These are some of the best luxury golf resorts in Malaysia.
A home in a top golf facility is a status symbol and about acquiring bragging rights. But stepping out of the front door onto the carefully manicured tee box of a championship course is also about being in proximity to the sport that consumes a significant chunk of an avid golfer’s daily routine. If a golf vacation ranks high on your to-do list, we’ve put together a guide to the best luxury golf resorts in Malaysia to visit.
A scan of Asia’s golfing map shows that the well-heeled in Malaysia are spoilt for choice, as the nation ranks right up there as one of the region’s top destinations. In terms of facilities and opportunities, few countries come close. A long-time host of prominent amateur events on the world calendar, Malaysia’s impact on professional golf is deeper with many resorts listing as venues for tournaments on top global tours like the PGA, LPGA and Asian Tours.
Here’s our guide to the top 12 luxury golf resorts in Malaysia
1. The Datai, Langkawi
Situated on the northwest tip of Malaysia’s Langkawi Island lies The Datai. Nestled in a rainforest while offering an enchanting panorama of the serene Datai Bay, this unique property captivates with its stunning, lush surroundings, innovative architecture, luxurious amenities, and personalised service. This resort offers a range of accommodation options, from deluxe rooms to villas with views of the amazing surrounding landscape. The region’s culinary heritage and diverse flavors are celebrated in critically acclaimed dining establishments. Swimming pools, a spa, and Els Club Teluk Datai, the most picturesque 18-hole golf course in Southeast Asia created by golf icon Ernie Els, are among the amenities for recreation.
The Datai Langkawi, Jalan Teluk Datai, 07000 Pulau Langkawi, Kedah Darul Aman, Malaysia
2. Sutera Harbour Resort, Kota Kinabalu
A massive 384-acre fully integrated resort, the incredible Sutera Harbour Resort is set along the scenic shoreline of Kota Kinabalu city centre in Sabah. One of the top luxury golf resorts in the region, this features two 5-star hotels, an amazing 27-hole golf course, a marina, and an elite country club with a variety of recreational comforts. The resort offers a wide range of experiences to guests that include well-appointed accommodation, restaurants and bars, swimming pools, yachting, luxury cruises, indoor games, and many more. Part of the resort is an exceptionally maintained 27-hole championship golf course designed by former Australian golfer Graham Marsh. The golf courses here blend natural elements with strategic bunkers, challenging fairways, and greens.
Sutera Harbour Resort, 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Sutera Harbour, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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3. One & Only Desaru Coast, Johor
One & Only Desaru Coast is one of Malaysia’s new tourism developments, located just 15 minutes from the Desaru Beach. It offers a unique blend of world-class resorts and villas, an idyllic riverside dining haven, championship golf courses, and an exciting adventure waterpark. It is ideal for anyone looking for adventure, pleasure, or a golf holiday. This exquisite resort offers visitors a state-of-the-art golf shop, a theatre, an adventure waterpark, cafes, gift shops, juice bar, seaside cabanas, and a variety of other things to do. The Els Club at the resort features two immaculately maintained golf courses designed in collaboration with Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.
One & Only Desaru Coast, Darul Ta’zim, Persiaran Damai, Desaru Coast Bandar Penawar, 90, 81930, Johor, Malaysia
4. Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu
A 400-acre beach resort with an 18-hole championship golf course, the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort has a 3-kilometre private beach, and a 64-acre forest reserve, all nestled amid a nature reserve with panoramic vistas of the South China Sea. One of the most popular golf resorts in Sabah, this resort welcomes visitors with two distinct wings, six restaurants with a unique flair, six breathtaking hiking trails, four bars and lounges, nighttime strolls, river cruising, swimming pools, tennis courts, gyms, spas, aquatic activities, and a host of other recreational facilities. A championship 18-hole golf course with breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu is located within the resort. The course is structured to showcase Sabah’s breathtaking natural surroundings.
Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu, Pantai Dalit, Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 89208 Malaysia
5. Forest City Golf Hotel, Johor
The Forest City Golf Hotel offers golf enthusiasts and travellers top-notch luxury and accommodations right in the middle of three internationally renowned 18-hole golf courses. With lavish amenities and exquisite décor, the rooms are sure to deliver the ultimate in luxury and relaxation. Many feature private balconies with gorgeous panoramas. The golf hotel features two swimming pools, a restaurant, private dining rooms, and many other amenities. The hotel is the home of the far-famed Legacy Golf Course, a favourite course for play featuring breathtaking scenery, daunting sand bunkers, and carefully manicured greens hidden amongst verdant landscaping.
Forest City Golf Hotel, Jalan Persiaran Golf 5, Forest City Golf Resort, 81550 Gelang Patah, Johor Bahru, Johor
6. Berjaya Hills Golf and Country Club, Pahang
Perched atop Bukit Tinggi, where nature beckons relaxation and rejuvenation, Berjaya Hills Golf and Country Club offers visitors the finest golf and leisure experiences. The golf resort offers 21 fully furnished suites and 12 golfers’ accommodation. This country club’s restaurant offers a delectable array of regional and international dishes and has stunning panoramas of the surrounding forest from its highland location. The resort houses the famed 18-hole Berjaya Hills International Golf Course, designed by J. Michael Poellot. The magnificent golf course has hosted a number of high-profile tournaments. The resort also features a golfer’s lounge with a great view of the golf course, ideal for post-game food and drinks.
Berjaya Hills Golf and Country Club, KM48 Persimpangan Bertingkat, Lebuhraya Karak, 28750 Bukit Tinggi, Pahang Darul Makmur, Malaysia
7. Kukup Golf Resort, Johor
One of the best luxury golf resorts in Johor, Malaysia, the Kukup Golf Resort is conveniently situated in the Pontian part of the city, putting visitors in close proximity to fascinating attractions and culinary establishments. This outstanding property offers on-site massage, a sauna, bar by the pool, a restaurant, and a game room for visitors. The golf resort has an amazing 18-hole course and a driving range. Luxurious family suites and rooms, a VIP lounge, and a variety of recreational options make this resort an excellent choice for family vacations or outdoor corporate events. The resort offers fantastic family-friendly activities, first-rate accommodation, and an array of opportunities for guests to explore the majesty of nature.
Kukup Golf Resort, Pekan Penerok, Pontian, Malaysia, 82300
8. Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort, Selangor
Located on Carey Island, the Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort offers family-friendly accommodation in Selangor. This resort, one of the best luxury golf resorts in Selangor, Malaysia, provides an exceptional gastronomic experience with a range of restaurants and recreational options, including restaurants, cafes, karaoke, a water theme park, and many more. Amverton Cove’s 18-hole golf course is exciting for both amateur and professional players. This demanding golf course, designed to bring out the best in every golfer, has a very natural setup with a links feel. With a distinct feel and playing character, every hole is sculpted and created to complement its natural surroundings.
Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort, PT673, Jalan Pulau Carey, Mukim Jugra, 42960 Pulau Carey, Selangor, Malaysia.
9. Nexus Resort & Spa, Karambunai
Nexus Resort skilfully blends distinctive luxury with traditional Sabahan hospitality. With a wide range of leisure and recreational activities available for visitors of all ages, there are countless options for pampering and relaxation, including fishing trips, sunset cultural cruises, kayaking, surfing, nature walks, and more. Its amazing banqueting and conference spaces make it ideal for both pleasure and business tourists. The luxury resort is home to Nexus Golf Karambunai, a par 72 18-hole premier golf course on the island of Borneo, set between the million-year-old rainforest and the South China Sea, where golfers can enjoy stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and Karambunai’s white sandy beach.
Nexus Resort & Spa, Jln Karambunai, Karambunai, 89200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
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The resort is a great place to take a respite from the busy lowlands, yet it’s only 35 minutes from Kuala Lumpur’s city centre. The place has a range of accommodation options, including mansions, villas, executive suites, deluxe rooms, and so on. Popular activities offered by this golf resort include multi-level trekking into the rainforest, bird watching, a theme park, and other adventures. AYU Awana, Malaysia’s first tropical lifestyle restaurant and poolside lounge in the highlands, is also located at the property. Nestled 3,100 feet above sea level, the resort’s 18-hole course, encircled by verdant fairways and a year-round, cool mountain breeze, is a golfer’s paradise.
Do note that as of June 5, 2024, the golf course is undergoing upgrading works until further notice, and only the 9-hole golf course is available for now.
Resorts World Awana, Dewan Wawasan, 69000 Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
11. Glenmarie Hotel and Golf Resort, Selangor
Glenmarie Hotel and Golf Resort is a top-notch leisure destination with two championship golf courses, first-rate accommodation, world-class dining options, and a wide range of recreational pursuits. The Glenmarie Hotel and Golf Resort, one of the most well-known luxury golf resorts in Shah Alam, enhances visitors’ vacation experiences by finding a balance between relaxation and the pursuit of better golf. The prestigious Glenmarie Golf & Country Club is a terrific golf course ideal for both beginners and pros. There is no finer setting to play golf in Malaysia than the golf club’s two unique courses, which are both beautiful with breathtaking scenery.
Glenmarie Hotel and Golf Resort, No. 1, Jalan Usahawan U1/8, Seksyen U1, 40250 Shah Alam, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
12. The Saujana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur
A 5-star resort-style hotel in Malaysia, the Saujana Hotel in Kuala Lumpur is set on 160 hectares of verdant tropical woodlands overlooking a lake. With a variety of dining options, including Italian, Cantonese, and Japanese restaurants, and an open-air lounge bar, this upscale hotel can satisfy even the most discerning palate. The hotel is home to the acclaimed Ronald Fream-designed Saujana Golf & Country Club, which features two 18-hole championship golf courses. Swimming pools, outdoor floor-lit tennis courts, sightseeing tours, and more are a few of the additional recreational options available.
(Main image: One & Only Desaru Coast; Featured image: Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
– Which are some luxury golf resorts in Malaysia?
Sutera Harbour Resort, Resorts World Awana, Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort, and Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort are some of the best luxury golf resorts in Malaysia.
– What is a golf resort?
Golf resorts are full-service accommodations with access to a golf course that are tailored exclusively for golfing enthusiasts. Typically, golf resorts offer golf packages that include green fees, cart fees, accommodations, and dining options for guests.