Finding Accommodation in Malaysia: Best Areas, Stays and Costs for Comfortable Travel

Who This Malaysia Accommodation Guide Is For

Malaysia is often marketed as a place for budget backpacking, jungle treks and street‑food adventures—and it absolutely is. But it’s also an excellent destination if you prefer comfortable hotels, modern apartments and the occasional splurge with skyline or seafront views.

We’ve written this guide for travellers who are:

• Past the noisy‑hostel stage
• Happy to pay a bit more for comfort, good sleep and walkable locations
• Travelling solo, as a couple, with friends or with family

If you like the idea of stylish city hotels, seafront resorts, cosy heritage stays and scenic rainforest retreats—rather than party streets and basic dorms—this page will help you decide:

• Which areas work best for the kind of trip you want
• What types of accommodation to book
• Roughly how much you can expect to pay

Best Types of Accommodation in Malaysia 

Malaysia has everything from simple guesthouses to ultra‑luxury city and island resorts. If, like us, you prefer comfort and convenience over the absolute cheapest bed, these options usually work best:

City Hotels

In major cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang (George Town) and Johor Bahru, we prefer to stay in modern, mid‑range or upscale hotels with:

• Comfortable beds and proper soundproofing
• Reliable air‑conditioning (essential in the tropical heat)
• Strong Wi‑Fi and decent workspaces
• Easy access to public transport or ride‑hailing

They’re ideal if you want a stress‑free base with all the basics taken care of, especially for short city stays and stopovers.

Serviced Apartments & Aparthotels

Serviced apartments are one of our favourite ways to stay in Malaysia, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and bigger cities:

• Great for longer trips or remote work
• Handy for families and small groups
• Kitchenette, living area and laundry make day‑to‑day travel much easier

You’ll find plenty of aparthotel‑style options near KLCC, Bukit Bintang and other central areas. They’re perfect if you like the flexibility of self‑catering but still want a reception desk, security and housekeeping.

Boutique & Heritage Hotels

In places like George Town (Penang), Melaka and older neighbourhoods of Kuala Lumpur,  look for small boutique or heritage properties. Expect:

• Restored shophouses and colonial‑era buildings with character
• Personal service and a more “local” feel
• Locations that put you close to cafés, markets and street food

These are great for couples, friends or solo travellers who enjoy staying somewhere with a strong sense of place.

Beach Resorts & Island Chalets

Malaysia’s islands and coasts—Langkawi, Penang, Perhentian Islands, Redang, Tioman and parts of Borneo—offer:

• Beachfront resorts with pools, spa facilities and on‑site dining
• Simple chalets and bungalows just back from the sand
• Family‑friendly stays with easy access to the water

Look for mid‑range and above properties that balance comfort with good locations, rather than the absolute cheapest beach hut.

Rainforest Lodges & Nature Retreats

In Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak), the Cameron Highlands and national park areas, you’ll find:

• Jungle lodges and eco‑resorts
• Tea‑plantation stays and cool‑climate guesthouses
• Nature‑focused retreats with guided walks and activities

These can be a highlight of a Malaysia trip—just double‑check access (you may need transfers or a car) and what’s included in the rate (meals, tours, park fees etc.) before booking.

Where to Stay in Malaysia: Best Areas for Comfortable Travel

This section is designed to help you avoid the noisiest nightlife strips and pick areas that work well for sleep, sightseeing and getting around.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is usually the first stop for most visitors, and it’s where we focus on convenient, comfortable bases.

KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre)

• Great if it’s your first time in KL.
• Close to the Petronas Twin Towers, KLCC Park, Suria KLCC mall and LRT stations.
• Lots of mid‑range and upscale hotels with excellent facilities and city views.

Bukit Bintang

• Packed with shops, malls and restaurants.
• Convenient for Monorail and MRT, and easy to walk between major attractions.
• Some streets can be lively at night, so check reviews if you’re a light sleeper.

KL Sentral Area

• Best for quick connections if you’re travelling by train or to/from the airport.
• Handy for short stopovers and business travel.
• A slightly more “transport hub” feel, but very practical.

If you’re not into loud nightlife, avoid staying directly above the busiest bar streets and check recent reviews for any mention of music or road noise.

 

Where we’ve stayed: On a Kuala Lumpur stopover we chose Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, between the Petronas Towers and KLCC Park, and found it ideal for a short, comfortable city stay with easy access to major sights.

Penang (George Town & Batu Ferringhi)

George Town

• UNESCO‑listed old town with incredible food, street art and heritage buildings.
• Best for culture, cafés, and exploring on foot.
• Boutique hotels and heritage shophouse stays are our go‑to here.

Batu Ferringhi

• Beachside area about 30–40 minutes from George Town.
• Resorts and seafront hotels with pools—good for families.
• Better if you want a more relaxed, “holiday” feel by the water.

Langkawi

Langkawi is ideal if you want a mix of beaches, viewpoints and island tours.

Pantai Cenang & Pantai Tengah

• Main tourist strip with lots of restaurants, bars and shops.
• Wide choice of hotels from simple to upscale.
• Cenang can be busy; Tengah is a bit quieter but still convenient.

Datai Bay / Tanjung Rhu (quieter, upscale)

• Home to some of Langkawi’s most luxurious and secluded resorts.
• Better for honeymoon‑style trips, nature and privacy.
• You’ll rely more on in‑house dining and taxis.

Melaka (Malacca)

Melaka is perfect for a short, culture‑and‑food‑focused stay.

Old Town / Jonker Street Area

• Easy to walk to the river, heritage sights and night markets.
• Mix of boutique hotels, guesthouses and small riverside properties.
• Jonker Street itself can get loud on weekends, so consider staying a couple of blocks back if you prefer quiet.

Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak Highlights)

If you’re heading to Malaysian Borneo for wildlife and nature:

Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)

• Coastal city with plenty of hotels and serviced apartments.
• Good base for island‑hopping, Mount Kinabalu trips and seafood.

Sandakan / Sepilok (Sabah)

• Sandakan town for basic city stays.
• Sepilok area for jungle lodges near the orangutan and sun bear centres.

Kuching (Sarawak)

• Charming riverside city, great for food and a more laid‑back feel.
• Easy base for day trips to Bako National Park and cultural villages.

Border & Transit Stays (Padang Besar, Perlis)

If you’re travelling between Thailand and Malaysia by land, Padang Besar is a major border crossing.

• It’s a practical point for getting a renewed visa when doing a visa run from Thailand.
• There are a handful of simple but comfortable accommodation options in Perlis within easy reach of the border.

 

Where we’ve stayed: Near Padang Besar we stayed at AK Cvia Hotel Perlis in Padang Besar on a visa run from Thailand. It’s located about 10 minutes from the town, which makes it a convenient base for reaching the border and sorting out visa formalities without being right in the busiest part of the crossing.

How to Choose the Right Location and Style of Stay

Before you book in Malaysia, ask yourself:

How busy do we want it to be?

• City‑centre areas like Bukit Bintang or Pantai Cenang are great for energy and food options.
• Quieter neighbourhoods, beach coves or small towns work better if you value calm evenings and early nights.

Do we want to walk everywhere?

• In Kuala Lumpur and George Town, paying a little more to be walking distance from transport, markets and major sights can make days much easier.
• On islands and in more rural areas, be realistic—you may rely heavily on taxis, Grab, or your own car/scooter.

What facilities matter most?

Make a short list and filter using those:

• Pool or beach access
• Kitchenette or full kitchen
• Laundry facilities
• Secure parking
• Lift access
• Breakfast included or easy nearby food options

How will we be getting around?

• If you have a hire car, you can consider staying slightly outside the busiest centres for more space and better parking.
• If you’re relying on public transport and Grab, we prefer to be near an LRT/MRT/Monorail station in cities, or within an easy walk of the main street in smaller towns.

How sensitive are we to noise?

• Some popular areas come with late‑night traffic or music.
• We always check recent reviews mentioning “noise”, “construction” or “nightclub” and choose higher floors or rooms facing away from the main street where possible.

Booking and Safety Tips for a Smooth Stay

Book earlier for holidays and local festivals

Accommodation prices in Malaysia can spike during:

• School holidays
• Chinese New Year
• Major religious and cultural festivals (e.g. Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Deepavali)
• Long weekends and public holidays

In popular places like Penang, Langkawi and central Kuala Lumpur, try to book well in advance for these periods.

Read the right kind of reviews

We focus especially on reviews from couples, families and business travellers, looking at:

• Cleanliness and maintenance
• Noise levels (both internal and from the street)
• Bed comfort
• Wi‑Fi reliability (especially if working remotely)
• Air‑conditioning performance and any mentions of damp or mustiness

Check room photos carefully

In older or heritage properties, some rooms may be beautifully renovated while others are more basic. Filter for recent photos and pay attention to bathrooms and windows.

Confirm parking and access

If you’re driving:

• Check whether there is on‑site or nearby parking
• Look out for height restrictions in city car parks
• Note any additional nightly parking fees

For smaller islands or jungle lodges:

• Confirm transfer options and timings (boats, 4x4s, shuttles).
• Double‑check late‑arrival procedures if you’re coming in on an evening bus or flight.

Look at cancellation policies

Given the mix of weather, seasonal closures and changing plans, we often pay slightly more for flexible cancellation, especially when we’re:

• Travelling in monsoon shoulder seasons
• Stringing together multiple flights, buses and ferries
• Not completely fixed on our route

Typical Costs for Comfortable Stays in Malaysia

These are very rough ranges to set expectations. Prices vary by region, season, holidays and how far ahead you book. All amounts are approximate and per night for a comfortable double/twin room.

Major Cities (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor Bahru)

Comfortable mid‑range hotel or serviced apartment

• Roughly RM 180–300 for a well‑located room with air‑con and Wi‑Fi.

Stylish boutique or branded 4–5★ hotel

• From around RM 300–600+, higher for top‑end KLCC or special occasions (New Year, big events).

Island & Beach Destinations (Langkawi, Penang’s beaches, East Coast islands)

Mid‑range resort, boutique hotel or apartment

• Around RM 220–400 in popular areas, more for absolute beachfront.

Higher‑end beach resort or villa

• From RM 450–900+, depending on season, location and inclusions (meals, spa, activities).

Heritage Towns & Smaller Cities (Melaka, Ipoh, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu)

Comfortable boutique hotel or guesthouse

• Roughly RM 150–280 for a central, well‑reviewed room.

More upscale or design‑focused stays

• From RM 280–450+, especially in standout heritage properties.

Remote & Nature Stays (Rainforest lodges, Borneo wildlife areas)

• Simple lodges and homestays can start around RM 160–260 for basic but comfortable rooms.
• Special‑interest eco‑lodges and wildlife resorts can easily exceed RM 500–1,000+ per night, particularly when tours and meals are included.

A lot of travellers mix it up—staying mostly in mid‑range city hotels and apartments, then adding a few splurge nights at a special island resort, heritage property or jungle lodge.

Places We’ve Stayed in Malaysia

This site is based on a mix of our own travels and in‑depth research. A couple of places we’ve personally stayed and would consider again include: