Pulau Tioman
This new resort of concrete rooms, chalets and luxurious villas sticks out from the low-key village surroundings, but does provide a previously…
Must-see hotels in Malaysia
Pulau Perhentian
The 18 villas here are possibly the most high-end option on the Perhentian islands. The air-conditioned units have private terraces, hot showers and huge,…
Sarawak
The traditional, 100-door Iban longhouse Rumah Patrick Libau, which is home to about 400 people, operates an informal homestay program. Accommodation is…
Sabah
Welcoming staff await in this fine eco-conscious lodge, run by River Junkie and divided into the Civet Wing dorm-style huts and the Agamid Wing with twin…
Gunung Mulu National Park
A very friendly and homely place with beds crammed into small rooms and basic, clean, outdoor bathrooms. Owner Dina cooks buffet-style lunches (RM15) and…
Johor
Cheaper digs at this 10-room resort are in stylish A-frames while the more expensive options are in huge, louvred wood bungalows – all exuding a tropical…
Kota Kinabalu
Smart and sleek, the Hilton has many modern touches. Rooms are straightforward international style with sumptuous beds, big TV and neutral colour scheme…
Malaysia
Talents succeeds surprisingly well in its attempt to export Australia-style motor inns to Malaysia. The result involves simple, clean rooms with fridges,…
Melaka City
Staff do a great job keeping the atmosphere at this old-style backpacker joint sociable, particularly in the laid-back rooftop cafe-bar. Beds in the 18…
Sarawak
A welcoming, well-run hotel whose 15 spotless, good-sized rooms come with comfortable mattresses, hot water, TV, phone and mini-fridge. Easily the best…
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Manukan Island Resort, managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, has the only non-camping accommodation on the island. It comprises a restaurant, swimming pool,…
Pulau Perhentian
Coral View has a great location at the northern end of Main Beach – the best end for swimming and snorkelling. Rooms range from fan-cooled, two-bed…
Sarawak
Located near Bario's police station, Tarawe Lodge is run by the friendly Lian Tarawe. Accommodation includes a shared longhouse room, double rooms and a…
Pulau Perhentian
The Azman family runs this small resort and restaurant on the eastern edge of the beach. The fan-cooled bungalows are comfortable and have two beds; air…
Kuala Lumpur
Two 1920s shophouses have been combined to create this antique-style, boutique property, which oozes tropical charm with four-poster beds, dark-wood…
Pulau Perhentian
A collection of smartly furnished, dark-brown bungalows is situated around a beautifully manicured garden courtyard. All rooms are comfortable, with the…
Sarawak
Operated by experienced guide David Atu and his wife, Jenni, this basic but comfortable lodge has five rooms, and a verandah that's perfect for watching…
Penang
Despite being on the 2nd floor of a seemingly abandoned shopping complex, Roomies Suites is easily Batu Ferringhi's best midrange option. The 13 rooms…
George Town
This large heritage shophouse has been converted into a secluded-feeling small hotel. The seven rooms vary considerably, with some spanning two floors,…
Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur
One of several new luxury hotels to debut in KL during 2018, the Four Seasons stands out for its prime location and subdued, tasteful approach. Rooms,…
Kota Kinabalu
Built in 1967, the Hyatt looks decidedly dated from the outside, but inside it's a marble oasis of soaring ceilings, dark-wood chic and an inviting open…
Sabah
This clutch of cabins in a lofty hilltop location makes for an ideal retreat from Tenom's bustle. Owned by coffee-growing legend Foong Choon Sang, they…
Kuala Lumpur
A lively location and good facilities, including a decent-sized pool, Jacuzzi and gym, mark out this stylish hotel of studios and apartments. Minimal self…
Kota Kinabalu
Four-star comfort with a glass-and-wood-accented lobby and soothing lighting seguing blue to pink. Rooms are less inventive with international, somewhat…
Mt Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park
On the site of an earlier resort, Mountain Valley is much modernised version of the hill station mansion. In keeping with what was the original…
Pulau Perhentian
Look no further if you’re after a more remote Perhentians stay. Mari Mari is constructed solely of recycled and salvaged material, and there’s a Robinson…
Pulau Perhentian
This established property has 45 bungalows on the beach. All are comfortable, spacious and clean, and the more expensive ones have sea views and air…
Mt Kinabalu & Kinabalu National Park
A newer sibling to nearby J Residence, Ayana has stylish rooms boasting dark-timber accents and white linen. Rooms are set in a steep, landscaped garden…
Pulau Tioman
These six well-kept chalets are in a stupendous location, perched quietly on rocks on the northern end of the beach at ABC, surrounded by bougainvillea…
Cameron Highlands
Once you get past the cupcake wallpaper, this clean, homely guesthouse on the eastern side of Brinchang's one-way system is one of the Highlands' best…
Pulau Perhentian
Simple tents resting on bamboo decks sit in a shady (and bug-infested) rainforest glade. Shared toilets and bathrooms are rudimentary, but the real…
George Town
Badminton rackets and other sports memorabilia (including from Malaysia's Olympic medal winners) decorate the lobby of this appealing conversion of a…
Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
D’Coconut Lagoon, the island’s best accommodation, has two separate areas, joined by a forest track, each with its own private beach, restaurant, bar and…
Malaysia
Plump modern beds set against a pared-down industrial aesthetic…always a satisfying combination. The 48-room VI is one of Kuala Selangor's more…
Pulau Perhentian
This pretty wooden house rises over a series of low-slung, teak bungalows. It's popular with domestic tourists and those seeking a budget backpacker vibe…
Semporna
This guesthouse, a short walk from the waterfront, is part a row of shops. Rooms are spotless and furnished either with a bunk bed, a bunk bed and a…
Sarawak
Surrounded by a verdant fruit and vegetable garden where you can pick your own pineapples, this sustainably run farm offers accommodation in two neat…
Pahang & Tioman Island
This large hotel has decent and large, if somewhat bland, rooms that come with flat-screen TVs and rather wobbly wi-fi, but staff are courteous and the…
George Town
With 1950s film posters and old radios, the nostalgic theme goes back further than the ’80s, but why quibble when the welcome is warm? Modern, bunk-style…
Johor
Located on the west side of the island and equipped with a spa, a pool and a bar for sunset viewing, the 88-room Tad Marine Resort has a variety of garden…
