15 BEST BEACH RESORTS IN MALAYSIA TO STAY IN 2023

Boasting over 800 islands scattered across an extensive coastline, Malaysia offers a tropical beach getaway you will never forget. Make your holiday even more special by staying in one of the best beach resorts in Malaysia!

These resorts offer an idyllic place for you and your loved ones to spend quality time at some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Aside from their serene locations, they offer first-class amenities and top-notch service, guaranteed to leave you with long-lasting memories.

You’ll have numerous choices for the best beach resorts in Malaysia. There are hundreds of them scattered across the country, and it can be daunting to decide where to stay. Some have a private beach offering seclusion and privacy, while others are set along a long stretch of fine white sands, offering fun watersports like kayaking, paragliding, and more.

If you’re looking for ideas on where to stay, refer to our list of the best Malaysian beach hotels! Also, be sure to read my guides for Overwater Bungalows in Malaysia, Two Weeks in Malaysia, Famous Landmarks in Malaysia, and 2-Day Kuala Lumpur itinerary for more trip-planning inspiration!

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THE WESTIN LANGKAWI RESORT & SPA

Where: Langkawi, Malaysia

Price: $222+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/the-westin-langkawi-resort-spa.en-gb.html

Nestled on a private stretch of golden sands, the Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa overlooks the most panoramic views over the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. It’s only a few steps from Langkawi Jetty Point, perfect for making quick trips to the mainland.

The Westin Langkawi has accommodations suitable for everyone, from standard rooms to villas and suites. Whether you’re holidaying with the family or on a romantic holiday, the Westin will have something to offer you. The most expensive villas offer direct sunset views, equipped with private pools and numerous amenities, including private kitchenettes and rain showers.

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BUNGA RAYA ISLAND RESORT & SPA

Where: Gaya Island, Malaysia

Price: $335+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/bunga-raya-island-resort-spa.en-gb.html

https://echoresorts.com/bungaraya-island-resort

The Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa is one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Malaysia set amidst a lush rainforest and facing the ocean with stunning views from dawn until dusk. Among its highlights are the private infinity pools with open-air bars. While you might prefer to relax the entire time you are here, you should also take advantage of water sports like standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Boasting ironwood villas, the accommodations at Bunga Raya are designed to look and feel like high-end versions of local Malaysian homes perched on stilts. The added height means you will wake up to stunning ocean views every morning. These spacious villas have comfy beds decorated with white-crisp bed sheets and large bathrooms tiled in local stone.

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THE ST. REGIS LANGKAWI

Where: Langkawi, Malaysia

Price: $374+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/the-st-regis-langkawi.en-gb.html

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/lgkxr-the-st-regis-langkawi/overview/

Sitting on a bay along the south coast of Langkawi, St. Regis overlooks the gorgeous views of the Andaman Ocean. It boasts a stunning beach with powdery white sands, perfect for working on your tan. The plush suites of St. Regis Langkawi have dark wooden floors, comfy armchairs, and cream sofas. Each has well-appointed bathrooms with creamy marble floors, rain showers, white bathtubs, and twin sinks.

Expect world-class service and facilities when staying at this luxury beach resort in Malaysia. The friendly staff makes an effort to greet you by your first name. You’ll also love the top-notch amenities, especially Iridium Spa, offering relaxing treatments.

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TANJONG JARA RESORT

Where: Terengganu, Malaysia

Price: $153+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/tanjong-jara-resort.en-gb.html

https://www.tanjongjararesort.com/

Tanjong Jara is one of the most uniquely designed beach resorts in Malaysia. Inspired by 17th-century Malay palaces, Tanjong Jara has luxurious and spacious rooms equipped with oversized bathtubs and surrounded by covered verandahs and private courtyards. All rooms and suites are open to the breathtaking views of the South China Sea.

The resort has a private beach, but feel free to jump into the hotel’s two pools. After a day of swimming, head to the resort’s award-winning spa and avail one of the traditional healing methods. The resort can also arrange excursions like cooking lessons, handicraft classes, and other cultural activities.

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PANGKOR LAUT RESORT

Where: Pangkor Laut, Malaysia

Price: $184+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/pangkor-laut-resort.en-gb.html

https://www.pangkorlautresort.com/

Pangkor Laut Resort occupies the entire area of Pangkor Laut Island. Despite its remote location, you can easily reach the resort on a four-hour drive from the airport of Kuala Lumpur and another 20-minute speedboat ride. If you’re looking for the best beach resort in Malaysia that offers ultimate seclusion and privacy, stay in Pangkor Laut.

The elegant bedrooms at the resort feature slatted windows and wooden floors, reminiscent of a traditional Malay home. All rooms have comfy and plush bedding, with basic amenities like AC, ceiling fans, a TV, and a wooden desk. Of all the amenities the resort offers, the Spa Village stands out with its adults-only swimming pool, artificial hot springs, and a Japanese-style washhouse.

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THE TAARAS BEACH & SPA RESORT

Where: Redang Island, Malaysia

Price: $450+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/the-taaras-beach-spa-resort.en-gb.html

https://www.thetaaras.com/

As one of the best beach resorts in Malaysia, expect world-class service when staying at The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, a lovely beachfront resort located on an island called Redang. Surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea, expect a contemporary luxury experience and warm Asian hospitality.

All rooms have modern decor, equipped with all the basic amenities, like an air conditioning system and mini bar. If you want to indulge in luxury, book the Cliff Bay Suite, a one-bedroom suite with a spacious living room, oversized bathroom, and a walk-in wardrobe. The highlight would be the private balcony that opens to the breathtaking views of the ocean.

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GAYA ISLAND BEACH RESORT

Where: Pulau Gaya, Malaysia

Price: $224+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/gaya-island-resort.en-gb.html

https://www.gayaislandresort.com/

Boasting a private beach and gorgeous infinity pools, Gaya Island Resort is located on the island of Borneo, surrounded by dense mangroves, sandy beaches, and lush jungles. It’s nestled within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in the heart of Borneo’s wilderness. One of its highlights is the vast swimming pool at the center of the property, clad with stunning blue tiles and surrounded by sun loungers.

Rooms at Gaya Island Resort are uniquely built with sandstone and hardwood, with some villas clinging to the hillside and towering over Malohom Bay, with views stretching into the South China Sea. The villas are clean, modern, elegant, and stylishly decorated with dark wood furnishings, cream walls, and marble floors.

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PARKROYAL PENANG RESORT

Where: Penang, Malaysia

Price: $103+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/parkroyalpenang.en-gb.html

https://www.panpacific.com/en/hotels-and-resorts/pr-penang.html

If you’ve chosen Penang for your beach holiday, stay in Parkroyal, a luxury beachfront hotel with excellent service and amenities. A stunning lounge welcomes you as you arrive at the hotel. It has elegant wooden slatted screens reminiscent of traditional Malaysian homes.

Expect top-notch service as soon as you arrive. The staff will lead you to a seat in the lobby and serve refreshing drinks and snacks as you wait to check-in. Aside from the two swimming pools, the other amenities include a spa and a gym. All rooms feature bright and comfy interiors. While the furnishing is simple, it looks appealing, featuring light and neutral wooden tones.

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THE DATAI LANGKAWI

Where: Langkawi, Malaysia

Price: $563+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/datai.en-gb.html

https://www.thedatai.com/

Surrounded by lush rainforest, the Datai Langkawi has over a hundred rooms, suites, and villas blending perfectly into the stunning tropical landscape. It sits on a private stretch of beach along Datai Bai, considered one of Malaysia’s most beautiful beaches. If you’re looking for a tranquil beach resort that offers an oasis of silence, you should stay in Datai Langkawi.

Most rooms have private balconies. All have well-appointed bathrooms with spacious bathtubs overlooking the rainforest’s stunning views. Some villas have private pools hidden deep into the forest, connected to the other areas through a series of wooden pathways.

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SHANGRI-LA TANJUNG ARU, KOTA KINABALU

Where: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Price: $155+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/shangrilatar.en-gb.html

https://www.shangri-la.com/en/kotakinabalu/tanjungaruresort/

Offering luxury beachfront accommodations, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is one of those beach resorts in Malaysia with breathtaking sunset views. It’s hidden in a quiet corner of Borneo, yet it’s only ten min. from the city center.

Aside from a lovely outdoor pool, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa has six restaurants, a health club offering Pilates classes, and a kiddie pool with waterslides. There’s also an award-winning spa offering relaxing treatments, a nine-hole golf course, and a marina for guests to take boat tours. All rooms overlook the breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu and the South China Sea. Best of all, you will be given a pillow menu to choose the pillow you find the most comfortable to use.

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JAPAMALA RESORT BY SAMADHI

Where: Tioman Island, Malaysia

Price: $284+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/japamala-resorts.en-gb.html

https://www.japamalaresorts.com/

Located on the scenic and quiet Tioman Island and surrounded by lush rainforest, Japamala Resorts by Samadhi is a luxury boutique resort with stylish villas and suites decorated with soft modern colors and local woods. Some of the accommodations have a dip pool and a sundeck, while others look like treehouses perched above a canopy of trees.

Japamala Resorts is an adults-only property with an outdoor pool and two restaurants where guests can indulge in Malaysian, Thai, and Western dishes. Enjoy complimentary services like free kayaks and other water sports facilities. They can also arrange boat excursions to the nearby islands.

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SHANGRI-LA RASA RIA, KOTA KINABALU

Where: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Price: $176+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/shangri-la-s-rasa-ria-resort.en-gb.html

https://www.shangri-la.com/en/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort/

Set in a 400-acre nature reserve and boasting a two-mile-long sandy beach, Rasa Ria is one of the most luxurious beach resorts in Malaysia. The two-mile stretch of beach looks immaculate, with clear and clean waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Rasa Ria has two sections, the Ocean Wing and the Garden Wing.

The Ocean Wing gives a more exclusive feel, ideal for couples seeking privacy. Meanwhile, Garden Wing is more popular with families. Rooms are spacious, featuring cream, beige, and khaki hues. All have modern amenities like coffee machines and large televisions. The bathrooms are bright and clad with marble throughout.

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THE DANNA LANGKAWI

Where: Langkawi, Malaysia

Price: $275+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/the-danna.en-gb.html

https://www.thedanna.com/

Danna Langkawi is a luxury hotel along the west coast of Langkawi in a prime beachfront location. Featuring a whitewashed colonial-style facade with stylish interiors exuding an overall classic vibe, Danna Langkawi is one of the most beautiful beach resorts in Malaysia. One of the things you’ll notice as you arrive is the vast courtyard with lush greenery and fish ponds, a perfect place to relax and soak up the relaxing vibe.

Danna Langkawi has over a hundred rooms spread across four floors. All have balconies with either a pool, courtyard, or marina views. The top-floor rooms have private terraces and sun loungers, while the two spacious suites have private plunge pools.

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ROYALE CHULAN CHERATING VILLA

Where: Cherating, Malaysia

Price: $243+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/the-royale-chulan-cherating.en-gb.html

https://www.royalechulan.com/Cherating/Home.aspx

The Royale Chulan Cherating Villa is one of the most secluded beach resorts in Malaysia. Couples looking for a tranquil place to relax while enjoying privacy should stay at this resort. It offers standard suites and spacious villas with a balcony and private pools.

The interiors feature warm and muted colors with elegant furnishings designed with ultimate comfort in mind. They come with a seating area, flatscreen TV, and a bathroom with an oversized bathtub. Amenities at the resort include a fantastic restaurant specializing in the finest Malaysian cuisine and an outdoor pool with loungers.

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PELANGI BEACH RESORT & SPA, LANGKAWI

Where: Langkawi, Malaysia

Price: $190+ per night

https://www.booking.com/hotel/my/meritus-pelangi-beach-resort-and-spa-langkawi.en-gb.html

https://www.pelangiresort.com/

Nestled in a 34-acre of lush grounds along the stunning sandy shores of Langkawi’s Cenang Beach, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa is one of the most luxurious beach resorts in Malaysia. It’s only a 10-min drive from the international airport of Langkawi, which has direct flights to Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and other major cities in Southeast Asia.

The rooms and suites at Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa feature wooden floors and dark-wood furniture, exuding a colonial feel. Their bathrooms are modern and sleek, equipped with bathtubs and rainfall showers. Aside from having two in-house restaurants, Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa has two outdoor swimming pools with slides, making it an ideal choice for families with kids.