Modern but traditional, the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit destination. Culture and heritage mix with consumerism and city life in a cocktail of different flavours. Chinese, Malay and Indian eateries dot KL between its many massive malls. It’s a wonder of multiculturalism and modernity!

With this sprawling metropolis definitely open for business, whereabouts in it do you stay? Are there many hostels here where you can stay in the centre of the city affordably?

Yes! There are hostels aplenty in this astounding city, so we’ve made a list of the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur to make it easy for you to choose one that’s right for you.

So whether you’re looking for something with a bit of convenience, or if you want to be in the most lively place in town, we’re here to help!

Quick Answers – The Coolest Hostels in Kuala Lumpur

#1 Best Overall Hostel in Kuala Lumpur – BackHome Hostel
#2 Best Party Hostel in Kuala Lumpur – Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur
#3 Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Kuala Lumpur – Mingle
#4 Best Hostel near Chinatown – Birdnest Collective
#5 Best Hostel near Petronas Towers – Sunshine Bedz
#6 Best Hostel near Kuala Lumpur Airport – Moon Eleven Hostel
#7 Best Hostel near Kuala Lumpur Sentral Train Station – PODs The Backpackers Home
#8 Best High-end Hostel in Kuala Lumpur – Paperplanes Hostel
#9 Best Budget Hostel in Kuala Lumpur – Step Inn Guesthouse and Hostel
#10 Best Hostel with a Private Room in Kuala Lumpur – 2Hampshire Hostel by Tizzel

#1 – BackHome Hostel

 Best Overall Hostel in Kuala Lumpur

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 30, Jalan Tun H.S. Lee
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like BackHome Hostel…
Effortlessly stylish and with some of the best dorm bunks we’ve ever seen, this place is quite easily the best overall hostel in Kuala Lumpur. We like that it’s won awards for how good it is, of course, almost as much as we like how super clean and well located this place is.

BackHome Hostel is perfect for…
Looking for a good all-round hostel? This top hostel in Kuala Lumpur will definitely suit you. Not only is it cool, but the staff are very friendly and the free breakfast is tasty. Those wanting a great shower will love the showers here – plus the beds are ultra comfy!

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#2 – Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur

 Best Party Hostel in Kuala Lumpur

• Cost – $$$
  
• Location – 49-59, Jalan Tun H.S Lee 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur…
We love that this recommended hostel in Kuala Lumpur is just a no-holds-barred party place. In fact, due to its amazing (and famous) rooftop bar and the fact that the fun doesn’t stop until 3am nightly, we’d definitely say that this lively place is the best party hostel in Kuala Lumpur.

Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur is perfect for…
Looking to party? This is the place. The bar here is fun, loud and is a great place to let your hair down and meet people, as it welcomes those from other Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostels in the area for an all-out good times atmosphere. Don’t stay here if you’re expecting to go to bed early with a book!

Check for Best Price

 

#3 – Mingle

Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Kuala Lumpur

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 53, Jalan Sultan 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Mingle…
Not only is this one of the coolest hostels in Kuala Lumpur (which is something we really love about this place), but it’s also one of the most social. The rooftop terrace – where travellers can chat over the great complimentary breakfast – also features a great bar that makes every evening fun.

Mingle is perfect for…
Sociable backpackers, from groups to couples, will like this place, but it’s also definitely the best hostel for solo travellers in Kuala Lumpur. It features good social spaces, sure, but it’s also the group tours that the friendly, helpful owner organises for guests that get people mingling and getting to know one another.

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#4 – Birdnest Collective

 Best Hostel near Chinatown

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 210 Jalan Tun HS Lee
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Birdnest Collective…
Yet another cool hostel in Kuala Lumpur, Birdnest Collective is also the best hostel near Chinatown, a lively area of town where you’ll find market stalls, bars and restaurants jostle for your attention. We like that, of course, but the decor of this place – especially the eclectic common area – is something we really love.

Birdnest Collective is perfect for…
Looking to be in the heart of all the action of Chinatown? This youth hostel in Kuala Lumpur is a great place to base yourself. Flashpackers and backpackers alike will love the vibe of this place, which is cool and laid-back. Value for money elements, such as the price of a bunk and the complimentary breakfast, are great for anyone on a budget.

Check for Best Price

 

#5 – Sunshine Bedz

 Best Hostel near the Petronas Twin Towers

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 65 B, Jalan Sultan Ismail,, Bukit Bintang,
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Sunshine Bedz…
Being the best hostel near the Petronas Twin Towers, we like how quickly and easily you can get to this iconic landmark of the city from this Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostel. Other pluses – aside from perfect location – that we enjoy include the air-con, helpful staff, clean bathrooms and very good showers.

Sunshine Bedz is perfect for…
If being right in the centre of town sounds like something you’d want out of a budget hostel in Kuala Lumpur, then Sunshine Bedz KL is the place for you. Not only is the landmark of the Petronas Twin Towers nearby, but the hip Bintang Walk – packed with shopping and dining options – is great for anyone itching to explore KL’s modern side.

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#6 – Moon Eleven Hostel

Best Hostel near Kuala Lumpur Airport

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 44-1, Jalan Warisan Megah 1/4, Taman Kota Warisan, Sepang, Selangor
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Moon Eleven Hostel…
We love the convenience of this recommended hostel in Kuala Lumpur. It’s very well positioned for the express train service to KL’s airport, the KLIA (or KLIA 2). Though not really in the centre of town, we are very much on board with how quickly you can get from this place to catch an early morning (or late night) flight.

Moon Eleven Hostel is perfect for…
Though not very social, this Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostel will suit anybody on a budget who can’t afford to be making expensive taxi runs across a city. Fans of convenience and stress-free travel will love how quick and easy it is to get from Moon Eleven to the airport, which really does make it the best hostel near Kuala Lumpur Airport.

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#7 – PODs The Backpackers Home

Best Hostel near Kuala Lumpur Sentral Train Station

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – G-6, No 30 Jalan Thambipillay, Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like PODs The Backpackers Home…
Being the best hostel near Kuala Lumpur Sentral train station doesn’t just mean convenience, which we like anyway. No, it also means being very near the bustling Nu Sentral mall and also the remnants of Little India (featuring a number of a good Indian eateries and specialist stores). The decor is clean and bright, too – we approve.

PODs The Backpackers Home is perfect for…
If you’re looking to be able to get around the city whilst staying in an interesting district in its own right, then you should stay here. Being near Sentral also means you’ll be able to get the KLIA/KLIA 2 service directly to the airport, which means getting to the airport is easy.

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Editor’s Note – Want to stay in Kuching? Read this post!

#8 – Paperplanes Hostel

 Best High-end Hostel in Kuala Lumpur

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No.15, Jalan Sin Chew Kee, Bukit Bintang 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Paperplanes Hostel…
Yet another cool hostel in Kuala Lumpur, this place features stylish brick wall interiors, chic furniture, graffiti murals and private rooms that are especially boutique quality. It’s easily the best high-end hostel in Kuala Lumpur, and it’s not too expensive – which is also something we like a lot about this place!

Paperplanes Hostel is perfect for…
Couples. Yes, when you’re travelling with a partner you want to stay in places that make it feel like you’re on a romantic getaway sometimes, right? So the private rooms here will help with that – they’re very cool! The central location, close to both Petaling Street and Bukit Bintang, means anyone looking to explore the city will like this place as a base.

Check for Best Price

 

#9 – Step Inn Guesthouse and Hostel

 Best Budget Hostel in Kuala Lumpur

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No.35 Jalan Pudu lama, Off jalan Pudu 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Sleep inn Guesthouse and Hostel…
We like the warm and welcoming, friendly environment of this Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostel. We also like that it’s quite calm and laid-back (not a party hostel), which tends to attract like-minded people. The free drinking water eliminates the need to buy plastic bottles all the time – something we’re really on board with.

Sleep inn Guesthouse and Hostel is perfect for…
Solo travellers. Yes, although it’s not loud and lively, this hostel has a nice chilled atmosphere that’s conducive to getting to know your fellow guests. And if you want to be in the centre of everything you’re in luck: this youth hostel in Kuala Lumpur is in walking distance to just about every good part of central KL.

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#10 – 2Hampshire Hostel by Tizzel

Best Hostel with a Private Room in Kuala Lumpur

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – Unit 13-1, 2Hampshire, Persiaran Hampshire 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like 2Hampshire Hostel by Tizzel…
New, modern, sleek, stylish – we love how cool this Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostel is. But then again we also like the huge dorms, the balcony complete with skyscraper views, the luxury-feeling private rooms. Set within the KLCC complex (featuring the Petronas Twin Towers and the massive mall, Suria KLCC), it’s quite easily one of the coolest hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

2Hampshire Hostel by Tizzel is perfect for…
Flashpackers or couples. Because it’s the best hostel with a private room in Kuala Lumpur, you can expect to find hotel quality design and decor here, making it perfect for those travelling as a couple who want a bit of city opulence (the cityscape views, for example), or flashpackers who are tired of ‘traditional’ hostels. It’s genuinely great!

Check for Best Price

 

More Best Hostels in Kuala Lumpur

#11 – The Explorers Guesthouse and Hostel

Why we like The Explorers Guesthouse and Hostel…
Nice interior design, clean and tidy, well located near markets and train stations, friendly staff – there’s a lot to like about this Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostel. Aside from all these things, we always appreciate a free breakfast of course, which is what you get at The Explorers Guesthouse and Hostel.

The Explorers Guesthouse and Hostel is perfect for…
Backpackers who may not be interested in making friends with fellow guests will like the atmosphere at this place – people are free to do their own thing here and there isn’t a party atmosphere, so it’s a nice place to come if making friends at every hostel you go isn’t your thing. The location is great for getting around the city, too.

Check for Best Price

 

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#12 – Space Hotel

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No.5-2 & 5-3, Jalan Petaling
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Space Hotel…
We love the theme at this youth hostel in Kuala Lumpur – it’s space, of course. And that certainly rings true with the UV lighting, the space imagery on the walls, and of course the majorly futuristic pods that serve as the dorm beds. It feels like sleeping in a sci-fi film, which is pretty cool to us.

Space Hotel is perfect for…
If staying in pod-style accommodation – just like the capsule hotels of Japan – sounds good to you, then you should definitely check this place out. Even more so if you’re a fan of sci-fi! The location in Chinatown also means plenty of opportunities for tasty food and a few evening beers, too.

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#13 – TWENTY5-by-OHANA

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 25th Floor unit 3A, Taragon Puteri Bintang, Jalan Changkat Thambi Dollah 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like TWENTY5-by-OHANA…
Not only is this one of the coolest hostels in Kuala Lumpur, with its fancy well designed interiors, but it also feels very homely. The luxury apartment feel of the place is really conducive to meeting and hanging with fellow travellers, which is something that we really like about this place.

TWENTY5-by-OHANA is perfect for…
Solo travellers and flashpackers. The style of TWENTY5 is very much affordable luxury, so those looking to stay in more lavish surroundings than normal should keep this place in mind. It’s easy to meet and mingle with other guests here, so sociable travellers will really like this top hostel in Kuala Lumpur.

Check for Best Price

 

#14 – KT Home@Mercu Summer Suite

• Cost – $
  
• Location – A30-06 Mercu Summer Suite, NO 8 Jalan Cendana, Kampung Baru
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like KT Home@Mercu Summer Suite…
This place is definitely one of the coolest hostels in Kuala Lumpur – the hip apartment style of this place is something that we really like. It’s cool! What we also like is the access to a gym and the swimming pool, which really gives this place a luxury edge that we can’t help but love.

KT Home@Mercu Summer Suite is perfect for…
If you’re interested in the finer things in life, then staying at this high-end hostel in Kuala Lumpur is something you’ll really want to do. The design and decor are really cool, the facilities are top quality… It’s a luxury apartment with a dorm attached and that makes it a definite for flashpackers, we’d say.

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#15 – 1000 Miles

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No.17, Jalan Tun H S Lee 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like 1000 Miles…
We like the great design and hotel feel of this cool hostel in Kuala Lumpur – the exposed brick walls with artwork, houseplants and stylish furniture makes this definitely feel high-end. The cherry on top is the central location and the great team who work here, which is always a plus at any hostel.

1000 Miles is perfect for…
Not interested in a ‘traditional’ hostel experience? Then stay at 1000 Miles! This top hostel in Kuala Lumpur feels more like a cool boutique hotel. Flashpackers will love it, couples will like the private rooms, and digital nomads might like time out of their hostel-surfing for a slice of affordable luxury at this place.

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#16 – iO Hotel

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – 18, Persiaran Jubilee, Off Jalan Loke Yew 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like iO Hotel…
There’s a mix of styles at this top hostel in Kuala Lumpur – on one hand you have the simple but stylish private rooms, like a good mid-range hotel. But on the other hand there’s the futuristic pods! So we love the fusion of flavours going on here. There’s also a cool vibe in general here.

iO Hotel is perfect for…
If you don’t mind, or maybe if you don’t even want to be in the centre of town, then staying at this youth hostel in Kuala Lumpur might be a good idea: it’s located a little bit out of centre, but the setting near a train station makes it easy to get into town. Fans of pods and capsule hotels will love this place, of course!

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#17 – The Icon Hostel

Why we like The Icon Hostel…
It might be a little on the basic side, but we like nevertheless that the rooms have a simple style, and that they’re clean and tidy. The location is good too: it’s not far, and within walking distance, to the Petronas Twin Towers as well as the KL Tower and its pleasant park.

The Icon Hostel is perfect for…
Unfussy travellers will like staying here. It’s not for those travelling alone since there isn’t a social atmosphere, so couples or groups of friends on a budget will enjoy being in the centre of town. Chinatown is close, too, which is a lively area of town and a great place to find cheap eats and drinks.

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#18 – Nowhere Hostel

• Cost – $
  
• Location – 95b, Jalan Bangsar, Bangsar
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Nowhere Hostel…
Simple but stylish, we like that this hostel features particularly comfortable beds as well as soundproofing, both of which are very helpful for getting a very peaceful night’s sleep. The location, though not very central, features a few cool restaurants and cafes, and is also close to the huge Bangsar Village mall.

Nowhere Hostel is perfect for…
Interested in exploring parts of the city that don’t usually get a lot of attention? Then this is the place for you. Though not far from Chinatown by public transport, this area of town is a far cry from the backpacking and tourist crowds that populate that area. The decor would suit flashpackers, too.

Check for Best Price

 

#19 – Dorms KL

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No 5, Jalan Tengkat Tong Shin
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Dorms KL…
We like this cosy hostel not only for its cool decor and decent central location close to a lot of things to do, but we also like the social side of things here. This is helped with a cool rooftop bar that features cheap beer, which is something that we can always get on board with!

Dorms KL is perfect for…
Backpackers travelling by themselves would like it here, we think. Not only is it quite social, with a friendly atmosphere conducive to mingling and making friends, but it’s also close to a lot of cool places to explore here in Malaysia, including the lively Chinatown. The rooftop bar adds a mild party element to proceedings, too.

Check for Best Price

 

MUST READ – Take a look at our guide about Where to stay in Penang.

#20 – Agosto Guesthouse

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No 208, Jalan Tun H.S.Lee
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Agosto Guesthouse…
We really love the location of this youth hostel in Kuala Lumpur, which is very close to the heritage buildings of Petaling Street and the lively nightlife of Chinatown. We also like that this place is clean, comfortable and offers up free tea and coffee for most of the day.

Agosto Guesthouse is perfect for…
Want to be near where the main backpacking action of town is? Then staying here is a great choice. Chinatown gets very exciting at night, with streets packed with market stalls, food stalls and restaurants where you can grab a beer and something to eat. Couples looking for a cosy, affordable private room will like this recommended hostel in Kuala Lumpur.

Check for Best Price

 

#21 – Homie KL

Why we like Homie KL…
There are definitely more than a few things that we like about this Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostel. Not only does it have a great location right next to a train station, but the decor is simple and homely, the atmosphere is welcoming and the staff are friendly and helpful. It’s great!

Homie KL is perfect for…
Though not close to main attractions, the proximity to a train station means getting into central is easy, suiting those who aren’t interested in staying in the main tourist areas of town. Social travellers looking for a chilled, but homely, place to stay will definitely enjoy staying at this laid-back hostel.

Check for Best Price

 

#22 – Grid 9 Hotel

• Cost – $$
  
• Location – No.9 Jalan Maharajalela 
• Reviews → Check on Hostel World

Why we like Grid 9 Hotel…
We love the decor of this place – spacious common rooms with polished concrete everywhere, colourful bean bags, pool tables, very comfy dorm beds, well designed private rooms. This cool hostel in Kuala Lumpur is also very near to a train station, making it convenient for getting around the city, and Chinatown is just a short walk away.

Grid 9 Hotel is perfect for…
Flashpackers will love the stylish industrial design and decor of this recommended hostel in Kuala Lumpur, we think. The style of this place would also suit couples looking for something a little more in the way of affordable luxury than a Kuala Lumpur backpackers hostel.

Check for Best Price

FAQ’s

How Much are Hostels in Kuala Lumpur?

Budget rooms can be found for less than $10, though many dorm rooms fall in the $10 to $15 range for a night. If you want more privacy, you can get a private room for between $15 and $30 for most places.

What are Hostels in Kuala Lumpur Like?

Most are centrally located, close to the top attractions of the city like the Petronas Towers and shopping centers. There are a variety of party hostels and spots for a quieter stay depending on what your preference is.

How Safe are Hostels in Kuala Lumpur?

Kuala Lumpur is a fairy safe city, though some incidents do sometimes occur. Most hostels have good security features, and you can always ask about what areas to avoid or other precautions you should take to avoid problems.

How to Find Hostels in Kuala Lumpur?

See what your options are using HostelWorld or other online search platforms. If you're traveling around Malaysia, you can probably get some suggestions from other travelers you meet or ask at your current hotel or hostel.

 

	Best Overall Hostel in Kuala Lumpur BackHome Hostel Free breakfast, free wifi, free city maps	Check Best Price
	Best Party Hostel in Kuala Lumpur Reggae Mansion Kuala Lumpur Free breakfast, free parking, free wifi	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel for Solo Travellers in Kuala Lumpur Mingle Free breakfast, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Chinatown Birdnest Collective Free breakfast, free wifi, bar	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near the Petronas Twin Towers Sunshine Bedz Free breakfast, free wifi, towels included	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Kuala Lumpur Airport Moon Eleven Hostel Free parking, free wifi	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel near Kuala Lumpur Sentral Train Station PODs The Backpackers Home Free breakfast, bar, towels included	Check Best Price
	Best High-end Hostel in Kuala Lumpur Paperplanes Hostel Free wifi, towels included	Check Best Price
	Best Budget Hostel in Kuala Lumpur Sleep inn Guesthouse and Hostel Free breakfast, free wifi, towels included	Check Best Price
	Best Hostel with a Private Room in Kuala Lumpur 2Hampshire Hostel by Tizzel Free breakfast, free wifi, free parking	Check Best Price

 

Conclusion to the best hostels in Kuala Lampur

There you have it – the best hostels in Kuala Lumpur.

There are so many cool hostels on this list, complete with polished concrete, industrial chic interiors and stylish furnishings that make browsing the many hostels here a design lover’s dream!

As for things to do, why not check the guide to the 16 best day trips from Kuala Lumpur to save you time and money. And, as for location, getting around the city is made easy by its train network – and the fact that most of these hostels are perfectly placed for exploring the best bits of KL.

But if you still can’t decide on a place to stay, that’s ok! We recommend our top pick for the best overall hostel in Kuala Lumpur, BackHome. Now all that’s left for you is to enjoy the exciting capital of Malaysia.

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