Eco-friendly Hotels In Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s capital is one of the largest cities in Southeast Asia, home to towering skyscrapers, including the Petronas Towers, and a diverse immigrant community. It’s surrounded by rainforest, making it an ideal destination for a tropical eco-retreat. Book into one of Culture Trip’s favourite green hotels in Kuala Lumpur, from eco-cabins to energy-efficient high-rises.

1. Alila Bangsar

Eco Hotel

An outdoor seating area at Alila Bangsar Kuala Lumpur, with plants, wooden decking, cushioned sofas, tables and candles

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly stay in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, book the Alila Bangsar. From energy-saving initiatives to their own water treatment system (with the water served in recycled glass bottles), the hotel is doing its utmost to avoid damaging the environment. Chic rooms and studios offer floor-to-ceiling windows and rainfall showers, and come with Giving Bags so you can donate any unwanted items to the local community. Don’t miss their Malaysian cooking workshop, which includes a local market tour, breakfast and lunch.

2. The Element Kuala Lumpur

Eco Hotel

A light room with a grey sofa and colourful cushions, a TV, wooden table, rug, wooden floor and large windows

Holding the title as the tallest eco-friendly hotel in Kuala Lumpur, the Element is 275m (902ft) high and has a total of 252 spacious rooms. With a Green Building Index certification, the hotel offers luxury and comfort alongside its environmental efforts. These include harvesting rainwater, and using energy-efficient lighting and an indoor air-quality monitor. The interior has a modern design with marble bathrooms, while its facilities include an on-site restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre. It’s just a stone’s throw from the city centre, too.

3. The Dusun

Boutique Hotel, Resort, Hotel, Eco-Lodge

An outdoor pool surrounded by trees at the Dusun

The Dusun sits approximately an hour and 15 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and sits in the Titiwangsa Main Range foothills at an altitude of 244m (800ft). The family-owned resort covers a large area, and first opened as a retreat in 1984. With a reputation for being one of the most eco-friendly hotels in Malaysia, you can expect the ultimate environmentally conscious jungle experience here. Their vegetable patches are organic, eco-friendly products are sourced from Malaysian non-profit Truly Loving Company (TLC) and they provide plastic-free soap and shampoo. They also aim to hire staff as locally as they can.

5. Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya

Eco-Lodge

A bedroom at Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya, with black walls and flooring, two cushioned beds, colourful windows and cahirs

Tanah Aina Farrah Soraya offers eco-friendly accommodation near Kuala Lumpur. On arrival, you’ll travel along a jungle track for a few minutes before you reach the resort, adding to its secluded feel. Outdoor adventure activities are the focus here, from zip lining to jungle trekking. Leave no trace is part of the resort’s ethos. Organic, biodegradable soap, shampoo and hair conditioner are supplied in bulk dispensers and the food is sourced locally.

6. Time Capsule Retreat

Eco-Lodge

This small, family-run eco-friendly hotel near the River Lembing – Sungai Lembing in Malay – in Pahang overlooks a forest reserve and guarantees exclusivity and privacy. Accommodation ranges from the small, concrete air-conditioned capsules with shared bathrooms to a large cottage with either two singles or a queen bed.

Nina Zietman contributed additional reporting to this article.

If you fancy a dip, Kuala Lumpur has some stunning swimming pools. Looking for more places to stay in Malaysia? Check out our pick of the best boutique hotels in Malaysia, bookable with Culture Trip. To discover more of what Malaysia has to offer, check out our guide to the most beautiful places to visit in Malaysia.

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