A holiday does not always have to involve boarding a plane. Sometimes, a short drive, a different view and a comfortable place to stay are all it takes to make a few days away feel special.
With the year-end school holidays, Christmas and New Year approaching, followed by Chinese New Year in February, it is a good time to start planning a festive escape. From the cool highlands of Cameron Highlands to Penang’s heritage streets and the lively city of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia has plenty of destinations worth exploring.
For those looking to make the most of the season, Ascott Malaysia has brought together 32 participating hotels, serviced residences and lifestyle properties, with stay packages offering savings of up to 40%.
Here are seven ways to enjoy the holiday break, whether travelling with family, catching up with friends or simply taking some well-deserved time off.
1. Bring the Family Together in the Highlands
Trade the usual family gathering for a weekend surrounded by cooler temperatures and the greenery of Cameron Highlands.
Oakwood Cameron Highlands offers spacious accommodation, including family suites with kitchens and up to two bedrooms, making it suitable for families travelling with children or grandparents.
For the festive season, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day room packages, inclusive of breakfast and dinner buffet for two, start from RM648 nett. A New Year’s Eve package is also available from RM756 nett.
Those who prefer a city stay can consider Somerset Kuala Lumpur or Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya, both offering family-friendly themed suites.
2. Make School Holidays More Exciting
For families with younger children, a holiday is often better when there is something exciting to look forward to.
In Johor, Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri is a convenient base for a family trip to LEGOLAND Malaysia, approximately a 10-minute walk away.
Over in Melaka, Bayview Hotel Melaka puts guests within walking distance of A Famosa, Stadthuys and Jonker Street Night Market. Families can combine sightseeing and local food discoveries with some downtime at the hotel’s outdoor and children’s swimming pools.
Another option is Citadines Prai Penang, where two- and three-bedroom apartments accommodate families and larger groups, with the biggest unit sleeping up to eight guests. Icon City, with its dining and entertainment options, is just a short stroll away.
For a Kuala Lumpur staycation, Oakwood Hotel & Residence Kuala Lumpur has a School Holiday Family Fun package featuring poolside activities for two children and a complimentary pasta dish, from RM254.
3. Soak Up the Festive City Atmosphere
There is a particular charm to visiting a city during the festive season, when shopping districts come alive with decorations, special events and seasonal dining.
In Kuala Lumpur, Ascott Star KLCC offers an elegant city stay with an artistic touch, including art-inspired suites. It makes a convenient base for exploring the capital’s shopping and entertainment attractions.
For a change of scene, Citadines Uplands Kuching is located directly opposite The Spring Shopping Centre. After a day of shopping and exploring, guests can return to contemporary apartment-style accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool and children’s wading area.
Back in Kuala Lumpur, Oakwood Hotel & Residence also has seasonal dining packages, including Saturday Christmas buffet dinners from RM305 and a New Year’s Eve candlelit dinner stay package from RM507.
4. Discover Penang Beyond Its Food Scene
Penang is always a good idea for a holiday, particularly for travellers who enjoy combining coastal views, heritage architecture and leisurely food discoveries.
Along Gurney Drive, Ascott Gurney Penang offers a stay close to the waterfront and the island’s vibrant dining scene. Its Grand Noël festive buffet features Christmas Eve dinner at RM268 per adult and Christmas Day lunch at RM198 per adult. A 30% discount is available for bookings made by 15 December, while children below six dine free.
For a heritage-inspired experience, The George Penang by The Crest Collection occupies a colonial-style building in George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Another property worth considering is 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang by The Unlimited Collection, a century-old landmark along Jalan Burma celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
5. Make Time for a Getaway with Friends
Sometimes, all you need is a weekend away with friends, without a packed itinerary or too many plans.
lyf Georgetown Penang and lyf Chinatown Kuala Lumpur offer a more social style of accommodation, with shared spaces designed for guests to stay, work and connect. Their community hosts also help organise local experiences, giving visitors a chance to explore the neighbourhood beyond the usual tourist spots.
In Penang, Harris Hotel & Conventions Sunshine Penang in Ayer Itam is another option for friends or families looking for a relaxed break together.
6. Stay Longer and Explore at Your Own Pace
Not every holiday needs to be squeezed into a weekend. An extended stay gives travellers more time to explore, visit relatives or enjoy a change of routine while working remotely.
Ascott Kuala Lumpur, located in the city’s Golden Triangle, offers serviced residence accommodation with the comforts of home.
In Penang, Citadines Connect Bertam Georgetown Penang provides a convenient base in the historic city, with a rooftop swimming pool and skyline views. Its New Year’s Eve offering includes a seven-course dinner at The Pavilion, starting from RM220 per person, with an early-bird price of RM187 for bookings made by 30 November.
Alternatively, Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang has its Countdown & Feast New Year’s Eve buffet dinner at SHIN, priced from RM128 per adult, with early-bird rates starting at RM98.
7. Give the Gift of a Holiday
If you are running out of ideas for festive presents, why not give someone an experience instead?
A hotel stay can be a thoughtful gift for parents who deserve a relaxing weekend, couples looking for a change of scenery or families hoping to spend more time together.
Consider Oakwood Cameron Highlands for a quiet highland escape, The George Penang for a heritage-inspired break or Ascott Star KLCC for a weekend surrounded by city lights.
For friends, a stay at lyf Georgetown or lyf Chinatown Kuala Lumpur offers a more social experience, while families may appreciate the extra space of an apartment at Somerset Medini.
Make This Holiday Season Count
Whether it is a family gathering in the highlands, a food-filled weekend in Penang or a festive city escape, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Malaysia without travelling too far.
Ascott Malaysia’s year-end stay offers are available for bookings until 31 December 2026, with stays valid from 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027 at 32 participating properties. Savings are up to 40%, subject to terms and conditions.
For participating properties and booking details, visit Discover ASR.
