Cheap Hotels Near Me: Malaysia

Malaysia's tropical coastline is lined with fabulous beaches. Here at Cheap Hotels Near Me, we pick the best places to stay on the peninsula, from 5-a-night chalets to family resorts and affordable boutique hotels

Colourful Motel, Pantai Cenang, Langkawi
It is difficult to imagine a more idyllic escape than Langkawi, 104 tiny islands that shoot up out of the deep blue Andaman Sea, offering divine beaches, coral-reef diving, jungle walks and accommodation that caters for every budget, from total luxury to funky backpacker hostels like Colorful Motel. The motel is more Sergeant Pepper psychedelic than plain colorful, and the young owner, Che Mad, has also named each of his four rooms after sports cars like Porsche and Ferrari. Don't expect to be pampered though, as the accommodation is basic, but clean, with private bathroom and air con. Pantai Cenang beach is one of the most beautiful on Langkawi and also a party haven, with bars, barbecues and live bands playing by the water. Next door is one of the most famous Cenang nightspots, the Babylon bar, which can be great if you want to hear live reggae but not so good if you're looking for a quiet nights sleep.

Scarborough, Langkawi

Most travelers drive over to Langkawi's idyllic beach to admire the fine white sand and incredible limestone outcrops by the water's edge, stay at the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, or set off at the river jetty for a tour of the steamy mangrove wetlands. But those looking for an eccentric attraction head straight for Scarborough, a fish and chips restaurant on the beach; alongside it are two holiday caravans for rent, which Anglophile owner Param Dhillon claims are the only ones in Malaysia. The scene is quite surreal, with a mixed bunch of tourists and locals tucking into cod and chips, while savvy travelers book a stay at the caravan (which comes with all mod cons, including air-conditioning). Walk out the door and you're right on a paradise beach fringed with coconut trees that seems to stretch forever. The price is not that cheap, but the caravan can sleep four which makes it a great family option.

Lone Pine Resort, Batu Ferringhi, Penang

Batu Ferringhi – "foreigner's rock" – is Malaysia's oldest beach resort, and the Lone Pine was the first hotel to open here, back in 1948. It has recently been restored and transformed into a retro boutique property. Guests have the choice of staying in the original colonial building, with vintage furniture and album covers from the 60s and 70s decorating the walls, or in the new low-rise annexe, whose spacious rooms are bright and minimalist, many with balcony and sea views. You can walk straight on to the beach and relax under swaying casuarina trees, but the designer pool, lined with Arabian-style tents and comfy cushions, is even more tempting. The hotel has an excellent coffee shop serving local cuisine, plus a gourmet Japanese restaurant. At night the whole of Batu Ferringhi livens up with bars and clubs, and the Lone Pine's Batubar has an in-house DJ.

Maznah Guest House, Cherating, Pahang

The east coast of Malaysia is one long tropical sandy beach, stretching 400 miles from the Thai border in the north down to Singapore, with dozens of islands that are perfect for scuba diving. Cherating, in Pahang, was one of the first locations to attract backpackers, and Cik Maznah opened her guesthouse back in 1989. Her home stay is in the main village, but the beach is only two minutes away, and Maznah has maintained the standard of her accommodation while the hippy beach huts by the bay are run down. Guests can choose simple huts with a fan and shared toilet, or modern bungalows with air con and private bathrooms.

Chymes, Tanjung Bungah, Penang

If Batu Ferringhi is a foreigner's beach, then Tanjung Bungah is the favorite of Penangites, just a quarter of an hour outside George Town, the island's Unesco world heritage site. Tanjong Bungah is one the most exclusive parts of Penang, with the coast road lined with towering luxury condominiums. But there are still a few stylish 1950s and 60s bungalows tucked away, and the enterprising Suan Bee Tan rented one three years ago, transforming it into an elegant B&B on the beach. Try to book a room on the top floor – Vanilla Black or Morning Dew – as they have sea views. The place is difficult to find the first time, but the bus stop is two minutes walk away and a ride into town costs 40p. There is a comfy lounge with satellite TV and a mahjong table, while for breakfast you can choose between spicy Malaysian and an old-fashioned fry-up.