When it comes to planning the perfect family holiday, Malaysia truly has no shortage of destinations. From the cool breezy air of our highlands to the lively energy of our major cities, there is always a corner of the country waiting to be explored. These getaways offer the perfect excuse for families to bond, unwind, and create long-lasting memories together.
However, apart from the usual overcrowded tropical islands and mainstream beaches, there are also privately developed resorts that function as absolute hidden gems. One such spot is Bukit Merah Laketown Resort (BMLR) in Perak. Developed by M K Land Holdings Berhad, this eco-tourism haven seamlessly blends nature, adventure, and hospitality. Spanning a massive area right along the edge of one of Malaysia’s oldest lakes, it is a destination that proves you don’t need to cross oceans to experience a spectacular, multi-faceted holiday.
Here are 5 reasons why Bukit Merah Laketown Resort needs to be at the very top of your family travel list:
1. A Calm and Serene Escape from the Hustle and Bustle
Getting to Bukit Merah Laketown Resort is incredibly easy and seamless, making it ideal for a spontaneous road trip. It is just an easy three-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway, and less than an hour’s drive if you are coming from Penang. If you prefer to watch the scenery roll by, you can even hop on the Electric Train Service (ETS) directly to nearby stations like Parit Buntar or Taiping.
The moment you arrive, you will feel the city stress melt away. The resort is tucked far away from the noisy congestion of urban areas, surrounded by lush, tropical greenery. The absolute heart of the resort is Bukit Merah Lake—a stunning, historic expanse of water that infuses the entire property with a deeply calm and serene vibe. It is the kind of private, peaceful environment where you can slow down and just breathe.
2. Endless Activities and Great Places to Eat
You will never run out of things to do or delicious food to eat here. The main highlight for thrill-seekers is the Laketown Waterpark. Spanning 11 acres, this massive waterpark features 14 family-friendly attractions, including the exhilarating Giant Wet Bubble and a newly refurbished Sandy Beachfront Wave Pool that brings the rolling waves right to you. Beyond the waterpark, you can fill your days with outdoor recreation like kayaking, jungle trekking, or booking a panoramic sunset cruise across the lake.
When hunger strikes, the resort boasts fantastic dining spots. You can ease into your morning at ThinkCup, a trendy new hillside cafe overlooking the lake that serves freshly brewed coffee, matcha, and artisan pastries. For a true taste of local culture, you can indulge in a “Balik Kampung” themed dinner at their banquet halls—featuring comforting traditional flavours like Ayam Masak Lemak Cili Api and Gulai Utara Ikan Bawal—or enjoy a farewell meal at Sayong, the resort’s beautiful floating restaurant.
3. Highly Underrated Lodging options
The accommodation at Bukit Merah Laketown Resort is beautifully designed yet highly underrated. If you prefer standard rooms, you will love the newly refurbished hotel rooms at the main hotel building, which offer modern comforts and a fresh, updated look.
But for a truly unique experience, you must stay at Kampung Air. This exclusive segment consists of 27 stunning water chalets built directly over the lake. It offers a tranquil retreat set completely away from the resort’s busier areas. Waking up to panoramic, misty views of the calm lake right outside your window is an absolute dream, offering a restful luxury aesthetic that rival far more expensive overwater resorts.
4. Ultimate Affordability for the Whole Family
In a time when family vacations can easily break the bank, Bukit Merah Laketown Resort stands out as an incredibly budget-friendly option. Both the accommodation rates (even for the premium water chalets) and the entrance tickets to the Laketown Waterpark are kept at a very reasonable and affordable price range.
It is specifically designed to ensure that large families can enjoy comfortable lodging, excellent food, and premium entertainment without having to compromise on quality or joy. It gives you the absolute maximum value for an all-in-one resort vacation.
5. More Than Just a Waterpark: A Dedicated Orangutan Sanctuary
What truly sets this resort apart from any ordinary theme park is its deep commitment to wildlife conservation. Bukit Merah is home to the famous Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island, a dedicated sanctuary and foundation that opened in 2000. To get there, you take a scenic 10-minute boat ride across the lake from the main resort jetty.
Once on the island, you get to experience a completely unique, immersive concept: visitors walk through secure, enclosed caged pathways, while the 15 resident Bornean orangutans roam completely free in their natural, protected habitat. It is a fantastic educational experience for the kids, teaching them firsthand about wildlife rehabilitation, sustainability, and the critical importance of protecting endangered species.
For more info log on to their website at Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
