ООl. Pan.koI'd like to start this review with some advice: don't read bad reviews when the vast majority are good. You can't please everyone. Our choice of Coral View Island Resort wasn't based on negative information in the property description, but on watching videos online. And our expectations were met.
Coral View offers several accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. We didn't skimp and chose a chalet with a sea view on the beachfront. And we were right. You only live once – you should treat yourself.
The overall impression of the complex is positive. The grounds are vast and well-maintained. There's plenty of greenery and wildlife. Plenty of water, and it's used wisely – artificial waterfalls and fountains in the most unexpected places are a feast for the eyes. The staff is quirky and seems a bit detached from the guests, but they do their job well.
We arrived from the mainland in the morning, around 11:00 a.m., and we were checked in immediately without any questions. Cleaning and towel changes were done daily. Bottled water and toiletries were replenished in the room every day. We never had to ask for anything or remind anyone.
The private beach at this complex, like its neighbors The Barat and Mamas, is not suitable for swimming, so we opted for the gorgeous PIR Beach—it's a three-minute walk away and has a convenient walkway.
The complex's restaurant wasn't impressive. It seemed like it served a secondary purpose for the owner—the limited selection of dishes doesn't attract customers. However, we did have dinner in the barbecue area once, and they prepared a decent seafood dish.
We also didn't enjoy breakfast. We had lunch and dinner at The Barat, and we also had morning coffee there. It's a bit more expensive, but the wide selection of dishes and the efficient staff make up for it. The average bill per person at The Barat is 60 MYR, and you can pay by card, including Union Pay. The island's leisure options are limited to swimming, boat trips, hiking, and diving. We didn't try the latter.
The boat trip was wonderful, especially swimming alongside turtles and coral reef fish. For hiking, there's a well-maintained trail at the far end of the PIR. It leads to the opposite side of the island. The journey takes about 40 minutes. Even children can walk there, but mosquito repellent is essential. There's also an excellent water park for children, and a large swimming pool for everyone.
Now for the nuances. Of course, there are some. The water supply to the facility, including the pools, is chlorinated freshwater. However, the drainage situation is unclear: the wastewater leaks and emits a distinctive odor, especially when there's no wind.
We noticed this not only at this complex but at all the neighboring ones as well. The electricity is supplied by diesel engines; they're somewhere in the forest, but you can hear them. There were a few outages, but they lasted only half a minute. The air conditioner is essential in the house, but as we discovered, no one maintains it and it was working poorly. The screens on the indoor unit were clogged with dust, so we cleaned them ourselves – that improved things. Small flying insects like moths appear in the house in the evenings; they are attracted to light, and a fumigator helps keep them away. Geckos also scurry around the ceiling and make funny chirping sounds at night – don't be alarmed. We didn't have any mosquitoes in our house. There are plenty of animals on the property, but they are all harmless: lazy monitor lizards, timid monkeys, flying foxes that only fly at night, and only the squirrels are tame and cheeky.
The pool is turned on in the morning and off in the evening. A fan helps dry wet clothes, swimsuits, etc. There is a retractable hanger. A safe is available for storing valuables. One key is provided. Room checkout is without inspection or waiting – they bring it to reception and that's it.
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