Over the two days we spent there, time seemed to unspool in lazy fashion. We enjoyed a Western style breakfast from the restaurant’s in-house cafe), played pool, and read. Making the stay extra pleasant was the friendly staff. But don’t expect a five-star hotel here. It’s more rustic kampung style – some walls still need some patching up, or a fresh coat of paint, for instance.
Nonetheless, we weren’t too fussed. We spent more time outside the room anyway, sitting on the tree swing, observing a kingfisher circling around the pond. At night, all was quiet and still, save for the sound of the cicadas.
A NEW WAY FORWARD
Taking over the Riders’ helm is Janet’s son, Yeo Wei Jun, 33. He hopes to breathe new life into this storied institution.
To appeal to more folks, Riders Resort has hosted many wedding ceremonies and dinners, anniversary parties, and company team building events.
For instance, they once held a birthday celebration for a 78-year-old, complete with a horse parade in the garden, and even a Halloween party with a stable night walk. Wei Jun had his own garden wedding too, with 100 guests. In the pipeline, there are plans for yoga and meditation retreats, among others.
