Luxury holidays to Malaysia
This fabulous country’s tourist chiefs were no doubt delighted when they coined the phrase: Malaysia Simply Asia. But for us, it doesn’t begin to capture the allure of holidays in Malaysia. It is one of our favourite holiday destinations. When we think of Malaysia, we prefer: Simply irresistible.
Our travels bring us back here time and time again. Why? Because this rainbow nation – Malays, Indians, Chinese and many other ethnic groups live together in harmony – never fails to amaze us with its kaleidoscopic diversity and laid-back philosophy.
On a Malaysia holiday, the food, the service and the efficiency are so addictive – and the stress-busting relaxation so complete – that we keep finding ourselves going back for just a few more days in Malaysia holiday destinations: the sheer buzz of Kuala Lumpur, the culture and cuisine in funky Penang, followed by blissful indulgence on the to-die-for beaches of the Langkawi archipelago.
If Carlsberg did holidays, they would look like this…
Holidays in Malaysia assault the senses with such a heady cocktail of unique sounds, evocative smells and dizzying sights, it will leave even the most jaded traveller astounded. The combination of old colonial decadence in Penang with unadulterated pleasure-seeking on the superlative beaches of Langkawi make a Malaysia holiday an essential stop on the road less travelled.
Diversity is the buzzword in Malaysia. Towering skyscrapers look down upon wooden houses on stilts, while five-star hotels sit just metres from ancient reefs. Rugged mountains assault the sky, while their slopes sweep down to floodplains teeming with forest life. In the cool highland hideaways, you eagerly anticipate pristine beaches and rich, humid mangroves below.
As always, Yonder applied its strict selection criteria to hotels in our Malaysia holiday destinations. And as a result, our list is short but sweet, with truly memorable options in both Penang and Langkawi.
Better still, for the ultimate indulgence, we can combine our core Malaysia holiday destinations with sumptuous Singapore. The world’s only island city state is renowned for its myriad attractions, from richly varied shopping opportunities to some of the world’s most celebrated hotels.

Start planning your luxury holiday to Malaysia
Whether you are looking for the perfect hotel stay or to create an exciting itinerary tailored just for you, every last detail of your trip with Yonder is carefully crafted, including hand-picked hotels that we adore ourselves
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Macalister Mansion
This place is the embodiment of Penang in Malaysia. Located along the historic Macalister Road, it’s cool, arty and has fantastic food. What’s more, although it is set around a lovingly restored colonial mansion built in the early 1900, it has a quirky contemporary feel, although the love-them-or-hate-them art installations might come as a bit of a surprise.
Four Seasons Langkawi
Every so often, a desire to brandish a paintbrush suddenly comes over us. And Four Seasons in Langkawi, Malaysia, is one of those places. The scenery – a private white tropical beach, a translucent sea and a couple of islands against the blue, blue sky – is so perfect. OK, we’re no Gauguin – but the desire to capture the jaw-dropping vista is too great to resist.
The Datai
If The Datai’s considerable reputation has passed you by, then believe us, you’ve been missing out. It is situated deep in lush rainforest on the north-western tip of Langkawi in Malaysia and totally rewards the travelling. It’s a Yonder smash hit.
Eastern & Oriental Hotel
The Eastern & Oriental in Malaysia's Penang – known simply as `the E&O' to generations of travellers – has stood for well over a century as a testament to the grand elegance of the British colonial era.
Villa Samadhi
For a combination of privacy, elegance and just a touch of naughtiness, Villa Samadhi is the perfect choice. One of Kuala Lumpur’s best-kept secrets, it is hidden away in the upmarket embassy district yet only ten minutes from KL’s city centre attractions.
Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur is perfect. It's big and opulent, if not a little shiny. And if you are going to stay somewhere shiny, you might as well fully embrace it. We always opt for a rather OTT arrival with our uniformed chauffeur, complete with cap, waiting at the airport with the limousine, but not before we’ve refreshed with a cold towel and rehydrated with chilled water.