Ipoh
This reinvented Ibis Styles hotel has a tasteful pomelo-inspired colour scheme and 113 snazzy rooms. The amenities befit a business hotel (good wi-fi, a…
Must-see hotels in Malaysia
Miri
In the heart of Miri’s dining and drinking district, this cosy establishment offers 13 rooms, a small kitchen, a DVD lounge and a great rooftop sundeck…
Sarawak
Located in the Bario Asal Longhouse, Bario Valley Homestay is run by the very friendly Bulan. Expect excellent food, a personally guided visit of the…
Melaka City
An arty boho vibe in the common areas and a tranquil, whitewashed courtyard give this budget 20-room guesthouse an edge. Guests can rent bikes for a…
Pulau Tioman
Spacious chalets are linked by wooden bridges over a lily pond along with tidy, air-con standard rooms in the lodge at a decent price, plus a restaurant,…
Kuala Lumpur
At this hotel for sybarites, silks and batiks lend an Asian feel to the rooms, which have every conceivable amenity. The club rooms are the ones to pick,…
Pulau Tioman
This spic and span resort was still expanding when we visited, with 135 rooms planned but just 32 open (with a partial sea view). A pool was in the works,…
Pulau Pangkor
The self-deprecating name doesn’t do justice to Budget Beach's simple but neat wooden chalets. Standard doubles have little garden-facing terraces while…
Pulau Tioman
Adik and Hasnizah’s simple beachfront hotel has rooms with individually crafted stonework, raised platform beds, air-con and colour TVs – some face the…
George Town
The latest in the GTHH collection of boutique hotels in restored heritage buildings delivers Middle Eastern chic with its tiles, carved wooden doorways…
Pahang & Tioman Island
About a 15-minute boat ride upriver from park headquarters, Nusa Holiday Village offers more of a ‘jungle camp’ feel than other places, a sense reinforced…
Kota Kinabalu
This superclean backpackers has four eight-bed dorms featuring pod-like bunks. There are three mixed dorms and one dorm is female only. The former have…
Pulau Tioman
The expanse of bungalows seemingly sprawls forever at this resort complex. Most rooms aren’t in tip-top condition, but if you look at several you’ll…
George Town
Cultivating a peaceful ambience, this women-only hostel is a welcome respite from George Town's numerous party hostels. Dorm rooms comprise mattresses on…
Kelantan
Jlawe Lodging House can be used by guests of well-regarded local guide Bukhari 'Bob' Mat. The house is located in the village of Jelawang, 5km from Dabong…
Kuching
There’s a buzzing backpacker vibe at this relaxed, Iban-run place – guests often hang out in the lounge area with the friendly management. Breakfast times…
Kota Kinabalu
Fat Rhino is bright and breezy with an in-house cafe and bar, indoor and rooftop lounges, and decent rooms and dorms (some with windows into the corridor)…
Penang
If you don't mind sleeping communally, Roomies is by far the most appealing budget option in Batu Ferringhi. The dorm has 10 beds, and is spacious, bright…
Kota Kinabalu
Occupying a fine stretch of peach-hued dunes about 45 minutes' drive north of KK's airport, this beautiful resort has its own 18-hole golf course, several…
Penang
A big, busy resort with accommodation blocks on either side of the main road. It’s a great place for families, with expansive pools and themed ‘kidsuites’…
Kuala Terengganu
This high-rise has spacious and comfortable rooms, some with harbour views. There’s a swimming pool on the 3rd floor, a dry (as in no alcohol) restaurant…
Sarawak
Sibu’s best-value hotel has 68 spotless, tile-floor rooms spread out over nine storeys and staff that are professional and friendly. It's especially…
Pulau Pangkor
Chilled-out Ombak Inn is stretched across a bougainvillea-draped garden, with walkways shaded by leaves larger than your head. Lodgings are priced by size…
Swiss-Garden Hotel & Residences
Melaka City
Swiss-Garden occupies part of the swanky Shore development. Rooms are slickly designed and spacious with all the amenities you could wish for. It also…
Mt Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park
Welcoming Lilly's is a good base close to the park entrance for budget travellers. Shared bathrooms are clean and have hot water. There's a communal BBQ…
George Town
This hotel's concept (crafted from old shipping containers) is a little fudged in that there are no real containers used! Nonetheless, its dorms, which…
Sabah
Consisting of a clutch of spacious, bamboo-accented rooms, this small, family-run resort is ideal for disconnecting and engaging in such pursuits as sea…
Kuching
The 23-storey Pullman stands on a hill, towering over its neighbours. The vast white lobby is so grandiose that the rooms – in subdued tones of aquamarine…
Sarawak
A long-standing favourite with business and leisure visitors alike, the Riverfront is low-key but has a touch of class. Try to get a deluxe room (RM115)…
Kuching
Tucked away in a side street near the river in New Chinatown, Woodpecker Lodge features a variety of room options with modern decor, plenty of information…
Sabah
Set in a horseshoe design with a decent restaurant at the centre, these 42 stilted chalets perched on the turquoise water are connected by wooden walkways…
Kuala Lumpur
A former office block has been transformed into a functional 20-storey hotel a short walk uphill from the main Changkat Bukit Bintang strip. Otherwise…
Kuala Lumpur
An old shophouse has been converted into this 44-room hotel with exposed brick walls and some cool retro design features. Not all the rooms have windows…
Mt Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park
Just 300m from the Kinabalu National Park entrance, this tasteful accommodation clinging to the mountainside is scented by the surrounding pine trees –…
Mt Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park
The trademark signing says that it's 'The coldest and highest homestay village in Malaysia',. This organisation has nine different households you can stay…
Sabah
One of the most luxurious hotels in town, Dorsett is palatial, with a columned marble lobby, outdoor pool, pleasant carpeted rooms in neutral creams and…
George Town
This distinctive, prewar shophouse has been painted a bright shade of teal and reborn as a modern, attractive boutique hotel. The eight rooms aren't huge,…
Cameron Highlands
Off the main road, and quieter for it, the family-run Cameronian Inn offers outstanding value for its simple dorms and private double and family rooms…
Melaka City
One of the more affordable house-rental options in Melaka City is Bridge Loft, which rents out rooms in three cosy shophouses steps from the Melaka River…
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
Sharing a fabulous landscaped pool and spa with the Meridien next door, the Hilton offers beautiful contemporary design. Sliding doors open to join the…
