Increasing in popularity in many states, Malaysian Homestay Programmes combine budget accommodation with the opportunity to experience typical Malaysian life.

Malaysia has many luxury and economy class hotels. Many new luxury hotels have recently been built in Kuala Lumpur. It is necessary to book well in advance, especially during school and public holidays when the Malaysians take their holidays in the popular resorts, notably Penang, Langkawi and the highlands. The more basic hotels have little in the way of modern washing or bathing facilities, often only a water trough instead of a bath or shower. Government tax of 5 per cent and a service charge of 10 per cent are added to bills. Tips are only expected (on the basis of good service) for room service and porterage. Laundry service is available in most hotels.

These are subsidised, moderately priced hotels. They are basic, but always clean and comfortable, with full facilities and usually good restaurants. As they are primarily travelling inns they tend to fill up quickly, so it is advisable to telephone and reserve a room.

There are camping facilities in the Taman Negara or national parks. Here jungle lodges provide tents, camp beds, pressure lamps and mosquito nets for trips into the rainforests.

Malaysia is a full member of the International Youth Hostel Federation. There are not many youth hostels, but they are very cheap. Accommodation is in dormitories and meals can be arranged. Visitors must register at the hostel from 1700-2000. Hostels are to be found in Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, Kuantan, Malacca, Penang and Port Dickson.

Malaysian Association of Hotels
C5-3, Wisma MAH Jalan Ampang Utama 1/1, 1 Ampang Avenue, 68000 Ampang, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: (3) 4251 8477.
Website: www.hotels.org.my

Malaysian Youth Hostel Association
Kuala Lumpur International Youth Hostel, 21 Jalan Kg Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Tel: (3) 2273 6870.

Association of Homestay Programmes
Tel: (3) 3263 0048.
E-mail: araitu@mapro.or.ja