Beach days for the children, comfort for the adults and starry nights for everyone — Enchant Retreat & Glamping in Telok Melano offered the perfect escape for three generations. Surrounded by rainforest and the sea, a weekend family getaway became a chance to slow down, reconnect and create lasting memories together.
Beach Days, Starry Nights
Travelling as a family is rarely straightforward. With two energetic boys aged seven and five, my husband, my mother-in-law and I knew that planning a holiday meant balancing very different expectations.
The children wanted a beach where they could run freely, while the adults valued comfort, convenience and a chance to unwind.
Five people. Three generations. Five different ideas of what makes a perfect getaway.
Finding a destination that could satisfy everyone felt almost impossible. Then, we found ourselves heading towards Telok Melano.
Located at the southernmost tip of Sarawak and home to the iconic 0KM marker of the Pan Borneo Highway, the coastal village has become an increasingly popular weekend destination for Kuching residents.
But beyond the landmark, we discovered something far more valuable — a slower pace of travel and the simple joy of being together.
Following the road to 0KM
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Telok Melano today is accessibility. What was once considered a relatively remote destination can now be reached in approximately two hours from Kuching, thanks to the Pan Borneo Highway.
The journey itself became part of the experience. Instead of feeling exhausted after hours on the road, we arrived feeling relaxed and ready to explore.
Naturally, our first stop was the famous 0KM point, the symbolic starting point of the Pan Borneo Highway in Sarawak.
Like many visitors, we paused for photographs beside the “Telok Melano” landmark before wandering through the nearby stalls. There, we found simple local treats that somehow made the trip feel even more authentic.
Sweet dried bananas. Fish crackers. Small snacks that tasted even better against the backdrop of the sea.
There was something wonderfully unhurried about the atmosphere. Nobody seemed to be in a rush. Perhaps that is one of Telok Melano’s greatest strengths. It quietly encourages visitors to slow down.
Just a short distance from the landmark stood Enchant Retreat & Glamping, our home for the next two days.
From the moment we arrived, it was obvious that this was not going to be a conventional hotel stay.
There was no lobby filled with guests checking in and out. No lifts. No maze-like corridors. No constant soundtrack of traffic.
Instead, there was open space, fresh air and the comforting sound of nature. The accommodation itself immediately caught our attention.
Unlike a traditional hotel building, Enchant’s accommodation is spread across several distinct options, including the Seaview Family Dome, Seaview Couple Dome, Seaside Private Forest Couple Tent, Seaside Family Cabin and designated areas for those who prefer conventional camping or glamping.
Accommodation rates range from RM165 to RM550, depending on the room category and travel dates, with rates adjusted during long weekends and peak holiday periods.
We stayed in one of the Seaview Family Domes. And that was when the holiday truly began.
Between the forest and the sea
Our dome came equipped with two queen-sized beds and a private bathroom, which immediately earned my approval as a mother travelling with two active boys.
Practicality matters. Parents understand this better than anyone.
The convenience of having a private bathroom within the dome eliminated many of the usual challenges that come with travelling with children.
Yet, despite the comfort inside, the room itself was not what captivated us the most. It was the view.
The large transparent window transformed the entire dome into something resembling a giant observation deck. From the bed, we could see the sea stretching into the distance.
Instead of television screens or neighbouring buildings, our view consisted of waves, open skies and a beach waiting to be explored.
Stepping outside revealed another unexpected surprise. The sea was directly in front of us. The forest was right behind us.
Within a matter of steps, we could move between two completely different ecosystems.
One moment, we were listening to waves rolling gently onto the shore.
The next, we could hear insects hidden among the trees and birds calling from somewhere deep within the forest.
That contrast became one of the most memorable aspects of our stay.
The clear turquoise water was impossible to ignore. Under the afternoon sun, the sea seemed to shift between shades of blue and green.
The beach itself was relatively flat and shallow, making it particularly suitable for families with young children.
That alone was enough to keep my sons occupied. If I had allowed it, I am quite certain they would have spent the entire day in the water. They ran along the shoreline, chased the waves and collected tiny treasures hidden beneath the sand.
Watching them, I realised something. Children rarely need expensive entertainment. They do not need complicated itineraries or carefully planned activities.
Sometimes, all they need is a beach. And perhaps that is why this particular trip felt so different. Nobody was checking their watches. Nobody was rushing to the next destination.
For once, we simply allowed the day to unfold naturally.
Under a sky full of stars
If the daytime belonged to the beach, the night belonged to the sky.
For dinner, we visited a small eatery located near the property. The food was satisfying, and the prices were similar to those in Kuching. It was simple, honest and exactly what we needed after spending hours outdoors.
Later that evening, after the children had settled down, my husband and I decided to spend some quiet time at the property’s café. We ordered coffee and a plate of French fries before finding a comfortable spot overlooking the sea.
And then, something magical happened. The moon appeared. Not just any moon. A full moon.
Away from the bright lights of the city, the night sky revealed itself in ways we rarely experience in our daily lives.
The stars appeared brighter. The moonlight reflected gently across the landscape. The entire retreat seemed to slow down even further.
Back in Kuching, our evenings are often filled with schedules, notifications and responsibilities.
At Telok Melano, time felt different. The night invited us to pause. To sit. To observe. To appreciate.
Perhaps that was the most valuable part of the entire trip. Not the accommodation. Not the photographs. Not even the beach. It was the opportunity to reconnect.
The following morning, we walked across from our dome to the property’s café for breakfast. Although the food took some time to arrive, the meal itself was enjoyable. And somehow, waiting did not feel frustrating.
By then, we had already adapted to Telok Melano’s rhythm. Everything moved a little more slowly. And that was perfectly acceptable.
Before leaving, I took one final look at the beach. My sons were still reluctant to say goodbye. My mother-in-law seemed completely at ease. My husband looked more relaxed than he had in weeks.
Somewhere between the forest and the sea, our different expectations quietly disappeared. The children found their beach. The adults found their peace. And beneath a sky full of stars, three generations found something even more valuable — time together.
