Call us biased, but we think there’s nothing more satisfying than to plan a holiday after a long week of work. However, we understand that using your annual leave for short breaks isn’t always possible. Luckily, we live in Malaysia where scenic staycation spots and unmissable adventures are always just around the corner.
From beach escapades to indulgent journeys that allow you to see our home country in a different light, here are our top picks for 6 must-visit staycation spots in Malaysia. Whether you’re travelling solo, going as a couple, or want to take your little ones on a road trip, this is the staycation list you wouldn’t want to miss out on.
A Snorkeler’s Pilgrimage: Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
Photo by Gaddafi Rusli on Unsplash
Stretched off the coast of Kuala Besut in Terengganu is a group of islands ready to welcome both locals and tourists looking for a gorgeous beach escape. Two of its main islands – Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil – are the most popular of the lot, with the former being where everyone heads when looking for staycation spots in Malaysia.
Thankfully, it doesn’t matter which island you choose to spend your vacation on, as you’ll be treated to similar good vibes on both. For scuba diving enthusiasts, dipping into the clear waters by Pulau Perhentian is akin to a pilgrimage. Or if you’d prefer to stay dry, why not pack along a picnic mat so you can relax and listen to the crashing waves by the white coral sand beaches?
Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa
Couples looking to turn their staycation in Pulau Perhentian into a romantic escapade can also book a stay at the Perhentian Marriott Resort & Spa. Nestled within the lush Marine Park, the Perhentian Marriot Resort & Spa is the island’s first 5-star resort. Offering sanctuary-like escapade vibes, there’s always plenty to see, taste, and do at this resort.
Want to snorkel or scuba dive but don’t know how? To provide guests with the best Pulau Perhentian has to offer, the Perhentian Marriot Resort & Spa has partnered with a dive centre. So, whether it’s your first time hitting the waters or you’re a veteran diver, you can be assured of getting the best marine experience during your trip.
Additionally, you can also learn more about Terengganu’s traditional arts and crafts through a variety of workshops and demonstrations held by the resort’s very own Beautiful Terengganu Arts, Crafts & Cultural Centre.
Our recommendation: To further simplify your getaway experience, we recommend booking your exclusive 3-day, 2-night Perhentian Marriot Resort & Spa staycation with Holiday Tours. It also comes with a dedicated round-trip ferry transfer from the Fairfield Jetty, and you’ll be served a complimentary welcome drink upon arrival!
Sun, Sea, Sand, Staycation: Cherating, Pahang
Set a little over 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur is the coastal town of Cherating where the warm sun and glistening sea meet the soft white sand. With a mix of exciting local culture and unusual sights, Cherating is one of the perfect staycation spots in Malaysia for anyone looking to leave the bustling city lifestyle behind.
Beyond relaxation, Cherating is also home to the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary where passionate conservationists research and protect the sea turtles that nest in Malaysia. Their efforts are aimed at conserving the turtle’s population while educating the public about the 4 species that come to shore – namely the Olive-Ridley, Leatherback, Green, and Hawksbill turtles.
Club Med Cherating
One of the most popular stays in town is Club Med Cherating, the haven of tranquillity sitting within an 80-hectare forest. Its all-inclusive resort model means you’ll get to enjoy everything that the resort has to offer – from delicious gastronomy spectacles to endless fun for visitors of all ages and even meticulously planned entertainment evenings to keep boredom at bay.
Parents and couples looking to snag a staycation away from children will also enjoy heading to the zen zone pool, where everyone must be 18 years and up to enter. But fret not even if you’re travelling as a family, as Club Med Cherating has special kids-friendly activities that are lovingly run by local Guest Organisers (GO) to keep your little ones busy.
Finally, ask about the turtle release programme hosted by the resort’s beach if you’d like to witness the miracle of baby turtles making their way to the sea for the first time. It’s a sure way to add a memorable moment to your staycation for years, and even more for children as they learn the importance of wildlife conservation.
Must-try activity: Club Med Cherating offers 28 exciting activities alongside 27 more on-demand attractions. A must-try activity is the flying trapeze attraction, where you get to soar through the skies or perfect your technique safely under the watchful eyes of their professional GO. The flying trapeze is open to everyone of all experience levels aged 4 and up.
A Slice of Paradise: Pulau Pangkor, Perak
Arguably the best beach destination when you’re looking for staycation spots in Malaysia, Pulau Pangkor is best known for its relaxing atmosphere and surprising historical heritage. One such spot is the 17th-century Dutch fort situated in the heart of the island. The fort, originally built to control the tin trade of Perak continues to welcome tourists and curious locals looking for a slice of history today. It’s also a must-see if it’s your first time in Pulau Pangkor.
While in Pulau Pangkor, do make a visit to two of the island’s most beautiful mosques – Masjid Seribu Selawat and Masjid Seribu Doa. Built on stilts in 2006, the Masjid Seribu Selawat is known to visitors as “The Floating Mosque”. With beautiful blue interiors that contrast the beautiful ocean exterior, this magnificent mosque is one you shouldn’t miss. As with most religious establishments, modest dressing should be adhered to and respect to the mosque and prayer times is well expected.
Pangkor Laut Resort
If you’re looking for an exquisite beachside staycation, then look no further than Pangkor Laut Resort. Located on a private island, Pangkor Laut Resort is surrounded by a lush rainforest, so you’re never far from nature during your stay. It was even fondly declared a paradise by the late Italian operatic tenor, Luciano Pavarotti.
Instead of standing out, Pangkor Laut Resort seamlessly blends into its environment – with cosy wooden buildings and walls that curve around the foliage throughout the resort. But being on a private island doesn’t mean you’re detached from the main attractions of Pulau Pangkor, as the resort offers speedboat transfers to and from the Marina Island Pangkor at scheduled times daily.
Guests who prefer to stay back, however, may take advantage of the resort’s plethora of activities that are available right at your doorsteps. For the ultimate spa experience, the Belian Spa Pavilion which features a whirlpool, yoga pavilion, steam room, and private treatment area is always open.
Insider tip: Relax in style with Pangkor Laut Resort’s private luxury yacht charter. There are two available to guests and you can opt from a cruise to nowhere or pick a destination of your choice. As you head out in the waters, laze on the deck under the sun or simply take in the breathtaking views across Pulau Pangkor.
Discover the Hidden: Dungun, Terengganu
Interested in taking the offbeat path when looking for staycation spots in Malaysia? The sleepy little town of Dungun in Terengganu welcomes you. Reachable within a 4-hour road trip from Kuala Lumpur, taking a staycation in Dungun hasn’t exactly been on the radar for many but there’s so much more that this town has to offer.
In the past, Dungun was an old iron mining town – now replaced with an idyllic lifestyle for small businesses, fishermen, and farming families. Still, you’ll be surprised to find attractions such as the Chemerong Waterfall waiting to be uncovered within the Chemerong Forest Reserve. You can also cool down with a dip in the pools below the waterfall. This will come as a real treat after a short hike to discover this magnificent view.
Tanjong Jara Resort
Facing the South China Sea near Tanjong Jara Beach lies a 5-star secluded haven, Tanjong Jara Resort by YTL Hotels. The resort itself is designed with the elegance of 17th-century Malay palaces in mind, embodying a rich cultural heritage while redefining the meaning of luxury stays. Tanjong Jara Resort is tended by a group of passionate people who stand strong with the Malay concept of Sucimurni, a belief in the purity of spirit, health and well-being.
The crescent-shaped beachfront of the resort is a welcoming sight to many, while the soft rustling sounds of the tall palm trees calm your senses as the sea breeze blows through. For an even more holistic experience, Tanjong Jara Resort also offers a programme known as Syurga Tujuh or Seven Steps to Heaven. With a strong focus on balancing your body’s seven chakras, this programme features a combination of yoga, spa treatments, and activities to achieve peace and balance. Cuisines are also carefully curated so you feel nourished inside and out.
Make the most out of your staycation: During your visit to Tanjong Jara Resort, you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about the resort’s turtle hatchery that’s located next to the Nelayan restaurant. This is made possible through an exclusive partnership with the Lang Tengah Turtle Watch. If you’re lucky you may even come across hatching season where you can see hatchlings make their way back to their natural habitat in the sea.
Heading East: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Photo by Ling Tang on Unsplash
To steer yourself away from staycation experiences in West Malaysia, you’ll want to consider flying into Kota Kinabalu (KK). As the state capital of Sabah, KK offers a unique blend of small-town vibes and big-city adventures. Surrounded by lush rainforests on one side and the South China Sea on the other, KK is definitely one of the best staycation spots in Malaysia that you can find.
On the attraction front, tourists and locals often flock to KK to enjoy undisturbed beach escapades and crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkelling. Many highly adventurous and fit visitors may also want to conquer Mount Kinabalu at once in their lives. Known as the tallest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia, and the third-highest in the world, the view from the peak at 4,095 metres is exceptionally beautiful, especially at sunrise.
Gaya Island Resort
Over by the coast of Malohom Bay is where you’ll find the luxurious Gaya Island Resort, a sanctuary located on a private island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. This beachside resort offers a handful of gorgeous hillside villas fitted with contemporary and elegant interiors that are respectful of Sabahan elements. The majestic Mount Kinabalu also serves as a backdrop to this exquisite staycation spot.
To add a touch of excitement to your East Malaysia escapade, you’ll want to explore the 7 Wonders of Gaya activity hosted by Gaya Island Resort’s very own Resident Naturalist. Through a series of educational programmes, you’ll have the opportunity to experience iconic encounters such as the Proboscis Monkeys, wildlife sightings, and more.
Gaya Island Resort is also home to a Resident Marine Biologist, with whom you’ll get to explore the hidden wonders of the underwater world. The activity is aptly named Gaya Snorkelling, and you’ll get to discover the beauty of life beneath the sea while learning ways to appreciate the environment. As snorkelling trips are limited daily to protect marine life, we recommend booking your spot upon check-in with Gaya Island Resort to avoid disappointment.
Don’t leave without eating: The freshly grilled fish prepared over campfire-style cooking at the Gaya Island Resort is a must-try if you’d like to sample some of the best Sabahan flavours. It also pairs well with their famous local rice wine made of glutinous rice and natural yeast called Lihing.
A Staycation to Remember: Belmond Eastern & Orient Express
But what if we told you that not all staycation spots in Malaysia had to be stationary? Enter the Belmond Eastern & Orient Express (Also known as the Belmond E&O Express) – a charming luxury cruise train that will ferry you to the best sights Malaysia has to offer.
Featuring two itineraries to suit every liking, the Belmond E&O Express is the perfect staycation escape for travellers who wish to marry tranquil moments with a touch of on-the-go excitement.
The 4-day, 3-night Wild Malaysia excursion sets off from Singapore, where you’ll get to look out from your private cabins as the train travels into the best of Malaysia’s lush greenery. This excursion takes you into the Taman Negara National Park, where you’ll stand a chance to come across wildlife such as tapirs, hornbills, and perhaps even a Malayan tiger.
As the train continues on, you’ll cross into Penang Island – where foodies can rejoice over some of the best Peranakan finds or explore George Town at your own pace. Before returning to Singapore, be prepared to make memories along Ipoh town where old-time charm meets contemporary street art.
Photo by On the flip side, guests seeking a more relaxing trip might prefer the 4-day, 3-night Essence of Malaysia trip instead. Starting off in Singapore, you’ll enjoy the same scenic views when entering Malaysia but trade wildlife encounters for an idyllic experience in Pulau Langkawi instead. What awaits is the soft sandy beaches and glistening waters, perfect for snorkelling enthusiasts to enjoy.
This train continues north into Butterworth, with Penang Island being just by the horizon. Whether you’re looking to fill your bellies with some of the best local gastronomy adventures or hitch a ride up to Penang Hill for a bird’s eye view of this island, there’s never too little to do on this island. You’ll then return to Singapore, marking the end of your memorable adventure aboard the Belmond E&O Express.
Make your staycation more memorable: After a delicious dinner onboard either of the train’s dining cars, be sure to make your way into the piano bar. Featuring live music carefully curated to evoke memories, there’s simply no better way to end your evenings while you’re travelling with the Belmond E&O Express.
Don’t let your staycation wishes remain as dreams. Get in touch with our holiday advisors to book your next adventure at any of your favourite staycation spots in Malaysia today.