Malaysia has lots of amazing foods and variety, such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, and, of course, local Malay cuisine. I’ve been visiting Malaysia for over 10 years. Since then almost every morning for breakfast I have two flaky and chewy pieces of roti canai.
I started my day exploring Malaysia with a small side plate of curry chicken. Oh, and also a cup of hot ginger milk tea, or as the Malay call it, Teh Halia.
So, out of all the delicious foods in Malaysia, if you asked me what to eat, my answer would be roti canai! And there are about two dozen types of roti canai!
For one thing, if you’re vegetarian, you can enjoy roti canai with daal—an Indian blend of yellow lentils—for dipping. Although I’m not vegetarian, I enjoy it with daal now and then.
WHAT IS ROTI CANAI?
It is a flatbread originating from India. Yet, intriguingly, Malaysia is best known for roti canai. Some restaurants in Malaysia make it crispy and well done. While some are softer and chewier.
I like mine more in between, with a bit of char for extra flavor. Kinda the same way I like toast. Because roti canai is essentially bread.
Funny Thing Is…
My love for roti canai and chicken curry did not start in Malaysia. I fell in love with this combination at a Malaysian restaurant in New York City, where I was born and raised.
There was a Malaysian restaurant in the heart of NYC’s Chinatown mom used to take me many times on weekends. After having roti canai with a side of chicken curry for the first time I was hooked.
Every time I went back to that restaurant I had to have it. Eventually, I learned that the roti canai I had at that Malaysian restaurant in NYC was greasy and the chicken curry was of a Malay nyona style.
Another funny thing is that although roti canai is commonly eaten for breakfast, a small bowl of chicken curry is not typical in Malaysia. However, the Nasi Kandars I frequent are kind enough to accommodate me. Nasi kandars are local neighborhood restaurants serving mostly Indian influenced foods.
When it comes to roti canai for breakfast it’s usually eaten with eggs. Whether soft-boiled and placed on top or cooked within the roti canai. As much as I love eggs for breakfast I don’t know why I don’t like it with roti canai. But it’s a popular combination for local Malaysians.
ROTI BANJIR
I’ve tried a few varieties of roti canai throughout my time in Malaysia. Roti Banjir, consisting of a few pieces of shredded roti cania doused or “flooded” with curry sauces and sambal sauce with soft-boiled eggs. So this is a typical breakfast for the locals.
It’s not the style of roti canai I prefer. I prefer it to be chewy with a slightly crisp texture. I like to dip my roti into the sauce. So maybe if I had it where I could dip my roti in the sauce leisurely I might enjoy it more.
Roti Banjir
I’ve only tried roti banjir a couple of times. The second time was just to see if this type of roti canai would grow on me. But it didn’t, though I am still happy that I tried it.
The roti banjir I ate pictured above is at a restaurant called Mansion Tea Stall Al-Amna Restaurant (📍 Google Maps). If you want to try different styles of roti canai I recommend going there. The people are nice and friendly enough.
Mansion Tea Stall Al Amna Restaurant
ROTI CANAI IS NOT JUST FOR BREAKFAST
Because roti canai is essentially a type of bread, it is eaten throughout the day in Malaysia and even in parts of Southeast Asia. Matter of fact one of my favorite styles of roti is Chinese Muslim.
Restoran Mon Chinese Beef Roti (📍 Google Maps) is a popular roti shop near Jalan Alor night market food in Kuala Lumpur. This restaurant cranks out hundreds of roti stuffed with either beef or chicken.
Aside from the delicious seasonings added to the beef and chicken they also use generous amounts of beef and chicken fat. You can enjoy watching them make these flavor bomb rotis right in front of you while waiting online to order. And the lines do get long, particularly during lunch and dinner.
Though they do open at 7:00 am so technically you can have it for breakfast as well. I certainly did more than a few times.
Preparing beef roti Chicken Roti
MY ROTI CANAI GOAL
Come to think of it. Of all the times I’ve been to Malaysia. I’ve only eaten three or four different styles of roti canai. Maybe the next time I’m back there I’m going to try all of them. Kinda like my own personal goal and mission. It would be fun to try out different versions and perhaps find a new one that I enjoy!
MY RECOMMENDED RESTORANS FOR ROTI CANAI
Even though you can find roti canai everywhere in Malaysia, particularly in Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur as most foreign visitors will stay there, here are a few places I recommend for delicious roti canai!
Al Rizwan (📍Google Maps Masid Jamek) Note: try their fried chicken! Delish!!
These are two places I can easily recommend for roti canai in Kuala Lumpur because they are easily found. There are a handful of nasi kandars I enjoy eating at all over the city. That said, if you are near these restorans, go try it out. Otherwise don’t go out of your way to get there.
There are so many nasi kandars everywhere you will certainly find one that will become your favorite.
Oh here’s a bonus, if you’re visiting the island of Penang, and you’re staying in Georgetown, I recommend Kassim Nasi Kandar (📍 Kassim Nasi Kandar) and I love their version of roti canai because it’s not greasy, soft, fluffy and chewy. Plus there are toasted bits that give it an extra flavor boost!
Kassim Nasi Kandar Roti Canai
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I Stayed at Rare Heritage House in Penang, Here’s My Review
I gotta say Rare Heritage House Penang was one of the most interesting hotel stays I’ve had in Malaysia. I booked a deluxe room with king sized bed with a courtyard view. Didn’t know exactly what a courtyard view consisted of when I made the booking.
But the price at the time was just right for my bank account. The hotel’s location was a good strategic start-off point for exploring part of Georgetown and a little beyond. Also helps that Rare Heritage House has a lot of good reviews on Agoda.com.
I was excited! The beautiful island of Penang in Malaysia holds a special place in my heart. And also my stomach. If you didn’t know, the food in Penang is excellent!
Where’s Rare Heritage House Located?
I wrote in a blog post with Penang hotel reviews, that the city of Georgetown is a prime location, especially if it’s your first visit to Penang.
Georgetown is located northeast of the island. That’s where you can hop on a ferry that will zip you from Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal to Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal on the mainland in around 20 minutes.
Rare Heritage House is about a 10 – 15 minute walk from Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal. Penang International Airport is about an hour away by public bus if you plan to fly to the island instead.
By the way, flying to Penang from Kuala Lumpur is extremely affordable. And it’s only 1 hour. Though Penang International Airport is located in the southern part of Penang so to get to Georgetown you’ll need to take the bus or taxi. Which only adds another hour to travel time.
Of course, there are many ways to get to Penang by bus and train from Kuala Lumpur or anywhere else in the country. For this trip, I took the bus from KL and then the train back to KL. Check out my post about traveling to Penang from KL and back for more information.
The location of Rare Heritage House is spectacular especially if you love taking leisure strolls.
Goddess of Mercy Temple in Georgetown, Penang
What’s Around Rare Heritage House?
I walk a lot. It’s my preferred mode of transportation time permitting. That said, there’s a lot to see and eat near this hotel within walking distance. Georgetown is a UNESCO world heritage site after all.
Armenian Street—This popular short walking street is full of charm and character. It’s teeming with tourists, so you get that certain tourist trap vibe. I don’t think it’s that bad, but it’s worth the visit. Rare Heritage House is about 400 meters away.
Khoo Kongsi – If your surname is Khoo why not drop by your clan temple and pay respects? Even if you’re unrelated to the founders of this splendid temple you’ll enjoy the culture. You’re only 300 meters away.
The Clan Jetties – From the Lim to the Lee to the Tan, Chew, and Ong family lineage walking distance is only 80m, 100m, 200m 300m, 500m respectively. These charming homes and stores on planks add a unique charm to the shores of Penang.
Little India Penang – It is little but you’ll get a big experience and taste of India here.
Komtar Bus Terminal – If you’ve got plenty of days visiting Penang there’s a good chance you’ll go to the beaches of Batu Ferrenghi, about 11km away. Komtar Bus Terminal is also where 1st Avenue Mall is located for leisure shopping. Rapid Bus #102 makes a stop at Komtar from Penang Airport.
MacCallum Night Market and Kimberly Street Food Night Market – Penang locals eat here too. If it’s good enough for the locals it’s good enough for you. If you can only make it to one of these markets, I recommend going to Kimberly Street Food Night Market for proper chow authentic Malaysian chow down.
I won’t go too deep into my recommended eating places near Rare Heritage House. Because this post will get way, way too lengthy. I’ll write a separate food blog post soon.
Onwards to the review!
My Rare Heritage House Deluxe King Room
It used to be called Reunion Heritage House. Don’t know when or why the name changed.
Rare Heritage House is listed as 3½ ⭐️ accommodation in Penang. To be honest that is a bit of a stretch. There’s no swimming pool and no gym. I would say it’s more 2½ ⭐️ to 3⭐️ at most for boutique style property.
That doesn’t mean this hotel is bad.
I’ll be right to the point. I like this hotel. I like it a lot.
To be more specific I like my room a lot. I booked a deluxe king room, with king sized bed and a courtyard view.
This room has a nice homey feel…
When I booked the hotel I didn’t know what a courtyard view meant. At the time I just hoped it wasn’t a view of another room mere meters away from my window.
In any case, I was handed the keys to room #116. Checking in was quick, there didn’t seem to be a lot of guests at the moment. I booked through Agoda.com for four nights stay. But I still had to pay a 2RM per night Malaysian room tariff.
Deluxe King Room 18 sqm.Nice Clean Toilet
The nice receptionist walked me to my room. From the outside, you can tell it’s not a tall building. But from the inside, it looks more spacious. The front of the hotel has a restaurant and a small kitchen.
Room #116 is situated at the Beach Street entrance. Which lends the room a particularly interesting view. When I opened the door I liked the warm interior design. The floor was wood which I liked a lot. The air con was on already so it was chilly. Even though the deluxe king rooms are 18 square meters it felt a little bigger to me.
One thing I always look for inside hotel rooms is power outlets. This room had plenty of it. From the bedside with USB ports to the small work table. I had many options to charge my phone, computer, and microphones.
These are other roomsA room deeper inside the hotel
The king sized bed was comfortable and the pillows were nice and soft. There’s an electronic safe wide enough to fit a 15″ notebook computer. Mini-fridge for keeping my diet colas frosty. And a litre-sized glass bottle filled with water. There are water refill stations in the halls.
There’s even a ceiling fan with a remote control. I never used it for the duration of my stay, but it works I turned it on. There weren’t many channels on the television. Not that it’s a big deal, especially today. I watch videos on my phone and notebook computer. The internet Wi-Fi is fast and stable.
The bathroom was just right. Spacious, clean shower stall with consistent hot water. The toilet had a bidet. The towels had no funky smell. Nice and clean just the way I like it.
My only gripe. No disposable slippers.
Another gripe is I could hear other guests as they exited or entered the Beach Street access door. The walls feel thick, but I believe the room door is not soundproof.
And oh yeah, about the window and my view…
History of PenangAnd History of Rare Heritage House
Just Like Living in a Penang Shophouse
So the interesting thing about room #116 is I didn’t have a courtyard view. I had a view of the street but on the street level instead. More specifically Beach Street which runs parallel to Victoria Street. And there is a door leading out to Beach Street using a magnetic key.
At first, you might think it’s kinda weird to have a window on street level where people can see you. I did at first admittedly. But first, Beach Street is quiet and few pedestrians are walking past. Secondly, the window blinds work well for privacy.
I like natural light coming into the room. While working on my computer I would leave the window blinds open. Once in a while pedestrians would pass by. But no one stood around the window or peeked inside my room.
My room is down the hall
Most people respect others’ privacy anyway so eventually I got comfortable. However, I still tried to keep my room tidy, just in case someone did peek in. Wouldn’t want anyone to think I was a slob.
I enjoy the unique feeling of staying in a room like this. When you walk down the lanes and alleyways of Penang you do see how people live. Even though I am a simple hotel guest, I know how that feels even though it was just for a short while.
How Much I Paid for My Room at Rare Heritage House Penang?
I have to admit I am hesitant to share this review. Especially to reveal room #116 because if someone reads this they’ll know what to ask for at check in if it is available.
I was a guest at Rare Heritage House in late January 2025 for four nights. I paid $30 USD per night including taxes, and no breakfast. I think that is a fantastic price. I don’t know how high the price goes up during peak season though
You can read reviews and find discounts for Rare Heritage House Penang on Agoda.com like I did. Because I highly recommend this hotel in Georgetown, Penang!
If it were $50 USD per night I would think it’s reasonable. I don’t know what the other rooms at Rare Heritage House are like. I know they’ve got rooms with bathtubs and even duplexes. But seeing how the hotel is run I would guess they are just as nice. I would definitely would love to check out their duplex rooms if I ever go back and find a good deal.
Rare Heritage House is in a good location. My room was nice and clean and the staff was friendly and helpful. I think you will enjoy it here as much as I did.
Psst… remember I said I won’t get into recommending a good place for food near Rare Heritage House. I lied.
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What’s the Best Way to Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang and Back
Let’s be more exact. What’s the best, quickest, most affordable, or cheapest yet most comfortable way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to the island of Penang? And back.
Yeah, I know. That one sentence has a lot to unpack, especially if this is your first trip to Malaysia.
Lucky for you I got the answers.
So here’s the lowdown from my recent travel experience in amazing Malaysia!
Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – Which is Cheaper?
To do research for this blog post I searched on Google with this term “What’s the best and cheapest way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang”? And I’m going to discount car rental cause most travelers don’t go that route.
So one would think buses and trains are the answers. Traditionally both modes of transport are the most efficient and budget friendly. That’s what all the search results and other fellow travel bloggers say.
Well, you might be in for a shocker on this one. This is what I found out.
Depending on the time of the year, round-trip flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Penang International Airport (PEN) are cheaper.
I know right? I was shocked too!
Flying is Faster and… Cheaper???
From Air Asia, I randomly selected March 18th – 24th, both evening flights, $23 USD!!!
No doubt, flying is the fastest. Comfort is debatable cause it’s only one hour flight. But $23.24 from Airasia.com for a round trip plane ticket. Your bank account definitely won’t complain.
This is cheaper than a train fare. And about the same price as a bus! And if you’re still on the time and money saving path, riding a public bus from Penang Airport to Georgetown is a one hour journey.
That beats taking a train and bus from Kuala Lumpur by a lot.
And you will be shocked by the price comparison between my bus and train fare.
Pros
One hour flight duration
Toilets
One hour flight duration (it’s worth mentioning twice)
Cons
Uncomfortable seats and cramped legroom
Delayed flights due to weather or mechanical etc.
Most likely packed with passengers due to airfare price
Why Choose the Train or Bus Then?
That said, there could be a myriad of reasons why you prefer the train or bus. The major one is you want to stop over in Ipoh. Or some other province along the way.
Perhaps one day airlines woke up and finally realized they were charging too cheap for flights to Penang from KL.
In any case, this is what it’s like for those wondering what it’s like to take a train or bus in Malaysia.
I made a trip to Penang by bus at KL Sentral first. For the return trip to KL Sentral, I rode the KTM Komuter Express train.
Make sure the bus states the destination route
The Bus – KL Sentral Station to Penang Sentral Station
I booked a bus ticket online with the tour operator Aerobus. An adult fare is 40RM, so about $9. The bus seats 30 people. I like that the left side of the bus is lined with single seats. The other side has two rows of seats.
Since I was traveling all by my lonesome I reserved a single seat. Bus seats have plenty of width for hefty boys like me. There’s a lot of room to stretch my legs out.
Aerobus -KL Sentral to Penang Sentral (Butterworth)
Just want to point out that at KL Sentral, the waiting area for buses to Penang Sentral is not marked. Buses heading to Penang Sentral stop near the exit for buses. I highly recommend you ask people around the bus ticket booths where you should be waiting, just in case the waiting area changes.
I picked an afternoon departure time to avoid the morning and evening rush hour. Traffic in Kuala Lumpur gets bad, so expect your bus to be late during peak hours. My bus arrived right on time and departed on time.
Show your bus ticket to the driver or company employee, and they’ll check you in, right by the bus door. You get a chance to choose your seats when you purchase tickets online. So every seat is assigned.
It’s a 30-seater, and I think the bus was only 85% full when it left KL Sentral. Bear in mind that the bus stops at Terminal Meru Raya (Terminal Amanjaya) if you want to explore Ipoh, a popular city almost halfway between KL and Penang. This is also where passengers traveling to Penang hop on too.
Travel time is about four hours and thirty minutes. There is a USB charge port to power up your devices. During certain parts of the bus route, the cell signal is weak, but not for long. So, download your favorite shows to avoid disruptions. Supposedly, there’s Wi-Fi internet access onboard, but I don’t think it’s reliable.
I gotta admit. The bus seats were comfortable. It had a good reclining angle. The cushion was quite thick, with back support, so my ass wasn’t hurting. I pretty much slept the entire time.
When I was awake, I saw the beautiful countryside. I didn’t realize Malaysia was full of mountains. There was one restroom break that I didn’t use.
As mentioned before, a one-stop quick stop at Terminal Meru Raya (Terminal Amanjaya) in Ipoh to drop off and pick up passengers for the next destination, Penang Sentral in Butterworth.
Last tip on riding the bus. Make sure you have a light jacket or sweater handy. It gets chilly inside from the air conditioning.
Pros
Very comfortable seats, plenty of legroom
Not crowded
Good countryside view
Cons
4 – 5 hour travel time
Late departure time due to traffic
Possible breakdown in the middle of the road
No bathroom on the bus. But there’s one stop on the highway for a toilet break.
The Train – Penang Train Station to KL Sentral
Butterworth Railway Station is where you go to catch the KTM Komuter Line. This railway station is conveniently located near Penang Sentral and Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH) ferry terminal on Malaysia’s mainland. All are just a short walking distance, with direction signs marked. Not easy to get lost.
Platinum: Platinum trains are the quickest because they only stop at the main stations. They also tend to run at the most popular times of day.
Gold: Gold trains are a little slower than Platinum because they stop at more stations.
Express: Express trains have fewer limited stops than Gold.
Silver: Silver trains stop at all stations, so they take slightly longer than Gold and Platinum.
I purchased an Express ticket for 97RM that’s $21.84 USD one way! Travel time is about three hours, thirty minutes to four hours. There were stops in between I can’t recall how many but it wasn’t a lot.
You can buy tickets online https://www.ktmb.com.my/ or purchase tickets at the kiosk. There are friendly station workers to assist you all the way. I purchased my tickets online because I wanted to book a forward-seat chair.
I will get motion sickness if my seat is facing the opposite direction of where the train is headed. So if that’s you too, book online ahead of time. Train tickets are released three to four weeks in advance.
I booked one week before the departure date. By then there weren’t many seats available. Trains get filled up to capacity, especially on weekends and holidays. And to be honest, I kinda felt claustrophobic. There are toilets in every car, so that’s always a plus.
You are allowed into the station waiting area one hour before the train’s scheduled departure. Overall I say train travel is more organized than bus though. To enter scan the bar code on your ticket.
The waiting area is small considering the number of people waiting to board. There is only one elevator to go down to the tracks so you have that option if you’re carrying lots of bags. So get ready to wait, the elevator is not too big. Otherwise, it’s the stairs.
And there were many passengers so good thing you can choose seats.
There is an electrical charge port right below the seat. A fold down table to enjoy a meal you bought outside or from the train’s concession stand. But for me, the countryside view on the train wasn’t as good as the scenic route on the bus. Keep your ticket out for a little while as the train conductor will come in to check.
To me, the seat cushion felt thin. I found myself shifting my weight so my buttcheeks didn’t get sore. I couldn’t wait to get off the train by the third hour, to be honest. There is room to stretch your legs. But I felt no back support on the seat.
The train was cool but it wasn’t as cold as the bus. I guess that there were way more passengers on the train.
Pros
On time arrival and departure
Toilets in every train car
Purchase food and snacks on the train
Cons
Uncomfortable seats (at least for me)
Many people on the train, and space felt tight (I’m a big guy)
4 hour travel time
What’s the Verdict?
It’s a no brainer. Flying is the best way to travel to Penang fast. Pricewise, plane tickets are about the same if not slightly cheaper than train fares during non-peak travel dates. I searched on AirAsia.com, and I couldn’t believe flights were $12 USD to $20 USD one way.
Flight duration is one hour. Add another hour to travel by public bus from Penang International Airport to Georgetown so the total is around two hours. And in the comforts of your hotel room!
Even if your round trip airfare costs $10 USD – $20 USD more than the round trip train fare, don’t you think it’s still worth it?
Train or Bus?
Between traveling by train or bus, I prefer the bus. Even though the fastest train service, which is Platinum takes four hours to travel from Butterworth Rail Station to KL Sentral.
It’s still not much faster than the bus in my book. And I prefer the spaciousness of bus travel.
But I can see some may not like the bus because the bus could break down in the middle of the road. Getting stranded in the middle of nowhere sucks. Also, there’s only one bathroom break at a rest stop by the highway. And getting stuck in traffic sucks.
Here’s what I would do. If you do not mind flying, check prices for plane tickets first. If you are not in a hurry to Penang or Kuala Lumpur, take the bus. For me, riding the train is the last option. But that’s just me.
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Where to Stay in Penang For Your First Epic Visit to Malaysia
Suppose you’ve checked out my awesome blog post on where to stay in Kuala Lumpur for your first epic visit to Malaysia. In that case, you might also consider visiting the beautiful island of Penang! Which I highly recommend!
Through many years of visiting Malaysia, I’ve stayed in many hotels in Penang, mostly budget accommodations sometimes slightly upscale. And I can say one thing certain, and that is Penang hotels are incredibly affordable and the quality plus service is tops.
It’s a real no-brainer that the port city of Georgetown, situated on the northeastern section of the island is the best area to stay in Penang. Georgetown is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. When you set foot on streets and alleyways you can feel the incredible history and culture. And you’ll most certainly smell the incredible food.
Why Georgetown in Penang:
Close proximity to Georgtown Ferry TerminalPangkalan Raja Tun Uda (PRTU) / Butterworth Ferry Terminal Pangkalan Sultan Abdul Halim (PSAH). Ferry fare is 2 RM for adults, and 1 RM for kids 5-12.
Georgetown is the center of activity in Penang. You can travel by public bus but remember it’s cash only (as of writing) for foreign visitors, so be sure to have the exact change. Grab Taxi service is available as well.
Food, food, glorious food. You’ve got Chinese, Indian, and Malay. There are many international restaurants too I saw Mexican, Thai, Italian, Japanese, you name it.
You can walk to most of the attractions within the city of Georgetown. I’m talking about the famous Armenian Street. How about night markets with more food like MacCallum Night Market and Kimberley Street Food Night Market? The streets are flat, though be careful of potholes. Certain roadways are congested with cars. Pedestrian sidewalks are often blocked with motorbikes. So, quite usually, you are forced to walk on the streets.
The beautiful beaches of Batu Ferrenghi are 11km from central Georgetown. You can easily reach Batu Ferrenghi by taking the public bus #101.
Penang is not far from Kuala Lumpur, about 4 hours by bus and 3 hours by train. I’ve tried both modes of transport and will write a post on both experiences soon. If you’ve got the time during your first epic visit to Malaysia there is no excuse NOT tovisit Penang, especially if you love food. And oh boy I tell you, Penang got the goods and receipts, their food is incredible!
Penang’s Famous Roti Jala with Chicken Curry
You will love exploring Penang and the food you come across.
One thing I’ve learned about traveling around Penang through the years, it’s that hotels in central Georgetown are an amazing value. Don’t be put off that most of these hotels are 2 stars. Because many budget boutique Penang hotels don’t have swimming pools or gyms. After all many are converted shophouses and small residential buildings.
So there’s lots of charm and rustic atmosphere. But of course with modern comforts like air conditioning, updated electrical power ports so you won’t need power adapters, room safe, and flat-screen televisions.
Bonus Georgetown, Penang Hotel Booking Tips:
Check in is usually 3pm. Many hotels allow guests to check in a few hours earlier if a room is ready. Check out time 12pm.
Certain hotels require a 50MYR security deposit upon check-in. Also depending on where you book your hotel you may need to pay Malaysian hotel tax. For example, when I stayed at Rare Heritage House I booked on Agoda.com I was required to pay 2MYR per night hotel tax. But I did not have to leave a security deposit.
You do not need to book a room with a breakfast buffet. Unless you only prefer Western food. Finding good food on the streets of Penang is easy and affordable. There’s a reason why Penang is named Malaysia’s food capital!
Recommended Hotels in Georgetown, Penang
The first hotel I recommend is called Rare Heritage Hotel. I stayed there during my most recent visit to Penang. I liked it so much that I couldn’t wait to write this post about the best budget hotels I stayed in Penang.
Formerly Reunion Hotel but rebranded as Rare Heritage Hotel. The renovation was recently finished in 2023. So this unique boutique hotel is still shiny and spiffy.
First let’s talk about the location, which is excellent!
Only a 1km or about 14 min walk from Georgetown Ferry Terminal to Rare Heritage Hotel on Victoria Street. You’re surrounded by many popular restaurants and cafes. Especially mom-and-pop hawker stands. Armenian Street, Kimberley Street Food Night Market is a 10-minute walk.
Ghost Museum, Upside Down Museum, Chinese temples, and Mosque. Even the famous clan jetties are not far for a nice glimpse into the lives of locals.
I stayed here for 4 nightsNice bathroomPlenty of space
I booked a deluxe king room with a courtyard view on Agoda.com for around $35 USD per night including taxes and I stayed 4 nights. I had to pay 2 RM per night for some hotel tax at the reception desk.
Then I was handed the key to room 116. The receptionist who checked me in walked me to the other end of the hotel entrance, on Beach Street.
I didn’t know what to expect but I tell you when I opened the doors to the room I was pleasantly surprised. Room 116 is 18 square meters but the room looks and feels a little bit bigger.
My room key at Rare Heritage House
There’s a large king-sized bed. Big television that I never watched during my entire stay. A room safe that easily fits a 15″ notebook computer. Fast Wi-Fi internet connection. Mini-refrigerator to keep my diet colas cold. A ceiling fan which I wanted to use but the A/C was cool enough. The bathroom was pretty spacious with plenty of hot water at the shower.
Now I didn’t have a view of a courtyard, but I did get a view of the street. That’s right, my window was on street level so I could see pedestrians walking past. The window blinds provided privacy cause no one wanted to see a middle-aged man like me waddle around a room.
But because I’m on the street level I’ve got direct access to Beach Road and the few popular hawkers stand just mere meters from my room. It can’t get any better than that!
The room was clean, my towels were clean. I wish a pair of slippers were provided though for an extra touch. That said, if you can find a room at Rare Heritage House with a courtyard view between $35 USD to $50 USD I think it’s reasonable. I believe rooms without windows are just a tad cheaper.
Now they do have different style room types like duplexes and windowless rooms. Even rooms with jacuzzi at extra cost of course. If you choose a windowless room the price will be cheaper, but not by much. You get a view of the hallway. But again, there are window blinds for privacy. Also because there are only 27 rooms there aren’t too many people wandering around. So it’s quiet and quite relaxing giving off a boutique hotel feeling.
There’s no swimming pool, no gym, no white glove service. Still, Rare Heritage House Penang is a fantastic place to stay for your first epic visit to Malaysia! I highly recommend it!
Armenian Street Heritage Hotel in central Georgetown, a UNESCO Heritage Site. It’s a quiet neighborhood just a short distance from popular Armenian Walking Street, about a 100-meter walk. I used to stay here quite often, the quality and style are similar to Rare Heritage House. I enjoy sitting outside across the street at Armenian Park, writing in my journal.
Pricewise the Armenian Street Heritage Hotel is approximately $10 USD more. But it is still worth it as the standard rooms are roughly 8 meters larger than my current favorite hotel in Penang. Also, every room has a window with an unobstructed view of the street below.
This hotel is more suited for couples and families since the rooms are slightly larger. Especially because there are rooms with king-size beds for mom and dad plus bunk beds for the kids. Since two kids under 16 stay for free, this is the main reason why I highly recommend Armenian Street Heritage Hotel to traveling families.
Right on Armenian Street, the historic core of Penang. Where popular wall art has turned the streets into a popular tourist attraction, when you stay at Armenian House, you don’t need to go far to explore Penang’s unique culture, art, and history.
Armenian House
Enjoy your stay at a converted classical Chinese shophouse. When I first stepped inside the words, cozy and warm came to mind. I prefer hotels with a modern and minimalist feel mainly because my house is a mess.
It is a hotel and also a hostel. Meaning there are rooms with shared bathrooms and rooms with private bathrooms. If you want to stay in a shared room good news is you’ve got a lot of space. Whichever rooms you decide on it’s a wonderful quaint hotel/hostel in the heart of Georgetown.
This is another hotel property similar to the boutique style and charm of Rare Heritage House. Not far from Kimberely Street Food Night Market and the 1st Avenue Mall, a popular shopping center in Georgetown.
Carnarvon Suites@Reunion
Rooms are beautifully decorated with old classic charm and of course, some modern touches as it was renovated in 2019. When I stayed at Carnarvon Suites I chose the garden view. It’s quiet, the beds are comfortable, and the bathroom is clean. The hotel staff are friendly and helpful with food recommendations.
Also a great affordable hotel in Penang for families. Because they have these 45 square meter rooms with 2 bedrooms for $80 USD per night. 4 adults and 2 kids under 13 stay free. That is a spectacular bargain for families traveling on a budget!
Again, no gym for the power squats you love so much and no swimming pool.
However, keep in mind there are no elevators. So having large heavy luggage could be a hassle. But, the friendly hotel staff are ready to help.
Now if you’re looking for a hotel with a view overlooking greater Georgetown, with a swimming pool and gym with modern equipment, then St. Giles Wembley Penang is a recommended choice.
There are 30 floors and if possible I’d ask the hotel upon check-in if they can pick a room for you with a view of the seaside. Usually, I stay in one of the standard rooms which are around 24 square meters. With breakfast included I paid around $75 USD per night. With all the amazing food near the hotel, chances are you wouldn’t need to add the breakfast option.
Opposite St. Giles Wembley Penang is 1st Avenue Mall and a bus station for getting around the island. But of course, you can still walk from the hotel to popular Penang hotspots. This is one of the best 4-star hotels in Georgetown!
No doubt travelers are looking for rooms in Penang with plenty of breathing space and room for kids to run around. If that’s you, I recommend the Granite Luxury Hotel Penang for those reasons. And it’s not too shabby if you want to stay at a Penang hotel for a romantic holiday for couples. It’s one of the newer, taller hotel buildings in Georgetown with a view and rooms with a jacuzzi. You get the picture.
The Granite Luxury Hotel Penang
This popular 4-star hotel is next to St. Giles Wembley Penang Hotel, which means the local bus station and shopping centers are right across the street.
As mentioned before, rooms here are more spacious ranging from the standard 34 square meters up to 45 square meters for the deluxe. I’ve stayed in the Premium City View King room before and it is very nice and comfortable. There’s a small swimming pool with an interesting design (you gotta see it for yourself) and a small gym.
This was a few years back I paid about $85 per night. I’m not a 4-star hotel kinda guy when I travel solo. So this was a bit high, especially when there are so many budget boutique hotels in Penang half the price.
With that said if you want to take your special someone to a nice romantic hotel in Georgetown this could be it.
Now back to a Penang hotel with down to earth prices in yet again an amazing and convenient location. The Kimberly Hotel Georgetown has small cozy rooms from 15 square meters to spacier 31 square meters family suites. Some rooms have windows and some do not so if you want a view make sure you choose the correct room type.
I always choose their Oriental Suite room type, it’s 20 square meters, includes breakfast, and costs $55 USD per night. Again, I prefer eating outside. There are so many choices for food outside in short walking distance. But breakfast is lumped in with their room rates.
Kimberley Hotel Georgetown
I particularly enjoy the balcony terrace, the street below is not noisy and the air in Penang is clean. The wooden floors are a nice touch. Even though it’s quite a big hotel there’s no swimming pool or gym.
The location of the hotel is also terrific for sightseeing and just wandering around the historic sections of Georgetown.
I know some of you reading this want to find a top-quality hotel by the beach in Penang. Or perhaps earn a whopping amount of brownie points from your significant other to screw up for the entire year.
We’re talking about a private beach for cocktails. Infinity pool to laze away an afternoon with a good novel in hand. Friendly hotel staff to pamper you and assist you during the rest of your stay.
Hompton by the Beach Penang
I usually stay in a deluxe room type with a partial view of the sea. That room size is 28 square meters, the bed is super comfortable for me and the walk in shower is so nice with modern fixtures. At the time I paid around $100 USD per night. If you look at the fact it’s right on a private beach, the top-notch facilities and guest rooms it’s a bargain.
I always tell people I’m from NYC and for $100 USD at an NYC hotel you get bedbugs in a shoe box sized room.
Hompton by the Beach Penang is just a wonderful hotel whether you’re traveling as a couple or a family with children in tow. Although this hotel is located on the beach, you can’t walk to the historic parts of Georgetown and sample the culture and foods. Typically I like walking to places but if you’re staying at a hotel by the beach, you’ll need Grab Taxi to get around. That said, there are still many fantastic foods within walking distance.
So there you go, my favorite hotels in Penang! I know you will like these hotel choices. And I will continue checking out and reviewing more hotels in Penang shortly! Stay tuned for more reviews and updates.
GOING TO MALAYSIA? DON’T FORGET ROTI CANAI Malaysia has lots of amazing foods and variety, such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, and, of course, local Malay cuisine. I’ve been visiting Malaysia… Read more: My Favorite Food in Malaysia Roti Canai
I Stayed at Rare Heritage House in Penang, Here’s My Review I gotta say Rare Heritage House Penang was one of the most interesting hotel stays I’ve had in Malaysia.… Read more: Rare Heritage House Penang Malaysia Review
Kuala Lumpur Horlick Fried Chicken and Japanese Hamburg – Day One
It’s always exciting to visit Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The diversity of flavorful foods in every direction of the city is spectacular. I always tell people that for me, KL is a culinary goldmine. Because I can find my favorite foods, Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Middle Eastern staples at prices I think are quite reasonable.
I only had four days for this trip, and that’s not a lot of time. Too little time and not enough stomach capacity. So I planned out some places I gotta try out, with the emphasis on visiting some clay pot chicken and rice restaurants.
First Stop – Horlick Fried Chicken
I saw some viral videos about Gerai Ah Kow chicken and rice. When I got off the plane and dropped my bags at the hotel this was the first place I made a beeline to.
If you’ve never had fried chicken in Malaysia, your mind will be blown. Malaysia takes fried chicken to a whole new level.
This shop fries up quarter legs covered in a light horlick and sesame batter. Horlick is a malted milk powder and I drank this a lot when I was a kid. Haven’t had Horlick ever since puberty. So this one will bring back the memories.
Plus I was looking for a new fried chicken recipe for my YouTube food channel, Wally Cooks Everything.
I got lost at first, even following Google Maps. I overshot Gerai Ah Kow by 500 meters. My brain always gets foggy after getting off a plane.
If you don’t know by now I am a dummy. Part of the problem was I assumed it was a standalone restaurant.
Gerai Ah Kow is located inside Medan Selera Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz food center. I have to go back someday because there are many hawker restaurants inside with amazing-looking food.
When I found Gerai Ah Kow I ordered a leg quarter, rice, and a small plate of bean sprouts. It also comes with a small bowl of soup with pickled mustard greens. And a bottle of bright orange chili sauce.
They open at 10:30 am close at 4:00 pm and are closed only on Thursdays. I read it gets busy, especially during lunchtime.
I got there an hour right before they closed. But I think it might be better to get there early
Horlick Fried Chicken with RiceFried Bean Sprouts with AnchoviesGerai Ah Kow Horlick Sesame Fried Chicken
The first bite I kinda knew it wasn’t going to be… not so great. Mainly because the fried chicken was sitting on the tray for at least 30 minutes to an hour. So the chicken cooled down and the crispy skin which Gerai Ah Kow fried chickens are famous for was just not there.
There’s also some soy sauce with oil on the bottom of the plate of fried chicken.
It might be the reason why I couldn’t taste any of the Horlick flavors. But while reading their reviews on Google there were a handful of similar complaints
The sprouts were good and I think the fried anchovies on top gave it a good crunch. The sambal sauce was tasty, more sour than a spicy kick. They give you a whole bottle. I gotta admit, I was tempted to take it with me.
I think to get the best flavorful experience you should get there around lunchtime, when you know for certain they are frying up a fresh batch of horlick sesame fried chicken!
What I ordered at Gerai Ah Kow (Total RM 24):
Fried Horlick Sesame Chicken (Big Set) RM 19
Crispy Bean Sprouts RM 5
Hamburg at Donkai
After a not-so-stellar meal at Gerai Ah Kow, I owed my tastebuds something juicy. Something beefy!
The mighty Hambagu or Hamburg of Japan is a rehashing of the lowly Salisbury steak in the USA. But Japanese Wagyu Beef is Japanese Wagyu Beef! The cost is not that crazy which I will get to later. Donkai is the type of place you can affordably treat yourself to a tasty meal.
This restaurant called Donkai is located in the lobby of Bukit Collectionz Hotel, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur an area called Bukit Bintang.
This location is like the Times Square of New York City it’s a super busy area, close to shopping and train stations.
Close to many restaurants and nearby Jalan Alor Food Street.
Donkai opens every day, 11 am to 11 pm. I arrived there around 9 pm and only a few customers were enjoying their meals. Plenty of seats available so I sat near the main flat-top grill, where I could watch the cook work his magic.
Humbug Choices at Donkai:
Angus Beef
Australian Wagyu Beef
Japanese Wagyu Beef
Chicken
In addition, you’ll get unlimited refills of rice, vegetables, and miso soup. I wish they could also add unlimited hot green tea or iced green tea too.
On top of the type of humbug you’ve got sauce options:
Original (which I think is a tonkatsu sauce)
Truffle Sauce (truffle is overrated)
Tartar Sauce (this one I’m curious about)
Black Sauce (they said it’s an onion sauce)
And also complimentary seasonings and condiments plus unlimited Kim Chee.
Delicious Black SauceMany Condiments to PickPersonal Hot Plate
I ordered 2 Japanese Wagyu Beef Hambug patties. Each patty weighs 100 grams. I was tempted to order three patties. But after my last meal, I still felt pretty full. And to top it off I picked Black Sauce.
Customers get two options on how patties are cooked, medium rare or well done. I chose medium rare. Though if it’s still too rare to your liking there is an individual hot plate right in front of you. Mine was cooked rare but some cooking time on the personal hot plate took care of that.
I also ordered one pasteurized egg. I wanted the onsen egg but they were out. Oh, I also ordered a can of A&W Root Beer. I haven’t had that in ages.
For me, I think the patties could do well with a little bit of salt. Not saying it’s tasteless because there are just so many sauces to pick from. It’s just that simple salt can heighten the natural taste of beef. On the other hand, sauces can overpower it.
What I ordered at Donkai (Total RM 72)
2 Japanese Beef Wagyu set
Pasteurized Egg
A&W Root Beer
Conclusion
My first day, well actually my first half day in Kuala Lumpur. I think I did pretty well covering two foods I wanted to eat. It was a good start for my recipe research so I can’t wait to get started working and planning on what to cook next.
And most certainly excited for my next day full day in Kuala Lumpur!
Guide on Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur for First-Time Visitors
If you’re searching for the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur, then I’ve got you covered. Kuala Lumpur is one of the most exciting cities I’ve had the pleasure to travel frequently in Southeast Asia through the years.
And I can confidently say these are the 5 Best Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur!
So I know which areas tourists should book a hotel for their first trip to Kuala Lumpur based on my experiences. Here in this post, I’ll point out the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur that are safe and perfect for sightseeing.
I’m going to make personal recommendations on the best hotels near KL’s nightlife, shopping, and of course most importantly for finding excellent Malay food. I’ll point out where to stay in Kuala Lumpur on a budget or to live it up in 5 star hotels. In essence, you’re going to learn where the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur are right here so you can pick that perfect hotel.
And as you can see from this post, I really do enjoy eating in Kuala Lumpur and that’s just one of the many reasons why I am so passionate about coming to KL.
3 Quick Tips on Your Kuala Lumpur Hotel Search for Your First Trip in Malaysia
Book your KL hotels near a train line. It’s one of the best ways to get around and explore the city. I recommend staying at a hotel near any of the hotels along the KL Monorail Line, specifically Imbi Station and Bukit Bintang Station.
If you can’t stand the smell of cigarettes, then be sure to specify you want a nonsmoking floor. Trust me on this, you’ll thank me later.
Don’t be turned off if you see a room rate that is too cheap. Many $20USD per night hotel rooms in Kuala Lumpur are decent and clean, but on the small side. And there may not be a window.
Kuala Lumpur is rapidly expanding its subway train lines…
The 5 Best Areas to Stay in Kuala Lumpur for First-Time Visitors
Bukit Bintang– Kuala Lumpur’s primary shopping center, with many hotels from guest houses to the city’s top 5-star hotels. From here you’re in easy walking distance to explore popular parts of the city. My recommendation and one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Changkat– If you like your hotels near bars for booz,e then Changkat is where you want to be. From dive pubs to wine bars, if you pick a hotel near Changkat you’ll be right at home.
KL Sentral– Trains and buses plus a shopping center all rolled into one at KL Sentral. KL Sentral is the city’s main transportation hub, so book a hotel here if you’re planning on taking day trips out from KL.
Chinatown – Sort of the city’s historic district with old-fashioned shophouses, restaurants, and counterfeit luxury goods markets.
Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)– Here’s where you’ll find lots of 5-star hotels in KL’s business district. Hotels in this area are close to KL’s most famous building and landmark, the Petronas Towers. LRT Ampang Line has a few stations around KLCC.
Below I have a selection of four hotels in five different areas of KL that I think you will enjoy staying in.
All the locations I recommend are right in central Kuala Lumpur, perfect for any first-time visitors for sightseeing purposes. Keep reading and you’ll know why they are the 5 best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for first-time visitors!
But first, check out my video and get a quick look at traveling to Kuala Lumpur from Bangkok. There’s also a review of Chaos Hotel in Bukit Bintang!
Update – Malaysia’s Hotel Tax
As of September 1st 2017 a 10RM per room per night hotel tax has gone into effect.
Malaysia’s 10MYR per room hotel tax is to be paid upon check in…
The first area I highly recommend staying in is called Bukit Bintang. It’s my favorite area in Kuala Lumpur!
1. Bukit Bintang
Hotel Price Range: $25USD to $250USD Subway Line: KL Monorail Bukit Bintang station and LRT Bukit Bintang station Why Stay in Bukit Bintang: Everything’s here, food, shopping, and train stations. One of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur, even for backpackers on a budget.
Big expensive chain hotels in KL are surrounded by smaller locally run budget hotels all over Bukit Bintang…
Speaking from personal travel experiences in KL, I do believe that Bukit Bintang is one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur ever.
Bukit Bintang is like the Times Square of New York City. It has flashy billboard lights, and shopping centers, full of activity and people. I highly recommend booking a hotel in the Bukit Bintang area of Kuala Lumpur for your very first visit.
Yes, sure it’s where all the tourists go to stay. And that’s for a good reason. Everything you could want and possibly need for a fun experience in KL can be found in Bukit Bintang.
Even though Bukit Bintang is such a busy neighborhood, prices for hotels are not so expensive. Even though all the top hotel chains like Marriott and Millennium Grand are there, believe it or not, you can find economy hotels with single rooms as cheap as $25USD.
That’s not bad at all considering you can easily walk to the posh shopping centers of Bukit Bintang and walk to Jalan Alor, KL’s famous street food haven.
For traveling families, Bukit Bintang will be the perfect location for kids and most certainly for adults.
I highly recommend staying at a hotel in Bukit Bintang, especially when it’s your first visit to Kuala Lumpur. It’s easy to travel to and get to where you need to go because of the train stations. There are so many varieties of restaurants all around, plus the shopping malls to check out.
Trust me, after staying in Bukit Bintang for yourself, you will know for sure why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
But for the more adult crowd, it’s not a bad idea to look into Kuala Lumpur’s Changkat area, which is not far from Bukit Bintang.
2. Changkat
Hotel Price Range: $15USD to $250USD Subway Line: KL Monorail Bukit Bintang station and LRT Bukit Bintang station Why Stay in Changkat: The mecca of international bars and pubs in KL. Easy walking distance to Bukit Bintang and KLCC. Changkat is easily one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for nightlife.
Changkat’s restaurants, bars, and pubs add an international flair to KL’s nightlife…
Changkat borders Bukit Bintang so it’s still an advantageous location for your first visit to Kuala Lumpur. The only difference is you have to walk just a little further to Bukit Bintang Monorail station and LRT Bukit Bintang station. But if you put yourself up at a hotel near Changkat you’ll be near KL’s popular mini pub crawl street that is closed off at night to vehicles.
Changkat is also near Jalan Alor, KL’s famous tourist food spot popular for hawker stands and foods found throughout Southeast Asia. Jalan Alor is where you should go to find famous Malay food and other Southeast Asian favorites.
Also, a strip of affordable massage parlors can be found along the streets leading to Changkat. A great little location in KL for adult travelers. So I recommend staying at Changkat for KL’s nightlife. Because the location is also not far from Bukit Bintang. The only difference is that Changkat is a more adult-oriented neighborhood in Kuala Lumpur.
Out of the four hotels on this Changkat hotel list, I recommend Izumi Hotel Bukit Bintang and you can take a look at my post review here.
Stay in Changkat and you’ll know why it’s one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur for partying.
Changkat is a decent area to pick and choose hotels as there are also many hotels in low price ranges to slightly upscale hotel properties to book.
It is a more adult-oriented location in Kuala Lumpur, so you may come across touts looking to persuade men to partake in “special” massages. But even so, Changkat is a pretty good area to stay and explore Kuala Lumpur during your first-ever visit to the city.
3. KL Sentral
Hotel Price Range: $30USD to $250USD Subway Line: All train lines and certain bus lines converge at KL Sentral Why Stay in KL Sentral: If you’re in KL for a few days and need quick access to KLIA airports. KL Sentral is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for shopping.
Booking a hotel near NU Sentral Mall is a good idea for a first visit to KL…
KL Sentral is where you can find the most good quality budget hotels in Kuala Lumpur.
As the transportation hub of Kuala Lumpur, there won’t be a problem finding a hotel in KL Sentral. From there you can travel to most parts of the city via the train system and even to most parts of Peninsular Malaysia.
Every single train line in Peninsular Malaysia converges on KL Sentral. This is why this is a great area to choose a hotel if you’re planning on exploring Western Malaysia.
Another reason why KL Sentral is a very good area to pick a hotel in Kuala Lumpur is because it’s attached to NU Sentral Mall. So you’re not far off from retail therapy as well as a wide variety of dining options from fast food to casual sit-in dining.
Because KL Sentral is linked to all train lines, you can take a quick trip to Bukit Bintang as well as Changkat. So you’re not far off from popular tourist spots in Kuala Lumpur. This is one of the main reasons why KL Sentral is one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
As I mentioned earlier, I am a frequent visitor to Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes I visit for a few days, and when I do I prefer to book a hotel near KL Sentral. Mainly because I like using the KLIA Express train located beneath KL Sentral station to get to the airport.
NU Sentral Mall, which is connected to KL Sentral station, has lots of retail brand name stores as well as plenty of casual restaurants plus Western fast food chains.
KL Sentral is an ideal area to stay in KL when you’re planning on exploring Kuala Lumpur and other parts of beautiful Malaysia.
4. Chinatown
Hotel Price Range: $10USD to $70USD Subway Line: Chinatown is a wide area. Pasar Seni MRT is in the center of Chinatown. KL Monorail Line Mahajarela is near the entrance to Petaling Street. Then up north of KL’s Chinatown is Masjid Jamek LRT station. Why Stay in Chinatown: The old world meets the new world at KL’s Chinatown. Chinatown is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur on a budget.
Kuala Lumpur is certainly a multicultural city with its local Chinese population present…
Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown is a colorful and lively part of the city filled with restaurants and hawker stands serving up good cheap eats and cheap shopping. If you’re here you’re looking for hotels near or along Petaling Street.
Petaling Street is KL’s shopping bazaar filled with loads of goods, mostly cheap and fake, but that’s part of the fun, isn’t it?
You can also walk to other points of interest in KL such as Central Market and Merdeka Square, the sight of KL’s independence.
So if you want to see the old parts of Kuala Lumpur, picking a hotel right in KL’s Chinatown will put you in touch with KL’s rich history. This is why many consider Chinatown as one of the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
Ahyu Hotel
I Highly Recommend the Ahyu Hotel in Chinatown
I frequently stay at Ahyu Hotel when I come to Kuala Lumpur alone. It’s a short walk to Masjid Jamek LRT station. So it is easy for me to get to this hotel from KL Sentral after taking the 1 hour 30-minute bus ride from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Rooms cost about USD 20 with taxes, and these are the rooms with windows. So of course windowless rooms are cheaper. Most importantly, it is clean and the rooms look new and in good condition. There’s a small fridge, room safe, and the Wi-Fi internet speed is sufficient.
The front staff service is super friendly, it is a terrific hotel! And you can enjoy the Indian restaurants nearby. I certainly did!
Currently, it’s a good time to start your exploration of KL by booking a hotel in Chinatown. Through the years I’ve noticed that this little slice of KL is undergoing major renovation. New hotels are being built and many small businesses, particularly hipster cafés and restaurants, are popping up all over the area.
KL’s Chinatown is undoubtedly one of my favorite spots in the city and it’ll be interesting to see how the transformation will look.
Regardless, I find Chinatown is the best area in Kuala Lumpur for budget travelers.
5. Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC)
Hotel Price Range: $40USD to $300USD Subway Line: Ampang Line and KLCC Why Stay in Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC): This is KL’s flash business center with many new hotels including 4-star properties. Best hotels in the Kuala Lumpur area are all in the KLCC area.
KLCC- The financial district of Kuala Lumpur…
If cash is not a concern for you, then KLCC has the best hotels in Kuala Lumpur for you. KLCC neighborhood is Kuala Lumpur’s financial business area. I stayed in KLCC the fewest times because I used to go over to the Thai Embassy in KL to apply for a new visa.
KLCC is where you will find the most high-class business hotels in Kuala Lumpur. If you have the money and can pay for high-end hotel rooms, then KLCC is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur for you.
KLCC is also where you can find the Petronas Towers, Malaysia’s famous skyscraper. Staying at KLCC, you still have some advantages when exploring the rest of Kuala Lumpur. There are several LRT train lines located along KLCC.
There are also a few shopping centers and the biggest one is located on the lower levels of the Petronas Towers. Plenty of restaurants can be found in the area as well. But if you’re staying there, check out the food court inside Suria KLCC on level 2.
KLCC area is a bit more spread out. So I recommend looking for a hotel near the Petronas Towers because it’ll just be more convenient for sightseeing on your first visit to KL. The closest one on this list is Le Apple Boutique KLCC, which is a very nice hotel, and in walking distance to an LRT train station, too, plus a shopping center.
The Takeaway
Kuala Lumpur is an amazing city to explore in Malaysia. I travel there often back and forth from Thailand at least 3 or 4 times a year. So I’m quite familiar with the areas of KL, particularly where to stay for sightseeing.
Please remember the 10MYR per night hotel tax that was introduced on September 1st, 2017. You pay directly to the hotel upon check-in. However, if you book with a hotel booking website like Agoda.com, the tax is collected through their portal.
Now that you know where the best areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur are, I’m sure you’re going to fall in love with the city as much as I have. It’s been one of my favorite cities to visit ever since my first visit, I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way on your very first memorable trip to Kuala Lumpur.
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