Sure, it boasts swaying palm trees and turquoise waters. And if you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of turtles along the shoreline.
But what truly sets this laid-back resort apart is that cats and dogs aren’t just tolerated here; they are celebrated.
“I love animals! I grew up with dogs since I was 10. And since there aren’t many pet-friendly resorts in Malaysia, I wanted to fill that gap,” Ruby Low, the resort’s owner, shared with FMT Lifestyle.
“Your pet deserves to have its own holiday too. It brings me great pleasure and joy to see dogs smiling and just being happy,” the 64-year-old added, smiling.
Ruby opened the resort 18 years ago with a simple philosophy: tolerance, respect, and a genuine love for animals.
The self-proclaimed nature lover welcomes all well-behaved pets, from playful pups to curious cats, and offers a judgement-free environment where pets can truly be themselves.
“I do not discriminate against animals, ” she said. “As long as the owner knows how to control them,” she quickly added with a hearty laugh.
Ruby’s infectious energy and bigger-than-life personality have attracted a steady stream of guests through the years, from solo travellers with their furbabies to expatriate families looking for a weekend retreat.
A gated pet garden offers a safe space for playtime. “I’ve gated up half an acre of my land,” explained Ruby, who has a background in hospitality.
“Owners of more energetic dogs can let them run freely in this pet garden”
A designated shower area ensures post-beach clean-ups are a breeze. The expansive property offers ample room for canine exploration, and Ruby’s own menagerie of rescued animals provides entertainment for both pets and their humans.
“I used to have 75 cats with me, I saved all of them. Now, I have 10 dogs and 40 cats, all rescues,” Ruby pointed out.
Striking a balance between catering to playful pups and ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests required patience and understanding.
Ruby’s approach is straightforward. Pet owners are expected to be responsible for their companions. Leashes and clean-up bags are mandatory, and guests are also encouraged to bring their own bedsheets to maintain cleanliness for future non-pet-owning guests.
But how did this resort come to be? The tale of Ruby’s Resort is as captivating as its beachfront locale.
“I always wanted a beachfront home, a place for me to retire,” Ruby recounted, “I love water, I love the jungle.”
A chance encounter with a friend travelling in a camper van ignited the spark. As they discussed retirement plans, Ruby’s vision crystallised – a beachfront sanctuary for her golden years.
What was once a neglected jungle plot, overgrown with trees, and an adjacent run-down resort, flourished into Ruby’s Resort.
Yet, the early years weren’t devoid of challenges, Ruby noted. The locals from nearby villages were initially wary of a single woman running a resort. To dispel any apprehensions, Ruby hosted a lunch with the village head and even offered jobs for the locals.
“From that day onwards, I earned respect in Cherating,” Ruby shared.
The true heart of Ruby’s Resort lies in the stories it collects. Two years ago, Ruby faced a health scare and returned to PJ for recovery and family support. However, several bookings had already been made.
“I reached out to one of my regular guests and explained my situation. They went above and beyond without my asking. They prepared breakfast for other guests, changed sheets, and tidied up. I’m truly blessed. My guests are like family to me,” Ruby said.
Following her health scare, Ruby said she wanted to slow down and savour life. She has no plans to expand the resort.
“I believe I’ve been given a second chance here. This place keeps me going. So I want to take it easy, enjoy life with my pets, and find happiness,” she concluded.
Ruby’s Resort
Kg Chendor, Lot 350
Jalan Kemaman
Kampung Cherating
26080 Balok
Pahang
Opening hours: 6am to 12am
Contact: 016 360 0009
For bookings, visit the website here. Follow Ruby’s Resort on Facebook.