Malaysia Travel Guide - Accommodation

Malaysia has many luxury and economy class hotels. Many new luxury hotels have recently been built in Kuala Lumpur. It is necessary to book well in advance, especially during school and public holidays when the Malaysians take their holidays in the popular resorts, notably Penang, Langkawi and the highlands. The more basic hotels have little in the way of modern washing or bathing facilities, often only a water trough instead of a bath or shower.

A new official grading system was introduced in 2007, in which hotels are awarded 1-5 stars or an orchid rating if they do not qualify for a star.

Increasing in popularity in many states, Malaysian Homestay Programmes combine budget accommodation with the opportunity to experience typical Malaysian life. Check with local tourist offices for details of homestay in each area of the country.

These are subsidised, moderately priced hotels. They are basic, but always clean and comfortable, with full facilities and usually good restaurants. As they are primarily travelling inns they tend to fill up quickly, so it is advisable to telephone and reserve a room.

There are camping facilities in the Taman Negara or national parks. Here jungle lodges provide tents, camp beds, pressure lamps and mosquito nets for trips into the rainforests.

Malaysia is a member of the International Youth Hostel Federation. There are not many youth hostels, but they are very cheap. Accommodation is in dormitories and meals can be arranged. There are hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang and Petaling Jaya.

Malaysian Association of Hotels
C5-3, Wisma MAH, Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1, 1 Ampang Avenue, 68000 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: (03) 4251 8477.
Website: www.hotels.org.my

Malaysian Youth Hostels Association
No. 1-7, Block B, Impian Kota Apartment, Jalan Manau off Jalan Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: (03) 2273 6870/1.
Website: www.myha.org.my