Malaysia’s Best Family Resorts

Whether you’re visiting a nearby amusement park or looking to get some beach time in, we’ve got you covered with the best family-friendly resorts in Malaysia.

1Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort
KOTA KINABALU

Shangri-La’s Rasa Resort & Spa is nestled between a three-kilometre private beach and the 26-hectare Rasa Ria Reserve – home to 64 species of bird and 100 types of butterflies, plus a number of endangered species – this is the perfect resort for nature-loving families. Guests can take a guided walk through the jungle to learn about all the wildlife that is protected here, or opt for the ranger experience where littles ones learn survival skills. While the kids hit the Cool Zone Kids Club for wooden crafts, horseback riding or beach volleyball, parents can soak in the sun and sea, hit the 18-hole golf course or jump on a catamaran.

2Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
KOTA KINABALU

Continuing Shangri-La’s sweep of the Malaysia category’s top three is Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa. With a private STAR Marina, it’s easy for families to explore the spectacular nearby coral island, and their white sandy beaches and rich reefs. The kids will laugh their way through the water play area with dedicated sections for toddlers, teenagers and an interactive area for all ages, the water battle stations, a 2,000-square-metre swimming pool with a tapered shoreline for children and the kids’ club, while mum and dad will adore indulging at Chi, the resort spa – which sits on its own private island.

3Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La
BATU FERRINGHI

The 387-room Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La on Penang Island caters to families big and small. Be sure to pack your swimmers as the resort’s mini water park, Splash Zone, is perfect for hours of fun in the tropical sun with its two water slides, tipping buckets, spray fountains and a splash pad. There’s also a kids’ club and the Adventure Zone Entertainment Centre, plus a choice of four restaurants and bars. If you want to get out and explore, jump on the hop-on, hop-off island tour, which leaves from the resort.

4LEGOLAND Hotel Malaysia
NUSAJAYA

As you check-in, the kids will throw themselves into the two gigantic LEGO pits that dominate the foyer of LEGOLAND Hotel Malaysia and begin to build fantastic creations. Families can choose between Pirate Adventure, Kingdom or NINJAGO themed rooms. All the amenities are LEGO-themed, even the toothbrushes. If you can solve the hotel’s puzzle sheet you will obtain the code to the safe and discover hidden LEGO inside. LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is right next door, with more than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions. Head to Bricks Family restaurant for a fabulous dinner buffet.

=5Club Med Cherating Beach
CHERATING BEACH

Calling all budding gymnasts, sailors, archers and professional pool loungers – Club Med Cherating Beach is your ultimate playground among the jungle. Whether trapeze school is to your taste or you prefer a day with the sea and the sand aboard a Hobie Cat 15, there’s a vast array of activities available to entertain every type of holidaymaker. For an extra special holiday experience with a touch of green, head to Cherating Turtle Sanctuary to learn all about turtle conservation and, if you’re lucky, observe turtle hatchings and releases.

=5Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa
BATU FERRINGHI

Nestled under a canopy of century-old rain trees, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is an oasis of epic proportions. With 304 rooms, five bars and restaurants, a spa, nail and hair salon, health club and lagoons-style pool, the resort is the perfect place to recharge and have fun. Kids, too, can enjoy the opulent offerings, making the most of the dedicated children’s pool as well an indoor Adventure Zone complete with drop slides and modular play equipment. The Cool Zone Kids’ Club is also there for littlies aged five to 12, and child-minding services are available on request.

6Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa
SELANGOR

As one of the three distinct hotels that make up Sunway City, Sunway Resort Hotel & Spa offers a multitude of choices when it comes to eating, playing and shopping your way through your holiday. The hotel is seamlessly connected to the Sunway Pyramid Mall (home to more than 900 outlets) and Sunway Lagoon theme park, which is where you’ll find The Vuvuzela: the world’s largest water ride. Even the fussiest of eaters will be satisfied as there are more than 170 restaurants and food outlets to choose from. One thing is for sure – there’s something for everyone at this hotel.

=7Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base
PALAU SIBU

Experience the tropics in a cleaner, greener way with a stay at Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base – the 28 chalets here are constructed using traditional methods and materials, including palm fronds and wood. The eco-friendly endeavours of the resort don’t stop there, with tree planting projects and the build of their own artificial reef. Relax at the beachfront lounge bar with a milkshake for the little ones and a cocktail for you, or visit the Beach Bar for a regular fire show in the evenings. Dan’s Nasty Tadpole courses are also a must-do for the kids, allowing them to dive into a range of water sports.

=7PARKROYAL Penang Resort
BATU FERRINGHI

With packages that offer unlimited access to Koko-Nut Kids’ Klub and Amazonia water splash theme park, PARKROYAL Penang Resort sure knows how to cater to families.

This tropical retreat along Batu Ferringhi beach offers freeform pools, a children’s pool with two water slides, a rejuvenating spa and a fully-equipped Zap Lab Gym. There are also shops on site and a diverse culinary offering including award-winning restaurants, bars and gourmet marketplaces.

8Hard Rock Hotel Penang
BATU FERRINGHI

From the lil’ rockers to the big kids, Hard Rock Hotel Penang treats music-loving families to everything they need for a fun-fuelled family holiday. Groovy rooms with pink mood lighting come with BOSE Sound Systems and movies on demand, while outside is the largest free-form pool in Penang, complete with sand islands and three water slides. There are six dining venues, including an outlet of Hard Rock Cafe, plus three kids’ clubs catering for infants through to teens.

9The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
LANGKAWI

The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa has four swimming pools, stunning views and a 24-hour on-call resort concierge. Families will love exploring the lush gardens of Lagenda Park and flying through tree canopies on the Umgawa Zipline adventure. If you don’t want to leave the resort, take the kids out kayaking, play a game of tennis or check out the activities hosted by the Westin Kids’ Club. The Westin also offers several healthy, family-friendly dining options, while parents will love the Splash swim-up pool bar where you can enjoy a cocktail with a view.