Are you planning a trip to Malaysia and looking for an exciting itinerary? You’ve come to the right place! With our itinerary, you’ll explore the most beautiful destinations in the country and easily plan your adventure. You’ll visit the oldest rainforest in the world, explore bustling cities, and relax on idyllic beaches. Malaysia is one of the wealthiest countries in Southeast Asia, not only in terms of prosperity but also in terms of nature and culture. Moreover, traveling around Malaysia is safe and convenient, making it a popular travel destination. Check out the tips and itinerary below to kickstart your adventure!

How many weeks do you need for this itinerary?

In our opinion, three weeks is the perfect duration for a trip to Malaysia. This itinerary is tailored to a three-week journey, but if you have less time, you can easily skip some parts and shorten the itinerary. If you have more time, you can extend the itinerary. At the bottom, we’ll also share an alternative itinerary that you can combine with the base itinerary if you have more time.

Starting Your Itinerary in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur

Most people begin their journey through Malaysia in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, but we think it’s a great idea to start your trip in neighboring Singapore. This ultra-modern metropolis is a fantastic addition to your journey and serves as a perfect starting point for our travel itinerary. Starting in Kuala Lumpur is also an option, but beginning in Singapore makes your itinerary a bit more efficient. You’ll travel in one direction from there, and you’ll also get to explore an additional exciting city during your journey. To get an idea of what’s to see and do, you can check out our tips for Singapore. From Singapore, you’ll head north, visiting all the beautiful places in Malaysia, with the final destination being Langkawi Island. From there, you can often find affordable flights back to either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, depending on your chosen starting point.

Melaka

Between the two metropolises of Singapore and Kuala Lumpur lies the charming city of Melaka, which we consider a must-visit during your Malaysian journey. In the beautiful historic center, you can see the influences of various rulers throughout history, including the Chinese, Portuguese, English, and even the Dutch. The architecture is a melting pot of different styles as a result. Moreover, Melaka offers plenty of exciting activities, with the famous Jonker Street Night Market being a highlight that takes place on weekends. Here, you can tantalize your taste buds with delicious local dishes and enjoy live music. Check out our tips for the best things to do in Melaka.

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur reflects the rich culture of the country and is adorned with modern skyscrapers and architecture. Due to its high standard of living, many immigrants, primarily from China and India, have settled in Malaysia. This has created a blend of cultures that offers the city a wide range of attractions. You can visit beautiful Chinese and Hindu temples and even go hiking in the jungle. Kuala Lumpur has something for everyone. Curious about what to do? Check out our tips for Kuala Lumpur.

Taman Negara

After visiting three cities, it’s time for some variety! Taman Negara National Park, located in Central Malaysia, is the oldest rainforest in the world and a dream destination for nature lovers. The lush jungle covers an area of over 4,000 square kilometers (1544 square miles) and is estimated to be around 150 million years old. Taman Negara is not only a home to ancient trees and plants but also to various animal species such as elephants, tigers, and bears. During your visit to the park, you’re unlikely to encounter these large animals, but you’ll frequently spot a variety of birds, monkeys, and reptiles. Taman Negara can be explored in many different ways. Check out our tips for Taman Negara National Park to explore all the possibilities.

Cameron Highlands

After the dense jungle, it’s time to visit the highlands of Malaysia. The Cameron Highlands, located in central Malaysia, feature a unique landscape of rolling green hills covered with tea plantations. In 1885, this area was discovered by British expedition leader William Cameron, and since then, many British settlers have made it their home due to the cooler climate. The low temperatures not only provided a pleasant living environment but were also ideal for tea production. As a result, the Cameron Highlands has become the largest tea plantation in Malaysia. You can go on beautiful short hikes through mysterious misty forests full of moss and right through the numerous plantations. Find out which hikes you shouldn’t miss in our article with tips for the Cameron Highlands.

Penang (George Town)

Penang is one of the most delightful and diverse destinations on this Malaysian itinerary. The island is known for its unique blend of cultures, as well as its lush nature, beautiful temples, and fascinating history. In the distant past, Penang served as a significant trading hub for Europe, the Middle East, China, and India. Traders brought their customs, resulting in a melting pot of cultures that you can still experience today. You’ll find Buddhist temples, mosques, Christian churches, and Hindu shrines all close to each other. You can also see and taste these cultures at the numerous street food markets in the capital, Georgetown. Check out our tips for Penang to see what the island has to offer.

Langkawi

To conclude your itinerary through Malaysia, enjoy a few days on a tropical island. Langkawi Island is located in the northern part of Malaysia and is the main island of the archipelago of the same name, consisting of 99 islands. Langkawi is a diverse island with a wide range of things to see and do. From beautiful mangrove forests where you can spot a lot of wildlife to pristine white beaches with turquoise blue water. Renting a scooter and exploring the island’s most beautiful spots is a fantastic experience. If you’re curious about what to do, where to eat, and where to stay, read all about it in our article packed with tips for Langkawi!

Flying Back to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore

From Langkawi, you can travel all the way back south by boat and bus, but for just a few dollars, you can also fly directly to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

Alternative Itinerary for Malaysia

If you prefer to go a bit more off the beaten track, consider visiting the Perhentian Islands instead of the more popular Langkawi. These islands are much less developed and offer a paradise on earth. You can enjoy fantastic snorkeling and diving among colorful corals, tropical fish, and sea turtles. The Perhentian Islands are mostly covered in jungle, palm trees, and pristine white beaches. There are no roads on the islands, and the only motorized transportation is the water taxis. This is the perfect place to relax completely. Afterward, you can travel to Penang, and from there, you can either head back south or, if you have enough time, even visit Langkawi. Below, you’ll find a map of this alternative itinerary.

The Perhentian Islands are sometimes closed: From mid-October to mid-March is the monsoon season on the east coast of Malaysia, and during this time, almost everything on these islands is closed. From mid-March to mid-October, everything is open, and you can travel to the Perhentian Islands. July and August are the best months to visit the Perhentian Islands, although they are also the busiest months, though it’s never really crowded on the islands.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Malaysia

During your journey through Malaysia, you’ll probably want to stay in beautiful accommodations that offer great value for your money. A nice place to stay can enhance your travel experience, but finding the best places can be time-consuming. To make it easier for you, we’ve curated a selection of our favorite places to stay in Malaysia. From a boutique hotel in an old mansion to a bungalow right on an idyllic beach or even a hostel that organizes fun activities, we’ve got you covered.