6 best hostels in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is a fascinating city in Southeast Asia, known as a shoppers' paradise, and home to many landmarks, including the famous Petronas Twin Towers, the Petaling Street flea market, the 400-million years old Batu Caves, and the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, among many others. The city boasts world-renowned museums such as the Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, making it a top destination for history buffs. No doubt, the city of skyscrapers, malls, colonial architecture, and great museums has a lot to offer visitors.

When visiting Kuala Lumpur, you'll need a place to stay. You can find any accommodation in the city, from 5-star hotels and luxury resorts to budget hotels, guesthouses, and budget hostels. Kuala Lumpur hostels are well-equipped and offer many modern amenities and facilities for a comfortable stay.

Below, we've handpicked some of the best dorms KL has to offer for your budget trip. Whether you're traveling solo, with your partner, friends, or family, there are hostels in Kuala Lumpur to fit every need and preference. And if you need a safe place to store your belongings, Bounce partners with many hostels in Kuala Lumpur for their luggage storage services. If you don't pick a hostel we partner with, check on the app for a Bounce luggage locker in Kuala Lumpur near you.

Penthouse on 34

If you're looking for affordable and "ticks all the boxes" accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, this amazing duplex penthouse converted hostel is just the place. Featuring a rooftop terrace and a garden overlooking the Kuala Lumpur skyline, this is the highest hostel in Kuala Lumpur and one worth checking out. Located in Kuala Lumpur city center, just a short walk from train stations that connect to Petronas Twin Towers, Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Batu Caves, and other major sights, this hostel is ideal for social butterflies and travelers who prefer to be in the hustle and bustle.

Expect to have the best time in this hotel-like hostel, where you can take advantage of a fitness centre, a cafe, a convenience store, and 24-hours security. At the Penthouse on 34, you can do yoga with amazing views of the city, watch a movie in the cozy living area with a TV, or cook a meal in the fully stocked kitchen. And that's not all. Staying at this hostel, you also get access to the rooftop infinity pool on the 37th floor, which you get to enjoy if you register in advance. What more could you ask?

You can pick from private and shared air-conditioned rooms that can accommodate up to eight people.

What makes Penthouse on 34 unique

More than a hostel, the Penthouse 34 offers modern amenities and facilities much like a hotel. Besides its top location in Kuala Lumpur city centre and great connections to major sights, the Penthouse on 34 is one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for fabulous views, comfortable beds, and shared areas, such as the rooftop terrace.

Penthouse on 34 pricing

Pricing at the Penthouse on 34 starts at $15.00 a night for a bed in an 8-bed mixed dorm with a private bathroom. If you prefer a bit more privacy, you can opt for one of the private rooms for around$39.00 a night.

Moon Eleven Hostel Near Klia and Klia2

If you have an early flight and are looking for a place to stay near Kuala Lumpur International Airport, look nowhere else. You can use the KLIA express train from Kuala Lumpur Airport, and you'll be at the hostel in 20 minutes. This cheap hostel is pretty basic but very convenient. Featured amenities include air conditioning, free wifi and free coffee and tea. There's also a living area with a TV and a small kitchen for light meals.

The accommodation features dorm rooms, single and double rooms, both with private or shared bathrooms. If you're a female solo traveler and want a bit more privacy, female only-dorm rooms are available too.

What makes Moon Eleven Hostel Near Klia and Klia2 unique

This hostel is ideal for a late-night or early-morning flight from Kuala Lumpur Airport. There is free coffee and tea, free wifi, and a lovely owner who shares tips on getting around the neighborhood and the city.

Moon Eleven Hostel Near Klia and Klia2 pricing

The average nightly price at this backpacker hostel is $12.00 for a basic single private room with a shared bathroom and about $21.00 for a double private ensuite. This is one of the cheapest hostels in Kuala Lumpur, and it sells out fast. To secure your spot, try to book well in advance.

Birdnest Collective Café & Guesthouse

A stay at this hostel places you in the heart of Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur. Friendly, cozy, safe, and clean are some of the hostel's qualities. Though pretty basic, the hostel offers everything you need for an enjoyable stay. There is free air conditioning throughout the entire property, and all of the rooms have en suite bathrooms.

Chill at the private rooftop terrace with a cafe and help yourself to beer at the self-serve bar. Free coffee and tea are available all day long too. You don't have to worry about your safety here, as the place is fitted with CCTV cameras and it's very quiet. In fact, this Kuala Lumpur hostel is so laid back that you'll see more families than solo travelers and party people.

You can pick from shared rooms and private ones. Female dorm rooms are also available.

What makes Birdnest Collective Café & Guesthouse unique

This hostel has an amazing rooftop terrace, and there is all-day free coffee and tea. Feeling safe during your stay is also very important, and this property will make sure you're well taken care of.

Birdnest Collective Café & Guesthouse pricing

Pricing at the Birdnest Collective Café & Guesthouse starts at $9.00 a night for a bed in a standard 4-bed male/female dorm with an en suite bathroom. Family rooms that sleep up to three people go for approximately $18.00.

Sunshine Bedz Hostel

The Sunshine Bedz Hostel's central location makes exploring the city a breeze. Located near KL Tower and the Petronas Twin Towers, within a short walking distance of Bukit Bintang monorail, and just a short walk from Kuala Lumpur Convention Center, this family-run Bed & Breakfast will make you feel at home from the moment you set foot in the lobby. The recently renovated hostel features a chic design and has a great social vibe, ideal for social butterflies.

The hostel is run by attentive and friendly staff who organize fun activities and events almost every night to entertain guests. Featured amenities include free breakfast, free wifi, free city maps, towels, and linen. You'll also get to use the hostel's laundry facilities, 24-hour security, vending machines, and common areas with board games and musical instruments.

At Sunshine Bedz Kuala Lumpur, you can pick from shared dorms and private rooms. Female solo travelers can opt for a female-only dorm or one of the private rooms for even more convenience.

What makes Sunshine Bedz Hostel unique

The hostel's perfect central location along the famous Bukit Bintang Walk is what makes it one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

Sunshine Bedz Hostel pricing

The average price per night at this Kuala Lumpur hostel is $9.00 for a bed in a deluxe 6-bed mixed dorm with windows overlooking the main street. With such low prices, it's safe to say that this is one of the cheapest hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

Chinatown Hostel by Mingle

Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown is one of the best neighborhoods in the city for tourists wanting to get a taste of both Malaysian and Chinese culture. You can easily find cheap hostels in this vibrant district, and one of them is Chinatown Hostel by Mingle. The hostel is set in a century-old building that once served as a clubhouse. Though the hostel kept the looks of the building, they modernized the interior and turned it into an upscale hostel everyone should check out.

The hostel's central location, with easy access to public transport, a direct shuttle bus to KLIA, and the Bukit Bintang shopping district within a short walking distance, makes it one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur for location. The hostel features free wifi, a bar, dining facilities, all-day snacks, and a chill-out area. To stay true to the Mingle brand name, the hostel organizes plenty of fun events where guests can mix, mingle and meet new friends.

At Mingle China Town, you can pick from private rooms and shared rooms that sleep between 2 to 10 people.

What makes Chinatown Hostel by Mingle unique

This hostel is popular for its location, fun social activities, and various chill areas like the rooftop bar, which is perfect for social butterflies. Another reason that sets this hostel apart from the rest is the free tours organized by the attentive staff.

Chinatown Hostel by Mingle pricing

The Mingle hostel prices start at $12.00 a night for a bed in a standard 14-bed mixed dorm with a shared bathroom. A single bunk bed in a standard 2-bed mixed dorm will cost you around $13. Families and couples who prefer privacy can book one of the private ensuite rooms for about $24.00 a night.

La Vista @ Regalia Residence

This hostel is located on the 14th floor of Regalia Residence, the same building as Penthouse on 34, and gives out an upscale hotel kind of vibe. The hostel offers amazing views of the city and is one of the best dorms KL has to offer in terms of luxury, location, and modern amenities and facilities.

Guests can use the fitness center and the outdoor swimming pool upon registration. Featured amenities include a rooftop terrace, air-conditioned rooms, free wifi, chill-out areas, a kitchen, and 24-hour security. There is a lively atmosphere throughout the entire hostel, ideal for solo travelers, backpackers, families, and friends.

You can pick from private rooms and shared dorms that sleep between 2 to 10 people.

What makes La Vista @ Regalia Residence unique

There are many reasons this place is one of the best Kuala Lumpur dorms, including the amazing views from the rooftop terrace, its perfect location, the outdoor pool, the gym, and the clean, bright, and spacious rooms.

LA Vista @ Regalia Residence pricing

Pricing at the La Vista @ Regalia Residence starts at $16.50 a night for a basic 4-bed mixed dorm and $23.00 for a single private room with a shared bathroom. This is one of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur and sells out quickly, so make sure to secure your bed in advance.

The best and cheapest epic hostels in Kuala Lumpur for your budget trip

Kuala Lumpur hostels are surprisingly well-equipped and designed for every traveler with budget and comfort in mind. When you're looking for the best hostel in Kuala Lumpur, you have to consider a few factors, including location, price, type of rooms, security, privacy and curfew, among others. Choosing the right hostel makes all the difference; you don't want to get home to a dirty bed and noisy neighborhood.

But hostels in Kuala Lumpur are fun and social, allowing you to meet other travelers and make new friends, all the while saving money. If the above-mentioned hostels are not available for your dates, here are some more epic hostels in Kuala Lumpur for you to consider: Senja Hostel Kuala Lumpur, The Bed KLcc Capsule Hotel, Mingle @ Highstreet Kuala Lumpur, The Manor by Mingle Hostel, The Explorers Guesthouse and Travelogue Guest House.

And as you plan your trip to the Malaysian capital, you should find out what are the things you can do and see during your stay. We suggest you read the informative guides on free things to do in the city and the best museums in Kuala Lumpur.