M'sia spas for all tastes
MALAYSIA has laid claim to several intriguing firsts – the tallest twin towers, the biggest
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| Nexus Resort Karambunai |
Malaysia spas offer a good range of offerings, from dedicated luxury spa resorts, small spa hideaways and traditional ayurvedic establishments, to healers and mystic masseurs with long waiting queues. You’ll find spa menus with the regular assortment of body scrubs, exfoliation, masks, massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and hot soaks. There’s something for everyone. Our Malaysia spa and spa hotel guide.
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Langkawi Spa Resorts
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Four Seasons, Langkawi |
Head for the island of Langkawi in the Andaman Sea off Malaysia’s west coast where mythical tales, massages, facials, manicures and pedicures offer a heady mix for all wallets. At the JivaRhu Spa, Tanjung Rhu Resort, you’ll be pampered at one of 12 independent villas, built on a stretch of landscaped gardens with views of the Andaman Sea. Villas come complete with intimate open-air enclaves, private gardens, outdoor steam rooms, saunas, showers and outdoor Jacuzzis. Latticed woodwork roofs in the foyer and pathways create a genuinely local ambience. Expect Malay traditional treatments like the candlenut body scrub plus traditional remedies.
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The Rainforest Shower deserves special mention. Beginning with a sea salt scrub followed by a gentle patter of “rainfall”, it helps to generate a meditative and deeply relaxed state. Or perk up with the After Sun Healing package that promises to soothe your over-tanned skin with cucumber and yogurt wrap, and an aloe vera body wash. Also available are Thai and Ayurvedic treatments. Prices start at RM100 (US$26.32). The exchange rate is roughly US$1 = 3.83 Malaysian ringgit (RM).
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Spa Village, Pangkor Laut |
Following a similar trend is long time favourite, Ayura Spa at Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort, one of the island’s first complete spa retreats. It’s a natural gem, quiet and peaceful, nestled between lush rainforests and crystal clear waters. A combination of unmistakably Malay influenced massages, facials, body scrubs, wraps, hand and foot spa treatments are offered. Marine based treatments like algae seaweed wraps are just as popular. Manicures and pedicures start from RM95 (US$25).
For a rather different flavour, pop into the newly opened Cakra Ayurvedic & Wellness Spa, housed within the vast and very rustic back-to-nature Kampung Tok Senik Resort. Here, it’s all about holistic healing, utilizing the principles of Ayurveda to enhance total well being while balancing and rejuvenating the body, mind and spirit. Their day programme is endless; beginning with yoga, herbal drinks, herbal packs, and mudpacks before proceeding with personalized Ayurvedic and naturopathic treatments, acupuncture, acupressure and reflexology. After all this, there’s meditation. Only pure herbal and natural products are used in treatments and portions are freshly prepared and customized to suit your individual requirements. To savour the ultimate benefits of the Ayurvedic experience, be prepared for a whopping seven days of therapy, costing approximately RM600 (US$157.87) a day. Sample Manasa at RM250 (US$65.80). Relax your body with an authentic Ayurvedic oil massage followed by continuous flowing of oil on your forehead, using specially prepared medicated herbal oil to relax the mind.
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The Spa, Datai Langkawi |
Other spas like the The Spa at The Andaman and the The Spa at The Datai are all Balinese inspired in hugely atmospheric settings – both resorts are sited in a secluded corner of Langkawi Island within mature, protected rainforest. The Spa at The Datai is a spoiling, upmarket, escape, all the more pleasurable if you happen to be staying at this stunning property with its lovely beach cove. At the luxurious Mandara Spa, a must-try is the Datai Massage: a fusion of Shiatsu, Thai, Swedish, Balinese and Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi.
Recommended is Casa Del Mar’s The Spa, where massages take place in airy pavilions fronting the sea. Double massage sessions can be arranged for couples to unwind together. A one-hour relaxing aroma massage costs RM165 (US$43.41). This is a nice intimate retreat, well worth a visit. Perdana Spa at the Sheraton Perdana Resort offers a wide range of massages, wellness and beauty treatments. The current best-selling all-in is the ‘Perdana Day Spa Package’, featuring a choice of morning and afternoon treatments, plus a healthy lunch. The spa itself, however, consists of just three normal rooms within the hotel set aside for treatments. The spa menu at Teratai Spa, Pelangi Beach Resort is extensive with a good mix of Asian-inspired facials, body wraps, scrubs, massages and hair care. The Moorish-style Four Seasons Resort Langkawi has 20 villas, each with a private spa and treatment room, as a well as a dedicated spa, "suspended over water" - a special touch.
Penang Spa Resorts
Not too far south from Langkawi is the island of Penang, where pampering goes hand in hand with an obloigatory bowl of steaming laksa (noodles in coconut curry broth). Look out for the luxurious destination spa Chi at the all-new Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort that reopened after lengthy refurbishment and remodelling end September 2006. The rejuvenated Rasa Sayang and Chi Spa hope to raise the bar and energise Penang’s tourism comeback.
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Tanjung Rhu, Langkawi |
Penang’s latest addition is Sanjiwani Spa at Jerejak Resort & Spa. Set in the former penal colony of Jerejak Island, the spa, perched atop a hill, allows for stunning views of the sea, hills and glittering lights of the city. Choose top-to-toe pampering with traditional Javanese, Sundanese, Thai or Balinese massages, as well as facials, body scrubs, wraps and aromatherapy. The RM550 (US$144.73) three-hour spa package, consisting of scrub, bath and massage, throws in a sumptuous buffet lunch as well.
The Northam is all reflective gold and glitter on the outside but remarkably tasteful inside. Suites are elegant with lots of gleaming wood and sharp finish. There is a Suite Spa at Level 9 with nine treatment rooms, all with turbo water-massage, Jacuzzi, steam room and sauna. The stunning pool on the same level, offers breathtaking views of Georgetown and the sea. There is a broad-timber lounging deck if you simply wish to snooze. Close by Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang is the Parkroyal, now renovated and known as the Grand Plaza Park Royal. The place is cheery nonetheless and is a good Penang family resort now with the addition of the St Gregory Spas Penang offering everything from aromatic rubdowns to Balinese massage for harried parents.
At the private and secluded Mutiara Beach Resort Penang at a far corner of the island beyond Batu Ferringhi, there's an authentic Jamu Spa, jet-fresh from Bali. Traditional Indonesian remedies include the obligatory Javanese Lulur, Vanilla & Mocha Scrub and papaya and mint body wraps.
Perak Spas
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| JivaRhu at Tanjung Rhu Resort |
Privately owned Pangkor Laut basks in all the usual publicity surrounding a top island getaway. It’s no wonder hundreds of travel pilgrims the world over keep coming back religiously to the Spa Village at the Pangkor Laut Resort. Spa Village has tended to the nails and toes of some famous stars. Perhaps dangerously, on this idyllic island, all cares (including your mounting credit card bills), are easily forgotten. Leap into the Ayurvedic, Chinese, Balinese and Japanese spa menus. There are resident Ayurvedic, Malay and Chinese spa specialists for consultation. Begin your spa experience with a footbath and an invigorating Chinese Foot Pounding – previously only enjoyed by Chinese concubines. Not to be confused with foot binding.
Next, relish the traditional Malay ‘circulating’ bath before surrendering to a Japanese-style cleansing with a goshi-goshi cloth. This is then followed by a dip in the heated rotenburu pool. Try the Shanghai Scrub, where a masseuse gently exfoliates and washes your body. The spa’s signature Malay herbal wrap, combines local herbs such as lemon grass, ginger, galangal and camphor to hydrate and detoxify the skin. A 50-minute massage starts at RM250 (US$65.78). The Spa Village features both indoor and open-air spaces spread over four acres along a quiet bay between the sea and the rainforest. Stay at any one of the 22 spa villas, situated over the sea with direct access to the Spa Village. It’s enough to make you sing like Luciano Pavarroti. After all, he has stayed here too.
Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Spas
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| Shangri-La Putrajaya: Zodiac style |
If you’re nursing a hangover following a throbbing night in the city, drag yourself to Spa Indrani. A sought after address, this spa promises a spanking new you with its Hangover Package, that includes a two-hour reviving scrub, body steam, aromatherapy massage plus head and scalp therapy. This remedial package will set you back a mere RM388 (US$102.11). Not bad at all if you’re guaranteed to look your best for the remainder of your stay. Many vouch for the popular two-and-a-half hour Anggur (grape) Indrani, said to be available in just one other place – Paris. It comprises a grape-seed scrub, grape wrap using grape extract and banana leaves, along with a massage with moisturising oils, minus the European price tag. Modelled on the Balinese theme, Spa Indrani pays attention to little details. They whip up some salad so you don’t have to leave with a growling stomach after hours of treatments. There’s also the free use of the swimming pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor pavilions where you can relax at this tastefully converted old bungalow.
The well-heeled are all clamouring to join the chic, award-winning urban Energy Day Spa. The city’s only day spa is positively Zen-like, swathed in light, clean lines and contemporary aesthetics. Energy Day Spa adopts a holistic approach to wellness, treating the body, mind and soul with everything from sun damage and pigmentation to out-of-balance chakras. Get your facial fix with the one-of-a-kind Micro-cellular Facial, employing the use of frozen live-cells and diamond powder for improved texture. Or, try rebalancing and healing through vibrational energy. Without having to bust your budget, happily mix these with some yoga, Pilates, meditation, dance, tai chi and qi gong. After all, treatment prices run from only RM38 (US$10) to RM448 (US$117.90) while packages start at RM288 (US$75.80). The spa’s location in one of the city’s malls means you can take your renewed self for some bargain hunting straight after.
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| Marine spa, Mandarin Oriental KL |
You don’t have to be close to the sea to enjoy its benefits. Simply check into the swanky Thalgo Marine Spa at the Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, a stone’s throw from the world’s tallest twin towers, for some marine care. Drawing inspiration from the sea, the spa helps you to soak your worries away in rich marine nutrients. A favourite is the Micronised Marine Algae Body Wrap, which supplies the body with vitamins and minerals while firming, toning, and eliminating toxins. Shed the crusty wrap layer and emerge silky smooth. Other treatments include marine mud body wraps and marine algae facials. The spa’s marine theme continues through its furnishings and accessories.
Stylish Senjakala Spa, quietly tucked away, lures men in for some body pampering within its coloured walls and plush furnishings. This is your spot if you are the new urban male or metrosexual who doesn’t mind manicures, pedicures, body scrubs, facials or even waxing. Senjakala Spa defies the trend, offering new massage experiences like the Tantric Discovery, for just RM180 (US$47.37), using varied techniques that tease and tantalise. For RM150 (US$39.47) delight in the ultimate overhaul, the Twilight Touch Massage. Combining advanced Swedish, Thai and Malay techniques, it is topped up with a spot of chakra rebalancing to renew libido. Hmm… The spa stays open till midnight on weekdays and later on weekends. They sometimes go all out to hold theme nights and parties so if you’re in town, be sure to get invited and be part of the fun.
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| Four Seasons Langkawi |
Got more time to spare? Venture into the outskirts of the city to Sembunyi Spa at Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa. Imagine 10,000 square feet of breathtaking surrounds right in the heart of the technology hub, Cyberjaya. With its rustic, tropical ambience, Sembunyi Spa is slowly becoming a hotbed of R&R for couples. Forever Yours allows couples to indulge in a rich milk bath, followed by a yoghurt scrub, petal mask and a revitalising massage. All for just RM600 ++ (US$157.90++) per couple. In Petaling Jaya (a 15-minute drive from downtown KL, if the traffic is kind), the Bali-theme Life Spa at the Hilton Petaling Jaya is an option. Pick your favourite blend of spice - the energizing baliaga (peppermint), balijegeg (sandalwood) or refreshing "sunrise" (jasmine and lavender). Hilton Kuala Lumpur has a similar spa concept.
Finally, dive into the ultra hip Angsana Spa, part of the revamped Crowne Plaza Mutiara. Try a two-hour Angsana massage, priced at RM280 (US$73.69) using palm strokes and thumb pressure to de-stress and strengthen your inner qi. For something more esoteric, and fun, visit the Putrajaya Shangri-La’s Health Club & Spa for a zodiac sign consultation that forms the basis for your specific treatment. Each zodiac sign is associated with certain colours, oils, scents and rituals. Check out the “The Zodiac Ritual”, an energetic high of pressure massages, or pick something a la carte off the shelf and luxuriate in a wrap or scrub.
Pahang Spa Resorts
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| Berjaya Redang |
On the Malaysian east coast, there’s nothing particularly Swiss about the Samsara Spa at the Swiss Garden Resort & Spa. The theme is devoutly Balinese, from the use of herbs and spices like coconut and coffee to its exotic ambience. Trademark treatments like the Samsara Royal and Samsara Spices are in great demand. Another popular treatment is the hot stone therapy where hot stones and massage are applied to ease tense knots and clear energy blocks. Combine your treatments with a sampling of the spa’s exciting dishes, cooked in rich Malay herbs and spices. Treatment prices start at RM130.00 (US$34.21).
At the bit-of-everything Bukit Tinggi Resort, should you tire of the rabbit park, golf, riding, the French chateaux and ther Japanese Village, head for the Tatami Spa offering a bit of zen combining a spot of furo (bathing) with an onsen experience (alfresco hot rock mineral pool)
Terengganu Spas
Set in a beautiful Javanese garden with little ponds, Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa at the Awana Kijal Golf & Beach Resort is one of the few spas in Terengganu. The spa is an extension of the well-regarded Mustika Ratubuana International list of spas in Indonesia. Naturally adapting a Javanese theme, from decor and music to treatment, the spa gives an unparalleled opportunity to relax and rejuvenate with traditional royal treatments.
Tioman Island Spa Resorts
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| Spa Village, Pangkor Laut |
Watch out for the up-and-coming Spaya Spa at the fledgling JapaMala Resort & Spa. Spaya, a Sanskrit word meaning ‘a place of comfort for the mind and body’ may be in its infancy but already promises an extraordinary experience. Your spa adventure starts as soon as you check-in. Spaya Spa is completely enfolded by towering boulders. Treatments are conducted either on the beach or in water pavilions by the sea. Therapies range from Thai and Javanese massages, exotic milk and flora baths to soothing and revitalizing wraps made of JapaMala’s own homegrown mangoes, aloe vera plants and even seaweed from the resort’s shoreline. The highlight at the spa is the JapaMala Signature Body Massage, incorporating Thai, Ayurvedic and Shiatsu massages. A special Spaya scrub is followed by aromatic Ayurvedic hot compresses placed on the entire length of the spine. This deep tissue massage enables the release of energies locked in the spine, fingers, toes, limbs and torso. Prices range from RM80 (US$21.05) to RM250 (US$65.80). The Ayura Spa at the Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort has been renovated. Berjaya Redang Beach Resort's spa is another option.
Sabah Spa Resorts
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| Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru |
Take a two-hour flight across to Sabah (Borneo) to enjoy the blissful Borneo Spa set in the spectacular green surrounds of the Nexus Resort Karambunai, a 30-minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu. This outdoor spa, sprawled over 40,000 square feet blends native Borneo massage skills with pure essential oils from plant extracts from around the world. Scented treatment rooms ensure utter privacy. Alternatively, outdoor massages overlooking the South China Sea and inroom massages can also be arranged. Time stands still at Karambunai. There’s no rush; take time to relish hot or cold spa pools, steam and sauna rooms, before showering for your treatments.
The Borneo Massage employs lymphatic acupressure to improve blood circulation and digestion. Yes, it brings emotions into civilized balance. Individual treatment prices range from RM165.00 (US$43.42) to RM350.00 (US$92.11) and packaged treatments run from RM298.00 (US$78.43) to RM630.00 (US$165.80). Men are certainly not forgotten at the Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu. The Gentlemen's Spa Facial, a deep cleansing therapeutic treatment caters for varying skin conditions. An all-time favourite, across genders, is the traditional massage, a firm pressure rubdown that boosts sluggish circulation and relieves muscle tension. Enjoy treatments outdoors by the sea or indoors, in spa rooms at the Fitness Centre. Or veg out at the Mandara Spa at Sutera Harbour.
Sarawak Spas
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| Spa at The Andaman, Langkawi |
Jungle Spa at the Golf & Jungle Club is aptly named. It brings the rainforests to you. Treatment rooms are reminiscent of Sarawak’s dense forests, with rooms decked out with tropical plants. The spa opens out onto a well-manicured garden. Located high up in the Penrissen Highlands, the spa affords spa goers cool mountain views. Treatments include the traditional Bidayuh massage, foot reflexology, aromatherapy and organic facial and body treatment. Its signature Bidayuh massage employs a local massage technique that helps to lengthen and loosen the muscles using homemade massage oil brewed of herbs, coconut, pepper and ginger. It heats and warms your body for better blood circulation and promotes skin healing. Jungle Spa takes you a step closer to nature and rejuvenation. A 60-minute Bidayuh massage is priced at RM118 ++ (US$31.05++)
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Prices and treatments are subject to frequent change. Check in advance before booking. The exchange rate is roughly US$1 = 3.83 Malaysian ringgit (RM).
Langkawi
Berjaya Langkawi Beach & Spa Resort. Tel: [60-4] 959-1888, fax: [60-4] 959-1886, (email: resvn@b-langkawi.com.my and www.berjayaresorts.com.my).
Casa del Mar Langkawi. Tel: [60-4] 955-2388, fax: [60-4] 955-2228, (email: info@casadelmar-langkawi.com and www.casadelmar-langkawi.com).
Four Seasons Resort Langkawi. Singapore Tel: [65] 6735-0018, fax: 6735-0013, (www.fourseasons.com/langkawi).
Kampung Tok Senik Resort. Tel: [60-4] 955-7288, fax: [60-4] 955-7257, (email: toksenik@maju.com.my and www.toksenik.com).
Pelangi Beach Resort. Tel: [60-4] 952 8888, fax: [60-4] 955 8899, (email: pelangi.pbl@meritus-hotels.com and www.pelangibeachresort.com.
Sheraton Perdana Resort. Tel: [60-4] 966 2020, fax: [60-4] 966 6414, (www.starwoodhotels.com).
Tanjung Rhu Resort. Tel: [60-4] 959-1033, fax: [60-4] 959-1899, (email: resort@tanjungrhu.com.my and www.tanjungrhu.com.my).
The Andaman. Tel: [60-4] 959-1088, fax: [60-4] 959-1168, (email: anda@po.jaring.my and www.theandaman.com).
The Datai. Tel: [60-4] 959-2500, fax: [60-4] 959-2600, (email: datai@ghmhotels.com and www.thedatai.com).
Penang
Grand Plaza Parkroyal. Tel: [60-4] 881-1133, fax: 881-2233, (e-mail: grandplaza@pen.parkroyalhotels.com or www.grandplaza.penang.parkroyalhotels.com).
Jerejak Resort & Spa. Tel: [60-4] 658-7111, fax: [60-4] 659-7700, (email: info@jerejakresort.com and www.jerejakresort.com).
Mutiara Beach Resort Penang. Tel: [60-4] 886-8888, fax: 885-2829, (e-mail: infopg@mutiarahotels.com or www.mutiarahotels.com).
The Northam. Tel: [60-4] 370-1111, fax: 370-2222, (e-mail: northam@po.jaring.my or www.northam-hotel.com.my).
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort. Tel: [60-4] 886-1911, fax: [60-4] 881-1880, (www.shangri-la.com).
Perak
Pangkor Laut Resort & Spa. Tel: [60-3] 2145 9000, (email: travelcentre@ytlhotels.com.my and www.pangkorlautresort.com).
Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya
Crowne Plaza Mutiara. Tel: [60-3] 2148-2322, fax: [60-3] 2144-2157, (email: kulcp_info@ichotelsgroup.com and www.ichotelsgroup.com).
Cyberview Lodge Resort & Spa. Tel: [60-3] 8312-7000, Fax: [60-3] 8312-7001, (email: hotline@cyberview-lodge.com.my and www.cyberview-lodge.com).
Energy Day Spa. Tel: [60-3] 4256-8833, fax: [60-3] 4256-8832, (email: info@energymindbodyspirit.com and www.energymindbodyspirit.com).
Hilton Kuala Lumpur. Tel: [60-3] 2264-2264, fax: [60-3] 2264-2266, (www.hilton.com).
Hilton Petaling Jaya. Tel: [60-3] 7955-9122, fax: [60-3] 7955-3909, (www.hilton.com).
Putrajaya Shangri-La. Tel: [60-3] 8887-8888, fax: 8887-8889, (e-mail: slpt@shangri-la.com or www.shangri-la.com).
Senjakala Spa. Tel: [60-3] 2031-8082, fax: [60-3] 2052-0488, (email: spa_ops@senjakala.com and www.senjakala.com)
Spa Indrani. Tel: [60-3] 2142-7808, fax: [60-3] 2142-7008, (email: kl@spaindrani.com and www.spaindrani.com).
The Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur City Centre. Tel: [60-3] 2380-8888, fax: [60- 3] 2179-8659, (email: mokul-reservations@mohg.com and www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur).
Pahang, Terrengganu, Tioman, Redang
Awana Kijal Golf & Beach Resort. Terrengganu. Tel: [60-3] 2718-1118, (www.awana.com.my).
Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort. Tel: [60-9] 419-1000, fax: [60-9] 419-1718, (email: resvn@b-tioman.com and www.berjayaresorts.com).
Berjaya Redang Beach Resort. Tel: [60-9] 697-3988, fax: [60-9] 697-3899, (email: reserdept@b-redang.com.my and www.berjayaresorts.com).
Bukit Tinggi Resort. Pehang. Tel: [60-9] 288-8888, fax: [60-9] 288-3018, (email: colmartropicale@po.jaring.my and www.btresort.com.my).
JapaMala Resort & Spa. Tioman. Tel: [60-9] 419-6001, fax: [60-9] 419-6002, (email: reservations@japamalaresorts.com and www.japamalaresorts.com).
Swiss Garden Resort & Spa. Pahang. Tel: [60-9] 544-7333, fax: [60-9] 544-9555, (email: resvns_sgrsk@swissgarden.com and www.swissgarden.com).
Sabah and Sarawak
Golf & Jungle Club, part of the Borneo Highlands Resort. Sarawak. Tel: [60-82] 790-800, fax: [60-82] 790-100, (email: hgjcbhr@tm.net.my and www.borneohighlands.com.my).
Nexus Resort Karambunai. Sabah. Tel: [60-88] 411-222, fax: [60-88] 411-020, (email: info@nexusresort.com and www.nexusresort.com).
Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort. Tel: [60-88] 225-800, fax: [60-88] 217-155, (email: tah@shangri-la.com and (www.shangri-la.com).
Sutera Harbour. Tel: [60-88] 318-888, fax: 317-777, (email: sutera@suteraharbour.com.my or www.suteraharbour.com).
~credits: smarttravelasia
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