Kuala Lumpur It is one of my favorite cities in Southeast Asia. It’s a melting pot of influences and cultures (Indian, Chinese, Malay, Western), there are tons of things to do, and I think it’s a food haven that rivals nearby Bangkok.
Therefore, “KL” is a must-have for backpackers in the area.
Here is my list of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur to help you plan your trip and save money. If you don’t want to read the longer list below, here are the best in each category:
Best hostels for budget travelers:
Best hostels for solo female travelers:
Best hostels for digital nomads:
Best hotel for parties:
Want to know the specific conditions of each dormitory? Here’s my breakdown of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur and why I love them:
Price legend (per night):
- $ – Below MYR 50
- $$ – 50-70 MYR
- $$$ – over 70 MYR
1. Chinatown Hostel (Mingle)
This is a fun and social backpacker hostel in the heart of Chinatown, making it easy to meet and mingle with other travelers. Chinatown has many cheap and delicious restaurants, so the area is a great base (especially for foodies).
There is a shared kitchen and café, and staff organize many activities to help you explore the city and connect with people. The dorm beds have privacy curtains and the mattresses are comfortable. There are also lights and sockets to charge your stuff. It is one of the most popular hotels in town.
List of hotels in Chinatown:
- $$
- Convenient central location
- Female-only dormitory
- The social atmosphere makes it easy to make friends
Beds start from MYR 55 and private rooms start from MYR 175.
2. Penthouse No. 34
This is one of the coolest hotels in Kuala Lumpur. It’s located in a duplex penthouse of a skyscraper, so you get stunning views. The hotel also has a rooftop area where you can take yoga classes or just hang out, and guests can also use the infinity pool, which overlooks the city from the 37th floor.
Staff also organizes many activities, including food tours. The beds in the dorms are super thick and have curtains so you can get a good night’s sleep. There are also bedside lamps and sockets.
Although it is one of the more expensive hotels, I think you get your money’s worth. It’s a little further from the city center but within a three-minute walk there’s public transport that can take you wherever you need to go.
Penthouse 34 at a glance:
- $$$
- Gym and swimming pool
- epic view
- Plenty of activities and easy socializing
Beds start from MYR 75 and private rooms start from MYR 130.
3. Bird’s Nest Collective
This budget hotel is also located in Chinatown. All rooms are air-conditioned and there is a cool rooftop cafe where you can hang out and relax. While there’s plenty of room to relax, it’s not super social.
The room was basic but comfortable and the shower had hot water and good pressure. This is not a luxury hotel, but it is one of the most affordable in town, so it is a good choice for budget travelers.
Bird’s Nest collective overview:
- $
- Most affordable option
- rooftop cafe
- Excellent location
Beds start from MYR 45, private rooms start from MYR 85.
4. Liberty Club Inn
Just a short walk from most major attractions, this new boutique hotel is modern and stylish, with three common areas for hanging out, but with a quieter vibe as the staff aren’t organizing activities. If you’re on a budget, there’s a kitchen so you can cook your own meals. There is also free Wi-Fi.
Comfortable pod-style bunk beds feature thick mattresses, individual lights and storage cabinets to keep your belongings safe and secure. The bathroom was clean and modern and the shower had decent pressure.
List of free clubs:
- $$
- Comfortable pod bed
- Kitchen for cooking your own meals
- Plenty of common areas to hang out and relax
Beds start from MYR 66.
5. Chinatown Space Hotel
This is a space-themed capsule hotel and boutique hotel. Located in Chinatown, it has an artsy and futuristic vibe, with the walls covered in space-themed murals and all the beds being capsules. This is not a social hotel as everyone has their own capsule, but there is plenty to do nearby and plenty of places to eat (including Petaling Street Market).
The accommodation pods are very comfortable and are equipped with lights, sockets and air conditioning so you can get a good night’s sleep. If you just need a basic place to rest and want a unique stay, this is the perfect choice!
Overview of space hotels:
- $$$
- Artistic flavor
- Private capsule
- shower
Beds start from MYR 80 and private rooms start from MYR 175.
Kuala Lumpur is a beating heart Malaysia It’s also a must-visit for backpackers and foodies. Although there are many hotels in the city, not all are created equal. Stay at one of the hotels on this list and you’re sure to have a fun, safe, and affordable trip to this vibrant capital city.
Booking a trip to Malaysia: Logistical tips and tricks
Book a flight
use Skyscanner Find cheap flights. It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines all over the world, so you always know no stone will be left unturned.
Book accommodation
You can book a hostel via hostel worldbecause it has the largest inventory and the best prices. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hotel, use Booking.comas it always returns the cheapest prices for guesthouses and hotels.
Don’t forget travel insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellation. It provides complete protection in case any issues arise. I wouldn’t travel without it as I have used it many times in the past. My favorite companies that provide the best service and value are:
Looking for the cheapest company?
look at mine Resources page Providing you with the best companies to use when traveling. I make a list of all the tools I use on the road. They will also save you money.
Want to know more about Malaysia?
Be sure to visit our Powerful Malaysia Destination Guide Learn more planning tips!
