Inviting sight, innit? |
Guests are not allowed to go into the lake for safety reasons (fluctuating & uncertain temperature of the lake, and one may injured from the debris in the lake). Guests are instead invited to take a dip in the temperature-monitor dipping pool built at the very edge of the lake
There are a total of 4 hot dipping pools facing the lake. One may lower the temperature of the dipping pool by turning on the cold rain shower.
Yes, our private hotspring tub in the villa is great, but the view here is unbeatable! (Construction for Sunway Medical Centre Ipoh is ongoing outside - hence the giant crane in the backdrop. I was there on a weekday but I didn't notice any loud construction noises)
There is also a geothermal swimming pool, with a stunning backdrop against the limestone mountain. The swimming pool's temperature is not as hot as the dipping pool and usually hovers around 30-35 degree celcius.
There is also this little blue lagoon by the side which guests are not allowed to enter - this might possibly be the main source of heat, as we could feel the heat even by standing next to it, and it's located right next to the Steam Cave.
Caves
There are a few limestone caves on the compound of Banjaran which are open for guests.
Meditation Cave
My personal favourite & also the largest cave you could visit in Banjaran, this cave is designed for, as the name suggested, meditation and yoga. In fact, some of the yoga/meditation practice organised by Banjaran is in this cave.
Other than an opening at the top of the cave, there is also a huge fan inside the meditation cave so ventilation was great.
We joined in a complementary guided meditation session here, and I have to say I really enjoyed the experience. As we were in a cave, the voice of the guru leading the meditation session was amplified by the echoes in the cave. We could hear birds chirping outside, the lapping of water (as there is a waterfall right outside the cave) and the rustling of the leaves from outside the cave.
I wonder where they source their meditation cushion from - it felt soft, plush and luxurious. Feels like something I'd sleep on. If the meditation was done lying down, I might actually accidentally fall asleep - the whole experience was such a soothing and relaxing one.
Crystal Cave
Another cave that is seemingly designed for meditation, albeit it is a lot smaller than its Meditation Cave counterpart!
A beautifully illuminated space for meditation - fun fact: there is an aircond unit in this cave, covered tactfully with bamboo structure.
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| Real crystal in the cave! |
We were told by the staff that the Sky Deck would have the best bird's eye view of Banjaran.
And on the way up, you'll come across this little nook which I dubbed as "gentleman club" (Note: not the official name but my self-made up name). I can imagine this space being transformed to a bar!
Aside from the breathtaking scenery, the breeze up there is lovely. I'd list the Sky Deck on my list of "Places to Take a Nap in Banjaran", alongside the Meditation Cave.
Steam cave
AKA natural sauna - heated naturally from the geothermal source. I immediately started sweating upon setting my foot in this cave. Didn't stick longer than a minute here as it was really hot and stuffy. Guests are also adviced not to stay inside the cave for too long.
Definitely NOT on my list of "Places to Take a Nap in Banjaran".
Other Facilities / Activities
Fish Spa
It was my first time experiencing the fish spa - it was rather ticklish at first but after I got used to the nibbling sensation, the whole experience actually felt weirdly addictive.
Gym
If you're the type that can't skip your workout even on vacation - Banjaran has got you covered. I have to say, the views from the gym would motivate me to keep moving though.
Jungle Walk
Guests may join in the complementary guided jungle walk activity daily at 11am and 2pm, which eventually leads you to the Lost World of Tambun theme park next door (entrance ticket is complimentary for guests). However, since we're there just for 2 days 1 night, we had to give this a skip due to time constraints.
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| Walked around the start of the Jungle Trail just to have a "taster" |
There is also a Spa & Massage Centre which offers different massages/spa services, but again, decided to give it a skip due to time constraints.
I wished if I have more time at Banjaran to fully enjoy all the facilities - even this little corner outside of the Crystal Cave looks inviting for me to sit down and read a book.
F&B - Pomelo Restaurant
There are only two restaurants on site as of the time of writing (April 23) - Pomelo Restaurant & Jeff Cellar (restaurant in a cave! Pomelo is their casual all-day dining restaurant (& where breakfast for in-house guests is served), whereas Jeff Cellar is their fine dining restaurant. Advanced reservation is required and there is a dress code (no slippers, no shorts) for Jeff Cellar.
Prices for Jeff Cellar start from RM600 nett per pax. Whereas for Pomelo, you may expect to pay a minimum of RM50 per pax, which is comparable to any nice restaurants out there (prices shown on the menu of Pomelo are net price, so no additional 16% tax will be imposed on your final bill).
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| Tiger Beer (RM28 net) at one of the Dining Pavilion at Pomelo Restaurant |
At Pomelo, you may opt to be seated at their el-fresco dining area, air-conditioned indoor dining area, or at the lakeside Pavilion overlooking the greens & the geothermal lake. The lakeside pavilion is my favourite dining area, though bear in mind as you are perched on the edge of the geothermal lake, you may feel the heat from the lake evaporating up - though I find it bearable as there is a fan in the pavilion.
Pomelo serves an array of Asian & Western food, unfortunately, I did not take photos of their menu, but just to give you an estimate, some items such as Finger Food, Nasi Goreng, Char Koay Teow, pizza and Sandwiches, are priced between RM40-70, and there is some food item that is priced up to RM100 (eg: wagyu burgers, pasta etc).
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| Mocktail was priced also at RM28 net - featuring Lemonade, with a miniature golf club as the stirrer! |
Since we only had one night there, we decided to dine in at Pomelo and skip the hassle of going out.
The pizza menu is a seemingly new addition to Pomelo, and the Nasi Lemak Pizza (RM70 nett) caught our attention (& it was also recommended by the waiter who served us!). Yes, it is what you think it is - it's nasi lemak in the form of a pizza (sans the rice). This wood-fire pizza topped with sambal prawns, roasted peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber & boiled eggs.
The pizza is about 8" and was more than enough for the two of us to share. I absolutely loved the pizza - feels like bliss when I bite into the sambal prawns. The texture was right what I expected too - crunchy on the edge and holds the topping well without being soggy.
Of course, there are the other usual pizza suspects on the menu and a few other East Meets West pizza (recall one Japanese-style pizza which was also recommended by the waiter), which unfortunately we did not have the stomach space to try out.
Breakfast
Breakfast at Pomelo is served ala-carte style, with a buffet line for bread, refreshments & desserts.
Upon seated, you are served a three-tier appertiser set to start.
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| Our three tier appertiser - starting with fresh cut fruits on the bottom tier, followed by pastry, and the savouries - cheese & ham |
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| The Breakfast Menu |
I was quite impressed with the range of food served for breakfast (and secretly wished that some of them is on the all-day dining menu). We ordered one set each to which the waiter asked, "Two sets only? You sure?" 😂
As much as I was tempted to order more, I was glad I didn't - the breakfast was a full-sized breakfast, and not forgetting there's also a buffet spread I'd like to tackle...
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| Paired my breakfast with Champagne |
Breakfast for a king would be the most accurate description of our breakfast at Pomelo.
Checkout
As the saying goes - all good things must come to an end (actually - all things will come to an end). Definitely the most dreaded moment in Banjaran. My heart sank when the doorbell to our villa rang - our buggy has arrived to pick us up for checkout.
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| Labu Sayong |
We were handed a bag of souvenirs after checking out - I did not expect this and it was such a lovely touch! Each of us received a small jar of delicious assorted cookies baked by their pastry chef (which I put on my work desk, to remind myself to work hard for the next trip haha) and a labu sayong, a traditional clay jar typically used to store water, handmade in Kuala Kangsar, Perak.
As I grow older I realised my preference for trips and vacations shifted - I used to enjoy the more adventurous rough and tumble backpacking trips and loved to be constantly on the go, exploring new places.
Nowadays, I prefer to stay put somewhere quiet and enjoy the stillness. Ideally, somewhere close to nature, a place where I can slow down, and just indulge in the space. To do nothing and not fuss over what's next. Banjaran ticks all the boxes of what an ideal vacation should be for me to rest and rejuvenate.
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| View @ night from the balcony/verandah of our Lake Villa |
What I really enjoyed about Banjaran is how thoughtful everything is - from the design of the villa to the facilities and amenities provided. I don't need to step out from the compound of Banjaran (or even my villa) as everything I need for a vacation is provided (from toiletries to snacks and refreshments, and simple things like a speaker and lots of towels!).
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| Had a glass of wine while having a dip in the hotspring pool of our villa at night before going to bed |
I left Banjaran feeling refreshed, but also wanting more of that indulgence. I'd definitely want to be back for a slightly longer trip, to allow myself to fall into the rhythm of the slowness there. To try out the things I didn't manage to do. To spend more time lounging around and taking in the scenery.
As the compound of Banjaran is huge and they limit the number of day pass, Banjaran will probably still be peaceful even if the occupancy rate is high. Note that kids below 12 years old are not allowed in Banjaran.
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| Day 2 morning - I was awakened by the peaceful sound of birds chirping outside our villa. I made myself a nespresso coffee and dipped my feet into the hotspring tub of our own villa - what an experience. |
The only thing I may find lacking should it be a longer trip would be the food option - probably by day 3 I might be craving other food and I may have to drive out for that. (there is nothing much within walking distance from Banjaran - one will have to take a Grab/drive out should one wishes to head out).
The only tip I have for you if you're visiting Banjaran, is to skip bringing your own snacks (unless you have very specific dietary requirements/cravings). I feel as though we were grazing non-stop in Banjaran and barely touched the crips we brought here.
Can't wait for my next trip there!
The Banjaran Hotspring Retreat
1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3,
31150 Ipoh, Perak
Instagram: @thebanjaranhotsprings
