Bubu Resort

First class location, facilities and staff

Nothing

Bubu Resort had their own boat from the mainland with covered (paid) parking in a secure lot. Bubu resort staff walked us from the office to The jetty, only 100 meters away. After paying a few Ringgit for MY Gov fees, we boarded the boat. The boat ride was good, only 30 minutes (take motion pills if you get seasick). We arrived about 12, were served coconut lemon water drinks (free) and relaxed in the shaded lobby while rooms were cleaned and luggage to the room. The restaurant is open all day so that was an option. The resort is right on the beach so there was plenty to see. If you are local don't be shocked by the skimpy bikinis lining the jetty walkway. There are many muslima swimsuits too. Swimming is shallow, except right near the buoy rope separating water taxis from swimmers. You can hire taxis to go to other villages or the big island for less than RM50. Or, hire a private snorkeling/diving trip for a few hundred RM. High-end restaurant prices range from RM20 to over RM200 for high quality steaks prepared by 5 star chefs. There are plenty of other restaurants with local and western fare with plates from RM20-40. Lots of fruit drinks, shakes, desserts. The resort rooms are small (not like a boutique hotel) but comfy with balcony and room for a prayer rug at the side of the bed and full bathroom with soaps, shampoo/conditioner and thick towels. A convenience store down the beach stocks sunscreen, toiletries, hats, swimsuits if you forget a necessity. All of the staff were fantastic, smiling, and helpful. I will stay here again. Mimpi resort next door was offering a special on a happy hour (before noon) full body massage, I took advantage of it and it was great although their lobby and restaurant is chaotic the spa was quiet and relaxing. Bubu should offer something similar because I did not even realize they had a spa before I booked at Mimpi.

The water taxi that took us to the fishing village around the coast dropped us at the trash dump beach because he said the jetty was too high and the water low. We walked over to the jetty abc and they have stairs down so all size boats so you can go there. Tell the boatman to drop you at the jetty. We hired a great boat for the return trip.

Staff were genuinely warm and easy to approach, rooms were well-sized, and breakfast was good. The restaurant food stood out — really impressive. Having the beach and sunbeds right there is a big plus, and the spa masseuses were excellent. One unexpected highlight: no TVs in the rooms, which actually helped switch off properly.

Pricing is on the higher side for both the hotel and restaurant, though understandable given the island location and limited alternatives. The WiFi also drops constantly and requires logging back in throughout the day, which gets old quickly.

The location and the room

Nothing, it was excellent