In Kuala Lumpur, choose a place near a train station (MRT, LRT or monorail) to make getting around easy.
Kuala Lumpur:
- Bukit Bintang: a lively shopping and food district with hotels at every level. The best fit for a first visit.
- KLCC: home to the Petronas Twin Towers and large malls, more upscale and calmer.
- Chinatown (Petaling Street) and Central Market area: lots of street food and budget guesthouses.
- Bangsar: many cafés and restaurants, quiet, with few sights, usually reached by ride-hailing.
Penang:
- George Town: a heritage district with street art and street food, walkable, suited to explorers.
- Batu Ferringhi: beachfront resorts, quiet, and you need transport to reach George Town.