Mutiara Pedu LakeHave you made plans for the coming school holidays? No? just take a look at what the Mutiara Hotels & Resorts has to offer-the solitude of a serene lake, fun on a private beach and trips into a 130-million-year-old rainforest and the vibrant attractions of an urban jungle.
There’s a choice of Mutiara Pedu Lake in Pedu, Kedah, Mutiara Burau Bay in Langkawi, Mutiara Taman Negara in Pahang and Mutiara Johor Baru. Each is unique in its location, promising a different scenery and experience.
Mutiara Pedu Lake is tucked in a remote part of Kedah. This 75 sq km man-made lake has two islands. Charming wooden chalets of Kedah-Thai influence extend on stilts over the shimmering waters. It’s a perfect place for a peaceful holiday or if you prefer, you can participate in many activities including cruising on the lake, fishing trekking in the jungle or climbing up Gunung Fakir Terbang near the Malaysian-Thai border.

Golfers can tee off at the resort’s nine-hotel, par 70 golf course which is currently being upgraded and will reopen in October.
Over in Langkawi, Mutiara Burau Bay is a charming beachside resort with quaint cabanas. Dining at its Seashell Beach Café is a must especially in the evenings when you can enjoy an exceptionally relaxing ambience created by the ocean breeze, a spectacular view of the sunset and a live band! Whet your appetite with a selection of fresh seafood grilled to perfection.
Besides the various places of interest on the island, you may want to try more adventurous activities like parasailing, jet-skiing, day or night fishing, island hoping or exploring the rainforest either by trekking or horse-riding.
For a holiday in the wilderness, Taman Negara is it. It’s one of the country’s main national parks and one of the oldest rainforests in the world dating back to over 130 million years. It is home to over 300 species of birds, 200 species of mammals and an estimated 10,000 species of plants.
Popular attractions are the canopy walkway across a 530m suspension bridge hoisted 40m above the ground, a hike up Bukit Teresek and exploring caves of various dimensions. You can also go jungle trekking, swin in pools and rivers, “shoot” the rapids, go fishing, mountain climbing, bird or animal watching and plant spotting. While require special training or a guide, so do check with the staff of the resort.
For a convenient journey to Taman Negara, take a bus ride from the Crowne Plaza Mutiara, Kuala Lumpur. Then go on a boat ride up Sungai Tembeling. The bus service operates daily at 8.45am.
Accommodation at Mutiara Taman Negara ranges from cosy timber bungalows and chalets to dormitories. Pitching your own tent at the camp site is another option.
In Johor Baru, there’s Mutiara Johor Baru in the heart of the city with easy access to many attractions like the Grand Palace, Royal Abu Bakar Museum and the Orchid Valley.
The hotel offers superior, deluxe and suite fooms as well as the Mutiara Club Floor which comes with perks like complimentary breakfast and cocktails. There are also speial facilities like the junior Club Suite designed for young guests.
For details and reservations, call 03-27822222 or access www.mutiarahotels.com