Malaysia is often cited as one of the most family friendly destinations in the Far East and with hospitable locals, pristine beaches, unique wildlife, a mixture of cultures and a plethora of attractions and activities for children and adults it is not hard to see why. A blend of modern and traditional charm awaits you from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tropical rainforests of Borneo. View all our Malaysia family resorts.
The ideal time to visit Malaysia is dependent on your destination; the beaches of Langkawi and Penang are at their finest between November and April while the wildlife of Borneo is best discovered between the months of March and October. Wherever you end up dine on world renowned Malaysian dishes, a varied cuisine resulting from the nation’s melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures - older children may enjoy sampling dishes with a fusion of styles, while for the younger kids western food is widely available.
Family Holidays in Langkaui
Situated in the Andaman Sea, approximately 20 miles off the north-west coast of Malaysia’s mainland, lies an archipelago of 99 islands known as Langkawi. Fringed by golden sand beaches and with azure seas lapping the shore, Langkawi is full of natural wonders, historical sights and children’s attractions making the region a firm favourite with families. Located between Datai Bay and the lush rainforest, The Andaman offers a fabulous choice for families looking to experience a luxurious beach escape. Together with the kids’ club (4-12 year olds), a pool with waterslide and games room, children and teenagers will love exploring the ancient forest on guided nature walks or taking part in non-motorised watersports in the sheltered bay.
Family holidays in Penang
Penang, an island where East meets West, boasts a combination of colonial architecture and resplendent Taoist and Buddhist temples. Beautiful gardens, museums, splendid national parks, a cable car ride to the summit of Penang hill and the popular Butterfly Farm make this an ideal destination for families. The Golden Sands Resort by Shangri La is one of our favourite family resorts in Malaysia. The Adventure Zone offers 960 square metres of fun for both children and adults with speed slides, a jungle gym, an arcade style games room and toddler zone. The Golden Sands’ kids' club (4-12 year olds) provides an array of activities to keep your young ones amused including traditional Malaysian games, arts and crafts and pool games. For supreme comfort the resort features a number of Family Combo Rooms incorporating two interconnecting rooms, plus a kids' ‘Eat, stay and play’ programme. For teenagers there are a range of watersports and activities including table tennis and golf putting competitions (some activities are at an extra cost).
Family Holidays in Borneo
Malaysian Borneo is considered by many to be one of the world’s best wildlife destinations; combined with the nation’s welcoming nature this makes it a remarkable destination for families who are looking for adventure. From the fantastic resorts we feature you can explore the national parks, diverse coral reefs and relax on white sand beaches and enjoy the fabulous facilities the resorts have to offer.
The Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa boasts a wonderful kids’ play area decorated with hand painted creatures that are unique to the Malaysian state of Sabah and a pool with separate toddler and teen areas. For an unforgettable experience choose the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort with its very own nature reserve - a 64 acre section of the Borneo jungle, home to a number of orphaned orangutans. Children of all ages can join the reserve rangers on half day excursions as they go about their daily duties. Guests can also adopt one of the resident orangutans which helps fund the animals’ rehabilitation - not your average holiday souvenir. Choose from one of our latest Malaysia family offers.