About KL Backpacker Guide
Real travelers sharing real experiences to help you discover Kuala Lumpur on a budget
Born from Personal Experience
KL Backpacker Guide started in 2024 when I found myself spending hours researching hostels for my first trip to Kuala Lumpur. The information was scattered, often outdated, and rarely written by people who had actually stayed in these places.
After spending three months in KL, staying in over a dozen hostels, and meeting hundreds of fellow travelers, I realized I had accumulated exactly the kind of knowledge I wished I had before arriving. This website is that knowledge, organized and shared freely with the backpacker community.
Every recommendation on this site comes from personal experience. We don't accept payment for reviews, and we only feature places we would genuinely recommend to friends. Our goal is simple: help you have the best possible experience in Kuala Lumpur without breaking the bank.
Our Mission
Honest Reviews
Every hostel we recommend has been personally visited and evaluated. We share the good, the bad, and the quirky so you can make informed decisions.
Budget Focus
We understand that every ringgit counts when you're traveling long-term. Our guides prioritize value without sacrificing safety or comfort.
Community Driven
We love hearing from travelers. Your feedback helps us keep our information current and helps fellow backpackers find their perfect stay.
The People Behind the Guide
Sarah Mitchell
Founder and Lead Writer
Former marketing professional turned full-time traveler. Sarah has been exploring Southeast Asia since 2022 and calls Kuala Lumpur her favorite city in the region. She's passionate about sustainable travel and connecting backpackers with local experiences.
Marcus Chen
Contributing Writer
Malaysian-Australian photographer and writer who splits his time between Melbourne and KL. Marcus brings local perspective to our guides and knows the best hidden gems that only residents discover. His photography captures the soul of Malaysian travel.
Editorial Independence
We believe in complete transparency with our readers. Here's how we operate:
- We never accept payment for positive reviews
- Affiliate links are clearly disclosed when used
- Our recommendations are based solely on personal experience
- We update content regularly to ensure accuracy
- Reader feedback is always welcome and incorporated
This independence is what makes our recommendations trustworthy. When we say a hostel is great, it's because we genuinely believe it, not because someone paid us to say so.
Got Questions or Suggestions?
We love hearing from fellow travelers. Whether you have a tip to share, a question about KL, or just want to say hello, don't hesitate to reach out.