Malaysia’s Top 5 Boarding Schools Parents Highly Approve Of!
Before you ask, yes, boarding schools in Malaysia are nothing like what you see in those teen dramas with all the angst, secret societies and ghosts—or are they? Nah, I’m just kidding.
But, if you’re looking forward to finding out which schools are making the grade and setting the bar sky-high for education (spoiler alert: it’s not just about who has the fanciest dorms), then you really gotta stick around.
I promise it’s going to be more enlightening than my cousin’s attempt at explaining the plot of “Inception” after watching it for the first time; bless his heart.
How much is the typical cost of attending boarding schools in Malaysia? In Malaysia, boarding school fees can range anywhere from RM 20,000 to RM 80,000 per academic year. This cost generally includes tuition, room and board, and may sometimes cover additional expenses such as uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities. |
1. Marlborough College Malaysia
Address: Jalan Marlborough, 79200 Iskandar Puteri, Johor
Phone: +6075602200
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 1 PM
We recently had a chance to visit Marlborough College Malaysia, and honestly, we came away impressed.
The school holds its own in terms of academics. Students are consistently scoring top marks and snagging spots at prestigious universities, which speaks volumes about the education here.
Diving into their support system, we were struck by how comprehensive it is. They’ve truly got every base covered, from academic counseling to mental health services, showing a genuine investment in the students’ overall well-being.
Plus, the breadth of courses they offer is impressive, catering to all kinds of interests, from the sciences to the arts.
The school’s sports complexes and arts theaters blew us away! It’s clear that a lot of thought has gone into creating an environment that nurtures learning and personal development.
About the cost—yes, it’s steep, and we won’t sugarcoat it. Moreover, the somewhat remote location might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
Despite these, the common consensus among the parents we chatted with is that the quality of education and the breadth of opportunities make it worth the investment.
Pros
- Strong academic reputation
- Comprehensive student support system
- Wide range of courses offered
- Top-notch facilities
Cons
- Pricey
- Location might be inconvenient for some
Customer Reviews
Warm community and impressive facilities
“Visited this school recently. Lovely buildings, and extensive campus with lots of facilities. All the staff were friendly and a the whole college had a very safe environment and close knit community.”
— Jessica Kitchen, Google Review
Inspiring environment, compassionate community
“The grounds of the school are beautiful (especially the lake), the facilities are well kept and modern, the staff are extremely friendly, welcoming and helpful. The list can go on… This school encourages Compassion, Companionship and Conversation, therefore, resultantly, MCM will leave you greatly inspired!”
— Mia Gillies, Google Review
2. Kolej Tuanku Ja’afar (KTJ)
Address: 71700 Mantin, Negeri Sembilan
Phone: +6068505555
Business Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday – 8:30 AM to 1 PM
- Sunday – Open 24 hours
Our team scouted KTJ in Mantin, and honestly, it’s got its charm for a boarding school. The word around is that KTJ knocks it out of the park academically, and we saw the proof hanging on their wall of fame—the grads are acing it.
They’ve got a solid support squad that’s all about keeping those teen spirits high. We’re talking mindfulness sessions, study groups, and the works.
When we poked around the campus, the sports facilities had us secretly wishing we could enroll. We’re talking Olympic-sized pools and football fields worthy of the pros!
We were also able to have a little chat with some folks who’d had their kids here, and they were all smiling about the perks the place has served up.
And another thing that had us agreeing with them was the school’s price. It’s a bit heavy on the wallet.
Also, they point out that it’s more the travel—the spot’s nestled away, which is great for peace and quiet but not so much, especially since some of them live in the city center.
Pros
- Excellent academic record
- Diverse course selection
- Stellar sports and recreational facilities
- Campus instills serenity and focus
Cons
- Higher cost bracket
- Remote location might deter some
Customer Reviews
Inclusive excellence, engaging experiences
“I have been studying here since August 2019 and this school has been the best school ever! All the teachers and friends are super nice and the environment here is super environmentally friendly. The courses here are also all super interesting including; food tech, swimming and much more! If you are ever looking for a place to study for your child I would recommend going to KTJ International School.”
— Adelia Nayli Mohd Nazir, Google Review
Outstanding school
“I think the school is highly recommended for its A Level but not really for IGCSE. Most of their Form 5 students leave the school after the IGCSE, only a few stay on. Their A Level students are mostly from outside and the scholars.”
— Lay Hong Goh, Google Review
3. Dalat International School
Address: Jalan Tanjung Bungah, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
Phone: +6046852100
Business Hours: Monday to Friday – 8 AM to 5 PM
First off, Dalat International School in Tanjung Bungah is practically setting the standard for boarding schools in the area. What grabs us first is its academic reputation—students come out ready to take on the world.
It’s truly remarkable that Dalat has a comprehensive support system. From our surveys, we noted that it caters to both the educational and personal needs of its students.
When it comes to course offerings, Dalat has a wide array, covering everything from the arts to the sciences.
And after roaming around the campus, the state-of-the-art facilities confirmed our high expectations, leaving us thoroughly impressed.
Although the fees are on the higher side, the consensus among parents and students is unanimous: the cost is justified. It’s the old ‘you get what you pay for,’ and in this case, the investment seems to be paying off big time.
However, a point to consider is the school’s secluded nature. While this creates a safe and focused environment—a feature many appreciate for its intention to keep distractions at bay—it may not be suited to everyone’s preferences.
Pros
- Top-tier academic programs
- Wide range of courses
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Positive parent and student feedback
Cons
- High cost
- Quite secluded location
Customer Reviews
Exceptional university preparation
“This is an amazing little school. It definitely prepares students for university and shapes their character to be leaders and contributors to society.”
— Than.Christi, Google Review
Superb Christian school, exceptional workplace
“An excellent Christian school and an outstanding place to work.”
— Jason Hamilton, Google Review
4. Malay College Kuala Kangsar
Address: Jalan Tun Razak, 33000 Kuala Kangsar, Perak
Phone: +6057761400
Business Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8 AM to 1 PM, 2 PM to 5 PM
- Friday – 8 AM to 12 PM, 2:45 PM to 5 PM
Academically, Malay College Kuala Kangsar is a powerhouse. We heard from past students that the preparation they got really set them up for success later on.
What we found most striking is the balance they’ve nailed between academic rigor and comprehensive student support.
During our visit, we were particularly impressed with how well MCKK balances intense academic challenges with strong support for its students. The array of courses and extracurricular activities available is another thing we loved here.
The academic achievements at MCKK speak for themselves, with students frequently leading in competitive standings. We were even more impressed with how they tailor this support to meet individual needs.
It’s important to note that the tuition fees are on the higher side. However, the school offers a significant number of scholarships and financial aid options
From our conversations and observations, it’s clear that MCKK is deeply committed to excellence in every aspect. If you’re on the lookout for a school that supports and challenges its students, MCKK deserves your consideration.
Pros
- Comprehensive course offerings
- Strong academic track record
- Diverse extracurricular activities
- State-of-the-art facilities
- Investment in well-rounded development
Cons
- High cost
- Perceived as traditional
Customer Reviews
Grateful encounter, hospitable stay
“Alhamdulillah I have visited MCKK.
After participating in a basketball competition in Penang, we were taken by Coach Liew and Ms. Azmi (deceased) to spend the night at the MCKK dormitory before returning to Indonesia.
Effective because I met all the good people.”
— Yadriansyah Taufik, Google Review
Best school
“Best in its class”
— Nor Shidi, Google Review
5. SBPI Gombak
Address: Batu 8, Jln Sungai Pusu, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Phone: +60361863050
Business Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday – 12 PM to 6:30 PM
- Thursday and Saturday – 12 PM to 6 PM
SBPI Gombak has a well-earned reputation for academic excellence, consistently delivering strong results. When we visited the campus, it was clear that they’ve struck a fantastic balance between discipline and support in their learning environments.
Upon looking around, we were able to witness on-going classes, and the teachers were super engaged, which is always a good sign.
Moreover, the school’s facilities are really impressive, with everything from top-notch science labs to big sports areas. It’s no surprise that the fees are on the higher side.
But, having spoken with graduates and their families, we’ve come to understand that the quality of education and the outcomes justify the investment.
And what really stood out to us was how great the support system for students is. SBPI Gombak really focuses on giving each student the individual attention they need, and it shows from the glowing feedback we received from the students.
Pros
- Top-notch academicsHolistic approachExcellent student supportVariety in coursesModern facilities
Cons
- Higher cost spectrum
- Competitive selection process
Customer Reviews
The best school
“Almost the excellent school in Malaysia”
— Razali Othman, Google Review
Convenient location, comprehensive facilities
“Located close to Kuala Lumpur City, making it easy for students to go to the city during outings. Various facilities are available at this school, and the facilities are complete. Among the three SBPs that have an auditorium. The area is packed with school buildings, because INTEGOMB’s land area is small.”
— Zahin Zakian, Google Review