How to Choose the Perfect Place to Stay in Malaysia

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Translated from French — Read the French original

Malaysia is undeniably one of the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia. It attracts a great number of travelers looking for an escape, some relaxation, and a change of scenery. Known for its diverse landscapes, welcoming and smiling population, lush nature, and hyper-active cities like Kuala Lumpur… it’s hard to resist the undeniable charms of Malaysia.

The famous Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur

Are you also looking to discover Malaysia and its many facets?

Where to stay? This is a question travelers often ask themselves before setting off. Here is a non-exhaustive list of accommodation types for your next vacation exploring Malaysia.

Hostels

As a general rule, hostels are tourist accommodations that typically offer a bed in shared rooms, ranging from 2 to 8 beds, or even more depending on the hostel. However, there are hostels that offer individual and double rooms, equipped with either private or shared bathrooms.

You will easily find this type of accommodation in beach resorts as well as in Malaysia's main tourist cities. Today, this budget-friendly way to stay is attracting more and more tourists looking for authenticity and new connections.

Camping in Malaysia

For adventure lovers, a camping trip in Malaysia is a dream come true. It’s worth noting that today, many national parks in Malaysia have official campsites where you can camp in complete peace and security. Some parks also allow wild camping for the more daring who want to head deep into the jungle.

Once you arrive, you’ll be spoiled for choice with some of the most beautiful places to camp in Malaysia: Gunung Mulu National Park, the beaches of Port Dickson, the national parks in the Kuching region, Cherating beach, and more.

With its exceptional panoramas, varied tropical landscapes, rolling green terrain, magnificent islands, dream beaches, and lush forests… Malaysia offers the perfect setting for a camping vacation in the heart of nature.

Hotels

In Malaysia, you will have a wide choice of hotels, ranging from small establishments to high-end luxury hotels. Generally speaking, small hotels are geared toward local tourists and offer basic amenities. These are usually quite simple but clean, equipped with a private bathroom, and sometimes a bar and restaurant.

As for high-end hotels, they house "luxury" rooms or slightly more expensive "lodges," which are often more spacious and comfortable, featuring better views and little extras like free internet access or breakfast…

Protecting your connection on shared Wi-Fi networks

Hostels, guesthouses, cafes, airports: in Malaysia, you will often use public or shared Wi-Fi networks to book your travel, check your accounts, or contact your loved ones. These open connections expose your personal data to prying eyes. To secure your browsing, using a free VPN is a simple and effective precaution: it encrypts your traffic and prevents anyone on the same network from intercepting your information. Remember to install it on your phone and laptop before you leave.

Staying with locals

If you love traveling to meet the local population, opt for a "homestay" type of accommodation. It is worth noting that this way of staying allows you to experience a lifestyle that is often very different from urban living.

Note that there are several "homestay" options, including B&Bs, couchsurfing (which involves offering your sofa for free to travelers who sometimes come from the other side of the world), guest rooms, and more.

Here are a few good reasons to stay with locals during your next getaway in Malaysia: