malaysia east coast road trip

The east coast Travel Guide

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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 Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang and Pulau 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 east coast in the off-season

From kota bharu to kuala terengganu, kuala terengganu, marine turtles on the east coast, pulau kapas, pulau perhentian, pulau redang, tasik kenyir, buddhist temples, craft workshops, cultural centre, islam in kelantan, the markets of kota bharu, the performing arts in kelantan.

The east coast displays a different cultural legacy to the more populous, commercial western seaboard, from which it is separated by the mountainous, jungled interior. For hundreds of years, the Malay rulers of the northern states of Kelantan and Terengganu were vassals of the Thai kingdom of Ayuthaya, suffering repeated invasions as well as the unruly squabbles of their own princes. Nevertheless, the Malays enjoyed a great deal of autonomy, and both states remained free of British control until 1909. Only in 1931 did the rail line arrive in Kelantan; previously, the journey from KL involved thirteen river crossings. In 1941 Kelantan saw the landing of the first Japanese troops, facilitated by the Thai government – who were rewarded by being given control over Kelantan once more from 1943 until 1945.

While immigrants poured into the tin and rubber towns of the west during the twentieth century, the east remained rural. As a result, Kelantan and Terengganu remain very much Malay heartland states. There’s a rustic feel to the area, the economy being largely based on agriculture and fishing, with the obvious exception of Terengganu’s petroleum industry.

The country’s religious opposition party, PAS, which was born in Kelantan in the middle of the last century, has governed its home state since 1990. For foreign visitors, the political backdrop distils down to the simple truth that the social climate of Kelantan and Terengganu is more obviously conservative: alcohol is harder to obtain than in other states; most restaurants, whatever cuisine they serve, are halal; and dress – for both men and women – needs to be circumspect, except at well-touristed beaches. You will also find that English is less understood in Kelantan and Terengganu than in most other parts of the Peninsula.

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Many visitors give the east coast a wide berth during the especially wet northeast monsoon, which sets in during late October and continues until February. It’s true that heavy rains and sea swells put paid to most boat services to the east-coast islands at this time, and most beach accommodation, whether on the mainland or offshore, is shut anyway. The rains will, however, usually be interspersed with good sunny spells, just as the so-called dry season can bring its share of torrential downpours. With luck, and a flexible schedule, you will find boats heading sporadically to and from the islands during the northeast monsoon; some island accommodation opens year-round, although you should contact places to be sure. While diving and snorkelling aren’t great at this time of year thanks to reduced visibility, the east coast comes into its own for surfing and windsurfing, with Cherating the prime destination. Away from the beaches, there’s always reasonable sightseeing in Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu – just be prepared to take lengthy refuge in cafés or malls when yet another thunderstorm breaks.

At first it can be hard to discern the enduring appeal of CHERATING, a laidback village of sorts 45km north of Kuantan. Its heyday as a tourist destination is clearly over; for proof you only need to see the abandoned tourist office at one end of Cherating Lama (the old town), and the closed cultural centre at the other end. Many locals have long since moved out, to the new settlement of Cherating Baru a little way south. What’s more the beach is pleasant but pebbly in places, and hardly the best on the coast.

Nevertheless, at its best, Cherating Lama is still an appealing little travellers’ community, chilled out yet warm-spirited, a place to share quality time with old companions and – chances are – to end up with a whole bunch of new acquaintances too. Local entrepreneurs have also devised an array of activities to keep tourists coming, and it’s well worth giving it a few days to work its magic on you. Further down the coast in Cherating Baru, the mid-range resorts draw in families looking for a comfortable seaside break.

No trip to Cherating would be complete without time spent on the beach. While the sands are off-white at best, the shelter of the bay ensures calm waters; it’s best to avoid swimming at low tide, when the sea recedes 100m or more. The headland obliterates any sunrise views, but in good weather it’s still worth taking a dawn stroll on the beach, when only a few fishing boats disturb the stillness.

Turtle sanctuary

Around the rocky headland at the eastern end of the bay, near the exclusive Club Med development, Cherating has its own turtle sanctuary. The information centre has a few displays about the creatures, plus a few holding tanks at the back, but the real appeal comes after hours during the laying season. Arrive late at night and seek out the ranger on duty – try the hatchery on the right-hand side – to join them as they check for arriving green and (occasionally) hawksbill turtles. When there are hatchlings to release, they do so at 10.30pm. If you don’t fancy just turning up on your own, arrange a visit with Hafiz or your accommodation.

One of the great limestone outcrops close to Kuantan is home to Gua Charas, a cave temple which can be seen as a leisurely day-trip: if you charter a taxi from Kuantan (RM100 return including waiting) then you can also visit the nearby Sungai Pandan waterfall, where you can splash around in various pools. If you’re taking the bus then you start at Panching village, where a sign to the cave points down a track through plantations. It’s a long, hot walk, so take plenty of water with you; you may be able to hitch a lift for a few ringgit.

Once you’ve reached the outcrop and paid your donation, you’re faced with a steep climb to the Thai Buddhist cave temple itself. Halfway up, a rudimentary path strikes off to the right, leading to the entrance of the main cave. It isn’t for the faint-hearted, even though the damp mud path is dimly lit by fluorescent tubes. Inside the echoing cavern, illuminated shrines gleam from gloomy corners, guiding you to the main shrine deep in the cave. Here a 9m-long sleeping Buddha is almost dwarfed by its giant surroundings. Back through the cave, steps lead to another, lighter hollow where the rear wall opens out to give a great view of the surrounding countryside.

Few travellers linger long on the coast south of Kota Bharu; most are simply waiting for a boat from Kuala Besut (for Pulau Perhentian) or Merang (to Pulau Redang or Pulau Lang Tengah; not to be confused with Marang further south). Get money before you set out; there are no ATMs on any of the mentioned islands (or in Kuala Besut), though some accommodation may accept cards, and you may be able to get cash advances at punitive rates. If you do have time to stop, then there are a few good resorts on the coast plus some interesting villages and wildlife in the Setiu Wetlands.

Kuala Besut

The only reason to visit the mainland village of KUALA BESUT is to catch a boat to the Perhentian Islands. It’s practically a one-street affair, the street in question running past the boat terminal and terminating just beyond the bus and taxi station. You’ll find agents selling boat tickets and Perhentians packages in the lanes along this street or in the boat terminal; all offer similar services at similar prices.

Most travellers who make it to MERANG, along the coastal road just south of the Sungai Merang creek, only glimpse the back of the village on their way to the jetty. The beach, accessible along a couple of side roads, is not exceptional, but if you have time to kill there’s reasonable swimming and memorable views of the islands offshore – from left to right, the Perhentians, Lang Tengah, Redang and finally Bidung Laut, now uninhabited but once the site of a refugee camp for Vietnamese boat people.

The Setiu wetlands

As a breeding ground for the painted terrapin and green turtle, the Setiu wetlands, between Kuala Besut and Merang, have been a focus for WWF projects since the early 1990s, but even now they attract only a trickle of tourists.

Both the main settlements hereabouts, namely Penarik, on the main coastal road, and Mangkok, 6km inland, are small villages, so the easiest way to explore is on a tour organized by an operator in Kuala Terengganu.

After a long spell as an important port trading with the Chinese, KUALA TERENGGANU (the capital of Terengganu state) had by the late nineteenth century been eclipsed by the rise of Singapore and other new ports in the Melaka Straits. Following the transfer of Terengganu from Siamese to British control in the early twentieth century, the state became the last in the Peninsula to take a British Adviser, in 1919. It continued to languish as a rural state with, unusually, most of its settlements at river mouths rather than on the lower reaches of rivers, as elsewhere in Peninsular Malaysia.

The discovery of oil in the 1980s transformed its fortunes; modern Kuala Terengganu is even more of a hotchpotch than most Malaysian cities, sprinkled with oil-funded showpieces of varying degrees of success. There is, nevertheless, a certain austerity about Terengganu state that’s noticeable in Kuala Terengganu. It lacks the commercial buzz of Kuantan or even Kota Bharu, partly because oil revenues have barely trickled down to ordinary people but also because in some respects the state is more conservative and inward-looking than neighbouring Kelantan.

Many visitors use the city simply as a transit point for Terengganu’s best-known attractions – the pleasant beaches that line most of the coastline, and glorious islands including the Perhentians, Pulau Redang, Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Kapas. Using the city as a base, you can also venture inland to Tasik Kenyir lake. Kuala Terengganu itself does, however, hold enough to reward a day or two’s sightseeing, in particular the old town with its lively Central Market and the adjacent old Chinatown quarter; the State Museum, among the best of such complexes in Malaysia; and Pulau Duyong, where the city’s maritime heritage just about survives.

The kris (or keris) occupies a treasured position in Malay culture, a symbol of manhood and honour believed to harbour protective spirits. Traditionally, all young men crossing the barrier of puberty receive one which remains with them for the rest of their lives, tucked into the folds of a sarong; for an enemy to relieve someone of a kris is tantamount to stripping him of his virility. In the past some weapons were reputed to have magical powers, able to fly from their owners’ hand to seek out and kill an enemy.

The kris itself is intended to deliver a horizontal thrust rather than the more usual downward stab. When a sultan executed a treacherous subject, he did so by sliding a long kris through his windpipe, just above the collar bone, thereby inflicting a swift – though bloody – death. The distinguishing feature of the dagger is the hilt, shaped like the butt of a gun to facilitate a sure grip. The hilt can also be used to inflict a damaging blow to the head in combat, especially if there isn’t time to unsheathe the weapon.

The daggers can be highly decorative: the iron blade is often embellished with fingerprint patterns or the body of a snake, while the hilt can be made from ivory, wood or metal. Designs are usually based on the theme of a bird’s head.

Pulau Duyong

The proud home of a venerable boat-building tradition, Pulau Duyong (“Mermaid Island”) was once two islets in the Terengannu River but they were joined by reclamation to form what you see today. Although the northern section of Duyong was levelled to build a prestigious yacht club for the annual Monsoon Cup race (wmonsooncup.com.my), the rest of the island still features a rustic kampung that’s a great place for an hour’s stroll.

If you want to visit one of the handful of surviving boatyards, ask around for directions or enquire at long-standing backpacker favourite Awi’s Yellow House. One boatyard is owned by Awi, while another is close to the Sultan Mahmud bridge.

Boat-building on Pulau Duyong

The shipwrights of Pulau Duyong work mostly from memory rather than set plans. For hulls, their preferred material is cengal, a wood whose toughness and imperviousness to termite attack make it prized not only for boats but also the best kampung houses. After the hull planking is fastened with strong hardwood pegs, a special sealant – derived from swampland trees, and resistant to rot – is applied. Unusually, the frame is fitted afterwards, giving the whole structure strength and flexibility. As construction takes place in dry docks, the finished boats have to be manoeuvred on rollers into the water, an effort that often requires local villagers to pitch in.

Historically, the boatyards produced schooners that ranged from humble fishing craft to the hulking perahu besar, up to 30m in length. These days however, motorized, modern alternatives to the old-fashioned wooden boats, the increasing cost of timber, plus the lure of other careers, have all contributed to a steep decline in local boat-building. Today fewer than five boatyards are still engaged in the business. With the fall in local demand for traditional working boats, any salvation for Duyong’s boat-building looks to lie in clients from around the world, who have been placing orders for all manner of bespoke craft.

Terengganu State Museum

Arriving at the Terengganu State Museum, you might think you’ve strayed into Alice in Wonderland. Visitors are confronted by a series of buildings modelled on the archetypal Terengganu village house, but absolutely gargantuan in scale. Somehow the dislocation in size is fitting though for, although it lacks the interactive exhibits of more modern establishments, the museum far outstrips most of its provincial counterparts.

The ground floor of the main building holds exquisite fabrics from around Southeast Asia, while the next floor up displays various crafts. The top floor details the history of Terengganu. The Petronas Oil Gallery, in the building to the left, is sporadically interesting but predictably skewed. Behind it, the old-fashioned Islamic Gallery displays fine examples of Koranic calligraphy.

Allow time to see the rest of the site. Beside the river are two examples of the sailing boats for which Kuala Terengganu is famed – unique blends of European ships and Chinese junks. The small Seafaring Gallery and larger Fisheries and Marine Park Gallery are close by, as is a collection of smaller, beautifully decorated fishing boats. Five old timber buildings have been disassembled and reconstructed within the grounds. Among them, the Istana Tengku Long was originally built in 1888 entirely without nails, which to Malays signify death because of their use in coffins.

The state capital of Pahang since 1955, KUANTAN is an undistinguished agglomeration of concrete buildings around an older core of shophouses close to Sungai Kuantan. While there’s very little by way of historical or cultural interest in the city itself, Kuantan can be a breath of fresh air after a sojourn in Kelantan or Terengganu – it’s closer in feel to the west-coast cities than to Kuala Terengganu or Kota Bharu. If you’re arriving from elsewhere in the country, however, Kuantan can seem mundane. With the creation of the East Coast Highway to Pelabuhan Kuantan, the port 40km north of the city, it’s easy to bypass Kuantan altogether if you’re travelling between KL and the east coast.

If Kuantan has a focus of sorts, it’s the padang. The city’s oldest streets, between there and the river, hold quite a few hotels and restaurants. The best reason to hang around for a night or two, though, is to take a day-trip to the cave temple of Gua Charas or the royal town of Pekan.

Masjid Negeri

The town’s one real sight, the Masjid Negeri, was built in 1991, with a pastel exterior – green for Islam, blue for peace and white for purity. It’s distinctly Turkish in appearance, thanks to the pencil minarets at all four corners of the sturdy square prayer hall, topped with a looming central dome. Non-Muslims can visit other than during Friday prayers: men should wear long trousers, while women will be given gowns.

Teluk Chempedak

Around the corner from a wooded headland, on an east-facing stretch of coast, Teluk Chempedak has long been a popular evening and weekend hangout for families and young people. The sands of the bay are encouragingly white, although undertows can render the sea off-limits (watch out for red flags). There is an appealing liveliness about the place, quite at variance from the languorous mood on the otherwise better sands of rural Terengganu. Bars and restaurants line the main road as you arrive, before you reach the Hyatt, and there are more places to eat on the promenade.

The coastal village of MARANG, 17km south of Kuala Terengganu and not to be confused with Merang further north, is only visited by tourists as the departure point for the delightful Pulau Kapas and Pulau Gemia, just 6km offshore. Those islands have no banks or ATMs, so this is your last chance to withdraw money – there are branches of BSN and AmBank around 500m away from the waterfront area.

Marine turtles

While four types of marine turtle lay their eggs on Malaysia’s east coast, for years the sight of the largest – the giant, critically endangered leatherback turtle – was the star attraction, drawing visitors to Rantau Abang in Terengganu. In fact all other kinds of marine turtle – green (Malaysian nesting sites include the Perhentians, Pulau Redang, Cherating, Penarik, and the Turtle Islands National Park in Sabah), hawksbill (Pulau Redang, Turtle Islands National Park, Pulau Tioman and Padang Kemunting near Melaka), olive ridley (rarely seen), and Kemp’s ridley and loggerhead (neither of which nest in Malaysia) – are also at risk.

Harmful fishing methods, such as the use of trawl nets, kill thousands of marine turtles each year, and help explain the dramatic reduction in leatherbacks nesting on the Terengganu coast. In 1956, more than ten thousand were recorded; in 2000, just three; in 2002, there were no sightings of leatherbacks in Rantau Abang for the first time since records began; by 2005, leatherback, hawksbill and olive ridley’s statistics in Terengganu were all at zero, and green turtle figures were significantly down. On the rare occasions when a leatherback turns up – there was a lone turtle in 2010 – their eggs often fail to hatch. This is probably because of the increasing rarity of male–female turtle encounters.

With a very meagre survival rate among hatchlings under ordinary conditions, any human pressure on turtle populations has drastic consequences for their survival. For the Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore, turtle soup is a classic delicacy, and while Malays eschew turtle meat, they do consume turtle eggs, which look like ping-pong balls and are sold at markets throughout the east coast. Their collection is licensed at certain sites, but there’s no guarantee that anything on sale was collected legally. There appears to be no political will to outlaw this traditional food, a sad irony given Malaysia’s general turtle conservation efforts: in many places, hatcheries pay licensed collectors for eggs rather than see them go to markets. At least the deliberate slaughter of turtles for their shells, once fashioned into bowls and earrings, has been banned since 1992.

Turtle spotting and conservation

Nowadays, humans are excluded from various designated sanctuaries for nesting turtles. At these sites the eggs are dug up immediately after the turtle has laid them and reburied in sealed-off hatcheries on the beach. Burying the eggs in sand of the correct temperature is crucial as warm sand produces more females, while cooler sand favours males. When the hatchlings emerge, they are released at the top of the beach and their scurry to the sea is supervised to ensure their safe progress.

There are several officially sanctioned opportunities to watch nesting turtles on the east coast beaches and islands, including at Cherating, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Tioman (at Juara Beach). One excellent resource is whelpourpenyu.com, set up by a company called Ecoteer which offers opportunities to volunteer on Perhentian Besar.

Nearly 50km south of Kuantan lies the royal town of PEKAN, whose name literally means “small town”. State capital of Pahang until 1898, Pekan still retains a measure of its charm and tranquillity, although this has been challenged in recent years with the growth of its modern centre and a rather mixed makeover for its heritage buildings. This is thanks in no small part – so locals say – to the fact that the town’s MP is none other than prime minister Najib Tun Razak. Still, the town is definitely a worthwhile day-trip from Kuantan: you’ll find unusually spruce, almost prim kampung houses with pretty gardens, a couple of museums and a few wooden former royal residences.

Diminutive Pulau Kapas, less than half an hour from Marang by speedboat, boasts arcs of sandy beach the colour of pale brown sugar, and aquamarine waters that visibly teem with fish. It’s a very appealing little island with a laidback charm, emphasized by the friendly approach of the best of the resorts. Just offshore, the even smaller Pulau Gemia is the site of just one resort. In theory it’s possible to visit Kapas as a day-trip, by catching an early boat out and returning late in the afternoon, but this means making the most of the midday heat – and besides, it’s really worth staying for at least a night or two.

The only season when things are not quite so idyllic is from June to August, particularly at the weekends, when the island can get pretty busy. The rest of the time it’s a great place to do very little for a few days; the one notable highlight in the slim social calendar is the annual Kapas–Marang swimathon in April. During the northeast monsoon almost all the resorts close down.

A couple of marked trails make it possible to hike to the undeveloped eastern side of Kapas, ending up at the pebbly (and sadly far from litter-free) Berakit Beach where you can take a dip. The longer but more interesting route starts close to Kapas Turtle Valley, the shorter from behind Kapas Island Resort, running alongside a stream for almost all the way. You can combine them to take a circular route; both include steep sections close to the beach. Bring plenty of water and use insect repellent, particularly if you’ll be in the forest after 5pm when the mosquitoes come out in force. The paths can be very slippery after rain.

Snorkelling and Diving around Pulau Kapas

Snorkelling is of course a draw on Kapas; most places to stay can rent out gear, or arrange a boat trip out to a choice site. Visibility is best between May and August, but jellyfish can be a nuisance in June and July. Some of the most popular snorkelling spots are around rocky Pulau Gemia. If you’re just renting equipment then try the rocks at the edges of the beaches beyond Qimi Chalet and the campsite.

Diving isn’t generally considered to be as good as on the Perhentians or Redang, but there are opportunities, particularly on the eastern side of the island. Popular sites include Berakit Reef, Octopus Reef and Coral Garden. Blacktip reef sharks are sometimes seen, and you can find turtles at Coral Garden. There’s only one dive shop, Aqua-Sport (wdivekapas.com), which offers PADI courses as well as regular dives.

The name Pulau Perhentian actually covers two islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil (which mean large and small stopping places, respectively; Big Island and Small Island are sometimes used instead). Both are textbook tropical paradises, which retain considerable appeal despite having been developed for tourism. The essentials of any idyllic island holiday – fantastic sandy beaches, and great snorkelling and diving – are all in place. Both islands have jungly hills in their interior, with paths for walking and opportunities to spot flying foxes, monkeys and monitor lizards. All this is capped by a refreshingly laidback atmosphere that can make it difficult to tear yourself away.

For many years, large-scale development on the Perhentians was kept to a minimum. This was just as well, given that both islands are home to several turtle nesting sites, active from April to early August – the only organized viewing is through the Bubbles resort – and that the impact of the existing resorts on the environment is far from negligible. Shortages of water, for example, can be a hassle during the tourist peak.

The state government’s attitude towards development has loosened up in recent years, however, and a few larger resorts have been constructed. Alcohol is also sold openly these days at a handful of restaurants and bars, although it seems that it is not strictly legal: the police periodically confiscate booze from businesses on the island but it isn’t long before things are back in full swing.

Perhentian Besar

The larger of the two islands, Perhentian Besar, has a more grown-up atmosphere. Although it holds a few relatively cheap options in addition to the mid-range resorts, it doesn’t have the backpacker scene or nightlife of its neighbour. On the other hand, the beaches remain relaxed despite some nearly continuous strings of development.

Perhentian Kecil

The small island of Perhentian Kecil has something to please most people. If you’re looking for a laidback backpacker scene with the odd beach party, you’ve come to the right place, but several mid-range resorts cater for those who need a comfortable bed after a day snorkelling. The most popular beaches, Coral Bay and Long Beach, are only ten minutes’ walk apart, via a footpath through the woods.

Snorkelling and diving around the Perhentians

Outside the monsoon, the waters around the Perhentians are superb: currents are gentle, and visibility is up to 20m (although sea lice can sometimes be an irritant, inflicting unpleasant but harmless stings). A snorkelling foray around the rocks at the ends of most bays turns up an astonishing array of brightly coloured fish, including black-tip reef sharks, and an occasional turtle. The seas around the islands are part of a national park so the coral is protected, although as elsewhere in the region it suffered bleaching due to high sea temperatures in 2010. It remains to be seen whether that was an isolated incident.

If you just want to explore around the main beaches, then snorkels, masks and fins can be rented from accommodation, dive shops or shacks on the main beaches. Snorkelling trips to undeveloped coves can be arranged at beach stalls (particularly on Long Beach), or most accommodation, for around RM35 per person.

Some very good dive sites lie just a short boat ride offshore, including the Pinnacle (aka Temple of the Sea), T3 and Sugar Wreck (a boat that sank while carrying a cargo of sugar). In addition to fun dives, the islands’ numerous dive shops also offer courses, including Open Water, Advanced Open Water and the introductory Discover Scuba Diving; a handful also offer specialist facilities such as Nitrox. Most places teach PADI courses, although Alu Alu (walualudivers.com) uses SSI certification.

Perhentians dos and don’ts

• Do bring more than enough cash – there are no banks or ATMs. Only some mid-range places accept plastic for accommodation and food, with a small surcharge. You may also be able to get a cash advance for a significant fee.
• Do bring mosquito repellent.
• Don’t leave valuables, even clothes, on the beach – whether crowded or deserted – while you swim or snorkel. Thieves can appear seemingly from nowhere on snatch-and-grab raids.
• Do swim with care: look out for boat lanes, marked by strings of buoys, and stay on the correct side to avoid being wiped out by a speedboat. Note also that Long Beach can have a significant undertow from February to April and in October; a few people get swept out every year and have to be rescued.
• Do be mindful of sharp-pronged boat anchors sticking out of the sand as you walk along the beach at night – particularly if you’re looking up at the stars.
• As always, don’t touch the coral or disturb marine life when you snorkel or dive.

The beautiful island of Pulau Redang is geared up primarily for visitors on resort-based package trips. Don’t expect a quiet island getaway: during weekends and school holidays, bars along the main beach have music or karaoke until midnight.

A kampung has been built inland for the two-thousand-strong fishing community who formerly lived in a traditional floating village, which was removed to make way for a jetty and other tourist developments. The highlight of the social calendar, April’s candat sotong festival, celebrates a pastime popular all along the east coast of the Peninsula, catching squid using small hand-held lures with hooks on one end.

Snorkelling and diving

For most visitors, the chief attraction of Redang is the abundant marine life. The reefs have endured a lot over recent decades, including a mid-1970s attack by the crown-of-thorns starfish, and silt deposition caused by development. More recently the coral has suffered from bleaching due to high water temperatures. Thankfully, coral reefs have remarkable properties of self-renewal, and Redang’s marine environment appears to have stabilized in a reasonable state.

Conservation has certainly been helped by the designation of the Redang archipelago as one of Malaysia’s marine parks, and by the regulation of activities such as spear-fishing, trawling and watersports. The best snorkelling is off the southern coast around the islets of Pulau Pinang and Pulau Ekor Tibu; the larger resorts take endless boats stuffed with tourists to the main sites, so find a smaller group if you can. Diving is also excellent, with most sites off Redang’s eastern shore. Almost every resort has its own dive shop, and divers also come here on day-trips from the Perhentians.

More than three hundred square kilometres in area, Tasik Kenyir (Lake Kenyir) was created in the 1980s by the building of the Kenyir hydroelectric dam across Sungai Terengganu. Much touted locally as a back-to-nature experience, the lake offers scope for fishing, waterborne excursions and wildlife-spotting – elephants are even glimpsed on the shore from time to time. It’s possible to swim in many of the waterfalls on the periphery, while in the hills to the south you can visit the limestone Bewah and Taat caves. The lake is also Terengganu’s gateway to Taman Negara, thanks to the park entrance at Tanjung Mentong at its southern end though this is so little used as to be practically moribund.

Sadly Tasik Kenyir remains a bit of a half-baked proposition thanks to poor transport connections, aggravated by the fact that the attractions are so scattered. Adding to the difficulties is the lack of accommodation; several places have closed in recent years. Unless you plan to stay at the upmarket, easily accessible Lake Kenyir Resort, your best bet is to book your visit through a travel agent in Kuala Terengganu. If you do arrive independently then you can book trips on a per-person basis from the resort, while the packages from the main jetty are aimed at groups so – for example – a trip to Kelah fish sanctuary costs RM450 for the whole boat.

The capital of Kelantan, KOTA BHARU, sits at the very northeastern corner of the Peninsula, on the east bank of the broad, muddy Sungai Kelantan. Many visitors arrive across the nearby Thai border, and for most of them the city is simply a half-decent place to rest up and get their Malaysian bearings. To breeze through Kota Bharu and the rest of Kelantan, however, would be to gloss over one of the most culturally fascinating states in the country.

Kelantan has historically been a crucible for Malay culture, fostering art forms that drew on influences from around Southeast Asia and as far away as India. Kota Bharu is the ideal place to witness the region’s distinctive heritage, on show at its Cultural Centre and at the various cottage industries that thrive in its hinterland – among them kite-making, batik printing and woodcarving. The city also boasts its share of historical buildings, now largely museums, plus some excellent markets, as well as numerous Buddhist temples in the surrounding countryside.

The city centre is compact and easily negotiated on foot. Useful reference points include the rocket-like clock tower that marks the junction of the town’s three major roads, Jalan Hospital, Jalan Sultan Ibrahim and Jalan Temenggong; the towering radio mast off Jalan Doktor, which is illuminated at night; and, in the south, the gleaming Pacific KB Mall complex. Most of the markets and many of the banks and the biggest stores lie between Jalan Hospital and Jalan Pintu Pong, a few blocks north.

The area north of Kota Bharu is dotted with Buddhist temples, which can be visited using buses bound for the stretch of beach called Pantai Seri Tujuh. Getting from one to the next can take a while by public transport, though, so it’s quicker and easier to take a tour, arranged through the state tourist office or individual guesthouses. It’s often possible to combine the temples with visits to handicraft workshops. They’re especially worth visiting during Wesak, the festival (usually in May) celebrating the Buddha’s birthday.

Most of Kota Bharu’s craft workshops lie on the road to PCB, the uninspiring beach 11km north of the city. As they are quite spread out, the best way to see a variety of workshops (including kite-making, batik and more) is on a tour, arranged either via a guesthouse or through the state tourist office. Half-day tours cost around RM90 per person, with a minimum of two people. The workshops listed here are not on the way to PCB, and are relatively easy to visit independently.

Kelantanese silverware is well known throughout the Peninsula. At the workshop of K.B. Permai, you can watch artisans shaping silver wire into fine filigree, as well as producing items such as embossed gongs and jewellery. You can buy pieces here, or at their retail outlet in the Kampung Kraftangan, at much keener prices than in Kuala Lumpur.

A wayang kulit puppeteer who also makes the tools of his trade, Pak Yusoff can be visited in Kampung Laut. His workshop, to the right of the pier as you get off the boat, holds examples of his distinctively translucent puppets. Call ahead as he is not always around.

A high point of any visit to Kota Bharu, the excellent Cultural Centre (Gelanggang Seni) puts on demonstrations of Kelantan’s cultural and recreational activities. Each day’s session is different, so check with the state tourist office if you have a particular interest. Together they include gasing (spinning tops), pencak silat (martial arts), rebana ubi (giant drums), kertok (smaller drums formed from coconuts) and congkak (a game involving the strategic movement of seeds around the holes on a wooden board). Best of all, Wednesday evenings see wayang kulit (shadow puppetry) performances from 9–11pm.

Unlike elsewhere in the country, Kelantan’s legal system traditionally operated according to Islamic law – an important factor in the maintenance of national pride under Thai overlordship. This wholehearted embrace of Islam was encouraged by trading contacts with the Arab world, enabling a free flow of new ideas from as early as the 1600s. One of Kota Bharu’s most famous sons is To’ Kenali, a religious teacher who, after years of study in Cairo, returned at the start of the twentieth century to establish sekolah pondok – huts functioning as religious schools.

Kelantan retains its distinctive identity today, to the extent that it’s even difficult for anyone from outside the state to buy property here. It’s also the scene for an intense, ongoing political rivalry that has, for example, seen the national government blocking the state government’s attempts to introduce hudud (punishments including flogging, amputation, stoning and execution, meted out for specific types of crime).

This rivalry is producing dramatic changes in Kota Bharu. After years of stagnation under PAS and a refusal by UMNO to release funds from federal coffers, both parties have decided that development is the avenue to political glory. As a result, the city now boasts a major shopping mall and a sprinkling of fancy riverside apartments – all of which would have been unthinkable until relatively recently. While some foreign visitors find Kelantan’s conservatism apparent, especially if they’ve arrived from Thailand, by and large Kota Bharu comes across as a bustling, pragmatic sort of place.

Kota Bharu has a fine array of markets, reflecting its role both as the state capital and as a centre for Malay culture and handicrafts. In addition to those listed here, see shopping for details of the night food market.

Central market

Just east of the historical centre. Kota Bharu’s humming central market (aka Pasar Besar Siti Khadijah) is a focal point of the city. The main building, an octagonal hall, has a perspex roof casting a soft light over the multicoloured patchwork of the main trading floor – a mass of fruit, vegetables and textiles. The whole scene is worth contemplating at length from the upper floors. Trading continues east of here in an extension to the original market, with yet more stalls spilling out onto the surrounding pavements. Daily 8am–6pm.

Bazaar Buluh Kubu

A couple of minutes’ walk west of the central market. Though lacking in atmosphere, this market does have a good range of batik, songket and other crafts on sale. Daily 8am–6pm.

Friday market

Jalan Ismail south of Jalan Hulu Pasar. A visit to the informal, morning-only Friday market is recommended as a way to witness the rustic heart of Kelantan laid bare, as traders and shoppers pour in from the surrounding kampungs on their weekend day out in the city. Fri 8am–noon.

Kelantan has a rich artistic tradition, boasting two costumed dance/drama forms, mak yong and the Thai-influenced menora. Even more striking is wayang kulit, shadow puppetry, traditionally staged on a dais screened from the audience by a large cloth sheet and illuminated from behind. The cast consists of a set of stencils made of hide and formed into the shapes of the various characters, which are manipulated against the screen by a sole puppeteer, who also improvises all the dialogue. Reflecting the long history of Indian influence in the region, the tales are taken from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana; in the past, wayang kulit functioned as a sort of kampung soap opera, serializing Ramayana instalments nightly during the months after the rice harvest. Performances are gripping affairs, with a hypnotic soundtrack provided by an ensemble of drums, gongs and the oboe-like serunai, whose players are seated behind the puppeteer.

Sadly, all three of the above traditional art forms have been banned in Kelantan by the PAS-led state government since the 1990s. PAS has cited issues of public morality – which could mean they object to the fact that both mak yong and menora can involve an element of cross-dressing. PAS also objects to the non-Islamic nature of these performances, since they involve folk tales or Hindu mythology. Finally, the party also has a problem with the spiritualism permeating these arts. A wayang kulit performance always begins with a buka panggung ceremony, in which the puppeteer readies the stage by reciting mantras and making offerings of food to the spirits, while mak yong can be staged for an individual as part of a folk-healing tradition called main puteri, in which the performers enter a trance to remove a spirit believed to be affecting that person.

Whatever the reasons for the ban, the effect has been akin to cultural hara-kiri, depriving a generation of Kelantanese of their own traditions. Dozens of wayang kulit troupes have been reduced to a mere handful, performing largely outside Kelantan or, thanks to one concession from PAS, for the benefit of the mainly tourist audience at Kota Bharu’s Cultural Centre. On a brighter note, all three forms mentioned here are being passed on to a new generation, and sometimes staged, at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage in KL (waswara.edu.my).

Few travellers linger long on the coast south of Kota Bharu; most are simply waiting for a boat from Kuala Besut (for Pulau Perhentian) or Merang (to Pulau Redang or Pulau Lang Tengah; not to be confused with Marang further south). Get money before you set out; there are no ATMs on any of the mentioned islands (or in Kuala Besut), though some accommodation may accept cards, and you may be able to get cash advances at punitive rates. If you do have time to stop, then there are a few good resorts on the coast plus some interesting villages and wildlife in the Setiu Wetlands .

The area north of Kota Bharu is dotted with Buddhist temples , which can be visited using buses bound for the stretch of beach called Pantai Seri Tujuh . Getting from one to the next can take a while by public transport, though, so it’s quicker and easier to take a tour, arranged through the state tourist office or individual guesthouses. It’s often possible to combine the temples with visits to handicraft workshops. They’re especially worth visiting during Wesak , the festival (usually in May) celebrating the Buddha’s birthday.

Most of Kota Bharu’s craft workshops lie on the road to PCB , the uninspiring beach 11km north of the city. As they are quite spread out, the best way to see a variety of workshops (including kite-making, batik and more) is on a tour, arranged either via a guesthouse or through the state tourist office. Half-day tours cost around RM90 per person, with a minimum of two people. The workshops listed here are not on the way to PCB, and are relatively easy to visit independently.

Kelantanese silverware is well known throughout the Peninsula. At the workshop of K.B. Permai , you can watch artisans shaping silver wire into fine filigree, as well as producing items such as embossed gongs and jewellery. You can buy pieces here, or at their retail outlet in the Kampung Kraftangan, at much keener prices than in Kuala Lumpur.

A wayang kulit puppeteer who also makes the tools of his trade, Pak Yusoff can be visited in Kampung Laut . His workshop, to the right of the pier as you get off the boat, holds examples of his distinctively translucent puppets. Call ahead as he is not always around.

Unlike elsewhere in the country, Kelantan’s legal system traditionally operated according to Islamic law – an important factor in the maintenance of national pride under Thai overlordship. This wholehearted embrace of Islam was encouraged by trading contacts with the Arab world, enabling a free flow of new ideas from as early as the 1600s. One of Kota Bharu’s most famous sons is To’ Kenali , a religious teacher who, after years of study in Cairo, returned at the start of the twentieth century to establish sekolah pondok – huts functioning as religious schools.

Kota Bharu has a fine array of markets , reflecting its role both as the state capital and as a centre for Malay culture and handicrafts. In addition to those listed here, see shopping for details of the night food market.

Kelantan has a rich artistic tradition, boasting two costumed dance/drama forms, mak yong and the Thai-influenced menora . Even more striking is wayang kulit , shadow puppetry, traditionally staged on a dais screened from the audience by a large cloth sheet and illuminated from behind. The cast consists of a set of stencils made of hide and formed into the shapes of the various characters, which are manipulated against the screen by a sole puppeteer, who also improvises all the dialogue. Reflecting the long history of Indian influence in the region, the tales are taken from the Hindu epic, the Ramayana ; in the past, wayang kulit functioned as a sort of kampung soap opera, serializing Ramayana instalments nightly during the months after the rice harvest. Performances are gripping affairs, with a hypnotic soundtrack provided by an ensemble of drums, gongs and the oboe-like serunai , whose players are seated behind the puppeteer.

Sadly, all three of the above traditional art forms have been banned in Kelantan by the PAS-led state government since the 1990s. PAS has cited issues of public morality – which could mean they object to the fact that both mak yong and menora can involve an element of cross-dressing. PAS also objects to the non-Islamic nature of these performances, since they involve folk tales or Hindu mythology. Finally, the party also has a problem with the spiritualism permeating these arts. A wayang kulit performance always begins with a buka panggung ceremony, in which the puppeteer readies the stage by reciting mantras and making offerings of food to the spirits, while mak yong can be staged for an individual as part of a folk-healing tradition called main puteri , in which the performers enter a trance to remove a spirit believed to be affecting that person.

Whatever the reasons for the ban, the effect has been akin to cultural hara-kiri, depriving a generation of Kelantanese of their own traditions. Dozens of wayang kulit troupes have been reduced to a mere handful, performing largely outside Kelantan or, thanks to one concession from PAS, for the benefit of the mainly tourist audience at Kota Bharu’s Cultural Centre. On a brighter note, all three forms mentioned here are being passed on to a new generation, and sometimes staged, at the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage in KL ( w aswara.edu.my ).

The only reason to visit the mainland village of KUALA BESUT is to catch a boat to the Perhentian Islands. It’s practically a one-street affair, the street in question running past the boat terminal and terminating just beyond the bus and taxi station . You’ll find agents selling boat tickets and Perhentians packages in the lanes along this street or in the boat terminal; all offer similar services at similar prices.

Most travellers who make it to MERANG , along the coastal road just south of the Sungai Merang creek, only glimpse the back of the village on their way to the jetty. The beach, accessible along a couple of side roads, is not exceptional, but if you have time to kill there’s reasonable swimming and memorable views of the islands offshore – from left to right, the Perhentians, Lang Tengah, Redang and finally Bidung Laut, now uninhabited but once the site of a refugee camp for Vietnamese boat people.

As a breeding ground for the painted terrapin and green turtle, the Setiu wetlands , between Kuala Besut and Merang, have been a focus for WWF projects since the early 1990s, but even now they attract only a trickle of tourists.

Both the main settlements hereabouts, namely Penarik , on the main coastal road, and Mangkok , 6km inland, are small villages, so the easiest way to explore is on a tour organized by an operator in Kuala Terengganu.

Top image: Perhentian Kecil Island, Terengganu, Malaysia © Ruzaini Haron/Shutterstock

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Malaysia's best road trips take in rainforests, beaches and more

Feb 21, 2022 • 11 min read

Kuala Lumpur is the start point for thrilling drives to colonial townships, Malay cities and jungle outposts © Getty Images / EyeEm / Rosley Majid

With a wide-reaching bus system and fast trains whizzing across the country from the capital, Kuala Lumpur, it's easy to explore Malaysia without ever stepping inside a car. But exploring with your own wheels opens up a whole world of unexplored small towns, former colonial hamlets, misty mountains, forgotten lakes and viridian rainforests.

Most Malaysian roads are well maintained and perfectly paved – even in the remoter corners of the country – so exploring the country with a hire car is a real no-brainer. The majority of travelers can fly in, rent a car with a home license for 90 days, making for easy road trips across this country of beaches, jungles and historic cities.

To get you on the road, here are the eight best road trips in Malaysia.

The great West Coast crawl

Best scenic drive.

Kuala Lumpur–Penang; 249 miles (400km); allow 6 days

Skip the busy E1 highway north of Kuala Lumpur and trace the less-traveled west coast on Route 5 via a string of often missed towns such as riverside Kuala Selangor (home to the historic Bukit Malawati fort) and rural Sekinchan . Pass through endless paddy fields and veer inland to Teluk Intan via Sabak to marvel at the Menara Condong , Asia’s own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Route 5 snakes back to the coast via Sitiawan and Lumut, where frequent ferries leave to Pulau Pangkor , home to flocks of hornbills, boat-making workshops and peaceful jungle-backed coves.

Continuing north, Route 60 stays glued to the sea, skirting Segari’s turtle conservation center and the beaches of Pantai Remis, a hub for Sino-Malay food. Up next is the unmissable lake town of Taiping , voted the third most sustainable city in the world in 2019, from where it’s a 15-minutes detour to mangrove boat rides and fresh seafood in Kuala Sepetang.

Take a left turn along the A190 at the Simpang Empat Semanggol turnoff and time travel back to colonial Malaya in the fishing town of Kuala Kurau. Branch off to nearby Kuala Gula, home to Malaysia’s biggest bird sanctuary and the Hua Seng Keng temple, a life-sized depiction of the ghoulish layers of Buddhist Hell.

Make one last stop in Parit Buntar to buy a bag of much-loved Guan Hiang biscuits (and take an evening firefly cruise in nearby Nibong Tebal, if time allows). To finish up, cross to Penang island by whizzing over the 15 mile (24km) Second Bridge to the southern beaches of Permatang Damar Laut, facing the island’s most scenic bay. Traipse up to historic George Town to finish off with a spectacular street food dinner.

East Coast road trip 

Best for beaches and islands.

Kota Bahru–Kuantan or Pekan; 230 miles (370km); allow 4 days

This classic coastal ride packs a punch, with splendid turquoise-ringed islands, minaret-studded river estuaries and cultural surprises along the fringes of Peninsular Malaysia’s most devoutly Islamic states. Before you leave Kota Bharu , Kelantan’s conservative capital, cruise 12.5 miles (20km) north to check out the group of curious Sino-Thai temples dotting the countryside around Tumpat, gateway to Thailand ’s troubled southern province of Narathiwat. Wat Mai Suwan Kiri (Dragon Boat Temple) is particularly striking. 

Start by the journey south by following the coast. A string of wide, empty beaches rolls all the way to Kuala Terengganu and Marang, and some of Malaysia’s most gorgeous islands – Pulau Perhentian , Pulau Redang and Pulau Kapas – are just a short boat ride away. The easiest island for a day trip is Pulau Perhentian, served by regular fast boats from Kuala Besut.

Route 3 hugs the shoreline as it plunges south past forgotten coves (stop to admire the imposing twin boulders at the mouth of Kemasik Beach) to reach the surf playground of Cherating . As you roll into Kuantan , the pace of life gets a tad faster; a sunset stroll at lively Pantai Teluk Cempedak and dinner at its busy food court are must-dos. To extend the trip, head 25 miles (40km) south to Pekan, with its unique collection of aristocratic Malay architecture.

The jungle drive

Best for families.

Penang–Kuala Lumpur; 434 miles (700km); allow 10 days

Start in Penang and see how quickly Malaysia’s urban surge gives way to the drowsy rhythms of the remote settlements dotted around the country’s mountainous and jungly interior. Beginning in George Town ’s incensed-wafted colonial center, drive across Kedah state to Lenggong, perhaps Malaysia’s least-known Unesco World Heritage Site . Hollowed out by a meteorite impact, this little-explored valley boasts a cluster of prehistoric sites and caves dating back 1.83 million years.

Continue to Tasik Temenggor, a man-made lake offering charming houseboat stays and easy access to Royal Belum State Park , one of the last remaining habitats for the critically endangered Malayan tiger. Route 4 keeps climbing across the 6890ft (2100m) Titiwangsa Range before plunging via Jeli to Dabong, where Gunung Stong State Forest Park and the deep limestone cave complex of Gua Ikan make for perfect pit-stops.

Swing by Gua Musang to reach blissful Pulai, a remote Chinese Hakka community that was only reached by a tarmac road in 1978. Its sloshing river is backed by rows of limestone karst pinnacles reminiscent of China’s Guilin .

Before you reach sleepy Jerantut, the main gateway to the jungle wonders of Taman Negara, there’s more caving and hiking at Merapoh and a chance to encounter the leftovers of British colonial rule in Kuala Lipis, once an important stop for Malaysia’s discontinued Jungle Railway. Spend at least a day hiking in Taman Negara (or exploring by boat), and then drive towards the capital, stopping for a taste of spiky durian at Temerloh or jumbo-sized encounters at Kuala Gandah’s elephant sanctuary .

The final ascent over cloud-enshrouded peaks on the Karak Highway is best broken either at the casinos and theme parks of the Genting Highlands , or with a glamping stay in the quaint riverside village of Janda Baik. Wrap up with a well-deserved dose of shopping and modernity at Kuala Lumpur’s Suria KLCC mall, and pay your respects to the 140ft (43m) golden statue of Lord Murugan fronting the 272 rainbow-colored steps that lead to the Hindu shrines of the Batu Caves .

Southern Malaysian crawl

Best for food and culture.

Kuala Lumpur–Johor Bahru; 318 miles (512km); allow 5 days

Leave the bustle of the capital behind to experience sand, culture and nature on both sides of the peninsula. Start by driving down the southwestern coast, taking in the beach resort of Port Dickson and the former Dutch colonial outpost (and fusion food hub) of Melaka , now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Before cutting across the peninsula to Mersing – the main ferry port for wild and lovely Pulau Tioman – try a smorgasbord of Chinese and Malay food in Muar, the diminutive royal city of Johor state, and take a pit stop in offbeat Kluang to hike to the scenic summit of Gunung Lambak.

With a couple of extra days, consider the short detour north to Bekok and the waterfalls and villages of Endau-Rompin National Park, home to many communities of Orang Asli – literally, "first peoples." Driving south from Mersing, the southeastern coast curves to reach the swanky beach resorts of Desaru, famed for a sandbar that becomes a 'sky mirror' at low tide. It’s just a short drive to sprawling Johor Bahru , Malaysia’s southernmost city, which rises just across the strait from futuristic Singapore .

Sarawak explorer

Best for wildlife and indigenous culture.

Kuching–Miri; 466 miles (750km); allow 6 days

Experience amazing wildlife, indigenous Dayak culture and lush coastal scenery by driving a considerable section of the Pan Borneo Highway. Before you leave Kuching , pay a visit to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre for encounters with rescued orangutans (come for feeding time at 9am and 3pm daily), then drive inland past low, forested hills and ramshackle roadside settlements to Salcra junction. A short detour to Lubuk Hantu leads to Batang Ai National Park , an artificial lake teeming with wildlife and ringed by Iban longhouses.

Grab some juicy pineapples as you pass through quaint Sarikei before reaching the riverport of Sibu, where delicious Teochew cuisine pairs well with trips to 18th-century longhouses in nearby Bawang Assan. Join the coast at Mukah , the main settlement of the seafaring Melanau people, and consider an overnight stop at the superb Lamin Dana , a boutique cultural lodge preserving local heritage in Kampung Tellian.

The quiet glare of the South China Sea will shimmer on your windshield until you reach oil-rich Bintulu, where Pantai Tanjung Batu is a good spot to tuck your toes into the sand. Head northeast of the city to Similajau National Park for jungle hikes before hitting the road again towards Miri .

The staggering limestone caves of Niah National Park are a must-stop along the way; inhabited for nearly 40 millennia, they contain some of Southeast Asia’s oldest human bones. After a day trip to Lambir Hills National Park south of Miri, end this epic drive at sunset on Canada Hill – the site of the city’s first oil well – and enjoy views over the city’s sprawling coastline.

Kelabit Highland’s Logging Track

Best extreme road trip.

Miri–Bario; 155 miles (250km); 10–14 hours

Almost everyone takes the thrilling Twin Otter flight from Miri to reach Bario, principal township of the fascinating Kelabit Highlands, an indigenous heartland straddling the border between Sarawak and Indonesian Kalimantan . However, a few hardy adventurers access the highlands by driving 4x4 vehicles along the rough and muddy logging track that winds from Miri into upper Sarawak’s wild interior.

Snaking through endless palm oil plantations – a sad reminder of Malaysia’s problematic logging issues –  this drive will rattle your bones at every turn for 12 long hours before you finally rumble into the very Catholic village of Bario, where lingering longhouses are a reminder of waning tribal lifestyles.

Classic Sabah crossing

Best coast-to-coast road trip.

Kota Kinabalu–Sandakan; 200 miles (325km); allow 5 days

Take your leave of Kota Kinabalu ’s night markets and outlying islands and head west towards 13,435ft (4095m) Mt Kinabalu , Malaysia’s highest peak. Almost everyone makes the two-day, one-night trek to the summit, but you can also check the pulse of Sabah’s indigenous art scene at the Living Arts Center in charming riverside Tamparuli, and meet the woodcut artists of the Pangrok Sulap collective in Ranau before bunking down in alpine-like Kundasang.

Leaving the mountains behind, cut through the heart of Sabah, skirting small towns and ever-present palm oil plantations to the Sukau junction, where a worthy detour on the Kinabatangan River promises thrilling wildlife spotting by boat and atmospheric riverside accommodation. Roll on to Sepilok, with its world-renown orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries. A few more miles will take you to slow-paced, multicultural Sandakan and its bay filled with WWII history and fresh seafood.

Sabah by the backdoor 

Best offbeat road trip.

Lahad Datu–Kota Kinabalu; 350 miles (564km); allow 7 days

To encounter some of Borneo’s most impressive rainforests, marine life and indigenous culture, take off from the coastal town Lahad Datu , beginning in either the Danum Valley Conservation Area or the Tabin Wildlife Reserve . Drive across the palm-strewn coast to the ugly duckling town of Semporna , the jump-off point for paradise islands such as Mabul, Kapalai and protected Sipadan, one of the world’s best dive sites.

Back on land, try Tawau ’s deserted beaches and follow nature trails at Tawau Hills Park before setting out for a lonesome drive across Sabah’s hilly interior to Orou Sapulot , an important hub for the Murut people, and the town of Keningau at the bottom of the flower-studded Crocker Range. End at Kota Kinabalu’s busy seafront and glitzy shopping malls, after one more stop in Tambunan, access point for 8668ft (2642m) Mount Trusmadi, Sabah’s second-highest peak. 

Tips for driving in Malaysia

Malaysia drives on the left, like the UK, and citizens of the 54 countries in the Commonwealth can rent a car using their home driving licenses for up to 90 days (other nationals will also need to carry an International Driving Permit).

To access any toll road in Malaysia, including the bridges leading to Penang island, you'll need to pay with a rechargeable Touch’n’Go card that is only issued to Malaysians. Ask your rental company for one if you plan on driving any stretch of the North-South Expressway (Route E1) or the Karak Highway connecting Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan. Most other roads are well paved and toll-free.

The countryside is relatively quiet, but when driving in cities, be prepared for drivers flouting traffic rules, especially in Penang, whose erratic traffic is hard for even Malaysians coming from other states to cope with. Kuala Lumpur's traffic system is also bewildering for first-timers. On weekdays, traffic jams are the norm in most Malaysian cities; Saturdays are usually quieter than Sundays.

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Dive Into Malaysia

The Ultimate Malaysia Itinerary For The Ultimate Trip✅ 5 Days To 2 Weeks+ [2024]

Looking for the perfect Malaysia itinerary for your perfect vacation in Malaysia?

You are in the right place!

Between living in Malaysia and now travelling to Malaysia a couple of times a year, I have been to most corners of this awesome country. There are fabulous beaches, a bustling capital, an interesting history, some of the best food in world and so much more!

In fact, there are so many great options for where to travel in Malaysia that this can cause problems when it comes time to plan your Malaysia travel itinerary.

With limited time, where should you go?

I can help you answer this! Below, you will find my detailed Malaysia tour itinerary. It is perfect whether you are looking for a Malaysia 5 day itinerary, a Malaysia 7 day itinerary, a Malaysia 10 day itinerary, a 2 week Malaysia itinerary or anything in between!

This article will work whether you are looking for a backpacking Malaysia itinerary or a luxury travel itinerary – you can easily adapt it to your needs. I start by walking through a Malaysia 7 days itinerary and then give you suggestions for slightly more or less time. I then extend this into a 10 day itinerary and a 2 weeks in Malaysia itinerary before giving suggestions for longer periods.

So if you are lucky enough to have two weeks to explore Malaysia, keep reading through all the itinerary suggestions below!

If you have just 2 – 4 days in Malaysia then click here for all our 2 – 4 day Malaysia itineraries.

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Malaysia Trip Planner

Before I dive into my Malaysia trip itinerary, I want to point out that if you are currently planning your whole Malaysia trip and wondering about flights, how to get around, how to book accommodation, what time of year you should go, etc etc then I highly recommend you read my detailed guide here to how to plan a trip to Malaysia.

It steps you through everything else you need to think about in addition to the itinerary for Malaysia trip below. In this article here, I’m strictly talking about the best Malaysia tour plan.

If you prefer to listen than read, you can also find a great Malaysia itinerary for 1- 2 weeks in my podcast here.

Malaysia Itinerary: 7 Days

The following 1 week Malaysia itinerary is exactly what you should do if you have that long. If you are looking for a longer or shorter itinerary, I’ll tell you what edits to make below.

A week is a great length of time to explore two of the best parts of Malaysia – the beaches and island scenery, along with the dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur. These are the best vacation spots in Malaysia. The highlights of this Malaysia itinerary 1 week:

• Discover the best of Kuala Lumpur
• Visit the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers
• Learn the history of Malaysia
• Enjoy the best Indian, Chinese and Malay food in Kuala Lumpur
• Explore some of the most beautiful coastline in Malaysia
• Relax at the best beaches

You’ll spend three nights in Kuala Lumpur and four nights in Langkawi.

This would also work great as a Malaysia honeymoon itinerary, staying in the luxury choices noted below.

It’s also great for a family. Depending on your kids’ ages and interests, you may just want to cut down the itinerary a little and add some chill out pool or beach time to make it a bit easier.

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur

Three days in Kuala Lumpur is a great amount of time to get a good taste of this city in this Malaysia 1 week itinerary.

On arrival at the airport, book a transfer , catch a taxi or the express train into Kuala Lumpur so you aren’t wasting any time.

The itinerary below is based on my detailed 3 day itinerary for Kuala Lumpur here. Click here to get more detailed information or see an overview below. It assumes you hit the ground running and have three full days in Kuala Lumpur. If you don’t, edit out the attractions that seem least interesting to you.

• Start the day at Merdeka (independence) Square where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time
• Take a look at the nearby Jamek Mosque
• Enjoy lunch at Brickfields, KL’s Little India. Take a stroll and soak it all in
• Visit the Skybridge at the famous Petronas Twin Towers. I recommend you buy tickets in advance
• Wander through KLCC Park
• Have sunset cocktails at SkyBar and enjoy unmatched views of Petronas
• Watch the Symphony Fountain Light Show at KLCC Park

Day 2 Explore Kuala Lumpur’s Variety

Today, you get to enjoy a great mixture of attractions which will show you why Kuala Lumpur is such a great place to visit. Starting at the famous Batu Caves, you’ll also be surrounded by rainforest, enjoy great views of KL and shop at modern shopping centres. Finish the day eating great food and hitting up the infamous drinking street.

• Start the day at the enigmatic Batu Caves. Walk to the top of the coloured stairs, check out the temples and look back over KL
• Visit the tropical rainforest in the heart of KL at KL Forest Eco Park
• Get high in KL at the KL Tower for fabulous views
• Shop in Bukit Bintang
• Eat fabulous food at Jalan Alor Food Street
• Have a drink at Changkat Bukit Bintang Street

Day 3 Kuala Lumpur’s Museums, Islam And Food

Today is a great mixture of enjoying how beautiful Kuala Lumpur can be combined with learning more about its history and Islam. Finish the day with an amazing food tour through Chinatown.

• Start the day at the beautiful KL Bird Park . Enjoy both the birds and the gardens
• Visit the impressive National Mosque
• Learn at the Islamic Arts Museum
• Discover Malaysia’s history at the National Museum
• Enjoy an amazing food tour through KL’s Chinatown. Find it here

Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur

Here are our best options for each budget. Pick the one that corresponds to yours.

LUXURY – Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

For awesome views of the Petronas Twin Towers in a central spot with direct access to KLCC Park, you can’t go wrong at the Traders Hotel. There are a range of room types with huge windows for great views. You can also choose to stay in a room with Club Lounge access where you get special food and drinks.

There are also many other facilities including the Sky Bar which forms part of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for excellent sunset views of the Towers. There is an indoor swimming pool, gym and day spa all for a very affordable price.

Click here for the latest prices or here to read my full review.

MID RANGE – Berjaya Times Square Hotel

The Berjaya Times Square Hotel has one of our favourite locations for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur thanks to being directly above the huge Berjaya Times Square shopping centre. This means easy access to hundreds of shops, restaurants and even a big indoor theme park.

It’s also home to one of the biggest swimming pools I have seen in a city hotel and many other facilities. Room types vary and include apartment-style rooms making this an extra good choice for families or groups. Prices are excellent and we have stayed here many times.

Click here for the latest prices or read our full review here .

BUDGET – Hotel Olympic

For bargain seekers, the Hotel Olympic is a solid choice central to many of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions. It is moments away from the new Merdeka 118 and two metro stations. It is also just a short walk from KL’s fabulous Chinatown.

Rooms are all air-conditioned (you will need it!) with private bathrooms and TVs. They also have a kettle and free wifi. Rooms range from double/twin to quad configuration. There are also suite options including a fabulous junior suite for families with a double bed and super cool bunk beds (built to look like a house) with a slide.

It’s also colourful and modern with a restaurant and convenience store on-site.

Click here for the latest prices.

If you would like something cheaper and don’t mind staying in a room without a window, also consider the Big M Hotel here . This is also conveniently located in Chinatown.

If you would like more options, read our full guide to the best accommodation in Kuala Lumpur for all budgets here.

Day 4 Fly To Langkawi

Today, you take the short flight to Langkawi leaving the bright lights of Kuala Lumpur behind. You can read more about travelling from KL to Langkawi here.

Langkawi is a beautiful tropical island off the north west coast of Malaysia near the border with Thailand. It has stunning scenery, great beaches and many fun attractions and activities. Many of Malaysia’s best resorts are located here and some time in Langkawi is the perfect accompaniment to Kuala Lumpur in a Malaysia one week itinerary.

• Take a flight to Langkawi in the morning. Find the best prices here
• On arrival in Langkawi, take a taxi to your hotel or book a transfer here to make things extra easy
• Enjoy the afternoon at your hotel or at the beach
• In the early evening, head to Pantai Cenang for sunset drinks and dinner. Yellow Cafe is a good place for sunset drinks
• If you want to party tonight, this is the area to be

Day 5 Explore Langkawi

Today, you are going to explore the island of Langkawi. Hire a car or taxi for the day and get going!

• There are many attractions in Langkawi but they can be quite spread out. I recommend you go through this list and pick out your favourite
• I particularly recommend the zipline adventure and the kayaking Mangrove tour. Ignore any cruising and the SkyCab as they are coming up next!
• In the evening, head to one of Langkawi’s night markets. They change location every night of the week. See the schedule here

Day 6  Langkawi Nature

Langkawi is famous for its gorgeous natural attractions and today you will explore them.

• In the morning, head to Langkawi SkyCab and SkyBridge for some of the most beautiful scenery in Malaysia
• In the afternoon, if you are staying at a luxurious resort, it’s time to enjoy it! Relax and enjoy what it offers. Otherwise, head to Pantai Tengah for a beautiful beach with services but without the huge crowds

Day 7 Langkawi Cruising

For your final day in your one week Malaysia itinerary, it’s time to enjoy Langkawi from the sea! This is the most beautiful and enjoyable way to explore this part of the world.

• Explore the Langkawi archipelago on a half day Langkawi Island Hopping adventure. These tours include beaches, optional snorkelling and eagle watching. Click here to book a good one now or read our full guide to Langkawi island hopping tours here
• Relax in the afternoon or go shopping at Cenang Mall and Zon Shopping Paradise in Pantai Cenang
• Finish your final day in Langkawi with a stunning sunset cruise. Click here to book now

You can read more details on all of the activities mentioned in Langkawi here.

Where To Stay In Langkawi

Luxury – the datai langkawi review.

This 5-star resort is a luxurious favourite. Not only is it located in a beautiful setting between the rainforest and a private beach, but it has all the facilities of a top resort. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want luxury.

There are three pools (one for adults, one for families and one for toddlers), water sports, a health club and many nature activities both for children and adults. There are many room types, but the downside is that it is removed from most attractions so factor in lots of taxi rides if you want to explore the island.

The Datai also has four restaurants and two shops. Rates include breakfast and minibar and the villas also have a private butler service.

Click here for the latest prices .

MID RANGE – Camar Resort

If you like being close to the action, this beachfront hotel in Pantai Tengah is close to the main area of Pantai Cenang. In addition to the beach, there is a huge pool, gym and on-site restaurant.

There is a huge range of room types including private villas and family suites. It’s very good value given the location.

BUDGET – Adya Hotel

The Adya Hotel Langkawi is a great choice for bargain hunters who love being in a central spot (it’s located in the main town, Kuah) but don’t mind being away from the beach. The Adya Hotel has a shopping centre next door and has two swimming pools (one is ladies only). It also has a gym and restaurant.

With all of this and solid room standards with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs, this is a great mid-range hotel at a budget price tag.

You can find more options for where to stay in Langkawi here .

Final Notes

Instead of a 7 days Malaysia itinerary, you could turn this into a Malaysia 6 days itinerary by removing one day in Langkawi. Pick which day least appeals and remove it. Or, if you prefer to be active on trips, you could remove the relaxing on day 6 in the afternoon and do the day 7 activities then.

If you are looking for a Malaysia itinerary 8 days, you have two choices. Pick whether you would like more time in Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi and add a day to that destination and then simply do less each day in that destination to spread it across an extra day.

If you would prefer to see an extra destination in Malaysia instead, I recommend spending an extra night in Kuala Lumpur and doing this day tour to Melaka . Melaka is an interesting place quite different to Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi and you are sure to enjoy it.

You can also get to Melaka very easily by booking our taxi service here.

Malaysia Itinerary: 5 Days

If you are looking for a Malaysia 5 days itinerary, I recommend you don’t go to Langkawi. You still can if you don’t mind moving fast but with just a couple of nights, I would focus on Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding area instead.

So for a 5 days trip to Malaysia, I recommend doing days 1 – 3 above. Day 4, I recommend you visit Batu Caves and follow the bonus 4 day mentioned here. Then on day 5, head to Melaka on a day trip. You can book that here.

If you are looking for a Malaysia itinerary 6 days and aren’t much of a beach person, you could also follow this 5 day Malaysia itinerary and spend an extra day returning to whatever you loved most in Kuala Lumpur.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Malaysia Itinerary: 10 Days

The following 10 days in Malaysia itinerary is exactly what you should do with a week and a half.

This timeframe is perfect to really get a good introduction to Malaysia by adding two more of the best tourist destinations in Malaysia to the one week itinerary. You don’t just get to see the capital and beaches but also UNESO-listed George Town and get to eat some of the best food in the world. The highlights of this Malaysia holiday itinerary are:

• Enjoy the best Indian, Chinese and Malay food in KL
• Eat the best food in Ipoh and Penang
• Explore the historic centres of Ipoh and George Town
• Enjoy the most beautiful coastline in Malaysia

Let’s start this Malaysia vacation guide!

Days 1 – 3 Kuala Lumpur

Follow the 3-day Malaysia city tour itinerary for Kuala Lumpur above.

Day 4 Explore Ipoh

Today, you leave Kuala Lumpur for the pretty city of Ipoh just over three hours bus journey north-west of Kuala Lumpur. Ipoh has a gorgeous Old Town area with fun street art, beautiful surrounding scenery and is known for having some of the best food in the country. You are sure to love your quick stopover!

• Take a morning bus to Ipoh ( book it here ) or take an easy taxi transfer ( book it here )
• Take a taxi to your hotel and drop off your bags
• Have one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop .
• Spend the afternoon walking around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail. You can download the map and more information on the sights here
• Take your time and keep a look out for Ipoh’s famous street art and gorgeous laneways
• Have dinner at the Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre and try as many dishes as you can. Ipoh’s specialty dishes, like Ipoh laksa, ayam garam (salted chicken) or any of Ipoh’s special noodle dishes like Gai Si Hor Fun (shredded chicken noodles) or Chee Chong Fun, are especially recommended

Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel around Malaysia?

We can book a taxi for you between anywhere in peninsular Malaysia. Travel straight from one hotel to your next without any fuss or sweat.

You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.

Click here for prices and online booking.

Where To Stay In Ipoh

Regalodge is a solid mid range hotel option not far from the Old Town of Ipoh. There’s a restaurant and day spa, and the service is great.

There are a variety of room types from standard double hotel rooms to family suites. They are all a good standard with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. It’s an amazing price for this standard of hotel.

You can find more options for where to stay in Ipoh here .

Day 5 Temples And Beaches

Today, you finish exploring Ipoh by visiting the surrounding temples and then take a bus on to Penang.

• Grab a taxi to visit a couple of Ipoh’s cave temples at Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Ton Temple. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees and wear sturdy footwear
• Eat a quick lunch before catching a bus or private taxi to Penang. This journey takes just over two hours and you can book a ticket here for the bus or make it super easy and book your private taxi here.

Penang island is one of the most popular Malaysia vacation destinations off the west coast of Malaysia. It has long served as a link between Asia’s two halves and, as such, has a more diverse culture. Its capital, George Town, has a UNESCO World Heritage listed centre. Penang isn’t just about tourist cities in Malaysia though. There are beaches, mountainous jungle and the best food in Malaysia.

• Drop your bags at your hotel before heading to Batu Ferringhi, the popular beach area. If you like water sports, go parasailing. Otherwise, relax with a drink on the beach at the Bora Bora by Sunset bar
• Eat dinner at Long Beach Kafe. This hawker centre has many delicious food choices
• Visit the surrounding night market

Day 6 Explore Penang

Today, you are exploring Penang particularly its UNESO-listed centre.

• Head to the funicular tram for a ride up Penang Hill for great views. Read more about Penang Hill here
• Visit nearby Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Consider doing this morning tour to make it easy and to learn more. Otherwise, take taxis
• Have lunch in Little India in George Town
• While in George Town, visit Peranakan Mansion and learn about Penang’s original people. Then head to Fort Cornwallis and the museum at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. I recommend you walk around if the heat will allow it so you can take everything in and to keep a look out for Penang’s famous street art
• Consider taking this amazing food tour of George Town which starts around 4pm. You’ll see more of George Town and really get to enjoy and know the food. You can see my full review of this tour here (including what we ate)
• Otherwise, walk via Love Lane to Kapitan Keeling Mosque. You need to dress modestly to enter, and there are gowns on site you can borrow (if you do the food tour, you’lll visit all these places on the tour)
• Stroll down Armenian Street, once the home of Chinese clan-houses and secret societies. Today it has been gentrified and is home to many shops and cafes. This is also where you will find the famous “kids on a bicycle” mural
• You could also do this sightseeing tour instead to make things easier
• For dinner, head to another hawker centre. Some good options are New Lane Hawker Centre, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and Sri Weld Food Court – pick whichever is most convenient for you.

Where To Stay In Penang

Luxury – shangri-la’s rasa sayang resort and spa.

The 5-star Rasa Sayang is set in a beautiful spot by one end of the beach in Batu Ferringhi. It’s only a short walk from the action of Batu Ferringhi where you can relax and feel a world away while lounging by the pool or in its spacious gardens. There are countless facilities here including multiple pools, restaurants, gym, kids club and golf course.

There are a variety of room types from doubles to family rooms. For a treat, book a room in the Rasa Wing which includes special benefits such as breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails and pre-dinner canapes.

MID RANGE – Bayview Hotel George Town

This business style hotel is in a great location in George Town. It offers a pool, gym and a 360 degree revolving restaurant!

You will find a variety of room types including family options and suites for extra space.

This is all at a great value price given the location.

BUDGET – Chulia Heritage Hotel

If you are on a Malaysia backpacking itinerary. you will appreciate this budget friendly option in a central part of George Town. This is a simple hotel with bicycles available but without extra facilities and services.

Despite the low price tag, all rooms are a good standard with air-conditioning, flatscreen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Depending on your budget, you can pick a private or shared bathroom. There are family room options as well as regular twins and doubles.

You can find more great places to stay in Penang here.

Day 7 Head To Langkawi

This morning, it’s time to leave Malaysia’s cities behind for one of the best holiday spots in Malaysia, Langkawi.

I recommend you fly between the two places as travelling overland is a lot more mucking around. You can read about your transport options here.

If you fly, you can book a transfer here to your hotel.

• Travel to Langkawi in the morning
• In the afternoon, take it easy in your resort or on the beach at Pantai Cenang
• In the evening, head to Pantai Cenang for sunset drinks and dinner. Yellow Cafe is a good place to sit for sunset drinks.
• If you want to party tonight, Pantai Cenang is the place to be

Days 8 – 10 Enjoy Langkawi

Follow days 5-7 in the 7-day itinerary above.

Malaysia Itinerary: 2 Weeks

When designing a Malaysia 2 week itinerary, I recommend basing it on the 10 day itinerary above but with extra time everywhere and visiting Melaka on a day trip. Read through the 10-day itinerary before going through the Malaysia two week itinerary as it is more detailed.

Below, I quickly share this Malaysia 2 weeks itinerary.

Days 1 – 5 Kuala Lumpur

Follow the 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary above for the first three days.

On day 4, pick one of the bonus 4th day activities you can find this in this Kuala Lumpur itinerary . This includes visiting either the Genting Highlands , Putrajaya or Sunway Lagoon for theme park fun.

On day 5, do a day trip to Melaka .

Day 6 Travel to Ipoh

Take it easy in the morning returning to any favourite spots in Kuala Lumpur. After lunch, take a bus to Ipoh ( book it here ) or treat yourself to an affordable private taxi ( book here ) to save some time. After checking in, enjoy a quick wander in the Old Town before dinner.

Day 7 Exploring Ipoh

Ipoh has a gorgeous Old Town area with fun street art, beautiful surrounding scenery and is known for having some of the best food in the country. Today, you explore the best it has to offer.

• Start the day with one one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop
• Spend the morning walking around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail. You can download the map and more information on the sights here
• In the afternoon, grab a taxi to visit a couple of Ipoh’s cave temples at Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Ton Temple. Cover your shoulders and knees and wear sturdy footwear

Day 8 Penang’s Beaches

Today, it’s time to move on to the awesome island of Penang!

• Catch a bus to Penang. This journey takes just over two hours and you can book a ticket here . Alternatively, a taxi from Ipoh is very affordable and is faster and easier. Book it here.
• Drop your bags at your hotel before heading to Batu Ferringhi, the popular beach area. If you like water sports, go parasailing or you can try a banana boat ride
• Late afternoon, relax with a drink on the beach at the Bora Bora by Sunset bar

Day 9 Explore Penang

Follow day 6 of the 10 day itinerary above.

Days 10 – 13 Enjoy Langkawi

Follow days 7-10 of the 10 day itinerary above.

Day 14 Final Day

For your final day in this Malaysia itinerary 14 days, repeat anything you have loved in Langkawi so far, relax at your resort or visit some more places in this list of best things to do in Langkawi.

Malaysia Itinerary: 3 Weeks+

With three plus weeks in Malaysia, you have plenty of time to add in another region of Malaysia.

I recommend you follow the two week Malaysia itinerary above or you could follow the 10 day one instead if you like to move fast and see a lot.

If you are looking for a Malaysia 3 week itinerary, you can then spend the rest of your time following an itinerary east coast Malaysia or head to Borneo to explore a very different part of Malaysia.

If you have 4+ weeks, you could consider doing all of the above!

Here are some suggestions for an east coast Malaysia itinerary and a Borneo Malaysia itinerary for 7 – 10 days.

East Coast Malaysia itinerary: 7+ Days

This itinerary takes you to the best islands and most interesting cities on the east coast.

Day 1: Fly to Kota Bharu . This will take two flights. Click here to find flights. Check in to your hotel and take a walk around the attractions in Kota Bharu.

Days 2 – 3: Leave early for Kuala Besut and then a ferry across to the Perhentian Islands ( read how to do this here ). Stay 2 nights on the Perhentian Islands enjoying what these islands have to offer. This is primarily enjoying the beach, hiking and snorkelling/diving.

Days 4-5: Catch a boat to Redang Island ( see how here ) for more gorgeous Malaysia Island time for the next two nights. Read more about Redang Island here.

Day 6: Take a ferry to Kuala Terengganu. Explore this city

Day 7: Finish exploring Kuala Terengganu and fly back to Kuala Lumpur

With an extra three nights, you could spend longer at the locations above or also head to Cherating Beach and Kuantan and catch a bus or flight back to Kuala Lumpur from here.

A long-distance taxi is a great way to speed up your exploration of the region and is affordable. Find out prices and book here.

If you are trying to work out which east coast island to visit, read our guide here to whether Perhentian Islands, Redang Island or Tioman is best!

Borneo Malaysia Itinerary: 7+ Days

This Malaysia trip guide takes you to the best of the state of Sabah. Another alternative would be to spend a whole week in Kuching doing day trips to the jungle and surrounding attractions.

Day 1: Fly to Kota Kinabalu. This will take two flights from Langkawi. Click here to find flights.

Day 2: Explore Kota Kinabalu. Consider visiting Gaya Island or the surrounding islands or the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Read our guide to Kota Kinabalu here.

Day 3:  Climb Mt Kinabalu or take the easy option and enjoy Mount Kinabalu from some hot springs on this tour.

Day 4: Catch a bus or fly to Sandakan. Arrive as early as possible as there are some great things to do here. Explore the amazing wildlife attractions around this city. Head to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre if you can fit it in. (You will have to push this to day 5 if you climb the mountain.)

Day 5: Visit Turtle Island for an amazing overnight experience getting to enjoy a tropical island then viewing a female turtle laying her eggs and other turtle related activities. More information here.

Day 6: Arrive back in Sandakan and take an overnight tour to explore the awesome wildlife at Kinabatangan River . Read more here

Day 7: Return to Sandakan and fly back to Kuala Lumpur

With an extra three nights, you could spend longer at the locations above or fly onto Miri and explore Gunung Mulu National Park.

I hope with these suggestions, you can make the best 3 week itinerary Malaysia for you!

Map Of Malaysia Travel Itinerary

The following map shows the 10 day and the 2 week trip for Malaysia. The one week trip is a simplified version of this with Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur.

Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

I hope this has helped you create your best itinerary Malaysia! To help you plan your whole trip, click here for our ultimate guide or find all our planning guides here . If you plan to visit Singapore as well, find our best Singapore and Malaysia itineraries here . You can also find our best road trip itineraries here .

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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Visit the East Coast, Malaysia

This stunning coastline reveals a less-visited and more traditional side to the country.

In the far north, Kota Bharu is one of our favourite cities in Malaysia, with its vibrant night market, friendly Malay people and handicraft village. From here it is a short boat ride to the idyllic Perhentian Islands .

Villages and beaches

Returning to the mainland, the coast road passes south through unspoilt kampung and traditional Malay fishing villages, soon reaching Kuala Dungun, which has one of the east coast’s best beaches and easy access to a nearby airport. The golden sands stretch as far as the eye can see and, in season, giant leatherback turtles come ashore to lay their eggs.

Heading further south you reach the small town of Mersing, where boats leave for the splendid tropical island of Tioman .

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Start planning your trip to The East Coast

Map of the east coast, places & hotels on the map, places near the east coast.

• Taman Negara National Park 83 miles away
• Tioman Island 91 miles away
• Kuala Terengganu 106 miles away
• Fraser's Hill (Bukit Fraser) 110 miles away
• Kuala Lumpur 121 miles away
• Malacca 134 miles away
• Redang Island 139 miles away
• Cameron Highlands 143 miles away
• Perhentian Islands 153 miles away
• Belum Rainforest 185 miles away
• Pangkor Islands 195 miles away
• Penang 236 miles away

Photos of the East Coast

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A Road Trip to the Malaysian East Coast

News by country, what kind of news.

Sep 29, 2020

Ever since I stepped foot in Malaysia, work has been hectic, and I haven’t had the chance to explore this lesser-known part of the country. Who would have thought that this pandemic will last this long and I finally had the opportunity to explore this land I now call home. The trip that was initially planned as a personal holiday turned into an adventure when I invited a colleague, Abu, together in this journey. I must say that a road with a good friend makes all the difference!

The East Coast of Malaysia consist of 3 main states; Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. Being considered as very traditional, we decided to explore the countryside through smaller roads and stop whenever we saw something interesting. Our goal is to curate a self-drive guide to experience the true culture of this diverse country.

The drive was pretty easy as the road in overall, good conditions and many interesting stops. It made me realised how easy it is to discover Malaysia on self-drive. From Kuala Lumpur to Kota Bahru, we mostly followed the jungle train tracks (that will be another discovery…) with a stop at the Gua Musang train station. One of the main stops before reaching the end of the line in Tumpat (Thailand border), the route is a scenic trail starting from Singapore via Kuala Lumpur.

By the evening of the first day, we reached a small village on the Malaysian/Thai border where we were invited for dinner at the family house of our colleague, Yus. A beautiful experience and the first taste of Kelantanese food. We had local staple dish such as Ikan Rebus, Ulam and Budu served in traditional ceramic plates. The entire journey took us close to 12 hours along 460km. Alternatively, the East-Coast Expressway will take roughly 7 hours.

With lots of sites to visit, we started the next day with the Women’s market to try local delicacies and a little shopping for traditional fabric and sarong. The Pasar Siti Khadija (named after the prophet’s wife) is only managed by women and is a pride of Kota Bharu’s business heritage. The story says that men are too laidback to handle such a difficult business as most of them spent their time at sea.

Being neighbours to Thailand, Malaysia has roughly 70 Thai temples with 25 of them are in Kelantan. Along the way, we have discovered many Thai temples, unique pieces of religious art in Malaysia! Together with the cultural heritage of the Wayang Kulit (traditional puppet theatre) and the Songket making, the entire experience is a must when in Kelantan.

We have also visited plenty of hotels and found beautiful homestay to include in our future products. Pasir Belanda was one of the surprises! The owning couple in its 60s made us feel so at home, very lovely people! They leave on-site in the main house, and chalets are all around the garden for guests. Typical local wooden style on stilts, well-finished and well-maintained.

Among the entire mosque I have visited in my life and the plentiful number of Mosques one can find in Malaysia, I must say I was breathtakingly choked discovering Masjid Ar-Rahman Mukim Pulau Gajah, along the coastal road towards Terengganu. The surroundings, the garden, the woodwork done on this mosque are truly amazing. The place is private, built by a rich merchant for the local community and has barely any tourists. We felt at peace outside and inside the mosque. Definitely, a must-see for any spiritual person!

The East Coast is well known for both their culture and architecture heritage with Thai and Indonesian influences. In Terengganu, among many interesting projects, we visited the Terrapuri Heritage Village. The conservation project that cost more than 10 Million Ringgit aims to protect the traditional house buildings and its heritage for the next generations. We also visited a community-based homestay, Awi’s Yellow House on Pulau Duyong, in the centre of Kuala Terengganu River. The place was built in 1970 by a French lady who found love with a local boat maker and they managed this place until the husband recently passed away. The lady is still there at 72 years old and kids are living in France, Kuala Lumpur and other parts of Malaysia. Fluent in the local Terengganu Malay dialect, she learned from her husband the tradition of boat making and created a community library in the village, accessible for free to anyone.

The city of Terengganu has many other sites to visit such as the mural of all Malaysia’s PM since independence, the State Museum and the Turtle Alley in China Town.

We were blessed to travel during Hari Raya Haji (Eid Al Adha) and to witness the celebration. In fact, the same day we were invited by Ana, another one of our dear colleagues, in her family house, on the way to the south. We met her family and were treated to an amazing meal, which was full of very tasty discoveries for a Mat Salleh (Westerner). I found a new favourite delicacy, Tapai! The local dessert is fermented glutinous rice prepared over 4 days and has a sweet and sour taste. We jump back on the road after the inevitable picture and we continued driving towards the south to reach our destination for the night, Mill Brook Farm near Kuala Dungun.

After the few nights spent in Kuala Terengganu with very basic comfort, Mill Brook Farm was paradise! Rooms had a proper and comfortable bed with air conditioning and a simple but nice bathroom. In addition to the comfort, the Mill Brook Farm is literally by the beach which you can access right from the garden.

The atmosphere of this very cute homestay is pretty much like being in your family home. The owners/managers are super friendly and casual, the shared kitchen is open to all, so you make your own coffee or snacks whenever you feel like and meals can be prepared upon request as well as BBQ by the beach! A very chilled and laid-back environment that makes you want to stay longer!

Of course, we had to meet the locals and were lucky to also have friends in Dungun. We were invited for dinner at Muizz’s family, with Ludovic they are the owners/creators/managers of Inkaa Clothing, a social enterprise that helps promote the Batik Artisans from Terengganu and help the Myanmar refugees in Kuala Lumpur.

During our trip, as part of our commitment to animal welfare, we inspected a few turtle conservation centres and elephant sanctuary to ensure those we propose our guests are in-line with our values and we were pleased to see that large majority were strict on following not only the Malaysian wildlife protection law but also international standards of animal conservation.

Many other visits were done including hotels and homestay all along the coasts of Terengganu and Pahang with a 2 nights break at the Hyatt Regency Kuantan, so to recover from all the driving… In the end, we were on the road for about 1700km over 10days, all the way back to the capital!

Now working on the next trip…

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• A full day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
• Transportation by car / mini-van with professional driver.
• All entrance and donation fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
• All applicable taxes and service charges
• Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)
• Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
• Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
• Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
• Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
• Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
• Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
• Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
• Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
• Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

• This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
• Transfers are only operated within the downtown Chiang Mai areas and restricted to main hotels only.
• Regions outside the central business district such as Mae Rim, Hang Dong, Doi Saket, Mae Taeng and Chiang Mai International Airport are excluded and supplementary charges apply.
• We regret that are unable to provide pick-up and drop-off transfer services from and to apartment complexes, local guest houses or private apartments. We advise you kindly to head on your own arrangement to the nearest hotel inside the downtown Chiang Mai area.
• We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
• Due to the nature of this tour, we regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
• The road up and down Doi Angkhang is not suitable for large coaches; for group travel, note that the group needs to be split up into mini-vans. We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation.
• For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
• Due to the absence of ATM machines and credit cards payment portals, we highly recommend to bring sufficient cash with you. Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
• We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
• It is recommendable to bring a jacket / sweater with you as temperatures on Doi Angkhang are often much cooler than around Chiang Mai.
• It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package.
• Any changes in accommodation outside 48 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 48 hours may be on request.

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• 3 Other destinations
• 4.1 Climate
• 6.1 By plane
• 6.2 By train
• 7 Get around

The East Coast is a part of Peninsular Malaysia. Largely rural and comparatively poor, the East Coast's prime attractions are some of Malaysia's most unspoiled islands, featuring great beaches and excellent scuba diving .

Regions [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 6.133333 102.25 1 Kota Bharu - capital of Kelantan
• 5.330278 103.140833 2 Kuala Terengganu - capital of Terengganu
• 3.816667 103.333333 3 Kuantan - capital of Pahang, and the largest city on the East Coast

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 5.916667 102.733333 1 Perhentian Islands – backpacker paradise
• 5.775 103.015 2 Pulau Redang – resort and scuba paradise
• 2.816667 104.183333 3 Pulau Tioman – slightly more commercialised paradise
• 4.7 102.466667 4 Taman Negara – the country's oldest national park

Understand [ edit ]

The East Coast is the poorest and most culturally conservative part of Malaysia.

The economy is largely based on agriculture, and the people are fairly conservative. Most women wear a headscarf. Kelantan and Terengganu (but not Pahang ) implement many aspects of Islamic law ( syariah ) in public. Beaches and supermarket queues are sex-segregated, and the availability of alcohol is limited. Unlike the rest of Malaysia, the weekend in Terengganu and Kelantan runs from Friday to Saturday, with shops and banks closed on Friday but everything open on Sunday.

On the resort islands, however, rules are far more relaxed. On these islands there is little gender-segregation and alcohol is readily available. If a backpacker decides to sunbathe topless in these areas, oglers (not imams) are her top concern.

Pahang is home to some of Malaysia's most popular colonial hill stations , including Cameron Highlands and Fraser's Hill .

The East Coast is home to Batek people, a group of Orang Asli, the Indigenous population and the oldest inhabitants of Peninsular Malaysia. They are nomadic (i.e. they move from one place to another) with their main homelands consisting of Taman Negara and whatever is remaining of the surrounding virgin forests that remain unlogged.

Climate [ edit ]

The East Coast is highly seasonal, with strong monsoon winds and rains lashing the coast between November and February. Most resorts on the islands shut down during this period, transport links to them are very limited, and high waves and poor visibility make most water sports impossible. The "good" season is April to October, with June to August being the busiest months.

Talk [ edit ]

Standard Malay is spoken by nearly everybody, but the dialects of Kelantan and to a lesser extent Terengganu are infamously difficult for outsiders to understand, and the version of Thai spoken near the northern border may also be unintelligible to speakers of standard Thai. The major cities like Kuantan, Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu are also home to ethnic Chinese communities that speak various southern Chinese dialects, but most of them are also able to speak standard Malay and the local dialect of Malay.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ]

There are regular mainline flights on Malaysian and Air Asia from Kuala Lumpur and Penang to Kota Bharu , Kuala Terengganu , plus turboprop services from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to Tioman and Redang on Berjaya Air .

By train [ edit ]

The fabled Jungle Railway chugs over 500 km through the heart of Malaysia from Gemas up to Tumpat near Kota Bharu . There is a railway from Thailand, but it has no passenger services, so you'll need to take a bus from the Thai railhead at Sungai Kolok across the border to Rantau Panjang and onward to Kota Bharu.

By bus [ edit ]

Buses connect all major cities on the East Coast to Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru .

By car [ edit ]

The E8 lebuhraya (East Coast Expressway) connects KL, Pahang, and parts of Terrenganu; the expressway ends just to the west of Kuala Terengganu, meaning you'll have to use normal country highways if you're travelling to Kelantan by car. There are plans to extend the expressway to Kota Bharu, but an opening date has yet to be released. There are no expressways along the East Coast south of Kuantan, so if coming from Singapore and Johor Bahru , you'll have to drive on regular country roads via Kota Tinggi , Mersing and Pekan .

Get around [ edit ]

Getting around these states is usually by car, but there are also bus networks within and between each state.

See [ edit ]

Probably the most famous attractions are Taman Negara, the virgin rainforest park in the interior of Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan, and various offshore islands, though Kenyir Lake in Ulu (upriver) Terengganu is also a beautiful spot. The East-West Highway that connects the states of Kelantan and Perak across the hilly interior, is scenic, too, but the most common pleasant sight on the East Coast is the series of kampung (villages) with coconut trees that dot the coastal highway.

Do [ edit ]

One of the main attractions of East Coast Malaysia is scuba diving and snorkelling . There are several islands to visit and dive from. The smaller islands which have the least amount of dive centres are generally more rewarding. The coral around Pulau Sibu Island for example is in much better condition than the more famous Pulau Tioman (less bleaching and diver damage). Malaysia's East Coast offers some of best and closest scuba diving to Singapore and is a good option for weekend breaks and long weekends, and many dive shops in Singapore organise weekend trips here.

Eat [ edit ]

The East Coast has several distinctive dishes. Kelantanese cuisine , covered under Kelantan § Eat , is particularly famous, but all three states have delicious food.

Drink [ edit ]

In Kelantan and Terengganu , Muslim-owned establishments are by law not allowed to deal in alcohol, and Muslims caught drinking may be caned and fined.

These laws do not apply to non-Muslims, so Chinese and Indian shops may legally stock beer and spirits, but their stocks will often not be on public display and prices tend to be high. On the resort islands in particular, you'll be looking at upwards of RM 10 for a can of beer, so stock up before arrival. One notable exception is Tioman , which is a duty-free island.

Go next [ edit ]

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• Feb 1, 2019

Malaysia Road Trip - From Coast to Coast

Updated: Apr 13, 2022

#Roadtrip #MINI #Countryman #Malaysia #Bekok #Paloh #Melaka #Portdickson #Sekeping #Serendah #Sekinchan #Cameron #Belum #Kelantan #Penarik #Terengganu #Tanjungjara #Cherating #Kuantan #Mangala #Desaru

4 Wheels, 3 Leeches, 2 Coasts, 1 Trip, and 0 Elephant

I'm a big fan of road trips. Hence, it's not surprising that I've made umpteen drives into Malaysia since I bought my first car some 14 years ago. Looking back and counting, I've driven 40-plus times to Melaka, 13 times to Cameron Highlands, many times to other towns and cities, plus 1 epic trip to Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai ( Singapore-Thailand Road Trip ). Not forgetting countless times to many Singaporeans' favourite neighbourhood - Johor Bahru.

Unfortunately in the past decade, it seemed like there had not been any chance to take on a longer road trip into Malaysia beyond a 3D2N window, not until recently. Without hesitation, I quickly charted a 12-day road trip plan for Peninsula Malaysia with the aim of visiting some places I've always wanted to, including staying in the forest retreat of Sekeping Serendah, spotting wild elephants along Gerik Highway, and driving along the entire east coast of the Peninsula from Kelantan to Desaru.

Hotel booking was straightforward and packing my bag was even more so. The most difficult and indecisive part of packing was probably my photo-video equipment. DSLR or mirrorless, which lenses, which point-and-shoot, GoPro, drone, tripod - it was a big headache which system and equipment I should be throwing into my bag. And choosing the right bag(s) was also a part of that complication (equipment list at end of blog).

Being a longer than usual road trip, a quick pre-trip health check for my senior citizen MINI Countryman was done at MCF Auto (https://www.facebook.com/MCFAutoSg/). This is my trustworthy go-to workshop to assure that she is in good health and ready for the 2,000+km marathon.

With (hopefully) everything packed and accommodation booked, I set off and embarked on my most extensive Malaysia road trip to date - a trip where 4 wheels had rolled and gripped through tarmac, mud and sand; where 3 leeches had feasted on me from neck to toe; where sunsets and sunrises were witnessed on 2 coasts on 1 single trip; and a disappointing 0 elephant sighting along the Gerik Highway.

Day 1 Singapore - Bekok - Paloh - Melaka - Port Dickson

Day 2 Port Dickson - Sekeping Serendah Retreats

Day 3 Sekeping Serendah Retreats - Sekinchan

Day 4 Sekinchan - Cameron Highlands

Day 5 Cameron Highlands - Belum Rainforest Resort

Day 6 Belum Rainforest Resort

Day 7 Belum - Bukit Banga - Penarik - Kuala Terengganu - Tanjung Jara

Day 8 Tanjung Jara - Cherating - Mangala Resort & Spa

Day 9 Mangala Resort & Spa

Day 10 Mangala Resort & Spa to Kuantan

Day 11 Kuantan to Desaru

Day 12 Desaru to Singapore

SINGAPORE - BEKOK - PALOH - MELAKA - PORT DICKSON

Timelapse of the rising tide from 3pm to 7pm from my villa's bay window.

PORT DICKSON - SEKEPING SERENDAH

SEKEPING SERENDAH - SEKINCHAN - CAMERON HIGHLANDS

CAMERON HIGHLANDS - BELUM RAINFOREST RESORT

Arriving at Royal Belum, crossing the scenic bridge towards Banding Island over the Temenggor Lake (pardon the background voice from my TomTom GPS, courtesy of Yoda).

BELUM - PENARIK - KUALA TERENGGANU - TANJUNG JARA

ABOVE: Sunrise at Teluk Bidara beach, Tanjung Jara.

MANGALA RESORT & SPA, GAMBANG, KUANTAN

KUANTAN - DESARU

Shall end with a splash... literally, with a closing video of Desaru taken on a previous trip, making splashes on the beautiful Malaysian coast.

Photo/Video Equipment Used:

Panasonic Lumix LX10 (small, light, fast - my main everyday camera)

Sony RX10 III (for bird photography, e.g. catching the hornbills at Belum)

Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Nikon D750 w/ 17-35mm f2.8 and 24-120mm f4

GoPro Hero 7 Black

DJI Mavic Pro

2 X Crumpler Camera Bags

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hi, may i know how much did u spend on accomodation and food throughout the trip?

Like your itinerary and is planning a similar one for July. Driving along the coastline is interesting, any advice or things to look out for to drive on the sand along the coastline? Eg, the tide times or etc?

Hi Joyce. That's a very nice route and itinerary! But to cover all destinations in 8 days, you'll likely have a 1 night stay at most places. Perhaps with only 1 destination that has 2 nights. Depends on what your interests are and who's coming along with you, it might be a bit tiring for some. Let me know if you need any more info on any of these places. Happy to share my experience and thoughts :)

Awesome road trip the well rounded way. I'm just worried my body couldn't cope.

Had done small distances along west coast till KL. But currently looking at route options in East Coast. Any suggestions up to Cheating?

Thank you! Yes, the long drives can be quite tiring. But first and foremost, we must love to drive and love road trips to overcome the tiredness. I would also take short breaks to break the monotony of my drives, especially when I'm doing these trips alone. I'll also try to plan for some interesting destinations so that I'll look forward to it (like hoping to see wild elephants at Gerik Highway). Staying at good hotels and pampering oneself with spa/massage would also help. I've only been to Cherating once and I love that place! Didn't stay overnight but just had dinner there. Can consider going to Kuantan before Cherating. For Kuantan, I've stayed at Hyatt Hyatt Regency a few times…

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Malaysia road trip: from Kuala Lumpur to the east coast

I 'm sitting in the conservatory of Kuala Lumpur's newly reopened Majestic Hotel , surrounded by a thousand different orchids, enjoying an afternoon tea that could rival that served at the Ritz. When I lived in Kuala Lumpur, 30 years ago, the Majestic was rundown, a relic of faded grandeur, and about to close – so I presumed the wrecking ball had long since swept the grand neo-classical building from the city's futuristic skyline. Actually, it is now the place to be seen, especially its retro Colonial Cafe , which serves modern twists on planter cuisine, such as mulligatawny soup, hainanese chicken rice and mushroom faggots, while diners are entertained by a jazz quartet that wouldn't look out of place in the movie Casablanca.

Each time I come back to Kuala Lumpur, the city seems to have reinvented itself. The newest hotspots for the wealthy are jazz clubs such as No Black Tie (17 Jalan Mesui), speakeasy-themed bars such as Omakase+Appreciate (Bangunan Ming Annexe), which is in the basement of an office block, or vertiginous open-air lounge bars and dance clubs such as the Skydeck at Troika (troikaskydining.com) on the 23rd floor of Norman Foster's new skyscraper, right across from the iconic Petronas Twin Towers .

You might expect to find any of these places in a cosmopolitan world city, but what sets KL apart are the staples of Malaysian society and culture that continue to underpin this advanced metropolis without a sense of contradiction. Only a short cab ride away from the shiny new dens of high society is the ever-popular Jalan Alor area. This former red-light district is packed with stalls serving some of the best street food in Asia – skewers of satay chicken, spicy kway teow noodles smothered with juicy cockles and prawns, and delicious wok-fried kangkong (morning glory) – all for less than £3 each.

After a typical mix-and-match night out in KL, I make it back to where I'm staying in the early hours. And this time it's not to the hushed grandeur of the Majestic, but to a Chinatown guesthouse called Backhome. This is another fresh discovery: a designer hostel that offers a budget alternative to dingy backpacker dorms.

The next day, I set off on a 1,000km round-trip to the east coast of Malaysia. If KL is Malaysia's modern, tolerant, multi-racial face, then visiting the traditional kampongs or villages that line the sandy beaches along the South China Sea is a journey into the country's more conservative Muslim Malay heartland. I want to see how much it has changed in comparison with the futuristic metamorphosis of Kuala Lumpur.

It is always a shock how quickly the urban mass disappears: half an hour out of the city the busy expressway is climbing through dense tropical jungle that clings to the Genting Highlands. From here, the landscape is one of palm oil and rubber plantations that have, sadly, replaced some of the world's oldest rainforest. But as we finally reach the other side of the peninsula and head towards our first stop, at Cherating, the motorway peters out and is replaced by Jalan Timur, the old single-lane road lined with coconut trees that runs through sleepy villages, hugging the coastline all the way up to the Thai border.

When I used to escape the city for weekends in Cherating, the east coast was the great hope for Malaysian tourism, with hundreds of miles of pristine white-sand beaches. This is where Club Med opened one of its first Asian resorts. But today, it seems little has changed, and modernisation has made minimal impact on kampong life, which is as laid-back as it ever was.

Years ago, we used to stay with Mak Long Teh, a wonderful Malay lady who opened her house on stilts to foreigners as a pioneer homestay. We would sit on the floor and eat dinner with the family, discovering all the local curries. Every year, she made improvements, building bungalows, adding showers and even running hot water. But the tourism boom has never taken off and the big hotels have never materialised. Cherating, along with all the potential beach resorts along the coast, remains as unspoilt as ever, the white sand strands swirling into different shapes as the tides come and go. What has also stayed the same is the wide range of backpacker chalets that budget travellers can stay in.

Walking around the bay, I see gap-year students from Europe braving the sun to play football, while village schoolkids stay back in the shady kampong, preferring the traditional Malay game of sepak takraw , an athletic version of kick-volleyball. At a beachside cafe, a wizened fisherman and a local hajj pilgrim sit sipping kopi susu (strong filtered coffee sweetened with condensed milk), animatedly talking politics: the Malay heartland is historically supportive of PAS (the Pan-Malaysian Islamic party), a conservative Islamic anti-government movement. Unlike in the brave new world of KL, no one is rushing around trying to make their fortune, and many of the village boutiques selling batik and woven baskets that I remembered have disappeared, to be replaced by Thai wellness spas.

However, the food on offer is still amazing. Every lunchtime, a Malay lady sets up a stall with a dozen local specialities that she has been slowly cooking on an old-fashioned charcoal stove in her kampong house: tangy beef rendang, curried cuttlefish, bitter gourd curry, bamboo shoots in coconut milk and crunchy raw vegetables smothered in a fiery sambal sauce. She piles a mountain of white rice on your plate, and you help yourself to the rest, but no matter how much you heap on, the price doesn't come to more than a couple of pounds.

Despite the fact that it is difficult to buy a beer or a glass of wine – alcohol is pretty much banned all along the east coast – there is still a party atmosphere most nights in the beach cafes, with ageing Malay hippies strumming Marley and Dylan songs. Just don't expect any full-moon raves in Cherating.

Driving up the coast, I pass tumbledown stalls every few hundred yards selling mangos and papaya, mangosteens and hairy red "rambutans", a tangy kind of lychee that is the perfect thirst-quencher in the Malaysian heat and humidity. Every kampong we pass through has dusty trails disappearing off the main road, leading through coconut groves to a deserted beach. It is tempting each time to stop off and investigate, but it would take six months to explore all these seaside hideaways.

In the modern built-up town of Dungun, we swing by the port and discover a morning market, where fishermen unload their catch and scores of stalls are selling fish and seafood.

The scenery changes when the coast road passes through the sprawling royal capital of Kuala Terengganu. We visit a splendid pastel yellow palace where the sultan resides, and then the surreal Crystal Mosque with its Islamic Civilisation Park , floating on a tiny island in the Terengganu river.

Rather than the fashion and hi-tech boutiques of Kuala Lumpur, traditional Malay culture is embedded here, and we visit artisan workshops renowned for batik printing, and pick up a pricey piece of songket , delicate hand-woven silk cloth with gold and silver threads worn at Malay ceremonies.

After KT, the highway is almost deserted on the long haul up to the Thai border. Most travellers who get this far are heading for the renowned dive islands of Perhentian and Redang, taking the boat from the bustling harbour of Kuala Besut rather than staying on the coast itself.

We take a break in a roadside cafe in the village of Penarik for nasi lemak , the local breakfast staple of coconut-steamed rice, chilli-fried anchovies, peanuts, cucumber and boiled egg, and ask if there is anywhere to stay. The owner points us to a rough track between the beach and a narrow river until, after a couple of kilometres, we reach the Penarik Inn , whose cheery sign announces that we have arrived in paradise – the Caribbean of the South China Sea.

The Inn is a self-contained kampong, with a dozen chalets beneath a shady coconut grove, whose sign reads: "Danger – falling coconuts", and this is no joke. The chalets have recently been rebuilt in concrete – they used to get damaged each time the monsoon swept in – and guests can choose between aircon and old-fashioned ceiling fans.

The bedrooms are simple but clean and comfy, with a private shower and toilet, and a hammock in which to doze outside the entrance. In the middle of the chalets, and right on the beach, is a big open Malay wooden house, the Caribbean Cafe, where meals are served. Breakfast is a choice between fried eggs and toast with kaya , a delicious coconut jam, or local specialities such as glutinous rice with a sweet fish curry and kuih bakar , a baked pudding flavoured with pandan leaves.

Penarik is run by a young couple, Riyad and Adlin. Riyad's parents opened it in 1992 as one of the pioneering homestays in the area, but the couple have transformed the place, offering a host of activities that make the most of the unspoilt environment. Adlin tells me that she and her husband abandoned life in KL to come back and run the inn.

"It wasn't easy at first to readapt to the customs and culture of kampong life compared with all the modern things of KL, but now we're really happy we made the choice," she says. "We have managed to employ three villagers at the inn, and I'm soon going to open an environmental centre in the new Setiu Wetlands state park with the help of local government."

Adlin and Riyad are committed to environmentally responsible tourism. So guests are often roped in to help on the weekly "beach cleaning day", not only to clean up the flotsam and jetsam of the South China Sea, but also to encourage turtles to come ashore and lay their eggs. The inn oversees a World Wildlife Foundation turtle hatchery, part of a programme that is finally succeeding in drawing turtles back to these shores after years of abuse by tourists tramping around with blazing torches, and locals digging up their eggs and selling them to unscrupulous gourmets.

In contrast to the highly organised dive islands, a snorkelling trip at Penarik starts lazily in the morning after breakfast when everyone sets off in a simple fishing boat, the ice cooler packed with soft drinks. The destination is the tiny rocky island of Batu Bara, uninhabited but with a small sandy beach and lapping turquoise water, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the lunch that Adlin has prepared.

This is not a place for serious scuba diving but for anyone happy with snorkelling and with spotting multi-coloured parrotfish and moray eels peeping out of the rocks. On the way back, there is a choice of a nap in the boat or casting a line for some impromptu fishing. Serious fishing enthusiasts can go out with a local fisherman for the day, while on another excursion visitors can follow a Penarik villager through the steamy mangroves.

In the evening, the inn comes alive with music at the bar. As we sit on the beach at sunset, with giant prawns and crabs grilling on the barbecue, the sophistication and modernity of KL seem a million miles away. But the beauty of Malaysia is that somehow two worlds manage a fragile coexistence, from the delightfully decadent nightlife of the multicultural capital to the more traditional and conservative but welcoming east coast.

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East Coast Malaysia: A Family Road Trip

October 19, 2011 By Abel Cheng

We decided to travel locally during the recent school holidays. Instead of flying, we chose driving. And we chose the less explored and less popular places.

With some research notes and a GPS, we embarked on a road trip to East Coast of Malaysia last June – with my wife, in-laws, and two children tagging along.

Since my parents-in-law were with us, we drove to Penang to pick them up. We started our road trip on June 1 in Penang. Then to Kelantan via East West Highway (from Butterworth Kulim Expressway) to Kuala Terengganu (via coastal road) then unto Kuantan. The final destination is of course our home – on June 6.

We clocked a total of 1,490 km. By far the highest we ever made for a road trip.

Parents-in-law took a flight back home after staying with us for 3 days after the trip.

It was tiring but it’s fun and exciting. It was the first time my kids ever traveled to the East Coast. I must say that people of the East Coast are very different from those of the West Coast. They are gentle, genuine, friendlier, and helpful – not to mention more courteous.

A detailed post is dedicated to each state we traveled. Click the following for more stories about our East Coast trip.

Day 1 and Day 2: Kelantan Road Trip

Day 3 and Day 4: Terengganu Road Trip

Day 5 and Day 6: Pahang Road Trip

By the way, if you like traveling, here’s something you may want to check out: A fired travel agent reveals all on how to save on airfare tickets and find great deals on car rental and cruises in Save on Airfare Secrets Manual .

About Abel Cheng

I am a work-at-home father and chauffeur to my 2 children. I love minimalist lifestyle with emphasis on quality over quantity. Lastly, I am the founder of ParentWonder, which shares tips on becoming better parents.

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Going Places by Malaysia Airlines

Dedicated in publishing the latest, trending and unique stories.

8 of Malaysia’s best road trips

Words by Going Places

August 2020

9 minute read

With a great network of highways, gorgeous coastal roads and rewarding detours and pitstops, there’s no better way to see the country than on four wheels

With international borders still closed, it’s the ideal time for a great Malaysian road trip – one that begins right at your doorstep. If, however, you aren’t up for quite so much driving and want to start closer to the finish, just take one of Malaysia Airlines’ newly reinstated domestic flights to your starting point, and pick up a rental car from there.

What’s more, if kicking back on a beautiful white-sand beach – as you sip on an icy cold drink and listen to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore – sounds like your idea of paradise, we have some great news for you. Redoxon has just launched its Travel Immunity Contest , where you stand the chance to win an all-expenses paid 4D3N holiday at Tanjung Rhu Resort  in Langkawi.

The contest runs from 1 September to 31 December 2020, and a total of two families can win the grand prize. All you have to do is post your personal travel immunity story and tips with an accompanying picture; include the caption “I travel with Rexodon because…” and share it on your Facebook or Instagram page. Do remember to set your account to public, include the hashtag #RedoxonTravelImmunity and tag @RedoxonMY.

Wherever you choose to go, we guarantee you’ll be floored by what you see: from dense ancient forests and Unesco Heritage sites, to dreamy coastlines and staggering mountains – not to mention all the amazing food. These eight Malaysian road trips will quench your wanderlust until foreign travel is back on the cards, and make you fall in love with our amazing country all over again.

From the nation’s capital to the food capital of Malaysia

Total distance: 355km

Before leaving KL, stop by the beautiful Istana Negara, Malaysia’s national palace, which commands a prime position overlooking the Klang River. You can’t go inside, but you’re welcome to take photos by the main entrance.

Then make your way to Kuala Selangor, before trundling down quiet back roads along the Strait of Malacca to the town of Sabak. Just before you enter Penang, drive through Taiping, voted third-most sustainable city in the world. Stretch your legs with a hike up Bukit Larut, also known as Maxwell Hill. Standing at 1,250m tall, Bukit Larut is no walk in the park, but the fresh air and lack of crowds make it an ideal day climb.

Hop back on the highway into George Town, where you can make a longer stop to explore the heritage sites and slurp up the street food that Penang’s capital is famous for. Make sure to allow enough time for a stop by Butterworth Bird Park (also known as Penang Bird Park), Malaysia’s first and largest avian-focused park.

Suggested stops along the way include:   The Ascott KL, The Somerset KL, De.Wan KL, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang and Spa, Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya  and  Projek Nasi Lemak. See our full itinerary here

A nature-filled drive that takes you to the Jewel of Kedah

Total distance: 494km

It usually takes less than two hours to reach Ipoh from Petaling Jaya, but to make a trip of it, you could explore Fraser’s Hill along the way, or even make an overnight detour to the Cameron Highlands for some cool mountain air.

To start your drive feeling fresh, stop in Rawang, about 30 minutes from Petaling Jaya on the AH2/E1, for a quick dip in the spectacular Taman Eko Rimba Kanching Waterfalls. There are seven tiers to the waterfall, and each has a pond for swimming.

Drive on another half hour or so and you’ll reach the Selangor Fruit Valley, where you and your family can experience being a farmer for the day and, of course, sample some of the delicious produce.

After a food- and heritage-filled jaunt in Ipoh, make your way farther north to the Kuala Perlis ferry terminal where you can park your car at the port or take it to the island via a car ferry (operated by either Langkawi Auto Express or Langkawi Ro-Ro Ferry Services). Enjoy a mangrove cruise to admire tranquil coastal forests or explore the rice fields around Padang Matsirat on a bike.

Suggested stops along the way include:  Sunway Lagoon, Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya, Citadines DPulze Cyberjaya, Glaze Eatery, Lost World Of Tambun, Angsana Ipoh Mall, Tiga Bar, Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi. See our full itinerary here

A  journey marked with key religious sites and royal palaces

Total distance: 367km

Federal Route 3 is one of the most scenic highways not just in Malaysia but in all of Asia. Before you hit the highway, though, pay a visit to Batu Caves, just 20 minutes from central KL. This limestone cave complex houses Hindu temples filled with shrines and mystical dioramas, accessible via 272 rainbow-coloured steps. It’s definitely worth taking a tour to witness some of the fascinating plants and animals that live in the caves.

If you have time for an overnight stop, drive another hour or so up into Genting Highlands. The hotels, shopping malls, theme parks and casinos that make up this sprawling hillside resort guarantee round-the-clock fun. If natural attractions are more your thing, take a hike up Gunung Nuang or pay a visit to Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm to pick (and eat) your own fruit.

From Mersing, the highway joins the coastline, making for some scenic seaside views out the window. At Pekan, which is the royal seat of the Pahang sultanate, you’ll cross the Sultan Abu Bakar Bridge over the Pahang River before continuing on to Kuantan. From there, it’s an hour’s drive to the resort town of Cherating.

Suggested stops along the way include: Element Kuala Lumpur, Hilton Garden Inn Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman South, Miss Ellie Tea House, Ancasa Royale Pekan, Pahang and Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa. See our full itinerary here

For a grand Malaysian adventure that takes you up mountains and deep into the sea

Total distance: 120km

Drive over the Penang Bridge and head north to Kuala Perlis. Along the way, stop at Tupah Recreational Forest in Kedah. This lowland forest has a mighty river running through it and is a popular spot to hike, swim and picnic. Adventure-seekers can do an additional detour further south, to the Lojing Highlands, which form the start of the trail up Mount Yong Belar. It’s not an easy climb, even if you’re fit, but the views are worth it.

When you arrive at Kuala Perlis, take your car on the ferry to Langkawi or leave it in a parking lot, which costs about RM10 per day.

When you have had enough time lounging out in one of Langkawi’s many beach bars, head on a hike to Gunung Raya Reserve Forest’s granite peak. Schedule in enough time for birdwatching, kayaking and dives to explore the secret sights of the seabed.

Suggested stops along the way include: Stone Nine, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, JungleWalla, Mega Water Sports, Ambong Pool Villas. See our full itinerary here

An epic trip that takes you from the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula to its eastern tip 

Total distance: 826km

The drive from Johor Bahru to Port Dickson is relatively short (just over three hours) but you can maximise your road trip by making stops along the way at towns such as Batu Pahat, Muar, Malacca and Seremban.

Malacca is best known for its delicious traditional food, but Seremban is no lightweight either. This underrated foodie haven is most famous for the Seremban siew pau , a flaky pastry bun with a meat filling.

From Seremban, it’s just 30 minutes to the resort town of Port Dickson, where you can feast on fresh seafood. When you’re ready to hit the road again, continue on to Kuala Lumpur on the North-South Highway before cutting across the interior of the country and taking the scenic B-roads that hug the eastern coastline all the way to Terengganu. Stop by the Lentang Forest Reserve, an hour from downtown KL, where you can cool off in one of the many natural pools. Alternatively, drive a little further on to the Sungai Pandan waterfall for a dip beneath the 100m-high cascading rapids, followed by a relaxing picnic lunch. When you get to Terengganu, find out more the city’s artistic heritage at the Terengganu Handicraft Centre or the Bazar Warisan (Heritage Bazaar). Terengganu is also the jumping off point for islands such as Redang and the Perhentian Islands.

Suggested stops along the way include: Angsana JB Mall, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru, Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri, D&F Boutique Hotel, AnCasa Residences, Port Dickson, AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort. See our full itinerary here

A quick and easy getaway from the capital to the beaches along the eastern coast   

Total distance: 294km

The journey from downtown KL to Kuantan takes just 2.5 hours if you drive nonstop but where’s the fun in that?

Your first refuelling stop should be Bentong – famous for its durians – to feast on the King of Fruits.

Do also schedule a visit to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, about 1.5 hours from KL, to witness the great work the sanctuary does in caring for young elephants that have been orphaned by poaching or logging. You can even help the mahouts give the elephants their bath.

After stopping in Kuantan for a hearty meal of nasi kukus (rice with spiced chicken) and curry noodles, it’ll take you less than an hour to reach the resort town of Cherating, where sun, sand and even a little surf await.

Suggested stops along the way include: Mountain Cat Durian, Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur, Oh Cha Matcha, Puteh Beach Bar, White & Black Cabin, MTree Hotel Puchong and The Kasturi. See our full itinerary here

An adventure through the eco-tourism hub of Southeast Asia  

Total distance: 332km

It’s a relatively easy drive from Sabah’s capital city, Kota Kinabalu, to its nearest town, Kundasang, but pay attention around the lower slopes of Mount Kinabalu as there are some sharp bends, and roads in Sabah can sometimes be bumpy.

About an hour out of Kota Kinabalu, make a stop at Upside Down House Sabah, a quirky tourist attraction where, you guessed it, a traditional house stands on its roof. After snapping some pictures, drive another hour or so to Kundasang. This is the highest settlement in Malaysia and just 6km from Kinabalu National Park, home to more than 4,500 species of plants and animals and of course, Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest peak. Definitely schedule in some time to explore this amazing park.

From there, it’s a four-hour drive to Sandakan, on the northeast coast. Here, make a short detour to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to experience one of the twice-daily feeding sessions.

Suggested stops along the way include: Borneo Divers, Borneo Exotika, Teppanya, 50 Shades Bistro, Shangri-la Tanjung Aru and Hilton KK. See our full itinerary here

A carefree journey along the coastline with plenty of sun, sand and sea  

Total distance: 365km

It’s just 215km from JB to Malacca, making for a breezy 2.5-hour drive with several interesting pitstops along the way.

The first should be Pekan Nanas, or Pineapple Town, just 30 minutes from JB, to pick up some juicy road snacks. From there, Batu Pahat and Muar both have plenty of old-time coffee shops where you can perk up with a cup of traditional kopi.

Forego the highway from Malacca to KL in favour of the old coastal roads. It will take you a few extra hours’ driving, but it’s a much more scenic and interesting drive.

After about 1.5 hours on Route 5, you’ll reach Port Dickson, where you can stay overnight at one of the many beach resorts. If you prefer something quieter, head to Carey Island, about an hour outside KL. Here you can learn about the ancient culture of the Mah Meri indigenous community before digging into a seafood feast at one of the town’s fantastic restaurants.

Suggested stops along the way include: AladdinTi Malaysia, San Shu Gong, DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka, Stone Nine, Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. See our full itinerary here

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2 Weeks in Malaysia – The Best Malaysia Itinerary

• January 23, 2024
• 12 Comments

2 weeks in Malaysia is a good amount of time to appreciate all this beautiful country has to offe r. In this guide, I’ll be sharing a recommended two-week Malaysia Itinerary, including the best places to visit, where to eat, sleep, & party, as well as all of our top tips for visiting.

When it comes to the best South East Asia travel destinations, Malaysia is a country that rarely makes the hotlist. Sure, it might not be as wild as Thailand or as trendy as Bali , but after spending quite some time backpacking in Malaysia, I can confidently say that it is fiercely underrated.

The thing we love most about Malaysia is its diversity. It is a cultural melting pot, and the multi-ethnic influence of Malay, Indian, Chinese and European concocts a culture (and cuisine) unlike no other in the region.

There’s also an abundance of things to see and do. From pulsating urban cities and charming heritage towns to sweeping rainforests and pristine islands, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

This Malaysia itinerary combines a little bit of all these things. We cover the country’s West and East Coast, including Malaysian Borneo. It will allow you to experience the very best of Malaysia in two weeks.

So let’s get to it and plan your perfect two-week Malaysia itinerary.

If it’s your first time travelling or backpacking Malaysia, I recommend checking out our First timers guide to travelling Malaysia . It’s jam-packed with useful information that will help you prepare for a fantastic, and safe, trip of a lifetime.

Is Two Weeks in Malaysia Enough?

Malaysia is a massive country with plenty to see and do. It’s impossible to experience it all in two weeks, so I encourage you to plan your Malaysia itinerary wisely and prioritise what you want from your trip.

This might include deciding between the east coast or the west coast of Malaysia. While you can combine the two, it would mean doing quite a lot of travel which can eat into your valuable exploring time.

Personally, with just two weeks in Malaysia, I would choose one or the other and make the most of my time in that region. That way, you have an excuse to come back again as well!

In the next section, you’ll find a more detailed explanation of what you can expect from each region.

East or West Coast Malaysia Itinerary

When planning your Malaysia itinerary, it’s important to understand there are 2 ‘sides’ to the country.  

First of all, you have Peninsular (West) Malaysia.   This region is more developed, boasting the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, along with other popular tourist destinations.  

You can look forward to a diverse and exciting itinerary in West Malaysia, from the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang to the natural wonders of Langkawi and the Cameron Highlands.

Then you have East Malaysia.   Sparsely developed in comparison, the East attracts your more adventurous travellers. Those looking to explore the jungles of Borneo, or experience World-Class diving on the East Coast Islands.  

Up until now, we have only explored the West of Malaysia.   Though we know enough about the East that not only makes us desperate to go, but allows us to share some travel inspiration with you.

So with this in mind, below you can find two separate 2-week Malaysia Itineraries .   The first is a West Malaysia Itinerary and the second is a Borneo & East Malaysia Itinerary .

The Best of Malaysia in 2 Weeks

We have a lot to cover in this Malaysia Itinerary, so if you’re short on time, here are some of the highlights you can enjoy over your 14 days in Malaysia.

• Visit the mystical Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur
• Encounter wild orangutans in the jungles of Borneo
• Trek to find the rare Rafflesia Flower in the Cameron Highlands
• Go on a street art hunt in Georgetown
• Sample delicious traditional Malaysian food .
• Visit some of the best beaches in Malaysia on Langkawi Island
• Experience world-class diving in Borneo
• Discover paradise islands on The Perhentians.
• Hike Mount Kinabalu National Park

Tips & Advice for this Malaysia Itinerary

Before I show you how to spend a perfect two weeks in Malaysia, here are some of my top tips for visiting. 

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

Malaysia has two peak seasons – from December to the end of January and from June to mid-September.

However, You will want a clear idea of what you want to do when planning your Malaysia itinerary, as the weather patterns differ in West and East Malaysia. 

The best time to visit Peninsular (West) Malaysia is between November and August. September and October see the peak of monsoon season, and severe downpours consume the region.

If you’re planning a trip to the east coast, the best time is between March and September. Late November to mid-February brings the arrival of monsoon season on the east coast.

Other than that, stable tropical temperatures and high humidity are to be expected all year round. You should also prepare for the occasional downpour. 

Getting Around in Malaysia

After covering most of Peninsular Malaysia, we found the easiest way to travel from place to place was by tourist bus.  

It is by no means the quickest way; however, the buses are comfortable and you do get to see some pretty epic scenery along the way.  

It is worth noting that the road conditions are generally very good in the tourist regions of the West.   Although, once you start travelling East to Borneo, they become more treacherous.  

We recommend avoiding bus travel in these areas as there is a history of accidents on the roads.  

You can also travel via train or air to most regions, but prices are much more expensive and routes are limited.

*Tip – We recommend using 12go Asia to book your bus travel around Malaysia.

In our experience, the easiest way to explore big cities such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang is through the bus and rail networks.   As well as being reliable, they are also super cheap.

The metro system in Kuala Lumpur puts the London Underground to shame with comfortable, air-conditioned carriages and routes to the must-see spots across the city.  

There are even ladies-only carriages for female travellers who may feel uncomfortable in the mixed.

Grab Taxis operate in most cities and are a safer, cheaper alternative to a local taxi.   If you do take a local taxi, be sure they use the meter.   Or agree on the fare in advance to avoid being ripped off.

Staying Safe in Malaysia

Despite being a lesbian couple in a country that still has anti-gay laws, we can honestly say that we have always felt safe while travelling in Malaysia.

Of course, we do not publicly showcase our relationship; however, Malaysia is a modest country, and any form of PDA is frowned upon – even for straight couples.

Other than the odd pickpocketing incident, crimes against tourists are extremely rare. You can minimise the risk of this happening by keeping valuables secure and out of reach.

Of course, exercising precaution is always wise when travelling in unfamiliar territory. Be pragmatic with your choices, follow these steps for staying safe in Malaysia , and you’ll be just fine.

If you are an LGBTQ traveller visiting Malaysia, I recommend reading this Gay in Malaysia guide and these safety tips for LGBTQ+ travellers .

Travel Insurance

There are a lot of fun activities to do on this Malaysia itinerary; however, with adventure always comes risk. With this in mind, you will want to have adequate travel insurance that covers you for any tricky situations.

We always recommend Heymondo for travel insurance . They are affordable, offer a variety of packages and add-ons, and you get 5% discount using our link! (discount applicable for non-American citizens). 

Internet in Malaysia

While taking a trip to Malaysia is the perfect time to unwind and disconnect, it’s also handy to have online access when you need it.

In our experience, most accommodations, cafes, and restaurants have free wifi available. However, we also like to access the internet when out exploring to access maps, find local restaurants, etc. 

We always travel with a  GlocalMe portable wifi hotspot  that allows us to access the internet pretty much anywhere in the world. We also buy a local sim card which are easy to pick up at airports or local malls.

Finally, we always use a VPN when we travel. Using a VPN is very important these days to make sure that all your data is safe and secure.

Also, it helps while travelling for safety reasons and unlocks geo-restricted content such as Netflix and helps avoid demographic price discrimination while looking for a flight or a hotel.

In my experience,  Surfshark is the best VPN for travel .

2 Weeks in West Malaysia Itinerary

The following 2 week Malaysia itinerary starts and ends in the capital city Kuala Lumpur. It focuses on popular west coast destinations such as Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang and Langkawi Island.

I’ve included some of my favourite things to do in each location, as well as recommended places to stay.

• Days 1-3: Religious Sites, Nature Parks & Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
• Day 4 : Day Trip to the colourful city of Melaka
• Days 5-6: Trekking, Culture, and Tea Plantations in Cameron Highlands
• Days 7-9: Street Art, Street Food, and Colonial Buildings in Penang
• Days 10-13: Beaches, Waterfalls, and Watersports in Langkawi
• Day 14 : Return to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur: 3 Nights

Your Malaysian adventures will begin in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur.   Nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts might be tempted to move out of the city right away.   But hold your horses, as you might find there is more to KL than meets the eye.

I’d be lying if I said that Kuala Lumpur doesn’t take some time to digest.   It can be a sensory overload to people like us who warm more towards natural landscapes.   However, after spending quite some time in KL over the past two years, it’s become one of our favourite cities in Asia.  

There are in fact, a ton of cool and unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur .   Whether you are into culture, shopping, architecture, nature, or food, you are sure to find something you love about the city.  

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Below is a list of some of my favourite things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but for a more comprehensive guide on how to plan your time see this 2 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary .

1.  Batu Caves

The Batu Caves should be a priority on your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur.   The caves are a whopping 400 million years old and built amidst limestone cliffs are a sight to behold.

As well as a popular tourist attraction, the caves are a significant religious landmark, housing numerous Hindu temples and shrines.  

What’s more, following a recent upgrade incorporating a striking rainbow staircase, the caves are one of the most Instagrammed places in Kuala Lumpur .

2.  Mosques and Temples

As expected from such an ethnically diverse nation, mosques and temples are abundant in the capital city.

In addition to the Batu Caves, you should check out the Thean Hou Buddhist Temple and the grandeur Federal Territory Mosque .

Both are architectural gems, with the design of the Federal Territory mosque inspired by the Taj Mahal and Mecca.

Take the stress out of planning and cover the KL cultural highlights with an organised tour. Click the link below to read hundreds of positive reviews regarding the tour which includes the Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple, and the National Mosque. At just $25 it’s insane value for money, but be sure to book in advance as it sells out fast!

Book Your Tour: Group Tour: Batu Caves & Cultural Exploration Tour

3.  KL Eco Park

From sweeping jungle to concrete jungle, it’s hard to believe that Kuala Lumpur was once nothing but rainforest.

When you look at today’s skyline, you’ll only see towering skyscrapers and air pollution. But, in fact, some effort has been made to preserve the city’s’ routes.

The  KL Eco Park  is a 200m squared area of protected rainforest in the heart of the city. Home to various endangered plants, birds, and monkeys, it’s rare to encounter such raw nature in a modern metropolis. 

The park boasts several nature trails, including canopy walkways amid the treetops. With the glistening skyline in the background, it makes for awesome photo ops.

4. Enjoy the Food

One of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur is to enjoy the amalgamation of cuisine on offer. 

Food Halls in China Town. Banana Leaf specialities in Little India. Cheap but delicious Roti Canai. The list is truly endless.

One place I do highly recommend that you visit for an evening, though, is  Jalan Alor Street . This area bursts into life at night, with countless food vendors serving a variety of culinary delights. 

Conveniently located in the Bukit Bintang area, it’s the ideal place to grab a beer and watch the bustling Kuala Lumpur world go by.

If you’re stuck on what to order, check out these  15 dishes you must try in Kuala Lumpur .

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Hostel – Mingle @Chinatown – Mingle  is located in the heart of Chinatown – The chic decor is a big attraction here.

Budget Private –   Step Inn Guesthouse – A great choice for budget travellers, Step Inn Guesthouse offers modest but affordable accommodation in central KL.

Luxury –   The Face Suites – Spacious and modern apartments with a fitness centre, bars, restaurants and jaw-dropping infinity pool.

For a full list of places to stay in Kuala Lumpur, you can check the latest prices here .

Malacca: Day Trip

For the next stop on your Malaysia travels, I recommend taking a day trip to the UNESCO Heritage city of Malacca.

This charming historic city doesn’t find its way onto most Malaysia itineraries – which is a pity, as it has a lot to offer.  

Malacca has a rich colonial history. You’ll find the influence of Dutch, Portuguese and British throughout the city. It helps provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of Malaysia. 

If you’re looking to explore somewhere a little bit unique, you should, at the very least, consider a day trip to Malacca which is easy to do from Kuala Lumpur.

You can travel there yourself using the local bus network. Or to make things easier, you could take a tour like this one and have everything organised for you.

Top Things to do in Malacca

Below I’ve summarised some of the top things to do in Malacca, For a more comprehensive guide be sure to check out our Malacca itinerary .

Windmill Dutch Square

Windmill Dutch Square is probably the most iconic area of Malacca. It’s certainly one of the most photographed places in Malaysia and with its striking architecture, I can see why.

You’ll find many significant attractions surrounding the square, including Stadthuys. Historically, Stadthuys served as residence to Dutch governors. Today, it houses a collection of museums.

Then there’s the beautiful Christ Church. Its terracotta colonial architecture reminded me of the Franciscan Church in Ljubljana.

One of the simpler things to do in Malacca, but also one of my favourites, is a gentle stroll along the river. 

The river is the focal point of the tourist centre. On both sides, you can enjoy the multitude of beauty that Malacca has to offer. 

Look out for the vibrant street art that adorns many of the buildings. You’ll also find popular landmarks such as the Clock Tower and Ghost Bridge.

I also suggest stopping at one of the riverside bars or cafes where you can watch the gentle pace of the city go by.

Melaka Straits Mosque

Melaka Straits Mosque might be one of our favourite landmarks in all of Malaysia.

Built on a man-made island just off the coast of the Malacca Strait it is a truly awe-inspiring structure. When the tide comes in high, it appears to be floating on water.

The best time to see the mosque is at high tide, or during sunrise or sunset. 

Malacca is a city bursting with museums. Like I said earlier, this is the place to educate yourself on Malaysian history.

If you’re keen to learn more about the Peranakan culture that is unique to Malacca, check out the  Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum . 

Then there’s Stadthuys which houses the museum of history and ethnography. Inside you can find all kinds of significant artefacts that tell the history of the city.

Villa Sentosa is also popular as its one of the best preserved traditional homes in the city. The museum inside depicts the life of a wealthy family in the early 20th century.

Jonker Street Night Market

If you can plan your trip to Malacca for the weekend, you’re in for a real treat. 

Jonker Street Night Market is one of the most entertaining things to do in the city. Set in the shopping capital, the street comes alive with a variety of stalls and heaps of entertainment.

Here is the best place to try delicious street food staples like satay celup, chicken rice balls, and nyonya laksa!

Cameron Highlands: 2 Nights

Just a 4-5 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands are a picturesque rural region in the West of Malaysia.  

Boasting verdant nature, scenic views, and a bunch of adventure opportunities, the highlands are a worthy contender for your 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary.

The highlands are named after the British explorer who discovered them.   To this end, the fact that they are famous for their sweeping tea plantations is quite ironic.  

In keeping with British culture, you can also enjoy strawberry picking and traditional cream teas.

Things to do in the Cameron Highlands

Here’s a list of some of the Cameron Highlands highlights. Or for further travel inspo, check out these 25 Things to do in the Cameron Highlands .

1.  Jungle Trekking

Located next to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Jungle Treks and hiking in the Cameron Highlands is the number 1 activity.  

With tours starting from half a day up to 7 days plus, there are options to suit all interests and capabilities.  

On these tours, you get to experience some of the incredible scenery encompassing the highlands.   As well as learning about the region’s diversified flora and fauna.

2.  Hunt for the Rafflesia Flower

The Rafflesia flower is known to be one of the largest flowers in the world, and Malaysia is one of the few countries where you can find it.  

Growing up to 3ft in diameter, the extraordinary specimen is also known as the corpse flower thanks to its pungent odour!

*Tip – Your best chance of sighting the Rafflesia flower is during the rainy season and with the assistance of an experienced guide.

3.  Orang Asli Villages

Orang Asli, meaning ‘original people’ in Malay, refers to the indigenous groups living in Malaysia. The Cameron Highlands is one of few places where you can visit traditional villages.  

While these tours provide a fascinating insight into indigenous culture , it is a grey area whether or not it’s entirely ethical to visit them.  

We would say it’s ok, so long as you remain respectful at all times. It also helps if you buy something from the locals – handmade souvenirs make lovely keepsakes and it’s a way of giving back.

Places to Stay in the Cameron Highlands

Hostel –   Hikers Sleep Port – Conveniently located for those looking to explore all of the local attractions. Provides tour bookings and a free buffet breakfast for guests.

Budget Private –   Fathers Guesthouse Resort – Offering modest but comfortable private rooms . Enjoy nearby hiking trails and villages.

For more places to stay in the Cameron Highlands, you can check the latest prices here .

Penang/Georgetown: 3 Nights

If you are the slightest bit interested in Malaysian history, you should make Penang a priority on your two-week Malaysia itinerary.  

An island located along the west coast of Malaysia, the island once served as a major trading hub. However, it isn’t the beaches that attract visitors to come here.

Most tourists come to Penang to experience the capital of George Town. Famous for its heritage houses, street art, hipster cafes, and street food, UNESCO declared the city a world heritage site in 2008.  

Since then, Georgetown has flourished into a hub of creativity and culture. To ensure you hit all the best historical spots in town, you could consider the ‘ Explore Georgetown Half Day City Tour ‘.

Things to do in Penang

Here are some of our favourite things to do in Penang. Or for a more comprehensive guide, you can check out this Penang itinerary.

1.  George Town Street Art Hunt

The street art in Georgetown has become an iconic attraction among the backpacker crowd.   Created by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic in 2012, the unique works injected a new lease of life into the city.  

Hidden throughout a labyrinth of lanes and alleyways, searching for the famous murals makes for quite the fun treasure hunt. Or use this map and guide to locate the best ones.

2.  Tour the Heritage Houses

The pre-war heritage homes found all around Georgetown serve as a true reflection of the city’s colonial history.

Oozing charm and authenticity, it almost feels like you have stepped back in time to another era.  

You can also visit more affluent properties such as the Pinang Peranakan Mansion – once home to a 19th-century Chinese tycoon.

3.  Kek Lok Si Temple

Kek Lok Si or the ‘Temple of Happiness’, is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.   The complex serves as a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists throughout SE Asia.

In true Buddhist fashion, the intricate design of the temple is tremendously impressive.   And if you’re not ‘templed-out’, we recommend this day trip from Georgetown.  

4.  Take a Penang Food Tour

A Penang food tour is an absolutely essential thing to do during your 2 weeks in Malaysia.  The food here is some of the best in the country, and you are sure to leave with a very satisfied tummy.

Furthermore, Georgetown is known to be the street food capital of the country, and you are never more than a few metres away from a hawker stand.  

There are so many delicious street foods you must try in Malaysia –  Satay, noodles, Lok Lok, Apom Balik…   Try it all I tell you!  

Places to Stay in Penang

Hostel –   The 80s Guesthouse – The 80s Guesthouse is one of the most popular hostels in Penang.  The chic industrial design is a crowd favourite .

Budget Private –   Rainbow House – Modest but super comfy rooms, Rainbow House is the perfect budget accommodation option in the heart of Georgetown.  

Mid-Range –   The Boutique Residence Hotel – Offering a touch of luxury in the heart of Georgetown – Facilities include an indoor swimming pool and a la carte restaurant.

For places to stay in Penang, you can check the latest prices here .

Langkawi: 4-5 Nights

Your final stop on this 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary is Langkawi.   Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands located off the west coast.

Famous for their endless natural landscapes, the islands boast some of the best beaches in Malaysia.  

As a token of its beauty, Langkawi was declared a Unesco World Geo Park in 2007.   The interior of the main island is made up of lush rice paddies, majestic waterfalls, and sweeping rainforests.

All things considered, it is no surprise that   Langkawi is a popular choice among holiday goers and backpackers, alike.   The harmonious combination of relaxation and adventure appeals to all kinds of travellers.  

Things to do in Langkawi

Let’s look at the top things to do in Langkawi. Or for a more comprehensive guide, check out this Langkawi Itinerary .

1.  Beaches

Langkawi boasts some of the best beaches in Malaysia , so naturally, this is the number 1 thing to do here.

With many incredible beaches to choose from, it is worth renting a scooter for a day and discovering which one you like best.  

For all the action, Pantai Cenang is where it’s at.   Here you will find bars, restaurants, watersports, and shopping.  

Or for a quieter atmosphere, we can recommend Tanjang Rhu or Pantai Tengah .  

2.  Skytrex Adventure

One for the intrepid travellers, Sky Trex Adventure is an adrenaline-pumping assault course in the heart of the Langkawi Rainforest.  

With a choice of circuits depending on your capabilities, brave participants are faced with a number of challenging obstacles and zip lines.   Don’t look down!

3.  Waterfalls

There are a number of waterfalls to be found on Langkawi; though, Telaga Tujuh is arguably the most beautiful.  

The name, meaning ‘Seven Wells Waterfall’, refers to the seven connected natural pools.  

Adventurers can climb to the peak of the waterfall where magical views support a local legend that the area is home to fairies.

4.  Mangrove Tours

Mangrove Tours are a fiercely popular attraction in Langkawi which allow visitors up close and personal to some of the island’s most extraordinary nature.

As well as lush mangrove forests, you can expect to see plenty of wildlife.

You can either opt for a guided boat tour through the mangroves or if you are feeling more adventurous, why not try kayaking instead?

Places to Stay in Langkawi

Hostel –   Tubotel – Tubotel boasts sea views from their unique concept-style cube and tube-shaped accommodations.  

Budget Private –   Bohok Guesthouse – A cosy family-run establishment, Bohok Guesthouse offer great value for money in Pantai Cenang.

Mid-Range – The Smith House – The Smith House is perfect for those seeking a little extra comfort.  Facilities include a rooftop swimming pool, an on-site restaurant and a bar.

For more places to stay in Langkawi, you can check the latest prices here .

Day 14 – Return to Kuala Lumpur

See ya Malaysia, it’s been a blast!

2 Week East Malaysia Itinerary (Includes Borneo)

• Days 1-2: Religious Sites, Nature Parks & Shopping in Kuala Lumpur
• Days 3-8: Orangutans, Rainforests, & Diving in Malaysian Borneo
• Days 9-14: Snorkelling, Beaches, & Relaxation on the Perhentian Islands.

Kuala Lumpur: 2 Nights

Your East Cost adventures will inevitably begin in Kuala Lumpur, so it’s worth taking some time to adapt here and check out the highlights of the city.

See our section on Kuala Lumpur above for more information, or check out our suggested 2 Day Kuala Lumpur itinerary .

Malaysian Borneo: 6 Nights

Borneo, the world’s 3rd largest island, is divided among 3 countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.

  Boasting sweeping rainforest, world-class dive sites, towering mountain ranges, and some of our planet’s most unique wildlife, it is a location that screams adventure.  

While 73% of the island is dominated by Indonesian territory, Malaysian Borneo comprises of 2 states – Sawarak and Sabah.  

To experience all the attractions that Borneo has to offer , you will want to spend time in both states.    

Top Things to do in Malaysian Borneo

1.  encounter wild orangutans.

There are only two places in the world where you can encounter endangered orangutans.   The first is Borneo, and the other is Sumatra .  

Sadly, with deforestation for palm oil plantations proving catastrophic to the orangutan population, it is uncertain how much longer the species will survive.  

There are rehabilitation centres throughout Borneo working to protect the future of the species. While visiting one of these centres gives you the best chance of a sighting, you can also take your chances of seeing them in the wild.  

Trekking through the rainforest or a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River both come with a good chance of spotting wild orangutans .    

2.  Scuba Diving

Encompassed by some of the most pristine oceans in the region,   Sabah boasts some exceptional diving opportunities .  

Despite the high demand, only a limited number of dive permits are issued each day to help protect the fragile ecosystem.

Although diving here is expensive, the rare opportunity to encounter flourishing coral reefs, several species of sharks, turtles, and other tropical marine life, makes it worth the money.

3.  Climb Mount Kinabalu

At 4095m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia.   To endure this climb will require both mental and physical strength, not to mention money to spare.  

The cost of a permit alone is £85/$110, and you will need to hire a guide. You can   a pply for your Mount Kinabalu permit here .

An alternative to the strenuous climb is to spend the day at Kinabalu Park. Kinabalu Park boasts jungle trails, beautiful plants, and views of the prodigious mountain.

4.  Spot Wildlife on the Kinabatangan River

Considered a highlight when visiting Borneo, river cruises along the Kinabatangan River allow visitors the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife.  

These include the endangered proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, pythons, and elephants.

5.  Rainforest Trekking

The national parks in Sarawak provide unbeatable trekking opportunities, and with camping available in most places, makes for one hell of an adventure.  

Some parks require that you hire a guide, therefore be sure to do your research before you head out.

Perhentian Islands: 6 Nights

I’ll start by saying that travel from Malaysian Borneo to the Perhentian Islands isn’t exactly the easiest affair. However, after a week of adventuring in Borneo, it’s worth the journey to enjoy some downtime on the paradise islands.

The easiest way to travel from Borneo to the Perhentian Islands is to take a connecting flight through Kuala Lumpur.

Located off the East Coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are famous for their pristine beaches, azure waters, and spectacular diving conditions.

The largest island, Perhentian Besar, is a quieter and less crowded island. While Perhentian Kecil is livelier and more popular with backpackers.

Other than diving and snorkelling, there isn’t much else to do on the islands other than to immerse yourself in the tranquillity such conditions provide – heaven!

Additions to this Malaysia Itinerary

If you are spending more than 2 weeks in Malaysia, we would recommend taking your time through the itinerary and spending longer in the places you like the most.  

Alternatively, there are some lesser-known islands to consider such as Redang Island , Tioman Island, and Pangkor Island . Or visit Taman Negara National Park – the oldest rainforest in the world.

Budget for 2 Weeks in Malaysia

Travelling West Malaysia is suitable for all budgets and if you are sensible with your cash you can comfortably live on £20/25$ a day.  

Decent hostels can be found for as little as £5/7$ and often include breakfast, while budget private rooms are available for £10-20/15-25$.  

Food costs in Malaysia can also be very cheap.   Noodles or fried rice can be picked up at hawker stalls for as little as 5 MYR (£1/$1.20), while a good meal at a food court will set you back 10-15 MYR.  

If you want to dine at restaurants, expect to pay between 30-50MYR for a meal.

Entry prices for attractions will heavily depend on your interests.   Most of the mosques/temples, museums, and nature areas, are very cheap if not free to enter.  

But if you wanted to experience the view from the KL Tower, for example, it would set you back around £15/$20.

Alcohol in Malaysia can be almost prohibitively expensive for budget-conscious travellers.   It’s best to limit your consumption if you want to keep your daily spending down.  

If you are thinking of heading East to Borneo, you should consider that your daily spending will double if not triple, if you want to make the most of the attractions in the region.

Don’t forget, if it’s your first time travelling or backpacking Malaysia, check out our First timers guide to travelling Malaysia . It’s jam-packed with useful information regarding entry requirements, currency, safety, and all that jazz.

Enjoy your 2 Weeks in Malaysia!

Well, that concludes our recommendations for a 2 week Malaysia itinerary. I hope you’ve found it helpful and that you’re looking forward to your trip! 

We love hearing from you!  If you have any questions or feel that we’ve missed anything, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can  drop us a message  or leave us a comment below.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Check out our Malaysia series to help plan your trip.

Don’t forget to follow us on  Instagram here  where we share more travel tips and advice.

Stay adventurous and happy travels.

Charlotte & Natalie x

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12 Responses

This is a great article. Very inspiring and informative too. Thanks for sharing!!

Hi Robbin, thank you so much, this has made our day!

Super helpful article. I’ve been planning a trip to Malaysia for my wife and I for a while and I really appreciate the input you have. It’s very challenging to balance the time, budget and seeing all the things.

Hi Daniel, we’re so glad you found our article for Malaysia helpful! With so much to see and do, there is something for everyone. I hope you and your wife have a wonderful time in Malaysia!

Thank you this was actually really helpful. Did you prefer east or west?

Hi Sarah, we’re so glad you found this article helpful! I think East Malaysia, just because we prefer nature and adventure ♥

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Seven Malaysia Roadtrips You Need To Add To Your Bucket List

You deserve a good holiday. You know you do. But instead of the average rigmarole i.e. booking a flight that can be rescheduled without warning, checking into a homestay for its photogenic qualities, and gorging on authentic tourist cuisine as recommended on ‘TotallyGenuineFoodTrippers.com’, why not skip the sea of selfie sticks and boorish tour-bus throngs for a proper Malaysian roadtrip?

The worst bit about Covid – perhaps more than being deadly – is how it dictated and inhibited our daily lives. Roadtrips put control back in your hands. You’re the captain of your ship, setting whatever pace you like, following whatever winds catch your fancy. But before you chart your course, here’s two important questions to consider:

A) What bevy of delicious snacks will accompany your upcoming adventure? B) What are the best cars to experience our iconic highways and byways?

We’ve chosen cars that return decent enough mileage, that are reliable in a pinch, and with sufficient space if you’re bringing along several best friends – because hey, what’s a roadtrip without the right passengers? But more than anything else, we’ve chosen cars with character. These are the vehicles that make the long journey just as exciting as the destination.

And ‘long journey’ are key words here. While a red Ferrari is exactly the type of car that everyone gets out of bed for, a vehicle like that is better appreciated creeping along Jalan Telawi or speeding down a race track. Not swallowing ribbons of tarmac as you munch on those aforementioned snacks. So yes, ride comfort is a big consideration as well.

That however doesn’t mean our choice of car will be boring and uninspired. Fun should measure just as importantly as the other parameters. Along with comfily bolstered seats we shall also want smile-inducing performance. We’re not talking about pushing a car to its top speed but it should at least have more than enough grunt to comfortably break speed limits – not that we’re suggesting you do anything of the sort.

Without further ado, here are the roadtrips and cars we feel, will give you the most bang for your roadtripping buck.

1. K.L. to Pantai Irama, Kelantan

• Travel time: 6.5 hours
• Distance: 450KM
• Car of choice: Porsche Cayenne CKD

We’re very cautious about over-selling seaside destinations, but Pantai Irama or Melody Beach is one of the nicer ones without having to go off-shore. But while the sand is powdery and the lapping waves a welcome respite, it can get ever so slightly crowded on the weekends. Bring your picnic basket or better yet, dig into traditional Kelantanese cuisine that’s rich, sweet and creamy. Just don’t expect a pristine beach.

Still, this could be a pretty epic if not historic journey to make in the Cayenne CKD. Not only will you be charmed by Kelantanese food and culture, but that uber-lux SUV would have just come off the very first Porsche assembly facility outside of Europe. Based in Kulim, Kedah, the new plant only produces base model Cayennes, priced from RM550,000, offering a savings of up to RM115,000 from previous filly imported vehicles.

It’s powered by a 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that’s good for 340 PS (335 hp) at 5,300 to 6,400 rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,340 to 5,300 rpm. An eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and active all-wheel drive ensures you carve up those East coast roads like a hot knife through butter.

2. K.L. to Legoland, Johor Bahru

• Travel time: 3.5 hours
• Distance: 330KM
• Car of choice: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 AMG Line

What good reason does an adult have to be at a water park? First up, stop being such an grown up. Between talking politics at your favourite watering spot, or jumping on a water slide and going with the flow, which do you figure is more life affirming? Take off your big boy pants and take a lesson or two from kids who know exactly how to enjoy life’s best moments. And anyone who’s spent a day – let alone several is quick succession – at a water park, will know how exhausted, famished and completely refreshing it can be. Want a more physically and mentally challenging day than you’ve ever experienced? Invite your young nephews and nieces, and you’ll be having the best sleep of your life come the day’s end.

For this trip, we recommend hopping into the GLC 300 that now comes in a new Spectral Blue paint option. Retailing from RM338,693 without insurance, this beauty offers 258 PS and 370Nm of torque plus the right amount of space to fit enough luggage for several days for four adults. Blending premium quality and style, this comfortable drive has all the styling, tech and driver appeal to win over the weekend cross-country tripper in you. That means it’ll feet every bit as great whether running down North-South Expressway, or navigating through of Johor Bahru’s heritage streets or cafe hoping in Mount Austin.

3. K.L. to Malacca

• Travel time: 1.5 hours
• Distance: 155KM
• Car of choice: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Malacca’s tourism has always been a double-edged sword. You might be experiencing a UNESCO World Heritage site on a trishaw powered by an equally ancient looking man, except his bike and cart is decked out in garish Hello Kitty pink. As he takes you across historic cobbled streets toward the steps of a 16th century church, you might also spy numerous new hotels, built in disregard of said UNESCO guidelines, because there’s really no such thing as over-commercialization. It’s still worth a visit though. Especially if you roll in on a spanking new Hyundai Ioniq 5.

4. K.L. to Cameron Highlands

• Travel time: 3 hours
• Distance: 206KM
• Car of choice: Volkswagen Golf GTI MK8

Hooray for life’s simplest pleasures; like picking fresh strawberries to have with hot scones and cream. Or how about a cool stroll through the surreal Mossy Forest? Or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air?

Serene activities like these are the perfect come-down, after a spirited drive up from KL in the cracking Golf GTI MK8. Thanks to its Vehicle Dynamics Manager, it sticks to mountain corners and spits you towards the next bend faster than ever before. Overseeing stability control, the electronic differential and adaptive damper settings to optimise your driving experience, this new fangled software allows regular joes to push the car’s limits albeit under controlled parameters. But If you’re really feeling adventurous, then you’ll need to set you GPS for the longer Ringlet Road-Sungai Koyan road via Route 102. Certainly the more “scenic” route, you’ll be putting an additional 30-40 minutes on your fun time. Just make sure your passengers’ stomachs are up to the task.

5. K.L. to Penang to Kota Bharu

• Travel time: 4 hours (K.L. to Georgetown), 5.5 hours (Georgetown to Kota Bharu)
• Distance: 354.5KM (K.L. to Georgetown), 341KM (Georgetown to Kota Bharu)
• Car of choice: BMW i4 M50

There is just a stunning range of geographical diversity as you travel up north; it’s filled with mountains, rivers, forests and wetlands. With attractions so diverse, this medium to long range journey is perfect if you’ve got five to seven days to spare. In Penang, punctuate your meal times with visiting Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the Botanical Gardens. There’s popular Batu Ferringhi Beach and Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion to take selfies at. Penang boasts the best hawker food in Malaysia, but trendy cafes serving creamy lattes and buttery pastries have also been mushrooming across the island.

Once you’ve had your fill, Kota Bharu offers sights, sounds and smells that might seem completely foreign if you’ve never experienced them before. There are shopping bazaars, Thai Buddhist temples, and a thousand delicacies at the famous Kota Bharu Night Market,

Our chosen car? BMW’s jaw-dropping i4 M50. Retailing at RM430,000, this is the German maker’s first fully electric M model. Arriving with all-wheel drive, the power to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, real cowhide seats, and (we kid you not) Hans Zimmer designed engine sounds, this model is the one that finally convinced us that those oversized kidney bean grills are actually pretty attractive.

6. K.L. to Ipoh

• Travel time: 2.5 hours
• Distance: 205KM
• Car of choice: Mercedes-AMG A35

Georgetown will always be the rockstar destination for local roadtrips. While Ipoh is all about turning off and slowing down. You still get pretty colonial buildings, historic walkways like Concubine Lane, and the charming city’s tin-mining history is gloriously retold at the Han Chin Pet Soo museum. But contemporary attractions like the Ipoh Art trail – thanks to a collaboration between the Old Town White Coffee company and Lithuanian artist Ernst Zacharevic – shake things up and remind you that Ipoh has its eye on moving with the times. And if the sweltering heat at Kellie’s Castle is a little too much to take, step into the Kek Lok Tong cave temple and its cooling mini-ecosphere instantly puts a weary traveller at ease.

The perfect car for this quick getaway – the Mercedes A35. Like Ipoh, the A35 is the more down-to-earth brother to the limelight hogging A45. Unlike its older sibling that comes with its very own bespoke AMG engine and an impressive RM450,000 plus price tag to match, the A35 (RM336,278) stills pumps out a very serious 306 PS and 400Nm of torque via its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Its short wheelbase is perfect for navigating tight nooks and crannies, while still cocooned in Merc’s signature luxury.

7. K.L. to Taiping

• Distance: 266KM
• Car of choice: Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8

Did you know that Taiping’s Lake Gardens was completed in 1880? It is one of, if not the oldest, park crafted from leftover tin mines. It’s mesmerising Rain Trees, also known as the Pukul Lima Tree for the way its leaves curl up in the evening, are a sight to behold. Just don’t get in the way of numerous pre-wedding photoshoots that dot the waters edge. Other fascinations that might pique your interests: All Saints Church is Perak’s very first, the Taiping-Kuala Lumpur railway was Malaysia’s first train route, and Maxwell Hill was Malaysia’s first hill station.

Unlike many destinations mentioned in this list, Taiping is still relatively pristine given its long history. And we’d like to keep it that way. Enter the XC40 P8, the very first ever fully electric car to be locally assembled. As the third XC40 variant, this snazzy new car is powered by two electric motors, delivery a healthy output of 408PS and 660Nm of torque. Completing the 0-100 sprint in 4.9 seconds, its takes 7-8 hours to fully charge, and features Volvo’s very, very, extensive list of safety and driver assistance systems. What you really need to know is yes, this model features those insanely cool Thor’s Hammer LED daytime running lights.

Read more: The A-Listers Took A Few Mercedes-Benz Cars For A Spin In Bukit Tinggi

Zech Pharamond

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City Nomads

Road Tripping in Malaysia: The Best Routes for Exploring Malaysia From Kuala Lumpur

PUBLISHED February 25th, 2022 05:00 am | UPDATED April 5th, 2022 11:24 am

After long years of pandemic lockdowns, we’re all itching for more adventure – and a roadtrip sounds like just the ticket. With Malaysia lifting its ban on interstate travel, thoughts of scenic views, food trails , and nature escapes are getting us revved up already. Here’s our bucket list of the best routes for exploring Malaysia from KL, ranging from short drives to multi-day getaways.

Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara National Park

Drive time: 2 hours from KL to Fraser’s Hill, 4 hours from Fraser’s Hill to Taman Negara National Park

If you’re craving a dose of nature, a multi-day getaway to Malaysia’s green lung of Taman Negara National Park sounds like a plan. But rather than driving there direct from Kuala Lumpur, we recommend making a stopover at the rainforest-rich hamlet of Fraser’s Hill in Pahang. Spread over seven lush hills, this highlands village is criss-crossed with scenic mountain trails, prime birdwatching spots, and the popular Jeriau Waterfall. If you’re planning to stay overnight, you’ll find an array of charming colonial bungalows available for homestays – relics of the British colonial era.

Next stop: Taman Negara National Park . This pristine 130-million-year-old forest ranks among the world’s oldest rainforests, clocking in at 4,343 square kilometres of camping, cave exploring, and trekking opportunities. Highlights include getting high with stunning views on the world’s longest canopy walkway, as well as visiting the Kampung Orang Asli – a village of Malaysia’s native aborigines renowned for their blowpipe hunting skills.

Kuala Lumpur to Tanjong Jara

Drive time: 2 hours from KL to Gambang, 3 hours from Gambang to Kuala Dungun

Fancy a breezy coastal drive? You can get your fill of sun, sand, and spa time with a winding roadtrip from Kuala Lumpur along Malaysia’s tranquil east coast. First up, a dose of wellness – make your way to Mangala Resort & Spa in Gambang for a day or two of traditional Malay massages and luxe villa living, in the serene heart of fruit orchards and wetlands.

Hit the road via the picturesque Federal Route 3 , which runs along Malaysia’s east coast and offers hours of splendid seaside scenery. This route takes you through placid beach towns like Cherating – known for its laidback sands and leatherback turtles. In no time, you’ll reach the golden sands fronting Tanjong Jara Resort in Kuala Dungun, an elegant resort designed to resemble a 17th-century Malay palace. With a whole Spa Village to relax in, you can bet on your worries melting away here.

Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Drive time: 2.5 hours from KL to Ipoh, 2 hours from Ipoh to Penang

Want to eat your way through Malaysia? No better way to do it than a roadtrip from Kuala Lumpur through the hawker food heaven of Ipoh, and onward to the buffet of street eats that is Penang. Ipoh has no end of local delights to stuff yourself silly with – white coffee and chee cheong fun for breakfast, curry mee and claypot crab noodles for lunch, and silky caramel custard to top it all off. Walk off the food coma with a tour around Ipoh’s vibrant street art gems, particularly in Ipoh Old Town.

Strap in for the two-hour drive north to Penang’s capital of George Town , where every nook and cranny is crammed with tasty street eats. Start your day right with Apong Guan ‘s famously fluffy apom manis filled with bananas and shredded coconut, then vie with the crowds at Sup Hameed for nasi kandar (aka rice with curry-based meats and veggies). Drive over to third-generation stall Bridge Street Prawn Noodle for a slurpworthy bowl of Hokkien mee, before stopping by Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul for an icy dessert.

Kuala Lumpur to Taiping

Drive time: 3 hours from KL to Cameron Highlands, 3 hours from Cameron Highlands to Taiping

Nothing spells peace quite like rolling through the countryside in Cameron Highlands . Wind down your window and breathe in the cool highlands air, as you rove through lush tea plantations dotted with honeybee farms, strawberry farms, and rustic villages. Once there, a slice of countryside awaits. The Robertson Rose Garden flaunts over 100 species of roses, best seen from mid-spring; strawberry picking is another popular activity at farms, where you can eat them ripe and juicy right off the stem.

Ready to explore further? Wind your way past mountain ranges and dense forests to reach Perak’s northwestern town of Taiping . Whether it’s a stroll in Taiping Lake Gardens or a boat tour to Kampung Dew to watch the dazzling dance of fireflies on the river, this little town oozes tranquility. It’s also worth a trip to the historic Antong Coffee Mill – Malaysia’s oldest coffee mill still follows the traditional method of roasting beans over a wood fire to produce a unique smokiness.

Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Coast

Drive time: 4 hours

Set in southeastern Johor, Desaru Coast was once a quiet coastal town – until the luxury resorts started taking notice of its charms. These days, it’s a glam getaway for folks craving the suite life, with private plunge pools and prime beach access at the likes of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast . Sun and sea aside, you’ll also have a splashing good time at the  Adventure Waterpark with over 20 wet and dry thrills to tackle.

Your four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur will take you past Johor , so why not stop over to fuel up? Drop by the local hotspot The Toast in Taman Mount Austin for Nanyang coffee, along with their signature egg mayo toast and nasi lemak. Or grab a seat at the popular Restoran Gim Cheng in Taman Daya for a spread of over 60 kinds of handmade dim sum, including the crowd-favourite mango shrimp rolls.

Kuala Lumpur to Malacca

Drive time: 2.5 hours from KL to Muar, 1 hour from Muar to Malacca

If you’re after a dose of heritage and culture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malacca is undoubtedly your cup of tea. But first, we recommend a day’s detour to Muar . The buildings of this historical town come splashed with stunning larger-than-life murals, including Julia Vochkova’s Loving Sisters and Sabek’s  The Bond . Also worth seeing is the Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque – a breathtaking mosque splashed in dreamy white and sky blue, blending elements of British colonial and traditional Malay architecture.

Next, head to the heritage hotbed of Malacca , where you can explore Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple: the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple . Another striking attraction, the Malacca Sultanate Palace , is a reconstruction of the 15th-century royal palace that stood in the same spot; not only is it wrought entirely of wood, not a single nail was used in its construction. For a suitably heritage-style stay, opt for the Timez Hotel , where each individually designed suite is a nod to Malacca’s history.

Road Tripping in Malaysia

Planning  your next road tripping adventure? UOB Cardmembers can a variety of travel deals, with up to 25% off accommodation bookings with Agoda , Booking.com and Expedia or up to 5% off savings on travel bookings with Klook . If you’re looking to rent a car to explore your destination, get up to 20% off Avis Car Rental or Budget Car Rental . Last but not least, don’t forget the Travel Insurance !

Don’t have a UOB Card? Find the right credit card for all your needs here .

Top Image: One&Only Desaru Coast

Deputy Editor

Jolene has a major sweet tooth and would happily eat pastries for all meals. When she’s not dreaming of cheesecake, she can be found in the dance studio, working on craft projects, or curled up with a good book.

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Wind your way through Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s largest colonial hill station. (Photo: Getty Images)

Are You Ready, Road Warrior? This is the Ultimate Malaysian Road Trip

It may be only 528 miles from the tip of Singapore to the Thai border, but Malaysia packs a lot into that small territory. While public transport links up most of the major tourist spots, one of the best ways to see more of the peninsula is to hire a car and head out on your own.

Roads are safe, well maintained and easy to navigate, so the only real challenge is deciding where to go.

Fresh Start: Singapore to Gunung Belumut; 105 miles

From Singapore, it’s about a 2.5-hour drive to the base of Gunung Lambak, a twin-peaked mountain in Johor’s Gunung Belumut Recreational Forest. The mountain is small—only 510m above sea level—but once you turn off the paved trails onto the jungle paths, the steep terrain provides more of a workout.

Small waterfalls and pretty creeks line your route through the rainforest, making for a delightful morning out. After you descend, cool off in the fresh mountain pool at the base.

Matters of Taste: Gunung Belumut to Malacca; 112 miles

From the hills of Johor, head to the coast of Malacca, where fruit farms abound with the most sought-after durians in Asia. Melaka City is where all the action is and here you’ll find a fascinating mix of Peranakan, Portuguese, Dutch and British architectural styles. But it’s the Peranakan cuisine—Nyonya—that you must try.

The unassuming Unicorn Cafe sets the benchmark for authentic, home-cooked Peranakan favorites. The pie tee (crunchy shells overflowing with jicama, carrot and shrimp), kuah lada ikan (stingray cooked in a peppery turmeric sauce) and Nyonya laksa with clams are all highly recommended.

Bright Lights, Big City: Melaka to Kuala Lumpur; 93 miles

Stomachs full, it’s then a two-hour drive to the bright lights of KL. For a real flavor of the city, it’s worth stepping away from the shadow of the Petronas Towers and into a vibrant neighborhood such as Brickfields. Also known as Little India, this compact area is home to colorful Indian shops, grocers and cafes.

Alternatively, a little way beyond the city lie the very popular—and worthwhile—Batu Caves (just beware the cheeky monkeys). Thirty-seven miles away in Kuala Selangor is Firefly Park, where you can hop on a riverboat and witness millions of lightning bugs illuminating the sky.

The High Life: Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands; 150 miles

It’s worth opting for the scenic route out of KL (an extra 22 miles), which wends through the Genting Highlands on its way to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s largest colonial hill station. The Little England vibe is still omnipresent, with quaint villages, Tudor-style inns, tea plantations and honey farms dotting the landscape.

The road winds north from the biggest town Tanah Rata, with points of note off to both left and right: from butterfly farms and aboriginal villages to tea estates and mountain climbs. If you’re feeling energetic, Gunung Berembun is the peninsula’s highest point at 2,077m and affords amazing panoramas.

Temple Tour: Cameron Highlands to Ipoh; 56 miles

The former mining town of Ipoh may have stagnated since the days of the booming tin industry in the mid-1900s, but the Old Town is still attractive, with prewar and colonial architecture dotted around.

Kellie’s Castle—an unfinished castle that fell into ruin after its owner, a Scottish planter, died suddenly in the early 1900s—is certainly worth your time.

Ipoh’s signature limestone mountains ensure there are a wealth of caves to explore, many with ornate temples set into the caverns. Perak Cave Temple is the most spectacular, with one chamber running deep into the rock, and colorful murals and calligraphy adorning the walls.

On the road out of Ipoh there are upwards of 30 cave temples that you can visit at your leisure.

Town and Country: Ipoh to George Town; 100 miles

It’s hard to avoid the crowds of backpackers on Penang’s popular island, of which George Town is a hub (it’s a rite of passage en route to Malaysia’s tropical islands), but a car offers one way to escape.

If you’re looking for bit of tranquility, park at the entrance to Penang National Park and set out on foot through the jungle. The park is small but dense, with Muka Head Lighthouse and the remote Teluk Kampi beach being the highlights.

George Town is a relaxing, laid-back destination that can be explored in just a few hours—but will have you lingering over the abundance of incredible street food.

Sailing into the Sunset: George Town to Langkawi; 60 nautical miles

Park your car here for a few days—it’s time to sail off to Langkawi. There’s a fast ferry service between the two islands that takes about three hours, but the ultimate way to arrive is aboard your own private yacht.

A company like Boat Lagoon Yachting can arrange private charters between George Town and Langkawi, where you can spend a few luxurious days at a beachfront resort such as The St. Regis Langkawi (including a ride from the pier in a Bentley!). After that, why not take to the seas again for a bit of island hopping

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Helping you to create and organise travel adventures, even with small kids.

Singapore to Malaysia road trip: the most complete guide

Last Updated on 19/05/2023 by Clotilde Passalacqua

Are you visiting Singapore and considering extending your time to explore Malaysia, its neighbouring country? Nothing is easier than organising a Singapore to Malaysia road trip. Whether you travel with family, alone, or with friends, this is a trip that will fill everybody with memories.

There are several options to organise a trip to Singapore and Malaysia, there are good bus connections between the two countries, and then using buses and taxis you can reach the major sites in Malaysia. However, the freedom and flexibility you get by driving in Malaysia are unbeatable. You will be able to easily reach less known attractions, take your time, and not be forced into a schedule.

On top of the bus and car options, you can also join tours. Malaysians seem to love tour packages, but be aware that you may feel like on a school trip. We partially experienced this on the east coast (more below) and it wasn’t our cup of tea!

Driving in Malaysia is also a breeze, the main roads are in perfect condition, the rest are generally good, and traffic, in general, seems quite light. In this post we will look at:

• Considerations to define your road trip to Malaysia itinerary based on time available and season
• Practicalities to organise your Singapore to Malaysia road trip
• Best itinerary to mix cultural stops and time to unwind

Just to put this trip into context: we travelled as a family of 4 (with our 6 year old twin boys). In 2022 the borders were open but there were few foreign tourists in Malaysia, with more in Singapore.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, at no cost to you .

CONSIDERATIONS FOR A ROAD TRIP TO MALAYSIA FROM SINGAPORE

When you are starting to prepare for your Singapore to Malaysia road trip there are two important things to consider:

• the time that you have available and
• the time of the year of your trip, as Malaysia is affected by the Monsoon season.

Time available for a road trip in Malaysia and Singapore

Singapore is a really small country (city-state) but packed with tons of things to see and experience. Many people will tell you that a couple of days are enough in Singapore. Whilst this is true in the sense that in a couple of days you could gain an overview of the city, however, you could easily spend 5-7 days there if you enjoy exploring the museums and taking part in tours.

If you are tight for time then planning 3 days in Singapore is a good compromise.

Malaysia on the other hand is a big country with many things to explore throughout. In this article, we will focus on peninsular Malaysia and leave exploring Borneo to another time. I would recommend planning at least 12 days in the country

Time of the year: different itineraries for different seasons

• During the monsoon season from November to January you will get a bit more rain, but tropical rain is not uncommon during the rest of the year too.
• May to October From, roughly, May to October the monsoon presides over the west coast which sees rain most days even if sometimes just for a couple of hours in the afternoon. At the same time, the east coast is sunny and it is the perfect time to visit beautiful tropical islands like Tioman, Pulau Redang, or the Pulau Perhentian.
• November to March From November to March the monsoon is on the east coast. During heavy rain, the connection with the islands could be disrupted and resorts and hotels on the smaller island usually close during this period. While you can still include a visit to the east coast, if you want to soak up the sun you will want to dedicate more time to islands like Penang and Langkawi.

The itinerary you will see below is perfect for the Summer months. Of course you can do it whenever you want but at the end I will suggest another option if you travel in Winter.

PRACTICALITIES OF YOUR SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA ROAD TRIP

There are a couple of things to check and consider when planning your Singapore to Malaysia road trip. First of all, make sure you are up to date with both countries’ entry requirements.

Check if you need a Visa to enter Singapore or Malaysia. Many countries can access Singapore with their free e-visa program (for tourism purposes), and Malaysia asks for a visa only from a few countries if you visit for tourism purposes for less than 90 days, but these things can change quickly and unexpectedly.

• The official website for Singapore: www.ica.gov.sg
• The official website for Malaysia: www.malaysia.gov.my

The same advice is valid for Covid 19 vaccine requirements. At the moment borders in both countries are open to everybody regardless of vaccination status, but again these things could change really quickly.

Driving license

To drive a car, you will not need special documents if your license is in English. In case your driving license is not in English you will need to provide an official translation, or you will need an international driving permit. Together with your driving licence, you need to provide your passport. Then you will be ready to go.

Touch and go card

This is a simple rechargeable card you can buy in any 7/11, that is used to pay the motorway tolls. If like us you forget to get one you will still be able to pay cash, but in most cases, you will need to buzz someone to special come and take the payment as everything seems to be automated and it’s a proper pain! So try to get one as soon as possible! It is a really useful card, we did use it also in KL to pay for some parking where it was one of the few accepted methods of payment!

Where to start your journey

You will have two options regarding where to start your journey and where to rent a car for your road trip. I’m assuming that you will arrive in Singapore. You can pick up a car directly at the airport but be prepared for a shock when you check the rental price. I checked quotations on different websites, at different times of the year and the results were always sky high.

However, there is an easy solution to this. You can spend your time in Singapore (where anyway you wouldn’t need a car), and then you can cross the border and pick up your car in Johor Bahru. This is a really simple process and the car rental will cost you a quarter of the price you see in Singapore. Even if you leave the car in another city (as I recommend in the itinerary below) you will still save lots of money.

Car Rental Net is our option every time we have to collect a car out of hours or return it to a different place because they include all fees meaning no nasty surprises!

Check here for the best price to rent a car in Malaysia

Cross the border between Singapore and Malaysia

To cross the land border between Singapore and Malaysia, you have two choices: you can cross the Johor–Singapore Causeway or the Second Link. Following there is a summary of your best options, but you can read a detailed article on how to cross the border from Singapore to Malaysia here.

If you decide to cross the border with a rented car (assuming you picked it up in Singapore) you need to check that you are allowed, and you will be responsible to get the VEP (vehicle entry permit)

If you decide to rent a car just across the border in Johor you can use a bus or train to cross the border at the Johor–Singapore Causeway.

• To cross the border with the bus you need to arrive at Marsiling (on the red line), from there catch bus 950 or 170 (there are also others, it is worth checking with the drivers) to the Woodland Checkpoint, then after clearing Singaporean immigration you will board again the bus and cross to Malaysia and clear immigration there too. You can also take a bus 170X from Kranji (on the red line).
• To cross the border with the train you need to arrive at Marsiling (on the red line), and from there catch bus 950 or 170 (there are also others, it is worth checking with the drivers) to the Woodland Train Checkpoint. Once at Woodland Checkpoint, you will clear both immigration controls before boarding the train and after the 5-minute journey, you arrive and simply exit the station.

The train is a really practical option, but if you are planning to travel during peak dates you will need to reserve your ticket far in advance. We used this option and it worked perfectly for us. You can buy the ticket here .

The bus is also ok, but you will need to clear immigration in two steps, and it could be more time-consuming.

Once you are on the other side of the border you can easily get a taxi to your rental place. Make sure to pick a downtown office and not the airport location.

• Of course, if money is not a concern you can also decide to cross the border with an authorised taxi!

SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA ROAD TRIP JOURNEY

This road trip around Malaysia is based on 15 nights. You can squeeze it into 14 nights, but it would be difficult to shorten it more. However, I will make some suggestions at the end.

As I mentioned before, spending 3 days in Singapore will give you a good overview of the country , but feel free to add an extra day if you have more time available.

Malaysia is perhaps an underrated country but when you start to look deeper there are millions of beautiful and interesting places to see. It could become an overwhelming job to select what to include in your itinerary (it was for me), but here you have got a tested road trip that works really well and combines cultural interests with stops where to take a break and unwind, as well as water activities to get the best out of your time in Malaysia.

Of course, it also leaves out many things, but at the end, I will mention 2 easy swaps you could consider.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 nights

• WHERE TO STAY: Singapore offers an impressive number of accommodations, unfortunately, unlikely other Asian destinations it is challenging to find reasonable budget hotels/Airbnb. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Orchard city centre and while it was ok, it was still quite priced. However, the location was really good to reach easily everything by bus or underground. Overall I would stay again.

As Said before Singapore is quite small but packed with interesting things to see. In three days you will have a good overview but it is impossible to see everything. In this itinerary, Sentosa island is not included. We travelled with kids, but this time we didn’t want to invest a full day between parks, we preferred to focus on discovering the city.

The first day could be a little shorter as you maybe arrive mid-morning. Take it easy, if you arrive at the hotel before check-in time, drop the bag and go for lunch. Then explore little India and go back to your hotel for a rest or a refreshing splash in the swimming pool. After resting walk along the Clarke Quay till you reach the Merlion and then move in front of the Marina Sand bay to watch Spectra a night light show. For dinner enjoy something a little different at Violet kitchen a restaurant hidden in the National Gallery. (book in advance)

On the morning of the second day explore Chinatown and for lunch, queue to taste some delicious food at the first stall awarded a Michelin star in the Chinatown complex (Hawker Chan). After lunch move to the bay and explore Garden by the Bay. Book the entrance in advance to avoid queuing and disappointment because it could be sold out. It will take all afternoon, but it really worth it. For dinner, you can stop at Satay by the bay.

On the third day, you can decide to visit one of the many interesting museums, or I would recommend a visit to the terrific botanic gardens . In the afternoon you can shop until you drop in Orchard street.

On the morning of the fourth day make your way to cross the border and pick up your rental car to start exploring Malaysia.

Day 4-5 Malacca 1 night

• DRIVING TIME: 2h 30
• Rucksack Caratel for a budget solution really close to the centre.
• Rosa Malacca for a stylish new hotel, with big rooms (we stayed here, but next time I would try the Rucksack hotel)

Driving to Malacca from Johor Bahru takes around two hours and a half so you can be there by lunchtime if you get up early. Malacca is not a big city, but there are many things to see.

On the first day after lunch take a stroll along the river and then walk around the old town to see A Famosa, Malacca sultanate, the charming St. Paul hill, and the area around Christ Church. At sunset take the boat that is near the Maritime Museum and enjoy the view from the river of the old buildings that start to light up. If you are there over Friday, Saturday or Sunday do not miss going to Jonker night market. The market takes over, the street is closed to traffic, and you can taste delicious street food.

On the second day go back to the area around Jonker street and visit some of the temples, a mosque, and shop in the traditional artisanal shops. If you are too tired to keep walking then take the car and reach Kampung Morten, a small preserved village along the river where there are around 50 traditional houses, including Villa Sentosa that you should be able to visit. (Unfortunately, it was closed when we went there but I understand it is quite interesting)

Around lunchtime is time to move to Kuala Lumpur

Day 5-7 Kuala Lumpur 2 nights

• DRIVING TIME: 2h
• Aloft hotel is in a great location and the hotel has a really fun and inviting vibe. The rooms are not big but have everything you need and there is a great rooftop pool with a bar for a medium price. There are different eating options and breakfast is superb!
• DRIVING TIME: 2h.

Driving from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur takes a couple of hours. Driving in the city was easy and we found parking easily wherever we went. There are a lot of underground parking lots around the city which makes it practical to go around with a car (Some parking don’t accept credit cards but only touch’n-go cards).

We stayed at the beautiful hotel Aloft beside the central station where the parking charge was reduced for guests. The parking entrance is just beside the main entrance on the left when looking at it, but it could be confusing. When you arrive drive in front of the hotel and ask the hotel staff that are usually outside to point you in the right direction)

On the first day after dropping off your stuff at the hotel, make your way to the Petronas twin towers. Make sure you buy your ticket in advance, it is highly unlikely otherwise that you will find space on the same day. The tour is organised and it lasts around 1 hour in total.

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS FLEXIBLE TICKETS – IMPORTANT TO KNOW

The tickets you buy on the official Petronas twin towers website are the cheapest and they include what third-party websites call “skip the line” as you have to choose the entrance time. They are the same they just don’t promote it as skip-the-line tickets.

However, there is still a good reason to pay that extra £2-3. It is the possibility to cancel your ticket for a full refund up to 24h before. You will not have this option with the ticket you buy on the official website.

Then walk around the KLCC park or explore the immense shopping mall just below them and at 8 pm don’t miss the Symphony Light and sound show by the esplanade in front of the towers. If it is summer wait till dark to see the Petronas towers beautifully lit, then move to Jalan Alor for an incredible street food market experience.

Start early on the second day and beat the heat while visiting Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park (a little overpriced, but really engaging for kids). Parking is available just near the entrance. Then drive a little bit out of the city to see the majestic Batu caves and when you come back explore the intriguing Chinatown.

If you stay at the Aloft Hotel you can take the opportunity to relax by the rooftop pool with a drink. On the morning of the third day you want to leave around 10-10:30 for the next stop

Day 7- 8 Kuantan 1 night

• DRIVING TIME: 2h and 30 min
• WHERE TO STAY : Mangala Resort and Spa is a wonderful place where once you enter you will not want to leave. It is an all-villas resort, some over the lake water and some big enough for numerous families. A small gym, a lovely spa, a good restaurant and a peaceful infinity pool are part of it.

You will stop a little earlier than Kuantan because I really recommend you to not miss staying at the astonishing Mangala resort just out of town. Here you are coming to be in touch with nature and to relax. The Mangala resort is a little haven, maybe because when we went it was really quiet but we loved the peace and serenity of the lake, the big window that opened to a veranda directly on the water.

You can spend all afternoon here . The food is lovely and you can also have something to eat by the pool. The resort has been built on an abandoned mining land, you can take some time to walk around and explore nature and spot some of the hundreds of types of birds that found a home here in this new paradise. A beautiful Spa and a gym could keep you here all day, but before dinner, it is time to make a little journey to Cherating for an enchanting encounter.

Malaysia is home to 19 types of fireflies and near Cherating, you can take part in a boat tour that will bring you really close to this magical creature. Mr Hafiz has a special way to communicate with fireflies and you will end up surrounded by them and also able to gently hold them. It lasts one hour and it is unmissable!

After you can drive to the Cherating beach where you will find several, simple traditional cafés and restaurants where to stop for dinner.

We found “Beach café by Payung ” to be super charming and romantic. Laid back, settled overlooking the beach it was just perfect to blend with locals! On the morning of the second day , you can relax a little longer at the Mangala resort and after check out, you will start to drive towards Kuala Dungun, but there are a couple of stops on the way.

Day 8-10 Kuala Dungun 2 nights

• DRIVING TIME: 1h and 45min
• WHERE TO STAY: Tanjong Jara resort is a luxury resort perfectly integrated into nature. It is located directly on the beach and it offers beautiful rooms with gigantic bathrooms. The staff are lovely and helpful. It isn’t a budget place but it is really worth the money. (It is quite popular, they have one restaurant on the beach, book it in advance or it will be difficult to get a table when you arrive)

The drive to the next stop is around 1h and 45 minutes, but you will drive a little longer to stop on the way in a couple of places.

This itinerary works well if you can spend two nights in Kuala Dungun, we needed to make it shorter and we cut 1 night here and we felt too rushed. The east coast is a place to savour slowly!

After leaving the Mangala resort in 20 minutes you can be at the Sangai Pandall waterfall. These waterfalls are scenic and a favourite day trip destination for people from Kuantan. There is a parking lot that makes them easily accessible even if the road signals are a little scarce. You need to keep your eyes open for directions even if you are following Google maps.

You can splash in the waterfall safely and you will find many people having picnics and some also camping overnight. There are the same basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms.

Another stop is about one hour drive past Kuantan. Near the Club Med, there is a Sea turtle conservation centre . You can visit it every day, except Monday, from 9:30 to 16:30. The place is small and half an hour is enough to cover the educational part and visit the little swimming pool where some turtles are kept waiting to be released. From around 6/6:30 you can also release the baby turtles to the ocean after paying a small fee.

Finally, you can drive the last part of the journey and check in to another astonishing place: Tanjong Jara resort .

The architecture of this place invokes the grandeur of Malay palaces from the 17th century with modern luxuries and outstanding services. There is a beautiful beach, a lovely swimming pool with a connected bar, two restaurants, and an adult-only area. They also organise different tours and activities.

On the beach, there is a small hatchery where they protect eggs that sea turtles come to lay and occasionally you can release baby turtles (there weren’t any when we were there, unfortunately). If you are short on time you could also consider staying at the resort an extra day and visiting the island as a day trip from here.

On the second day, you can relax by the pool/beach and in the afternoon drive to visit Terengganu.

On the morning of the third day, you will need to leave around 9:30 to drive to Merang Jetty to board the transfer boat to Pulau Lang Tengah.

Day 10-12 Pulau Lang Tengah 2 nights

• TRANSFER TIME: 2h. plus 30min on the boat
• WHERE TO STAY : There are only three properties on the island. Summer Bay Resort is supposed to be the best (where we stayed), but don’t have high expectations unfortunately, low competition means high prices and low quality.

To reach Merang jetty you will need around two hours of driving plus half an hour on a boat.

I recommend you book your tickets in advance online. The resort where you are going to stay can also organise transport for you, but I found it was much more expensive.

BE AWARE : Before continuing I want to make you aware of my opinion. Pulau Lang Tengah is the island located between the more famous Pulau Redang and Perhentian Island. It is less touristic and wilder than the others, this is the main reason I choose it.

Unfortunately what could spoil your stay is the hospitality on offer. There are only 3 resorts on the island. We stayed in the one that is in theory the best, Summerbay Resort. My husband found a good definition for it: “a hostel masquerading as a hotel”

Everything from start to end is managed and organised in a really poor way by a group of young people that, even if polite, don’t have a clue about customer service or what people would expect for the price they charge.

The food offer is incredibly poor, rooms are basic and not properly clean, on the sea excursion the boat is over packed, and regarding the other activities like the jungle walk, they just show you where to start then you follow a rope through the jungle until the end. No-one is coming with you to explain anything, same story for the activity of the blue tears.

However, yes I would probably go back because there are moments when you sit on the beach (on the broken sunbeds) that you could almost feel you are on a Maldivian island. The sea life is terrific, and you can just snorkel from the beach.

If you are not getting annoyed by what I mentioned before then you can really relax and unwind. Most of the guests are Asian and seem to prefer the swimming pool so the beach stays quiet. Luckily there is a Warung that serves good food so you don’t need to eat at the “resort” restaurant and there is also a pleasant bar to sit by in the evening.

Most people are coming here on 3 day 2 night all-inclusive packages, but you can also just go on a bed and breakfast formula, paying separately for the snorkel activity.

On the morning of the third day from here, you can move to Redang island.

Day 12-13 Pulau Redang 1 night

• TRANSFER TIME: 30 min on the boat
• WHERE TO STAY : If money is not a concern I would recommend The Taaras beach and Spa resort . It is a place where you find five-star service and you will be able to unwind while enjoying the spectacular island. A more affordable but still great solution is the Laguna Redang island resort.

To reach Redang island you can book a boat transfer that will bring you directly there from Pulau Lang Tengah. Also, in this case, you should book your ticket in advance. When you book the boat transfer you need to select the resort pick-up and the resort where you need to be dropped off.

Pulau Redang is a completely different island. It is much bigger than Lang Tengah and you can find several types of accommodation options.

Redang is a bigger island and so you will have more difficulty finding that peaceful and serene setting unique to Lang Tengah, but it is still a beautiful island.

The Taaras beach and Spa is the best and most luxurious resort on the island and if you can afford it, it is a real treat. Laguna beach resort is probably the second-best option. It is a big resort that opens up on the main beach. They have big and lovely rooms organised in small buildings. There is a massive swimming pool with even a small slide for kids.

Most people are here on the usual 2/3 days 1/2 nights package and move in groups for each activity including lunch and dinner where there is a specific time to respect. This creates massive queues like to enter a canteen. We experienced this issue only for breakfast as again we took only the bed and breakfast option.

The breakfast option was vast but the quality was poor. Fortunately, there are many other eating options for lunch and dinner including a tasty and cheap traditional Warung, but you can also just walk to one of the other resorts or restaurants on the beach.

While at the resort take part in their snorkelling tour to see the sea turtles. The tour is superb and highly recommended. At this resort, they don’t mix guests from the package with others and this makes the experience much more spacious and enjoyable.

The beach is long and so you could take a long walk and explore the sea life around the different spots.

On the second day enjoy time on the beach until check out because then you will need to move back on land and face a long drive.

Day 13-16 Penang 3 nights

• TRANSFER TIME: 30 min on the boat and 6h and 30 minutes drive
• WHERE TO STAY : Georgetown is rich in lovely hotels. JEN by Shangri-La is located really close to the old town, the rooms are big, and there is also a swimming pool and free parking. really recommended!

When you check out, the resort will bring you and your luggage back to the jetty. At the jetty in Redang, many boats are arriving and departing, ask for some help if you are not sure how to identify your transfer.

Once on land, you will need to drive around 6 hours from Merang Jetty to Penang.

Of course, if you have more days available you can add a stop halfway to break the trip, however, if you don’t, I still believe this is the best option.

The drive is long, but really scenic. After passing through some towns and villages, you will drive a great road with little traffic that passes through the rainforest and you will have countless opportunities for pictures.

In Penang, the recommendation is to stay close to the old town. Jen by Shangri-La is an excellent choice, modern and in a great location, they offer parking (free for guests) and they also have a swimming pool (that, however, closes a little early around 6 pm).

The first evening you can just stroll around for dinner at the hawker centre by Gurney drive.

Then the second day , you can explore the old town, Fort Cornwallis, the Chew jetty, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, take the tour or at least stop for a drink by the Blue Mansion and enter one of the other heritage houses open to the public like the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Take pictures in Armenian street and pick one of the many great restaurants for dinner.

On the third day head to Penang hill (make sure to secure your tickets in advance). Enjoy the spectacular views, walk in the virgin rainforest and enjoy the many stops along the way. The visit will take you at least half a day, then you can explore the close by Kek Lok Si Temple, and if you still have energy by the end of the day you can enjoy a stroll in the Botanic gardens.

The last day of the itinerary will depend on the time of your departure, if you have at least half a day available then pack your things and leave them with the hotel and head to Batu Ferringhi for the last sea visit. If you have a little longer you can reach Penang National park and after exploring it take the boat to Monkey beach.

WHAT IS LEFT OUT OF THIS ROAD TRIP TO MALAYSIA FROM SINGAPORE?

Every time you visit a big country you need to face the difficult decision of what to leave behind for the next visit. This itinerary leaves 3 major things behind: Taman Negara National park, Cameron Highlands, and Ipoh.

• Taman Negara : this a fabulous national park, where you can discover the tropical rainforest, walk in the jungle, along the river, and engage in fantastic treks. If you want to add it to the itinerary you should consider 2 nights, as arriving there takes quite a while. Check also with your doctor about Malaria risk as Malaria is still present in these areas.
• Cameron Highland s: this is an area with tea plantations, hiking trails, gardens, butterfly and bee farms, and more. If you want to add it to the itinerary, you should consider at least 2 nights.
• Ipoh : sacrificing Ipoh is a difficult choice. If you can’t add more days to the road trip you could question if it could be worth cutting some time from Penang, but don’t or you will feel rushed in both places.

HOW TO ADAPT THE ROAD TRIP

I’m going to suggest here a possible alternative to this road trip itinerary to Malaysia from Singapore. One option is in case you need to shorten the trip by 1 to 3 days, and another option is if you are planning the road trip from November to March.

How to shorten the itinerary

To shorten the trip cut the time in Malacca and on the islands. You can visit Malacca as a short stop while driving from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, saving one day. When you are in Kuala Dungun you can organise a day trip to Redang instead of spending one night there and finally, you can cut the time in Penang to 2 nights instead of 3.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 Nights Day 4 – 6 Kuala Lumpur 2 Nights Day 6 – 7 Kuantan 1 Night

Day 7 – 9 Kuala Dungan 2 Nights Day 9 – 11 Lang Tengah 2 Nights Day 11 – 13 Penang 2 Nights

Adapt the itinerary during the monsoon season

If your road trip to Malaysia from Singapore is from November to March then you need to reconsider what to visit on the east coast. Most of the island resorts in Redang, Perhentian, Lang Tengah, and also Tioman close in this season. You can still enjoy the east coast mainland or you can spend more time on the west coast and stretch the itinerary to Langkawi and introduce one of the missing stops Ipoh, Taman Negara, or Cameron Highlands.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 Nights Day 4 – 5 Malacca Day 4 – 6 Kuala Lumpur 2 Nights Day 6 – 7 Kuantan 1 Night

Day 7 – 9 Kuala Dungan 2 Nights Day 9 – 11 Ipoh 2 Nights Day 11 – 13 Penang 2 Nights Day 13 – 16 Langkawi 3 Nights

Let me know with a comment below if have any more questions! Enjoy the trip

MORE ABOUT MALAYSIA

• How to cross the border from Singapore to Malaysia
• Best accommodation with a private pool in Penang
• Lang Tengah vs Redang
• Driving in Malaysia: everything you need to know
• Easy short trips in Malaysia

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Clotilde Passalacqua

Clotilde is a resilient, resourceful and adventurous person that navigate the world of travelling with kids. She is a mum of 7 years old twins and she share practical tips, profound insights and genuine personal experience to empowers family to embrace travel with children as an enriching experience rather than a daunting challenge.

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• Travel Guide

This Epic 8 Day Road Trip Itinerary Is All You Need To Conquer Peninsular Malaysia

Cheng Sim  •  Jul 28, 2017

From the bustling cities to gorgeous islands, there is plenty of sightseeing and exploring to do when you’re in Malaysia! Forget about flying from one state to another- because really, the only way you can discover hidden gems in this marvelous country is by going on a road trip ?

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So, if you’re looking for the best sights and sounds to check out, here's our ultimate road trip itinerary around Malaysia to get you started.

Day 1: Selangor - Perak (2.5 hours)

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"First we eat, then we do everything else" goes a quote by M.F.K. Fisher, an American food writer.

Indeed, a hearty breakfast of nasi lemak is the only way you should flag off an epic road trip around Malaysia. There are many places you can go for nasi lemak, but we recommend going to Village Park restaurant in SS21, and if not, Nasi Lemak Bumbung in Sea Park.

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Afterwards, take a walk down Laman Seni 7 in Shah Alam for the first of many selfie opportunities. Shah Alam has an up and coming street art lane filled with 3D murals, environment-themed artworks, and hanging installations for you to explore.

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Are you ready? Now, take the wheels and head down to Ipoh to do what the locals do: savouring and sightseeing. Aside from the hipster cafes, you can also visit the famous eateries from our halal food guide in Ipoh .

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Afterwards, hunt down for their popular street art that is known for representing the many faces of Ipoh’s community and their lifestyle.

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It will be difficult to leave a place as captivating as Ipoh, so spend the night here! ?

Day 2: Perak - Penang (2 hours)

Now that you’re well-rested, take a two-hour drive to another quaint city called Georgetown in Penang. If you’re a foodie at heart, you’re going to love what Penang has in store for you.

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Known as the capital of Malaysian street food, you can expect delicious cuisine wherever your tastebuds take you. Nasi kandar, asam laksa, cendol - you name it, they all taste incredibly delicious! ? In fact, it’s so good that we dedicated an article solely on the best halal eateries in Penang .

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Need to make space for more food? Walk off those calories by visiting myriad attractions in Georgetown such as Khoo Kongsi, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the Camera Penang Museum and last but not least, their famous street art. Penang has many  trendy and unique hotels , so go on and get some rest!

Day 3: Penang - Perlis (2.5 hours)

It’s tough to say goodbye to Penang but there’s a scenic journey ahead when you drive to Kuala Perlis.

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Perfect for local brunch with family or friends, there are many eateries that are run by friendly locals. Look out for mouth-watering laksa at Kak Su Laksa and crunchy cucur sotong at Restoran Nelayan ?

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Once you’re done, capture memorable snapshots at Tasik Melati Recreational Park and get some history lessons at Kota Kayang Museum.

Day 3 continued: Perlis - Kedah (1 hour)

The midday heat signals the arrival of a sunny afternoon. Pack up and hit the road again where Alor Setar in Kedah lies ahead ?

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Depending on the season, you may just be greeted by golden paddy fields along the way, so do stop for a selfie wherever you can!

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Sightseeing is the best way to appreciate the character of Alor Setar. You can swing by the Zahir Mosque, view the landscape from the top of Menara Alor Setar, admire the local artworks at the Kedah State Art Gallery and more.

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Before calling it a day, take a seat at the local restaurants for a heart warming tea time and dinner.

Day 4: Kedah - Kelantan (6 hours)

It’s going to be a six-hour drive from Kedah to Kelantan, so it’s best to head out right after breakfast ?

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Since it’ll be a long ride, remember to stock up snacks, coffees and mineral water to refuel along the journey!  ?  The moment you arrive in Kelantan, you’ll be welcomed by the relaxed and laid-back settings of their capital city, Kota Bharu.

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Once here, savour the few daylight hours to mingle with the locals at Siti Khadijah Market, take snapshots at Istana Jahar, and have a sunset picnic at Pantai Irama Bachok. Just remember to try their local delights such as nasi kerabu, nasi ulam and the famous budu.

Day 5: Kelantan - Terengganu (3 hours)

If you love the calm and casual vibes of Kelantan, you’ll definitely appreciate the tranquil atmosphere of Terengganu. Prepare to be mesmerised by the sights during your three hour drive, and do indulge in all the delectable street food you can find in its capital city, Kuala Terengganu ?

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Some might recommend that you visit the Crystal Mosque and Tengku Tengah Zaharah floating mosque, but we also suggest relaxing at Pantai Batu Buruk for sunshine and sea breeze ?

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Alternatively, you can make a side trip to Lang Tengah Island where the sky and sea are bluer than the rest. For those who are planning a food trip, remember to check out the must-try food in Kelantan and Terengganu  ?

Day 6: Terengganu – Pahang (2.5 hours)

After spending a day in Terengganu, it's only natural that you should cover the fringes of Peninsular Malaysia by heading down to Pahang. Their capital city, Kuantan, makes a great pit stop.

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Bury your toes in the soft, soft sands of Teluk Chempedak beach.  If you want to cool off, head to the Sungai Pandan Waterfalls for a refreshing swim ?

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From lip-smacking satay to grilled seafood, you will find plenty of eateries here in Kuantan serving delectable food that will tickle your taste-buds.

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Then, Pahang - Johor (5 hours)

After your brief introduction to Pahang, hit the road again for a five-hour trek down to Johor. The trip to their capital city, Johor Bharu will be a long one, so pack up some snacks and drinks again.

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You might arrive when the sun is slowly shying away in the horizon, but fret not, there’s still plenty of things to see and food to eat at night.

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If you have the energy to explore the last sightseeing of the day, shop away in Johor Bahru’s famous night markets and our favourite is Pasar Karat where antiques, shoes, arts and crafts, and clothes aplenty. For dinner and supper bites, get your refuel from these halal cafes in Johor Bahru .

Day 7: Johor - Melaka (3 hours)

What’s next, you ask? We have the historical city of Melaka! A popular road trip destination among locals, we recommend freeing up your entire day for this place alone.

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Walking around and exploring the tourist attractions are a must. Take your time and visit the A’ Famosa Fort, the Stadhuys, Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum and lots more. And of course, the Jonker Walk at night ?

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Another fascinating thing about Melaka is the variety of local cuisine that you can sink your teeth into. Cendol, asam pedas sting ray, kuih keria, and coconut shake are some of our favourite discoveries from our ultimate guide to halal food in Melaka .

Day 8: Melaka - Negeri Sembilan (1.5 hours)

Negeri Sembilan is our last state before rounding up our week-long road trip. To truly appreciate what it has to offer, make your way to Seremban for attractions such as Jelita Ostrich Farm and Hutan Lipur Jeram Toi.

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Just like the other places in Malaysia, there are many good eateries in Seremban lurking around the corner.

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Don't miss out on a refreshing bowl of chendol at Haji Shariff’s Cendol to quench your thirst ? If you prefer something savoury, sit down to a plate of nasi campur at Azhaar Maju Senawang, or head over to Restoran D’Pantai for grilled seafood.

Then, Negeri Sembilan - Kuala Lumpur (1 hour)

It’s time to close our chapter by saying hello to Kuala Lumpur.

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As the evening skies set in, admire the famous Petronas Twin Towers and bustling Bukit Bintang that best represents the electrifying energy this capital city has.

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What better way to round up your trip than a delicious supper? Head over to Bangsar for some late-night Mamak and teh tarik.

BONUS: Safety Tips for Road Trips

Preparation is important to keep your road trip adventure safe and sound. We have some travel tips that you will find superbly handy.

• Send your car for a tune-up . This will ensure that your car is in tip top condition for a long road trip.
• Reload your Touch & Go card . It saves time when you pass through the highway tolls. You can reload it at any petrol stations in Malaysia.
• Bring a first aid kit . This will help to treat light injuries when clinics or hospitals are out of sight.
• Download navigational apps . Waze and Google Maps are popular apps for directions on the road.
• Bring a power bank . This is essential for drivers who are relying on their smartphones during road trips.
• Bring a safety kit . Your kit must include jumper cables, flashlight, tire changing tools and more.
• Make a pit stop . There are many R&Rs (Rest and Service Areas) along the Malaysian highways where you can take a quick nap, shop for snacks, and go for bathroom breaks. Prayer rooms are also available here.
• Stay focus on the road . All road safety rules apply when you’re on the road. Remember to not answer calls while driving and look out for potential hazards.

There you have it! Your greatest road trip adventure in Malaysia is only a drive away. Start by exploring Kuala Lumpur and then, lead the way to Perak, Penang, and Kedah before taking a relaxing route to Kelantan and Terengganu. Trust us, you will leave this road trip with a renewed perspective of Malaysia and the travelling spirit in you.

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