9 Best Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur

It's rare to find a slick city apartment that's surrounded by a thriving going-out quarter with easy access to the city centre and sleeps seven people, but Urban Hive in Hotel Est delivers. The funky, colourful interiors are the perfect spot for groups of friends or large families, and there’s a direct link bridge from the building to the Bangsar light rail (LRT) station for swift access all around KL. Fancy staying in? Hit up the rooftop pool and terrace with views across the city. 

Looking like the set of the latest CBeebies hit, Arte Plus complex in Ampang has fluorescent cartoonish interiors with statement furniture and bubbled glass ceilings, a Swedish Garden, a Floating Fantasy Garden with glowing statues and winding grass paths, and an organic swimming pool to explore. That’s before you even make it up to your room, a compact but calming space with a fully-furnished kitchen and living room. Plus, it’s all just a 10-minute walk from the city centre. 

You’re slap bang in KL city centre at this glitzy apartment block, which is just a short walk from the shopping district and the famous Petronas Twin Towers. When you’re not exploring, this cosy apartment sleeps four and has a fitted kitchen and large dining table for entertaining. There’s also a free gym and a brilliant rooftop pool and bar giving beautiful panoramas over the city, especially at night. 

The big draw of this plush city centre apartment is its huge pull-down projection screen and snappy sound system giving this massive apartment (it sleeps seven) a private at-home cinema. When you’re not snaffling popcorn in front of a blockbuster, take a dip in the rooftop infinity pool or gaze out at the KL skyline from the huge living room windows. Beyond the confines of your slick digs, you’re just a stone’s throw away from the famous Titiwangsa Park and KL’s ‘Palace of Culture’, Istana Budaya. 

There’s a modern mid-century vibe to this KL loft, with its classic walnut-style wood kitchen, parquet flooring, and airy floor-to-ceiling windows. The pad’s mere kilometres away from the majority of KL’s go-to destinations like beautiful Titiwangsa Lake, bustling Jalan Alor night market, and Batu Caves. Or, admire stonking views of the city from the rooftop infinity pool with a hot tub. 

Looking for a rural escape from the city? This grand villa surrounded by Malaysian rainforest is just the ticket. The Grand Designs-esque pile sticks out among the greenery with its red brick walls and industrial trappings. Its gardens are equally arresting, including a stone-lined infinity pool with a rounded bar, tea bar, and Japanese Zen garden (visit in September to December to see it all shrouded in atmospheric fog). The warehouse-style rooms (all slick concrete floors and brick walls) sleep up to 20 guests, with a BBQ area and plenty of terraces for entertaining. Plus, you’re just a 45-minute drive from the lights of KL.  

Just a 30-minute drive from downtown KL, this traditional Malaysian studio apartment is a peaceful spot away from the bustle of the city centre. With traditional Malaysian furniture, fixtures, and fittings, it’s full of quirk and charm. Enjoy lounging in the outdoor living room or walking among the lush greenery in the courtyard garden, complete with spectacular ponds and water features. 

Prepare to feel zen. This luxurious apartment is a stylish Japanese hideaway. Designed in a ‘Wabi-Sabi’ style, aka rustic Japanese, you’ll find it full of peaceful muted colours, textured furnishings, kimonos lining the walls and Bonzi trees. Aside from the beautiful decorations, you’ll find all the mod-cons including a full kitchen, an Olympic-sized swimming pool on the site, a jacuzzi and a yoga studio. Plus, you’re surrounded by bars and restaurants in Petaling Jaya, just a 40-minute drive away from KL. 

Looking for a stylish base while you explore the sights of KL? This sleek apartment is fitted with floor-to-ceiling windows, leather seats and parquet floors, offering you a touch of class, as well as gorgeous views of the city’s famous skyscrapers and an infinity pool in case you fancy a dip in between sightseeing.