Tipping is a common practice around the world, often seen as a gesture of appreciation for good service. While it's not always compulsory, it is certainly appreciated in many countries, and Malaysia is no exception. Understanding tipping etiquette in Malaysian hotels can make your stay easier and show appreciation for the service. Whether it's a bellboy assisting with your luggage, a housekeeper making sure your room is spotless, or a restaurant waiter serving up delicious local dishes, knowing how much to tip can make a positive impact.

But don’t worry, you don’t need to overthink it – tipping in Malaysia is straightforward and quite affordable. Let’s explore the general guidelines and how much to tip in various hotel situations to ensure you’re being both polite and considerate during your stay. 🏨🤵🏻

Tipping in hotels is a thoughtful way to show appreciation for excellent service. While it’s not always mandatory, knowing when to tip and in which situations can make your stay more enjoyable. Here are the key times to tip in Malaysian hotels:

If the bellboy or porter helps with your luggage, it’s customary to offer a tip. The standard is around RM5-10, depending on how much luggage they’ve carried.

Leaving a tip for the housekeeping staff is a nice gesture if they’ve ensured your room is tidy and comfortable. Typically, RM5-10 per night is appropriate.

If you order room service, tipping the delivery staff is common. A tip of RM5-10 is appreciated for their prompt service.

If the concierge assists with bookings or recommendations, a tip of RM10-20 is a good way to show gratitude for their personalised service.

Tipping at hotel restaurants in Malaysia can be a bit different from other places, as it depends on the level of service and whether a service charge is already included. Here's a breakdown of what to keep in mind:

Most upscale hotel restaurants in Malaysia automatically add a 10% service charge to your bill. This charge is usually meant to cover the gratuity for the staff, so tipping on top of this is not mandatory, but it is still appreciated for exceptional service.

If you receive outstanding service from the waitstaff, a tip of RM5-10 is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. For larger groups or private dining experiences, you may consider a higher tip, depending on the level of service.

In buffet-style restaurants, tipping is generally not expected, but if the staff assist you with drinks or clearing plates, a small tip of RM5-10 would be a nice gesture.

If you order food to your room from the hotel restaurant, a tip of RM5-10 for the room service staff is recommended, unless a service charge has already been added to the bill.

Tipping hotel staff is a thoughtful way to acknowledge great service, though it's not obligatory. The amount you tip often depends on the level of service and the type of hotel you're staying at. While luxury hotels may expect more generous tips, smaller establishments usually don't have such expectations. Here's a handy clue to help you determine how much to tip hotel staff during your stay:

If the concierge assists you with special requests, such as securing reservations or arranging tours, a tip of RM10-20 is a kind gesture. For more complex or time-consuming assistance, such as helping with large bookings, consider tipping more.

Housekeepers typically don’t expect tips, but leaving RM5-10 per day as a token of appreciation for their work is common, especially in high-end hotels. Make sure to leave the tip in a visible spot, such as on the pillow or desk, along with a note of thanks.

Bellhops who assist with your luggage usually expect a tip of around RM5-10 per bag, depending on the level of service. If they help you with a lot of luggage or offer additional assistance, consider increasing the tip.

If you use valet parking services, a tip of RM5-10 is a polite gesture for each time the valet brings your car. If the valet is particularly attentive or helpful, feel free to tip more.

Doormen who help with opening doors, hail taxis, or assist with other services typically receive RM3-5 for their efforts.

JW Marriott Kuala Lumpur in Bukit Bintang is a luxurious stay with easy access to high-end shopping malls, entertainment spots, and fine dining. This 5-star hotel provides stylish rooms, varied dining options, a refreshing outdoor pool, and a wellness centre for relaxation. Guests can enjoy world-class service and stunning views of the city skyline. Nearby, you’ll find famous landmarks like the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, Jalan Alor for street food, and the Petronas Twin Towers. For those keen on shopping and entertainment, the hotel’s close distance to popular malls and nightlife makes it the perfect base for exploring the city.

KSL Hotel & Resort is a well-known destination for families and travellers in Johor Bahru, just a short drive from Singapore. The resort has spacious rooms, a water park, multiple dining options, and a spa. It’s an ideal stay for relaxation and family-friendly fun. Guests can enjoy shopping at KSL City Mall, which is part of the resort complex, or visit nearby attractions like Legoland Malaysia and Johor Zoo.

Located in the cool mountain air of Genting Highlands, Resorts World Genting - Genting SkyWorlds Hotel is an exciting family-friendly destination. The hotel is part of the Resorts World Genting complex with direct access to the new Genting SkyWorlds theme park. Guests can enjoy luxurious rooms, outdoor and indoor attractions, various dining options, and breathtaking views. For thrill-seekers, the hotel is right next to a world-class theme park, and for those looking for something quieter, the Chin Swee Caves Temple and Awana SkyWay cable car are just a short ride away.

Travelodge is a comfortable and affordable stay traveller in Bukit Bintang. This modern hotel is within walking distance of popular shopping malls like Pavilion KL, Lot 10, and Berjaya Times Square, as well as Jalan Alor’s famous food street. The hotel has contemporary rooms, a rooftop pool, and an on-site café, making it a perfect base for exploring the city’s fun entertainment and shopping scene.

Vouk Hotel By The Blanket in Petaling Jaya offers stylish and sleek accommodations for guests seeking a quiet yet urban escape. The hotel provides modern amenities like a fitness centre, an outdoor pool, and spacious rooms. Its location is ideal to exploring nearby attractions such as Sunway Pyramid, Sunway Lagoon, and the Mutiara Damansara shopping area. It’s an excellent choice for those who want a more relaxed, but convenient, stay close to Kuala Lumpur.

De King Hotel KLCC is a budget-friendly, modern hotel conveniently located just a short distance from Kuala Lumpur's Petronas Twin Towers. The hotel offers cosy rooms equipped with essential amenities, free Wi-Fi, and a 24-hour front desk. Its central location puts guests near major attractions like Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL, and Bukit Bintang area, as well as dining and entertainment options. A great choice for those looking to stay in the city centre without breaking the bank.

Travelodge Chinatown provides guests with an affordable and comfortable stay with easy access to the city’s cultural landmarks. Located near Petaling Street, this hotel has stylish rooms, a fitness centre, and modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay. Guests can explore nearby attractions such as the Central Market, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and the vibrant Chinatown food scene. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a frequent traveller, this hotel offers the perfect base to discover Kuala Lumpur’s rich heritage.

Berjaya Penang Hotel in Georgetown delivers comfortable accommodations with stunning views of the Andaman Sea and the Penang skyline. The hotel provides modern rooms, an outdoor pool, a fitness centre, and various dining options. Its central location makes it an excellent choice for guests wanting to explore UNESCO-listed George Town, famous for its street art, heritage buildings, and delicious street food. Nearby attractions include Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and Gurney Plaza, making it perfect for a relaxing getaway in Penang.

Tipping in Malaysian hotels is a simple yet thoughtful way to acknowledge great service, and knowing the right amount to give can enhance your overall experience. Whether it's housekeeping, bellhops, or restaurant staff, following local tipping customs ensures a positive interaction with the hotel team. Ready to explore Malaysia and enjoy your stay? Use Traveloka to easily book stays, flights, and attractions that suit your needs and budget for an effortless getaway!