Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia and it is known as multicultural country, vibrant cities, and stunning natural landscapes. With a multicultural society that embraces Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions, Malaysia offers a rich languages, religions, and culinary delights. It has famous prosperous city like Kuala Lumpur, home to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, coexist harmoniously with serene rainforests and beautiful beaches. Malaysia's warm hospitality, diverse heritage, and modern amenities make it a must-visit destination for travellers seeking a unique experience in Asia. Now, pack your bag and get ready to explore the beauty of Malaysia. Make sure you book your accommodations or transportations via Traveloka to have smooth reservation process. In Traveloka, you will also get many discounts on your tickets. Before that, you can read our guides on the best hotels in Malaysia. You will have many hotels references here and choose your best hotel that meets your needs.
Total Accommodation | 9,165 Properties |
Popular Region | Penang, Kuala Lumpur |
Popular Hotel | JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur |
The most famous hotel in Malaysia nowadays is The Datai Langkawi. The Datai Langkawi is located in an ancient rainforest that offers captivating beach resort seamlessly harmonizing with its natural environment. The Datai Langkawi resort presents an ideal sanctuary for those seeking serenity that nurturing their mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. Renowned by National Geographic as one of the world's top ten beaches, Datai Bay, coupled with the lush jungle that surrounds the resort, hosts a diverse range of wildlife, including species endemic to the region. Besides that, it also receives several achievement as the best hotel in Malaysia according to DestinAsian Reader’s Choice Awards (ranked 4th), La Liste Top Hotel Malaysia (ranked 1st), and become ‘Highly Commended' for Travel & Leisure (Hotel – Independent) according to Marie Claire Sustainability Awards, UK. It makes The Datai Langkawi the best place to stay in Malaysia during your holiday.
The price of a hotel in Malaysia can be various depending on the date you booked, types of the hotel, and the services you want to have. The average lowest price of the hotels started from RM25, and the average of the highest price of the hotels is up to RM7000. So, if you are a backpacker and plan to have an affordable trip in Malaysia, you have many options for the accommodations.
If you are planning to go to Malaysia with your family and bring your kids here, you should consider booking these hotels since they are family-friendly and specially designed for kids.
Experience the thrill of staying amidst the entertainment hub at LEGOLAND Hotel in Johor. A night at this hotel amplifies the joy of visiting the LEGOLAND theme park. Children are enthralled by the towering LEGO figures at the hotel's entrance. The themed rooms, including Adventure, Pirate, and Kingdom, are designed as colossal playrooms filled with an abundance of toys and vibrant colors. Even the lobby offers endless LEGO-based activities to keep kids engaged while parents complete the check-in process.
Crafted to spark the imaginations of young adventurers, these vibrant themed suites at Parkroyal Kuala Lumpur promise boundless excitement for your children! You can choose from four thrilling themes: Sky Wanderer, Enchanted Sweets, Journey in the Wild, and Choo Choo Train. These suites feature bunk beds, a charming play area, and scenic city views. The suite bathrooms are stocked with specially designed bath amenities for kids. What's more, both parents and children can enjoy welcome amenities, engaging puzzle activities, and delightful afternoon tea sets.
For a family-friendly vacation in Penang, Hard Rock Hotel Penang checks all the boxes and stands as one of Malaysia's most entertaining hotels. They boast contemporary decor elements like stylish lighting and plush purple carpets, ensuring that families feel like rock royalty. If you're traveling with kids, consider booking the Roxity Kids Suite or the Roxity Kids Suite with Courtyard. The latter features a fantastic outdoor mini playground, a special in-room dining menu for kids, a well-stocked mini bar with snacks, and an extra TV so parents can avoid endless cartoons. Beyond your room, you can explore the Roxity Kids Club with its arts and crafts activities, traditional Malaysian games, and movie screenings, or head to the TABU teens club for pool and foosball tables, Xboxes, and a private cinema.
Planning for a romantic gateway to Malaysia? Say no more! Take a look at these two hotels for a reference.
Villa Samadhi is a romantic retreat located within the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The honeymoon suite at Villa Samadhi boasts a private outdoor plunge pool that overlooks the captivating city skyline, creating an ideal setting for a romantic escape. Here, you and your beloved can indulge in the Lagoon, whether it's on the spacious king-size bed, within the soothing rain shower, or on the private balcony.
• The RuMa Hotel and Residences
The RuMa Hotel and Residences presents another enticing option for a honeymoon trip in Malaysia. This luxurious five-star hotel offers a soothing and romantic ambiance, with a predominant use of wood in both its interior and exterior design. If you seek a centrally located hotel in Malaysia that offers breathtaking views and caters to the romantic atmosphere of a honeymoon, this hotel is an exceptional choice. Moreover, the hotel's vicinity is surrounded by numerous renowned attractions in Malaysia, including Aquaria KLCC, Bukit Bintang, Petronas Twin Tower, and more, ensuring a memorable and convenient stay.
If you are coming to Malaysia while you are doing business or even Working from Home, these two hotels are the best for you.
Shangri La remarkably receives Best Business Hotel in Kuala Lumpur from Business Traveller Asia-Pacific Awards 2023 and also Best Luxury Business Hotel in Kuala Lumpur according to Luxury Lifestyle Awards 2023. It shows that Shangri La has committed to give their best in creating business hotel environment. Shangri La also offers Business Travel Programme in their hotel services. This includes the 10% flexible rates, upgraded room facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity for all hotel rooms, invitation to your company associates, and online reservation through mobile app. They really understand how important connectivity, efficiency and comfort are to our business travellers.
• CitizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang
Another hotel in Malaysia that is suitable for business trip is CitizenM. CitizenM is located in Kuala Lumpur, just 1 km away from Berjaya Times Square. This place has rooms for guests and offers a restaurant, free parking, a bar, and a shared lounge. They have a 24-hour front desk and a business center, and you can use free WiFi everywhere in the building. It's also a safe place for people with allergies. The hotel has air-conditioned rooms with a desk, a safe, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. You can control many things in your room using an iPad they provide or a free app called citizenM. This includes lights, blinds, curtains, temperature, and even TV and radio channels. You can also watch your own Netflix, Prime, or Disney+ shows by connecting your phone, tablet, or laptop to the TV with Chromecast, and they don't charge extra for this.
• Petronas Twin Towers
Petronas Twin Towers is located in Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. These towers are among the tallest twin towers globally, standing at a staggering height of 451.9 meters (1,483 feet). The Petronas Twin Towers are house of various offices, multinational corporations, and businesses. They are also home to the Suria KLCC shopping mall, which offers a wide range of luxury brands, dining options, and entertainment. One of the most popular attractions for you is the double-decker skybridge, which connects the two towers at the 41st and 42nd floors. You can take an elevator to the skybridge and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Kuala Lumpur.
• Langkawi Island
If you are an outdoor person and love to explore the nature, Langkawi Island is the perfect place for you. Langkawi Island is a tropical paradise with beautiful sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. You can relax on the beach, swim, or take a boat ride to explore the surrounding islands. Don't miss the thrilling cable car ride that takes you up a mountain, providing a stunning panoramic view of the entire island.
•Rainforest and Wildlife Sanctuaries
Another option if you love to exploring the beauty of Malaysia’s nature, you can try to visit Borneo. Borneo is a large island shared by Malaysia, and it's home to some of the world's oldest rainforests and unique wildlife. You can visit places like Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see these intelligent primates up close, or explore Kinabatangan River for a chance to spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and various bird species.
To get to Malaysia, most travellers use flights, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport being a major hub. Meanwhile, for the public transportation in Malaysia, there are few options you can take:
The nationwide bus system in Malaysia is extensive and user-friendly, offering frequent express buses between all major cities and villages in addition to slower local services that typically operate within a 100-kilometer radius.
The Peninsula's train service, KTM, forms a Y-shaped network. Its base is in Singapore, branching into Malaysia at Gemas, with lines extending to Thailand and Tumpat, traversing through major cities and the Jungle Railway. For more details, visit KTM's official website.
Long-distance taxi may be found in most Malaysian towns, generally near the express bus terminal. Taxis may travel far faster than buses between cities and towns throughout the nation. The drawback is that they are shared, so you have to wait for enough people to arrive to occupy the car's four passenger seats. The cost is often two or three times that of an express bus ticket.
Traveling within the area is reasonably priced, owing to the presence of several low-cost airlines. Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and low-cost airlines AirAsia and Firefly conduct domestic flights inside Malaysia. Flying inside Malaysia can save you time, but keep in mind that there are many connections between rural airports that need you to change planes in Kuala Lumpur.
Flying within the region is reasonably priced thanks to a few low-cost carriers. AirAsia, Firefly, and Malaysia Airlines (MAS) are the low-cost airlines that offer domestic flights inside Malaysia. Flying is not always a time-saver while traveling inside Malaysia. Frequently, connecting flights between rural airports involve changing planes in Kuala Lumpur.
Driving is a feasible option for tourists in Peninsular Malaysia due to the excellent roads; nevertheless, it may require some adjustment to the relaxed native mindset regarding traffic regulations. Driving is done on the left, and passengers at the front of the car must always buckle up. You must present a valid driver's license and be at least 23 years old in order to rent a car.
Car rental rates begin at around RM120 per day for weekly rental. Meanwhile, motorbike rental costs around RM20 per day, while bicycles, useful in rural areas, can be rented for a few ringgit a day.
The city and local transport include local bus networks, taxi, rishaws (bicycle rickshaws). It can be found in most Malaysian cities and towns serve both urban areas and hinterland.
Private automobiles, vans, and (on bad roads) four-wheel drives known as kereta sapu (often colloquially termed "taxis") function like buses or taxis along certain routes, generally from the main bus stops. These vehicles are particularly common in Sabah and Sarawak, though they are also found across Peninsular Malaysia.
There are several points that you need to know for Traveloka Hotels’ Refund Policies, such as:
Booking your hotels in Malaysia with Traveloka is a smart choice due to their innovative "Price Alerts" feature. This feature allows you to set a price range for your desired hotel, and Traveloka will notify you when a room within your budget becomes available. It's a proactive way to ensure you get the best deal possible, saving you time and money while ensuring you secure the ideal accommodation for your trip to Malaysia.
If you are in Malaysia, you can also visit Sabah, Perlis, Sarawak, Kedah, Terengganu, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Perak, Pahang, Selangor
The most popular hotels booked by tourists are JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur, Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur, Legoland Malaysia Hotel, Dorsett Kuala Lumpur, M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur, ANSA Hotel Kuala Lumpur, Stay with Bintang, Vouk Hotel By The Blanket, Scarletz Suites KLCC by Mykey Global, KSL Hotel & Resort Johor Bahru
Currently, there are around 9,165 hotels that you can book in Malaysia
Malaysia is a country located in Southeast Asia, neighbor country of Indonesia. Due to its location in the north of the equator, Malaysia has a tropical climate with two seasons: rainy and dry season.
Malaysia is ethnically heterogenous. Moslem Malay is the majority ethnic, while others are Chinese and Indian. Mixed ethnic between Malaysian and Thai as well as Middle East and Indonesian are pretty common in Malaysia. This results in variety of cultures and culinary in Malaysia.
One of Malaysia’s most popular dishes is nasi lemak. Its composition may vary according to each ethnic. Indians prefer chicken to beef in their nasi lemak, while Chinese prefers pork.
Malaysia has more than 900 big and small islands. Some of the main islands are Kapas Island, Langkawi Island, Pangkor Island and Payar Island.
Geographically, Malaysia is divided into two main areas: West Malaysia and East Malaysia separated by South China Sea. Capital city of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, is the most populated city located in West Malaysia.
West Malaysia is located on the combined continental landmass of Eurasia (Europe and Asia). It is surrounded by sea, except the northern part which neighbors Thailand.
Some main cities in West Malaysia are:
Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the capital city of Malaysia, located on the west shore of West Malaysia. As the most populated city in the country, Kuala Lumpur boasts some of the most prominent landmarks in the country. One of them is Petronas Twin Towers, formerly known as the world’s tallest building.
Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru is located across from northern part of Singapore. Its Stulang Laut Harbour is appointed as the main harbour for boats coming from Batam, Indonesia and Singapore.
Ipoh
This large area is located on the northern part of West Malaysia, 200 km from Kuala Lumpur. Ipoh’s landmark is known for being British heritage such as train station, law court building and town hall.
Shah Alam
Shah Alam is on the western part of West Malaysia, around 25 km from northern Kuala Lumpur. Proton, the country’s giant automotive factory is located in this industrial city.
Petaling Jaya
Also known as PJ, Petaling Jaya is a satelite city of Kuala Lumpur. It is located in the southwest of Kuala Lumpur.
East Malaysia is located on the northern side of Borneo Island in Indonesia, right next to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam.
Some main cities in East Malaysia are:
Kuching
This is the most populated city in East Malaysia. It attracts visitors with its local delicacies and the famous Serawak.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is on the northern side of West Malaysia. The city directly borders South China Sea on the west. Kota Kinabalu boasts some of the most popular fishing spots.
Miri
This second largest city in West Malaysia after Ipoh is located on the northern coast and directly connects to Brunei Darussalam. Miri is the main entrance for those who visit Gunung Mulu National Park.
Lahad Datu
Lahad Datu is the eastern coast jewel of East Malaysia. This city is a major site of oil palm plantations. Some of Lahad Datu’s main attractions are Madai Caves, Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Kuala Penyu
Kuala Penyu sits on East Malaysia on the north, bordering the eastern part of Brunei Darussalam. Visitors to Pulau Tiga National Park enters through Kuala Penyu. The popular Tempurung beach and Sawangan beach are located in Kuala Penyu.
In ancient era, East Malaysia was a part of Malaya Peninsula under the Kingdom of Sriwijaya, along with southern Myanmar, Thailand and Singapore. Malaya Peninsula was once one of Southeast Asia’s prominent economy hubs.
In 1511, Portugal successfully defeated local authority and then formed its first colony in Malaya Peninsula in 1786.
In 1824, Great Britain reigned over Malaya Peninsula, marked by London Treaty that divided a part of Malaysia and Indonesia into two. Afterwards, Malaya was ruled by Great Britain and Indonesia by the Netherlands.
After the Malayan Communist Party fought Britain, Malaysia finally gained its independence on 31 August 1957.
There are many ways to reach Malaysia by plane, boat and land transportations:
Malaysia has a total of 62 airports, with Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) as one of the main airports.
Kuala Lumpur International Airport provides facilities such as:
ATM Center
Baby Care room
Luggage storage
Banking
Medical clinic
Post office
Restroom and facilities for disabled
Immigration service
Free WiFi
Praying room
Smoking room
Transportation from and to Kuala Lumpur International Airport
To get to Kuala Lumpur, choose one of many transportation modes:
Bus
Bus operates 24 hours from the airport to Kuala Lumpur Central Station. Busride takes up to one hour and leaves every 30 minutes.
Bus fare one-way
Adult RM 10.00
Child RM 6.00
Bus fare round trip
Adult RM 18.00
Child RM 10.00
(Prices may change at any time)
Taxi
There are four types of taxi, each may carry from 3 to 8 passengers. To use taxi, passengers have to buy coupon from the counter at the airport.
Express Rail Link (ERL)
It takes 30 minutes to go from the airport to KL Central Station.
ERL fare one-way
Adult RM 35.00
Child (age 2-12 years) RM 15.00
ERL fare round trip
Adult RM 70.00
Child (age 2-12 years) RM 30.00
(Prices may change at any time)
Malaysia can be reached by boat from Singapore or Indonesia.
From and to Singapore
Leave from Changi Point Ferry Terminal in Singapore to go to Tanjung Belungkor Harbour, Malaysia. The journey takes up to 45 minutes.
Fare starts from RM 60 to RM 100.
(Prices may change at any time)
From and to Indonesia
One of the ways to reach Malaysia is from Batam in Riau Province. From Batam Center Harbour, boat leaves for Stulang Laut Harbour in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Journey may take up to 90 minutes.
Fare starts from RM 80 to RM 120.
(Prices may change at any time)
Malaysia can be reached by land transportation from Brunei Darussalam, Indonesia and Thailand.
Majority of nationalities are allowed to enter Malaysia without visa, including Indonesia. However, there are some countries that require visa such as: Bhutan, Cina, Myanmar, Nepal, Taiwan, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Israel.
There are 58 nationalities that may enter and stay in Malaysia without visa up to 90 days. There are 99 nationalities including Indonesia that may enter and stay in Malaysia without visa up to 30 days. Citizens of Ivory Coast, Iran, Libya, Sierra Leone and Somalia may enter and stay without visa for up to two weeks. Citizens of Taiwan may enter and stay without visa up to 15 days.
List of countries allowed to enter Malaysia without or with visa can be found on International Air Transport Association website https://www.timaticweb.com/
Malaysia’s daily public transportations covers as follows:
Plane
Plane is the only transportation from East to West Malaysia.
Bus
Malaysia has Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, a main bus hub in West Malaysia which is located in Bandar Tasik Selatan.
To go to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan, use various public transportation modes. Besides by car, you can go to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan directly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport by KLIA Transport Link (airport train), LRT (Light Rail Transit) and KTM Intercity.
Taxi
Taxi is commonly found in Malaysian cities. There are four types of taxi operating in Malaysia:
Budget taxi carries 3-4 people
Premier limo carries 4-5 people
Super luxury carries 3 people
Family service carries up to 8 people
Train (Light Rail Transit and KTM Intercity)
There are two types of train in Malaysian cities: Light Rail Transit (LRT) and KTM Intercity.
Light Rail Transit (LRT) is used to go from and to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, while KTM Intercity is used to travel long-distance between cities in Malaysia.
Malaysia’s climate is similar to Indonesia. Malaysia has two seasons: rainy and dry season. Rainy season normally starts in October and lasts until March. Dry season lasts from April to September.
Official language of Malaysia is Malay. Some ethnics also speak English, Chinese and Tamil as their every day language.
Malaysia boasts some of the most fascinating tourist attractions:
Genting Highlands encompasses an area as well as a resort on top of Titiwangsa Mountains. The cool climate ranges between 15 - 30° Celcius.
Genting Highlands is located on the border of Pahang state and Selangor, around 51 km northeast off Kuala Lumpur.
To get to Genting Highlands, you can use Genting Express bus, around one hour from Kuala Lumpur. Then, continue by Skyway (cable car) that may take up to 15 minutes.
Genting Express ticket is available at:
Pudu Bus Terminal
KL Central Station
Putra LRT (Light Rail Transit) Terminal Gombak
One Utama Petaling Jaya Shopping Center
For LEGO lovers, Legoland Malaysia is a must-visit. It is located in Nusajaya, Johor Bahru.
There are various building miniatures made of more than 30 millions LEGO blocks. Aside from miniatures, you can enjoy more than 70 shows and attractions.
Legoland Malaysia also provides water rides with more than 20 waterslides and 70 LEGO block models.
Legoland Malaysia entrance fee
Adult (age 12-59 years) RM 175
Child (age 3-11 years) RM 140
Above 60 years old RM 140
(Prices may change at any time)
Langkawi Island is located on northwest side of East Malaysia. Pulau Langkawi is famously known as Langkawi Permata Kedah, a cluster of Langkawi islands.
Aside from beaches, Langkawi Island boasts several charming attractions like suspension bridge on top of Machinchang Mountain and Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls.
By plane to Langkawi, you will arrive at Langkawi International Airport. You may also use ferry from Kuala Perlis, Kuala Kedah, Penang or Satun.
Malaysian traditional cuisine is derived from the influence of Malay, India and China.
Nasi lemak or lemak rice is Malaysia’s national delicacy, known for its high level of fat or lemak. Nasi lemak is the identical twin of Indonesia’s nasi uduk (uduk rice). It contains rice cooked with coconut milk, egg, tempe and chilli sauce.
Malaysia’s other popular dish is nasi kandar. It resembles Indonesia’s padang rice, similarly displayed behind storefront glass just like in Indonesia’s Padang restaurant.
Another Malaysian specialty is teh tarik or tarik tea, a mix of tea and milk. It’s called teh tarik because the preparation requires a pouring process of pulling (tarik) two glasses in mixing tea and milk.
To avoid taxi scams, it is suggested that you order taxi by phone or at taxi stand at hotel lobby and shopping centres.
If you’re afraid of heights, visit Genting Highlands by taxi instead of cable car.
For souvenirs, go to Petaling Street (Jalan Petaling) which is also the Chinatown of Kuala Lumpur. This area is open for visitors from 5 pm to late at night.