Fun Family Weekend Stays

PARKROYAL Penang Resort

PARKROYAL Penang Resort is one of the most popular family-friendly resorts in Batu Ferringhi. The hotel has recently gone through an extensive refurbishment and you will notice how different it is from the moment you walk through the reception. Cool tropical tones, chic wooden furniture and fantastic views of the beach and sea will ensure a fabulous weekend getaway.

Accommodation has been tastefully revamped too, and the new two-bedroom open-concept Family rooms with sea views are ideal for a family of four. Family travel is always made easier when the kids are entertained, so the Koko-Nut Kid’s Club will be a welcome distraction. Open from 9am to 9pm daily, the club offers a host of fun and educational activities supervised by trained staff for kids aged four to 12.

One of the most important aspects of going to a beach hotel is the pool, particularly if you have younger kids. PARKROYAL has a great swimming pool with a wading pool for the younger ones and two big water slides that will keep the older ones occupied for hours.

Batu Ferringhi Beach,
Penang
Tel: 04-886 2288
www.parkroyalhotels.com/en/hotels-resorts/malaysia/penang-resort.html

Rawa Island Resort

As far as island retreats go, Rawa Island Resort is one of the best in Malaysia and is very family orientated. Located off the coast of Johor within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, it’s a 20-minute speedboat ride from the port of Mersing. This is a tropical island where the most strenuous activity you can do is go for a snorkel or take a diving course at the well-established Orca Scuba dive centre.

Kids absolutely love this resort as it fronts a stunning beach and the surrounding waters are clear and calm. There are slides that go off the pier into the sea, and hours will be spent playing on the white powdery sand. The resort has 77 rooms from beachside chalets to hillside deluxe rooms, and a restaurant serving buffet meals.

Note: The monsoon season usually lasts from November to January and although the resort does remain open, boat transfers can be affected, and you may not get a full day of fun in the sun due to rain. That being said, weather conditions do fluctuate so check with the resort before making a booking.

Pulau Rawa,
Mersing, Johor
Tel: 07-799 1204
www.rawaislandresort.com

Ambong Pool Villas

The recently opened Ambong Pool Villas is a collection of nine fully-furnished villas located on a quiet hill at the edge of Pantai Tengah in Langkawi. The family-friendly villas are spacious, well designed and have enough space for everyone to relax and play. Dine alfresco on the terrace, chill out on the sunbeds and enjoy the stunning views of the sea.

The best part about staying here is that each villa has its own infinity pool with a wading pool perfect for toddlers and babies. In-villa breakfasts are included in the room rate and the villas are furnished with a fridge, microwave and a small oven so you can prepare snacks and kids’ meals.

If you’re wanting to bring along friends or have a big family holiday, some villas can be combined to accommodate larger groups. The beach is only 10 minutes away, while other attractions such as Pantai Cenang, the Langkawi Cable Car and the UNESCO Kilim Karst GeoforestPark​ are easily accessible.

Pulau Langkawi,
Kedah
Tel: 04-955 8428
www.ambong-ambong.com

DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Penang

One of the latest beachside hotel openings in Penang is the DoubleTree Resort by Hilton. One of the few hotels located away from the main strip of Batu Ferringhi, DoubleTree is near Miami Beach, which is known for being less touristic and quieter.

If you’re travelling with kids, the hotel will set you up with connecting rooms to create a Family Room with a shared hallway entry. There’s a Kids Club, an outdoor recreation area and a children’s swimming pool. And here’s something different – the resort houses Malaysia’s first teddy-bear themed museum called TeddyVille, which should keep the kids amused if it’s a rainy afternoon.

DoubleTree is a 20-minute drive to George Town where you can explore the famed UNESCO heritage zones, museums, take a walking tour and check out the street art. You can also head in the other direction to Batu Ferringhi. Complimentary shuttles are available to either area.

56 Jalan Low Yat,
Batu Ferringhi, Penang
Tel: 04-892 8000
http://doubletree3.hilton.com/en/hotels/malaysia/doubletree-resort-by-hilton-penang-PENMBDI/index.html

Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort, Tioman Island

Situated on the south of Tioman Island, Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort is another island option for a family holiday. The resort is right on the beach with a great pool, a spa, dive centre and a games room. There are regular activities parents can sign up to do with their kids including batik painting, pizza-making classes, island tours, nature walks and snorkelling; there’s even a movie night under the stars which happens four times a week, which will make for a fun family night out.

Choose from a variety of villas with the Beach Family Villa and the Garden Family Villa being the most popular and practical, and will easily accommodate a family of four. There’s an all-day dining restaurant and a bar for much deserved sundowners (for the parents, of course).

Note: The monsoon season usually ends by February and although many hotels stay open, activities like diving and snorkelling will be limited by sea conditions. With the changing weather conditions, February can be great month to visit so be sure to call the resort before booking.

Lot 20 & 21 Sarang Burung, Kampung Mukut,
Pulau Tioman, Pahang
Tel: 07-766 8886
www.careluxuryhotels.com/tunamaya-tioman