Often used as a stopover to Europe or the Middle East, and underrated as a destination in itself, Malaysia harbours fascinating cultural sights, intriguing history, delicious food, and beautiful beach destinations in the Andaman Sea. Here are our top picks for where to set your sights.
Kuala Lumpur
Above the canopy of banyan trees, Kuala Lumpur’s minarets and skyscrapers show a city that straddles both the ancient worlds of culture and religion, and a new one of high-tech modern development. Flavourful street food, intriguing mosques and temples, modern art and design, and incredible ultramodern architecture are all a draw card.
PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur.PARKROYAL Kuala Lumpur
Are you looking for an exotic holiday destination for the entire family? The PARKROYAL in the heart of KL’s Golden Triangle provides a stylish holiday base in the thick of the city’s vibrant streets. From the range of onsite food and beverage offerings to the spa and pool, you don’t really need to leave the hotel to have a great holiday. Though that would be a shame, with the Bukit Bintang monorail and MRT stations on your doorstep, meaning KL’s vibrant cultural and culinary highlights are easily accessible.
The Westin Hotel
If a stay in Kuala Lumpur’s vibrant heart is what you’re craving, The Westin won’t disappoint. Its claim to fame may be the renowned Heavenly Bed (which apparently isn’t easy to get out of, for all the right reasons), however its convenient location in the heart of the Jalan Bukit Bintang district is reason enough to choose it. Step out the door and KL’s best entertainment, dining and cultural attractions are right on your doorstep.
Berjaya Times Square Hotel
Berjaya Times Square.Soak up the city vibes at this landmark hotel in the centre of Kuala Lumpur’s commercial and shopping districts. The hotel comes with all of the modern features you’d expect, from contemporary rooms and spectacular views, to a relaxation spa and myriad dining options. The highlight however, is the Berjaya Times Square, KL’s largest inner-city shopping and leisure mall, complete with a gigantic indoor theme park, which is right on your doorstep.
Langkawi
A beautiful island in an archipelago in the Andaman Sea, Langkawi offers everything you could want from an island holiday: sandy beaches flanked by jungled mountains, warm hospitality and bargain, duty free shopping. Pack an empty suitcase because you’re sure to find things you’ll want to take home.
Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa
Stay 5-star private beachfront resort and the Westin Langkawi is what you get. A haven of quiet tropical coastline on the Andaman Sea, at The Westin you can explore the island’s tropical rainforests, do a spot of boutique shopping in Kuah town, or simply kick back by one of the resort’s pools. Indulge in The Westin’s signature Heavenly Bed, rain showers, and luxurious rooms and villas with gorgeous water views and you’re bound to go home rejuvenated.
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort
Meritus Pelangi Beach Resort.Situated in the heart of renowned Cenang Beach, yet with its own one kilometre stretch of private beachfront, this resort is the ideal escape for an authentic Malaysian experience. Charming timber chalets sit amid lush landscaped gardens, the onsite spa offers indulgent treatments, while the indoor-outdoor design of the resort makes the most of its beautiful tropical location.
Berjaya Langkawi Resort
Escape to a paradise where you can fall asleep to the sound of the sea, wander through 500 million year old rainforest, and explore Langkawi’s most illustrious islets. Berjaya Langkawi resort is immersed in Malaysian heritage, blending traditional architecture with modern sophistication and hospitality fit for the whole family. Take the kids on an island hopping adventure, relax by the pool and discover a slower pace of life in this idyllic paradise.
Penang
Penang is a vibrant fusion of East and West, where traditions are celebrated while contemporary influences are welcomed. The state capital of George Town is proof of the centuries of foreign influence, with colonial landmarks like Fort Cornwallis, ornate Chinese shophouses, churches and mosques. Penang is a true cultural kaleidoscope.
Hard Rock Hotel Penang
Hard Rock Hotel Penang.The Hard Rock Hotel allows you to stay in an iconic property in an iconic city. The walls are adorned with artworks and memorabilia of icons who’ve impacted the evolution of music, fashion and the arts from the 1950’s to today. Situated on the coastline by the famous Batu Ferringhi Beach, the hotel provides guests easy access to explore historic George Town and the rest of the island.
PARKROYAL Penang
PARKROYAL Penang.From a water theme park to the famous Batu Ferringhi Beach out the front, a children’s club to fine dining, the PARKROYAL Penang offers the ideal Malaysian beach escape for all sorts of travellers. Celebrating Penang’s mix of Eastern and Western influences at its restaurants, live entertainment and myriad activities, plus easy access to the rest of the island, you’ll enjoy the ease of staying at the PARKROYAL.
Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa.Set amongst 30 acres of private grounds, this resort boasts all of the recreation activities you could dream of. From a golf course and tennis courts to the health club and jungle walk, there’s plenty to keep you active. When you need to relax, kick back by one of the pools, feast on delicious fare from one of the six restaurants and bars, or indulge in a traditional Chinese or Malay treatment at Chi, the spa.
