Up until 1857, when tin prospectors founded the city, the site where Kuala Lumpur now stands was nothing but dense jungle.
It’s now it’s an ultra-modern metropolis that manages to maintain a deep respect for the ancient cultures of its inhabitants. Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western heritage shape the city – a blend that has resulted in a wonderfully diverse food scene that may just be the best in Asia.
It’s one of my favourite cities on the continent, and that sentiment seems to be common amongst travellers, especially the foodies among us!
While there’s an array of places to stay in the city, booking one of the best Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur is always a good idea.
Luckily, there’s also an awesome range of listings to choose from. Get ready for apartments with epic skyscraper views and rooftop infinity pools, to chill hostels perfect for meeting other backpackers – the city is something for everyone and I’m about to lay them all out for ya’.
Let’s get into it!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
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- Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
- What to Expect from Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
- The 12 Top Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
- More Epic Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
- Airbnb Experiences in Kuala Lumpur
- FAQ About Kuala Lumpur’s Airbnbs
- What To Pack For Kuala Lumpur
- Final Thoughts on the Best Kuala Lumpur Airbnbs
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
High Floor Modern Apartment
- > $$
- > 2 Guests
- > Self check-in
- > On-site pool and gym
OliVe Townhouse Room
- > $
- > 1 Guest
- > Cozy and comfortable
- > Rooftop garden
Stylish 3-Bedroom Loft
- > $$$
- > Up to 6 Guests
- > Infinity pool
- > Stunning interior design
Cozy Room in Bukit Bintang
- > $
- > 2 Guests
- > Good location
- > Friendly, helpful host
Home Theatre Loft with a View
- > $$$
- > 2 Guests
- > Access to an infinity pool
- > Epic home cinema setup
What to Expect from Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
Entire apartments are easily the most common form of Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur. There are hundreds of them, peppered throughout the city’s countless tall buildings. So, while a private apartment is best suited to those who enjoy privacy, there are options to suit anyone’s tastes and requirements.
There are romantic studios for couples, spacious six-sleepers for families, and enormous apartments that can accommodate you and fourteen of your closest friends. So the options are plentiful!
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Private rooms on Airbnb are just that – a private room, in a shared space. In Kuala Lumpur, you will most likely be sharing the space with other travelers, similar to a hostel. But in many cases, you can book a private room in the home of a Kuala Lumpur local. The latter can be a fantastic way to get to know the authentic side of the city.
Loft apartments are an ideal option for couples and solo travelers, seeing as the living and sleeping spaces don’t tend to be separate. But they also work for small groups who don’t mind this fact (don’t worry – the bathrooms have walls!).
In Kuala Lumpur, booking a loft usually means that you’ll get double-height ceilings and enormous windows to match. Mezzanine-style bedrooms are also common (and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a mezzanine bedroom?)
The 12 Top Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
So, let’s get into it- these are the best Airbnbs to stay in Kuala Lumpur.
High Floor Modern Apartment | Overall Best Value Airbnb
Comfortable, stylish, central, and affordable – this highrise apartment offers the full package. City views will greet you each morning, right from the comfort of a king-size bed. With the whole place to yourself, you can cook up some food in the kitchenette and lounge around in the comfy living room. Or, head up to the pool for a dip.
Better yet, it’s right in the heart of KLCC, with the trendy streets of Bukit Bintang just a short walk away. So I really think it’s the best Airbnb Kuala Lumpur has to offer!
OliVe Townhouse Room | Best Budget Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur
Backpacking Malaysia on a budget? Then this well-decorated (and highly rated!) private room is one of the best and cheapest options in the city. Located in the poppin’ neighborhood of Bukit Bintang, you’ll be only a short walk from the metro.
After a day of exploring the city, you can get cozy in your own private room, which receives tons of sunlight and is outfitted in pleasing earth tones. The host is super friendly and will help you jumpstart your KL adventure. The shared kitchen and bathroom are clean, and the rooftop garden is absolutely perfect.
We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.
Want more deetz on why these packs are so damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!
View on Osprey View on REIStylish 3-Bedroom Loft | Over-the-Top Luxury Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur
This iconic three-bedroom loft is one of the nicest finds in KL. Enjoy the rooftop infinity pool, and the copious natural light that comes into the unit. Up to six guests can stay, making it ideal for a family trip, a couple looking for something nicer, or a small group of friends. You’ll find two king sized beds and a single bed in the three rooms.
You’ll be right in KL City Center, with the city’s best attractions within walking distance. A wooden work table overlooks the metropolis, meaning remote workers will find a home here too. There’s even a fitness center to work out in and a hot tub!
Psst…
Cozy Room in Bukit Bintang | Perfect Kuala Lumpur Airbnb for Solo Travelers
This amazing Kuala Lumpur Airbnb is no doubt one of the best options for solo travelers thanks to the incredible host! While you won’t have the entire rental unit to yourself, you’ll have a comfy private room with a balcony and air-conditioning.
The friendly host Poh Yee has dozens of glowing reviews, and will give you your space if need be, or hang out make you feel like you’re with a longtime friend. A dedicated yoga teacher, she even offers guests lessons if her schedule permits. You’ll also have access to a well equipped kitchen, and a second, larger balcony.
You’ll also be just a stone’s throw away from some of KL’s most popular attractions. What’s not to love?
Home Theatre Loft with a View | Perfect Short-Term Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur for Digital Nomads
Sweeping city views by day, enormous home cinema by night. This Kuala Lumpur Airbnb is one of a kind and may just be the absolute coolest place to stay in Malaysia overall!
You can quickly convert the double-story windows to the mother of all home entertainment systems, making it ideal for movie lovers. But the central location, great views, and 500 Mbps wifi make it the perfect place in the city for digital nomads.
Make the easy journey by public transport to KLCC or Bukit Bintang and return home for a splash in one of the several swimming pools. The spectacular infinity pool is a firm favorite, as is the onsite hot tub!
Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.
It looks exactly like a normal belt except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)
Hide Yo’ Money!More Epic Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
Here are a few more of my favorite Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur!
Chic, Modern Condo
With a comfy king-size, spacious bathtub, and 2-seater couch, this is the best Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur for couples. When you take a break from your KL Itinerary, you and your loved one can cook together in the full kitchen or cuddle up for a movie night.
Kuala Lumpur’s most famous landmark, the Petronas Twin Towers, is just a short walk away. As is the heart of KLCC. So you’ll be perfectly positioned for some city sightseeing! It’s also well-designed, with thoughtful touches to make for a hassle-free stay.
Spacious, Central Apartment
Located in the perfect shopping area, you couldn’t find a better base to explore Kuala Lumpur’s attractions. However, you’ll probably have a hard time leaving the space, which provides you with an entire condo.
You’ll be living in a newly renovated 1800sqft modern apartment directly opposite Pavilion Mall. Each of the three bedrooms offers breathtaking views of the city, while the living room has a flat-screen TV with free Netflix. The kitchen is fully equipped with brand new utensils and the bathroom couldn’t be cleaner. If you want to cook for yourself, just head down to the lower floors of the building and you’ll find shops, restaurants, cafes, and much more.
With space for up to 9 guests, this apartment is the ideal place for families or a big group of friends!
Stylish Apartment in KLCC
Looking for a simple, stylish, entire serviced apartment in the city? This Kuala Lumpur Airbnb is the one for you. It boasts a vibrant, artful design that’s sleek and full of character. As well as large windows with city views.
This place may be small, but it’s the ideal vacation rental for a comfortable stay. Cook up some grub in the fully furnished kitchen, laze around the living room, and flop onto a king-size bed. You’ll have access to an on-site pool and gym, keeping you cool and active. And you’ll be in the heart of KLCC, making the best of the city within a walkable distance.
Affordable Entire Apartment
When solo traveling to a new city, you’ll want to find accommodation that’s relatively affordable, as you won’t be sharing costs. This Kuala Lumpur Airbnb offers a comfortable place for you to crash, without breaking the bank.
It’s a simple, stylish space with incredible views of the city through wall-to-ceiling windows. Pour yourself a cup of coffee, and spread out on the king-size bed to watch some TV.
Or, head up to the rooftop infinity pool – It’s as awesome as it sounds. You’ll be just a short ride on public transport from the city center.
Beautiful Brickfields Loft
As you might expect from a loft, this light-filled space has wonderfully lofty ceilings. The double-story windows offer scenic vistas for miles, and the mezzanine bedroom is as cool as you’d hope.
It’s in Brickfields, surrounded by the life of the biggest Little India in Malaysia. KL Sentral is a walk away, and less than 10 minutes on a tram will place you firmly in KL’s lively heart.
This Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur is ideal for couples and anyone who’s a sucker for Indian cuisine. But coffee with a view from the balcony will be a treat for any traveler.
Stylish High Rise Apartment
Airbnb Pluses are the cream of the crop on the Airbnb platform. They’re of unquestionably high quality, thanks to Airbnb’s stringent standards and in-person inspections.
Only the best make the cut.
And I’m not surprised that this amazing central condo lies among them. The design is flawless. The floor-to-ceiling windows flood it with light. There’s ample space, and it’s in a prime location, near the Petronas Towers. All for a very reasonable price. What more could you want?
Enjoy the views, whether it be from the bed, living room, rooftop garden, or infinity pool.
Penthouse in Party District
Just minutes from the center of Bukit Bintang, this epic penthouse is a real treasure. The area is the city’s trendiest shopping and entertainment district, and it’s absolutely bursting with amazing nightlife venues. So this place is arguably the best Airbnb in Malaysia for night owls.
Get your fix of drinks and dancing, then take a stroll back to crash on the king-size bed. To ease the hangover, watch some TV and relax in the rooftop jacuzzi. Or sweat it out at the on-site gym! This place is gorgeous and boasts some pretty outstanding views.
Airbnb Experiences in Kuala Lumpur
Do you fancy a day trip to go with that nice little apartment?!
Airbnb Experiences is a feature offered by Airbnb that allows hosts to offer unique, curated activities to guests – or to anyone who’s interested in, even if they’re not staying at an Airbnb property. These experiences can range from cooking classes and guided tours to art workshops, outdoor adventures, and more.
Airbnb Experiences was created to offer travellers a deeper connection with a destination by offering truly unique experiences, all led by locals who are both knowledgeable and passionate about their city.
Some personal highlights of my Airbnb Experiences include a tapas bar-crawl in Granada, a Samurai workshop in Kyoto, and a graffiti spotting bike ride around Bogota.
Authentic Malaysian Street Food Tour in Kampung Baru
Eat your way through the bustling streets of Kampung Baru with the rich flavours filling the air. Guided by local foodies, you’ll wander through one of Kuala Lumpur’s most historic neighbourhoods, sampling traditional Malaysian street food. From spicy nasi lemak to sweet kuih, each bite tells the story of Malaysia’s diverse culinary heritage. If you’re a foodie then buckle up because this tour will take you on a delicious journey through the heart of Kuala Lumpur’s street food culture.
Top Ten Kuala Lumpur Tour with Local Uncle
Join Uncle Jagan, a seasoned local guide, as he takes you on a personal tour of Kuala Lumpur’s iconic landmarks and hidden corners. With decades of knowledge, Uncle Jagan shares not only the city’s history but also the stories behind its evolution. From the majestic Petronas Towers to lesser-known cultural gems, you’ll experience Kuala Lumpur through the eyes of a true local. It’s not just a tour, it’s an insider’s look into the soul of the city.
Kayaking in the Wilderness
Ditch the city and escape into the peaceful wilderness of Malaysia on this kayaking adventure. Paddle through serene rivers and lush landscapes, surrounded by the sounds of nature. If you’re a nature lover or just need a break from city life this experience is the perfect way to connect with the untouched beauty of Malaysia’s outdoors.
Don’t Forget Your Kuala Lumpur Travel Insurance
You’re going to want some good travel insurance to back you up in this city!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQ About Kuala Lumpur’s Airbnbs
A few commonly asked questions about staying in an Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur…
What To Pack For Kuala Lumpur
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for an Airbnb stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.
Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!
Final Thoughts on the Best Kuala Lumpur Airbnbs
There’s a kind of magic flowing through the colorful streets of Kuala Lumpur. Streets where ancient culture meets the modern world in a way that just works. The city is a treat for all the senses, where brilliant lights put on a show after dark and the wafts of aromatic street food fill the air.
It’s the perfect place to begin your Malaysia trip, which will only be made better by an Airbnb that meets all your needs.
Whether you’re shopping yourself silly, sampling the cuisine, exploring the jungle surroundings, or drinking deep into the night – Kuala Lumpur will show you an amazing time!
Updated December 2023
- Check out our Backpacking Malaysia guide for in-depth info for your trip.
- Use our Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur guide to plan your adventure.
- Backpackers and frugal travellers can use our budget travel guide.
- Make sure you visit the other best places in Kuala Lumpur too.
- That will of course include many of the stunning National Parks of Malaysia.
Buy Us a Coffee!
A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!
You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee. If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂
