Tremendously varied, Malaysia is a too-often underrated Asian holiday destination. We adore exploring its bustling cities, hiking through dense rainforest to spot birds and monkeys, and unwinding on the golden beaches of its tranquil islands. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or with friends and family, Malaysia is a hugely appealing country to discover, with a superb array of excellent accommodation options fit for a range of tastes and budgets. Featuring beautiful beach resorts, city boltholes and restful nature-focused retreats, our list of the best places to stay in Malaysia promises the perfect guide to get you started.
Glitzy Kuala Lumpur offers a marvellous introduction to Malaysia, or a stand-alone destination for a fun-filled city break. Expect imposing heritage buildings, fantastic museums, hip speakeasies and world-class dining options in a city that never sleeps. For a sense of the historic Straits trading ports which brought immense wealth to the region, journey to Malacca or Penang; easily accessible by train and ferry. Both well-preserved and appealingly walkable cities are brilliant for culture buffs, art lovers and foodies. Penang’s street food is famously unparalleled.
For cooler climes, head up to Ipoh and the Cameron Highlands, home to vast tea plantations and farmland. Beachgoers, on the other hand, will find gorgeous hotels and resorts on buzzy Langkawi or peaceful Pangkor. If you’re dreaming of adventurous hikes, canopy walks, diving and wildlife spotting, look no further than the Malaysian part of Borneo, known for its rare orang-utans and extensive conservation efforts. With a vast array of natural wonders, this really is a magical country to discover. Plot your route from one of the best places to stay in Malaysia to another, and prepare to soak it all in!
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Penang (Georgetown)
An excellent value chic boutique in old Georgetown. Charming rooms have traditional elements with four-poster beds, soft fabrics and teak balconies overlooking the garden. Lovely little cafe and close to Penang's attractions. Perfect for families or those on a budget.
Penang (George Town)
A charming 200-year-old residence on popular Chulia St, this quirky little hotel is an affordable George Town base for couples, friends or families. Rooms & suites have vintage pieces, bright yellow or green walls & space for extra beds. Enjoy buffet breakfasts, a pool & events in the courtyard.
Kuala Lumpur
A hip boutique hotel for well-heeled couples, friends or families in KL's former red-light district. Artisan partners have crafted rattan, wood, brass and velvet pieces for chic rooms and suites. With top-notch cocktails, innovative cuisine & guided neighbourhood tours, this is a great-value gem.
Kuala Lumpur (Bukit Bintang)
A sociable Bukit Bintang hub with a funky retro vibe, this is a top spot for fun group holidays or lively work trips. Set in central KL, Journal has flexible room options with multiple beds, desks & city views. Expect communal work or event spaces, two eateries & buzzy rooftop pool parties.
Langkawi (Pantai Cenang)
A beautiful collection of colourful heritage houses, many of which have multiple rooms & suites for family or group trips. Expect quirky, antique-filled interiors. Temple Trees Bar & Restaurant is the sociable hub of the resort, and the pool and gardens are lovely. Can also be very romantic.
Langkawi
A stunning beach resort with fantastic views over the Andaman sea. Beautiful rooms & suites are decorated in creams with slanting oak roofs. Fantastic Malaysian cuisine, multiple infinity pools, dining terraces and a spa that provides specialist treatments. A highly luxurious island paradise!
Kota Kinabalu (Kota Kinabalu, Sabah)
A hip, design-led hotel in buzzy Kota Kinabalu. Great for families, friends, couples or business travellers looking for slick, modern interiors with sleek, polished wood, green-painted walls and a minimalist vibe. Plus there's a trendy coffee shop & Asian eatery with cracking cocktails.
Kuching (Kuching)
A chic 24-room boutique base in two restored townhouses in Kuching's Old Town. Great for couples, friends or business travellers, simple suites are smart & spacious, with modern bathrooms. Feast at the bistro after museum trips, river cruises and national park treks. Stylish, central & romantic.
Ipoh (Perak)
A chic hotel lending a modern twist to design reminiscent of the pre-war Malaysian shop houses. Spacious rooms feature exposed brick and retro touches but the bathrooms are indulgent and contemporary and the linen crisp and white. The all-day cafe is a social space. A trendy and central city base.
Ipoh (Taman Pengkalan Jaya, Station 18 )
An undeniably cool lifestyle hotel offering hip contemporary design, a lively all-day restaurant, and boutique clothes store. Monochrome throughout, down to the wallpaper and even bath products. With rooms offered from under $50 - this is the perfect city escape.
Cameron Highlands (Tanah Rata)
A collection of rooms, suites & cottages in a historic Tudor-style building overlooking the golf course. Expect period interiors with four-poster beds & antiques. The highlights are the restaurant's hearty British roasts & afternoon teas, and the English country garden. For families & friends.
Cameron Highlands
A country house hotel near the Lake with a long Scottish heritage. A charming Highland sitting room, English high teas, Scotch whisky, and fantastic views over the lake. Bedrooms, suites, and family suites have fireplaces, four poster beds, and sumptuous fabrics. Ideal for an escape to the country.
Malacca
An award-winning design hotel with a pared-back industrial vibe — think exposed brick walls, glass and steel — Rosa is a gathering place for sociable visitors of all ages. Brilliant for meetings and events, the hotel has a lively courtyard restaurant, a gym and flexible room options. Great fun.
Malacca
Restored pre-war shophouses hide chic, Art Deco-inspired rooms & suites with monochrome interiors, crisp white linens & big free-standing tubs. Some rooms have rooftop views & private terraces. The courtyard is ideal for celebratory dinners & charming Malacca is on your doorstep. Boutique bliss.
