Travel advice for Malaysia
From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Malaysia
Book your individual trip, stress-free with local travel experts
written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 5.03.2020
Kaula Lumpur – or KL as it’s widely known – is a fantastic mish-mash of grand late-nineteenth-century buildings, glassy skyscrapers and boisterous markets. From its ethnic enclaves (this is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese and Indian cultures) to its tantalizing cuisine, there’s much to see in this vibrant city – and as many places to bed down. Here’s our guide to where to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Thanks to an oversupply of rooms for much of the year, rates remain competitive in KL. Despite this, it still makes sense to book ahead, especially during busy periods – July to August and November to December, plus school and public holidays.
12 days / from2350 USD
Uniquely Rustic Malaysia
Malaysia has it all: great beaches, fascinating history, natural habitats and remarkable wildlife. Bustling KL offers the perfect city break; while further afield hiking trails, pristine jungles and fascinating ecosystems will keep the more adventurous visitors entertained.
customize ⤍7 days / from1200 USD
Hidden UNESCO Sites of Malaysia
Steeped in historical significance and natural beauty, Malaysia is home to several emotionally moving UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It seems fitting, given the country's cultural touchstones and awe-inspiring parks—from solitude amidst the mangroves to history walks among colonial buildings.
customize ⤍3 days / from450 USD
The Cameron Highlands in a Nutshell
Experience Malaysia's largest and most impressive hill station, the Cameron Highlands, in all their glory, with this compact trip. Let your picturesque surroundings soak in as you visit the famous Batu Caves, the Lata Iskandar Waterfalls and a local tea plantation.
customize ⤍3 days / from593 USD
Malaysian Wildlife Explorer
Experience the stunning and varied wildlife of Malaysia with this exciting trip: meet the world's smallest bear, the Bornean sun bear; encounter injured orangutans preparing to rejoin the wild; then embark on a series of cruises on the Kinabatangan River to spot yet more Malaysian wildlife!
customize ⤍13 days / from2450 USD
Traditional Malaysia & Wild Borneo
Combine the culture and traditions of Malaysia with jungle outposts and adventure in Borneo. From lively Kuala Lumpur to desert island beaches, highlands and dense rainforest, this is a wonderful introduction to Southeast Asia.
customize ⤍4 days / from882 USD
Highlands and Islands of West Malaysia
Experience the rolling highlands and stunning islands of West Malaysia, with this exciting, compact trip that would make the perfect add-on to an existing trip to Malaysia.
customize ⤍7 days / from980 USD
Dazzling Kuching: Malaysia's Hidden Gem
Sarawak's capital city is known for its old-world flare, bustling markets, and delightful locals. The eponymous winding river that makes up the celebrated Kuching Waterfront may be the town's claim to fame, but hiding just behind it are historical buildings begging to be discovered.
customize ⤍15 days / from2235 USD
Malaysia Explored: Culture, Wildlife and History
Discover the magnificence of Malaysia with this comprehensive trip. Stroll around picturesque tea plantations, trek through dense rainforests, watch elephants in the wild, laze around on paradise beaches, explore immense religious monuments and much more, all with this fantastic trip!
customize ⤍7 days / from896 USD
Experience Nature in the Wilds of Sabah
Tucked away on the island of Borneo is the state of Sabah, a true nature-lover's paradise. From whitewater rafting down wild rivers to scuba diving in crystal-clear waters among exotic marine life, Sabah has something for anyone looking to experience nature in its purest form.
customize ⤍10 days / from1730 USD
Taking in the Splendour of Malaysia
Malaysia is a vast, sweeping jewel of Southeast Asia, with much to do and see. It's particularly known for its serene rainforests, captivating wildlife, and pristine coastlines. The country is also synonymous with bustling cities, cherished historical sites, and progressive points of view.
customize ⤍14 days / from5876 USD
Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore adventure
A diverse and unforgettable exploration awaits! From the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur to the cool retreat of Cameron Highlands. Immerse yourself in lush tea plantations before heading to Borneo for thrilling orangutan encounters and unforgettable river safaris. Brunei and Singapore conclude the trip
customize ⤍13 days / from5920 USD
Indulgent Malaysia
Discover fascinating Malaysia, a multicultural hotspot with amazing food, stunning beaches and vibrant culture. Take in popular KL’s malls, architecture, landmarks and gardens, before hitting colonial towns and luxurious tropical beaches.
customize ⤍7 days / from1750 USD
Malaysia Express from Singapore
A captivating 7-day tour that unveils the beauty of Malaysia, commencing from Singapore. Traverse the border into Malacca to uncover its rich heritage gems. Progress to Kuala Lumpur, where iconic landmarks await your exploration. Culminate your journey in George Town, Penang.
customize ⤍5 days / from2580 USD
Rainforest Adventure in Borneo
Indecisive between Tabin and Danum Valley in Borneo? Opt for a unique two-in-one adventure, where you'll revel in a mesmerizing transformation from regenerating forests to pristine virgin rainforests. Embrace the allure of both destinations in a single, unforgettable journey.
customize ⤍11 days / from1899 USD
Best of Peninsular Malaysia
A beautiful journey through Peninsular Malaysia. Start in dynamic Kuala Lumpur, explore Malacca's heritage, delve into Cameron Highlands' tea culture, discover Penang's vibrant art scene, and savor its renowned street food. Cap off your adventure with serene beach relaxation in Langkawi.
customize ⤍6 days / from1685 USD
Wildlife Spotting in Borneo
Observe the human-like Orangutans and Bornean Sun Bear, enjoy relaxing cruises along the Kinabatangan River, and encounter fascinating species like proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and more. For those with an interest, partake in engaging wildlife discussions at the lodge.
customize ⤍Though it scores more on atmosphere than essential sights, Chinatown has traditionally been the favourite location for budget travellers, with its surfeit of inexpensive places to sleep, eat, drink and shop. Its backpacker-oriented guesthouses are mostly concentrated either side of Jalan Petaling, alongside budget hotels offering simple rooms but with better facilities. Both are increasingly modern and efficiently run, though furnishings are minimal and the cheapest rooms may not have windows. Only the more upmarket places feature frills like swimming pools, although there is an ageing public pool nearby at the Chinwoo Stadium.
Best for affordable style: Back Home
This leafy hostel features hardwood floors, bare-brick walls and comfortable, modern rooms set around a courtyard with coffee tables, where guests are invited to socialize. Staff are friendly and there’s an excellent café next door under the same management.
Best for old-world splendour: Hotel Majestic
Opposite the old Moorish-style railway station, this hotel, a wonderfully restored 1930s building, houses exquisitely furnished suites with butler service, the fifteen-story Art Deco Tower Wing with deluxe rooms and suites, along with a swimming pool and gym. Other facilities include a bar, spa, barber and screening room.
Chinese snacks on sale in Chinatown © Shutterstock
The commercial centre for KL’s Indian community, Little India features several mid-range options. Chow Kit is located 1.5km to the north, and is known mainly for the vast, bustling Chow Kit market. This is a great place for foodies – there's tropical fruit, fish, poultry and piles of fresh vegetables – or tuck into steaming meals prepared on site.
Best for international service: Silka Maytower Hotel
This international-standard hotel, set over 32 floors, offers modern rooms and apartments with earthy tones, equipped with flat-screen TVs and safes; the deluxes are more spacious, with sofas and bathtubs and there are also two pools – one for adults, one for kids – on the eighth floor, along with a sauna and a gym.
Best for location: Premiera Hotel
In the heart of Little India and just a short walk from Chinatown, this is a great independent option offering spacious rooms with modern amenities, and wonderful views of the city from the highest floors.
Indian clothes for sale © Shutterstock
You’ll definitely want to consider the Golden Triangle when deciding where to stay in Kuala Lumpur. This area represents the modern heart of downtown KL, filled with restaurants, shops and nightlife options. The chief attractions in the area are the Petronas Towers, Suria KLCC, the city’s aquarium and Kompleks Kraf, the city’s largest handicraft gallery. Bukit Bintang (with its characterful guesthouses), Julan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang (with more upscale hotels) form part of the Triangle.
Many of the Bukit Bintang guesthouses in the area occupy nicely restored old shophouses, with small, comfortable rooms separated from each other by partitions. It’s hard to go wrong with any of these, just as it’s difficult to be badly disappointed with any of the Golden Triangle’s upmarket hotels. The area also boasts excellent serviced apartments offering a lot more space than you’d get in a similarly priced hotel room.
Best for guesthouse charm: Orange Pekoe Guesthouse
This lovely guesthouse, on a quiet road just a couple of streets back from Changkat’s throng of activity, has clean and cosy rooms with wicker baskets as bedside tables. There are splashes of greenery throughout, and a communal area with cable TV.
Best for boutique bliss: Anggun Boutique Hotel
This welcoming boutique hotel aims to create a Pernakan house from yesteryear, with rooms set around an airy central courtyard with a little fishpond and a lovely antique Chinese medicine cabinet. Some have four-poster beds, while the three suites have balconies overlooking the street; bathrooms feature beautiful Chinese sinks with lotus and fish motifs.
The soaring Petronas Towers © Shutterstock
Brickfields is a relaxed city neighbourhood, located 2km south of the city centre alongside KL Sentral station. Founded by a community of Tamils who were employed to work on the railways, the area still has a distinctly South Indian feel. Though there are few major sites, this feels like a neighbourhood proper – come to soak up the local vibes.
Best for business travellers: Le Meridien
This 35-storey business hotel houses contemporary rooms; most of them boast panoramic views. Facilities include a freeform outdoor swimming pool with deckchairs partly immersed in water, a gym, spa and a handful of restaurants serving international cuisine.
Best for convenient location: Hilton
Overlooking the National Museum and just a few steps from KL Sentral, this stylish hotel with a lavish lobby offers rooms as modern and comfortable as you’d expect from this reputable international chain. Facilities include ten dining outlets; the trendy Zeta Bar hosts international live bands and DJs.
Thean Hou Temple, a stone's throw from Brickfield proper © Shutterstock
The benefit of staying further outside the city comes in the form of more space and more bang for your buck. The Kuala Lumpur transport system is large, efficient and inexpensive, so getting to and from your accommodation shouldn’t be a problem. Those who want some peace and quiet but the ability to zip into the action should consider an option here.
Best for colonial airs: Carcosa Seri Negara
Set in sixteen hectares of well-manicured grounds just west of the Lake Gardens, these two elegant, whitewashed colonial mansions, containing thirteen suites between them, date to 1904 – the management here can truthfully boast “Queen Elizabeth slept here”. If a night here is out of the question, consider donning smart-causal clothes and dropping in for their English cream tea.
Best for modern amenities: Grid 9 Hotel
This excellent flashpacker hostel has a young and funky feel, with a welcoming lounge area dotted with colourful beanbags, communal computers, a pool table and flat-screen TV. The modern dorm rooms have reading lamps and individual sockets, while private doubles have a/c, TV and en-suite facilities. Guests enjoy complimentary access to Zouk club.
Lake Gardens from the air © Shutterstock
Header image: Kuala Lumpur skyline © Shutterstock
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written by Rough Guides Editors
updated 5.03.2020
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