5 Holiday Resorts
for a Short Getaway

Image Credit: Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson

Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson is one of the most recognisable luxury resorts in Malaysia, and for good reason. Set along the Port Dickson coastline, the resort is famous for its stunning collection of overwater and seafront villas — each one featuring its own private pool that extends directly over the sea. The aerial view of the resort, with its flower-shaped layout of villas fanning out over the water, has become one of the most iconic resort images in the country.

What makes Lexis Hibiscus particularly appealing for a short getaway is its proximity — just about an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, making it genuinely doable for a weekend trip without the need for flights or ferries. The resort offers a full range of facilities including multiple restaurants, a spa, water sports, and beach access, making it easy to fill two or three days without ever needing to leave the property.

Image Credit: Sepang Goldcoast Resort

Sepang Goldcoast Resort is Malaysia's original overwater bungalow destination, and it remains one of the most popular weekend getaways for groups from Kuala Lumpur. Situated on the Selangor coast near Sepang, the resort's signature feature is its collection of overwater chalets built on stilts above the sea — a scene that genuinely rivals the famous images from the Maldives, at a fraction of the cost and travel time.

The resort offers a relaxed, kampung-style experience with a modern twist — wake up to the sound of water beneath you, watch the sunrise from your private deck, and enjoy the calm of the sea stretching out to the horizon. The golden hour light over the water here, with rows of bungalows glowing against the sunset sky, is genuinely one of Malaysia's most beautiful resort scenes.

Pulau Redang — crystal-clear waters, sea turtles, and powder-white beaches

Pulau Redang is consistently ranked as one of Malaysia's most beautiful islands, and a single visit makes it easy to understand why. The water around Redang is an almost unreal shade of turquoise — clear enough to see the sandy seabed from the surface — and the beaches are lined with fine white sand and swaying coconut palms. The island is a marine park, which means the reefs are protected and the underwater world is thriving.

Sea turtles are commonly spotted just offshore, and the snorkelling directly off the beach is some of the best in Malaysia. Resorts on Redang range from comfortable mid-range chalets to more upscale beachfront options, all set right on the beach with the sea steps from your door. Note that the island is only open between March and October, so timing your visit is essential.

Image Credit: Mabul Water Bungalows

Pulau Mabul in Sabah is in a different league when it comes to underwater experiences. Sitting just 45 minutes by boat from Semporna, Mabul is the gateway to Sipadan — widely regarded as one of the top dive sites in the world — and the island itself is home to some of the richest muck diving on the planet.

Above the water, Mabul is equally impressive. The island's overwater bungalows sit on stilts above the crystal-clear shallows, with direct ladder access into the sea below — a setup that is as close to the Maldives experience as Malaysia gets. Sunsets from the deck of a water bungalow on Mabul, with the warm colours reflecting on the glassy sea below, are genuinely unforgettable.

Pulau Perhentian — untouched island paradise with stunning turquoise waters

Pulau Perhentian consists of two islands — Perhentian Besar (the larger, quieter island) and Perhentian Kecil (the more lively one) — and together they form one of Malaysia's most beloved island destinations. The water here is the same impossible turquoise that Redang is famous for, the beaches are fringed with tall coconut palms, and the pace of life is so slow that you'll forget what day it is within about 20 minutes of arriving.

What sets Perhentian apart is its untouched, laid-back character — it's less developed than Redang, which means fewer crowds, more secluded beaches, and a stronger sense of being truly away from it all. Sea turtles, blacktip reef sharks, and colourful reef fish are commonly spotted. Like Redang, Perhentian is only open between March and October.