Source: @kelvinpar
The figure in our bank account dictates the quality of our travel and we often compromise on comfort to find the cheapest budget hotel available. However, budget hostels don’t necessarily mean sacrificing comfort and aesthetics. In fact, you can even find stylish hubs without emptying your wallet.
With the demand for budget travel on the rise, hostels are initiating upgrades to compete against boutique hotels. These 10 new generation hostels under RM90 prove that hostels are affordable but doesn’t feel cheap.
Paper Plane is refurbished from a century-old colonial house, decorated with various murals commissioned by different artists. The black and white theme resonates throughout the hostel making it feel as though you are living inside a sketchbook.
Chill out at the Rooftop garden lined with carpet grass, and gaze out at the city skyline at night. It may be pricier as far as hostels go, but the added level of luxury is worth that little splurge!
Price: From RM70
Address: No.15 Jalan Sin Chew Kee 50150. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Getting There: Located 5 minutes away from Hang Tuah Station and a short walking distance to bukit Bintang.
Website
Source: @hasif_captures
This 3-storey mansion is a colonial-styled building that’s preserved along with its sense of nostalgia. The building’s classic white exterior walls hide insulated pod beds, a luxury for those who’d opt for privacy in a hostel.
What makes it so unique other than the set-up is the in-house activities organised for guests – from movie nights to BBQ dinner with friends to themed parties at the rooftop bar. It’s constantly voted as one of the best hostels around, so be prepared to be a social butterfly if you’re booking a bed here.
Source: @jaamess
Price: RM50/bed
Address: 53, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur, 50000, Malaysia
Getting there: At KL Sentral, change to the KL Kelana Jaya Line and alight at Masjid Jamek LRT station. When you exit the LRT Station, walk along Jalan Tun Burger King Café, towards the 2nd street on your right of Jalan Tun H.S Lee.
Website
Despite the hustle and bustle of Chinatown’s night market, Birdnest Guesthouse remains isolated from the commotion. The moment you step in, you’ll be greeted by the calm tropical oasis of plants, murals and wooden floor boards.
The bold colours, large cushions and antique wooden furniture will lend a familiar homely sight, ensuring your days in the hostel are well rested. Explore the hostel and you’ll chance upon hidden gems such as two pet iguanas. Bet you never saw that coming!
Source: @mytravelguide
Price: RM20 – 75
Address: 64 Jalan Hang Kasturi 50050 Kuala Lumpur
Getting there: Take a bus or KLIA Express train to KL Sentral station then hop on the train to Pasar Seni. The hostel is directly opposite the train station.
Website
Source: @jtommosgard
Explorers Guesthouse boasts two rooftop balconies and various common areas with a funky, modern interior for guests to chill out and interact. The social living room has a book exchange and board game area, a perfect place to meet other travellers! Its clean and homely accommodation coupled with the brick walls and warm tones make for a relaxing stay.
Price: From RM50
Address: No 128 and 130 Jalan Tun H.S Lee 50000 Kuala Lumpur.
Getting there: Change at KL Sentral and alight at Pasar Seni Station. Walk towards the Central Market, turn right when you reach Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lock. Keep going and turn left at Jalan Tun HS Lee junction, where a CIMB Bank branch is located.
Website
Opened by the same Birdnest group, Birdnest Collective offers a space that’s boutique-like, even featuring a trendy café on its rooftop. The place has a quaint outlook, with its neutral coloured walls and quotes painted on the doors.
One major drawback about hostels is shared bathrooms – an amenity that guests tend to be picky about. If you’re toilet-sensitive, this place has you covered. All its rooms are air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms, so you need not fight to have a shower with others.
Price: RM30 – 100
Address: 210 Jalan Tun HS Lee 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Getting there: From KL Sentral, change the train and alight at Pasar Seni. Birdnest Collective is behind the Indian Temple.
Website
Source: @atrathelady__
BackHome KL stands out from the other hostels available in terms of comfort and appearance. It has a modern industrial minimal look that’s simple and modest. Their personalised services, in-house tour guide, and free breakfast will make you forget you’re in a RM56 hostel. To complete the experience, they’ll write your name on the chalkboard on your door – or offer to write it yourself and go wild.
Source: @hafizmasri
Source: @atrathelady__
Note: You can upgrade to a queen-sized bed for a couple of dollars if you’re travelling as a couple.
Price: Dorms from RM56 – 96
Address: 30, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Getting there: Catch the Skybus or KLIA express to KL Sentral and take the LRT to Masjid Jamek subway station. The hotel is a short two-minute walk away.
Website
Source: @tinsants
Situated in the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Golden Triangle’, this unique hostel simulates a resort in the rainforests with its lush greenery of decorative plants. The cabin in the woods feel of the interior matches perfectly with the lively floral exterior. The effort poured in to ensure an immersive experience is commendable.
Soak up some sun from the deck or have a chat with other guests at the various common rooms. And as the name suggests, breakfast is provided for free!
Price: From RM39
Address: No 27, Jalan Mesui, Off Jalan Nagasari, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Getting there: At KL Sentral, change to the KL monorail to Raja Chulan Station. After exiting the Raja Chulan Station, head towards towards Jalan Tengah. Turn right to Jalan Raja Chulan then turn left to Jalan Nagasari (Landmark: Istana Hotel). Once you are at Jalan Nagasari, look for Jalan Mesui (Second right from Jalan Nagasari). Alternatively, a cab ride from KL Sentral will cost about RM15 – 20.
Website
This refurbished two-storey shophouse is located in the heart of Bukit Bintang, making it the perfect gateway to Malaysian culture. The entire hostel is designed to represent the different states – each of the 8 private rooms uniquely decorated with furniture and crafts from Perak, Terengganu, Kelantan, Penang and Melaka.
Having its complimentary breakfast at the outdoor tropical garden will feel as though you’re dining in the rainforest Homestyle KL may be the priciest on the list, but experiencing the essence of Malaysian culture without leaving the hostel is worth it.
Price: From RM90
Address: Tengkat Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Getting there: Your best bet would be to take a cab from KL Sentral. It is just beside Jalan Alor which is the main hawker street.
Website
Source: @skrona
Bullockcart Hostel is the perfect place for visitors, with Berjaya Times Square, Starhill Gallery and Petronas Towers located only 15 minutes away. Despite the touch of modern furnishes, the hostel retains its nostalgic feel, an ode to its name – bullockcart which is a mode of transportation in the olden days.
Price: RM28 – 30
Address: No 50A Jalan Padang Belia off Jalan Tun Sambanthan , Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory 50470, Malaysia
Getting there: If you are coming from KLIA airport, take the express train to KL Sentral Station and walk down Jalan Tun Sambathan to Jalan Padang Belia.
Website
Source: @wanying.nwy
Source: @jermsnosocialmedia
Perfect for someone who loves a good party, Grid 9 is partnered with Zouk KL and was designed to be an accommodation where guests can socialise. The design is kept minimal, yet futuristic, topping it off with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and en suite bathrooms in its private rooms and dorms.
Source: @vonschweetz_
The lounge is the highlight, with beanbags strewn around to laze about and a pool table for when it becomes competitive. Head to the gastropub for some delicious grub or party it up at Zouk, where guests can enjoy complimentary access and 10% bottle discount.
Source: @kelvinpar
Price: RM45
Address: Jalan Maharajalela, 50150 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Getting there: Catch a train from KL Sentral to Maharajalela, or walk from KL Sentral.
Website
Hostels often get a bad rep for being stereotypically dingy and dodgy. However, with the rise of budget travel, hostels have shed their dingy reputation to cater to a new generation of flashpackers. These new gen hostels allow you to enjoy luxury and comfort, while meeting new people without burning a hole in your wallet. And because hostels are usually located centrally, the party is never too far away be it day or night.
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