Five of the Best Budget Hotels in Kuala Lumpur for Your Backpacking Trip

Frequent Business Class travelers with Malaysia Airlines will be enjoying an elevated experience with this campaign. 

Malaysia’s flag carrier, Malaysia Airlines, has launched its latest global campaign, “Time for Premium Escapades,” inviting travelers to rediscover the joy of flying and elevate their journey with exclusive Business Class fares. 

The campaign runs from June 6 to 19, 2025, for a travel period from June 6, 2025 to May 31, 2026, offering access to a wide range of destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe, and beyond. Travelers departing from Taiwan can enjoy all-in-return fares starting from TWD$18,979 in Business Class for international destinations. 

Travelers flying Business Class can expect a seamless experience from the moment they arrive at the airport, including fast-track services, access to Malaysia Airlines’ Golden Lounge, and even private transfers at Kuala Lumpur International Airport Terminal 1 (KLIA T1) in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. 

Comfort meets sophistication and elegance as guests can unwind in lie-flat seats, personalized service, and complimentary Wi-Fi, available onboard select aircraft for all guests regardless of cabin class or loyalty tier, ensuring guests stay effortlessly connected throughout their flight. 

The journey is further enhanced with a range of thoughtful enhancements designed to delight every type of traveler. Passengers can enjoy the airline’s Best of Asia menu — a regional culinary showcase which has been refreshed with new chef-curated dishes inspired by Malaysia Airlines’ destination network. Guests can also pre-select their preferred meals via Chef-on-Call for added personalization. 

For more comfort on longer journeys, Business Class passengers can also receive premium touches such as pajamas, while families are welcomed with child-friendly meals and activity packs for a more inclusive in-flight experience on selected flights. 

The campaign also features affordable and rewarding journeys in Economy Class, with great value across the network where travelers can enjoy all-in return fares starting from TWD$8,840 or international destinations. Economy Class travelers can expect the same warm service and thoughtful touches across regional and long-haul routes. 

All fares are available for booking via Malaysia Airlines’ website, the MHmobile app, and authorized travel agents worldwide. 

For more information, follow Malaysia Airlines on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), and Instagram. 

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will be expanding its portfolio in Malaysia with the debut of the Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast, a beachfront retreat in Desaru Coast, Johor. 

This expansion comes with the upcoming rebranding of an exceptional resort and private residences located in Desaru Coast, Johor, the southeastern coast of Malaysia. Nestled within the 128 acres of verdant rainforest and opening onto a pristine stretch of beach overlooking the South China Sea, the property joins the Mandarin Oriental portfolio this June 2025. 

The property, known as the One&Only, was designed by the late Kerry Hill and his firm Kerry Hill Architects, and is the final completed project in his distinguished portfolio. The resort embeds tropical modernism in its design, creating a sense of harmony between the space and its surrounding landscape. 

The hotel is set to become a refined escape for everyone seeking nature and indulgence in their stay. 

The Desaru Coast is renowned for its unspoiled coastline, warm year-round climate, and tranquil natural beauty. With nearly 17 kilometers of beachfront, the destination offers an irresistible blend of coastal serenity and ecological richness. 

The property will benefit from its closeness to the Mandarin Oriental’s well-established hotels in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, reflecting the Group’s continued emphasis on expanding its presence in resort destinations across the regions. 

“Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast represents a significant step in our strategic vision to bring the Group’s legendary service and crafted experiences that resonate deeply with today’s luxury traveler, to new and exceptional locations,” said Laurent Kleitman, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental.

The resort features 44 suites and villas, each with ample space and privacy, exceptional views of the sea and rainforest, and many with private gardens and plunge pools. Guests can choose from five distinct dining options that blend global cuisines with local culinary flavors, including a stylish beach club and a relaxed lounge bar with coastal views. 

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental will offer a holistic wellness sanctuary, conveying the Group’s renowned treatments and authentic rituals rooted in the Orient. Other wellness offerings include tennis and padel courts, a Kids’ Club with indoor facilities, a large outdoor playground, a nature pond, and more for younger guests’ enrichment. 

Elegant event spaces and immersive natural surroundings are set to become appealing venues for weddings and private gatherings, blending indoor comfort with panoramic views of the rainforest and coastline. 

The resort will also offer access to the nearby The Els Club Desaru Coast, home to the two golfing championship courses designed by legends Ernie Els and Vijay Singh.

Future plans for the resort include 40 branded residences, offering the Mandarin Oriental’s legendary service within a private, residential context. 

Whether for business or pleasure, the Mandarin Oriental, Desaru Coast will be offering a harmonious blend of heritage and modernity for every kind of traveler. 

For more information, visit the Desaru Coast website here, and follow Desaru Coast Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram. 

Heads up, Kuala Lumpur! 

IHG Hotels & Resorts will be debuting its luxury lifestyle brand Kimpton in Malaysia with the opening of Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur by the end of 2025. 

Located within Kuala Lumpur’s Central Business District, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), the 26-storey Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will be an artful take on modern luxury in the city, becoming its next thriving social hub, blending hospitality, inspiration, wellness, and experiences seamlessly. 

The hotel’s name is derived from two Malay words: Naluri (instinct), and Ria (joy), capturing Kimpton’s philosophy of joyful living guided by instinct. As Kuala Lumpur acts as a union of tradition and modernity, the Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will be a sanctuary for guests to embrace both adventure and peace.

“We are thrilled to debut IHG’s luxury lifestyle brand, Kimpton, in Malaysia, continuing the brand’s global expansion,” said Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur General Manager Paul Cunningham. “Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur is beyond just an inspirational space to stay — it will be the city’s next vibrant social hub… Location-wise, we’re surrounded by the perfect blend of commerce and creativity, with retail, dining, and green spaces that invite discovery.”

Guests can look forward to enjoying Kimpton’s unique signature amenities, including “Forgot It, We’ve Got It!” – offering essential travel items, “Kimpton Kickstart” – with complimentary morning coffees and teas in the lobby, and “Kimpton Social” – a daily hosted social hour with curated drinks, conversation, and more. 

The Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s dining options will include four distinct experiences: Four Siblings, a destination rooftop bar and lounge, and Tuai + Till, an all-day dining concept that transforms into two unique evening venues: Tuai, a cozy Malaysian café, and Till, an elegant Western brasserie. A retro Italian-American restaurant is still in development. 

The hotel will also offer five versatile event spaces that are designed to create meaningful human connections, suitable for social soirees or business meetings. 

The Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s interiors were designed in collaboration with award-winning Hassell Studio and will combine urban energy with natural calm. The design will feature organic textures, natural stones, lush greenery, and floor-to-ceiling windows that show the city’s wonderful views and inspire a sense of serenity within the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur. 

From ultra-personalized luxury-meets-lifestyle experiences with playful sophistication mixed with Malaysian allure, the Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur will surely be your newest favorite hideaway in the city. 

For more information, visit Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur’s website, Facebook, and Instagram pages. 

Happy (advanced) International Museum Day to everyone who celebrates! 

To celebrate this momentous occasion around the world, the Department of Museums Malaysia (Jabatan Muzium Malaysia) is waiving admission fees for visitors on May 18, 2025, in all their museums around Malaysia! 

With this year’s theme, “The Future of Museums in Rapidly Changing Communities,” museums around the world invite museumgoers and the public to reimagine the role of museums as essential connectors, innovators, and stewards of cultural identity. The theme is also aligned with three Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 9, 11), with museums acting as an empowering and driving force for communities, technological advancements, and inclusivity. 

Celebrating International Museum Day in Kuala Lumpur? Here is the list of museums under the Department of Museums Malaysia (JMM) located in Kuala Lumpur that you can come and visit on May 18!

Museums in Kuala Lumpur under Jabatan Muzium Malaysia

Muzium Negara (National Museum)

This museum is dedicated to Malaysian art, culture, history, and ethnology. The displays in the museum range from free-standing tableaux, traditional weapons, musical instruments, arts and crafts, ceramics, and flora and fauna. 

Location: Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM (final entry: 4:30 PM), Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Entologi Dunia Melayu (Malay World Ethnology Museum)

This museum focuses on the diverse socio-cultural aspects of the Malay community in Malaysia. The museum houses a collection of highly aesthetic artifacts such as traditional arts, clothing, games, and more.

Location: Jalan Damansara, 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Seni Kraf Orang Asli (Orang Asli Craft Museum)

The museum showcases the rich heritage of Orang Asli crafts in Peninsular Malaysia, specifically focusing on the artistic traditions of the Mah Meri tribe. The museum is divided into eight galleries that depict the life and crafts of the Orang Asli.

Location: Jalan Damansara 50566 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Tekstil Negara (National Textile Museum)

The heritage building was originally used by various departments and institutions before it became a museum. The museum has four galleries: the Tree of Wisdom Gallery, Rainbow Gallery, Gallery of Chain Bay, and the Ratna Sari Gallery. 

Location: JKR 26, Jalan Sultan Hishamudin, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

Muzium Muzik Malaysia (Music Museum of Malaysia)

First opened in 2015, the museum is a dedicated space to exhibit ethnic musical instruments and to document the development of traditional music in the country.

Location: 29, Jalan Raja, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Opening Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Daily (Except first and second days of Eid al-Fitr and the first Eid al-Adha)

The Muzium Diraja Kuala Lumpur (Royal Museum) is closed until further notice for maintenance works. 

Museums under JMM in other Malaysian states will also offer free admission.

For more information, follow the Department of Museums Malaysia on Facebook. You may check out their website here.

Ready to explore the City of Lights? Here’s some good news for you, traveler! Malaysia is reinforcing its position as the “gateway to Asia and beyond” as its national carrier launched its inaugural direct flight to Paris, France!

Malaysia Airlines marked its 68th destination as it returned to Paris with Flight MH22, departing from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to Paris’ Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). 

The inaugural flight happened last Mar. 22, leaving KLIA at 11:45 PM (MYT) and arriving in Paris at 6:40 AM (CET). A send-off event and ribbon-cutting ceremony were held at the departure gate to celebrate the milestone, where passengers received special goodie bags. They were also joined by representatives from Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) including Boo Hui Yee, Group Chief Financial Officer of MAG and Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines (MAG).

Malaysia Airlines operated four weekly flights from Mar. 22 to 27, which received overwhelming flight loads reaching 95% for MH22 and 98% for the return leg MH21, showing the strong demand for travel between Malaysia and France. The airline has now increased to daily flights, which can be booked via their website and mobile application. 

“The launch of our direct service to Paris marks a significant milestone for Malaysia Airlines as we expand our European footprint and reconnect Malaysia with one of the world’s most iconic destinations,” said Dersenish Aresandiran, Chief Commercial Officer of Airlines from MAG.

“This route not only strengthens our position as the gateway to Asia and beyond but also reflects the growing demand for seamless travel between Malaysia and France. In anticipation of this return, we introduced the ‘Time for Paris’ campaign last year, inviting travelers to rediscover the magic of the City of Light with Malaysia Airlines’ signature Malaysian Hospitality. We are thrilled to now bring this journey to life and look forward to welcoming passengers on board for a truly memorable travel experience.”

Apart from the goodie bags, passengers also received a “Time for Memorable Journeys” pocketbook. The Paris edition is the first in an ongoing series designed to enhance the travel experience by providing useful tips and information for navigating the city. It includes useful local phrases, French etiquette, and insights into Parisian cuisine, helping travelers explore the city like a local and make the most of their adventures. 

Malaysia Airlines is also expanding travel options for passengers flying to Paris and beyond with its long-standing partner, American Airlines. With the return of this route, passengers can now access four additional U.S. destinations from Paris via CDG, including New York (JFK), Dallas (DFW), Miami (MIA), and Orlando (ORD). 

What are you waiting for? Let Malaysia Airlines be your travel partner in exploring the world, one amazing city at a time, by booking your flights today!

Visit their website for more information or follow them on Facebook, X (Formerly Twitter), TikTok, and Instagram for updates on new routes and flight deals.

Immersive art spaces have been popping in and out of Kuala Lumpur, but Immersify KL aims to be a mainstay in the city. This never-before-seen large-scale immersive art space is set to open on Feb. 28, 2025, at The Labs in Bukit Bintang City Centre, featuring 11 specially designed zones that free the mind, inspire learning, and spark imagination in everyone. 

This new art exhibition is Malaysia’s first permanent purpose-built multi-dimensional media gallery, spanning 30,000 square feet, and uses South Korean storytelling and innovative media art that is infused with Malaysia’s vibrant cultural identity. 

The space also boasts spatial 360° sounds and 12-meter-high walls, with breathtaking larger-than-life installations that allow visitors to “journey beyond imagination” with them. 

Immersify KL has 11 differently themed zones, each incorporating installations, 3D sounds, and quality visuals that are sure to awe visitors and gallery-goers from all walks of life.

Zone 1: Glowing Garden: Cloud-like flowers, and a celestial horizon.

Zone 2: Mystic Falls: Cascading waters, and a mystic waterfall. 

Zone 3: Moonlight Memories: See how celestial and terrestrial forms merge.

Zone 4: Starlight Garden: Like straight out of a fairy tale, with twinkling stars and glimmering hues.

Zone 5: Turning Moment: A 3D sanctum that brings matter to life through the power of light.

Zone 6: Illusion Road: Vivid levitating objects and rippling waves.

Zone 7: Neon Jungle: Malaysian wildlife gleaming and glowing in a fluorescent rainforest.

Zone 8: Canvas Oceania: Breathe life into your artwork on an interactive pecan canvas.

Zone 9: Prism Shine: Indulge in a Malaysian-inspired tapestry of colors and patterns.

Zone 10: Surreal World: A surreal escape from the conventional and where fantasy knows no bounds. 

Zone 11: Art Gallery: Immerse in the works of Klimt, Monet, and Gogh with lights, sounds, and emotion. 

Apart from the 11 zones, a café called mm Café will also open for visitors to replenish their energies and feast on some bites. 

Tickets for Immersify KL

Tickets to the immersive art space are currently on an Early Bird Promotion until Feb. 27, 2025. 

Early Bird Prices are the following: RM60 (Adults, 13 years & above), RM40 (Children, 5 to 12 years), RM50 (Adults, MyKad holders), RM30 (Children, MyKid/MyKad holders). There are also Family Packages available for MyKad Holders: RM123 (2 Adults + 1 Child), and RM151 (2 Adults + 2 Children). 

From Feb. 28, 2025, all prices will revert to regular pricing: RM78 (Adults), RM45 (Children), RM68 (Adults, MyKad), RM35 (Children, MyKid/MyKad), RM164 (2 Adults + 1 Child), and RM197 (2 Adults + 2 Children).

Grab your tickets here!

Enjoy a new attraction that’ll bring you to different worlds, even while just being in the city. For more updates and information, visit the Immersify KL website and their Instagram page. 

Location: The Labs, Bukit Bintang City Centre

Heads up, travelers! A new ibis hotel branch just opened in Malaysia and it's right smack at the capital's center.

French multinational hospitality company, Accor, proudly announces the opening of ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang, designed to provide comfort and convenience for leisure and business travelers alike. The hotel features 168 stylish rooms designed with creative interiors, cozy beddings, and a wide range of essential amenities tailored to modern travel needs that will surely delight guests of all ages.

"We are delighted to welcome ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang into Accor’s growing portfolio in Malaysia,” said Garth Simmons, Chief Operating Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Asia at Accor. “This opening underscores our commitment to offering vibrant and accessible hospitality in key destinations, showcasing Kuala Lumpur’s unique energy and cultural richness.”

A property that celebrates individuality through a dynamic blend of affordability, style, and comfort, ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang boasts a central location in Bukit Bintang district, the thrumming capital of Kuala Lumpur’s entertainment and retail scene. The hotel is only a stone’s throw away from several iconic landmarks such as Pavilion KL, Sungei Wang Plaza, and Berjaya Times Square. It’s also quite accessible with the MRT Bukit Bintang station only a few minutes away.

Guests can enjoy diverse dining options at the hotel’s restaurant, featuring dishes inspired by local and international flavors. There’s a fully-equipped fitness center, and a self-service laundromat, which is convenient for those who plan to stay a little longer.

Room rates start at RM230 per night. For reservations and more information, click here or contact +60 3 2143 1818. This new hotel also participates in ALL, Accor’s award-winning lifestyle loyalty program which offers members exclusive rewards, services, and experiences.

“ibis Styles is all about inspiring exploration and embracing individuality. We look forward to welcoming guests to experience the creative charm, heartfelt service, and thoughtful design that define our hotel,” added Fadzil Fizanee, Hotel Manager of ibis Styles Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang.

Present across more than 50 countries, the ibis Styles portfolio comprises over 680 hotels, with 160+ currently under development. The brand aims to provide a space where guests can express their unique style freely in a world of comfort, celebrating the power of creativity while encouraging exploration and discovery. This branch follows ibis Styles Sepang KLIA, a resort-inspired property near KL’s international airport, which opened in July 2024.

Follow ibis Styles on Facebook and Instagram to be the first to know about their latest properties and hotel deals.