Kuala Lumpur
It’s hard to believe you’re in the heart of KL when staying at this gorgeous boutique property that epitomises Southeast Asian chic. The black polished…
Must-see hotels in Malaysia
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Sabah
Located on the bank of an oxbow lake, far from any village, this wonderful place is great for wildlife spotting. Digs are simple: six twin rooms with bug…
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Malaysia
Woven into the jungle, Sekeping Serendah is a back-to-nature retreat with an appealing rough-luxe style. Accommodation is accessed by a boardwalk that…
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Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
The manicured grounds of Terrapuri Heritage Village resemble a film set about the lives of sultans of yore. Meaning ‘Land of Palaces’, Terrapuri is equal…
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Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort
Sabah
The most eco-conscious of all Pulau Mabul's lodges, this place attracts a younger international crowd. Super-fresh chalets come with porches and bathrooms…
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Kota Bharu
Pasir Belanda Homestay, around 4km from the centre of Kota Bharu, is one of Kelantan’s choicest options. Three sizes of traditional Malay homes have been…
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Sabah
Named one of the Unique Lodges of the World by National Geographic, this is the most upscale place on the river. It has beautifully appointed split-level…
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Sarawak
The flagship Batang Ai accommodation for Borneo Adventure, Nanga Sumpa features surprisingly stylish rooms – some with private bathroom – wooden verandahs…
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Taiping
Unquestionably Taiping's most attractive place to stay, this complex of villas is alive with durian trees, palm groves and teeming ponds. Chalets have an…
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Cameron Highlands
In a sea of faux-colonial resorts, Bala's is the real deal. A boarding school in colonial times, the mock-Tudor resort is centred on a 1930s bungalow,…
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Kota Bharu
Zeck and Miriam Zaki’s home, located in a peaceful nook north of the city centre, is a great way to experience Malaysian kampung (village) life in the…
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Malaysia
Beautifully designed and lushly planted with lily ponds, birds of paradise, bromeliads and palms, this highly awarded five-star has over-the-water chalets…
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Pulau Langkawi
Tucked away in a calm garden on the landward side of the main Pantai Tengah road, La Pari-Pari has an easy, tropical vibe, a great restaurant, and a small…
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Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
Located on Pulau Gemia, 800m north of Pulau Kapas, this resort offers breezy bungalows set right over the edge of a reef – watch schools of fish and black…
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Sabah
Set beside the Danum River, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is for Indiana Jones types with healthy wallets – adventure combined with luxury, if you will. If you…
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Kuala Lumpur
A contemporary sculpture of a white tiger prowling the lobby and a slide into its restaurant are just a couple of the fun, creative touches at this…
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Ipoh
This stylish boutique property invites you to step inside with a gorgeous greenery-festooned timber frontage and an intimate, shady cafe tucked into a…
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Peninsular Malaysia's Northeast
Hidden in a rocky nook on the island’s southern end, Kapas Turtle Valley has eight bungalows – all furnished with colourful local batik – and sits above a…
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Pulau Langkawi
On the adjoining plot to Bon Ton, sister hotel Temple Tree raises the stakes with a collection of antique structures relocated from various points in…
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Melaka City
Claw-foot tubs and polished four-poster beds are just some of the trappings at this regal hotel. The bar, library and dining areas groan with nostalgia …
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Melaka City
Sleeping four, this gorgeously restored shophouse has kept the big old beams and original exposed brickwork but has been updated with stylish contemporary…
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Johor Bahru
Opened in 2019, this top pick for both the budget- and style-conscious features comfy, twin- and queen-size bunk beds with plush linens and privacy…
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Sarawak
Tucked away in the quiet Malay village of Santubong, this place exudes serenity. Rooms with belian (ironwood) floors and four-poster beds are arranged…
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Pulau Perhentian
Family-run D'Lagoon is the sole property on a tranquil bay, Teluk Kerma, with fine coral a short swim from the beach. Accommodation ranges from camping…
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Taiping
In a high-ceilinged 1930s shophouse, cheerful Sojourn has four-bed dorms with pod-style bunks – that means more privacy and less rocking from the top bunk…
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Melaka City
Why merely tour one of Melaka's heritage buildings when you can stay overnight in one? Inhabiting a superbly renovated 1822 Peranakan mansion, this hotel…
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Cameron Highlands
Old-school hostel friendliness meets modern amenities at Father's, where staff go the extra mile to help guests get the best out of the Cameron Highlands…
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Melaka City
There's a fun flashpacker vibe at this great budget choice. The cheapest rooms are in mock 'caravans' on the ground floor, each given a famous star's name…
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Sarawak
After a few nights upriver, the Velton Inn's cool, spacious air-con rooms and slick bathrooms with excellent rainforest showers could be just what you…
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George Town
Occupying a former mansion, its kitchen and stables, 23 Love Lane tastefully combines antique furniture and fixtures with modern design touches and arty…
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Sarawak
This 16-room, longhouse-style guesthouse with valley views is full of evocative photographs, each with a story that owners Lucy and David Labang will…
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Sabah
With flower-filled lawns, this charming accommodation has lovely chalets with wood floors and boutique accents, clustered around the pool. The restaurant…
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Kuching
This riverfront property, housed in two old shophouses that were rebuilt after a fire, has a truly boutique ambience. All 24 rooms are different, with…
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Sarawak
Run by Norwegian-born Lars and his Bidayuh wife, Liza, this superfriendly, sustainable jungle homestay occupies a wooden house built on land that once…
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Pulau Perhentian
Located at the northern end of the bay, this top-end option offers 36 rooms in a modern, three-storey setting overlooking Long Beach. All rooms face the…
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Kuala Terengganu
Located in the heart of Chinatown this three-storey guesthouse has spotless rooms and a friendly welcome. The cheapest rooms have no windows, but all…
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Sabah
Perched on a hill overlooking a beautiful 1.5km swath of sand lapped by teal-green sea, these two bijou one-bedroom cabanas, Treetops and Clifftop, have…
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Johor Bahru
Complete your Legoland experience with a night or two at this Lego-tastic hotel. From the giant Lego playground in the lobby, to the themed rooms (such as…
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George Town
This former Chinese medicine warehouse has been artfully restored into a boutique hotel where history seeps from every creaking floorboard. Each of its 17…
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Pulau Langkawi
This clutch of minimalist, contemporary structures perched on a forested hillside forms a pleasing contrast. Choose from one of six inviting studios,…
