'I've always wanted to visit an overwater bungalow in Bora Bora, but I think I just found a better option'

Ever since I was a teenager scrolling Tumblr and Instagram, I've wanted to go to Bora Bora.

Like everyone else, I saw the photos and videos of the villas sitting over crystal clear water and yearned to one day have the money to visit. 

That was, until I discovered a cheaper option that not only matched the idea of Bora Bora I had in my mind, but knocked it out of the park altogether. 

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I recently travelled to Malaysia, hoping on the plane with zero expectations in mind and returning ready to tell everyone I know where they should venture for their next holiday. 

I was lucky enough to be treated to two hotels from the YTL group. 

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One was a private island resort where ultimate luxury is immersed in nature for one of the most relaxing stays you can imagine. 

The other was a quiet and secluded beach retreat with the calmest water I've ever swum in, just metres from my doorstep. 

Pangor Laut Resort

About a three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur is Pangkor, where I arrived to check in for my stay at Pangkor Laut Resort. 

After checking in and dropping off my bags at the mainland reception, I boarded the speedboat transfer, not entirely sure what to expect. 

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But when we rounded the corner of Pankor Laut Island to be greeted by dramatic limestone cliffs and a luxury resort built into the cascading jungle, I knew that this was going to be like nothing I had ever experienced before. 

With plenty of room options to choose from, including the Pavarotti Suite where famed late star Luciano Pavarotti would stay during his visits, I was lucky enough to enjoy two nights in a bungalow over the water, finally getting to live out my teenage dreams. 

The room wasn't quite as spacious as I'd expected. But what it lacked in size it made up for in location. 

Perfectly air-conditioned to beat the Malaysian humidity, my room featured a comfortable king-size bed, mini bar, desk, and extravagant bathroom with two closets, a double vanity and the kind of bathtub I had previously only ever dreamt of. 

Outside the doors was a private balcony that sat over the top of pristine blue waters with views of the ocean and limestone cliffs that line it, furnished with two sun-chairs, perfect for relaxing in private.

The shallow ocean under my bungalow wasn't quite right for swimming thanks to jellyfish. But just steps away from my front door was a buggy stop to call transport to the other side of the island, where guests can enjoy Emerald Bay. 

Living up to its name, the water was a deep emerald shade thanks to the reflection of the towering jungle surrounding the bay. And thankfully for me, a person who is terrified of waves, the water was completely flat and calm. 

After sunbaking on the sand and floating in the ocean, Chapman's Bar was the perfect place to enjoy a happy-hour drink without my feet ever having to leave the sand. 

There are bars and restaurants galore to choose from, and if you intend to visit, I highly recommend going hungry to Feast Village - the resort's own take on a traditional Malaysian food market. 

Plus enjoy jungle trails, yoga classes and more island activities. But the real highlight of a stay at Pangkor Laut Resort is the world-class spa experience.

Unlike anything I've ever experienced before, Spa Village at Pangkor Laut deserves at least four hours of your attention, if not an entire day.

There is even an infinity pool overlooking the ocean with a bar just behind to indulge in your favourite drink and some snacks before your treatment begins.

Tanjong Jara Beach Resort

Located in Terengganu, Tanjong Jara Beach Resort is worlds away from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur. 

The resort is nestled between the jungle and the ocean, with a quiet, intimate feel that never feels busy or packed. 

From the get-go, the staff couldn't have been kinder and more welcoming. The people are a major part of what makes a stay at Tanjong Jara so relaxing. 

I was shown to my room, which not only had a sweeping view of the South China Sea but was on the verge of being large enough for me to get lost in. 

The king-size bed was as comfortable as you would expect from a luxury resort, plus a day bed to relax on and a desk to get some work done - after I had eaten my way through the delicious welcome basket filled with fresh fruit, of course. 

But what impressed me most about the room was the size of the closet and the bathroom. A full rain-head shower, a bathtub large enough to comfortably fit my 5'11 self, a double vanity plus a makeup mirror and a walk-in wardrobe made me feel like royalty.

It took a lot for me to convince myself not to spend my holiday relaxing in my beautiful air-conditioned room, but the real magic of the resort was what sat just metres from my front door. 

Steps away were the crystal clear waters of the South China Sea, and I make no joke when I say I could have easily floated in that water for hours on end. 

While the resort had plenty of guests, it never felt crowded, and I never found myself sharing the beach or ocean with more than three others at a time. 

Lining the shores were hammocks, daybeds and sunchairs to have a nap or read while listening to the ocean, and no matter what the time of day, I was always able to find a place to sit and relax. 

Along with all the different ways to relax, I also found plenty of activities to keep myself busy in between reading my book and napping in the sun. 

The property features tennis courts, a fully-kitted games room, two separate pools, guided jungle treks, several crafting workshops, a turtle hatchery, and my personal favourite, a spa. 

I was treated to a traditional Malay massage and was honestly blown away by the experience that began with a flower bath and ended with the most delicious cup of tea I've ever tasted. 

And while we're on the topic of tasting, let's chat about the food on offer. The team at Tanjong Jara know how to put on a spread. 

The first night I indulged in a traditional satay lok lok buffet under the stars, where guests were able to experiment with their own unique flavour combinations while also enjoying the several other buffet stations on offer serving up freshly grilled meats, rice and noodles.

The resort also includes two restaurants, both with extensive and delicious menus.

While I arrived having never tried Malaysian food before, I left researching the best authentic Malaysian restaurants in Sydney. 

So if you're looking for a luxury holiday to relax and rejuvenate without forking out the cost for the likes of French Polynesia, I suggest you turn your sights to Malaysia.

The writer travelled as a guest of YTL Hotels and Malaysia Airlines.

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