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 resorts in Malaysia for families, as voted by our readers.

1Shangri-La Rasa Ria
KOTA KINABALU

Nestled among 26 hectares of untouched rainforest, Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu is one of the best resorts in Malaysia. It is a  stunning sanctuary on the island of Borneo that will drive families wild. Guests can take a guided walk through the jungle to learn about the 64 types of birds, 100 species of butterflies and a number of endangered animal species that call it home. Its beachfront location means there’s plenty of water fun for families, too. While the kids hit the Cool Zone Kids’ Club to enjoy crafts, games and horse riding, parents can indulge in a little pampering in the spa, practise their swing on the 18-hole golf course or hop on a catamaran.

2Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
KOTA KINABALU

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru is located just 10 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the city centre and a world of watery Borneo island fun. The private STAR marina makes it easy to explore the nearby tropical coral islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, all surrounded by white sand beaches and rich reefs. The resort is also home to a 2,000-square-metre swimming pool and water play area with theme-park-quality slides and dedicated sections for everyone from tots to teens. The kids’ club and daily scheduled activities will keep little ones entertained while parents indulge at Chi, the resort’s spa.

3LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort
JOHOR BAHRU

Designed to be the ultimate sleepover, LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort allows LEGO-loving families the chance to pay homage to the iconic building bricks with an overnight stay. Along with incredible LEGO-themed bedrooms and a lobby with a life-size LEGO pirate ship and castle, inspired activities range from LEGO-themed Treasure Hunts to tons of LEGO wherever you look. Conveniently located in Johor Bahru (over the water from Singapore), this vibrant resort is steps away from the LEGOLAND Parks and Aquarium, and is also within easy reach of an excellent selection of shopping and dining.

4Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang
BATU FERRINGHI

The 387-room Shangri-La Golden Sands, Penang 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.

5PARKROYAL 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.

6Club 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.

7Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang
BATU FERRINGHI

Nestled under a canopy of century-old rain trees, Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang is an oasis of epic proportions. With 304 rooms, five bars and restaurants, a spa, nail and hair salon, health club and lagoon-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 as 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.

=8Sea 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.

=8Berjaya Langkawi Resort
LANGKAWI

Families will love the five-star Berjaya Langkawi Resort. Spend your days playing beach soccer, fishing, island-hopping by jet ski, or simply relaxing by this Malaysian resort’s swimming pool. In-room childcare is available should you like to indulge in a facial, massage or scrub at the TAARAS Spa, or to check out one of the restaurants, bars or lounges on site. When you’re ready to venture outside the resort, a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car is a must. 

9Hard 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.

10Sunway Resort
SELANGOR

As one of the three distinct hotels that make up Sunway City, Sunway Resort 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.