30 Years Later, Resorts World Kijal Still Delivers A Fun-Filled East Coast Getaway For Families

When it comes to beach resorts on Malaysia's East Coast, Resorts World Kijal is something of a veteran. Having welcomed guests since 1996, the property recently marked its 30th anniversary with a three-day festival filled with cultural performances, family activities and turtle conservation programmes.

During our stay for the celebration, one thing became immediately clear: Resorts World Kijal isn't the flashiest resort you'll find today. In some areas, the property is undoubtedly showing its age, with dated interiors and facilities that could benefit from a refresh. But what it lacks in modern luxury, it makes up for with space, family-friendly attractions and plenty of old-school resort charm.

The rooms and facilities feel dated, but the resort still has character

Stepping into the resort feels a little like travelling back to the late '90s and early 2000s. Certain parts of the property, from the room furnishings to some of the public spaces, feel noticeably older compared to newer beachfront resorts popping up around the country.

That said, the resort remains well-maintained, and there's something refreshing about having so much open space. Unlike newer properties where everything feels compact, Resorts World Kijal has sprawling grounds, plenty of greenery and direct access to a long stretch of beach.

If there's one area that continues to hold up remarkably well, it's the resort's pool.

Large, spacious and designed with families in mind, it quickly became one of the busiest spots throughout our stay. Children spent hours splashing around while parents relaxed nearby, creating the sort of atmosphere you'd expect from a classic family resort.

The pool's size means it never felt overly crowded, even during the anniversary festival when visitor numbers were higher than usual. Combined with the surrounding greenery, it's easily one of the resort's strongest features and a major reason families continue to return.

That said, the resort isn't standing still. During our stay, we found that some room categories have undergone renovations, featuring a more contemporary design that feels noticeably fresher and more in line with what modern travellers expect. The updated interiors help strike a balance between the resort's long history and the comfort today's guests are looking for.

Never a dull moment during the festival

The 30th Anniversary Festival brought an extra layer of excitement to the resort experience.

Throughout the weekend, cultural performances took place around the property, including traditional dance performances, gamelan music and silat showcases. Food stalls serving local delicacies gave guests plenty to snack on between activities, while booths selling batik, crafts and local products added a festive atmosphere.

The evenings were particularly lively, with busker performances, fire shows and a fireworks display helping cap off the celebrations.

Even outside the festival activities themselves, there was always something happening around the resort, making it especially enjoyable for families travelling with children.

The turtle conservation experiences made the stay more meaningful

One thing that truly distinguishes Resorts World Kijal from many other beach resorts is its connection to turtle conservation.

Located along a coastline known for turtle nesting, the resort incorporated baby turtle release sessions into its anniversary celebrations, allowing guests to witness hatchlings making their journey to sea.

Watching tiny turtles emerge and instinctively head towards the ocean was easily one of the most memorable moments of our stay. Beyond being a fun family activity, it also helps highlight the importance of protecting the area's fragile coastal ecosystem.

Our verdict

Resorts World Kijal may not be the newest resort on the East Coast, but that's also part of its appeal. While some areas still show signs of its 30-year history, the renovated rooms demonstrate that the property is evolving while retaining the character many returning guests have come to appreciate.

The real draw here isn't cutting-edge luxury. It's the large swimming pool, expansive grounds, direct beach access and the sheer number of activities available for families. Add unique experiences such as turtle conservation programmes and it's easy to see why the resort continues to attract holidaymakers after all these years.

If you're looking for a family getaway where the kids can stay occupied from morning to night, Resorts World Kijal remains a solid choice, and our stay during its 30th Anniversary Festival proved that it still has plenty of life left.

Featured Image Credit: Resorts World, Rojak Daily