Malaysia Itineraries

Malaysia covers such a spread-out area that it would be impossible to see everything, but each of the following itineraries is a great way to spend time in the country. While the Peninsula Circuit is the most varied, head east to Borneo if you prefer an outdoor-focused option.

Recommended Malaysia itineraries

To get the most out of your trip to Malaysia, it helps to have a clear plan. Below, you’ll find suggested itineraries that take in some of the best places to visit in Malaysia — from island getaways and cultural cities to jungle adventures and coastal escapes.

• 3 days in Malaysia: the perfect itinerary if you want to quickly familiarise yourself with Malaysia's major attractions. Spend a day exploring the bustling streets and iconic Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, then take a day trip to the historic city of Malacca to explore its rich heritage and unique architecture.
• 5 days in Malaysia: ideal for those who want to experience Malaysia's stunning scenery and rich culture in a short period of time. Explore the bustling capital city of Kuala Lumpur, savour the culinary delights of Penang and the cool solitude of the Cameron Highlands.
• 7 days in Malaysia: allows more time for highlights on the best Borneo tours during which you can encounter wildlife (check out where to see Borneo orangutans), and relax on the unspoilt beaches of Langkawi.
• 10 days in Malaysia: an extended itinerary that allows you to fully enjoy Malaysia's diverse attractions, from the historic sites of Penang and Malacca to the lush jungles of Borneo and idyllic east coast islands, providing plenty of opportunities for cultural immersion and adventure activities such as diving and jungle trekking.

Each of these itineraries can be customised to suit your preferences to ensure an unforgettable journey through Malaysia's rich tapestry of landscapes and cultural treasures.

3 day Malaysia itinerary

Here's an outline of an exciting 3 day Malaysia itinerary that combines city exploration, historical sights and a touch of nature that you might enjoy:

• Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur: Start your day with a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Enjoy panoramic views of the city from the Skybridge and observation deck. Afterwards, explore the vibrant Bukit Bintang neighbourhood for dining and shopping. Visit the colourful Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur, and then dine at Jalan Alor.
• Day 2 - Day trip to Malacca: Head to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is about 2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur. Visit the historic A Famosa Fortress and then take a stroll along Jonker Street. Enjoy a river cruise along the Malacca River for scenic views of the city, and dine at one of the riverside restaurants.
• Day 3 - Nature and relaxation: Visit the KL Bird Park in Lake Gardens for a relaxing morning amongst a huge variety of birds in this well-maintained aviary. Spend the afternoon at the Perdana Botanical Gardens, relaxing and enjoying the lush greenery. End your journey with a visit to Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower). Dine at its revolving restaurant, which offers a spectacular night view of the city.

5 day Malaysia itinerary

This 5 day itinerary is designed to allow you to experience Malaysia's diverse attractions, from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tranquil beaches of Langkawi. Each day is filled with a unique blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration and outdoor activities, ensuring an unforgettable and well-rounded travel experience.

• Day 1 - Kuala Lumpur: Explore Kuala Lumpur's cultural scene, starting with a visit to the Malaysian Museum of Islamic Art, then shop and sample local cuisine at Central Market and Chinatown. End the day with a visit to the lively bars and music centre of Changkat Bukit Bintang.
• Day 2 - Travel to Penang: Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by plane or train. In Penang, tour historic George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the famous Blue Mansion. For dinner, enjoy Penang's famous street food at one of the local hawker centres.
• Day 3 - Penang: Head to Penang Hill to enjoy the cool climate and scenic views, then visit the Penang Botanical Gardens. Spend the afternoon at Escape Theme Park for an adventurous experience, and in the evening relax at Batu Ferringi Beach, ending the trip with a seafood dinner by the sea.
• Day 4 - Penang to Langkawi: Depart Langkawi and spend the afternoon relaxing at Pantai Cenang, the island's most popular beach. End the day with a scenic sunset cruise around the Langkawi Islands.
• Day 5 - Langkawi: Visit Langkawi Sky Bridge and take a cable car up Mount Machinkan for breathtaking views. Explore Kilim Karst Geoforest Park with a boat tour through its mangrove forests and caves. Enjoy a farewell dinner overlooking the sea in Langkawi.

10 day Malaysia itinerary

Follow a 10-day journey through Malaysia as you explore its bustling cities, historic settlements, tropical islands and unspoilt nature. This carefully crafted itinerary allows you to experience the country's cultural richness and natural beauty in a well-organised and action-packed journey.

• Day 1 - 2 - Kuala Lumpur: Start in Kuala Lumpur with a visit to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, explore the cultural exhibits at the National Museum and stroll through the lush KLCC Park. Explore Batu Caves, a series of limestone caves and temples, before shopping and dining in the vibrant Bukit Bintang neighbourhood.
• Day 3 - Putrajaya & Cyberjaya: Head to Putrajaya, the administrative capital known for its stunning architecture. Visit the Putra Mosque and the Millennium Monument. In the afternoon, explore Cyberjaya, a centre for technology companies and innovation.
• Day 4 - Malacca: Drive to Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit historic harbour sites such as Christ Church, Stadthuis and A'Famosa Fortress. Explore the Peranakan culture and cuisine.
• Day 5 - Johor Bahru: Head to Johor Bahru and spend the day at Legoland Malaysia and the adjacent water park. In the evening, explore the city's bustling night markets.
• Day 6 - Ipoh: Head north to Ipoh. Explore the colonial city centre, visit Kelly Castle and relax in the rejuvenating hot springs at the Lost World of Tambun.
• Day 7 - Penang: Continue to Penang. Stroll the streets of George Town to appreciate its historic buildings, street art and culinary cuisine. Don't miss the Penang Peranakan Mansion.
• Day 8 - 9 - Langkawi: Fly to Langkawi. Relax on its sandy beaches, tour the mangroves at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and take a cable car ride to Sky Bridge. The next day, embark on a trip around the Langkawi Islands. Snorkel in the clear waters and visit the serene Pregnant Maiden Lake.
• Day 10 - Kuala Lumpur: Return to Kuala Lumpur. Spend your last day shopping at Suria KLCC or the more traditional Central Market for last-minute gifts and souvenirs.

How to plan your Malaysia travel itinerary

To create a truly memorable trip, you need to carefully consider your planning a trip to Malaysia strategy. Firstly, decide on the length of your stay: Malaysia offers a wealth of experiences whether you're there for 3 days or 2 weeks. Think about your main interests, be it wildlife, hiking, beaches or culture.

Choose regions that match those interests. For short trips, it's best to focus on a single region, while longer stays allow you to explore a variety of places such as the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur, the historic charm of Malacca and the idyllic beaches of Langkawi.

Take weather conditions into account (more on this later): the dry season is usually better for beach holidays and exploring the city, while the monsoon season offers lush, colourful scenery and the advantage of fewer tourists. Also, book accommodation and flights well in advance, especially during peak tourist periods, to get the most out of your Malaysia experience — or get advice from a Malaysia travel expert who can help you match your plans to the seasons.

How many days do you need in Malaysia?

The number of days you need to stay in Malaysia depends on what you want to see and do, as well as how deeply you want to explore the country. Here are general guidelines to help you plan:

• 3 to 5 days: Suitable for a quick visit focusing on one or two areas. For example, you could spend a few days exploring the highlights of Kuala Lumpur and perhaps include a day trip to the nearby historic city of Malacca.
• 7 to 10 days: This option is ideal if you want to cover more ground. You can include Kuala Lumpur, and Malacca and then head either north to Penang and the Cameron Highlands or south to Johor Bahru and the nearby islands. This time frame allows you to explore the country without feeling rushed.
• Two weeks or more: Ideal for an extensive trip that covers most major destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Malacca, the Cameron Highlands, the nature reserves of Borneo, and some time on the beautiful islands of Langkawi or Perhentians. If you have more time, you can also explore East Malaysia, particularly Sabah and Sarawak, to experience the unique culture, wildlife and rainforests.

Getting around during your Malaysia trip

Getting around Malaysia can be convenient and flexible as there are several travel options to suit different preferences and budgets:

• Car rental: Renting a car in Malaysia provides the most flexibility and is ideal if you prefer to travel at your own pace or explore off-the-beaten-path trails. While most roads are well-maintained, a car can be particularly useful for visiting rural areas or the highlands.
• Buses: For budget travellers, buses are a reliable and economical choice. Malaysia boasts an extensive bus network that connects major cities, towns and tourist spots. Buses are comfortable and fares are affordable, although journey times can be long due to traffic jams or distances.
• Domestic Flights: To save time take domestic flights. Malaysia's local airlines such as AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and Firefly offer frequent flights connecting major regions such as Kuala Lumpur to East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and popular tourist destinations such as Penang and Langkawi, providing quick transit and scenic aerial views.
• Taxis and ride-sharing: In cities and tourist centres, taxis and ride-sharing services are convenient options for short trips. It is recommended to use metered taxis or book rides through apps to ensure price transparency and avoid having to negotiate fares.

When's the best time to visit Malaysia?

The best time to visit Malaysia depends largely on the region you plan to visit, as the country's equatorial climate is characterised by both wet and dry seasons. Here's a general guide:

• Peninsular Malaysia (including Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca) - Dry season (December to February): This is generally the best time to visit as the weather is drier and cooler, perfect for exploring the cities and beaches.
  Shoulder season (March to early October): The weather is still favourable for travelling, although there is occasional rain. The advantage of these months is fewer tourists and potentially lower prices.
• East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (including Terengganu, Kelantan and Pahang) - Dry Season (March to September): This period is best for visiting the east coast as it avoids the monsoon season, making it ideal for beach holidays and island-hopping.
• East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo) - Dry season (May to September): These months are ideal for exploring Borneo's natural attractions such as national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, as there is less rain and the humidity is relatively lower. Wet season (November to January): Although this is the monsoon season, travelling is still possible, although outdoor activities may be limited due to heavy rainfall.

Overall, if your itinerary includes several regions in Malaysia, planning your trip between March and September will be safest to enjoy a combination of good weather in most destinations.

Best places to add to your Malaysia travel itinerary

The west coast

It was on the west coast that the British got their first toehold in the Malay Peninsula, and long exposure to colonial influence has made it in many ways the most historical, multicultural and well-developed part of Malaysia today. Nowhere epitomizes this better than the island of Penang, whose capital, George Town, is arguably the most endearing city in the country, a fascinating conglomeration of century-old temples, museums and shophouses that set the backdrop to a modern and thriving art and café scene. 

Aside from Penang, the west coast’s other major attraction is Langkawi, an island best known for its pricey resort hotels, although it also has plenty of budget places to stay along its southwestern beaches. 

Like the sound of that? Read up on reasons why Langkawi is Malaysia's ultimate island escape.

The only other significant island off this coast, Pangkor, pales in comparison, but offers a more down-to-earth seaside experience.

The east coast

The 400km-long stretch from the northeastern corner of the Peninsula to Kuantan, roughly halfway down the east coast, draws visitors for two major reasons: the beaches and islands, and traditional Malay culture. Islands such as the Perhentians, Redang and Kapas offer great opportunities for diving and snorkelling; further south, the backpackers’ coastal enclave of Cherating is a deservedly popular place simply to kick back for a few days. Among the cities, vibrant Kota Bharu, close to the Thai border, stands out for its opportunities to access Malay crafts and performing arts.

The south

The south of the Malay Peninsula, below Kuala Lumpur and Kuantan, holds some of the country’s most historically and culturally significant towns. Foremost among these is the west coast city of Melaka, founded in the fifteenth century and ushering in a Malay “golden age” under the Melaka Sultanate. For all its enduring influence, though, the sultanate was short-lived and its fall to the Portuguese early in the sixteenth century marked the start of centuries of colonial involvement in Malaysia. 

Today Melaka fascinates visitors with its historical buildings and cultural blend, including the Peranakan community (also called Baba-Nyonya), which grew from the intermarriage of early Chinese immigrant traders and Malay women.

Sarawak

With its beguiling tribal cultures and jungled highlands, Sarawak would seem to epitomize what Borneo is all about. By far the largest state in Malaysia, it packs in a host of national parks that showcase everything from coastal swamp forest to vast cave systems, and help preserve some of the world’s richest and most diverse ecosystems. 

There are numerous opportunities for short or extended treks both inside and outside these protected areas, and it’s also possible to visit remote longhouse communities, some of which can only be reached by venturing far upriver.

Sabah

Sabah is, in many ways, Malaysia’s “Wild East”, a state with a frontier feel tinged by the influence of neighbouring Indonesia and the Philippines. It’s markedly different to its western neighbour Sarawak, too, despite superficial similarities: both states are largely rural, and both encompass a bewildering number of ethnic groups. But whereas Sarawak is prosperous, Sabah is often visibly poor, and – more pertinently for visitors – where Sarawak makes a big thing of its tribal cultures, in Sabah the focus is overwhelmingly on nature. 

Indeed, this is arguably the very best place in Malaysia for wildlife-spotting, a fact that has kept visitors coming despite the odd security scare. Part of the reason for that focus on fauna is the paucity of Sabah’s urban heritage; in few other parts of the country do the major cities exude such a sense of rootlessness, due largely to World War II bombing.

Do you need a visa to enter Malaysia?

Going to visit Malaysia as a tourist for up to 90 days? Most nationalities do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days, depending on bilateral agreements between Malaysia and the traveller's home country.

To enter Malaysia as a tourist, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry. In addition, you must provide proof of onward or return travel confirming that you intend to leave the country before the permitted period of entry expires.

The period of stay can vary depending on the country of origin. Most travellers are granted a visa-free stay of up to 30 or 90 days. It is important to note that the final decision on the length of stay as well as entry into the country is made by immigration officers at the point of entry.

In some cases, immigration officers may also require you to show sufficient funds to pay for your stay in Malaysia.

For the most accurate and detailed information on entry requirements, it is recommended that you consult the official website of the Malaysia Tourism Board and the Malaysian government's immigration website.

• UK Citizens: UK citizens do not require a visa to enter Malaysia and can stay in the country as tourists for up to 90 days, subject to the conditions described above.
• US citizens: Like UK citizens, US citizens do not require a visa for a tourist visit of up to 90 days, and must fulfil the same entry requirements.