Sabah
The only accommodation on the island and it’s all about diving. The five daily meals – that’s right, five – are scheduled around the dive times. The…
Must-see hotels in Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Around 100 beautifully finished villas set in either lush jungle foliage, atmospheric mangroves, or looking out on the greens and blues of the sea. This…
Perak
Adjoining a fabulous coffee shop 1km east of the train station, The Shop is unquestionably Kuala Kangsar's best place to stay. The design is rough-hewn …
Miri
Located in the Marina Parkcity area, a modern district packed with bars, cafes and restaurants, La Mirina's trendy rooms are very good value. If you're…
Melaka City
The Omni has a guesthouse feel and a wonderful location right on the river next to the Kampung Jawa pedestrian bridge. There are only two dorms (one mixed…
Pulau Langkawi
Like a traditional Malay village, Kunang-Kunang takes the form of a clutch of antique wooden villas. The 12 units are decked out in charming retro…
Pulau Langkawi
Those looking for a quiet, home-like stay should head here. Accommodation takes the form of 12 classy villas, each with a living room and kitchenette. The…
Penang
Spread across 12 hectares, its beachside grounds shaded by historic rain trees, the Rasa Sayang is Batu Ferringhi's top resort. It's split into two wings,…
Kuching
A superb location, classy design and super-friendly staff make this an excellent choice. The swirling batik used on the hotel's facade is continued in the…
Pulau Langkawi
A two-storey wooden house serves as the centrepiece of this charming budget enclave inland from the beach strip, looked after by a friendly owner (as well…
Kelantan
Easily the best place to stay in Dabong is Rose House Dabong, a five-minute walk from the train station. Ask for Abang Din when you book. Rooms are…
Pulau Langkawi
Bon Ton takes the form of eight Malay stilt houses perched over a grassy, coconut-palm-studded plot of land, each one decked out with dark wood and…
Kuala Lumpur
Blown-up black-and-white photos of what this area looked like 50 years ago feature in the stylish rooms of this new small luxury hotel. Light filters in…
George Town
These two restored shophouses boast an attractive 1920s and '30s feel, down to the antique adverts and retro furniture. Very friendly service, a pool and…
George Town
Equal parts handsome and functional, Sweet Cili is a midrange hotel whose cool, spacious rooms, decked out with retro-themed design and furniture, all…
Gunung Mulu National Park
These eight spacious units, the park's most luxurious accommodation, are bright and modern and have their own private verandahs.
Pahang & Tioman Island
Conveniently located right at park headquarters, this eco-minded resort spreads over a large area of riverfront property. There are simple dorm rooms that…
Pulau Tioman
Melina is located on a remote beach with photogenic boulders and white sand. Each sleeping option is different, creatively designed from wood, thatch and…
Johor
Welcome to a super-chilled-out beachy paradise, with 21 comfy thatched chalets overlooking Pulau Sibu Besar's best swimming and snorkelling beach. The…
Pulau Perhentian
Alunan’s array of sleek designer pavilions cascade down a rocky, forested hillside to a compact cove. Translating to ‘Waves’ in Malay, the more remote…
Perak
A laid-back pace is instantly established at Adeline's, 6km east of Gopeng. The resort stretches across flourishing gardens, with its 21 chalets fitted in…
Pulau Tioman
The small number of rooms gives this friendly resort a boutique feel. Operated by creative folk who invest effort in their rooms, the ones to nab are the…
Ipoh
Central Ipoh's poshest business hotel smoulders with down-lit dining areas, lavish breakfasts and a small rooftop pool and cocktail bar. Rooms are fitted…
Pulau Tioman
Nabbing one of Bushman’s nine varnished wood bungalows, with their inviting wicker-furnished terraces, is like winning the Juara lottery – with…
Ye Olde Smokehouse Fraser’s Hill
Malaysia
Exposed beams, log fires, four-poster beds and chintz – the Smokehouse goes for broke on its English-charm offensive. Rooms are individually tailored,…
Singapore
If it's all in the detail, then this Peranakan-inspired hotel has nailed it. Taking inspiration from the traditional Singaporean neighbourhood that…
Kuantan
This centrally located boutique hotel has a slick lounge downstairs with very helpful staff – with chromed-out styling over six floors, while the lift…
Cherating
Surrounding a large and welcoming swimming pool and smaller paddling pool, the rooms at this resort are good value and comfortable, with flat-screen TV…
Cameron Highlands
Tucked away 10km north of Brinchang, Westwood treads a pleasing line between contemporary hostel and farmstay experience. There are four-bed dorms and…
Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan
Sandakan
The infinity pool on the 13th floor looks out over the waterfront, while the spacious rooms are blessed with wonderful views and feature big comfy beds,…
Pulau Tioman
Eight colourful bungalows await you at this friendly place. All come with wooden porches that are decorated with shells and coral, and provide direct…
Kota Kinabalu
This award-winning hotel has an international feel in its 100 rooms, with glossy floors, evocative B&W photos of Kota Kinabalu and Sabah on the walls,…
Kota Kinabalu
This brightly painted flashpackers raises the bar for hostel digs in KK. Rooms are clean and practical, but the cheapest lack windows. From the cool 'opis…
Sandakan
Decorated with murals by the former owner and former guests, this friendly and clean hostel has rooms with sea views and a rooftop area with even more…
Pulau Tioman
Escape the crowds to this plot on the far south side of Juara just before the turtle sanctuary, where boutique beach bungalows have ceiling fans, thatched…
Ipoh
Set in former workshops above trendy, redeveloped Kong Heng Sq, this design magazine-worthy boutique hotel offers rooms that are the height of industrial…
Kota Kinabalu
KK's first post-WWII hotel is plush and charming with its pink marble lobby, Persian carpets and baby grand piano. A colonial theme runs through to the…
Cherating
Cablet is a blend of the words 'cabin' and 'chalet', and that's just what you'll find at this sweet place located a short walk from the main road. The…
Kuala Lumpur
Sporting an urban vibe and appealing retro design, this boutique hotel is located steps away from Bukit Bintang's shopping and nightlife. Rooms feature…
Johor
Cheerful white huts with sky-blue shutters line the best part of the beach: the destination for a perfect do-nothing escape. Service is nonexistent – but…
