The Best Boutique Hotels to Book in Malaysia

Walkable to the major attractions in Kuala Lumpur such as the Petronas Towers and the vast Berjaya Times Square shopping mall, this boutique hotel in Malaysia has a pared-back, industrial vibe to its common areas – all bare brick and exposed piping – in stark contrast to the more conventional offerings in upmarket Bukit Bintang neighbourhood. A calm colour palette and concrete walls dominate inside the individually-styled rooms, ranging from skyline or courtyard-facing doubles to roomier artist lofts, the latter catering to creative types and bedecked with greenery.

Located in the heritage town of Melaka, the Heeren Boutique Hotel is far enough away from the tourist-heavy locations but is still within comfortable walking distance of the main attractions. Located in a sensitively revamped historic building on an affluent road, this hotel offers traditional Peranakan decorative flair and modern essentials. The rates are on the higher end, but this place has a reputation as the best lodging house in Melaka.

Part of the Penang Unesco World Heritage area and a well-known landmark on the island, The Blue Mansion (officially the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) has embarked on a mission to expose visitors to Chinese and Peranakan heritage. The striking building is both a museum and a boutique hotel. Treat yourself to historical luxury by staying in a remodelled 19th-century room. The Blue Mansion has been behind efforts to preserve remnants of Old Malaya, safeguarding them from the damaging effects of modern construction projects. A traditional neighbourhood surrounds the building, so immerse yourself in traditional local life.

For budget travellers, the Hotel Maison Boutique in Kuala Lumpur is a zany place to stay. Featuring fun themed rooms based on global pop culture and icons, the hotel is located in a corner of Bukit Bintang, close to the Berjaya Times Square shopping mall. It’s far enough away from the action to provide a peaceful stay and is close enough to the train station and the more affluent parts of Kuala Lumpur can be reached on foot. The striking red modernist exterior reflects the funky stylings within, and helpful staff make staying here unforgettable.

This restored Jawi Peranakan mansion in Penang reflects a more unusual Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture: South Asian influences are stronger here than East Asian ones. The property has a Mughal Anglo origin making it an attractive building, and the luxury service is among the finest in the city. The two rooms and the villas are individually-styled; the Mansion Suite comes with a claw-footed, free-standing soaking tub. The hotel is located on what locals call the Millionaire’s Road, part of the heritage area in Penang.

Located a short walk from the historic heart of George Town, this boutique hotel in Malaysia offers quality and affordable lodging in the form of snug, playfully decorated rooms with feature walls resembling chocolate bars and blond wood floors. Its convenient location, with the Komtar Skywalk, Penang Little India, Pinang Peranakan Mansion and the Kimberley Street Night Food Market all within a short walk away, makes it an excellent base for sightseeing, while the complimentary breakfasts fuel you up for an adventure-filled day.

While Sabah, a Malaysian territory on the island of Borneo, is best known for Mount Kinabalu – the highest mountain in Malaysia and a challenging trek in Southeast Asia, its bustling capital, Kota Kinabalu, offers modern lodgings where you’re likely to meet other adventurers looking to head into the jungle or the mountains. An easy walk from the Night Food Market, the harbourfront shopping malls and the cafes and restaurants of central KK, this boutique hotel is all stylish contemporary comforts, with good-quality beds, arctic a/c and colourful statement walls.

If Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Sabah, the bustling city of Kuching is the jumping-off point for exploring Sarawak, the other Malaysian territory in Borneo. This boutique hotel sits in a prime spot on the waterfront in the heart of Kuching, overlooking the slow-flowing Sarawak River and a short stroll from the most popular eateries in Kuching. Comprising two respectfully updated 19th-century shophouses, this all-suite, adults-only property lets you choose between 24 individually-styled rooms, some with private verandahs and French windows framing views of Fort Margherita.

Surrounded by the natural and cultivated forests of Negeri Sembilan and on the edge of a nature preserve, just an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, this secluded boutique hotel in Malaysia consists of six constructions, from a traditional Malay-style house on stilts overlooking a pool to contemporary apartments and an open-concept house, which lets in rainforest scents and sounds. The hotel follows eco-friendly practices and doesn’t come with air-conditioning or television sets in an attempt to encourage guests to appreciate the nature surrounding them; at night, watch out for sparks of fireflies and enjoy some of the clearest skies you’ll ever sleep under.

Bristling with mountains and carpeted with rainforest, tear-shaped Pulau Tioman is an island off the east coast of Malaysia, renowned for its superb scuba diving. Bringing a touch of luxury to the remote west coast of the island, this boutique hotel consists of hillside sarongs or nests, wooden chalets and beachside villas peeking out of the riot of greenery, true to the eco-friendly mission of the hotel to minimise environmental impact on the location. The lodges are simple, but come with such creature comforts as satellite TV; some boast private plunge pools. Boat excursions, short jungle treks and all manner of dives are all on the menu. Insect repellent is a must.