Feedback from an actual Minang Cove guest
If you're looking for a private little paradise beach setting that really, really is away from it all, then Minang Cove is for you. You'll be hard pressed to find something similar anywhere, certainly on Tioman, because Minang Cove is so remote, so far off the beaten track, that it's actually a bit of a mission to get there. However. It's. So. Worth it.
Get a taste of life in paradise, book your Minang Cove chalet
here.
Now, first things first. The flip-side of Minang Cove's remoteness is the journey to get there. You'll have to make your way to Mersing first. This somehwta nostalgic seaside town is your jump-off point on the Malaysia east coast >from Mersing, you need to catch the ferry to Genting Village, the first ferry stop on Tioman after about 1.5 hours of motoring. From Genting, you'll be picked up by the Minang Cove taxi boat, another 20 minute boat ride, give or take. Alternatively, you book your own watertaxi from Genting.
But all you need is a few seconds before you'll realize that Minang Cove is an absolute gem. In fact, arriving in Minang Cove reminded me of Fantasy Island, that tv show of yesteryear, where the environment, the people, the lodgings, everything has one purpose and one purpose alone: to indulge the guests.
The other thing I noticed is that the staff is not only very attentive, but very capable too. I daresay that the service we enjoyed at Minang Cove is some of the best we received in all of our years of living in S.E. Asia. The Minang Cove guys and girls really know how their hospitality. So, before I move on, from all of us to all of you: a heartfelt Terimah kasih banyak!
Note that Minang Cove is not exactly a hotbed of karaoke bars, pubs or other kind of nightspot. If you can't go without painting the town red, then best not head for Minang Cove. As a matter of fact, Minang Cove, whilst stunning and thoroughly enjoyable, is rather basic in concept and undeniably rustic. Sure, there's plenty of creature comforts, air-con in the room and a hot-water shower, for instance. But we also did get the occasional black-out, for example, though nothing lasting more than a few minutes. In short, don't expect 5 stars, swank or glamour and you will be as smitten with Minang Cove as we are.
Meal-time, by the way, was something we looked forward to every day. Dishes, mostly local, were deliciously prepared, especially the BBQ. Our group also appreciated the variously themed diner buffets. Nasi goreng, hhhmmm...
Oh, and even though Minang Cove is your ideal lazy-bones location, do have a go at jungle-trekking, snorkeling or even scuba diving. The flora and fauna here is so pretty, particularly the colourful fish and coral patches, but the birds and geckos too that you see (and hear!). We even saw a flying squirrel. Didn't even know they existed! I'm glad I got some nice pictures, now saved in my very own
National_Geographic folder :)
Wasn't there anything we didn't like at Minang Cove. Well, yes, there was: The fact that we had to leave... But we've already agreed that We'll. So. Be. Back.
Tip:
Ask the Minang Cove chef to prepare you a plate of his signature nasi goreng. It is simply to die for. Also, you can have your extra F & B orders added to a tab, which you can settle as you return to Mersing. Convenient. A propos, Minang Cove is just a modestly-sized resort, so best book early.
