We bought a package that included the boat transfer, airport pick-up, and the dive (SCUBA) course, so the overall price will certainly be different. The package came with breakfast, which was very good -- buffet breakfast, and for lunch & dinner we could order ala carte or have the buffet. The dinner buffet was reasonable at 35 RM (US $11)-- and the ala carte menu ranged from 12 RM for rice or noodles to 25 RM or so for some of the dishes. The kids were 30% less.
We were surprised at how reasonable many of the prices were -- we could fill up our water bottles for 2 RM (US 65 cents)(for a large one) and there was a large variety of restaurants on the beach that ranged from 6 RM set menus to 35 RM large dishes of Chinese food. Since everything has to be brought in by boat, we thought the prices would be much higher.
As part of the package, we were upgraded to a chalet, which you can see pictured. It was nice, but we learned the hard way not to leave things out -- as Doug's swim shirt was taken overnight. They put in an extra bed (for a price) and there was plenty of room for Rania's pac'n'play. The safe and the small fridge were very helpful -- as we brought lunch things for most days.
Snorkeling gear was quite expensive (20 RM for 3 days -- or 12 RM for one day) to rent, and ridiculous to buy (170 RM for a set) so we were glad that we brought stuff for the kids. Snorkeling trips (daily -- morning & evening) were about 40 RM for the boat ride, which did not include the mask, snorkel, and fins.
The major bummers were that each night there was loud disco music from down the beach that we could hear in our rooms. We could drown it out by the revolving fan (mounted on the ceiling) but bafflingly, it couldn't be adjusted -- so it was either disco music or gale winds blowing across our faces. In our room, at least, we couldn't figure it out -- but our bathroom sure stunk. They would clean it daily, but as soon as we would take a shower, it would stink again.
Most incomprehensibly -- an annoyingly, there was a rooster that appeared to live under our chalet -- or would wander around the yard. Each morning at 6:30 we would hear the incessant cock-a-doodle-do. Why a resort would allow a rooster to meander on its premises was beyond us.
The other hassle was flying into Terrenganu and getting the ferry. Things went pretty well, but Firefly canceled its flight on our return, so too much time was spent trying to figure out what flight we could get on -- and with the ferry schedule we spent a lot of time at the airport on our departure.
Overall, it was mixed bag as to whether we'll return. We may want to try the other options, but returning is an option -- especially since the diving instructors were so great.
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