If you want to travel for less, choosing the most affordable countries is by far the simplest and most effortless tip! Sadly so many people don’t even know how cheap it can be! Malaysia is one of the most affordable of the many places I’ve visited, but most importantly, it’s also an absolutely beautiful country!
Here are nice and cheap accommodation options in 11 of Malaysia’s most popular destinations to show you just how affordable a trip to an amazing country can be.
(We’ve also done this for Colombia, a country that can be cheaper overall for shorter trips, thanks to affordable deals for flights at $400 roundtrip from some Canadian cities!)
Basics of traveling to Malaysia for less
Located between Thailand and Indonesia, Malaysia is probably one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia — one of the best regions in the world.
The important thing to know is that the country has 2 distinct parts:
- Peninsular Malaysia (mainland and some nearby islands)
- This is the southernmost part of the Asian continent
- East Malaysia (the part on the island of Borneo)
- About a quarter of the world’s 3rd largest island
I loved both parts of Malaysia, and it’s easy to get around on the cheap, for example with $24 flights between Kuala Lumpur (mainland) and Kuching (Borneo).
As mentioned, it’s also one of the most affordable countries in the world. And definitely among the cheapest of the cheap.
Basics of cheap accommodation in Malaysia
For each of the 11 destinations in Malaysia, we have 3 examples of cheap accommodation.
An example for those who:
- Travel solo
- Travel with a companion
- Travel for free with Marriott Bonvoy points
We limit ourselves to nice accommodations that are highly rated.
So if you want it to be cheaper, there are obviously cheaper ones than our examples. Except for Marriott hotels, as the world’s largest hotel chain has no low-end options.
And if you prefer luxury, of course luxury is also much cheaper in Malaysia than in the places where everyone always travels to! For example, The St. Regis hotel (one of the most luxurious brands in the world) costs $350 per night in Kuala Lumpur versus $1500 per night in Rome. The amount of points required is lower too obviously, and if you like luxury, you should really never pay with anything other than points!
So here are the examples of nice and affordable accommodation in 11 Malaysian destinations.
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia’s capital and most populous metropolitan area (8 million inhabitants, about 33% more than Toronto), Kuala Lumpur is an incredible urban destination and probably one of the least expensive major cities in the world.
It really is a surprising capital, with urban attractions like the Petronas twin towers (formerly the world’s tallest) and an incredible Chinatown. But also attractions like the Batu caves and plenty of green spaces.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: Step Inn Guest House and Hostel
- $8 per night per person
- Rated 8.1/10
- Nice hotel: The Explorers
- $12 per night
- $6 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.7/10
- Nice free hotel: Fairfield Kuala Lumpur Jalan Pahang
- 5,900 points per night (29,500 points for 5 nights)
- 2,950 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hostel for $8
Step Inn Guest House and Hostel
See all hostels in Kuala Lumpur.
Nice hotel for $12
See all hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
Nice free hotel for 5,900 pts
Fairfield Kuala Lumpur Jalan Pahang
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Penang Island
Penang is an island in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia, close to Thailand. With its historical heritage, natural beauty, and cuisine often considered one of the best in Malaysia, it’s a great destination.
George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its well-preserved colonial architecture, colorful temples, and lively alleyways. You can visit Kek Lok Si, the country’s largest Buddhist temple, take the funicular railway and enjoy the beaches of the north of the island, such as Batu Ferringhi.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Penang Island, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: Red Inn Court
- $11 per night per person
- Rated 8.3/10
- Nice hotel: Swing & Pillows @ Muntri
- $15 per night
- $8 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.4/10
- Nice free hotel: AC Hotel Penang
- 4,000 points per night (20,000 points for 5 nights)
- 2,000 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hostel for $11
See all hostels in Penang.
Nice hotel for $15
See all hotels in Penang.
Nice free hotel for 4,000 pts
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Melaka (Malacca)
Melaka is the oldest port in the country. Its historic center is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a unique city, where Portuguese and Dutch colonial buildings blend with Chinese traditions and beautiful street art, all embellished by the Melaka River.
The amazing night market on Jonker Street is open from Friday to Sunday, if you’re there on the weekend. Melaka is also where you can take one of the most kitschy vehicles of your life. It’s a tradition for locals to decorate their bicycle cabs with cartoon characters (Flytrippers writer Charlotte took one that had Hello Kitty colors). She’ll share her Melaka favorites soon.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Melaka, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: Three Little Birds Home
- $10 per night per person
- Rated 9.0/10
- Nice hotel: OYO 764 Hotel Famous Inn
- $12 per night
- $6 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.2/10
- Nice free hotel: Courtyard Melaka
- 7,700 points per night (38,500 points for 5 nights)
- 3,850 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hostel for $10
See all hostels in Melaka.
Nice hotel for $12
See all hotels in Melaka.
Nice free hotel for 7,700 pts
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Gunung Mulu National Park
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, but a natural one this time! Gunung Mulu National Park is located on the island of Borneo, a true paradise for nature lovers. The park boasts one of the world’s longest cave systems, including one that has a known length of 227 kilometers.
Mulu isn’t the most affordable place to stay with cash. But I’m including it because it’s a unique destination and it’s one of Marriott’s best deals thanks to the luxury 5-star resort located in the middle of nature, directly in the national park!
Here are some examples of accommodation in Mulu, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: None
- Nice hotel: Benarat Lodge
- $37 per night
- $19 per night per person with a companion
- No ratings
- Nice free hotel: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
- 10,560 points per night (52,800 points for 5 nights)
- 5,280 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice(?) hotel for $37
See all hotels in Mulu.
Nice free hotel for 10,560 pts
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Kuching
Kuching, also on Borneo island, is the largest city and capital of the state of Sarawak, the only one in the country with a Christian majority. So it’s quite distinct! It’s close to Gunung Gading National Park, where you can see the world’s biggest and stinkiest flower, and Semenggoh Nature Reserve, where you can observe orangutans up close.
The city is a destination of choice for both foodie travelers and cat lovers. The little felines are adored in Kuching, and it shows in everyday life. There are cat statues everywhere, themed cafés, a cat museum, and even an annual cat festival!
Here are some examples of accommodation in Kuching, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: Marco Polo
- $9 per night per person
- Rated 9.3/10
- Nice hotel: OYO 89465 Golden Lounge
- $11 per night
- $6 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.6/10
- Nice free hotel: Sheraton Kuching Hotel
- 11,600 points per night (58,000 points for 5 nights)
- 5,800 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hostel for $9
See all hostels in Kuching.
Nice hotel for $11
See all hotels in Kuching.
Nice free hotel for 11,600 pts
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Langkawi
Just a few kilometers off the Malaysia/Thailand border lies a paradisiacal archipelago called the “Jewel”. It has 99 tropical islands, most of them uninhabited. Langkawi is the largest island and is a UNESCO World Geopark.
Langkawi’s spectacular scenery and status as a duty-free shopping destination are attracting more and more travelers. Yet the atmosphere is relaxed and peaceful! This island is rather upscale. The cheapest Marriott hotel is quite expensive, but it is on the sea.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Langkawi, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: Gecko Guesthouse
- $7 per night per person
- Rated 8.7/10
- Nice hotel: Tok Man Inn Langkawi
- $17 per night
- $9 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.9/10
- Nice free hotel: Aloft Langkawi Pantai Tengah
- 22,800 points per night (114,000 points for 5 nights)
- 11,400 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hostel for $7
See all hostels in Langkawi.
Nice hotel for $17
View all hotels in Langkawi.
Nice free hotel for 22,800 pts
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Desaru
Staying with the seaside paradise theme, there’s also Desaru Bay in the south of the peninsular part of Malaysia. This is a booming area designed for travelers.
There are plenty of activities such as sailing, jet-skiing, golf, fishing and, of course, relaxing by the sea. It’s also just 1h30m from Singapore, one of South-East Asia’s coolest cities (but by far the most expensive too).
Here are some examples of accommodation in Desaru, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: Memory Guesthouse JB
- $8 per night per person
- Rated 8.8/10
- Nice hotel: Desa Selatan Resort
- $30 per night
- $15 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.6/10
- Nice free hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Desaru
- 6,000 points per night (30,000 points for 5 nights)
- 3,000 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hostel for $8
See all the hostels in Desaru.
Nice hotel for $30
See all hotels in Desaru.
Nice free hotel for 6,000 pts
Four Points by Sheraton Desaru
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Miri
Miri is on the coast, on the island of Borneo. It’s your gateway if you want to venture into the superb national parks, including the aforementioned Gunung Mulu National Park, Niah National Park, Lambir Hills National Park, and Loagan Bunut National Park.
Unfortunately, like many nature destinations, there are no hostels. On the plus side, Miri is also close to the border with Brunei Darussalam, one of the world’s least-known countries. If you like to get off the beaten track, I recommend you make the trip. I really enjoyed discovering that unique little nation.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Miri, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: None
- Nice hotel: OYO 1018 Telang Usan Hotel Miri
- $14 per night
- $7 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.2/10
- Nice free hotel: Miri Marriott Resort & Spa
- 11,500 points per night (57,500 points for 5 nights)
- 5,750 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hotel for $14
OYO 1018 Telang Usan Hotel Miri
See all hotels in Miri.
Nice free hotel for 11,500 pts
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Cameron Highlands
Located in the northwestern part of the peninsula, the Cameron Highlands are at an altitude of around 1,500 meters, so they benefit from a cooler climate than the rest of the country! It’s a popular place to visit, with its large tea plantations and lush green countryside.
Among the attractions, you’ll find the BOH Tea garden, the beautiful Cameron Flora Park, perfect for a picnic amid pink flowers, and the lavender garden. But that’s not all! Don’t forget to visit the Cactus Valley, Mossy Forest, Butterfly Farm, and Strawberry Farms. There’s lots to do in the area.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: De’Native Guest House
- $9 per night per person
- Rated 8.5/10
- Nice hotel: Snooze Cameron Highlands
- $20 per night
- $10 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.4/10
- Nice free hotel: None
Nice hostel for $9
See all hostels in Cameron Highlands.
Nice hotel for $20
View all hotels in Cameron Highlands.
Putrajaya
Very close to Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is the country’s administrative capital. Here you’ll find the Parliament and several institutions. Solo travelers who want to visit should do so on a daytrip from KL, because as a less touristy city, there’s only one hostel and it’s very poorly rated.
The best way to see this city is to take a boat cruise on Lake Putrajaya. From the water, you’ll be able to admire monuments such as the Putra Mosque (also sublime inside), and the Seri Wawasan Bridge. Alternatively, you can visit the Botanical Gardens, or try flyboarding on the water for a real thrill!
Here are some examples of accommodation in Putrajaya, Malaysia:
Nicehostel: The Bedpackers Hostel- $12 per night per person
- Rated 2.0/10
- Nice hotel: OYO 714 Arina Hotel
- $9 per night
- $5 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 9.0/10
- Nice free hotel: Putrajaya Marriott Hotel
- 7,200 points per night (36,000 points for 5 nights)
- 3,600 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hostel at $12
See all hostels in Putrajaya.
Nice hotel for $9
See all hotels in Putrajaya.
Nice free hotel for 7,200 pts
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Bintulu
Finally, still in the state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, Bintulu is a coastal town very much off the beaten track, and I include more for those traveling longer (and who don’t want a hostel, as there is none).
The nearby sublime Similajau National Park offers sandy beaches and several hiking trails. You can also swim at Tanjung Batu beach before visiting the old town and the Chinese temple Bintulu Tua Pek Kong. Here again, you have the opportunity to feast on local street food.
Here are some examples of accommodation in Putrajaya, Malaysia:
- Nice hostel: None
- Nice hotel: OYO 89544 Utama Inn
- $12 per night
- $6 per night per person with a companion
- Rated 8.6/10
- Nice free hotel: Fairfield by Marriott Bintulu Paragon
- 5,300 points per night (26,500 points for 5 nights)
- 2,650 per night per person with a companion
- Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card gives you 71,000
Nice hotel for $12
See all hotels in Bintulu.
Nice free hotel for 5,300 pts
Fairfield by Marriott Bintulu Paragon
Get 71,000 points by applying for the Marriott Bonvoy Amex Card!
Other interesting destinations in Malaysia
You can also see the cheap accommodation options in other destinations in Malaysia:
- Taman Negara
- Ipoh
- Kuantan
- Tioman
- Redang
- Perhentian Islands
- Johor Bahru
- Kota Kinabalu
- Genting Highlands
Always use Trivago to compare accommodation prices.
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Summary
Accommodation in Malaysia is incredibly affordable, as is everything in the country, of course. Now that’s a truly affordable country! And what’s more, it’s wonderful to visit. If you want to travel for less, it’s not rocket science: choose affordable countries! It’s not like your sacrificing anything: many are amazing destinations!
What would you like to know about the best cheap accommodation in Malaysia? Tell us in the comments below.
See the flight deals we spot: Cheap flights
Discover free travel with rewards: Travel rewards
Explore awesome destinations: Travel inspiration
Learn pro tricks: Travel tips
Featured image: Penang Island, Malaysia (photo credit: Yaopey Yong)
Valuation ≈ $519
