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!

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

>
• 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!

STILL NOT SURE?

• Explore our list of all the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
• Alternatively, expand your search to see our pick of the best places to stay in Malaysia.
• Or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.