Sabah
With flower-filled lawns, this charming accommodation has lovely chalets with wood floors and boutique accents, clustered around the pool. The restaurant…
Must-see hotels in Malaysia
Sarawak
Run by Norwegian-born Lars and his Bidayuh wife, Liza, this superfriendly, sustainable jungle homestay occupies a wooden house built on land that once…
Kuching
This riverfront property, housed in two old shophouses that were rebuilt after a fire, has a truly boutique ambience. All 24 rooms are different, with…
Pulau Perhentian
Located at the northern end of the bay, this top-end option offers 36 rooms in a modern, three-storey setting overlooking Long Beach. All rooms face the…
Kuala Terengganu
Located in the heart of Chinatown this three-storey guesthouse has spotless rooms and a friendly welcome. The cheapest rooms have no windows, but all…
Lake Gardens, Brickfields & Bangsar
Having established its brand in Bali, Alila (which means 'supreme' in Bahasa Indonesia) has opened one of KL's most appealing new hotels. The pared-back…
Sabah
Perched on a hill overlooking a beautiful 1.5km swath of sand lapped by teal-green sea, these two bijou one-bedroom cabanas, Treetops and Clifftop, have…
Johor Bahru
Complete your Legoland experience with a night or two at this Lego-tastic hotel. From the giant Lego playground in the lobby, to the themed rooms (such as…
George Town
This former Chinese medicine warehouse has been artfully restored into a boutique hotel where history seeps from every creaking floorboard. Each of its 17…
Pulau Langkawi
This clutch of minimalist, contemporary structures perched on a forested hillside forms a pleasing contrast. Choose from one of six inviting studios,…
Kuching
Setting the Kuching standard for backpacker digs, this hugely popular guesthouse, decked out with stylish Sarawakian crafts, has an unbeatable location, a…
George Town
Dating back to 1903, this once-standard hotel is seeing a new life as a sumptuous boutique property. Thoughtful details, such as fragrant, locally sourced…
Sarawak
Excellent value in Sibu, the Zuhra features simple but spotless rooms redecorated in 2018, and a top location a short walk from the city's night market…
Sabah
As the only resort on leaf-shaped Pulau Mataking, this hotel is something special. With its deluxe villas, some with private balcony, and attractive…
Melaka City
Three shophouses built in 1825 have been combined to create this classy hotel. Original features such as lofty ceilings, brick walls and wood beams…
Pulau Perhentian
Located at the northern end of Main Beach, with its own pier and good snorkelling close by, this modern resort comprises lovely wooden chalets with…
George Town
There are just four rooms at this refined shophouse B&B, set around a calm central courtyard. The tasteful rooms have a 1940s feel, with exposed brick…
Sabah
This sumptuous stilted water village sits on its own private sandbar on the Ligitan reefs and has beautiful, wood-accented rooms with finely chosen decor…
Penang
For a truly unique stay, consider a night or two at this working durian farm. Accommodation takes the form of spacious, modern villas perched on a…
Sabah
With its infinity pool, dark-wood floors, moody subdued lighting and exquisitely chosen furniture, this fine three-bedroom villa on a private beach leaps…
George Town
Tucked off a quiet street is this row of 19th-century servants' houses that have been transformed into one of central George Town's loveliest boutique…
George Town
Occupying one of George Town's most emblematic buildings, the Blue Mansion wrote the book on how to craft the ideal heritage hotel. The 18 spacious, high…
Pulau Langkawi
Sporting a youthful vibe (at least for a Four Seasons resort) and a Moroccan theme, this place is among Langkawi’s most luxurious resorts. Amenities are…
Miri
The Kingwood is one of the most comfortable and convenient places to stay in Miri. Rooms and suites blend modern and heritage decor, bathrooms feature…
Penang
Dating back to the 1940s, this is one of Batu Ferringhi’s oldest – and best – resorts. The 90 rooms are spacious and bright; a few offer personal plunge…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
