Thailand is definitely not the only country in southeast Asia with stunning beaches and islands. Malaysia has dozens of islands on both the east and west coasts that easily rival the beauty of those in Thailand. In addition, Malaysia’s beach resorts rank as some of the best in the region. This list presents the best beach resorts in Malaysia, as rated by visitors.
10. Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa
The Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa is located in a secluded spot close to the city of Kota Kinabalu. Cable television service, air conditioning, high speed Internet and minibars are available in every room. The villas at the Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa also feature balconies. The beach resort has modern amenities but features a design that incorporates many of the characteristic elements of Borneo architecture such as timbered construction. The villas are located on the beach where they enjoy sweeping views of the South China Sea.
9. The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa
Set in an idyllic natural retreat on the island of Langkawi, the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa boasts its own private beach. Tastefully designed with contemporary decor, all 202 rooms and suites offer modern amenities such as a 42″ plasma TV with satellite channels and internet access. Guests can cool down in the infinity pool, relaxation ocean pool or on the white sandy beach while enjoying the magnificent view of neighboring islands.
8. Tanjung Rhu Resort
Tanjung Rhu sits on the northern tip of Langkawi at on one of the most peaceful and beautiful beaches on the island. It is the only resort on this part of the island ensuring its exclusivity and the privacy of its guests. The resort is flanked by a landscape of centuries-old limestone caves and uninhabited islands. Every room is spacious, with timber floors and large windows, to take advantage of the tropical breeze and a choice of enchanting garden, pool or sea view.
7. Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa
The Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is nestled in beautiful natural surroundings in Kota Kinabalu. Shopping and entertainment venues are close by. There are private balconies attached to all of the rooms at the Tanjung Aru Resort. Guests can choose between six different restaurants and bars. The hotel also offers extensive spa services to its guests.
6. Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort
The Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort is situated just over a half an hour from the center of Kota Kinabalu. The hotel is close to crystal clear waters and pristine beaches. The facilities at the hotel itself include a restaurant that serves California dishes, a gym, a steam room and a massage service. There is also a swimming pool and the hotel even has its own golf course.
5. Pangkor Laut Resort
Pangkor Laut is a privately owned island located three miles off the West Coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca. There is no other resorts on the island, just secluded bays curled around pristine beaches and a deep sense of serenity reserved exclusively for the guests. The villas are carefully positioned along the island. Some are on the hillside amongst tropical rain forest, others in lush tropical gardens, and others overlook the beach with beautiful views of the sea.
4. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi Malaysia
The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi is located on the Tanjung Rhu Beach. All guest pavilions and villas offer the soothing sounds of the Andaman Sea and sensational views of sunsets beyond the beach. The guest accommodations are a fusion of traditional Malaysian design elements and contemporary resort features, with timber floors, soaring ceilings and large open verandas. The standalone villas offer complete privacy overlooking the azure sea. The spacious patio outside the room is furnished with a dining table for four and an oversized daybed. The living area includes a 42 inch plasma screen television and high speed internet.
3. The Datai Langkawi
The Datai Langkawi Hotel features a variety of villas and suites set against a tropical rainforest atmosphere in close proximity to the beach. Facilities are plentiful and include a gym, health club, sauna and not one but two pools. The larger of the two pools is elevated among the forest canopy, with stunning views through the tree tops to the sea below. The other pool is located down near the beach for those who wish to enjoy refreshing sea breeze. The resort contains five specialty restaurants serving a range of global cuisine. Situated high up in the rainforest canopy, The Pavilion restaurant for example serves authentic Thai cuisine in an open-air setting.
2. The Danna Langkawi Malaysia
The Danna Langkawi is located on Pantai Kok in the northwest of Pulau Langkawi. Set in a five-storey building, the beach resort offers spectacular views of the sea, marina and mountains. It comes with facilities such as a fitness center, spa, and games room. The luxury hotel comes with a mix of local architectural design and British colonial style, with a vibrant greenery of the landscaped courtyard overlooks the pool. The 125 rooms and suites are equipped with a host of modern amenities and are designed with timber flooring and handcrafted woodwork.
1. Casa del Mar Langkawi
Rated as one of the best Malaysia beach resorts, the Casa del Mar in Langkawi, sits on Pantai Cenang Beach. This is one of the most popular entertainment areas in Langkawi with a wide selection of restaurants and pubs nearby. All hotel rooms face the sea and are cooled by air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Floor to ceiling sliding picture windows provide great views of Cenang Beach. Deluxe rooms are located on the ground floor and suites are on the first floor.
I am looking for al halal-friendly beachresort in Malaysia with an seperate swimmingpool/beach for ladies. Can you please help me to find a resort?
Hi Cho, im a travel agent based in Malaysia, i would be able to give you some suggestions on your requirement. Can you please let me know in which part of Malaysia you will be arriving?
Hi, could you recommend me some places for snorkeling. Surfing and diving in Malaysia please? We have got just one week in August and would like to really enjoy our holiday somewhere on the beach. Also for affordable prices. Cheers
I have to comment on the Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa, it’s the best hotel I’ve been to in Malaysia.
hi there, could you recommend me some island in Malaysia other than Langkawi. where there is no traffic and also have a beautiful beach to relax and affordable price. thank you very much
try the Perhentian Islands
Hi Roy,
If you have at least 5-6 days, i would suggest you to do a combination stay in Perhentian and Redang, both islands are separated by 1 hour boat. In these two islands, you find mostly beautiful pristine beaches, stunning underwater marine life and laidback lifestyle.
If there is only 3-4 days, Perhentian should be your ultimate first choice.
Simon Lee
Hello I will be in KL for 3 to 4 days. So should I go to Genting islands or some other beach. I have three kids age 10 to 12 years. Where would they enjoy the most? Plus it should be affordable.
hi we are going to Malaysia for the first 2 weeks of jan. do you recommend we go to perhenthian after kuala lumpar or before
Its possible for foreign woman to where bikini in the beaches in Malaysia?
Many thx
Whats a nice beach to visit in maylasia. But not expensive. Just a beautiful beach. Accomodation doesnt have to be too fab. Must have hot water in showers and clean. Thats all i ask.