Pulai Springs Resort

Shadow Of Opulence, Comfortable But Run Down

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 6
Visited: Jan-2015
Ambience & Setting: 6
Food & Beverage: 3
Service: 6
Value for Money: 7
Spent about SGD $250 per person.
- $250 Accomodation 4D3N
-$0 Room Service


Nearby Attractions: Sultan Abu Bakar Royal Palace Museum, Legoland Malaysia, Endau Rompin National Park, Johor Bahru Art Gallery, Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple, Istana Bukit Serene, Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, Sultan Ibrahim Building, Angry Birds Activity Park, Johor Bahru Zoo, Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru, Danga World Petting Zoo, Danga World Theme Park, Taman Merdeka, Kraftangan Malaysia Cawangan Negeri Johor, Hello Kitty Town, Tanjung Piai National Park


Hotel Facilities: Business Centre, 1 Ballroom, 6 Conference Rooms, Laundry Service, Free Wi-Fi, Gymnasium, 6 Restaurants (Gleneagles Terrace Restaurant, Qing Palace Chinese Restaurant, Cinta Terrace, Cinta Deli, Waterfalls Cafe, Elephant & Castle Pub), Spa, 3 Swimming Pools, Video Game Arcade, Pool / Snooker Tables, Billard Tables, Gift Shop, Foosball Table, Tennis Court, Squash Court, Golf Course, Paintball Range, Doctor On Call, Bicycle Rental, Tour Desk, In-Room TV Guide, Currency Exchange


Hotel Activities: Business Meetings, Exercise Work Out, Spa, Internet Surfing, Video Games, Pool / Snooker, Billards, Golfing, Swimming, Paintball, Team Building Activites, Foosball, City Tours, Shopping Tours






Introduction
Located near the Johor Bahru 2nd land bridge, just a 40 minute drive away from the Tuas 2nd Link in Singapore, Pulai Springs Resort advertises itself as a 5-star, family friendly golf and recreational resort. The reality though, is far different; Pulai Springs Resort not only shows signs of aging, but much of the once grand premises is either under permanent renovation, or abadoned entirely. Having said that, Pulai Springs Resort still remains functional as a short holiday destination, and has since attracted the attention of corporations looking for an event space, as well as wedding couples.


Ambience
Pulai Springs Resort has sprawling grounds. The trouble is much of it has fallen into disrepair. Fountains and ponds throughout Pulai Springs Resort no longer have any water or fish. The various buildings, elegantly designed with influence from Royal Malay architecture show signs of aging. Despite this, Pulai Springs Resort has well a maintained landscape, especially its gardens and golf course. The main building of Cinta Aya, where the majority of hotel rooms are located, are relatively clean, and presentable. The lift however, is old, slow, and unable to bear its certified weight limit.


Room
Pulai Springs Resort fails to live up to its 5-star status in its rooms. The rooms also show signs of aging, though to their credit, they do keep it clean and presentable. Pulai Springs Resort rooms are very spacious, even the 1 Bedroom Suite features a living room, kitchenette, bedroom, and large bathroom. The bed is large and comfortable, as is the sofa. But the cushion covers look dirty, and I found spiders in my room. I also had a fused light bulb. Television channels are rather limited, but fortunately, they have free wifi throughout the premises.


Food
Food options at Pulai Springs Resort seem extensive, until you realise that many of them are closed permanently, or under constant renovation. Gleneagles Terrace Restaurant is where most of the 3 meals of the day is served, buffet style, including the breakfast. But the chef's skill isn't that great, most of the food here comes out tasting bland, overseasoned, oily, or just looks dubious. Variety of ingredients is also an issue, you mostly get the same type of ingredients, just presented in a different style each day. Not good at all. They do offer some live music in the evenings, and sometimes, the beer garden is open.


Service
Service at Pulai Springs Resort is friendly, and they'll try to assist you, though many staff are unable to converse in English. But they are efficient, and rather proactive with helping out. Service staff at the various restaurants are quick at clearing empty / dirty plates, and also helpful at portioning dishes, but their standards could be improved. For example, they manner in which they clear tables sometimes may dirty the clothes of diners. However, I must commend the staff who willing gave us a joyride in the golf cart buggy, that was 1 of the highlights of my stay at Pulai Springs Resort.


Facilities & Activities
Pulai Springs Resort promises a multitude of activites, but not all of them are available. Many are run down, in disrepair, or just abandoned. The remaining facilities are mostly well maintained, and see regular use. The best facilities at Pulai Springs Resort include the Gymnasium, Swimming Pools, Spa, and Golf Course. The problem is that everything here closes early, around 8 plus. Their Conference Rooms are also very popular, apparently, many corporations / institutions use this place for meetings. Pulai Springs Resort is also popular for wedding photography amongst newly weds, we saw at least 3 couples gettings their photos taken on the premises. Overall, Pulai Springs Resort is great for a short stay, but there's very little to do at night, and the food isn't that good.