Japanese clients looking for rental homes in Malaysia sometimes tell us,
“I’d like a home with a bathtub.”
This is a request we hear from time to time.
Soaking in a bath is part of everyday life in Japan, so many people want a bathtub when living overseas too.
However, searching Kuala Lumpur’s rental market with the same expectations as in Japan can
significantly limit your choice of properties.
Homes with bathtubs are limited
Especially uncommon in homes for individuals and couples
A portable bathtub is another option
Bathtubs are not common in Malaysian homes
Many Kuala Lumpur condominium units have showers only.
In particular, within the sizes and rental budgets typically sought by individuals and couples,
homes with bathtubs are very rare.
Bathtubs can sometimes be found in larger layouts and higher-end properties,
but you will need to allow for a correspondingly higher rent.
If a bathtub comes first, you may rule out homes that otherwise meet your location, rent, building-age and layout preferences
solely because they do not have one.
We therefore encourage clients who want a bathtub to consider
whether they need a built-in bath or simply a way to enjoy a soak
before deciding.
Consider a portable bathtub
“I want to soak in a bath, but I don’t want that alone to restrict my choice of home.”
If that describes you, a portable bathtub may be an option.
One KL Fudousan staff member living in a home without a bath
used a folding portable bathtub bought online.
A folding model can be packed away compactly when not needed.
Removing a built-in bathtub from your essential requirements
makes it easier to compare homes by location, rent and layout.
Of course, a portable bath differs from a built-in bathtub in convenience and use.
Still, it can be one way to meet the simple wish to soak in a bath.
KL Fudousan does not supply or install portable bathtubs. This article describes an option based on a staff member’s experience. We do not assess or guarantee product selection, installation, suitability, safety, drainage or compatibility with hot-water systems. Check the product instructions and your home before using one, and you are responsible for checking that it is suitable for your home and using it safely.
What to check even when a built-in bath is provided
Another point to bear in mind is that having a bathtub does not always mean you can fill it with hot water as you would in Japan.
Hot-water systems vary between Malaysian condominium units.
Even where a bath is installed, the system’s capacity may
make it difficult to fill it with enough water at your preferred temperature.
If a built-in bathtub is important to you,
we recommend checking the home’s hot-water system as well as the bath itself.
Before ruling out a good home because it has no bath
For some people, a bathtub is an important part of daily life.
However, homes with bathtubs are limited in Kuala Lumpur,
particularly in the market for individuals and couples.
When searching, it may help to clarify
whether a built-in bathtub is essential
or whether another way to soak would be sufficient.
A portable bathtub is one possible approach.
We hope our staff member’s experience offers a useful perspective when choosing a home.
For rental homes in Kuala Lumpur, see our
rental listings.
If this is your first time looking for a home in Malaysia, also read our
rental guide.
Tell us your preferred area, rent, layout and work or school commute.
We recommend properties with everyday life in Kuala Lumpur in mind.