The 10 Best Backpacker Hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Dorms KL in Bukit Bintang offers dirt-cheap beds with benefits including breakfast, access to stable Wi-Fi and a secure place to store luggage. The typical crowd is mostly Western and European backpackers, creating a warm and friendly environment. Regular events hosted by Dorms KL such as movie nights and pub crawls are highlights. Backpackers who want a social experience in a youthful environment rate this as one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur. And don’t hesitate to ask their friendly staff for recommendations.

Want to party in Kuala Lumpur? Look no further than Reggae Mansion Hostel near Masjid Jamek LRT Station. The rooftop bar offers guests a free drink and plays music until the early hours giving backpackers the chance to socialise and let their hair down. Rooms range from private spaces to shared dormitories with pod-like beds for a more solitary snooze. Anyone looking for late-night music with a fun-loving young crowd will find Reggae Mansion to be the best hostel in Kuala Lumpur to suit their interests.

More and more digital nomads are using Malaysia’s capital as a base. And Homie KL rates as one of the most suitable hostels in Kuala Lumpur for the long-term traveller. Not only will guests find a quieter and more chilled out environment but they’ll also have access to computers, reliable Wi-Fi and workspace. The convenient and affordable laundry service will be a lifesaver for some. Homie KL’s spacious common area makes an ideal place to hang out, meet others or seek advice on how to quit the day job and travel full-time from those who are living their dream.

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, The Explorers combines a guesthouse and hostel. Backpackers have the choice between private rooms or mixed and female-only six to ten-bed dorms. Expect ultra-helpful staff, a comfortable common area with a decorative fountain and reliable Wi-Fi. The rooftop terrace provides a spot in the evening to socialise over a few drinks. With an ideal mix of quiet and sociable, The Explorers appeals and attracts all types of travellers.

PODS has a prime location near KL Sentral, the city’s main transport hub in Brickfields. Backpackers can choose between male, female and mixed dorms or single and double private rooms at PODS. Rooms come with either air-conditioning or a fan and spacious wardrobes, as well as free Wi-Fi. Shared bathrooms and kitchens are always clean and the typical crowd tends to be quieter. Anyone looking for a comfortable and cosy night or two in a central location will find this to be one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

As the name suggests, BackHome exudes a homey feel with its modern design, caring staff, cleanliness and welcoming atmosphere. Near Masjid Jamek LRT, this hostel in Kuala Lumpur attracts a broad spectrum of backpackers and tourists. Rooms include dormitory-style and private doubles with shared bathrooms and access to a fully-equipped kitchen. Visitors appreciate how BackHome encourages and nurtures a social atmosphere by placing guest names on doors for everyone to interact on first name terms. It’s not uncommon for backpackers to extend their stay at one of Kuala Lumpur’s more comfortable hostels.

Not all people want to party until the early hours. Agosto Guesthouse caters towards those looking for privacy while still having the same sociable hostel atmosphere. The small property offers dorms with individual curtains on the beds as well as private rooms. Expect a more relaxed atmosphere and a crowd geared towards quiet socialising rather than raucous partying. Couples and more introverted travellers will find a suitable vibe here.

Backpackers who want to stay close to Kuala Lumpur’s entertainment district in the Golden Triangle should consider Sahabat Guesthouse. The property is minutes away from bars, nightclubs and public transport options. Friendly staff, a clean environment and a relaxed atmosphere, as well as a spacious common area and access to a refrigerator and microwave, are highlights. But the main allure is its location near the bars and clubs for a night on the town.

Housed inside a former colonial building in Chinatown and featuring a quirkily decorated interior, Mingle Hostel combines the historical with the contemporary. As the name suggests, this is one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur to meet other travellers. A selection of rooms range from bunk beds in a mixed or female-only dorm to deluxe rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Facilities include a common area, communal kitchen, an on-site café and a reading room give ample opportunities for solo travellers to socialise. Anyone travelling alone and looking to meet people will appreciate this hostel.

Ideal for backpackers on a slightly higher budget, Paper Plane is among the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for its high standards of accommodation. Comfortable beds inside four, six or eight bed mixed and female-only forms along with private and Queen rooms attract a wide range of guests. Dorm beds each have their own light, charging hub, privacy curtains and a locker. The central location in Bukit Bintang is a short walk to Jalan Alor, Berjaya Times Square and Fahrenheit88. Tourists looking for a quieter stay with a higher level of privacy tend to enjoy their stay at Paper Plane.