3 Best Hostels in Kuala Lumpur – A Backpackers and Hipster Haven alike

Welcome to our handwritten guide to the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Word on the street is you’re planning a trip to the capital of Malaysia – awesome!

FRESH: We did a huge update of this guide in 2023 replacing all of our top 3 hostels.

Whilst there was once a big collection of incredible hostels, this has changed over time. Regardless, we’ve handpicked our favourites to share with you.

Are ya ready?!

Your shortcut:

1. Penthouse on 34 – ideal for couples
2. Sunshine Bedz KL – perfect for backpackers
3. Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse – one for female solo travellers

Other than different bloggers, we visited all mentioned hostels personally!

This busy city is towered by sky-scrapers, glass buildings. It’s a sight to behold!

And luckily for you, there are also striking Kuala Lumpur hostels. We’ve even included fun party hostel the capital has to offer.

Solo travelers and couples that like home-from-home vibes and spacious dorms will love our handpicked collection.

This guide is perfect for YOU, when …

• tired of bad and crappy hostels
• want to avoid the “young party kids”
• happy to spend 1-2€ for a better experience

Also check out our guide to the best hostels in Penang and the coolest hostels in Langkawi.

In this Kuala Lumpur hostels guide we cover:

• Introduction to Kuala Lumpur Hostels
• 3 Best Hostels in Kuala Lumpur
  • #1 Penthouse on 34
  • #2 Sunshine Bedz KL
  • #3 Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse
• Best Hostel for Solo Travellers
• Best Party Hostels
• Cheap Hostels in Kuala Lumpur
• Promo Codes
• Map with TOP Sights + Hostels
• FAQs
• Flights to Kuala Lumpur

Remember to check the locations of all hostels, we included all sights and hostels on this map. It helps you to plan better.

Quick Introduction to Kuala Lumpur Hostels

The average price for a bed: A bed in a dorm can be as cheap as 5€ up to 21€ per night. A private room in a hostel in Kuala Lumpur starts from 15€ up to 42€ per night.

Hostels in Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia can be quite cheap when choosing dorms. This is a rough average to give you an idea. Prices always depend on season and holidays.

Please always check the exact rates on Hostelworld.com, or Booking.com. Even easier, just check the hostel price comparison Hostelz. They compare all prices for hostels in KL.

Check-In and Check Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

Getting around Kuala Lumpur: The easiest way to get around is by Grab or Uber. Just download the app and go for it. At Paper Plane Hostel the staff called the taxis for us. They will make sure you are always safe! Other than that, you have the metro, train, and buses. It is very easy to get around.

Quality of Hostels: You will find a solid and high-quality standard of hostels. In fact, you have some budget accommodations really standing out; hence this guide! However, there are also many low-budget options. Make sure you choose a hostel that fits your needs.

Safety in Kuala Lumpur: A very safe and fun city to enjoy! You will most likely come to KL for transit at least. We recommend staying at least 2 nights in Kuala Lumpur. This is a great time to have a quick and intense KL experience.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

• How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
• 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
• How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide

The 3 Best Hostels in Kuala Lumpur are…

Bundles of energy at the ready, let’s check out the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur perfect for all types of travelers.

1. Penthouse on 34
2. Sunshine Bedz KL
3. Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

🦸 Solo Traveler:	Penthouse on 34
🙎‍♀️ best for Female Solo Traveler:	Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse
🥳 Party Hostel:	Reggae Mansion
👩‍❤️‍👨Couple Hostel:	Penthouse on 34
👨‍👩‍👦 Family Hostel:	Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse
👩‍💻 For Digital Nomads:	Penthouse on 34
🎒 For Backpackers:	Sunshine Bedz KL

We also put all our recommended hostels, things to do, and restaurants on a big map. It makes your planning easier, right?! We actually know KL and all our places are handpicked.

1. Penthouse on 34

Once you look at the photos of Penthouse on 34 you’ll quickly see why we put this hostel at #1!

This pretty much sums it up:

“This is an incredible duplex penthouse converted co-living space with amazing rooftop terrace and garden overlooking Kuala Lumpur Skyline.”

But ok, let’s keep going with showing off this impressive KL hostel.

“Bright and sumptuous fabrics” fill the communal spaces, and the deluxe furniture give it a real boutique vibe.

Of course the infinity pool is an absolute highlight – it is on the 37th floor!

Good to know: Registration at reception is required for the pool, and each time slot for a swim is one hour.

What else do we love about this place?

• Fully stocked kitchen
• High-speed Wifi in every corner
• Regalia Residence amenities access (fitness centre, cafe, convenient store)
• KL twin tower balcony views

There is also a great range of rooms here, including private and shared accommodation.

Mixed dorms come with 4, 6 and 8-bed options, and there is a range of budget, superior and deluxe double rooms.

Whichever you go with, expect a cloud-like mattress, fluffy linen and privacy curtains… need we say more?

Location: Less than a 5-minute walk from PUTRA train station which connects you to Kuala Lumpur International Airports and Batu Caves.

Penthouse on 34 is one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for:

• Couples
• Solo travellers

Book Penthouse on 34 here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

2. Sunshine Bedz KL

Next up is a rather different atmosphere that is equally as appealing.

Sunshine Bedz KL is a family-run bed and breakfast style hostel located along the famous Bukit Bintang Walk in Kuala Lumpur.

“Being newly renovated, Sunshine Beds is proud to boast of its new modern chic design, cleanliness and economically savvy rates!”

Whilst it’s definitely not as fancy pants as our #1 choice, Sunshine more than makes up for it in friendliness and homey-ness.

To start off with, the rooms are kept small and intimate here. See for yourself:

• 4 and 6-bed mixed dorms
• 6-bed female dorm
• Standard double room

The only downside is that there are no privacy curtains on the bunks. Still, women can book the female only dorm which is a bonus.

It’s super easy to meet people here, especially during your free breakfast and in the evenings.

If you’re keen for a wild night out, you only need to walk a few minutes and you’ll find yourself in Changkat district home to ample clubs and wine bars.

Location: Steps away from things like pharmacy, convenience store, Berjaya Times Square and LOT 10 shopping mall. BUKIT BINTANG MONORAIL Train Station is literally a two minute walk from Sunshine Bedz’ doorstep!

Sunshine Bedz KL is one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for:

• Backpackers

Book Sunshine Bedz KL here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

3. Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse

Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse started in 2009 starting off as very basic but improving over the years to become a travellers sanctuary in the heart of Chinatown.

“Birdnest is a labour of Love.”

All of the rooms here have air conditioning to keep you cool and ensuite bathrooms for that added luxury.

In fact, there is only one dorm room here and it happens to be female-only!

Kept to just 4-beds – each of which has a privacy curtain – this is just ideal for female solo travellers that may be relatively new to staying in hostels.

There is also a budget double room and standard triple room if you prefer your own space.

Make the most of:

• Large rooftop cafe
• Chill out area
• Clean drinking water
• Wifi and seating for getting some work done

The rooftop is a prime spot for enjoying a sunset view over the city so don’t miss it!

Location: Less than 3km from Berjaya Times Square. It’s just outside Pasar Seni LRT which means it’s super easy to get anywhere in the city. The Mini Mart just next door is super handy!

Birdnest Collective is one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for:

• Female solo travellers

Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse here

Compare prices and read reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

Best Hostels in Kuala Lumpur for Solo Travelers

We’re glad you’ve got this far as we love to support travellers on their quest to explore the world solo.

So, what are the most recommended backpacker hostels in Kuala Lumpur for solo travellers we hear you ask.

Actually, we’ve already mentioned three of them and we stick by them strongly!

• For the solo female traveler: Birdnest Collective Cafe & Guesthouse
• For sociable solo travelers: Penthouse on 34
• For backpackers: Sunshine Bedz KL

Best Party Hostel Kuala Lumpur has to offer?

Someone said party?!

Come on then, it’s time to get those party vibes flowing and check out the one and only fun hostel Kuala Lumpur has for travellers that enjoy a good time.

Reggae Mansion is widely known as the #1 party hostel in town, and for good reason.

There is a rooftop bar here that stays open late, hosting lively parties and awesome views over KL and Petronas Twin Towers.

Enjoy the licensed bar with affordable booze, DJs every night and an equipped BBQ area.

Finish the night by collapsing in pod-style privacy beds in a range of room sizes at reggae mansion Kuala Lumpur. Stay intimate with a 4-bed dorm or keep it social with a 24-mixed option!

After a very long night partying, maybe it does not make a difference anymore which dorm you got.

Keep in mind, you can also join fun Pub Crawls at night, and then actually sleep in one of the super cool places we have mentioned above.

Compare prices and read reviews at: Hostelz.com

Cheap Hostels in Kuala Lumpur

There are many more best hostels in Kuala Lumpur that we have not covered here.

We only want to share with you 3 handpicked places we recommend 100%. We love to share the finest hostels. And we only share places we would recommend to our family and friends too.

The other hostels not mentioned in this article may not reach the Hostelgeeks standards. This guide gives you a full insight on the backpacker accommodations you need.

Of course, there is a lot of super cheap hostels in Kuala Lumpur with lower quality.

So, what about the cheapest hostels in Kuala Lumpur? These are easy to spot.

1. Open Hostelworld with full list of accommodations in Kuala Lumpur
2. Order the listing by price
3. Pick the cheapest one

Simple. As. That.

Yet again, all these mentioned awesome Kuala Lumpur hostels are cheap and good quality. We recommend not going with the absolute cheapest one. It will make a huge difference in your overall KL experience.

Any Discounts or Promo Codes?

Currently, we have no special hostel discounts in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. So for now you can subscribe to our newsletter to receive our newest hostel discounts always to your inbox.

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here.

We also do have a 35€ discount for Airbnb here.

Map of Kuala Lumpur Hostel + TOP Sights

Now that we’ve introduced you to the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, let us pinpoint them on the map!

There are a lot of great sights to check out in this big city, including:

• Petronas Twin Towers
• Batu Caves
• Menara
• Bukit Bintang
• Dataran Merdeka
• Central Market
• Taman Burung
• Perdana Botanical Gardens
• Sri Mahamariamman Temple

I recommend staying at least 2 nights in KL, it is worth it and there is a lot to see. Here is a cool guide on 3 days in Kuala Lumpur.

FAQs

Alright, here we also share your most asked questions.

Flights to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a hub and you will come here for a transit for sure.

Same as Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur is a good airport with awesome connections.

For instance, we took a cheap flight from Kuala Lumpur to Hanoi. We even scored sweet flight deals to Bali and Lombok.

We enjoy Skyscanner, Omio.com and Kiwi.com to find cheap flights all over Asia including Kuala Lumpur and Beijing.

This new website has super cool features like a so-called radius search. Just draw a circle over Asia and find the cheapest rates for the area.

Here is our review of Kiwi.

We also recommend flying with Qatar Airways. If you’d like more information about this company, including pros, cons and first-hand experience, read our full review of Qatar Airways.

More Epic Hostels in Asia

Alright alright. By now you have found one of your best hostels in Kuala Lumpur, and the top hostels in Malaysia.

You know what, we have written even more guides for you.

We at Hostelgeeks are here to help you to stay in safe and epic hostels around the world. Check out the finest hostels in the world, the 5 Star Hostels.

For more cool hostel guides around Malaysia and Asia, check out:

• best hostels in Penang, Malaysia
• best hostels in Langkawi, Malaysia
• best hostels in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
• best hostels in Ubud, Bali
• 3 best hostels in Phuket, Thailand
• 3 best hostels in Bangkok
• Best hostels in Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
• Best Hostels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
• 3 best hostels in Singapore

Find all our hostel guides around the world here.

Over to you

How cool do the hostels in Kuala Lumpur look! There’s nothing left to do but choose your favourite and secure a bed.

But wait; are you left with any questions, doubts?

Then please please leave us a comment. This list of awesome Kuala Lumpur hostels should be as informative and useful as possible.

Your question(s) will help me to understand what I have missed to mention. You will have your questions answered and help me and your fellow travellers by improving this article further.

Therefore, do not be shy, drop us a comment, we are keen to help you!

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter and find the best place on a budget! We ONLY recommend places we know you will enjoy, no matter what.

It is our commitment that we will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We only share with you places we also recommend to our best friends and family!

Enjoy this fine hostel selection and all 5 Star Hostels.

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Update: Hostels in Kuala Lumpur struggled during the pandemic and as a result the following hostels have closed.

CLOSED: Paper Plane Hostel

Step inside a remarkable 100-year-old colonial house and marvel at the design of Paper Plane Hostel Kuala Lumpur.

This hostel is quirky, sparkling clean and an obvious choice for female solo and budget travelers.

If you love small, friendly hostels with a social vibe and cool design, THIS IS YOUR PLACE!

For us, this is absolutely one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for solo travellers. Congrats, you just found your accommodation!

The many room types on offer here are simplistic, yet attractive. The options include:

• 4-6 bed female dorms
• 6-8 bed mixed dorms
• Private queen rooms

Fun fact: there is a ‘Hostelgeeks’ themed room. Although not designed specifically for us, we hope it will catch on.

Walk around the building and discover fun decor with thought-provoking design. There’s no doubt you’ll have a giggle to yourself when you look inside the bathrooms.

If you’re looking to relax and meet new people, you’ve picked the right hostel.

At Paper Plane there is a glasshouse lobby and rooftop garden to help settle you in.

What about the location? Safe, central location with cool stuff around.

All of the best spots are in walking distance, including Bukit Bintang and Petaling Street. You’ll find plenty of local foods nearby.

China Town is also within walking distance. In 10 minutes you are in the heart of China Town and can buy a cheap football jersey in surprisingly good quality! We paid $5 for an FC Barcelona jersey – sweet deal! For us, this is the perfect location for hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

Around the corner, you have the awesome hipster café VCR. This coffee shop serves great coffee and vegetarian food. It is also quite affordable, compared to the very central cafés.

Another big advantage, you have the night market just 5 minutes walking distance from the hostel.

That is perfect for having a drink at night.

Right behind the night market, you find the huge shopping mall, called Times Square. They have an interior roller coaster and super fun escape rooms. We tried it, good times, great fun!

Last but not least, the staff at Paper Plane is AMAZING!

They take care of every single traveler. We stayed here already 3 times. One time we just got back from exploring the city, when the staff came over introducing us to a new guest.

Paper Plane is the absolute TOP hostel in Kuala Lumpur; go for it!

CLOSED: Mingle Hostel Kuala Lumpur

Mingle Hostel was the first upscale hostel in Kuala Lumpur and the best option for sociable butterflies looking to, well, mingle.

Located in Chinatown, Mingle is within a 1920s former clubhouse. The building is now a mix of original aesthetics and modern hostel facilities. It’s gorgeous!

From Paper Plane Hostel is also just a 5 minutes walk. The location is similar: Quiet, near China Town, lots of food around.

The difference is a bit the design and setup: Paper Plane Hostel has a rooftop terrace, Mingle Hostel has a small garden.

Book a bed in a shared dorm and enjoy privacy when needed in the pod beds.

Whether you opt for:

• 4-bed female dorm
• 4-bed private
• Double deluxe en-suite or
• Double bed in a shared room (great for couples)

You’ll be greeted with a privacy curtain, charging socket and personal cabinet. Linen is also included – bonus!

These are certainly some of the coolest dorms KL has to offer.

Did someone say they’re feeling thirsty? Perhaps a locally sourced cocktail will quench your thirst.

Head on up to the open air rooftop terrace and speakeasy bar, open day and night. This is also where you can enjoy your FREE daily breakfast.

Staff are on hand 24 hours so no worries if you’re arriving late.

Exchange a book in The Literary Lounge, plan easy with the free use IMAC and cook up a storm in the shared kitchen.

Oh and one last thing… there are awesome events every day of the week including off-the-beaten-path excursions.

CLOSED: Backhome Kuala Lumpur

If you’re looking for a unique stay in a converted pre-war building, Backhome Kuala Lumpur is the choice for you.

We consider this hostel number one among the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for Backpackers!

The surrounding historic neighbourhood is filled with many textile and food outlets run by local families. Popular destination such as local bazaars and 100 year old temples are also close-by.

The hostel itself is modern and simplistic. The rooms have everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Once again there is a super cool ‘couples dorm’ here – 4 double beds in one room, perfect for sociable couples!

All dorms come with a wash basin, lockers and heaps of space. The private double also has a courtyard window view.

Possibly the best place to hang out is in the LOKL cafe.

Not only is there delicious coffee here, but also a lunch and dinner menu. This buzzing hipster cafe is open for the public, too.

The staff really want you to feel welcome. So much so they go that step further by offering…

• Popular guided walks
• Food tour in Malay Village
• Biking tours
• Hikes up Limestone Ridge

So even if you were looking for a backpacker hotel in Kuala Lumpur, better make it the coolest backpacker hostel in KL.