Malaysia has some fabulous beaches. It also has some fabulous resorts. What’s the best way to enjoy all this fabulousness? At one of the best Malaysia beach resorts, of course!
This country is home to a long and lovely coastline, and there are some awesome luxury beach resorts in Malaysia. Staying in a great resort by the beach should be mandatory for any trip to Malaysia because it’s just so awesome.
From the west coast of Malaysia to the east coast and over to East Malaysia (Borneo), there are so many great Malaysia beach resorts whether you want pure luxury or budget Malaysia beach hotels.
![Top Picks For The Best Beach Resort In Malaysia [2021]](https://diveintomalaysia.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Best-Beach-Resort-In-Malaysia.png)
If you’re looking for the best beach hotel in Malaysia, then you’re in the right place! In this article, we list the best beach resorts in Malaysia located all around the country so you can pick the best one for your perfect Malaysian beach break!
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Contents
Comparison Of The Best Beach Resorts In Malaysia
| Name | Location | Price | Book |
| The Datai Langkawi | Langkawi | $$$$$ | Click here |
| Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa | Langkawi | $$ | Click here |
| Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang | Penang | $$ | Click here |
| Hard Rock Hotel | Penang | $ | Click here |
| Pangkor Laut Resort | Pangkor | $$$ | Click here |
| Club Med Cherating | Cherating | $$$ | Click here |
| Perhentian Island Resort | Perhentian Islands | $ | Click here |
| Bubu Long Beach Resort | Perhentian Islands | $$$ | Click here |
| Laguna Redang Island Resort | Redang Island | $$ | Click here |
| The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort | Redang Island | $$$$ | Click here |
| Barat Tioman Beach Resort | Tioman Island | $ | Click here |
| The Westin Desaru Coast Resort | Desaru | $$ | Click here |
| Shangri La Rasa Ria | Kota Kinabalu | $$ | Click here |
| Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa | Gaya Island, Sabah | $$$ | Click here |
Best Beach Resort In Malaysia
In no particular order, below we list some of the very best beach resorts Malaysia offers.
The Datai Langkawi Review
Address: Jalan Teluk Datai Kedah Darul Aman, Datai Bay Area, Langkawi
The Datai Langkawi is a beautiful beach hotel Malaysia offers which is located on a private beach in a secluded part of Langkawi. This is a great choice if you are looking for one of the top 10 beach resorts in Malaysia where you can really get away from it all. The resort is both luxurious and beautiful.
There are many room types, including private villas, perfect for romance or families. Your room depends on which setting you want, and you can choose from canopy, rainforest and beach options. This beachfront hotel Malaysia also has rooms which come with private pools for extra enjoyment.
There are many facilities and activities at the luxury Datai including three pools (one for adults, one for families and one for toddlers), water sports, health club and many nature activities both for children and adults. They also have a unique area called the Lab which is constructed of recycled materials and holds workshops.
The beach is also top rate and you can choose to have a villa right here! Or to be surrounded by rainforest and just a short walk from the beach. This Malaysia best beach resort has four restaurants and two shops. Rates do include breakfast and minibar, and the villas also have a private butler service.
This beach retreat Malaysia is focused on luxury and nature has an amazing 5/5 rating on TripAdvisor from thousands of reviews. This is a great choice if you are looking for the best beach resort in Malaysia where you can really get away from it all.
Click here for the latest prices.
Best parts?
Surrounded by rainforest on one side and the beach on the other, this is a top choice for best beach resort Malaysia offers nature lovers. For the best resort in Malaysia, this is pure luxury in a gorgeous location.
Worst parts?
Kids are welcome but expected to keep quiet – even in the family pool!
Summary?
If you are looking for truly the best luxury beach resorts in Malaysia, this is a winner. This beach hotel in Malaysia is perfect for couples who want to get away from it all and be immersed in nature.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa, Langkawi Review
Address: Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect choice if you are looking for luxury beach hotels Malaysia has in a central spot. This hotel is located in the main beach area of Langkawi, Pantai Cenang and is central to everything.
As you would expect for a 5-star beach resort hotel in Malaysia, there are many facilities including two outdoor free-form swimming pools with a kids pool, a gym, sauna, squash court, mini-golf, tennis court, archery and bicycle rental. There are many activities for both adults and kids.
If you like to be in the centre of things by a beautiful beach, the Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa could be exactly what you are looking for! This beach accommodation Malaysia has offers a range of room types including double, twin and family rooms. You can choose beachfront, garden and seaside views, or stay in a suite. All rooms are well presented and a generous size and include a work desk and bathtub. Suites are larger and include separate living and dining areas.
Click here for the latest prices.
This beach side resort Malaysia includes two restaurants, a pool bar and lounge. You are also just a short walk from many other eating options. And, of course, you have a beautiful beach to enjoy.
Best parts?
If you’re after the best beach hotels, Malaysia has in a central location, this is a great choice. The resort has a beautiful beach and is just minutes walk from a central area of Langkawi with many eating and shopping options.
Worst parts?
The rooms are nice but not as good as some of the other Malaysia luxury beach resorts on this list.
Summary?
The Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa is the perfect choice for those looking for a nice beach resort in Malaysia where they are in a central location.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang, Penang Review
Address: Batu Feringgi Beach, Batu Ferringhi, Penang
The Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang is the best choice of Penang Malaysia beach resorts. This 5-star luxury resort is located on the end of Batu Ferringhi beach, just a short walk from the night markets and many eating and shopping options.
This Malay beach resort is beautiful with two large wings, the Garden and Rasa. They both scream luxury and relaxation, but the Rasa comes with extra privileges like balconies with private soaking tubs in some room types, complimentary high-tea, pre-dinner drinks and snacks, more breakfast options and a private pool just for adult Rasa-wing guests.
The grounds of the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang particularly stood out for me. They are large, green and spacious and go straight to the beach. It’s rare to find this in one of the west coast Malaysia beach resorts that are also very centrally located – you are usually swapping space for the location.
Click here for the latest prices.
Like most of the best Malaysian beach resorts, this resort has some great pool areas as well as many restaurants, shops and a deli. There is also a gym, spa, a yoga pavilion, tennis courts, a par-3 pitch and putt golf course and a gift shop.
If you are travelling with kids, the Rasa Sayang shares a kids club and cool indoor play centre, Adventure Zone, with the Golden Sands Resort next door. We found this a great place to stay with kids and the spacious grounds made it easy for them to let off steam without bothering anyone.
The attention to detail also stood out for me with things like a personalised welcome note on arrival. The buffet breakfast is fabulous.
Best parts?
This is one of the Malaysia top beach resorts with spacious grounds, good rooms, buffet breakfast and central location.
Worst parts?
This is not one of the best seaside resorts in Malaysia which have individual villas. It’s all hotel rooms and suites in the main buildings.
Summary?
This is the best choice of Malaysia 5 star beach resorts if you are looking for an option in Penang. It’s in a great location and the resort is beautiful.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang Review
Address: Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Located in one of the most popular beaches in Penang of Batu Ferringhi, Hard Rock Hotel Penang is ideal for single travellers, couples, and families.
This exclusive, music-themed resort offers impressive amenities, such as six eateries, including the famous Hard Rock Cafe, a 26,000 square feet outdoor pool with water slides for kids, a swim up bar, fitness centre, spa, yoga classes as Rock Om (with free equipment), a kids club and games room.
Its plush, rock themed rooms feature flatscreen TVs, iPod docks, minifridges, tea/coffee making facilities, air-conditioning, and private baths.
If you’re travelling with kids, their family rooms include Playstations, which is a welcome addition. Meanwhile, the suites add in spacious living areas and a couple of sofa beds. Whilst there are some great facilities, both rooms and facilities could do with an upgrade as the resort is starting to show its age.
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Best parts?
Great ambience, a great range of facilities, and cool ‘hard rock’ vibes. Particularly great for families with so much to do.
Worst parts?
Prices for the food and drinks can be pricey, but there are lots of alternative options nearby. The resort could do with an update as facilities and rooms are beginning to look dated.
Summary?
Overall, a great hotel to stay if you just want to chill and unwind. There is plenty to do on-site and the location is perfect for a beach getaway.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Pangkor Laut Resort Review
Address: Pangkor Laut Island, Pangkor
The Pangkor Laut Resort is the perfect choice if you want a luxury private island and are looking for Malaysia beach resorts near Kuala Lumpur.
Being on its own island does mean it is slightly more complicated to get here, but it is straightforward and worth the effort. It’s a 3.5 hour drive to the office of the resort from KL Airport and the resort can arrange a transfer for you. Then it’s a quick 15-minute speed boat transfer which runs at least four times a day. There is a charge for the speedboat ride.
Once you are here, you are in for a treat. There are several beaches and you are sure to love them. In fact, the main beach, Emerald Bay, is perhaps the most beautiful beach I’ve seen anywhere.
There are two infinity pools, a gym, squash and tennis courts. There are many dining and drinking options and top rate food on offer with many cuisines represented. The service here is also unbelievably good.
There is a huge range of room options. All are great and a good size. You can have a beach villa Malaysia right by the beach, a villa on a hill or one over the sea like pictured below.
Click here for the latest prices or read our full review here.
For true indulgence, there are also “estates”. These are eight luxurious options with two to four bedrooms, living and dining areas and private pools, all surrounded by rainforest or right by the beach. A personal butler is on call as well as a private chauffeur-driven car. These options are just gorgeous and I highly recommend them.
Best Parts?
This is an absolutely gorgeous beachfront resort Malaysia offers on a private island with great beaches and the option of luxurious estates.
Worst Parts?
You are somewhat isolated with only four speedboat transfers a day and it’s not free. Not all restaurants welcome children in the evening. The food is pricey.
Summary?
This is the perfect choice of luxury beach villas Malaysia when you want to escape the world and be in pure heaven. We love it!
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Club Med Cherating Review
Address: Kuantan Kemaman, Kuantan, Pahang
If you are looking for where to stay in Malaysia with a private beach and also an all inclusive beach resort Malaysia has, then Club Med Cherating is a perfect choice. A big cut above most Malaysia luxury beach hotels, this resort offers it all.
For a start, this private beach resort Malaysia offers is located just north of Cherating Beach on Malaysia’s East coast on two private beaches. They are both stunning, especially one which is a short “train” ride away on a regular service, or you can enjoy a scenic jungle walk to get there.
You’ll feel like you’re a world away from everything when you relax at this beach while being able to have a drink from a pool bar, participate in water sports or relax in the adults-only pool. There is also an included restaurant at this best seaview hotel in Malaysia.
The facilities list goes on and on at this private beach resort in Malaysia. It’s an all inclusive resort which means all your meals, most activities and drinks are included. There are three bars and two restaurants. Many types of cuisines are offered and fussy eaters won’t have a problem.
Like all the Malaysia beaches resorts, there is heaps to do here, but the difference here is that Club Med is all inclusive. You can play tennis, shoot an arrow, swing on a trapeze, swim in the pool, have a workout, walk among the treetops, paddle a kayak, play a game and so much more. They have over 60 different sports and activities. There are shows in the evening and live music.
Families will love the kids club, which is one of the best we have experienced in all the Malaysian beach resorts. There are tons of activities and the kids club visits many of the resort’s facilities so your kids can be swinging on the trapeze one minute and going on a boat ride the next! They also get to perform in shows on some evenings.
There are a variety of room types and all are of a good standard, although some are showing their age. We had a suite combined with a club room which is perfect for a family. The reality is that you probably won’t spend much time in your room.
If you do want to leave the resort, you are a very short taxi ride from Cherating Beach.
Click here for the latest prices.
You can see all around the resort in our video here:
Best parts?
The gorgeous beaches and resort. The kids club, the food. This is one of the great luxury beach resorts Malaysia has.
Worst parts?
We found service to be good on the whole until we had a problem. Then it was incompetent and we would find ourselves asking for things multiple times. They also won’t do things like change sheets during the night, so hopefully, you won’t have a sick kid like us!
We also had a BIG problem with food poisoning at the end. I can’t find mention of this in any other review anywhere so hopefully, we were just unlucky.
Summary?
If you are looking for an all inclusive beach resort in Malaysia, you can’t go past the Club Med. It’s a beautiful setting with so much to do. Perfect if you want to be entertained without needing to leave or have kids.
Perhentian Island Resort Review
Address: Daerah Besut, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Perhentian Island
If you are looking for island relaxation and beautiful beaches among East Coast Malaysia beach resorts, definitely consider the Perhentian Island Resort.
Located on the bigger of the gorgeous Perhentian Islands (Perhentian Island Besar), this resort is one of the most professional with the most facilities on the islands. Most importantly, it’s right on a gorgeous beach! In fact, the beach by this resort is what is featured on the home page of this site!
There is a choice of rooms including beachfront ones which are worth the extra cost. It’s perfect if you are looking for a beach bungalow Malaysia. All rooms come with a private balcony and standard features like tea and coffee making facilities. There are also family rooms, but these aren’t guaranteed even when booked so be aware you may end up with only beds for two people (but you can get rollaways).
The downside is that many of the rooms haven’t aged well and need updating. This is somewhere I highly recommend that you book the more expensive room types.
In addition to the beach, this best resort East Coast Malaysia has excellent facilities such as a great pool, tennis court, soccer facilities, volleyball and they can arrange diving and fishing trips. There is a swimming pool but the beach is much more attractive. This is a great spot to do water activities. There are also two restaurants and karaoke however the food is only average and can be very pricey. Things are looking a bit aged post border closure.
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Best parts?
This is one of the East Coast Malaysia resorts which has a gorgeous beach and location.
Worst parts?
There is no alcohol available. Some rooms need renovating – so if this is an issue for you, consider one of the other beach resort East Coast offers.
Summary?
This resort is perfect if you want to see what the fuss about the Perhentian Islands is about in beautiful and comfortable surrounds on the best beach on the island.
Click here for more information and the latest prices. You can also read our full review here.
Bubu Long Beach Resort, Perhentian Islands Review
Address: Long Beach, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Perhentian Island
If you’re still looking for good beach resorts in Malaysia, consider Bubu Long Beach Resort. Located on Long Beach on Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Bubu Resort is the ideal place for travellers looking for a beachfront getaway. Here you will find gorgeous white powdery sand and crystal clear waters just perfect for an island getaway.
The Bubu Long Beach Resort has 36 modern hotel style rooms which have all been beautifully furnished. Each room features air-conditioning and most have a private balcony. The rooms can accommodate several guests, with some rooms coming with 1 double bed and others containing 2 double beds. Some of the resort rooms have gorgeous views across Long Beach, whilst others have garden views.
On-site, there are 2 restaurants serving a range of cuisine, including seafood and western dishes. Other features of the resort include a tour desk, beach massages, free WiFi in public areas and plenty of sun loungers for relaxing on the beach. During your stay, you can go snorkelling, swimming, jungle trekking, take a sunset cruise or go island hopping.
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Bubu Long Beach Resort is easy to reach, simply take a 35 minute boat ride from Kuala Besut Jetty which is 60 kilometres from Kota Bharu Airport or 100 kilometres from Kuala Terengganu Airport.
Best Parts?
Beautiful resort located on the crystal clear waters of Long Beach.
Worst Parts?
There is no swimming pool at this resort, but with the stunning location right on Long Beach, you won’t miss it.
Summary?
Bubu Long Beach Resort is the ideal place for travellers looking for Malaysia hotels on the beach where they can spend their days swimming in the sea and evenings sipping cocktails, all the ingredients for a relaxing break.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Laguna Redang Island Resort Review
Address: Pasir Panjang, Redang Island
If your idea of the best beach resort in Malaysia includes amazingly white, powdery sand, bright blue, clear water with the best beach you’ve ever seen then definitely book into the Laguna Redang Island resort! One of the gorgeous Malaysia resorts.
This top rate resort is located on a superb beach with snorkelling right out the front. It’s the largest resort on Redang Island with a huge array of facilities. This includes a great pool area with kids’ water slide, day spa, a recreation centre with board games and pool tables and a disco and karaoke centre.
For water sports, they have their own dive centre where you can learn to dive, go on certified dives or try out diving for the first time. There are well organised snorkelling tours multiple times a day from their own jetty as well. You can hire a kayak as well. Other activities including ATV rides, organised jungle hikes and getting a temporary tattoo!
Like most holiday resorts in Malaysia, this resort has multiple restaurants and we found the buffets very good. There is also a beach and pool bar with some great ice cream options! However like other resorts, food can be expensive.
The Laguna Redang Island Resort also has a great gift shop – it must be the best looking hotel gift shop I have ever seen.
Click here for the latest prices.
The hotel is located on Long Beach and there are other Long Beach resorts, restaurants and tour desks nearby giving you options outside of the hotel for activities and food. Still, the area is not that built up and it feels like you are somewhere magical.
Like other Malaysia resort hotels, there are a variety of room options here. We absolutely loved our deluxe sea view room. It is worth the extra money to see that beautiful beach outside the window and from a private balcony. All rooms are a great standard though with a good size and all the extras you would expect from a top hotel.
Best Parts?
When it comes to the best hotels in Malaysia, the gorgeous beach can’t be beaten here! There is a huge range of facilities and everything is of a high standard and well organised. This has been our easiest east coast Malaysia beach stay.
Worst Parts?
Unfortunately, like most Malaysia island resorts, the WiFi is only available in limited areas and very slow. Mobile reception is good though.
Summary?
If you are looking for a Malaysia sea resort where everything is well organised, at a great standard on an absolutely gorgeous beach, definitely consider Laguna Redang. It’s one of our favourites in Malaysia.
Click here for more information and the latest prices or read our full review here.
The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Redang Island Review
Address: C-O Lot GL-04 Lapangan Terbang Sultan Mahmud Kuala Terengganu, Redang Island
If you’re looking for the best beach resort in east coast Malaysia, then look no further then the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort.
Also located on Redang Island, the resort is surrounded by the turquoise blue ocean, a powdery white sandy beach and majestic rainforest making it the perfect choice if you are looking to get away from it all.
This Malaysia resort beach hotel has a range of accommodation options including suites to suit singles, couples or a family. For larger groups or for those who want more space, consider staying in The Taaras Villa, perhaps the best private beach villa Malaysia has to offer. This incredible 5-bedroom private villa is located on the clifftop, overlooking the resort and ocean below. Not only does this villa have its own infinity pool, it also has an elevator, butler, breakfast chef and private security!
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during the day at this best beach hotel Malaysia. Go diving in one of the 30 dive locations in the protected Marine Park, take a ride on the glass bottom boat, go windsurfing, kayaking or bodyboarding, or spend the day island hopping. On land activities include jungle trekking, yoga, a pool, a karaoke room, a day spa and even a cooking class! There’s also a supervised playroom for the young ones.
Click here for the latest prices.
This Malaysia seaside resort has several restaurants on-site offering a variety of cuisines. You’ll find it hard to resist what is on offer – a buffet spread of international and Asian fusion inspired cuisine, grilled seafood on the deck, or for special occasions, dine on a floating platoon in the middle of the sea. If you’re just after a drink head on down to the beach and chill out at the Bayu Bar.
Best Parts?
A great selection of room types to suit the needs of all sorts of travellers as well as plenty of different activities to keep you busy.
Worst Parts?
As you’re on an island, there is no ‘city hub’ to visit. You only access the island via the hotel’s private boat or public ferry. The hotel’s ferry is expensive at over RM200 return for one adult. The swimming pool isn’t the best around.
Summary?
If you are looking for luxurious hotels in Malaysia beach setting, it’s hard to beat the Taaras Beach and Spa Resort.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Barat Tioman Beach Resort, Tioman Island Review
Address: Lot 438 Kampung Juara, Pulau Tioman, Rompin, Pahang, Tioman Island
Barat Tioman Beach Resort is located on Juara Beach which has featured on lists of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The resort lies on a stunning 2 kilometre stretch of beach where guests can join in a range of water and land based activities.
There is a huge range of accommodation options here. Guests can choose between rooms which have 1 double bed or 2 double beds. For extra large families or groups, there is even a room with 1 double and 2 sets of bunk beds. Each room includes air-conditioning, a flatscreen TV, mini bar, kettle and private balcony. Some rooms even have a spa bath.
Facilities at the resort include a swimming pool, rooftop bar and an on-site restaurant. Other activities to enjoy at the resort include swimming in the sea, kayaking, windsurfing, stand up paddleboarding, beach volleyball, snorkelling, diving or jungle trekking to the waterfalls where you may even spot some local wildlife.
This resort is definitely more for the budget conscious traveller looking for the best beach resort. Facilities and rooms are not top notch, but still offer comfort and convenience for a budget beach resort.
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Best Parts?
Despite its stunning location and fabulous location, this resort offers accommodation at a fantastic price. At this budget beach resort, Malaysia offers, you will have peace of mind knowing that you won’t blow your budget staying here.
Worst Parts?
Despite being one of the cheap beach resorts in Malaysia, the restaurant prices can be pricey. Rooms are facilities are not top of the range. Checkout time is quite early for a Malaysian resort at 10am.
Summary?
For travellers looking for one of the good budget south Malaysia beach resorts but still want a tropical island getaway with all the frills, the Barat Tioman Beach Resort is a great contender.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Westin Desaru Review
Address: Desaru Coast, Jln Pantai 3, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort has a private beach outside and is just a 5 minute drive or walk away from one of Desaru’s most popular attractions, Adventure Waterpark. This stunning resort has a beautiful pool area, an expansive 24 hour fitness centre, a kids club, a huge conference centre and a spa with a range of treatments on offer.
There are a a range of rooms here. Even the smallest king rooms are spacious at 42 m² and include a work desk, a 55 inch flatscreen TV, complimentary water, a marble bathroom with a separate bathtub and a balcony or terrace depending on which level the room is on. The larger 1 bedroom executive suites have separate living and dining areas.
When it comes to dining, there is an all day dining restaurant called Seasonal Tastes which also serves an extensive buffet breakfast. It can be crowded. However, there are many choices. There is also an Italian restaurant called Prego, the Beach Bar, the MIX Lounge and a poolside bar with great cocktails.
The Beach bar is definitely the top choice of where to eat and drink while enjoying the fabulous Desaru private beach this resort offers.
Click here for the latest prices.
Best Parts?
The location is great for a relaxing resort getaway. This is a Malaysia beach resort near Singapore. The beach is just outside and its across the road from the Els Club Desaru Coast golf course. It’s also close to Adventure Waterpark. The restaurants are also top quality.
Worst Parts?
The pool is quite small. The buffet can get crowded especially on weekends. There is also currently development on-site. However, all facilities remain open.
Summary?
The Westin Desaru Coast Resort has everything you need for a relaxing getaway. Spacious rooms, lovely restaurants and a fabulous location make this a top Malaysian resort. The private beach out the front is just superb too.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Shangri La Rasa Ria, Sabah Review
Address: Pantai Dalit Beach P.O. Box 600, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu
If you’re looking for a beautiful east Malaysia beach resort, you can’t beat the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa. Located on a pristine stretch of Pantai Dalit Beach and surrounded by 400 acres of tropical rainforest, it really is a beautiful setting for a tropical retreat.
There are a variety of room types to choose from, including family rooms, with all accommodation set in a Malaysian-themed room or suite situated in either the Garden or Ocean Wing. The rooms are set on a hill which provides fantastic views of the beach or the surrounding rainforest.
There is a range of activities to keep you busy during your stay. The resort is even home to the Nature Interpretation Centre, which is the entrance to the Nature Reserve. Here, you can meet Borneo’s wildlife, including several species of endangered animals.
For the water lovers, kayaking, windsurfing, jet-skiing and banana boat rides will get the blood pumping. You can enjoy a spot of horse riding, deep sea fishing, stand-up paddleboarding, coconut leaves weaving, bingo night and some fun beach games. The resort also has an eco-friendly championship golf course and spa.
Click here for the latest prices.
The kids will love spending time in the kids club. Here they can have a go at coconut bowling or enjoy the Sundown Games in the swimming zone. The animal lovers get to help the rangers look after the animals in the resort’s care. And there is even a Family Fun Day on the weekend!
The resort also has a range of restaurants. Do you want Japanese or Western? Or perhaps you feel like teppanyaki? Or maybe you just want to relax with a sunset cocktail in one of the two bars. Make sure you try the teh tarik – ‘pulled tea’ – at the Coffee Terrace.
Best Parts?
Accommodation with fantastic views and a great range of activities to suit all sorts of travellers. Families will love the kids club.
Worst Parts?
This is a popular resort, so it can tend to get busy and may feel crowded to some travellers. Some of the facilities are becoming dated.
Summary?
Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa is a gorgeous resort and perfect for a range of travellers who are looking for a luxurious getaway.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa, Gaya Island, Sabah Review
Address: Polish Bay, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Gaya Island, Kota Kinabalu
Looking for inspiration for the best resorts in East Malaysia? Then definitely check out Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa. Located on Gaya Island in Sabah, this is a beautiful secluded resort set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo. Surrounded by sandy white beaches and lush jungle, the location is paradise.
At Bunga Raya Island, guests stay in Malaysia beach huts style accommodation. There are 48 spacious hillside villas which are basic and include all the modern day comforts. They could do with an update but they are still nice enough. Each of the villas has views of the South China Sea or the jungle and comes with air-conditioning, tea and coffee making facilities and a flatscreen TV.
Some villas also have their very own plunge pool and direct beach access. There are also 2 bedroom deluxe suites which can accommodate larger groups.
This Malaysia beach hut resort facilities include a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, a day spa and gym. Other activities include kayaking, snorkelling and jungle trekking.
Click here for the latest prices.
This Malaysia island beach resort is relatively easy to reach being just 25 minutes by boat from the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, which is 11 kilometres from the Kota Kinabalu Airport.
Best Parts?
Bunga Raya Island Resort is located in a stunning secluded location.
Worst Parts?
Being in a secluded location, there are no other options but to eat at the hotel during your stay. There are many insects around – bring repellent. Rooms and facilities are showing their age.
Summary?
If you want a secluded, luxurious getaway where you can switch off for awhile, book a villa at Bunga Raya Island Resort.
Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Final Words
We hope this guide has been helpful for you! Malaysia has so many wonderful beach resorts dotted all around the country, and there is definitely going to be somewhere to your liking. If you need more advice on where to go, I recommend you read the best beaches article linked to below.
Any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired! What would you list in your 10 best Malaysia beach resorts?
If you are looking for family-friendly specific resorts, this article lists the best ones. If you would like a hotel with a private pool room, then this article lists your options. Or you can read our list of the overall best resorts in Malaysia here.
You can read about Malaysia’s best beaches here and find our ultimate article to planning your trip to Malaysia here. All our Malaysian planning guides are here.
