Travelling with your furkid may seem like the stuff of Hollywood movies or a day in the life of the ‘have mores’ – private jet, pet passport, butler, and teacup dog in tow. Here in Malaysia, whether you’re the sort who loves to rough it out in a tent or one who needs their creature comforts, there are pet-friendly hotels and homestays across the country that provide spaces for you and your furry friend to chill out in. Read more to find out where they are:
1. Temple Tree Resort, Langkawi, Kedah
Hands down one of the most unique places to stay at when in Langkawi is Temple Tree Resort. It’s a picturesque amalgamation of eight antique buildings of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Eurasian origin, plus these luxurious homes were painstakingly relocated from Peninsular Malaysia to Langkawi island. Suffice to say, it’s a truly Malaysian experience made modern with the comforts of things like a swimming pool and air-conditioning.
The best part? It’s pet-friendly! For a charge of just RM50 (approximately USD12) per stay, your pet is allowed to come along for the fun. The only conditions are that they’re not allowed on furniture, beds, or in the pool. When at the restaurant, guests can seat themselves with their pet in the garden while dining.
Address: Lot 1053, Jalan Pantai Chenang, Pantai Cenang, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia
Contact: +6017 599 5935
2. Noordin Mews, George Town, Penang
Located in a 1920s Peranakan shophouse along Noordin Street, you can easily explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the surrounding area when checked in at the Noordin Mews. What started out as a passion project to restore a dilapidated property quickly became a boutique heritage hotel. With an additional charge of only RM20 (approximately USD5) per pet per stay, the good people of the Noordin Mews will accept any pet “as long as they can fit through our doors.” So, unless you’ve got a pet elephant, Fido, Mittens, and Polly can join you on holiday. Pets are allowed to wander freely around the hotel, but just not jump in the pool.
Address: 53, Lebuh Noordin, 10300 George Town, Pulau Pinang
Contact: +604 263 7125
3. North Borneo Biostation Resort, Kudat, Sabah
This is one for avid trekkers, hikers, divers, and all-around nature lovers. If you’ve got a cat or dog who loves the great outdoors just as much as you do, then a visit to this resort situated within the confines of a Field Scientific Station is a must-stay. The North Borneo Biostation Resort is in one of the most biodiverse locations on the planet and spans seven acres of secluded seafront land – it’s paradise!
You’ll find a resident dog who roams about freely, so if you have a mild-mannered or friendly pooch, then feel free to bring them along. For now, the resort hasn’t imposed a size limitation on dogs allowed. Other pets, such as cats, are allowed on site too and there are no fees for them following you.
Address: North Borneo Biostation, Kg. Bak Bak, mile 7, Jln Bak Bak, 89050 Kudat, Sabah
Contact: +6010 803 7310
4. Payung Getaway Campsite & RV Park, Cherating, Pahang
A great thing about holidaying in Cherating besides the obvious crystalline ocean and soft sands is that the beachfront restaurants and bars are mostly pet-friendly. So you won’t feel stuck in just one place when setting up camp at the pet-friendly Payung Getaway Campsite & RV Park. One should add this to among Malaysia’s best beach camping spots. What makes it so unique is its location – they’re flanked by the shore on one side and near the mouth of a river as well, giving you a riverside option.
In terms of who among your fur babies you can bring along, the site has no size restrictions. Just be sure to keep your pet on a leash in shared spaces and to clean up after them. Pets are also not allowed to use the communal toilets, but there are outdoor showers where you may hose them down. There are no additional charges for bringing a pet. Do note, however, that they have a few cats of their own and a dog.
Address: Jalan Kampung Cherating Lama Balok, Kampung Cherating, 26080 Kuantan, Pahang
Contact: +6011 2380 2900
5. Ohana House, Kampung Jawa, Melaka
Located on Jonker Street in Melaka, this hotel offers easy access to all the city’s must-see attractions. With preserved brick walls and antique decorations, you will feel as though you’re being transported through the history of Melaka.
While the headquarters of Ohana House does not allow pets in its standard rooms, it does have pet-friendly homestays. It offers a few selected homestays that have the same rustic charm as the main Ohana House. Do WhatsApp them at the number below for bookings and more information.
Address: Ohana House HQ: 34, Jalan Jawa, Kampung Jawa, 75100 Melaka
Contact: +6012 506 0568
6. Ruby’s Resort, Cherating, Pahang
Ruby’s Resort is the perfect getaway location for your fur kids and is located along Cherating Beach. The accommodation comprises eight rooms named after plants and trees like Angsana, Kempas, Meranti, to name a few. Rooms are simple, and we advise that you bring your own toiletries. There are activities like firefly watching, deep-sea fishing, turtle watching, and kayaking for you to explore.
While pets are allowed in the chalets and rooms, they are prohibited from being allowed on the beds. It’s advisable to keep your pets on their leashes even while on the beach, as it’s a public area shared by patrons from neighbouring hotels. As always, clean up after your pet, and make sure they’re sand-free and dry before entering the rooms.
Address: Lot 350, Jalan Kemaman, Kg. Chendor, Cherating, 26080, Pahang.
7. Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base, Sultan Iskandar Marine Park, Johor
For an eco-friendly seaside experience, make sure to visit Sea Gypsy Village Resort — a resort that’s an advocate of sustainability and protecting the marine life in the area. Their rooms are non-air-conditioned and built from wood and palm fronds, giving you an authentic seaside beach experience.
For just RM250, this resort offers an impressive pick-up service from the comforts of your own home, where the property will arrange for a car service to collect you from your home (only for those living in Johor Bahru). Alternatively, you can opt to drive to the Tanjung Leman Jetty, and there, staff will take you to the resort by speed boat. At this accommodation, pets are welcomed within the verandah area, but not in the chalets themselves. Read more on their in-house pet policies here.
Address: Lot 71, Pulau Sibu, 86810 Mersing, Johor
Contact: +607 207 0014
8. The Dusun, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
The houses in this eco-friendly accommodation are designed to fit into the landscape. The matriarch and patriarch of the founding family, Helen and David, strive to maintain the environment around this plot of land as it is. They’re friendly with the local villagers in Seremban and are committed to keeping The Dusun filled with lush greenery and serenity. If you’re one to enjoy fresh air and a peaceful stay, this is the place to go.
There are four types of dog-friendly houses at The Dusun: Berembun House, Tembusu House, Emas House, and Lanai houses. These houses have large decks and dog gates to accommodate your pets (a maximum of two dogs allowed per house). While dogs are permitted in these houses, they are not allowed in the pools or on any furniture and should not poop on the paths. Owners should clean up after them if they do. Read more about their dog guidelines here.
Address: 3437, Jalan, Mukim, Kampung Baru Pantai, 71770 Seremban, Negeri Sembilan
Contact: +6012 616 2585
9. Hyatt Place, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Four-star hotel stay for your pets, anyone? Although the hotel mentions that all furry companions are welcome, they do however also mention that dogs are not allowed due to local regulations. A maximum of two pets per room or suite applies, and the combined weight of both pets cannot exceed nine kilograms.
All pets must be house-trained, and extra fees will be applied for each stay. Find out more on their website below. Hyatt Place is located conveniently near Pavilion Bukit Jalil Mall, Bukit Jalil Veterinary Clinic & Surgery (six minutes by car), and it’s next door to a pet supplies store, Hyper Pets Centre.
Address: M-1, Pusat Perdagangan Bandar Bukit Jalil, Persiaran Jalil 1, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: +603 9764 9888
Tips on bringing your pets to a pet-friendly hotel
Now that you know where to go, here’s a list of things to keep in mind when vacationing with your pet:
- Never allow your pet to eat off a property’s utensils.
- Keep them leashed in common areas unless they’re allowed to roam.
- Don’t use a property’s towels for your pet.
- Bring along your pet’s belongings for smooth caretaking during your pet-cation.
- Be respectful of other guests staying in the resort as well as of people sharing the surrounding public areas.
- Read the resort’s pet policies and prepare accordingly for your trip.
Your pets should be:
- Checked to have NO ticks and fleas
- Toilet trained (please clean up after them)
- Quiet and non-aggressive
- Kept off furniture and beds unless they’re allowed by the resort
- Kept out of the pool
Editor’s note: This article was originally published on 5 August 2020 and updated on 26 November 2021 and 26 July 2024 to include more locations and ensure the information remains current.
