I stayed in one of Malaysia’s cheapest hostels, where a bed costs $3 a night. It’s perfect for backpackers on a budget — but you might have to spend more if you’re a woman.

The Explorers Guesthouse is located in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur’s most popular neighborhood among backpackers. It’s one of Malaysia’s cheapest hostels.

I’ve stayed in a few hostels in Singapore, and had both good and bad experiences. A night’s stay in a Singapore hostel costs between $38 and $45, which is relatively expensive as far as budget lodging in the region goes. Hostels typically cost around $10 a night in Southeast Asia.

After my experience in Singapore, I was curious about staying in one of the most inexpensive accommodations in Malaysia. After searching online, I found The Explorers Guesthouse to be the cheapest hostel in Kuala Lumpur and booked a bed in the mixed dorm for $3. 

The Explorers Guesthouse had mixed reviews: Some guests said it was “nice and cozy,” while others complained about the hostel being dirty.

The hostel’s management did not immediately reply to my requests for comment. Insider paid for my stay in full, as is standard with our reporting trips.