Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
With its lobby on level 32, it's not surprising that Singapore's Westin offers spectacular views. Peel your eyes away from the floor-to-ceiling windows to…
Must-see hotels in Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei
Sabah
This eco camp faces a pretty oxbow lake by the Kinabatangan River. Luxurious it isn't – expect wooden shelters with mattress, fragrant sheets and pillows,…
West & Southwest Singapore
Hankering for a dose of Old-World nostalgia and glamour? Villa Samadhi, housed in a tastefully restored former British officers' quarters, gives guests…
Aiman Batang Ai Resort & Retreat
Sarawak
With an elevated location above Batang Ai lake, this very comfortable resort is a popular inclusion for visitors after a few days roughing it in more…
Johor
Gilligan's is tucked away on a small sandy bay in the north of the island, scenically located opposite Pulau Dayang. With air-con rooms, restaurant, beach…
Pulau Perhentian
A favourite with divers and snorkellers, Panorama is set back a short way from the sand in party central, Long Beach. Rooms range from fan-cooled doubles…
Sabah
Built to house the production crew for the first series of Survivor, the lodge has accommodation in two types of chalets with double beds and air-con. The…
Kuala Lumpur
Checking in to this neon-accented hotel feels like sashaying into a nightclub. Mirror-clad elevators whisk you to corridors dimly lit by cloud-shaped…
Chinatown & the CBD
Right in the thick of Singapore's entertainment district, this striking Persian blue 1920s heritage house is home to one of Singapore's hippest boutique…
Pulau Langkawi
Gemalai is a complex of six kampung huts built on stilts over the paddy fields at Laman Padi. The traditionally styled rooms are comfortable and well…
Malaysia
Close to the Convention Centre and beside Putrajaya Lake, this elegantly presented resort incorporates traditional Malaysian elements (rugs, ornate murals…
Pahang & Tioman Island
The comfortable and magnificently landscaped Lake Chini Resort has good rooms facing the lake and an on-site restaurant. The 10-bed dorms are neat and…
Ipoh
Despite dashes of crimson and cushioned bed-boards, rooms at midrange Pi Hotel feel a little formulaic. But if you just want centrality and a good night's…
Chinatown & the CBD
Dark, luscious Scarlet offers great service and svelte rooms just around the corner from drinking hot spots Ann Siang Rd and Club St. In opulent jewel…
Kuching
This central, self-styled 'heritage hostel' occupies a century-old shophouse once used for radio repairs. The building still has the original ceilings,…
Johor Bahru
This smart place may seem stranded on the far side of the flyovers immediately east of central JB, but it's a short walk to the action and prices are good…
Little India & Kampong Glam
An Instagrammer's heaven, this art deco hostel in the heart of Little India is pimped out in pastel colours, bright wallpapers and an amazing lobby level…
Pulau Langkawi
This beautifully situated resort has 54 large and comfy rooms with balconies and great views of the limestone and green water at Tanjung Rhu. Service is a…
Sarawak
This central hotel's 162 rooms are spacious with neutral colours and small bathrooms. Rooms on upper floors are non-smoking and enjoy views to the river…
Little India & Kampong Glam
Riding the new wave of capsule hotels, the Pod offers sleek accommodation steps from vibrant Kampong Glam. Dorms are modern and sleep 10 to 12 in single…
Kuantan
If you prefer to be by the beach, this 304-room resort with spa is a good option up the coast on Balok Beach outside Kuantan. It's no newcomer so is a bit…
Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
With a private beach, Wisana Village is one of Redang’s most alluring places to stay. Accommodation ranges from comfortable rooms to deluxe bungalows, all…
Sepilok
This accommodation is at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, on the edge of the palm-oil plantations that surround the sanctuary. The resort comprises a…
Pahang & Tioman Island
This spacious, breezy and effortlessly luxurious 301-room resort has very amenable staff, lovely views and a solid list of amenities (including two pools,…
Sabah
This secluded, earth-friendly retreat on a river bend caters to birders and serious nature junkies. Facilities are functional, with the focus on quality…
Sentosa Island
The five-star Amara Sanctuary looks like it was transported direct from the pages of a Wallpaper-magazine spread with its infinity pool, glass walls and…
Sarawak
This lushly forested bungalow complex, on a beach-adjacent hillside, hosts macaques and silver-leaf monkeys in addition to paying guests. Accommodation…
Johor
The island’s main resort has basic, ageing beachfront and hillside chalets, bungalows and villas, but you'll be outdoors all the time so it's fine as a…
Sabah
Come here to fall gently asleep in a series of luxury chalets, adrift in simple white sheets and polished wood floors, all connected by a series of shady…
Singapore
A fabulously central location makes this a popular high-end choice. Rooms are stylish and well sized, with marble-topped writing desk, sofa and marble…
Singapore
Announced by the most grand of lobbies, this vast, opulent hotel nestles in the leafy lanes surrounding the west end of Orchard Rd. Six hectares of…
Kuala Terengganu
Awi’s is what Terengganu once was: a gathering of rustic, wooden stilt-houses built over the tidal Sungai Terengganu. The smell of fish paste, salt and…
Chinatown & the CBD
After all the sights, sounds and hustle of Chinatown, it may take a while for your senses to adjust to the calming interior of this monochromatic hotel –…
Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay
Everyone raves about IM Pei's iconic Swissôtel. It boasts one of Singapore's hippest dining complexes (Equinox Complex), the views are sublime, and…
Melaka City
Holiday Inn promises chain-brand reliability and comfort if not the most snazzy ambience. The generously sized rooms are not the most charming you'll find…
Sabah
Based on a promontory that saw a battle between local Orang Sungai (People of the River) and the Japanese in WWII, this lodge's fruit-luxuriant grounds…
Kuala Lumpur
Michael and Christina run this appealing bed-and-breakfast operation. They have houses, apartments and rooms in four nearby locations and can accommodate…
George Town
This elegant century-old villa was once the town residence of Ku Din Ku Meh, a wealthy timber merchant and colonial administrator. His home has been…
Little India & Kampong Glam
Just steps away from the bustle of Little India, Bunc is the coolest flashpacker hostel in town. A concrete floor, art installations and monochromatic…
Ipoh
With a focus on golf, fishing and bird-watching, this resort is a carefully sculpted fresh-air idyll, 20 minutes' drive south of Ipoh. Its wooden chalets,…
