Providing you with the ultimate list of the BEST HOSTELS IN MALAYSIA – includes rates, locations and great reviews that will definitely help you with your stay in the top cities of Malaysia!

Malaysia has everything you could hope for in a backpacking destination. Tropical rainforests, frenetic cities, beautiful beaches, mountains and paradise islands. All of them are steeped in centuries of history and rich cultural identities woven together into one incredible adventure!

In this article, you will find the following – Best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, best hostels in Penang, best hostels in Melaka, best hostels in Kota Kinabalu, best hostels in Langkawi, best hostels in Cameron Highlands, best hostels in Kuching, best hostels in Sandakan, and the best hostels in Ipoh.

Related article: Best Luxury Hotels in Malaysia

For the shortlist of the best hostels per city in Malaysia, look below. Or scroll all the way to see our list of all of the best Malaysian hostels!

The Best Hostels in Kuala Lumpur

Nous Hotel Hostel – Kuala Lumpur

PRICE: Starts from $19

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: NOUS HOTEL KL is a cute minimalist, industrial and definitely URBAN style 2 stars hotel of 20 rooms, located right in the middle of the vibrant and colorful area of Bukit Bintang of the Malaysian capital city. All their rooms feature a private en-suite shower and toilets room, queen bed, air conditioning, hot water, daily housekeeping, cable channels on LCD TV screen, complimentary Wi-Fi connection, safety deposit box, 24 hours front office assistance and a small co-working space available in our lobby.

They are at walking distance from the main tourist attractions: Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, Merdeka Square, Market Place, Malls: Pavilion, Suria KLCC as well Jalan Alor famous for its street food and Jalan Chankat for its bars, pubs, and nightlife. The nearest MRT/Monorail “Bukit Bintang” station is at less than of 3 minutes by walk from the hotel, connecting you to KL Sentral, the hub for all public transportations as well to reach KLIA (airport) within 30 to 45 minutes.

BackHome Hostel – Kuala Lumpur

The Best Hostel in Malaysia for Solo Travelers

PRICE: Dorms from $13.95

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: An awesome charming and modern hostel, it’s an excellent hostel with great facilities. The basics are good and the place has that little bit of extras to offer that makes it stand out. Great central location, close to Masjid Jamek subway station, it was probably the best location in all of KL. The hostel is clean and close to everything plus the staff is awesome – very helpful and friendly.

Beds are comfortable and there is also a movie room to hang out with new friends and drink at night. There are lockable cupboards in each room with plenty of space to store belongings. Beautiful layout and atmosphere, super friendly and helpful staff, very secure, good location, excellent WiFi connection, and zero complaints. Back home has such a “homely” feel to it! A brilliant clean hostel for a very reasonable price and truly one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!

The Explorers Guesthouse and Hostel

PRICE: Dorms from $8.22 whilst Privates from $11.46

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: This is an excellent hostel with fast Internet, a nice common room (with a small fountain) and a great location near to Chinatown. The staff goes out of their way to help you. It’s also a great place to meet new friends. Location is close to Chinatown and the Central Market and the train station is also just a few minutes walk. The room, bathroom, and other facilities are clean plus very secure due to the buzzer entry system.

It is not a party hostel but you can get some beers and share them at the terrace. It has a very nice common area with books and travel guides available and nice sofas where you can chill. High class, conveniently located hostel with friendly and supportive staff. Reaching for excellence in almost every area of service. A fantastic place to stay and definitely one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia!

Sahabat Guesthouse

PRICE: Privates from $15.72

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: The guesthouse is really good and in a perfect location. Sahabat is near and accessible to all kinds of transportation you needed when you’re up to visiting Malaysia’s tourist spots and it’s just within Bukit Bintang area. It is very clean, the staff is friendly and helpful plus the atmosphere is relaxed. The public transport connections are good and it is easy to get around. The guesthouse is well equipped with clean rooms and bathrooms plus good WiFi. Refrigerator and microwave are available for use and there are supermarkets nearby, so any food items can be stored and reheated. Great service, friendly staff and conveniently located near the shopping district. Sahabat Guesthouse, definitely one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur

PRICE: Dorms from $12.46 whilst Privates from $15.20

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Big, clean, friendly staff, free dinner and rooftop bar. The rooftop bar has an amazing view of the Petronas twin towers and the KL tower. This hostel is a great place to meet other solo travellers. Dorm beds are huge and more like a large capsule hotel so you can have total privacy while in your bed. Good budget stays, truly one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Best Hostels in Penang

Dream Catcher Travelers Refuge Hostel – Penang

The Best Hostel for Couples in Malaysia

PRICE: Dorms from $6.48

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: A really lovely hostel in a great location. It’s really close to everything you’d want to see in old Georgetown and close to the buses to see the rest of Penang. It’s a nice quiet place with the most awesome helpful staff, very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. Clean comfy rooms equipped big bathrooms, good showers, it’s a fantastic place with the common area which resembles an art gallery. A lounge area is an awesome place just to chill, read your book, have a beer and relax. The cozy, clean and very centre of George Town, this place is actually a hidden gem. A gorgeous and lovely hostel, definitely one of the best hostels in Penang, Malaysia.

The Frame Guesthouse Hostel – Penang

PRICE: Dorms from $8.72 whilst Privates from $11.21

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Typical colonial building, the hostel is very central; basic but artistic at the same time and wonderfully clean! It has an ergonomic, comfortable and interesting design. It’s a hostel with very friendly and helpful staff in a great location. Right in front of Kapitan Kelling Mosque and a few steps away from the nearest bus stop. A leisurely walk to the jetty bus terminus. It has a very clean room and shared facilities and a strong WiFi signal. It also has 24hr reception. The hostel provides free breakfast, free drinking water, really good showers and big safety lockers in the room. The ambience of the whole place felt really nice. There are several chill-out spaces to eat/read or just relax in. The Frame Guesthouse, truly one of the best hostels in Penang, Malaysia.

The Best Hostels in Melaka

Old Town Guesthouse Hostel – Melaka

PRICE: Privates from $7.23

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: The guesthouse is at a good location where you can visit the main parts of the city. It is located a few walks away from Little India or Chinatown and at the foot of Saint Paul hill. Rooms are comfy, safe and have tidy facilities. The guesthouse is very clean and really nicely decorated and maintained. The owner is a very lovely man with a great knowledge of Melaka. He loves to answer any questions and provide advice on things to see or places to eat. An excellent guesthouse, definitely one of the best hostels in Melaka, Malaysia.

Jalan-Jalan Emas Hostel Melaka

The Best Cheap Hostel in Malaysia for Budget Travelers

PRICE: Dorms from $3.99 whilst Privates from $4.98

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Great little hostel right in the centre of the old Town Melaka! The famous night market is just one crossing street away so you are in the pulsing heart of Melaka. There is also a bicycle rental next door. The hostel comes with a small cosy living area with free tea, coffee and WiFi. Everything is very clean plus the staff is friendly. The hostel has a very charming atmosphere and is very well kept. It has a chill atmosphere in the common area. Great for hanging out, having drinks, and getting to know other travellers. An amazing hostel for the price, definitely one of the best hostels in Melaka, Malaysia.

The Best Hostels in Kota Kinabalu

Borneo Backpackers Hostel – Kota Kinalabu

PRICE: Dorms from $8.72 whilst Privates from $9.34

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Situated just far away enough from Jalan Gayer. Quiet at night but close enough from everything you need. It’s conveniently 30 minutes away from the airport, walking distance from nearby convenience stores. 10 minutes away from the night market and the Suria Sabah Mall. The rooms and dorms are basic but kept meticulously clean. The communal areas are perfect to meet other travellers and relax. Everything is quite decent, good ambience and it’s at a strategic location. Cafe downstairs is a good chill out place with good waffles. Excellent place for budget travelling, definitely one of the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Masada Backpacker Hostel – Kota Kinalabu

The best hostel in Malaysia with Private Rooms

PRICE: Dorms from $9.22

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: A very good secured hostel with nice staff that help you with whatever you are looking for. It’s a hostel with clean rooms, comfortable beds, good working air-con. Good and clean showers and toilets too. Rooms are great with adequate space and privacy and good WiFi connection. The hostel is very nice with stylish common areas and enough space everywhere. Cleanliness is fine and the environment is very calm and friendly. Breakfast and snacks are pretty good as well! This hostel is extremely well set out for the comfort of backpackers. Truly one of the best hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

The Best Hostels in Langkawi

Zackry Guesthouse Hostel – Langkawai

PRICE: Privates from $7.48

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Run by an extremely helpful and lovely lady called Pete, this guest house will not disappoint. It’s pretty rustic and the rooms are pretty standard. However, the owner went out of her way to help us. A hostel with a great common area, with TV and games. A fridge full of beer and juice and also sells cereal and noodles with very good variety. It has a kitchen and facilities to cook plus helpful and nice staff. There’s even free drinking water and a small swimming pool available for guests. The guesthouse itself is located 5-10 mins from the nearest beach and 20-25 mins to the main beach/mall by foot. It is a great location to walk to the beach and into Pantai Cenang. Solid guesthouse, providing all a backpacker needs, with great efficiency, definitely one of the best hostels in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Tipsy Gypsy Guesthouse – Langkawi

PRICE: Dorms from $6.70

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: A very social hostel with a nice bar, generally a good hostel. It has a relaxing mood and in a great location, 15-20 mins walking to the beach (Pantai Cenang); 5 mins if driving. It’s a great little hostel with big beds, nice showers, clean toilets and cheap food. This place has a laid back vibe, super spacious, has a guest fridge as well as a bar. Owner, Steven is fantastic, helpful, kind, and willing to listen to suggestions that will improve his place. Friendly staff, clean place, good environment, truly one of the best hostels in Langkawi, Malaysia.

The Best Hostels in Cameron Highlands

De’Native Guesthouse Hostel – Cameron Highlands

PRICE: Dorms from $9.98 whilst Privates from $11.23

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Good little guesthouse in a great location, close walk to Tanah Rata. There is an amazing atmosphere at the hostel with communal bonfires. The staff is really friendly and helpful and the rooms are good – basic but good! The atmosphere is enjoyable, beer is cheap and the location created a good vibe amongst the people. The outdoor hut is lovely and the whole property has been kept up beautifully. Great atmosphere, great people, great food, definitely one of the best hostels in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.

CH Travellers Inn Hostel – Cameron Highlands

PRICE: Dorms from $6.24 whilst Privates from $14.97

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: A clean, friendly place to relax after a long mountain hike. It’s a nice hostel, in a good place and centrally located. The hostel is a bit like a house with a communal kitchen living room with TV and dorm room. Staff is really friendly and helpful with everything! It’s a very clean hostel, comfortable and has a homey feel. They also have a small security box for each bunk to keep your passport/small valuables. Truly one of the best hostels in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia, highly recommended for budget travellers.

The Best Hostels in Kuching Sarawak

Marco Polo Hostel – Sarawak

PRICE: Dorms from $6.24 whilst Privates from $6.49

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Marco Polo is located in the ‘new’ Chinatown section of Kuching, at the western end of Jalan Pedungan. It’s right near one of the several large cat statues. The hostel has excellent, friendly and helpful owners too. It’s a good home base to explore the area, in a neighbourhood with lots of local food stalls and restaurant. The touristy area is just a 10 min walk. The rooms and bedding are clean and towels are provided too. Though shared bathroom, there are adequate bathrooms for everyone and it’s all very clean. The owners are very friendly and the breakfast is a great starter for the day – especially the coffee. A perfect place to relax, sleep and read a book or two! Nice, clean and comfortable! This place is definitely value for money and truly one of the best hostels in Kuching, Malaysia!

Threehouse Bed and Breakfast Hostel – Kuching Sarawak

PRICE: Dorms from $5.69 whilst Privates from $8.51

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: It’s a well-run hostel with amazing staff, comfortable bed and hot showers. Laundry service, great kitchen, living room with TV and movies. Hostel with a smile, helpful and friendly staff. Common rooms for kitchen and lounge and it has a nice roof terrace too. Facilities are pretty complete and the place is quite clean. Best choice for low budget with a charming environment and definitely one of the best hostels in Kuching, Malaysia.

Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!

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The Best Hostels in Sandakan

Harbourside Backpackers Hostel – Sandakan

PRICE: Dorms from $7.49 whilst Privates from $8.23

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: A well-managed hostel in a good location. Near the seafront and close to the minibus station to get to Sepilok. Lots of market, restaurants, port, groceries and other attractions around. It’s a hostel with friendly, helpful and kind staff and clean communal areas. It has a nice common room with sofas and TV. It is spotlessly clean, the beds and linen are all new. There are a beautiful TV and lounge room available. Perfectly clean and on a good spot, truly one of the best hostels in Sandakan, Malaysia.

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort Hostel – Sandakan

PRICE: Dorms from $11.90

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: A very simple lodge, clean, and quaint. It’s a nice place to stay and relax with friendly, helpful, mellow, and understanding staff. It’s very easy to access to all the attractions of Sepilok! Great location if you would like to stay within walking distance to the Orangutang Sanctuary, Sun Bear Centre and Rainforest Discovery Centre. The grounds are beautiful and the pool is a nice touch. The hostel has comfortable clean rooms with shared shower and clean toilets. Soap and shampoo are even provided. Great place to stay with great value for money, definitely one of the best hostels in Sandakan, Malaysia.

The Best Hostels in Ipoh

Bed & Bike Backpackers Studio Hostel – Ipoh

PRICE: Dorms from $7.49

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: This hostel is a fun place to stay, lots of lounging areas and a cool modern look. Some delicious places to eat nearby too. This hostel is a comfortable, affordable, and homely place to stay in especially for solo travellers. The hostel is clean and hygienic, with a layout perfect for meeting like-minded travellers. Hostel manager is exceptionally warm and helpful too. Staff is friendly and hostel with a nice atmosphere. Awesome place, awesome people, truly one of the best hostels in Ipoh, Malaysia.

Abby By The River Hostel – Ipoh

PRICE: Dorms from $7.49 whilst Privates from $10.73

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Why is it one of the best hostels in Malaysia?

FAMOUS FOR: Hostel in a convenient location, bus stop right in front of the hostel. The room is comfortable and spacious, has a good air-con, hot water provided and free WiFi available. Individual wall sockets and reading lamps are available as well. Clean rooms, comfortable beds, close to shopping and eating areas. A short walk from the train station or bus station. Quite thrifty and a good choice for anyone looking for something simple and welcoming. Abby by the River, definitely one of the best hostels in Ipoh, Malaysia.

Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!

This list is based on our personal experiences and/or reviews online. Do you own a Backpackers Hostel and want to be featured in our series? If yes, please contact us at [email protected] with SUBJECT: Best Backpackers Hostels List.

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