lifestyle

Top 11 Malaysian Resorts For A Perfect Once-In-A-Lifetime Stay

Go ahead, treat yourself! Joie di vivre! ;)

Cover image via Malihom

Malaysia is home to some of the most beautiful, breathtaking resorts in the world. Tucked amidst islands and rainforests that look straight out of paintings, these places will take you to a dreamy wonderland!

An aerial view of the Vivanta by Taj resort in Langkawi, Kedah.

Image via Vivanta by Taj

With that said, here are 11 of the most magnificent resorts in Malaysia:

The resorts are arranged from the lowest to the highest rate per night.

1. Batang Ai Longhouse Resort: For an adventurous yet relaxing stay

Situated at the edge of some of Malaysia’s most magnificent rainforest in Lubok Antu, Sarawak, Batang Ai Longhouse Resort Managed by Hilton on the island of Borneo is the perfect location for a relaxing break. The resort is only a two-hour boat ride away from the Batang Ai National Park, and is surrounded by its own expanse of jungle. Take a swim in our outdoor swimming pool or enjoy a friendly game on our asphalt tennis courts.

hilton.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM250++ per night.

Image via Wei Wong
Image via Wei Wong

2. Malihom: For a quiet Penang holiday, away from the city

Located in Penang, the estate comprises a cluster of traditional Thai rice barns which have been carefully converted with modern comforts, while respecting traditional charms. Named after the rice barns that make up the retreat, Malihom means 'village of the fragrant rice'. Each barn has its own unique name. Malihom offers 8 barns for rental. Each features individual character with ensuite and bathrooms on the deck level.

malihom.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM670++ per night.

Image via Malihom
Image via Malihom
Image via Malihom
Image via Malihom
Image via Malihom

3. Vivanta by Taj: For a stay that is fit for the royalty

The resort nests on the Rebak Island, named after the native Rebak tree, in one of the 99 isles that make up the legendary Langkawi. Take a short 20 min drive to Port Cenang from the Langkawi airport delighting in backseat surprises (we're not revealing here). Imagine stepping into a speedboat which cuts through the water creating waves of excitement as you cover 2km in 7 short minutes and are welcomed by yachts from all over the world that are docked at the only fully equipped Marina in Malaysia. Yes, it's the only resort to offer this service. ;)

tajhotels.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM697++ per night.

Image via Vivanta by Taj
Image via Vivanta by Taj
Image via Vivanta by Taj
Image via Vivanta by Taj
Image via Vivanta by Taj

4. Belum Rainforest Resort Malaysia: For a place that will fit a bigger group of friends and family

Set in the midst of a tropical paradise, Pulau Banding, Perak, the Belum Rainforest Resort, is everything nature-lovers and holiday-goers expect in a getaway destination: complete relaxation and serenity, stunning views and surroundings, adventure, and the chance to get close to nature. With the Belum-Temengor Rainforest literally at our doorstep, guests at the resort will have a rare opportunity to experience the soothing beauty and mystery of the vast jungle, which has remained untouched for centuries.

belumrainforestresort.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM700++ per night.

Image via Kee Hua Chee
Image via Kee Hua Chee
Image via Kee Hua Chee
Image via Kee Hua Chee
Image via Kee Hua Chee

5. The Shorea: If you’ve never stayed in a quiet, secluded forest

The Shorea is an architect’s family retreat, built within in a tropical forest reserve in Mukim Pantai, Seremban. Its secluded villas are set on natural terrains, with meandering paths leading down to a jungle stream, a waterfall within the Berembun Forest Reserve; it is the ultimate forest getaway.

theshorea.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM1,007++ per night.

Image via The Shorea
Image via The Shorea
Image via The Shorea
Image via The Shorea
Image via The Shorea

6. Tanjong Jara: For a throwback to the 17th century

Facing a crescent-shaped beach of golden sand, shaded by tall palms rustling in the breeze with views of the turquoise sea in Dungun, Terengganu, Tanjong Jara Resort is attended to by a people steeped in traditions as timeless as Terengganu itself. Designed to reflect the elegance of 17th century Malay palaces, this tranquil resort offers a genuine taste of the region's spirit and its rich natural heritage. Based on the Malay concept of Sucimurni, which emphasises on the purity of spirit, health and well-being, this secluded hideaway encourages true rejuvenation of both body and spirit.

tanjongjararesort.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM1,030++ per night.

7. Gaya Island Resort: For a stay that comes with the jaw-dropping view of Mount Kinabalu

Tucked amidst protected mangroves, sheltered coral reefs and curled around the pristine sandy coast of Malohom Bay in Kota Kinabalu, rests Gaya Island Resort. Set on an island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, discover a sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon. With its youthful vibe and sun-dappled moments, this beachfront resort blends harmoniously with the natural environment featuring a collection of hillside villas with views that range from mangrove forests and the surrounding canopy to the outline of Mount Kinabalu.

gayaislandresort.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM1,070++ per night.

8. Pangkor Laut Resort: For a romantic island getaway

Nestled amidst an ancient rainforest, on a private island fringed by white sandy beaches and emerald waters lies Pangkor Laut Resort. Of the island's 300 acres, only a fraction has been developed to house this peaceful luxury resort and its Estates. Declared a paradise by the late Pavarotti and previously voted 'Number One in the World' by Condé Nast Traveller; here, wooden buildings blend seamlessly into the forest, walls curve around foliage, and roofs open up to allow trees to continue on their journey to the sky.

pangkorlautresort.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM1,080++ per night.

9. The Andaman: The place for one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort located in an idyllic tropical setting on Malaysia's Langkawi Island, is cosily tucked away between a 10 million year old rainforest and the tranquil Datai Bay and an 8,000 year old fringing coral reef. The resort has created a Coral Nursery, believed to be the first of its kind in South East Asia, with accolades in recognition of its commitment to environmental practices.

theandaman.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM1,456++ per night.

10. The Datai Langkawi: For a stay by one the top 10 beaches in the world

The Datai Langkawi offers the perfect escape and allows you to fully nurture the well-being of your mind, body and spirit. National Geographic has rated Datai Bay as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, while the resort’s jungle surrounds plays host to a wealth of wildlife, some of which are endemic to the area. Bask in the tranquility and reconnect with nature. You may well spot dusky leaf monkeys, tokay geckos or Sunda flying lemurs during your stay.

thedatai.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM1,500++ per night.

11. Bunga Raya Island Resort: The place where private villas were hand-crafted by Sabahans

As sensual and exotic as the hibiscus flower that bears its name, Bunga Raya Island Resort is a luxurious jewel set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. A secluded island hideaway of 47 timbered villas, the resort is tucked away on a tranquil and hidden bay framed by crescent shaped white sand beach on one side and the centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Each private villa is rough hewn and hand-crafted by local tradesmen, terraced into the hillside reflecting the traditional simplicity of the Borneo architectural style.

bungarayaresort.com

For reservations and details, click here. Rooms are from RM1,528.30++ per night.

Want to save these beauties for one of those special nights? Fret not, we've got you covered with these gorgeous yet affordable hotels in Malaysia for your quick weekend getaways!

While we're at it, here's a little something to remind you of how beautiful Malaysia truly is:

You may be interested in: