Little India & Kampong Glam
A no-frills midrange hotel with courteous staff members, and simply furnished Western and Japanese concept rooms with sparkling bathrooms. More expensive…
Must-see hotels in Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei
Kuala Terengganu
This hotel is relatively clean and functional and provides you with an inexpensive stay that's not too far from Shah Bandar Ferry Terminal and the town…
Lahad Datu
Fresh rooms with flat-screen TV, swish decor, bathroom and air-con, plus a pleasant cafe downstairs serving Western food, make this a good waterfront…
Sarawak
Built of wood, the old hostel buildings are scuffed and dented but perfectly serviceable. Rooms have four single-storey beds lined up in a row, fridges…
Pahang & Tioman Island
This hotel has clean rooms (mostly with no windows) that are reasonably priced. Throw in its brightly decorated ground-floor cafe Kopi Chantek and bakery…
Kuching
If it’s modern comforts you’re after, this 243-room tower, 13 storeys high, offers decent facilities for reasonable prices. Breakfast is RM20 per person…
George Town
This place is a handsome, meandering shophouse turned family-run boutique hotel. The rooms, although clean and comfortable, lack the charm of the communal…
Kuala Lumpur
In a great location with designer studios and one- and two-bedroom suites which are pretty spacious and well maintained; the Parkroyal's facilities…
Kuantan
This hotel has spartan doubles, singles, triples and quads with TVs – it's good value for the price, though rooms can be a bit cramped and smoky and the…
Kedah
A makeover at this long-standing hotel has left the lobby area looking relatively contemporary and jazzy. Though the rooms don’t quite match up, they are…
Penang
The two floors of plain but clean rooms are at the edge of the beach at Teluk Bahang and look over the fishing pier. The hotel is located near the…
Kota Belud
Centrally located, with largely forgettable but clean beige rooms. A decent cafe downstairs serving Malay dishes. Port in a storm if you happen to get…
Sarawak
Each of the six simple but comfortable cabins has two rooms: one air-conditioned bedroom and a fan-cooled living room, each with a double and single bed …
Pulau Langkawi
Turn down a narrow lane next to Laman Padi at the northern end of Pantai Cenang to reach this guesthouse, which offers basic rooms and a dorm in a…
Mr Janggai, Bilit Homestay Coordinator
Sabah
Mr Janggai is the go-to guy for organising your homestay in Bilit village. Three-day, two-night rates, which include river cruises and trekking, run at…
Kuantan
Among the better of the budget choices, the ageing Kosma lacks the boutique vibe of some of the newer midpriced hotels but is centrally located and…
Kuching
A comfortable, modern hotel housed in a redesigned commercial building (painted an unmissable orange) that offers good-value rooms in a convenient…
Brunei Darussalam
Run by a friendly couple, Lukat offers spic-and-span rooms and personable service. They're happy to give free rides to Bangar jetty. Call for directions.
Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
Hotel Seri Malaysia offers bland but reasonably comfortable rooms. It is found north of the jetty – far enough to be inconvenient if you are on foot.
Sabah
Mariner's rooms are recently renovated and spacious, with laminate floors, psychedelic art on the walls, fridges and clean bathrooms. Decent breakfast.
Sabah
Friendly homestay offers a big menu of cultural activities in a semi-traditional Malay home near Ranau. Call or Facebook message to arrange transport.
Johor
Jungle cabins and basic hotel rooms in the foothills of Gunung Ledang. The resort also arranges expeditions and activities for large groups.
Kuala Lumpur
This clean and well-run place offers excellent value if you book online in advance. Rooms have TVs and attached bathrooms with rain showers.
George Town
Cintra offers cool, spacious rooms, which aren't equipped with TV, but friendly staff and the attached cafe serve as ample distractions.
Sarawak
These attractive cabins have a living room with couch, chairs and dining table, and three bedrooms with a total of 10 beds. Fan cooled.
Johor
For a fleeting view of the river try this solid budget option that offers clean but rather musty basic rooms; river views cost double.
Malaysia
This hotel is located above a KFC, with Christmas-coloured rooms that are spacious if frumpy. An acceptable crash pad for a night.
Mukut Harmony Resort & Chalets
Pulau Tioman
This place has seven simple chalets on a grassy garden plot near the jetty. Wi-fi is available near the reception area only.
Pulau Perhentian
Basic rooms with beds featuring mosquito nets in either a longhouse or individual bungalows set back from Coral Bay's beach.
Pulau Tioman
On the southern section of beach, these simple and old-but-clean bungalows have fans, mosquito nets and attached bathrooms.
Sarawak
The longhouse-style Forest Hostel is fan cooled and has an attached bathroom. Rooms sleep four in bunk beds or double beds.
Sarawak
The two cabins each sleep eight (there are two double beds in each room), and have attached bathrooms and air-con.
Sarawak
A large family house in the village's grassy main square opposite the church. Electricity from 6pm to 11pm only.
Mt Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park
Clean, comfortable, 20-bed hostel (choose between four- and six-bed dorms) with fireplace and drink-making area.
Bawang Assan Homestay Programme
Sarawak
A homestay program at an Iban longhouse a 40-minute drive from Sibu.
Mt Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park
Small, well-scrubbed twin rooms that share common bathrooms. There is an inviting common lounge.
Sarawak
Each rustic, two-bed room has a wood-plank floor, a private bathroom, a fridge and a fan.
Sarawak
A comfortable, homey hostel with three small rooms containing four beds. Fan cooled.
Perhentian Cabana Cafe & Campsite
Pulau Perhentian
Nylon tents under a tarp provide some of the cheapest accommodation on the island.
