Guide to Eco Hotels in Malaysia ( 2023 Updated)

An eco hotel, or a green hotel, is an environmentally sustainable hotel or accommodation that has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the natural environment and eco friendly hotels Malaysia are considered excellent place to hang out for a couple of nights in KL and then beyond in Malaysia.

Best Eco Tours in Malaysia

• Half Day Klias Mangrove Wildlife and Fireflies with dinner
• Johor Tour ends in Singapore – Southernmost Tip, Eco Farm, Go Kart [Car]
• Borneo Eco Tours
• Johor Tour ends in Singapore – Ostrich Farm, Waterfall, Go Kart [Car]
• Johor Tour Ends in Singapore – Ostrich Farm, Beach, Waterfall, Fireflies [Car]

See all Eco Tours in Malaysia on GetYourGuide.

1. The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Malaysia

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi is nestled in the lush rainforest with panoramic sea views and a private beach. The beachfront property offers well-appointed rooms and suites with free WiFi. It also houses 6 dining options and a lagoon-style outdoor pool.

Furnished with wooden decor and high-ceilings, every room and suite are equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. The spacious and airy units feature a private balcony overlooking the garden, rainforest or the sea. Certain rooms have direct pool access while some suites have a private pool. The private bathroom includes a bath, a rain shower and luxury toiletries.

A breakfast and à la carte dining are available at The Restaurant. International and local dishes are offered at Tepian Laut and authentic Japanese cuisine is served at the Japanese Restaurant. Jala Restaurant serves up fusion dishes and fresh seafood, while refreshing cocktails and refreshments can be enjoyed at the Beach Bar and Jentayu Lounge.

On the shores of an Andaman Sea coral reef and surrounded by rainforest, this high-end beach resort is 20 km from both the Langkawi Cable Car and the Langkawi Sky Bridge.

Chic rooms have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, sofas and balconies. Upgraded rooms add espresso machines, private gardens and/or sea views. Suites offer hot tubs and/or living rooms.

Multiple dining options include seafood and Japanese restaurants, and a beach bar. There’s also a spa, a gym and a driving range, plus an outdoor pool and a kids’ club. The coral reef features conservation activities and snorkeling. Catamaran cruises, cookery classes and water sports are offered.

The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort is situated on Malaysia’s Langkawi Island between an ancient rainforest and Datai Bay, which boasts an 8,000-year-old coral reef; much of the property offers views of the surrounding landscape. Our resort facilities includes a full-service V Integrated Wellness Spa that offers a high quality whole person approach in Spa & Wellness, holistic therapies, beauty treatments, fitness classes, healthy cuisine, educational & lifestyle workshops and retreats for body and soul.

Other facilities include an outdoor pool with sun loungers, a 24-hour fitness center and the Young Explorers Club. The Andaman, Langkawi offers four unique yet equally alluring restaurants offering a variety of local specialties and international favorites.

Though the Andaman considerably as one of the earlier and luxurious hotel in Langkawi, never lost her charms. What I like it, is eco-friendly ethos, its serene atmosphere with impeccable service, surrounded lush with tropical vegetation, and having such a long sandy beach giving and extra marks plus located at secluded bay namely as Datai. I’m sure will make another visit again.

The breakfast is an extensive buffet in the Restaurant – you choose if you would like to sit indoors or outdoors and then you order from the waitress what kind of coffee you would like e.g. double espresso and strong cappuccino. There’s an egg station, soup station and a pancake & waffle station not to mention the selection of fresh pastries and homemade smoothies.

t is a nature preserve and a UNESCO site that is developing as an eco managed tourist destination. I didn’t know this and we just booked a short visit at a “beach hotel” with pool and things to do like a nearby zipline experience and cable car and good food.
Hotel was first disappointing as it was in a rainforest and was not typical tourist spot. But we learned so much about the rainforest. They have a coral reef replenishment project and the kids snorkeled to see how they did it in a controlled pool. WOW!

Turned out we liked the staff and the food (except for the Japanese restaurant) and really liked the tours and the monkeys “visiting” for food (if you leave your window open, they open the mini bar and select the treats they prefer!) and the birds.

So, very unique hotel that should be applauded for their efforts. Half the price of the nearby Four Seasons.In Bali (UBUD) , there is a Four Seasons where Obama stayed. Very similar but three times the price.

So, recommend highly if you want to see coral reefs, and wildlife and yet have a typical resort hotel experience. Reasonably priced, too so I felt a good value. Staff trained to be friendly and engaging.

The hotel is situated 40mins away from the airport by car and 25-30 mins from all major tourist locations. We visited during the LIMA exhibition so traffic was a little heavier during our stay. The resort is fully equipped with a number of restaurants and offer a wide range of activities so you don’t necessarily need to leave the resort if this is a concern.

The best part about this resort is their focus on eco-tourism and their passion to conserve the natural beauty of Langkawi. Animals roam the resort and the beach is cleaned of rubbish and sharp coral, daily by the staff. The resort also invests in a conservation program to maintain the coral life surrounding the Island. It is one thing to enjoy your time travelling but also knowing that you’re also doing your part for the island by staying here, makes the trip worth your while!

How much does a room costs at The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi?

Prices start 329$/night for Double Room. 

This double room has air conditioning.

Where to book online – The Andaman, a Luxury Collection Resort, Langkawi – Eco Friendly Hotels Malaysia – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Kuala Lumpur during Deepavali which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Kuala Lumpur on Booking.com  or  Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

2. Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa 5* – Eco Hotels Malaysia

Overlooking Batu Feringgi Beach, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang offers spacious rooms surrounded by 30 acres of tropical gardens. It features two outdoor swimming pools in the Garden Wing and one adult pool in the Rasa Wing (Rasa Wing pool will be closed till further notice). Free WiFi is available throughout the property.

Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang offers free shuttle services to the UNESCO heritage city of George Town, located a 20-minute drive away (Shuttle bus service is not available until further notice). Limousine airport transfers are also provided on request.

Rooms at Shangri-La Rasa Sayang have views of the sea or hills of Penang. They are spacious and decorated with wooden carvings and colourful fabrics. Private bathtubs and free internet are provided for guest’s comfort.

On Batu Ferringhi Beach, amid 12 hectares of tropical gardens, this upscale beach resort is 7 km from the Penang Butterfly Farm and 11 km from Gurney Drive, a seafront promenade.

Sophisticated rooms feature balconies with pool, garden or area views. All come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffee making facilities; upgraded quarters have private gardens. Posh suites add living rooms and dining areas; some offer marble bathrooms. Room service is available 24/7.

Breakfast is complimentary. Other amenities include an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness center and tennis courts. There’s also a sleek bar, and 2 chic restaurants.

How much does a room costs at Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang?

Prices start 144$/night for Deluxe Double Room with Garden View – Garden Wing. The Superior Double Room – Rasa Wing is 163$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

The room has floor-to-ceiling windows which offers views of the resort’s compound. The luxurious room is equipped with upgraded toiletries and a large bathroom fitted with a bathtub and separate shower facilities.

Benefits include: – Express check-in services – Afternoon tea – Evening cocktail at Rasa Wing Lounge Extra beds for this room type are subject to additional charges.

Where to book online – Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa, Penang – Eco Friendly Hotels Malaysia – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Malaysia during Deepavali which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Malaysia on Booking.com or  Agoda.com or Trip.com  and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

3. Japamala Resorts – By Samadhi 5* – Eco Friendly Hotels Malaysia

Located on the beautiful Tioman Island, Japamala Resorts – By Samadhi is set amidst a tropical rainforest. It features an outdoor pool, 2 dining options and elegant accommodation with a terrace. WiFi is free in public areas.

Tastefully decorated, the suites and villas come with classic wooden interiors and windows that provide natural light. Each stylish unit is equipped with a seating area, flat-screen TV and an attached bathroom.

Guests can fish, snorkel or go on a diving trip.

Amid the jungle on the shores of a South China Sea island, this secluded, upscale resort is 13 km from Tioman Island Golf Club and 50 km from Mersing.

The chic wooden cabins have air-conditioning, Wi-Fi access and iPod docks, plus flat-screen TVs , minibars and coffeemakers. All offer verandas and indoor showers, while some add outdoor showers and bathtubs, kitchenettes and/or hot tubs. There’s also a house with a pool.

There’s an open-air restaurant built on stilts in the sea, plus a sophisticated eatery overlooking the beach. Other amenities include a spa area with a hot tub, and massage is offered. Dive trips and trekking are also available.

JapaMala is Tioman Island’s only boutique resort, and one-of-a-kind in Malaysia. This small and exclusive resort of 13 rooms is hidden amidst 11 acres of lush tropical rainforest. A one-village-one-resort property, JapaMala has its own private and quiet beach. While some charming Malay village-style villas and chalets dot the jungle and beachfront, others nestle in the most breathtaking spots.Best described as an ‘eco-luxe’ resort, JapaMala transcends the experience of living close to nature by redefining it with a touch of luxury.

Designed by natural streams, steep cliffs, towering boulders and where no trees are felled, the entire resort borrows from nature its elements to offer an exceptional sense of paradise, freedom from the real world. While serious relaxation is an elusive commodity for many, one can truly succumb to the healing effects JapaMala imparts through its holistic blend of sumptuous gourmet treats, intimacy between man and nature, unique spa experiences and truly unprecedented hospitality. Many say JapaMala is not just a place, but a state of mind.

 This eco-resort exceeded all expectations and we ended up extending our stay. The staff were very attentive and friendly resort manager, Zach, was always on hand to attend to any questions. However, BK was the star of the show, I don’t actually know what his official job was because he was here there and everywhere. From afternoon tea, cocktail hour on the jetty and dinner in the Thai restaurant in the evening BK was there with his smiling energy, stories and superb service. The waters off the resort are crystal clear and we spent hours just sat on the jetty watching the baby sharks and other marine life. We are already looking into going back in a few weeks. Highly recommended.

Japamala Resort is the perfect embodiment of an ‘eco-luxe’ resort. Being in the midst of nature, you can’t help but feel rejuvenated and recharged from the busy routine back home. The dining options were limited as expected being a resort on an island but the food were really delicious. Slightly on the pricier side.

Luxury yet low key; comfortable yet eco-friendly and the Japamala team were excellent. Right from reservations desk with Adim, Belle at front desk, the restaurant service team (Masti and Sabbir), Chef Paulo for the best gourmet island pizza and bbq night and of course Zach – kudos to all of you and your colleagues!

Malaysia has such beautiful assets like Tioman and other islands, however sometimes I feel large companies are quick to over develop without maintaining an authentic and eco-friendly theme throughout. Japamala has managed to keep the natural charm and you will still see the original trees and boulders throughout the development, some forming part of the resort.

A group of four of us stayed here for five days and would highly recommend this eco-friendly resort. The staff were extremely helpful and welcoming. Everyone went out their way to make sure our stay was comfortable. We would highly recommend the massages at the spa, the lady were incredible masseurs. We really appreciated the little touches JapaMala does like the free happy hour, chocolate and night cap in the room, extensive breakfast and afternoon nibbles all made it a fantastic stay.

We had one treetop and one cliff sea front room. The rooms were spacious and comfortable, with fans, air con and super king size bed. Some of the rooms in the jungle have quite a few steps leading up to them and can get sleepy after rain, so we wouldn’t recommend for kids and younger adults.

The resort is most definitely an eco-resort and not a total ‘luxury’ resort – such that there are free roaming lizards, wildlife, squirrels and (sometimes quite aggressive) monkeys roaming around. So if you don’t like spiders or bugs, or lizards this may not be the place for you. Our room was at the top of approximately 135 steps so I would check the room you order if you have any mobility issues. The resort has 13 rooms/chalets and I think during our stay only 5/6 were occupied meaning it felt very isolated, tranquil, quiet and relaxed.The breakfasts are quite good – the a la carte options being better than the buffet offered which for me was quite limited.

There is no half board/all inclusive option and you can’t really leave the resort to go for lunch/dinner elsewhere unless you fancy a water taxi – luckily the Asian and Italian restaurants were both so nice that it didn’t really matter. The prices are expensive for Malaysia but reasonable if you’re used to paying London prices for dinner (think £7-£8 for a main course).

The little touches are quite nice – chocolates in the room each evening and a nightcap (we chose Hennessy), water is provided and plentiful, snacks in the afternoon if you’re down the beach (usually fruit or cake), cocktail hour each evening in the main bar (as many as you can get through in an hour).

How much does a room costs at Japamala Resorts – By Samadhi?

Prices start 267$/night for Tree top Chalet. The Seaview Sarang is 485$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Overlooking the sea, this suite features a semi-outdoor lounge, dip pool and a sundeck. Includes a walk-in wardrobe and a dining area.

Where to book online – Japamala Resorts – By Samadhi – Eco Friendly Hotels Malaysia – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Malaysia during Deepavali which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Malaysia on Booking.comor  Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

4. Gaya Island Resort 5* – Sustainability Hotels in Malaysia

Set within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park off the coast of Borneo, Gaya Island offers elegant villas with panoramic views of the South China Sea and the rainforest. It boasts 5 dining options, a private beach and an outdoor pool. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the resort. Scheduled boat transfers are available at an additional charge.

Decorated in wooden interiors, every air-conditioned villa features a private balcony with outdoor seating. A flat-screen and a minibar are also included. The private bathroom comes with a spacious bath and luxury amenities.

Daily buffet breakfast is served at Feast Village, with Asian and International options. Fisherman’s Cove specialises in seafood dishes, while Omakase offers Japanese cuisines. Drinks and snacks are on offer at Pool Bar & Lounge, where guests can enjoy Mount Kinabalu view from the sundeck.

Nestled among mangroves on Malohom Bay in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, this posh island beach resort overlooks the South China Sea.

Chic villas have free Wi-Fi, flat-screens, minibars, and tea and coffee making facilities, plus balconies or terraces. Upgraded villas offer sea views, and some include kitchenettes, living rooms and butler service. Room service is offered.

Speedboat transfers are included. The 4 bars and restaurants include a polished rooftop eatery and a swim-up bar, and dining is also offered on a secluded private beach. There’s a dive school, an outdoor pool, a gym and an upscale spa. Fishing and nature walks are available.

Gaya Island Resort is located on Pulau Gaya, the largest of a cluster of five islands that form the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a natural conservation area off the coast of Borneo, close to Kota Kinabalu. Gaya Island Resort has a unique setting: the land is fringed with a golden sandy beach, rocky coastal outcrops, and surrounded by coral reefs. The hilly island landscape is covered with lush tropical rainforest and an abundance of flora and fauna. And to complete this perfect setting, visible in the distance, is the stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu.

The guest villa exterior respects Sabahan architecture uses local materials and blends harmoniously with the natural environment. The interior living space is designed with contemporary elegance to create warmth, comfort and a serene indoor setting. Gaya Island Resort is committed to ecologically sustainable practices to minimise the carbon footprint within its environment. Therefore the resort is a walking resort and only minimal motorised vehicles are used for operational purposes.

If you’re looking for an amazing eco-holiday with excellent service and good food, I recommend GIR. Do sign-up for the all inclusive meal package as it was well worth it and fuss-free. Special thanks to GIR team for making our stay so enjoyable and memorable. Looking forward to our next visit to GIR. It has been indeed been an amazing holiday for us.

 Some Villas can be a long walk from the Lobby/Communal areas, and the walk to the Kinabalu Villas is steep, so if mobility is an issue, I would recommend you check which villa you are booking/getting.

The villas and resort grounds are not the newest but well maintained and everything works as it should. The Bayu Villa is of a decent size and has a quirky layout,with a long enclose-able changing room/closet area, a large bathroom and tub area, a narrow study desk/coffee table along the corridor linking the bedroom and bathroom areas, and ample outdoor lounging spaces outside the villa. A boiler and drinking water is provided, as are sachets of coffee and tea and we appreciated the Sabah rice wine as a welcome drink. The mattresses are pretty firm but we had no issues getting a good night’s rest. We were kept cool by the combination of eco-friendly air conditioning and ceiling fan in the bedroom. Wifi also worked well.

There were more than enough deckchairs on the beach areas for guest to sunbathe/lounge around. The beach is clean as staff clean up debris from the beach. Iced drinking water/beach towels is constantly available. The pool area is pleasant enough to lounge in, but can be crowded at certain times of the day. We enjoyed the numerous activities available and signed up for almost everything available, the nature cruise, the snorkeling trip, yoga, guided night walk, lunch and marine conservation talk at the private Tavajun Bay. You can also rent aqua cycles/SUP/kayaks and/or snorkeling gear. We  went for the 80 min indigenous massage at the Spa Village and really enjoyed the experience. I would recommend you book your massage/activities way in advance, as these can be booked out quickly (on the dates/time that you want)

How much does a room costs at Gaya Island Resort?

Prices start 225$/night for Bayu Villa. The Kinabalu Villa  is 305$/room per night with breakfast included – if coming on a honeymoon this is the perfect choice for couples.

Where to book online – Gaya Island Resort – Sustainability Hotels Malaysia – you can find the best eco friendly hotels deals in Malaysia during Deepavali which is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Malaysia on Booking.com or  Agoda.com or Trip.com and see more reviews on TripAdvisor.

 

5. Frangipani Langkawi Resort 5* – Eco Resorts Malaysia

Boasting a private beach and a seaside pool, The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa offers relaxing stays in spacious accommodation with free WiFi. This beachfront property features extensive wellness facilities and outdoor activities. Free parking is available for guests who drive.

Rooms and villas offer much privacy, nestled between the tropical gardens. They have spacious interiors and are well-equipped with a seating area and a flat-screen TV. The bathroom comes en suite or semi-outdoor.

Mentari Grill serves local and Western cuisine, where guests can enjoy the resort’s signature Frangipani tea. BBQ facilities are available for a self-cooked meal. Coco Jam Bar offers refreshing beverages and cocktails.

This laid-back, oceanfront resort is 1.8 km from Dev’s Adventure Tours, 12 km from Langkawi International Airport and 14 km from 99 East Golf Club.

Casual rooms feature balconies or terraces, satellite TV and mini fridges, plus tea and coffee making facilities. Suites add separate sitting areas. Detached villas, some beachfront, are also available, as is room service.

Breakfast is included. There’s a grill restaurant, a beachfront bistro and a poolside bar. Other amenities include fresh and saltwater pools, a spa and a duty-free shop.

Tucked between coconut palms and lush tropical gardens, the Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa is located by a pristine, white sandy beach overlooking the tranquil Andaman Sea and an archipelago of over 104 islands. The resort remains close to the bustling Cenang Beach, yet retains its natural charm as secluded hideaway as the two beaches lay parted by a cliff, accessible only by road. Over the years, The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa has garnered a number of prestigious awards, including the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2014, as well as Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Relaxation and Spa Hotels for Malaysia.

It is the most hospitable, greenest, eco-friendly, and beautiful place we ever experienced. “YES” is the answer to anything you ask. For example, just mentioning fishing to the general manager Mr. Henry, his fishing tool was sent to me in less than 15 minutes and remained with me until the day I checked out.

The staff is genuinely friendly and generous in which making our stay a pleasant one was their ultimate goal. Frangipani has immediate access to the beach and pool with an astonishing view. Watching the sunset is the most romantic thing ever. Sitting in the sun and walking by the beach is a daily routine of all guests. We would visit the place again the soonest we can, and for sure will never forget this lovely experience.

Frangipani is an Eco Friendly Resort that takes it way beyond the card you put on the bed to keep you linens from being washed. They have their own stingless bees making honey for breakfast, a closed loop compost system, solar power, an aquaponics system, ducks & chicks for eggs, a vast recycling center, and even a wetland area for the septic system! This is truly a “Green Hotel” that other establishments should lean from…but on top of all that… they are located on a very nice, clean, swimmable beach. Make sure to rent one of the little cabins with outdoor showers-my favorite! The staff is super and the food is good. Everything is clean and the grounds are amazing.

If you’re looking for a relaxing, peaceful & old school classic place to stay without all the modern hype & like to support people and businesses that care about the environment, then don’t miss the chance to stay at the Frangipani in Langkawi!!

Take the Eco Tour with Dewi to lean more.

Frangipani Langkawi is a great beach front eco resort. Early morning are relaxing with nature sound surrounding you. Breakfast at beach side is view to behold ! Besides having its own private beach, it is close to Cenang beach where you can find many happening activities and restaurants. Close to resort you can get two wheeler from rental shops to get you easy mobility on the island. A couple of night clubs are at walking distance for the nightlife lovers.

The hotel itself is eco friendly and they attach great importance to it. It is set up within pretty gardens and flowers. They hold educational eco friendly walking tours twice a day and they share their passion, works and results of their ecological philosophy.
The beach is private and the sand is white and soft. And the pools are clean.
Food is tasty and relaxing atmosphere.