Search the best hotels in Malaysia

About Malaysia

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.

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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!

The Best Places to Stay in Malaysia

For City Style

  • Else Kuala Lumpur is a trendy design hotel set atop a restored Chinatown landmark in Kuala Lumpur. Sleek, dusky rose interiors feature lots of light wood and woven cane. Unwind by the rooftop infinity pool, or feast at Raw Kitchen Hall & Yellow Fin Horse, the hotel's two gourmet restaurants.
  • The Prestige is an unusual George Town offering, with design-led interiors featuring dusky pinks, warm greens, brass accents & lots of glass in a big, whitewashed building. A contemporary reimagining of Victorian style with a rooftop pool, events spaces, a lively arcade and funky Glasshouse Restaurant.
  • The Ruma Hotel & Residences is a beautiful Kuala Lumpur sanctuary, with sophisticated rooms & suites featuring natural wood, rattan & brass accents. Mod-Malaysian fare at ATAS, infinity pool-side cocktails and a rejuvenating spa are highlights. Gorgeous.
  • The Ranee occupies two restored townhouses in Kuching's charming Old Town. Great for couples, friends or business travellers, the 24 suites are smart & spacious, with modern bathrooms. The bistro is excellent, and the location ideal for keen explorers. A romantic boutique choice.
  • The LUMA Hotel promises a stylish stay in Kota Kinabalu, with sleek, design-led interiors featuring natural materials, soothing dark green walls and lots of plants. There's a hip coffee shop and cracking cocktails at JOJO Gastrobar, too. For couples, friends, families or business travellers.
  • Macalister Mansion hides eight stunning contemporary suites behind a classic George Town façade. The fabulous restaurant will delight foodies; elegant dishes can be paired with 300+ wines. A grown-up spot for the design conscious.

For Beachfront Bliss

  • Pangkor Laut Resort is an opulent beach resort, surrounded by lush jungle on the coast of picturesque Pangkor Laut Island. Brilliant for a romantic honeymoon, the resort has an award-winning Spa Village, delectable cuisine and beautiful suites.
  • The Datai sits well off the beaten track, within 750 hectares of rainforest in Langkawi's northwest. Swish rooms, suites and villas feature contemporary design and natural wood, with big floor-to-ceiling windows. Brilliant for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, the resort has striking hikes, an unspoilt beach, an indulgent spa and superb Asian cuisine. Gorgeous.
  • Tanjong Jara Resort is a luxurious coastal resort, perfect for a dream honeymoon or revitalising escape. Modelled on 17th-century Malay palaces, the resort boasts sea-facing suites with opulent interiors, an award-winning spa, swimming pools, multiple dining options, tennis courts and water sports.
  • Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa offers luxurious stilted suites and villas tucked between the jungle and the shore on Gaya Island. Villas feature private plunge pools and classic Malaysian design elements, whilst the highlights are the 25-metre infinity pool, the food and the wine list. Very indulgent.
  • One & Only Desaru Coast is an exceptional property in southern Malaysia, with sleek suites & villas designed by architect Kerry Hill to merge with the lush jungle on 128 acres of beachfront land. Honeymoon or family holiday bliss with a sumptuous spa, diving, watersports and tennis.

For Couples

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  • Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion — also known as the Blue Mansion — is a splendid heritage hotel in Penang, famous as the opulent residence of a late-nineteenth century Chinese tycoon. Rooms and suites are inspired by Chinese dynasties, featuring antique pieces, intricate latticework and sunken bathtubs. Very romantic.
  • Japamala Resort is a classic honeymoon idyll with 13 stilted villas tucked amidst the jungle and overlooking the ocean on Tioman Island. Expect minimalist interiors, private balconies — sometimes a private pool — and beautiful views. Delectable dishes are served in three restaurants, and there's a soothing spa.
  • Villa Samadhi offers a tranquil, romantic experience, with 21 rooms and suites set around a lagoon-like swimming pool on the outskirts of KL. Expect minimalist interiors with bamboo touches, and private terraces with plunge pools in the larger suites. Craft cocktails at the bar — which seats just six — are terrific, as is the restaurant. An adults only spot for couples looking to unwind.
  • Liu Men Melaka is a beautiful boutique hotel in a row of restored shophouses in Malacca. Expect chic black-and-white interiors in 30 rooms & suites. The hotel restaurant, Dapur, specialises in Melaka classics, including colourful Nyonya cakes. Private events in the courtyard are fabulous. Very elegant.
  • The Lakehouse has stunning highland views from cosy guestrooms, sitting rooms with crackling fireplaces and a well-stocked bar. Unwind in romantic bliss at this 18-room idyll in the Cameron Highlands. Particularly good for couples or quiet hikers.

For Families

  • Tiger Rock is made up of four characterful villas, sleeping between 3 and 10 guests, on Pangkor. Unwind by the jungle-fringed swimming pool, play tennis or feast on Bavanni's delicious cooking. An artsy hideaway for couples, families or friends. Perfect for intimate weddings.
  • Ambong Pool Villas offers just nine villas overlooking the jungle in Langkawi. Book a three-bedroom villa for a fun-filled family or group trip, and expect contemporary interiors, a private swimming pool, yoga and cooking classes. Snorkelling trips and hikes can be arranged. The eco-ethos is fabulous.
  • Mangala Resort & Spa has cool, contemporary villas with private pools and multiple bedrooms in Kuantan. The resort's conservation efforts are impressive, there are opportunities to kayak, hike and cycle, and kids will adore the nearby Gambang Water Park.
  • Noordin Mews is a hip, 16-room hotel set in a former Peranakan shophouse in George Town. Unwind by the pool or daytime eatery before retreating to funky rooms with 1950s prints, wet room-style bathrooms and built-in spare beds for additional guests of all ages. Historic, well-located and friendly.
  • Temple Tree Resort offers a gorgeous collection of colourful heritage homes, perfect for families or couples. Pick this place for the charming historic architecture and antiques and the intimacy of the unique residences. Relax in lush gardens or by the swimming pool, cycle to the beach, and gather at Temple Tree Bar & Restaurant in the evenings. A lovely Langkawi choice.

FOR A WELLNESS RETREAT

  • The Banjaran is one of Malaysia's best spa hotels, specialising in Ayurvedic treatments and Chinese medicines. Tucked in the rainforest outside Ipoh, contemporary villas with private pools invite guests to unwind between revitalising spa treatments, gourmet dinners, jungle walks or restorative yoga.
  • Ambong Rainforest Retreat has 11 contemporary suites & cottages hidden amidst the jungle in Langkawi. Pick this adults-only lodge for the tranquil feel and the wellness focus, evident in the spa treatments, the yoga classes and the garden-grown vegan fare.

For Great Value

  • The Chow Kit promises a boutique stay in Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur's former red-light district. Rooms and suites have rattan, wood, brass and velvet pieces crafted by artisan partners. Top-notch cocktails and guided neighbourhood tours add to the appeal. A great-value gem for couples, friends or families.
  • Muntri Mews is a great value choice in Penang's George Town. Many rooms have four poster beds topped with embroidered Indian quilts, and private terraces. Loft Suites sleep six guests & the Terrace Suites sleep four; perfect for fun, affordable group trips. There's a relaxed terrace café, too.

FOR AN APARTMENT OR HOLIDAY VILLA

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

  • Fly to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Ipoh's Sultan Azlan Shah Airport, Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport, Langkawi International Airport or another regional hub. You'll find that most mainland destinations are well-connected by train, particularly if you are travelling from KL.
  • If you're confident driving in Asia, Malaysia is a beautiful destination for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Tropical and humid, Malaysia is a year-round destination. Temperatures hover around 28-33°C for much of the year, with the heaviest rainfall expected April - May and September - November. Showers are frequent and refreshing!

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The best hotels in Penang

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Muntri Mews

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.

  • Groups - With the Loft Suite sleeping 6 guests & the Terrace Suite sleeping 4, this is a top spot for a stylish & great value group trip
  • Great walks - George Town is best explored on foot with an expert guide: take a food, art or history tour, organised by the hotel team
  • Museums - Visit the Pinang Peranakan Museum or the opulent Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion for an insight into the past
  • Value chic - A great value boutique pad with heaps of character in an excellent Georgetown location
from $70 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Yeng Keng Hotel

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.

  • Families - Family-friendly suites are great for those travelling with little ones, who will also enjoy the pool & flexible café menu
  • Great walks - Take a guided walking tour of George Town's famous murals, many of which are on Chulia Street & the surrounding lanes
  • Close to nightlife - Chulia Street is an excellent location for easy access to George Town's hawker stalls, restaurants and lively bars
  • Value chic - An affordable, intimate & characterful choice on bustling Chulia Street
from $89 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The best hotels in Kuala Lumpur

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The Chow Kit

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.

  • Local exploring - Stay somewhere a little different, experiencing the bustle of historic Chow Kit rather than KL's Golden Triangle
  • Value chic - A seriously cool spot for couples, friends or families, offering great food and interiors at affordable rates
  • Local markets - Chow Kit Market — the biggest in KL — is just steps away, and absolutely not one to miss!
  • Boutique - Rated the best boutique hotel in KL two years in a row
from $57 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel

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.

  • Designer Shopping - Shop at Jalan Bukit Bintang's upscale malls & designer stores, or pick up curated gifts from small brands at hip KOME
  • Groups - Triple Rooms and connecting options are ideal for fun groups trips — as are the bar, terrace grill & swimming club
  • Close to nightlife - Party up at the rooftop Swimming Club before heading out to the bars and nightclubs of trendy Bukit Bintang
  • Business meetings - A funky modern hotel for sociable work trips, with big hot-desking tables, good wifi and a buzzy happy hour
from $67 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The best hotels in Langkawi

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Temple Tree Resort

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.

  • Cycling - Hop on the resort's complimentary bicycles to explore verdant Langkawi's little lanes - or to venture to nearby beaches
  • Watersports - Head to Pantai Cenang for sunbathing, jet-skiing, waterskiing, windsurfing, parasailing, snorkelling & kayaking
  • Romantic Break - Big suites with free-standing tubs and garden views are ideal for romantic couples
  • Families - Book a whole multi-room house for a fun-filled family or group trip
from $143 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Westin Langkawi Resort and Spa

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!

  • Beach Life - A beautiful seaside resort with water sports, a pristine private beach and stunning ocean views
  • Families - Families will love the kids' programme, spacious villas and abundance of activities
  • Hotel Entertainment - Live music evenings and themed dinners are a highlight for guests of all ages
  • Tennis - Play a family game of tennis on one of the resort's courts
from $155 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The best hotels in Borneo

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The LUMA Hotel

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.

  • Wildlife Area - Take a day trip to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, in the ocean in front of the city, to spot wildlife under and above the water
  • Trekking - Clamber up Mount Kinabalu (4095m), marvelling at the flora and fauna of the jungle, to be rewarded with epic views
  • Value chic - A chic, affordable choice for a city break, or the start of an adventure in Malaysian Borneo
  • City Style - A design-led city hotel, opened in 2022, offering fabulous food & trendy interiors
from $76 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Ranee

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.

  • Museums - Delve into local history at the impressive Sarawak Museum, the Ranee Museum, the Chinese Museum and others
  • Local exploring - Brilliantly located for exploring Kuching's Old Town on foot, just moments from the Sarawak River
  • Romantic Break - Spacious Loft Suites are very romantic — perfect for a couples' holiday
  • Restaurant - Dine at MBar&Bistro, or grab a coffee and a bite to eat at Cafe Trio's
from $82 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The best hotels in Ipoh

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M Boutique Ipoh

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.

  • City Style - The design aims to replicate pre-war shop houses found in historical Malaya, with a trendy twist
  • Value chic - With chic urban style and rooms offered at under $40 - this is a city steal
  • Designer Shopping - Shop at AEON Mall Kinta City, where you'll find designer boutiques aplenty
  • Local markets - Explore the bustling night market of Gerbang Malam
from $34 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
M Boutique Hotel Station 18

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.

  • Great walks - Follow the Ipoh Heritage Trail for a sense of the city's fascinating heritage architecture, street art and foodie scene
  • Value chic - Chic boutique design at very reasonable rates within easy reach of the city centre
  • Designer - An ultra-hip design hotel offering a contemporary aestetic and a laid-back vibe
  • Other Activities - Make a trip to Kellie's Castle - a remnant of the country's colonial past
from $37 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The best hotels in Cameron Highlands

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The Smokehouse Hotel & Restaurant

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.

  • Local exploring - A brilliant base for exploring Tanah Rata, playing golf or hiking in the Cameron Highlands
  • Golf - Play a round on the adjoining golf course, viewed from some of the rooms in the newer wing
  • Families - Large suites or the two multi-room cottages are ideal for big family or group trips
  • Great walks - Take a guided walking tour of central Tanah Rata to admire historic architecture and delve into the region's past
from $114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Lakehouse

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.

  • Romantic Break - Cosy up in a Tudor-inspired room and admire breath-taking views, enjoy romantic dinners and explore a beautiful area
  • Trekking - Jungle treks are a superb way to experience the Cameron Highlands, spotting flora & fauna along leafy paths
  • Cooking classes - Strawberry jam-making classes are a fun way to use local produce to create your own Lakehouse souvenir
  • Country Escape - A lovely rural escape for keen hikers and explorers to discover the Cameron Highlands
from $121 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia

The best hotels in Malacca

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Rosa Malacca

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.

  • Museums - Delve into Malacca's past at the Cheng Ho Cultural Museum or the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum
  • Groups - A lively, sociable hub of a hotel, perfect for family or groups trips to Malacca
  • City Style - A hip industrial feel is created through lots of exposed brick and glass
  • Local markets - Shop for souvenirs as you snack at the Jonker Walk Night Market, held each weekend
from $63 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Liu Men Melaka

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.

  • City Style - A chic boutique spot for well-heeled couples, families and friends looking to explore Malacca or celebrate something special
  • Other Activities - Journey along the Melaka River by boat, following the path of the old trade route which enabled the city to grow wealthy
  • Honeymoons - Book the Cheng Ho Suite for a spoiling honeymoon stop in a gorgeous heritage gem. Free-standing tubs are a highlight
  • Local markets - Enjoy delicious dishes, live music & handicraft shopping at the Jonker Street Night Market, 6 minutes' walk away
from $114 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia