Hotels are generally great when you’re traveling with two to three other people, like a couple of friends or a family. But if you’re planning a getaway for a large group with five or more people, then homestays are a lifesaver.

Not only are homestays great value for money, they’re often quite flexible, with fewer rules than hotels so you can make yourself more at home. These 10 homestays in Malaysia are perfect for when you want to bring everyone along on your next vacation!

1. Padi Box Homestay | Sekinchan, Selangor

Looking for a rustic escape from the concrete jungle? You’ll feel at peace at Padi Box Homestay, which is set smack-dab in the middle of a paddy field, so you can enjoy fresh air, blue skies and bright green paddy fields as far as the eye can see.  

The homestay is built out of repurposed freight containers painted in bold colors that are sure to cheer you up, with a cafe attached. And you shouldn’t miss out on visiting Sky Mirror, Sekinchan’s own version of the famous Salar de Uyuni salt flats.

Rates start from: RM430++

Book a countryside getaway at Padi Box Homestay.

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2. Mori Residence | Melaka City, Melaka

Hidden away along a quiet road just two streets away from Melaka’s famed Jonker Street, Mori Residence is within walking distance to all the city’s main tourist attractions. “Mori” means “forest” in Japanese, so the guesthouse features plenty of decor and furnishings made from wood, lending it a breezy, natural feel.

If you love high ceilings and skylights that allow the morning sunshine to stream through, then you’ll adore Mori 1 (featured at the top). The room has two double beds and two single beds, with space for up to six people and comes with a cool attic floor. On the ground floor, there’s a vegetarian tea house, where you can savor a cuppa.  

Rates start from: RM160++

Find your zen at Mori Residence.

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3. MBI Desaku Homestay | Kulim, Kedah

If you’re looking to spend some quality time with family and friends who are nature lovers, then a stay at MBI Desaku Homestay is just the thing. It’s half an hour away from Sungai Sedim Recreational Forest, where you can enjoy a leisurely swim or picnic.

This spacious homestay lets you take your pick from a range of houses with three to four bedrooms, which can fit from eight to 12 people. Decorated in a contemporary style, it offers guests a “home away from home” experience.

Rates start from: RM210++

Discover Kedah’s charm at MBI Desaku Homestay.

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4. Modern Rustic Beachside Bungalow | Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Want to avoid the crowds of tourists that congregate around Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi? Stay in the more idyllic Tanjung Bungah, where this Modern Rustic Beachside Bungalow rests. Retro on the outside, but homey on the inside, the homestay consists of six bedrooms and four bathrooms, comfortably housing up to 16 guests at a time.

The large backyard offers ample space for boisterous kids or for hosting a private party and is equipped with a barbeque area, so you can fire up the grill if the mood strikes. The beach is also just a stone’s throw away.

Rates start from: RM850++

Get a more local feel of Penang at Modern Rustic Beachside Bungalow.

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5. Mutze Guest House – Santorini | Melaka City, Melaka

You won’t have to fly all the way to Greece to get a feel of Santorini. The interior of Mutze Guest House – Santorini has been impeccably decorated to mirror the Greek island’s iconic whitewashed villas. There are three bedrooms, which can sleep up to eight people. The lively Jonker Walk – home to a multitude of local delicacies served up by its many restaurants and cafes – is only a 10-minute walk away.

Rates start from: RM450++

Enjoy a taste of Greece in the heart of Melaka at Mutze Guest House – Santorini.

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6. Village Castle Homestay | Johor Bahru, Johor

From the outside, Village Castle Homestay looks like an imposing medieval castle, but inside, it’s got a cozy, kampung-like setting. The three bedroom home fits up to eight people, and its spacious grounds offer enough space to host a small gathering.

The homestay is strategically located, as it’s only a 30-minute drive away from popular tourist destinations such as Legoland, Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, and Johor Premium Outlets.

Rates start from: RM750++

Stay in a makeshift castle nestled in Johor’s heartland at Village Castle Homestay.

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7. Cozy Stay | Kuantan, Pahang

This homestay is aptly named, as it provides guests with a cozy stay. The house is minimally yet tastefully decorated, creating an airy and inviting living space. Its five bedrooms can sleep up to 11 people and there are three bathrooms.

Within the house compound, there’s a large, well-maintained yard that’s perfect for hosting a BBQ. Located near the Kuantan city center, you’ve got all the facilities and amenities you’ll need nearby.

Rates start from: RM700++

Book a lovely East Coast getaway at Cozy Stay.

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8. Traders Villa | Melaka City, Melaka

Stay in a traditional Malay village set within a bustling city. Traders Villa is located in Kampung Morten, known as a “living museum”, as its residents still stick to their long-established customs and way of life, despite their increasingly modern surroundings.

The homestay is built like a traditional Melaka-style village home, including the trademark stairs made of bricks and concrete, decorated with ornate tiles. Set next to the Melaka River, it’s a mere 15-minute walk to the city center.

Rates start from: RM130++

Stay in a traditional Melaka-style village home at Traders Villa.

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9. The Monte Boutique Retreat | Langkawi, Kedah

Situated near the island’s biggest town, Kuah, The Monte Boutique Retreat is a chic and serene place to stay during your visit to Langkawi. The kitchen is well-equipped, and there are plenty of open areas for you and your friends/family to chill out.

Each of its five rooms – which are available separately – is named after a sea creature (Turtle, Dolphin, Stingray, Jellyfish and Seahorse), complete with a vibrant mural of its namesake. There’s space for two to seven people, depending on which room you take.

Rates start from: RM250++

Revel in an aquatic-themed wonderland at The Monte Boutique Retreat…

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10. Mutze Guest House – Nordic Simplicity | Melaka City, Melaka

Ever heard of the word “hygge”? Pronounced “hoo-ga”, this Danish word essentially translates to “cosiness”. We’re talking sipping on a hot cup of Milo while you’re all tucked in bed and it’s pouring cats and dogs outside – that level of cozy. And if you have to leave, you won’t have to venture far: it’s only a 10-minute walk away from Jonker Street, where you can find all the entertainment and food you need.

Rates start from: RM620++

Appreciate the simple minimalism at Mutze Guest House – Nordic Simplicity.
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With such a wide range of accommodation options across the country, it can be a challenge to pick the one that’s best for you. To be in the know when it comes to Malaysia’s stand-out stays, keep your eyes peeled for Traveloka’s ‘Super Stays’ posts, a bi-weekly hotel special featuring our top picks!