Found on Malaysia’s east coast, the district of Dungun is made up of eleven distinct ‘mukim’ (subdistricts). Its palm-flanked sandy shores provide plenty of opportunities for beach time (check out Pantai Teluk Bidara and Medan Selera). While the Great Market is excellent for street food and shopping. There are many beautiful walks to waterfalls to be enjoyed and excursions to discover the surrounding countryside. Dungun is very much off the beaten track as far as mainstream tourism is concerned, so a wonderful place to holiday if you want to avoid the masses.
Tanjong Jara Resort
Evoking the architecture of 17th-century Malay palaces, this tranquil resort emphasises local traditions. Its philosophy follows the Malay principle of Sucimurni, focusing on purity of spirit, health and well-being and has devoted a mini village of structures, gardens and pools as its spa area. The two main restaurants’ names give a hint as to what may be expected from them; Di Atas Sungei means ‘Above the River’ and Nelayan means ‘Fisherman’. Plus there’s the Teratai Terrace beside the pool, for healthy fare and steamboat dinners — movies are shown here nightly at 9 pm. Bedrooms overlook the sea or the resort’s tropical gardens, while beach villas have private verandahs.