Without knowing why, a man from Paris called Eric found himself in South East Asia, with the dream of setting up a hotel, first in Indonesia, then in Malaysia. At the end of a long search, having almost given up, he returned to Tioman for a break. While there, he made friends with a group of adventurous project builders who were creating a small trekking centre. One of the group was a special guy called Yono. This meeting was a catalyst for bringing both their dreams closer to fruition. During his stay Eric discovered a beautiful deserted beach: this was the place! White sand, turquoise waters, magnificent rocks, lush jungle and dramatic mountains : simply the most enchanting spot on Tioman. Bagus! said the boatman, looking at the beach. Bagus means beautiful and good. The name was obvious: Bagus Place. After an initial phase of development, Eric and Yono felt the need to introduce new ideas and new energy to the project. Eric developed a website to share the magic of Tioman with others and to seek the involvement of like-minded entrepreneurs. Ajay, who was from England but living in Singapore had already experienced the mystical attraction of Tioman when he discovered the website and responded to Eric and Yono’s invitation. After realising that they shared the same vision, Ajay visited Yono at Bagus Place and instantly joined the team. Ajay brought the project a step forward by buying the land and bringing life to a solid company, guided by social and environmental responsibility. In line with the vision of the three, it was necessary to find a design that would maximise and protect the natural beauty of Bagus Place, while providing simple yet luxurious accommodation. After two hard years of designing and construction time, Bagus Place received its first customer in June 2004! Ajay and his wife Claire spent two years managing Bagus Place and living the dream. At the same time learning Malay, local customs, and ensuring that Bagus Place lived up to its promise of homely comfort and impeccable service. In 2006, they returned to England, leaving the management and care of Bagus Place in the capable hands of Yono and his multinational team. In 2007, the fourth chalet Boat House was completed - an ambitious and creative project, bringing inspired architecture to Tioman Island. In 2008, we built Tioman Island’s first Tree House! In 2009 we celebrated our fifth year of operation. We completed a new jetty, which will see us through many monsoons to come, and added a peaceful pagoda for reading, meditation and yoga. In response to demand from couples looking for peace and seclusion, we built our sixth chalet in 2010. Flying Fox is named after the bat with fox-like features which frequents Tioman Island - see if you can spot one flying past your chalet! In 2012 our stunning and romantic chalet Rumah Laut became available to rent. Ideal for honeymooners, this chalet offers total seclusion, breath-taking views and indoor-outdoor living. In 2013, Bagus Place is under new ownership. Ajay and Claire will be concentrating on projects closer to their home in the UK, and Yono will move to the mainland to send his daughter Qistina to school. The new owners are committed to the legacy of Bagus Place. Ms Aien as the Resident Resort Manager, is also a co-owner of Bagus Place. She subscribes strongly to protecting the environment and is very much a people focused person. She is a very keen diver and loves the outdoors. She is ably assisted by Rosie in managing the day to day affairs of Bagus Place. Azie will be managing the bookings from K.L. |