Billiton Ekobeach Retreat

Billiton Ekobeach Retreat, formerly known as the Billiton eco-tents, occupies a private stretch of white sand at Bukit Belangor, just west of Tanjung Kelayang. The concept is low-impact: accommodation is in natural-material villas and tented rooms set among trees a few steps from the sea, and the retreat talks openly about working towards carbon-neutral operations.

Guests love the calm, private beach and clear water in front of the rooms; you can paddle out to coral and snorkel straight from the shore, and kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are free to use. Rooms are romantic rather than luxurious, though many have air conditioning above the bed as well as fans. Staff are frequently praised for organising everything from island-hopping boats to city tours, and for keeping the beach clean when seaweed washes in.

It belongs to the same group as Billiton Hotel in Tanjung Pandan. Island hopping to Lengkuas and Kelayang islands starts nearby, and the granite boulders of Tanjung Tinggi are a short drive east. Book direct on the website; packages with meals and excursions are available.