Hot spring, also known as thermal spring, is a natural spring of water at a temperature of 70℉ or above. It occurs because the geothermally heated water by magma or pressure discharges to a planet’s crust onto the surface. This buoyant, warm, and mineral-rich water helps increase muscles’ flexibility and cure skin irritations; this is why natural hot springs attract tourists from around the world seeking for health and therapeutic benefits.

In Malaysia, hot spring is one of the favorite natural tourist attractions; it’s situated in several cities throughout the country, such as Perak, Selangor, Melaka, Kedah, and many more. The visitors won’t only benefit from the hot spring pools, but also other complementary facilities developed in those areas, like shops, rest houses, restaurants, and changing rooms. Therefore, if you wish for a fun and relaxing trip in Malaysia, you must not miss hot springs to be included in your itinerary. Here are some popular hot spring spots in Malaysia, along with the recommended hotels near them:

The first state in Malaysia that is renowned for natural hot springs is Perak. Also famous for its historical landmarks, Perak is a home to several notable hot springs, such as:

You may think that this is just a common theme park where your kids will love visiting, but you’re wrong. Lost World of Tambun Theme Park is more than just a theme park; it’s the only theme park in Southeast Asia which has natural hot springs combined with lots of various attractions and rides. In addition to the hot spring, the water park area offers surfs and slides, like Jungle Wave Bay, Adventure River, Sandy Bay, Cliff Racer, and more. Make sure to visit on Friday to Monday at 11am-11pm; it’s closed on Tuesdays, except on Malaysian school and public holidays. Click this to check out any further info on this park.

Another hot spring in Perak, especially Ipoh, is The Banjaran Hot Springs Retreat. If you want a romantic, relaxing, and revitalizing staycation, this resort may be the answer for you. Along with many options of its luxury villas, you will get indigenous-inspired interiors with deluxe in-room amenities, including thermal water hot tubs. Check out this accommodation’s availability on Traveloka.

Nestled in the serene and lush forest, surrounded by hills and mountain streams and rivers, Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park, located in Sungkai, Perak, is a free flowing hot spring swimming pool and therapeutic park. Here, you’ll soak yourself in the heated water while adoring the scenic views–what a perfect tranquility it will be! Besides hot springs, you can also take a traditional Malay massage or trek around the park. Visit this resourceful destination on Monday to Thursday between 8am-7pm, or 8am-9pm on Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays.

Recommended hotels: Mountain & Theme Park Views’ Cozy Suite (199m to Lost World of Tambun Theme Park), Sunway Lost World Hotel (142m to Lost World of Tambun Theme Park), Sungai Klah Inn (2.70km to Sungai Klah Hot Spring Park). Check these hotels’ availability on Traveloka.

The second state in Malaysia popular with some places with hot springs is Selangor. You’ll definitely get the best hot spring spots here, since Selangor offers fascinating views of mountains, waterfalls, and city lights from the skyscrapers. Those best spots are:

Sg. Lalang Hot Spring Semenyih, located in Jalan Sungai Lalang, is one of the must-visit places for refreshing swimming in hot springs. There are 2 ponds in the area: the big and small ones. The big pond is suitable for all, while the small one contains hot water. Operating every day at 6-10am and 4-10pm, this public hot spring also facilitates the visitors with gazebos and washrooms.

Near Batu Caves, you’ll find a hot spring spot called Selayang Hot Spring. It’s the most visited tourist destination, especially on weekends, maybe because it’s open 24 hours without entrance fees. This place features 4 pools with different ranges of temperature. Several facilities, like toilets, shower rooms, and traditional massages are also available there. Trees and jungles surrounding the area will give you a great calm as well.

A hot spring well-known among Hulu Selangor district is Hulu Tamu Hot Spring. Along with 2 sections of pools there: one with naturally hot spring water and the other with cooler water suitable for swimming and paddling, several facilities, such as gazebos and a nearby restaurant, are also accessible for visitors. You only have to spend RM 3 for the entrance fee and come any day, except on Thursdays due to the pool's cleaning.

Recommended hotels: Tenera Hotel, Oriental Crystal Hotel (in Semenyih), Mercure Selangor Selayang (1.80km to Selayang Hot Spring), ARK SERENDAH HOTEL (in Hulu Selangor). Visit Traveloka to keep up with the hotels’ info and details.

The third region in Malaysia with popular hot springs is Melaka. Besides its many well-known historical sites, this city offers several hot spring pools for those seeking for health-giving trip, some of them are:

If you plan a family vacation but relaxing at the same time, you have to visit Jasin Hot Spring, opening every day from 9am-12am with RM 5-10 entrance fees. Situated in Bemban, this pool doesn’t only provide pools with natural hot spring water, but also an inflatable kids water park with slides and open space for picnics. Hence, you can enjoy your relaxing session while playing with your kids, then eating together in the provided space–food from the outside is allowed to bring.

If you drive 45 minutes from Melaka Town, you will find Gadek Hot Spring, the main attraction in Kampung Ganun. It has 2 phases: for public use; and spa along with jacuzzi. On top of that, the area features several facilities, like bathrooms, a restaurant, and playground for children. It operates 24 hours and has the capacity of 50-60 visitors. Now that this is a famous attraction, this complex is always developed over time.

Recommended hotels: Philea Resort and Spa (7.16km to Jasin Hot Spring), Bayou Lagoon Park Resort (9.43km to Jasin Hot Spring), A Famosa Resort Hotel, The Orchard Wellness & Health Resort Melaka (in Alor Gajah). Check their availability and prices–or other hotel options in Melaka, on Traveloka.

The fourth region of Malaysia with favored hot springs is Kedah; a state known as “Rice Bowl of Malaysia”, since it produces more than half of the country’s rice supply. There are, at least, 2 most-liked hot springs in Kedah, they are:

One of the most favorite tourist destinations in Baling is Air Panas Ulu Legong. Mostly visited during the evenings, this hot spring has 2 kinds of pool: for adults and kids. The beautiful and well-maintained landscapes around the area will please you as soon as you set foot in that place. You can also combine your relaxing time with massage and culinary experience whose services are available around the pool. You can come any time with the entrance fees of RM 6 for adults and RM 3 for kids.

If you plan a visit to Langkawi, it’ll be the best trip ever if you take the time to stop by Ayer Hangat Village; the natural saltwater hot springs with 3 spring options and a private jacuzzi to rejuvenate your whole body. Situated around a traditional-style village house, these springs offer you with traditional Malay massage, cultural performances, and local cuisines or kueh. Especially for a relaxation guru, wellness pursuer, and culture buff, please come any day between 10am-10pm.

Recommended hotels: Royale Signature Hotel, Park Royal Langkawi Resort, Grand Alora Hotel. It’s advisable to always check the availability and prices of those accommodations on Traveloka before making a reservation.

Besides Perak, Selangor, Melaka, and Kedah, hot springs are also scattered throughout other regions in Malaysia, such as Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Sarawak, and Terengganu. Below are several popular hot springs in the aforementioned locations:

One of the most well-known hot springs located in Ranau District, Sabah, is Poring Hot Spring. You won’t only find a natural hot spring bath here, but also the panorama of lowland rainforest of Kinabalu Park. After bathing, you can visit other attractions nearby, such as Butterfly Farm, Rafflesia Garden, Langanan Waterfall, and many more. Many comfortable lodges and villas, along with Western and local restaurants, are also accessible from the spring. You’ll be welcomed any day from 8am-4pm.

This place is suitable for those going on a trip with their families because Pedas Hot Spring Water Park is a vacation spot your kids will be keen on visiting. Along with slides and numerous water activities, this spring also provides hot spring pools which can’t be found in other parks in Malaysia. You can have both public and private hot springs at your own disposal. Some fast food outlets and souvenirs shops surrounding the area will give you unforgettable refreshing trips.

You only have to drive for an hour from Kuala Lumpur to Suria Hot Spring Bentong. Located in a rainforest, this resort offers a hot spring pool for your therapeutic benefits. Your children can also participate in this relaxation by swimming in the cool water springs. A private jacuzzi is available in each villa, making this resort a finest place to stay.

Based in Kuching, specifically in Kampung Panchor Dayak, this hot spring is the top venue for you to soak yourself in the warm water while inhaling the air of the city’s serene and calm forest’s atmosphere. Operating everyday for the public from 7am-10pm at only RM 12, this hot spring is worthy for those seeking either medical treatments or recreation.

If you want to enjoy hot springs in the midst of the natural beauty, you have to visit La Hot Spring situated in Hulu Terengganu. Here, you can see the water directly shot out from the hill slope to the pools. For more privacy, you can go into man-made hot springs and spa-like pools there.

Recommended hotels: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Poring Hot Spring, Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson (in Negeri Sembilan), Merdeka Palace Hotel and Suites (in Sarawak), Hotel Grand Continental Kuala Terengganu. Observe the hotels’ accessibility and rates on Traveloka; you can also look for other preferable accommodations there.
You’ve reached the end of the article. With all of the information above on Malaysia’s hot springs in mind, you can already decide where to go and stay while doing hot spring vacations. Now, arrange your itinerary with the help of Traveloka Xperience to find other fun activities, open your Traveloka app, book your flight, pack your things, and have a great journey to Malaysia!