8 Family-Friendly Resorts in Singapore & Malaysia for a Short Weekend Getaway

With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s time to start planning that long-deserved getaway so you and your loved ones can take time to wind down and relax. Here’s an idea: Why not spend time with your family at one of the many great resorts nearby? These exciting family-friendly resorts throughout Singapore and Malaysia will have you eager to pack up and go.

1. D’Resort, Singapore

Located just 10 minutes away from Changi Airport, D’Resort is well known as Singapore’s first nature inspired getaway, featuring an integrated water park experience. If you’re looking for a break from the hectic city life, drop by for a serene change of pace.

This 387-room resort nestled in the lush greenery of Pasir Ris Park attracts droves of guests that constantly revisit its well-kept grounds for vacations, celebrations and even corporate functions. Among the nine types of rooms and suites in D’Resort is the Family Oriented category which features rooms with amenities that are kid- and elderly-friendly. The Rainforest Family and Beach Cove Duplex are both well-suited for a family holiday.

Free Wi-Fi, BBQ facilities and direct access to Wild Wild Wet (an exciting water park loved by both tourists and locals) are just some of the many exciting things on offer at D’Resort. Right at your doorstep, you’ll be greeted by Pasir Ris Beach, the longest beach stretch in the whole of Singapore, and a mangrove swamp that is home to unique wildlife. Within the 3.2 hectares of resort space, a multitude of facilities can also be found, such as a 32-lane bowling alley, a large children’s indoor playground and more than 60 retail shops and F&B outlets, to name a few.

In addition, D’Resort features a long list of experiential activities to make your stay a memorable one. These include Art Jamming, Urban Farming, Cycling to the Gems in the East and Kayaking to Singapore’s First Floating Kelong. There’s so much to do with the family, you’ll be thoroughly spoilt for choice!

And to make things even sweeter, enjoy up to 35% OFF your next staycation when you book in advance! Book 120 days in advance and get 35% OFF the Best Flexible Rate Book 60 days in advance and get 25% OFF the Best Flexible Rate Book 30 days in advance and get 15% OFF the Best Flexible Rate So what else are you waiting for? Book your stay now and grab the whole family for an exciting time at D’Resort today!

2. Gardenasia Farmstay Villas, Singapore

While we’re on the topic of nature-themed resorts, a recently-launched farmstay with beautiful villas can be found nestled in the heart of the Kranji Countryside. Advocating the discovery of modern rural living, Gardenasia offers you the tantalizing prospect of waking up to a peaceful sanctuary with lush landscapes and garden-based activities.

The unique resort consists of four units, each comprising one-bedroom villas that are modelled after British-style colonial houses. Each villa was designed with an interior décor that follows English, Balinese, Oriental and Contemporary styles. Whichever the guests choose, all units boast an enchanting living area equipped with audio-visual systems and dining tables that seat eight. Bedrooms include either one queen-sized or two single beds with an option to add two extra beds at $20++ each and marble-tiled bathrooms with an assortment of toiletries.

Experiences found in Gardenasia are closely related to the activities of farm life. Hop on the Kranji Express shuttle bus and visit attractions like Bollywood Veggies, Hay Dairies Goat Farm and Jurong Frog Farm, as well as Kranji Marshes and Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

The scent of basil, curry and mint leaves throughout the gardens add an air of true countryside living, while kids can learn a thing or two by observing wildlife or tasting freshly plucked fruits.

A tennis court, swimming pool, playground and mini putting green are all available for guests wishing to spend some quality family time. Feeling famished? Head on over to the Bistro and enjoy freshly prepared dishes with ingredients harvested from the Kranji Countryside.

3. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort, Singapore

Known as one of the most identifiable names in the hospitality industry, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort offers its guests a relaxing beach staycation away from the hustle and bustle of everyday city life.

This little slice of heaven offers all the luxurious pleasures you’d expect from a Shangri-La Resort and more, including water slides, a kids’ pool, an exhilarating splash pad as well as tons of activities, arcade games, an outdoor playground and jungle-themed play areas suitable for children.

As guests, you and your family also have direct access to Siloso Beach and if the kids are still restless for more fun, get them to try out the Flying Trapeze. After all the excitement is done, rest assured that you’ll be returning to a relaxing and spacious family-sized room built to accommodate two adults and two kids, with each room featuring a private balcony and a view of the hills, garden, pool or sea.

4. Rider’s Lodge, Singapore

If you are a horse riding enthusiast, Singapore has its very own Rider’s Lodge, where horses, ponies and lush grounds help guests immerse themselves in an unconventional staycation. Nestled in a colonial building in Turf City, this 40-room hotel includes horse stables and keen riders can participate in horse riding lessons, trail rides and various other activities. Kids can have a blast too by trying their hand at riding adorable ponies or feeding well-tamed horses.

More choices for kid-friendly activities are available in close proximity, such as at The Grandstand at Turf City which is just minutes away from Rider’s Lodge. The newly revamped lifestyle mall has an assortment of attractions for young children including fun-filled kids’ enrichment and play options such as Bricks 4 Kidz, Kiddy Fun and Fidgets World.

5. LEGOLAND® Malaysia Resort, Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru, Malaysia, has solidified its identity as an up and coming tourist attraction state with LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort. This colossal Lego-themed park is definitely a must-visit while you’re in the country and is one of the largest attractions in the southernmost state of Peninsular Malaysia.

LEGOLAND boasts a huge water park with exciting rides. Upon arrival at the spectacular dragon-guarded entrance, guests can be enthralled by the many interactive LEGO features, themed play areas and kids’ entertainment. It goes without saying that the kids can have an absolute blast here.

It’s highly advised that you spend the night at the LEGOLAND hotel in order to truly experience this resort. Guests at the hotel can choose from three popular LEGO themed rooms; Pirate, Kingdom or Adventure. The hotel also offers treasure hunts, secret whoopee cushions, themed lifts and exploding toy boxes as part of the resort package.

6. Hard Rock Hotel, Penang

Penang is easily one of Malaysia’s most popular states, which explains why several resorts can be found throughout the island. Among them, the Hard Rock Hotel luxury resort along Penang’s famous Batu Ferringhi guarantees a youthful and vibrant ‘rock star’ treatment for its guests, both young and old.

Embrace the Hard Rock lifestyle with a large free-form pool that hosts a water playground, water guns and slides to keep the kids occupied. The Lil’ Rock Kids Club for children aged 4-12 years old accommodates the younger ones who are looking for exciting activities while in Penang.

Hard Rock Hotel has dedicated itself to keeping children happy, especially with the Roxity Kids Suite which is a kid-focused suite that comes with separate children rooms featuring Playstations, TVs, music channels, special in-room dining menus, toys, books, kids bathrobes and a mini bar stocked with snacks.

7. Sunway Resort City, Selangor

Known as one of the biggest local brand names in the whole of Malaysia, Sunway Lagoon at Sunway Resort City needs no introduction and is arguably known as the one resort that started it all in the country. It has become an iconic means of spending time on holiday with your loved ones and boasts the ultimate theme park experience with over 80 attractions including the world’s largest man-made surf beach with waves up to 8-feet high.

This multiple award-winning theme park is home to Malaysia’s first bungee jump, Malaysia’s first surf simulator, the world’s first Waterplexx 5D and the world’s largest water ride – the Vuvuzela. The fun doesn’t stop there, as there are a 206-metre flying fox line and a 428-metre suspension bridge as well as a wildlife park starring 140 different species of exotic animals. The Sunway Pyramid shopping mall and Sunway Resort Hotel’s Mandara Spa are also accessible from the park.

8. Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi

The Malaysian island associated with eagles and beautiful natural landscapes is a very common hotspot for locals and tourists looking for a little fun in the sun.

Four Seasons Resort accommodates that desire and adds more for you to look forward to. With the complimentary Kids for All Seasons club which was created to fill your child’s time with fun-filled and educational experiences, from batik painting and kite making to kids’ yoga and excursions to the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, family time is a key aspect to the Four Seasons.

Here you’ll find an assortment of attractions and features like the Family Pool which is a combination of four pools in one with waterfalls, fountains and underwater jets. Choose to stay in the Family Beach House which comes complete with a private plunge pool, reflecting pond, PS3, beach toys, special in-villa dining menu and children’s amenities and toys.

Don’t know which to pick? We highly recommend the first on this list: D’Resort.

Winner of the TripZilla Excellence Awards – Best Family Resort, D’Resort is a long-time favourite for families from Singapore and abroad. While their family rooms are an attraction in itself, it is the location and easy access to fun activities that set this resort apart from the rest. Begin your explorations of the East by booking a stay in D’Resort with your whole family!