Felda Residence Hot Springs

Popular with Malaysian day-trippers, Felda Residence Hot Springs attracts more daytime than overnight guests, who come to the resort for its gigantic mineral pool with slides and water features. However, some business groups do come here for team-building activities, and there are meeting facilities on-site. The property is covered with greenery, and there are small thatch-roofed picnic areas on the grounds, plus a few food vendors and an ice cream cart. The sprawling grounds also feature a lot of large grassy play areas for families (including a soccer pitch) and there are plenty of spots to explore and structures to climb on -- just beware of the multiple hot springs pools around the resort. The lobby is housed in an open-air structure with high traditional roofs and lots of ceiling fans to keep the space cool. 

The hotel is located in a remote countryside area dominated by palm oil plantations, near Sungai Klah Village. It's an hour and a half away by car from Kuala Lumpur, and an hour and forty minutes from the Kuala Lumpur Airport. Guests will need a car, as there are no attractions or eateries within walking distance. 

The Felda offers a variety of units, all with contemporary decor and a bright, clean feel. Amenities include air-conditioning, kettles, mini-fridges, and flat-screen TVs, though the TVs in some of the rooms are tiny. Decor varies by room type, but is generally dominated by neutral shades of brown, tan, black, and gray. Spacious Villas are also available, with slightly more upscale furnishings than in the rooms, including larger (but still smallish) TVs and wooden sofa sets with big plush cushions. Villas also have large outdoor patio areas and furnished kitchens with dining tables, microwaves, fridges, and four-burner stoves that make them feel home-like. Bathrooms have shower/tub combos and plenty of free toiletries, plus large mirrors and big counters.

The Felda's biggest draw is its multiple pools that range in temperature. Guests can rent out a private jetted whirlpool fed with hot spring waters or take a dip in the still reflexology pool (named as such because it sits next to a foot-stimulating pebbled walkway used for barefoot walks). Although it can be a bit warm on hot days, there's also a large hot springs pool that's suitable for wading and is flanked by lovely greenery. Next to this pool are a few small tubs filled with hot water that visitors can use to hard-boil eggs (sold at a kiosk on-site). The coolest (and largest) pool is perhaps the biggest draw, especially on hot days (which are plenty). Features of this pool include a giant waterfall, a waterslide, fountain features, and a shallow wading area for kids. Off to one side are giant inflatable bouncy houses and slides for children to play on. Along with multiple food carts and the aforementioned egg-boiling station, the hotel features Malay and Western dishes at the Meranti Restaurant as well as local dishes at the on-site Rumbia and Tempayan Cafes. Other amenities include an air-conditioned fitness center, and while the space is huge, the cardio and weight-training equipment is old and in need of a refresh. There's also conference space available for rent here and free hotel-wide Wi-Fi. Parking is free and abundant.