Kuala Lumpur
It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of KL when staying at this gorgeous boutique property that epitomises Southeast Asian chic. The black polished…
Kuala Lumpur
It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of KL when staying at this gorgeous boutique property that epitomises Southeast Asian chic. The black polished…
Pulau Pangkor
An impeccably managed private island resort lies west of Pulau Pangkor, reachable only by prebooked guests on a 20-minute boat transfer from Marina Bay…
Sabah
Located on the bank of an oxbow lake, far from any village, this wonderful place is great for wildlife spotting. Digs are simple: six twin rooms with bug…
Malaysia
Woven into the jungle, Sekeping Serendah is a back-to-nature retreat with an appealing rough-luxe style. Accommodation is accessed by a boardwalk that…
Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
The manicured grounds of Terrapuri Heritage Village resemble a film set about the lives of sultans of yore. Meaning ‘Land of Palaces’, Terrapuri is equal…
Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort
Sabah
The most eco-conscious of all Pulau Mabul's lodges, this place attracts a younger international crowd. Super-fresh chalets come with porches and bathrooms…
Perak
Thrillingly remote Belum Eco Resort perches on a private island, thick with jungle and teeming with wildlife. Twelve A-frame chalets (electricity evenings…
Kota Bharu
Pasir Belanda Homestay, around 4km from the centre of Kota Bharu, is one of Kelantan’s choicest options. Three sizes of traditional Malay homes have been…
Poring Hot Springs
A 45-minute jungle walk from Poring (meet at Nongling Restaurant at 3pm daily), this eco-camp is surrounded by forest and has two gin-clear rivers to…
Pulau Pangkor
Hidden deep in the jungle 1km south of Pangkor Town, Tiger Rock offers romantic rooms decorated with vintage flair. Local artwork and upcycled materials…
Lahad Datu
Winning applause for its cycling excursions in the area, and the quality of its accommodation, B&T is run by friendly Swiss/Malay couple Itisha and Simon…
Sabah
Named one of the Unique Lodges of the World by National Geographic, this is the most upscale place on the river. It has beautifully appointed split-level…
Sarawak
The flagship Batang Ai accommodation for Borneo Adventure, Nanga Sumpa features surprisingly stylish rooms – some with private bathroom – wooden verandahs…
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
Originally opened in 1932 and the pre-WWII KL equivalent of Raffles in Singapore, the impeccably restored Majestic is one of the city's top luxury hotels…
Taiping
Unquestionably Taiping's most attractive place to stay, this complex of villas is alive with durian trees, palm groves and teeming ponds. Chalets have an…
Cameron Highlands
In a sea of faux-colonial resorts, Bala's is the real deal. A boarding school in colonial times, the mock-Tudor resort is centred on a 1930s bungalow,…
Kota Bharu
Zeck and Miriam Zaki’s home, located in a peaceful nook north of the city centre, is a great way to experience Malaysian kampung (village) life in the…
Malaysia
Beautifully designed and lushly planted with lily ponds, birds of paradise, bromeliads and palms, this highly awarded five-star has over-the-water chalets…
Perak
Stepping inside Banjaran Retreat, fish-filled water features and Grecian urns instantly establish the resort's sheer opulence. The spacious villas – some…
Pulau Langkawi
Tucked away in a calm garden on the landward side of the main Pantai Tengah road, La Pari-Pari has an easy, tropical vibe, a great restaurant, and a small…
Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
Located on Pulau Gemia, 800m north of Pulau Kapas, this resort offers breezy bungalows set right over the edge of a reef – watch schools of fish and black…
Sabah
Set beside the Danum River, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is for Indiana Jones types with healthy wallets – adventure combined with luxury, if you will. If you…
Kuala Lumpur
A contemporary sculpture of a white tiger prowling the lobby and a slide into its restaurant are just a couple of the fun, creative touches at this…
Ipoh
This stylish boutique property invites you to step inside with a gorgeous greenery-festooned timber frontage and an intimate, shady cafe tucked into a…
Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
Hidden in a rocky nook on the island’s southern end, Kapas Turtle Valley has eight bungalows – all furnished with colourful local batik – and sits above a…
Melaka City
Claw-foot tubs and polished four-poster beds are just some of the trappings at this regal hotel. The bar, library and dining areas groan with nostalgia …
Pulau Langkawi
On the adjoining plot to Bon Ton, sister hotel Temple Tree raises the stakes with a collection of antique structures relocated from various points in…
Melaka City
Sleeping four, this gorgeously restored shophouse has kept the big old beams and original exposed brickwork but has been updated with stylish contemporary…
Johor Bahru
Opened in 2019, this top pick for both the budget- and style-conscious features comfy, twin- and queen-size bunk beds with plush linens and privacy…
Sarawak
Tucked away in the quiet Malay village of Santubong, this place exudes serenity. Rooms with belian (ironwood) floors and four-poster beds are arranged…
Pulau Perhentian
Family-run D'Lagoon is the sole property on a tranquil bay, Teluk Kerma, with fine coral a short swim from the beach. Accommodation ranges from camping…
Taiping
In a high-ceilinged 1930s shophouse, cheerful Sojourn has four-bed dorms with pod-style bunks – that means more privacy and less rocking from the top bunk…
Melaka City
Why merely tour one of Melaka's heritage buildings when you can stay overnight in one? Inhabiting a superbly renovated 1822 Peranakan mansion, this hotel…
Cameron Highlands
Old-school hostel friendliness meets modern amenities at Father's, where staff go the extra mile to help guests get the best out of the Cameron Highlands…
Chinatown, Merdeka Square & Bukit Nanas
This chic pit stop for flashpackers offers a Zen decor featuring polished concrete and has a particularly attractive central courtyard. Mixed and female…
Melaka City
There's a fun flashpacker vibe at this great budget choice. The cheapest rooms are in mock 'caravans' on the ground floor, each given a famous star's name…
Sepilok
Beside an ornamental pond, this beautiful wood-accented hotel is a study in comfort, with mature trees shading its two-tiered central lodge, and carriage…
Sarawak
After a few nights upriver, the Velton Inn's cool, spacious air-con rooms and slick bathrooms with excellent rainforest showers could be just what you…
George Town
Occupying a former mansion, its kitchen and stables, 23 Love Lane tastefully combines antique furniture and fixtures with modern design touches and arty…
Sarawak
This 16-room, longhouse-style guesthouse with valley views is full of evocative photographs, each with a story that owners Lucy and David Labang will…