places to visit in malaysia for 2 days

The PERFECT 2 Days In Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: The Best Of KL

If you are planning on spending in 2 days in Kuala Lumpur and wondering how you are going to see everything, then you are in the right place.

I’ve been to the capital of Malaysia twice and I can tell you that there is a lot this city has to offer. From the epic Petronas Tower to the cultural hotspots and mouth-watering street food, there is almost an endless amount of things to do in KL.

That is why I’ve decided to write this 2-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary, so you can maximize your time and see the best of KL. Let’s jump right into it!

Planning A Trip To Kuala Lumpur Last Minute?

Make sure you book your tours, places to stay, and airport transfers ahead of time to ensure availability!

Our recommended airport transfer in Kuala Lumpur:

• Kuala Lumpur: Airport Private Transfer by Car/Van (SUPER cheap!)

Our recommended tours in Kuala Lumpur :

• Batu Caves and Firefly Watching Tour (Must-do in KL!)
• Petronas Twin Towers Entry E-Ticket (Best way to secure your ticket!!)
• Day Trip to Historic Malacca with Lunch (Best day trip from KL!)

Our recommended places to stay in Kuala Lumpur:

• Traders Hotel (AMAZING views of the Petronas Towers!)
• Sunway Putra Hotel (Great value-for-money!)
• Penthouse on 34 (Our favorite hostel in KL!!)

Is Two Days In Kuala Lumpur Enough?

Generally speaking, if you are looking to just see the best attractions in Kuala Lumpur, then two full days is enough time, though you might feel a bit rushed.

It’s enough time to visit key landmarks such as the Petronas Tower and Batu Caves, experience the local cuisine in Jalan Alor Night Food Street, and immerse yourself in the city’s vibrant culture.

The transportation system of Kuala Lumpur is very efficient and taxi-hailing apps such as Grab are very cheap. It makes getting around the city very easy and quick.

However, we don’t recommend spending an extended time here. As the capital, KL feels like any other big metropolitan city. There is traffic, there is noise, and there is pollution. It is by no means a relaxing place to spend your Malaysia vacation.

Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur In 2 Days

Morning of day 1 kl itinerary: batu caves.

Welcome to Kuala Lumpur, “The Garden City Of Lights”. Rise and shine early because the first place we are visiting on our 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary is the famous Batu Caves.

Known for its colorful Instagram-worthy stairs, impressive cave systems, and unique religious complexes, Batu Caves is a must-see in Kuala Lumpur.

Batu Caves consist of a total of three massive caves and many smaller ones.  At the entrance of the main cave, you will find a towering statue of a Hindu God.

As you carefully make your way up a 272-step climb, you will be  attacked  accompanied by some friendly neighbors: monkeys.

Though the monkeys are adorable, they will get their hands on anything they can take. Water bottles, sunglasses, insect repellent, GoPros, potato chips, nothing is safe around these monkeys. 

Once you finish your treacherous climb, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the city down below. The adventure doesn’t stop there though, as you have just arrived at the entrance of the sacred cave – Cathedral Cave .

Here you will find several Hindu shrines where you can see the Hindu influences in Malaysia.

During the annual festival of  Thaipusam , Batu Caves can attract up to more than one million pilgrims!

Looking for a local guide to tell you more information and history of the Batu Caves? Check out this recommended tour!

Though the Cathedral Cave is probably the most popular cave in Batu Caves, there is another one that is worth seeing – the Ramayana Cave . 

The Ramayana Cave houses paintings and scenes of Hindu gods as well as numerous human-size statues.

By utilizing the public transportation system of KL, you can easily get to Batu Caves. Take the KLM Komuter Line on any of the stops and get off at the last stop of the line, Batu Caves. Once you have arrived, get out of the station and you will be there!

The whole journey takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on if you need to find your way to one of the stations for the KLM Komuter Line.

Batu Caves are completely free to enter. Aim to arrive as early as possible to beat the afternoon heat and to enjoy this sacred place without an overwhelming crowd. The opening hours of Batu Caves are from 7 AM to 9 PM. I recommend arriving no later than 10 AM.

However, the Ramayana Cave has an admission fee of 5 MYR (Malaysian Ringgit).

Afternoon Of Day 1 KL Itinerary : Chinatown (Petaling Street), National Mosque Of Malaysia

By the time you have returned back to the center of Kuala Lumpur after visiting Batu Caves, it should be around midday. If you can handle the heat, you can head towards Chinatown, especially Petaling Street Market.

Malaysia is a melting pot of many different cultures and ethnicities. From Indian to Malaysian to Chinese, you can find bits of every culture integrated into the everyday life of Kuala Lumpur. Experiencing Malaysia is about experiencing the different cultures that make up the impressively diverse country.

Chinatown is the hotspot for Chinese culture (if you couldn’t tell by the name). Here you will find a heavy concentration of Chinese cuisine, culture, and influences.

Unlike most parts of Kuala Lumpur that have been modernized, Chinatown still retains most of its historic structures. With bustling street markets, cheap street food, and affordable accommodation, Chinatown is one of my favorite places to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Though a stroll down Chinatown will present you with excitement left and right, there are a few specific spots worth checking out. They are:

• Petaling Street Market
• Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
• Kwai Chai Hong

Petaling Street Market is the perfect model of the street markets that southeast Asia is famous for. Dirt-cheap prices, knock-off items, street food, miscellaneous merchandise, sweat, crowds, noise, it’s the full package. 

You can spend hours wandering around, laughing at the terrible spellings on the fake clothing or trying the strange local food such as the infamous durian. If you do decide to purchase something, make sure you haggle to avoid getting scammed.

After you have shopped til’ you dropped, take a break at the nearby Sri Maha Mariamman Temple . As the oldest Hindu temple in Kuala Lumpur , Sri Maha Mariamman is one of the  best places to visit in KL .

With Spanish and Italian tiles, precious jewels, and gold in its design, the elegance of the temple contrasts starkly with the cheap Petaling Street. 

Sri Maha Mariamman’s location at the edge of Chinatown is another perfect example of the harmony of Buddhism and Hinduism in Kuala Lumpur. Take a moment to look at the intricate artwork and paintings and understand the importance of Hinduism in Malaysia.

You can only visit a temple for so long before you get tired of it. After making a brief stop at the Sri Maha Mariamman temple, head over to Kwai Chai Hong . A small alley filled with cool interactive murals , Kwai Chai Hong is one of the most picturesque spots in Kuala Lumpur. 

As you can tell by the name, this tourist attraction is influenced by the Chinese. Many of the murals represent the daily lives of local Malaysians and Chinese immigrants, such as the barbershop mural.

Unlike other small cities such as  Ipoh  and Penang where street arts inundate the streets, a heavily-populated metropolitan city like Kuala Lumpur rarely sees any. Take advantage of this opportunity to enjoy some local arts! 

After exploring all of Chinatown, it is time to visit another top attraction in Kuala Lumpur: The National Mosque of Malaysia (also known as Masjid Negara). A national symbol of Islam, the National Mosque of Malaysia is able to accommodate 15,000 people at one time.

The impressive structure has a unique geometric decor, featuring abstract shapes and lattices. The aesthetic of the mosque is so stunning it can double as a museum!

The mosque spans a huge 13 acres, but the part you must visit is the Grand Hall. Non-Muslim visitors are allowed inside outside of prayer times. If you are dressed inappropriately, there are robes and scarves for rent at the entrance of the mosque. 

Night Of Day 1 KL Itinerary : Petronas Tower, KLCC Park

After a visit to the National Mosque of Malaysia, it is time for the highlight of our Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary – The Petronas Tower (also known as Petronas Twin Towers).

Any visit to Malaysia would not be complete without seeing the iconic Petronas Towers, whose glory as the tallest building in the world lasted from 1998 to 2004. Though several skyscrapers are now much taller than the Petronas Twin Towers, the impressive engineering feat will never be forgotten.

Many places in KL offer unobstructed views of the magnificent Petronas Tower. Our favorite is the KLCC Park adjacent to the twin towers. Similar to Central Park in New York City, the KLCC provides green spaces to a heavily urbanized city.

Sitting in the 50-acre park at night is like finding a haven in the chaos.

The KLCC Park has daily water and light shows to accompany the breathtaking views of the Petronas Towers. The shows are scheduled for 8 PM, 9 PM, and 10 PM. 

Other amazing places to see the Petrona Towers are the nearby rooftop bars. Though I personally have not been, I have heard great things about them. The most notable place is the Sky Bar on the 33rd floor of the  Traders Hotel .

You do not need to be a guest there to visit their Sky Bar. However, you might need to make a reservation depending on if you are visiting Kuala Lumpur on the weekend or during peak season.

Petronas Tower Observatory Deck and Skybridge

If you want to visit the Petronas Tower Observatory Deck and the Skybridge, you are more than welcome to do so. Just keep in mind that it closes at 9 PM sometimes and the last entrance is at 8:30 PM.

It costs 98 RM for non-Malaysian adults, but they are on a first come first serve basis. Tickets can be purchased online  here  to save all the hassle and secure the time slot you want.

After you are done drooling over the views of the Petronas Tower, you are more than welcome to wander around if you still have energy. From my experience, the heat and humidity made me much more tired in general. The first day of our Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days ends here!

Morning Of Day 2 KL Itinerary : Thean Hou Temple, Central Market

Are you ready for another exciting day on our 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary? In the morning, you will explore one of the oldest religious relics in Malaysia, the Thean Hou Temple. 

Originally built by Hainanese immigrants in 1987, the Thean Hou Temple is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Kuala Lumpur.

Many visitors come to Thean Hou just for the amazing photo opportunity. That is great. In fact, Thean Hou is one of the most beautiful temples I have been to in Malaysia with its ornate Chinese architecture and seas of dainty lanterns.

However, Thean Hou is also a very important temple. Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu , blessings from the temple are essential for anyone working at sea.

Unlike the national mosque that requires a specific attire, Thean Hou does not have a dress code. There is also no entrance fee! Just keep in mind that it opens at 8 AM so don’t come here too early!

After a civilized visit to the temple, it’s time to head back to the chaos. This time around, we won’t be going to the Petaling Street Market for our fun, but the Central Market Kuala Lumpur.

Starting off as a wet market in 1888, the Central Market has become one of the most iconic landmarks in Malaysia. Not only does it function as a market, but it symbolizes the heritage of cultures of the multi-racial country.

Here you will find vendors with merchandise from various backgrounds:

Central Market is one of the best places to shop for souvenirs and handicrafts, as most items are made locally. When you are tired or hungry, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants inside the market. Honestly, Central Market feels like a city within a city!

Afternoon Of Day 2 KL Itinerary : Merdeka Square, KL Forest Eco Park, KL Tower

After Central Market, you will head to the nearby Dataran Merdeka, or Independence Square in English. As the first place where the Malaysian flag was flown, Merdeka Square is one of the most historically important places in Malaysia.

Though you won’t be able to learn about much of the history with a casual stroll on the perfectly manicured lawn, the historic buildings offer a glimpse into the past.  Malaysia was a British colony before it gained its independence .

At 95 meters high, the flagpole at Merdeka Square is one of the highest in the world!

After Merdeka Square, the next stop on our Kuala Lumpur 2 days itinerary is KL Forest Eco Park.

A centrally-located park filled with nature trails, endangered monkeys (rarely), and a beautiful canopy walk, KL Forest Eco Park is like an oasis in a desert. It is surprising to see so much green space concentrated in one area in KL!

The stunning 200-meter canopy walk is the most outstanding feature of the park. Not only is it only one of the most beautiful places in Kuala Lumpur, but you will also feel like you are nested in the jungle!

The truth is that some parts of the park are not pristine. Concrete steps might be missing and some parts of the park might even look abandoned. However, that is exactly why I enjoyed it so much.

Seeing nature reclaim its territory, hopping over tree branches, is what makes a nature trail fun. If you wanted to walk on concrete, maybe a shopping mall is a better option for you.

Bring insect repellent as mosquitoes are rampant in the KL Forest Eco Park.

The best thing about the KL Eco Forest Park is that it connects to the next attraction on our Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days – the famous KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur).

At 421 meters high, the Kuala Lumpur Tower is one of the tallest telecommunication towers in the world. Though the views of the tower from below are spectacular, the views from above are even better.

KL Tower features an interior observation deck at 276, which is known to offer a better view of the city than the Petronas Tower’s observatory deck. The tower also has an exciting open-air sky deck 300 meters above the ground.

Want more excitement? Take a photo at the sky box, where the only thing separating you from the ground is a thin piece of see-through glass.

If you had to pick an observatory for panoramic views of KL, I would recommend KL Tower even though it is not as high as the Petronas Twin Towers. 

Night Of Day 2 KL Itinerary : Jalan Alor Night Food Court

No visit to Kuala Lumpur is complete without a trip to the famous food night markets. There are several amazing food night markets in Kuala Lumpur, but the one you mustn’t miss is Jalan Alor Night Food Street.

Hundreds of hawker stalls and seafood restaurants inundate both sides of this food street, turning it into a paradise for food lovers (aka everyone). The foods there are absolutely delicious and ridiculously cheap, perfect for anyone traveling Malaysia on a budget.

If you did not have dinner yet, Jalan Alor is the perfect place to eat in Kuala Lumpur and sample various types of street food. Try a little bit from each stall and soon you will have a full and happy belly (and a happy wallet).

The most famous restaurant on Jalan Alor Street Food is  Sai Woo . Though I did not try the food there myself, I have heard great things from other travelers!

Jalan Alor is the last place to visit on our 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary. We know that everyone has a different pace of travel. For those that tend to travel faster, here are some additional places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days!

KL Itinerary Map: Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur In 2 Days

Below is an interactive map outlining the things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days. The sequence of numbers is the order in which you will visit these places in Kuala Lumpur. From my own experience and extensive research, it is the best way to maximize your short visit to Kuala Lumpur.

Additional Places to Visit In Kuala Lumpur In 2 Days

1. perdana botanical gardens.

Do you prefer more green spaces when you travel and cannot make a  trip to the Cameron Highlands ? Take a trip to the Perdana Botanical Gardens. 

This gigantic green space is the perfect place for a relaxing stroll after a long day. There are also some very exotic plants there such as poisonous sausages! They are some of the strangest plants I have ever seen in my life!

2. Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park

Adjacent to the Perdana Botanical Gardens is another hidden gem of Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park. Featuring over 5,000 butterflies, this butterfly park is perfect for people traveling with kids in Kuala Lumpur.

3. Fireflies in Kuala Selangor

Located about an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Selangor is perfect short getaway from KL . Here you can take a slowboat tour through the mangroves of the area and see the stunning fireflies colonies at night. It is one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia!

Though I personally recommend staying a few days in Kuala Selangor (and  Sekinchan ) to see a different side of Malaysia, it is still possible to see the fireflies from Kuala Lumpur with a private tour.

Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur To Maximize Your 48 Hours

Though transportation is cheap and convenient in Kuala Lumpur, staying in a few areas in KL will help you maximize your 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur.

Here are some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Kuala Lumpur : Chinatown, KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Center), and Bukit Bintang. Our recommendations will only feature hostels and hotels in those areas.

Best Hostel In Kuala Lumpur –  Mingle Petaling Street

If you are looking for a social, beautiful, and affordable hostel in Kuala Lumpur, look no further. Mingle Petaling Street is a hostel unlike no other in KL.

The hostel is located inside an old historic house, where the history speaks for itself in the faded paint and cracks on the wall. But unlike staying at an old house where you expect the facilities to be dated, the facilities are amazing for the low price you are paying. 

Mingle also offers free dinner every day for your stay!

Best Cheap Hotel In Kuala Lumpur –  Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Cheap hotels in Kuala Lumpur are abundant, but finding the perfect one can be a daunting task. Ibis is an internationally recognized hotel chain that provides quality rooms and services at an affordable rate.

The Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre is no exception. Offering a huge infinity pool with breath-taking views of the Petronas Tower, guests can sightsee without leaving the hotel! The hotel also offers a delicious breakfast buffet, which is the perfect way to start your day in Kuala Lumpur.

Best Luxury Hotel In Kuala Lumpur –  RuMa Hotel and Residences

Anyone looking for a luxury hotel in Kuala Lumpur will find the RuMa Hotel and Residences a delight. 

Unlike other hotels where they just provide a clean room to stay, RuMA Hotel takes it up a notch by providing guests with an extraordinary experience. The interior decor is stylish and speaks nothing but luxury. The swimming pool and rooms are immaculate, and the staff treats you like kings and queens.

This is one of the highest-rated hotels in Kuala Lumpur and it is easy to see why!

Visiting Kuala Lumpur FAQs

How many days to stay in kuala lumpur, is kuala lumpur worth visiting, when is the best time to visit kuala lumpur.

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This concludes our Malaysia blog post on the Kuala Lumpur 2-day itinerary! I hope it has given you a rough idea of what to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days!  Any question? Leave them in the comments!

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LivingOutLau

Sean is the founder of the travel blog, LivingOutLau. He has been to over 30 countries in over 5 years of travel. Every day, he is traveling and sharing his discoveries of the world through exceptional travel guides on his blog!

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9 of the best places to go in Malaysia

Jan 29, 2024 • 8 min read

From the top food destinations to getting away from it all in the highlands, here are the best places to visit in Malaysia © Matteo Colombo / Getty Images

Split across two different land masses, Malaysia instantly poses a dilemma. Do you visit Peninsular Malaysia, which borders Thailand to the north and Singapore down south? Or do you head across the South China Sea to Borneo – a jungly island shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and the Kingdom of Brunei? 

Good news: both sides of Malaysia have soft sandy beaches and snorkel-worthy coves, though Malaysian Borneo has superior access to marine life. Borneo is also the best pick for jungle trekking, though you can explore national parks and hilly hiking terrain across Peninsular Malaysia, too – like Taman Negara and the Cameron Highlands . Many parks and beauty spots are almost on top of the cities, making Peninsular Malaysia an excellent choice for families who want to spot hornbills by day, but bed down in modern comfort.

Peninsular Malaysia is also where you'll find the buzz. Gastronomes, shoppers and museum hounds can enjoy their fill in cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur , food-forward Penang  and cultural jigsaw Melaka . Plot your own path with a little help from our list of the best places to go in Malaysia.

Kuala Lumpur is the best place to go for a whirlwind tour 

If you have grand ambitions but limited time, head to Kuala Lumpur. Parts of KL feel like a quintessential capital city, with chic shopping malls (like Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC), a competitive cocktail scene and a sci-fi skyline – the Petronas Towers rise up like twin rockets, while Menara KL glows like a futuristic lighthouse (head to the 300m-high (984ft) sky deck for an expansive view). But KL offers more than fast-paced urban commotion. 

KL's city swagger comes accompanied by nature and history, courtesy of time-worn temples, kopitiam (traditional coffee houses), and rainforests almost side by side with high-rise buildings. Places of worship like scarlet multi-story Thean Hou Temple and ornate Masjid Jamek Sultan Abdul Samad inspire contemplation and wonder.

If you're looking for places to visit in Malaysia in three days, KL has day-trip potential, too. Listen to birdsong at KL Forest Eco Park , picnic by a waterfall at the Forest Research Institute ; and less than an hour's drive away is Mah Meri Cultural Village , where you can immerse yourself in indigenous Orang Asli art and history. 

Encounter pristine nature in Gunung Mulu National Park

Remarkably rocky, tremendously old and a theater for eye-popping natural spectacles, Gunung Mulu is arguably Malaysia's best national park. Between Gunung Mulu (2376m/7795ft) and Gunung Api (1710m/5610ft) are old-growth forests, limestone pinnacles and deep caves, home to millions of bats that take flight every twilight – watch the drama unfold at Deer Cave . 

Where to begin exploring? DIY experiences include the Mulu canopy walk (a suspended ladder through the treetops), an easy ramble to Paku Waterfall or the Botanical Heritage Loop Trail.

If you have tough hiking boots and even tougher endurance, book a guide and tackle the three-day Pinnacles trek. The climbs are steep, but you'll be rewarded by panoramic views of dense jungle spiked with fins of limestone. 

Penang is the top destination for food, drink and sensory pleasures

Penang's foodie status is uncontested. Travelers flock from across Malaysia (and beyond) to experience Gurney Drive's seafood restaurants, slurp Penang laksa at Lorong Baru Hawker Stalls , and follow their noses to barbecued seafood at the Chew Jetties . But even beyond the sizzle of char kway teow (rice noodles with prawns, eggs and more), Penang can tickle your senses.

Inhale the tang of 500 herbs and aromatics at Tropical Spice Garden . Listen to the chatter of macaques at Penang National Park , the country's smallest. Gawp at the architectural splendor of Khoo Kongsi clubhouse and the intricately carved Pinang Peranakan Mansion . Alternatively, get bang up to date with contemporary art at Hin Bus Station .  

Tip for timing your visit: Penang is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia in December, when the west coast enjoys good weather while winds batter the east. 

Kuching is the perfect urban-jungle mash-up

We hear the dilemma: you want access to nature without committing to a tent in the jungle. And you want to experience the buzz of a Malaysian city without the high-octane hubbub of KL. Kuching , the capital of Bornean state Sarawak, is your happy medium. 

Kuching is a launchpad to Borneo's glorious wilderness. From here, you can easily meet orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre , or day-trip to Bako National Park to look for bearded pigs and proboscis monkeys.

But before stepping beyond the city limits, let Kuching work its charms. Stroll the waterfront promenade, where you can see views of Kuching's architectural treasury: the Astana (palace) and its trim gardens, the State Assembly  and the swirling Darul Hana pedestrian bridge. Admire Chinese temples, browse the weekend market and learn the history of Sarawak's White Rajas at hilltop Fort Margherita . 

Pulau Perhentian are the best islands for sunshine and snorkeling

Mentioning the Perhentians to Malaysian people elicits a longing smile. The Perhentian Islands are synonymous with brilliant beaches and marine life, plus there's a party scene to keep beach bums dancing until the wee hours. The trick is to find your perfect beach.

Searching for spectacular sunsets? Head to Coral Bay. Green turtles? The turtle project on Main Beach. Late-night beach parties? Long Beach. There are numerous beaches where you can go sea kayaking and snorkel among parrotfish and giant clams; hardened divers can go deeper to visit wrecks and commune with clownfish, reef sharks and stingrays. Time your visit for dry season between March and October (but avoid July, when crowds reach their peak).  

Melaka is a cultural smorgasbord 

Nowhere in Malaysia is the tumult of past colonial rule felt more strongly than in port cities, and Melaka is emblematic of this cultural collision.

Melaka is perched on Peninsular Malaysia's west coast, and successive colonists (Portuguese, Dutch, British) vied for control over this trading port and maritime waystation. Today, Melaka harbors a number of variegated food cultures, a hodge-podge of architecture and alluring night markets.

Glimpse Portuguese history by clambering aboard the replica Flor de la Mar ship and sampling baked fish at Medan Portugis. Time-travel forward to Dutch rule by touring the Stadthuys (now a history museum) and salmon-pink Christ Church . Other cornerstones of history are "China Hill" cemetery and Peranakan (Straits Chinese) mansions, notably the Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum . 

Melaka's multidimensional cultures have helped fuel a roaring tourist trade. Colorful trishaws offer joyrides and history tours, while Jonker Walk Night Market is the evening's entertainment, offering everything from open-air karaoke to nibbling on Nyonya zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings).

Take refreshing upland hikes in the Cameron Highlands

Malaysia's most famous hill stations snooze among the vivid green tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands . Temperatures seldom stray higher than 30°C (86°F), attracting locals and tourists alike to cool off in these 4265ft to 6000ft (1300m to 1829m) heights. Many folks pick strawberries at Raaju's Hill or make a beeline (sorry) for the honey farm – but there are more authentic natural encounters in the Camerons. 

Take a guided hike with Eco Cameron to marvel at orchids and hunt for the whopping rafflesia flower. You can also go alone: numbered hiking trails extend right from main towns Brinchang and Tanah Rata (ask locally about trail safety, as robberies have been reported on some routes). Inevitably, you'll reward your outdoor exertions by sipping a cup of tea (or three) at a plantation. Boh Sungei Palas has some of the best views, with Boh Tea Garden a close second. 

Ipoh is Malaysia's best unsung destination

To Malay people, Ipoh is deservedly famous. For one, Ipoh's sweet, creamy white coffee is legendary. The town is the capital of Perak, a region of past tin-mining wealth that spawned colonial follies like Kellie's Castle . Then there are the regional delicacies – chicken bean sprouts, bean curd pudding – that bring KL day trippers piling into Ipoh eateries. 

But for international travelers, Ipoh has remained firmly off the map – overlooked on the rush between KL and Penang. So if you're looking for unique places to visit in Malaysia, buck the trend and head to Ipoh. Its hilly outskirts are jeweled with cave temples; statue-studded Sam Poh Tong has a crimson pavilion secreted away among the limestone cliffs. In town, street art by famed Lithuanian muralist Ernest Zacharevic splashes the walls, shophouses on once-notorious Concubine Lane retain their antique flavor, and the train station has attracted the nickname Taj Mahal (you be the judge). 

Tioman Island is the best place to unwind

Picture it: palm trees and hibiscus flowers swaying in the sea breeze, and perhaps a sea breeze cocktail making its way into your hand as you settle in at a bar. This 52.5 sq mi (136 sq km) island begs you to unwind, embrace a slower pace and maybe get that tie-dye T-shirt.

Your only burden? Picking a village where you can settle down, uncrick your neck and maybe catch a wave or two. Kampung Juara is the best surf spot, with two wide, sandy beaches, plenty of places offering board and kayak hire, and, better yet, a turtle sanctuary on Mentawak Beach. Kampung Salang is backpacker central, with access to popular shores like white-sand Monkey Beach and occasional beach parties. To feel far from the beaten track, head to tucked-away villages like quiet, traditional Kampung Mukut . But wherever you sling your rucksack, make time for marine encounters. Tioman has extensive coral reefs (and abundant manta rays), and March to October is prime time for divers.

This article was first published Feb 23, 2022 and updated Jan 29, 2024.

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• 5 Places To Visit In Malaysia In 2 Days That Will Melt Your Heart In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

Malaysia is an exquisite country on the Asian side of the globe. The country boasts of pristine waters, sandy beaches, rock-cut caves, skyscrapers and exciting activities like snorkeling. So, take some time out of your busy schedule and plan a trip to Malaysia. The time or the number of days in Malaysia will not cause a hitch during your amazing stay in the country as there are numerous tourist attractions interlinked and situated in close vicinity to ensure that the traveler gets to see and make the most of their trip to Malaysia. So, places to visit in Malaysia in 2 days for the expeditionist in you. These places not only provide scenic and uncommon sights but also let you participate in exhilarating activities like scuba diving, jungle trek, night safari, and bird watching.

Malaysia has cities like Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, George Town and Malacca that represent the country’s diverse population and multicultural concept of living. There is a mix of almost every religion and tribe which cohabits and live in a harmonious manner. So, it is important to experience the beauty of such distinctiveness and imbibe the knowledge that the country emits in their daily dealings with each other. The presence of so many Asian cultures and communities has given rise to numerous astounding tourist spots with different stories to tell. Tourists can visit a majority of these places, even in a short span of time, and appreciate the principles and reasons for various traditions that each place holds within itself. It is important as people of the world, to respect and absorb the knowledge regarding the various stories that historical and cultural manuscripts unfold. So, take a look at the best places that will let you in on the way of life for a majority of Malays.

5 Places To Visit In Malaysia In 2 Days

A short trip to Malaysia will not limit the fun things to do and various beautiful places that tourists can visit. Just whip out a planner and list the things one would like to do and places to visit in Malaysia in 2 days. This will help visitors to experience the finest places in Malaysia while taking part in so many activities that the country offers. If you are confused about what places to visit in Malaysia In 2 Days then we think this will help.

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1. Sabah River Safari

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For those newly-weds who want to experience nature in an unconventional way, this river safari fits the bill. Take on a tantalizing river safari down River Kinabatangan and experience wildlife and nature in its full glory. Of all the Malaysia honeymoon places, you ought to visit this one. Sabah River Safari takes you through some of the really exotic honeymoon places in Malaysia .

                25 Honeymoon Destinations In Malaysia To Visit In 2022 That Will Surprise Your Partner

2. Taman Negara

Want to experience tropical rainforest to the fullest with your beloved-welcome to Taman Negara-the 130 million years old virgin rainforest. It is one of the breathtaking honeymoon places in Malaysia where you will have the best of nature. Enjoy moments of solitude amidst nature with your spouse.

Simply exploring the surroundings together can itself be so exhilarating, it is almost like getting to know one another one step at a time. In Malaysia, there is no dearth of little alleys and lanes to do just that, both on land as well as on water.

                                  7 Nature Suffused Soul Enchanting Hill Stations In Malaysia

3. Sungai Chiling Waterfalls

Located in Selangor, the Sungai Chiling Waterfalls is one of the best places to visit for adrenaline junkies looking for thrills and spills in Malaysia. This is because Chiling Waterfalls , which doubles as a fish sanctuary, can only be reached after you take an adventurous trek along the river. There are six river crosses you need to go through, so make sure that you are ready to get your feet wet! Although the current can get strong and the water is deep, the walk is completely safe. Surrounded by dense vegetation, this place feels like nature’s hidden treasure.

                                    10 Majestic Waterfalls In Malaysia That Are Mighty Beyond Words!

4. Lake Chenderoh

Thinking about going for fishing this weekend- Lake Chenderoh is a natural lake in Perak, Malaysia and is the perfect spot for spending your weekend fishing with your family. Being one of the main weekend getaway spot in the list of lakes in Malaysia , it has a lot of local restaurants that will serve you delicious local food.

                          8 Serene Lakes In Malaysia Which Cannot Be Missed On Your Next Getaway!

5. Temenggor Lake

Home to several species of fishes like Toman, Kelah, Sebarau and Baung, Temenggor is a man-made lake located near Banding Island which is a hub for travellers as it provides great sightseeing opportunities. One of the important man-made lake of Malaysia , Temenggor lake is visited by many travellers to explore the brilliant man-made creation.

                          Top 7 Museums In Malaysia That Are Sure To Leave You Enchanted!

Malaysia is a house to so many cultures and amazing places. The country is bounded by islands and beaches which makes it the perfect ‘fairytale’ kind of vacation spot. Tourists get a chance to try out night safari where they can get a glimpse of nocturnal wonders, go bird watching on the hilltops walk across the shores of the lake and shop for souvenirs. This points to the fact there are numerous places to visit in Malaysia in 2 days and leave no room for complaints. So what are you waiting for? Gather your family and friends and plan a vacation to Malaysia for a memorable and unforgettable vacation!

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Malaysia In 2 Days

Where should I go for a one day trip to Malaysia?

You can plan to visit Rawa Island, Tenggol Island, Perhentian Islands and the many other islands that Malaysia offers.

How many days are enough for Malaysia?

6-10 days would be enough to explore and see Malaysia.

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Asia , Itineraries , Malaysia · August 28, 2020

The Perfect 2 Days Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

With all the sights to see, culture to experience, and food to try, you might wonder how you can fit everything into a 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary. While you might not be able to see all Malaysia’s vibrant capital city has to offer, 2 days in Kuala Lumpur will allow ample time to discover the city’s best bits! 

In this Kuala Lumpur itinerary, I’ll cover the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days. There will be opportunities to explore the city’s must-see attractions, shop till you drop, trek through lush jungles, and sample the fantastic cuisine! I’ve also included loads of tips and tricks to help you maximize your 48 hours in KL. From things to know before you go, how to get around, the best time to visit, where to stay, and even what to eat!

Ready to find out what to do in Kuala Lumpur? Read along to discover the best of the city in this 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary! Let’s go! 

Disclaimer: This post probably contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase through one of these links, I might receive a tiny commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Pre-Travel Tips

Before diving into this 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur travel guide, here are a few tips to help you plan the perfect trip. 

• Most countries enjoy visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 30 days. That said, it’s always best to  check if you need a visa . 
• Search the best hotel and hostel deals in Kuala Lumpur. It’s easy to find accommodation in KL, but make sure to book well in advance if you’re visiting during special holidays, like Chinese New Year. (See my hotel recommendations below).
• Book a  discounted seat on the KLIA Express Train  to access the city easily.
• Grab a  prepaid 4G Sim card   for pickup at the airport. This way, you can plan your stops, access maps, book Grab taxi, and much more on the go. 
• Malaysia’s currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR 1=USD 0.21/ GBP 0.17/ EUR 0.20/ TWD 6.75). It’s best to exchange money at the airport, but currency exchangers are easy to find in hotels, shopping malls, or on the street. 
• Don’t feel like navigating the city on your own? Here’s a  great full-day tour  to help you see all of the city’s highlights without the hassle of planning a thing! 
• You may need a  travel adapter  for your trip. The standard voltage in Malaysia is 240V, with a frequency of 50Hz, and the plug type is G.  
• Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel.  World Nomads  offers coverage for more than 150 activities, as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.

Don’t have time to read this Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 2 days? Save it for later. 

Traveling further afield? Read my comprehensive guide on the most  beautiful places to visit in Malaysia .  

How to get to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur International Airport is Malaysia’s biggest airport and the main gateway to the city. 

There are two airports, KLIA and KLIA2. Both are located less than 1 hour from the city center, and it’s easy to  take a bus , taxi, private transfer or the airport express train to reach the city.  

While  the bus is the cheapest way  to get to the city, taking the  KLIA Express Train  is by far the  fastest and most convenient way to reach Kuala Lumpur ! Trains only take 28 minutes to reach KL Sentral, and they are frequent and surprisingly affordable. It is possible to buy a ticket straight at the airport, but I really recommend  booking a discounted seat in advance . That way, you’ll save a bit of money, and you can skip the long queues at the ticket office! 

Of course, if you are traveling with lots of luggage or don’t want to bother with public transport, a private transfer or a taxi is your best option . A taxi ride to the city center will cost you around MYR75, but make sure you get a fixed-rate taxi or ask them to turn on the meter . Alternatively, get a Grab Taxi at much cheaper rates. That way, you can guarantee not being ripped off as you’ll know the price before booking the ride.

How to get around Kuala Lumpur in 2 days

While it is possible to explore some areas in the city on foot, you should know that Kuala Lumpur is a massive city, and the city’s attractions are quite spread out. Since you only have 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, you probably don’t want to waste too much time commuting. 

KL has an extensive, yet a complicated  metro  system that can take you to all corners of the city. It consists of three rail networks, KTM Komuter, the KL Monorail, and a Lightrail. ( See transit map here ). While it is the most affordable option with stops near all the must-see places to visit in Kuala Lumpur, I wouldn’t bother trying to figure out the stops and schedules with only 2 days in Kuala Lumpur. Instead, opt to use the  Hop on Hop Off bus   or Grab Taxi . 

Travel Tips:  Grab Taxi is a popular ride-share service in Malaysia and elsewhere in Southeast Asia. Make sure to  download the app  before your trip. Oh, and don’t worry, it’s super easy to use and very convenient. 

For those traveling on a budget, consider using the  KL City bus  ( see more details here ). It’s a free service and a great way to access most of the top spots. Just a heads up, though, it’s not the fastest mode of transport! 

When to visit Kuala Lumpur

The weather in Kuala Lumpur is mostly hot and humid, with average high temperatures between 28°C and 32°C throughout the year. Since KL has a tropical climate, frequent downpours aren’t uncommon either. The hottest month is March, while November sees the most rainfall.

With that being said, the best time to visit is from May to July and December to February . During these months, the temperatures are mostly pleasant, it’s not too humid, and it rains less. If you want to beat the heat, January is your best bet, as it is the “ coldest ” month with an average high of 27°C.

No matter when you choose to kickstart your 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary, though, make sure to  pack light, breathable clothes , and an  umbrella ! 

Where to stay during your 2 day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary  

Kuala Lumpur has a huge range of  accommodation , so you will be able to find just about anything to match your budget.

If it’s your first visit to this megacity, it’s best to stay somewhere central, close to public transport. That way, you’ll be able to maximize your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.  Here are my top recommendations on where to stay. 

Bukit Bintang

Bukit Bintang is the best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur and a firm favorite among first-time visitors, shoppers, nightlife seekers, and foodies. It’s also home to some of KL’s coolest cafes !

Since you’ll be right in the city’s heart, you’re guaranteed a good time with plenty to do!

Mercure Kuala Lumpur Shaw Parade is a beautiful 4-star hotel at surprisingly affordable rates. It is also located a short stroll from Bukit Bintang’s most lively and atmospheric streets. The rooms are spacious and sport beautiful, modern interiors. What’s more, the glimmering rooftop pool is the perfect spot to kick back with a boozy cocktail as you watch the setting sun over the gorgeous cityscape. Check rates & availability here!

KLCC  is another popular area to stay and offers easy access to several of Kuala Lumpur’s most iconic landmarks . Besides its perfect location, KLCC is famous for its luxury hotels, trendy rooftop bars, and excellent fine-dining opportunities. That said, expect to pay premium prices!

W Kuala Lumpur is  the creme de la creme of luxury accommodation, and you can’t go wrong with booking a stay here! This gorgeous hotel comes with all the trimmings you’d expect from a 5-star hotel — from beautiful, modern rooms and impeccable service to a dreamy indoor pool and a relaxing spa. Not to mention, convenient location!  Check rates & availability here ! 

Travelers looking for something a bit more budget-friendly and culturally vibrant can opt to stay in  Chinatown . The area is steeped in history and oozes with teeming streets full of markets, temples, fantastic cafes, and authentic eateries.

Travelodge City Centre is a beautiful 3-star hotel with very affordable rates. The rooms are bright and modern, and the hotel is a skip from bustling Central Market and Petaling Street. If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay that’s not a hostel, this is the perfect budget-friendly choice! Check rates & availability here !

Need more help finding the perfect hotel or hostel in Kuala Lumpur?  Check more options here on Agoda . 

Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Quick Overview

KL Day 1: Thean Hou Temple, Little India, National Mosque, Central Market, Petaling Street, Petronas Towers.

KL Day 2: Batu Caves, KL Forest Eco Park, KL Tower, Jalan Alor, Changkat Avenue.

Kuala Lumpur in 2 days: The best things to do

Kuala Lumpur, or simply KL as the locals like to call it, offers endless attractions and plenty to do! 

There’s something for everyone in KL — from jaw-dropping landmarks and historical sites to colorful neighborhoods and delicious street food! Since I’ve included the city’s highlights, feel free to mix things up and tailor this guide to your own needs, preferences, or traveling style. Ready? Let’s go!

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

Day 1 of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary is all about culture and shopping! You’ll get to explore the city’s great religious sites, get lost in colorful neighborhoods and bustling markets, before finally topping the day off with incredible views from atop the Petronas Towers!

Make sure you’re wearing  comfortable walking shoes , as you’ve got a lot of ground to cover today! 

Thean Hou Temple

Get an early start and visit one of the most Instagrammable places in Kuala Lumpur – Thean Hou Temple.

Built in 1987, Thean Hou Temple is a gorgeous six-tiered Buddhist temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.

Besides marveling at the ornate architecture strewn with hundreds of dangling red lanterns, there are quite a few other things to see while visiting here. Don’t miss the Chinese Medicinal Herbs Garden, the Wishing Well, and the very cute Tortoise Pond! 

Little India

Little India or Brickfields is one of the most colorful and vibrant neighborhoods in KL. It’s filled with culture, history, great food, and cute shophouses selling all kinds of wares, like fabrics, flower garlands, spices, jewelry, and Bollywood paraphernalia. 

Little India is the perfect place to shop, take photos, and get lost in a colorful maze of alleys. Don’t forget your camera, because you’ll be needing it! 

National Mosque

Masjid Negara, also called the National Mosque, is one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia, and definitely deserves a spot on your 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary!

Constructed in 1965 to memorialize Malaysia’s independence, it can host up to 15,000 worshippers and is beautiful inside and out! Besides the massive main prayer hall and lush 13-acre gardens, the most striking feature is its blue tile roof with 18 points representing the 13 states of Malaysia and the five pillars of Islam.

It’s an extremely tranquil place to visit and a good opportunity to learn a bit more about Islamic culture. The mosque is only open to non-worshippers at certain hours during the day, so it’s best to time your visit here. The entry is free. 

Since this is a place of worship, make sure to dress appropriately. Free robes are provided at the entrance for both men and women. It’s also a good idea to wear socks as you’re not allowed to wear shoes within the complex.

Travel Tips:  If your schedule is flexible, it’s worth exploring a few of the sights nearby. Get a closer look at the old Malaysian Railway Station, learn more about Islam at the Islamic Arts Museum, or immerse yourself in nature at the  Kuala Lumpur Bird Park   and Lake Gardens.

Central Market

When it was first built in 1888, Central Market was just a simple wet market. Over the years, the market has transformed in many ways. Today, it is a Heritage Site and one of the most popular places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.

It is a great place for a leisurely walkabout and the perfect spot to find all kinds of artisan goods, batik artworks, handicrafts, souvenirs, and cute boutique stores. 

After browsing the first level, and practicing your haggling skills, head to the second floor. Here, you’ll find several restaurants and a food court to satisfy your hunger. 

Travel Tip: Make sure also to take a stroll along Kasturi Walk, which runs along the market. It’s a cool open-air flea market, and the whole lane is lined with little cafes, tea shops, and loads of stalls selling all kinds of snacks, souvenirs, and handiworks.

Chinatown, Petaling Street

Next up on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, is Chinatown. Nestled right in the heart of this vibrant neighborhood, you’ll find one of KL’s most bustling markets, Petaling Street. 

Petaling Street is an absolute haven for bargain hunters and chock-full with stores and stalls selling all kinds of stuff, from cheap street food and Louis Vuitton knock-offs to interesting Chinese knick-knacks and souvenirs. 

The market is always teeming with people no matter which time of day you go, so get ready to join the scrum! Oh, and don’t forget to haggle! 

Afterward, get lost in Chinatown’s nooks and crannies, hunt for street art, pop into quaint tea houses, and marvel at the colorful colonial-style buildings. 

Petronas Towers

End the first day of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary by visiting the city’s most iconic landmark and the world’s tallest twin towers. 

Standing 451.9 meters tall, the Petronas Towers is truly an architectural wonder. Surrounded by skyscrapers, no matter which way you turn and the beautiful KLCC Park at its base, this is one KL attraction you cannot miss. 

For a bird’s-eye view of the magnificent cityscape, opt to tour the Skybridge and the Observation Deck. The guided tour lasts about 45 minutes, which is a bit short, but it’s still an amazing experience. You can visit the towers throughout the day, but come at sunset or night for a truly unforgettable experience!

Just a heads up though, tickets for the Petronas Towers sell out fast! So, make sure to  book your tickets in advance . It’s also good to know that the towers aren’t open on Mondays. 

Travel Tips:  If your budget doesn’t allow exploring the towers’ inside, you can still enjoy epic ground-level views at KLCC Park. Grab a coffee and find a bench or spot on the grass to kick off your shoes! To snap an Instagram-worthy selfie with the towers, make sure to pack a wide-angle lens. I love this  Xenvo   Pro   clip-on lens  that easily fits in my handbag! 

Day 2 Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

On the final day of your 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary, you’ll visit one of Malaysia’s most iconic attractions, Batu Caves. Afterward, immerse yourself in nature as you wander along with treetop canopies in KL’s very own rainforest. Then dive right into the city’s bustling night markets and vibrant nightlife scene! 

A Kuala Lumpur itinerary would simply not be complete without visiting the spectacular Batu Caves.

Located about 25 minutes’ drive from the city center, Batu Caves is an important religious site revered for its 400 million-year-old caves, funky rainbow stairway, cheeky monkeys, and giant Buddha statue guarding the cave’s entrance. It’s also one of the most popular temples to visit in Southeast Asia !

Besides exploring the temples at the base of the cave, snapping photos of the stairway, and marveling at the towering statue of Murugan, it’s worth tackling the 272 steps to the top. The views along the way are incredible! Keep an eye on the sneaky monkeys, though; they are notorious for snatching anything from food and hats to phones and sunglasses! 

Inside the cave, browse by several Hindi shrines and temples and get a close-up look at the cave’s ancient limestone interior. 

Travel Tips: Since Batu Caves is easily the city’s most touristy spot, come as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Make sure to dress appropriately, cover your shoulders and legs above the knees, and bring a scarf just in case. With that being said, you might still need to rent a sarong for MYR10 at the foot of the cave.

KL Forest Eco Park

Neatly nestled among the city’s concrete jungle is the beautiful KL Forest Eco Park. As the only protected patch of rainforest within the city’s borders, it’s just the place to escape Kuala Lumpur’s often unbearable heat. The best part, it’s free!

The park spans over 9 hectares and houses an incredibly diverse range of plant life. There are several walkways perfect for jungle trekking, but make sure to climb up to the canopy walkways too! From here, you’ll get to walk amid the treetops and spot all kinds of birds, monkeys, and butterflies! Of course, the views of the lush jungle below and the cityscape are just as rewarding!

Menara KL Tower

Towering 421 meters above the city, the KL Tower is the world’s seventh tallest telecommunications tower and another top attraction to add to your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur itinerary. 

There’s a lovely forest area at the tower’s base where you can take a walkabout or sit back and enjoy the surroundings. For panoramic views, though, a visit to the Observation Deck and the Sky Deck is a must! From here, you can see the entire city, and it’s incredibly beautiful no matter which way you turn! 

Make sure to book your tickets online  as the lines are always long! Oh, and if you’re brave enough, there’s also bungee jumping to add to your list of things to do! 

Jalan Alor is probably the most famous food street in Kuala Lumpur and the perfect spot to grab seafood, hawker food, and authentic Malay cuisine. 

The area really only comes alive at night when the street is jam-packed with hawker stalls selling all kinds of food and brimming with people deciding what to eat. Come hungry, because there are lots to try! 

Changkat Avenue

End your final day of 2 days in Kuala Lumpur by exploring Changkat Avenue – the city’s bustling go-to nightlife area. 

The street is lined with tons of bars, hipster lounges, cool eateries, thumping nightclubs, and everything in between! No matter where you go, you’re guaranteed a good time!

What to eat in Kuala Lumpur

No visit to KL would be complete without indulging in the city’s mind-blowing cuisine! There’s so much to try, and to be honest; you’ll be hard-pressed not to find something to satisfy your tastebuds in this incredible foodie hub! 

With only 2 days in Kuala Lumpur, the easiest way to sample loads of different options and learn a bit more about the food culture is on a food tour . Of course, if your itinerary is a bit more flexible and you enjoy cooking, consider joining this fun cooking class !

No matter what you decide to do, don’t miss the following dishes during your 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary: 

• Nasi Lemak  – Malaysia’s national dish and a huge must try! The best part, you can find it everywhere in Kuala Lumpur! While it’s a simple dish, it’s packed with flavor and finger-licking goodness! Nasi Lemak consists of coconut rice served with spicy sambal, anchovies, peanuts, cucumber, and eggs. 
• Beef Rendang  – An insanely delicious, coconut beef stew served with Nasi Lemak. It also comes in lamb and chicken variants, but the beef is by far the best! 
• Char kway teow  – A popular street food snack consisting of flat rice noodles quick fried with egg, prawns, beansprouts, cockles, and sausage. 
• Roti canai  – A crispy pan-fried pancake often served with Indian dishes like dhal or curry. The pancake is made with lots of butter and oil, so it’s probably not the healthiest food to eat in Kuala Lumpur, but it’s incredibly tasty! You can get roti canai stuffed with just about anything your heart desires, but the most common options are egg, cheese, or onion. If you have a sweet tooth, try the banana chocolate ones! They are divine!
• Laksa/ Curry mee  – A spicy coconut and yellow curry noodle soup served soft tofu, prawns, and beansprouts.
• Hainanese chicken rice – If you’ve been to Singapore , you’ve probably tried this incredibly aromatic yet straightforward dish. The chicken is cooked in garlic, ginger, and chicken stock and then served with rice and a chili sauce.
• Satay skewers  – Meat such as beef, chicken, or lamb grilled on sticks and served with a nutty peanut sauce, and cucumbers and onions of the side. It’s the perfect street food snack! 
• Bak Kut Teh  – A delicious soup consisting of pork rib meat stewed for hours in a herbal broth. 

Kuala Lumpur Day Trips

If you have a few more days to spare on your Kuala Lumpur itinerary, it’s worth exploring the city’s outskirts. Here are some of the best day trips from Kuala Lumpur:

• Genting Highlands  – A huge casino resort and theme park nestled among beautiful mountains with plenty to do.  Try this tour . 
• Cameron Highlands  – A tranquil area, filled with tea plantations, rose gardens, butterfly farms and strawberry picking spots.  Check out this tour . 
• Malacca  – A gorgeous colorful little town steeped in history. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage site.  See the tour details here .
• Ipoh  – A charming town filled with street art, hidden temples, and heaps of exotic culinary delights.  Join this tour .  
• Bukit Tinggi  – Wander along the cobblestone streets of Colmar Tropical Resort lined with colorful European-style buildings, bakeries, and cute cafes.  Check out this tour . 

That wraps up this 2 days Kuala Lumpur itinerary! Feel free to share your tips on the best things to do in KL, places to stay, the best places to eat, and everything in between below! 

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March 11, 2023 at

The best two day itinerary I got for Kualampur ! thanks for sharing and helping me plan the KL stay.

March 19, 2023 at

thank you so much, now im confident to DIY my 2 itinerary stay in kuala lumpur since im traveling alone.

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Kuala Lumpur 2-Day Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Days in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Posted on Last updated: March 25, 2024

Need help planning your Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary? You’ve come to the right place!

​In this article I have outlined everything you need to know about spending two days in Kuala Lumpur. Including a detailed itinerary, tips on how to get around the city, where to eat, where to stay and more.

The Malaysian capital is a vibrant and lively city, with an incredible mix of traditional and modern.

Kuala Lumpur is home to the iconic Petronas Towers, the colourful Batu Caves, beautiful botanical gardens, delicious street food and much more.

Over the years I have travelled a lot around Southeast Asia, but this was my first time visiting Malaysia. And after seeing how great it is, I don’t know why I waited so long to visit!

So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and start planning the perfect weekend in Kuala Lumpur!

• 1.1 Visit the famous Batu Caves
• 1.2 Wander around KLCC Park
• 1.3 See Petronas Twin Towers
• 1.4 Lunch at Signatures Food Court, Suria KLCC
• 1.5 See the view from KL Tower
• 1.6 Walk around KL Forest Eco Park
• 1.7 Have some down time by the pool
• 1.8 Head to Jalan Alor Street Food Market for dinner
• 2.1 Visit Thean Hou Temple
• 2.2 Explore Brickfields (Little India)
• 2.3 Explore Chinatown & Petaling Street Market
• 2.4 Visit Merdeka Square
• 2.5 Enjoy sunset drinks with a view
• 3.1 How many days do you need in Kuala Lumpur?
• 3.2 How to get around Kuala Lumpur 
• 3.3 Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
• 3.4 What to pack for Kuala Lumpur in 2 days
• 3.5 Do you need travel insurance for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur?

Exploring the beautiful Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Essentials to book before you read on!

Best tours in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur street food tour with 15+ tastings

Batu Caves & Thean Hou Temple Cultural Tour

KL Tower Fast Track Admission Ticket

Best hotels in Kuala Lumpur

Budget:  Chinatown Hostel by Mingle

Mid-range: ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre

Luxury:  Ascott Star KLCC

Get 5% off your Kuala Lumpur travel insurance here!

Kuala Lumpur itinerary 2 days: Day 1

Visit the famous batu caves.

Your itinerary for Kuala Lumpur begins with a trip to Batu Caves, the most famous temple in the city and one of the most important Hindu religious sites outside of India.

It’s a little way out of the centre of town, so make the journey as early as possible to avoid crowds (the KTM Komuter train goes directly there from KL Sentral).  

Dedicated to Murugan (the Hindu god of war), the temple came into being in 1890, with access improved in 1920 with the addition of wooden stairs. Today it is a huge cave complex complete with illuminations and colourful shrines.

Besides the cave and temple itself, the most famous sight of Batu Caves is probably its entrance, with the colourful staircase and huge golden Murugan Statue.

The iconic staircase and Murugan Statue of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

We visited Batu Caves at 9AM and when we first arrived it was fairly empty, but by the time we left around 10:30AM it was getting very busy and the staircase up to the cave was pretty rammed.

Head there early to avoid the crowds, and the monkeys! While there are monkeys at Batu Caves all the time, they’re not as pesky early in the morning. Don’t carry any food with view, or they will attack you to steal it!

You can easily spend a few hours at Batu Caves. Between admiring the beautiful exterior, heading up the staircase, and exploring the inside of the caves, there’s lots to see.

If you don’t want to worry about how to get to Batu Caves, you can book a half-day tour like this one , which includes pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.

Click here to book your half-day tour to Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur!

Inside the cave and temple of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The monkeys of Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Wander around KLCC Park

Once you’re back from Batu Caves, the next step for your 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur is to head to KLCC Park.

You can take the Kelana Jaya Line from KL Sentral (17 minutes) or just hail a Grab (the journey by road is about 10 minutes).  

It’s a nice place to wander, sit and people-watch for a while – and all with views of the Petronas Towers.

There are splash pools where kids play, which is cute, but also if you come back at night the fountains (and the towers) are illuminated.

Wandering the forest paths of Kuala Lumpur Eco Forest Park

Sri Maha Mariamman Temple in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

See Petronas Twin Towers

These famous towers are definitely what you should see in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days – or any amount of days really!

At just over 450 metres tall, these are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world and have been since they were completed in 1999. In fact, they were the tallest building in the world at one point, until Taipei 101 was finished in 2004.

 From KLCC Park, you can walk below the Petronas Towers to the famous Petronas “photo spot”, where you can grab a photo of the tallest twin towers in the world and the water fountains below them.

If you’re a fan of city views, you can head up to the towers’ viewing deck at level 86 – only problem being that the iconic towers themselves won’t be visible!  

The towers even have a bridge link (level 41 and 42) connecting them, which you can walk across (partly, at least). Visiting hours are 9 AM to 9PM.

If you want to visiting the viewing deck of Petronas Towers, make sure to purchase your fast track ticket online . You only have two days in Kuala Lumpur after all, you don’t want to waste them queueing!

Click here to purchase your Skip-the-Line entrance ticket to Petronas Twin Towers!

The famous Petronas Twin Towers of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Lunch at Signatures Food Court, Suria KLCC

Food in Malaysia is among the best in the world – mainly because there’s so much on offer. No Kuala Lumpur travel itinerary should be complete without hitting up a food court.

I love food courts because they are affordable places to grab a bite to eat, and with a ton of different options too. It’s perfect for groups of friends, so everyone can eat whatever they want, but you can still sit all together.

Your option right now is at Suria KLCC, a huge mall situated at the bottom of Petronas Towers with an epic food court to match.

It’s open 10 AM to 10 PM, and serves everything from sushi to Thai food. Great for lunch on the go.

A delicious noodle dish I had at a food court in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

See the view from KL Tower

For epic views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline, I suggest heading to KL Tower.

This 421-metre-tall telecommunications tower began life in 1991, and is the place for 360-degree views of the city that include Petronas Towers in the skyline.

Hop in a Grab and you’ll be here in less than 10 minutes (otherwise it’s a sweaty half hour walk).

Besides the classic observation deck, there’s also the Sky Box, a literal cube of glass that makes you feel like you’re floating in the city. A great photo opportunity, but you’ll definitely have to wait if you want to experience it.

We skipped the Sky Box as there was over an hour wait time for it, plus we felt like the views from the viewing deck were sufficiently awesome without standing over a glass bridge.

KL Tower is open from 10AM to 10PM. We went in the middle of the day, but you could also head there later if you want to see the sun go down over the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

Click here to purchase your entrance ticket to KL Tower!

Enjoying the view over Kuala Lumpur from KL Tower

KL Tower seen from Kuala Lumpur Eco Forest Park

Walk around KL Forest Eco Park

Right next door to KL Tower you’ll find KL Eco Forest Park. This lush haven of nature in the middle of the city, also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur, is a very cool contrast between forest and city.

KL Eco Forest Park – which was originally made a reserve in 1906 – is a great spot when it’s hot in the city, since you can find some shade and feel a bit cooler being close to all the lush greenery.

It’s clean and well maintained, and is home to the famous treetop skywalk.  Once you enter the park, I suggest you walk down to the end of the treetop skywalk, and do it in reverse back towards the entrance.

This way you will have unique views of KL Tower peeking through the trees as you walk along the skywalk, instead of having it at your back, and you won’t then have to hike back up the hill.

Walking around the trails of the park really makes you feel worlds away from the urban rush of Malaysia’s capital. 

Walking along the famous treetop skywalk of KL Eco Forest Park, with KL Tower in the background

Have some down time by the pool

If you’ve booked a hotel or apartment with its own infinity pool (and I really recommend this; there are a bunch of affordable options), then it’s time to chill out for the remainder of the afternoon.

Sit back and enjoy the view, maybe even enjoy the sunset view over KL as you swim in the infinity pool, until it’s time to get ready to head out for dinner.

The pool of Platinum Suites in Kuala Lumpur by night

Head to Jalan Alor Street Food Market for dinner

Make sure you turn up hungry, as this night market is where it’s at. As the biggest night market in the city, visiting here to eat and drink is definitely one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur.  

It’s the perfect way to end the day, and a great way to learn more about the culture and gastronomic delights of the capital. Food is affordable, there are bars to hop into, and the atmosphere is top notch.

Personally, I really liked Jalan Alor Street Food Market. It seemed very clean and organised, especially when compared to other street food markets in Asia.

It’s a great place to try delicious and cheap local food. But it’s not limited to Malaysian food, we also saw loads of food stalls with Thai food, as well as Japanese mochi.

If you want to make sure you try all the best local food, you can join a local street food night tour like this one . I love food tours, as they give you a great insight into local culture, plus there’s no risk of ending up in a tourist trap!

Click here to book your Jalan Alor street food night tour!

Walking down Jalan Alor Street Food Market in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Looking for more Kuala Lumpur travel inspiration? Check out my vlog below!

2 Days Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Day 2

Visit thean hou temple.

Day 2 of your 2 days in Kuala Lumpur kicks off with a trip to Thean Hou Temple. If you’re staying in Chinatown, it’s 5 minutes by road (take a Grab – it’s easy).

The colourful temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu opened in 1989, and was built by the Hainanese community of Malaysia.

The sprawling temple grounds showcase a mix of modern techniques and traditional design elements that make for an interesting place to wander for a while.

As well as the complex itself, there’s places where you can grab a souvenir or a bite to eat.   As an added bonus, the view of the KL skyline from here is pretty good, too. The temple is open 9AM to 6PM, and entrance is free.

I have to admit that while I’d already seen the staircase of Batu Caves countless of times on social media before visiting Malaysia, I’d never heard of Thean Hou Temple. Which is why I was surprised to see how beautiful it was.

Thean Hou Temple is easily the most beautiful temple we saw during our Malaysia trip (even more beautiful than the famous temples in Georgetown )!

Exploring the beautiful Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Explore Brickfields (Little India)

It’s either a 22-minute walk or a 5-minute Grab ride to Brickfields (aka Little India) on the way back to KLCC. This heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Indian community is awash with jewellery sellers, textile shops and eateries.

It’s a cool place to explore and an even more fun place to eat.

I stopped off at Bricks Factory Cafe for a bite and a coffee. It’s a modern spot for Indian cuisine like thali, but also Malaysian goodies like kaya toast.

I recommend going on a walking tour of the area, which is stretched along Jalan Tun Sambanthan.

If you don’t want to pay for a tour, head over to Bricks Factory Cafe for a coffee, and scan the QR code and map they have painted on the wall. It links to a 2.5-hour walking tour of the area, which you can follow to see the main sights.

Exploring Little India in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Explore Chinatown & Petaling Street Market

Take the KL1075 bus (or a Grab) to Petaling Street Market. In around 10 minutes you’ll be in Chinatown and among various stores and shops that are great for souvenirs (and food, of course).

It first sprang up in the late 19th century during the “Tin Rush”, which saw Cantonese and Hakka settlers from southern China make their way to KL to make their fortunes.

Today, exploring Chinatown is easily one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur, so make sure you spend some time wandering Petaling Street – the central area strung with lanterns and edged with a whole host of shops and eateries).

It’s a must if you’re in the city for any amount of time. Although there’s a ton of old shop houses to check out, one you shouldn’t miss is Ho Kow Kopitiam.

Founded in 1956, it’s still going and attracts crowds with its curries, Chinese bites, kaya toast and super strong coffee – all at affordable prices. Perfect for a pick-me-up!

Exploring Jalan Petaling Street Market in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur

Visit Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square (or Independence Square) can be found a 12-minute walk from the heart of Chinatown – or about a 5-minute Grab ride away – across the Klang River.

This wasn’t always a square, however. In the early days of the city’s founding it was used by local communities to grow food. After that it was declared the site of colonial government buildings for the British, and became home to a cricket green at one point too.

Malaya, as it was then, gained independence from the British Empire in 1957, and more than 20,000 people gathered in this very square to witness the declaration take place. The handover of power occurred at midnight, when all the lights in the square were turned on to a huge cheer.

Today the historic landmark offers an insight into the history and culture of Malaysia. Note that it can be really hot here as there’s no shade, so make sure you wear a hat.

View over the skyline of Kuala Lumpur from the top of the Batu Caves staircase

Enjoy sunset drinks with a view

To round up your 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur, head to the chic SkyBar. It’s just 10 minutes away from Merdeka Square if you hail a Grab. You’ll find it at the top of Traders Hotel, on the 33rd floor.

Compared to other restaurants (and definitely compared to street food), it’s considerably more expensive, but it’s worth it. Having sunset drinks with views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline is something else.

Another option is Deep Blue (6 minutes away via Grab). This is set at the 51st floor of The Face Hotel. It’s a very cool space complete with tapas for light bites and plenty of cocktails and other drink options.

And all complete with views of the Petronas Towers and KL Tower.

Night view over Kuala Lumpur from a rooftop bar

Logistical tips for your weekend in Kuala Lumpur

We’ve gone over my day-by-day itinerary for an epic weekend in Kuala Lumpur already, but I want to share with you also some useful logistics information, so that you can make the most of your time in Kuala Lumpur.

How many days do you need in Kuala Lumpur?

Working out how many days you should spend in Kuala Lumpur is obviously up to you and your travel style. Kuala Lumpur is very popular with digital nomads, since it’s very affordable and well connected to the rest of South East Asia.

Many travellers that are on a long travelling stint often end up spending a while in Kuala Lumpur, just recharging, working, and enjoying the beautiful sights of this city for a cheap price tag.

However, if you’re on a tight schedule and have other places to see in your Malaysia itinerary, you obviously won’t have this luxury. Even though it’s a huge city, I’d still say you can get a good feel for Kuala Lumpur in 2 days.

Two days is enough to see the city’s main highlights.  In two days in Kuala Lumpur you can explore unique temples like Batu Caves and Thean Hou Temple , as well as cool viewpoints and street food markets.

The beautiful details of Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

How to get around Kuala Lumpur  

One thing you should consider when you’re using my 2 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary is transport. This is going to be crucial in making the most of your time.

Grab is super efficient and affordable (even more so if you’re in a group). Even though normal taxis are around double the price, they are still very affordable compared to European ones.

Public transport in Kuala Lumpur is good. It’s affordable and well connected. There are even several free bus routes, run by GoKL City Bus, which cover tourist hotspots including Chinatown and Bukit Bintang.  

You can grab a cashless Touch n Go (TnG) card, which you can charge with cash then tap to ride on trains and buses. Pick these up at larger train stations and at the airport.

Enjoying the views over Kuala Lumpur from KL Tower

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

Generally speaking, I would say stick to the KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre) area, especially if you’ve only got 2 nights in Kuala Lumpur.  

As the name suggests, this district is central. You’ll be close to everything and if you pick a skyscraper, you will likely have great views over the Kuala Lumpur skyline.

One of the great things about choosing where to stay in Kuala Lumpur is that there are lots of very affordable apartments in skyscrapers with rooftop infinity pools. That way you have somewhere awesome to chill at the end of each day.

Here are some of the best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur for every budget.

Budget – Chinatown Hostel by Mingle :  Located among the sights and sounds of KL’s Chinatown, this cool hostel is the place to base yourself on a budget. From here, you can easily stroll to night markets or hop on the train and explore further afield.  

The building itself is an old colonial shop house and features an array of charming social spaces and cute design details. The rooftop terrace here is the place to be for meeting your fellow travellers.

Click here to book your stay at Chinatown Hostel by Mingle in Kuala Lumpur!

Going for a swim in the rooftop pool of our accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Mid-range – ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre :  This branch of the international chain Ibis is located right in the middle of KL – just 750 metres from the Petronas Towers, in fact.

The hotel itself is modern and polished, with comfortable rooms equipped with all the amenities you’ll need.   It also has a rooftop infinity swimming pool with panoramic views out across the city, two on-site restaurants and a fitness centre.

Click here to see prices & availability at ibis KLCC!

Luxury – Ascott Star KLCC :  Treat yourself to an incredible stay at this high-end gem. Rooms come in a range of sizes and include private kitchenettes so you can make yourself at home.  

Boasting incredible views of the Petronas Towers, staying here means relaxing in some seriously chic spaces, from the rooftop infinity pool to the slick fitness centre – there are even a library and kids play area.  

Don’t miss out, click here to book your stay at Ascott Star KLCC!

What to pack for Kuala Lumpur in 2 days

There aren’t really any specific things you should pack for Kuala Lumpur besides your usual travel essentials. After all, it’s a huge city with great shopping opportunities! Still, here are a few things it’s easier to always have on you.

Waterproof jacket – if you’re visiting in rainy season, you will need one of these!

Water bottle – lots of hotels and restaurants have water refills, by having your own reusable water bottle you can reduce your plastic consumption and monetary expense, it’s a win-win!

Adapter – depending on where you come from you might need one of these to charge your electronics. I like to use an international one so that it can work for multiple destinations.

Power bank – if you’re out and about all day you don’t want your phone to die on you just as you’re about to snap a great photo of the beautiful temples in Kuala Lumpur!

You won’t really need them in Kuala Lumpur, but it’s still a good idea to bring a fast drying towel  and dry bag  to Malaysia, especially if you’re planning on heading to the islands after Kuala Lumpur!

Modern and old contrasts in Chinatown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Do you need travel insurance for 2 days in Kuala Lumpur?

After my personal experience spending two nights in a private hospital in Tenerife, and having to pay for it out of pocket (it wasn’t cheap), I always recommend getting travel insurance .

You might not end up needing it, but for a small fee you can travel without worries. Personally, I suggest getting your travel insurance with  Heymondo .

Heymondo offers tailor made travel insurance, providing the best value for money for your specific trip. You can also buy it once you’re already abroad and have forgotten about it before flying (which, if you’re anything like me, is quite likely).

Besides the usual cancellation, medical expenses, luggage coverage and general travel insurance services, Heymondo also has a 24/7 doctor chat and instant assistance through their app.

Plus, as a Greta’s Travels reader, you get 5% off your Heymondo travel insurance !

Click here to get your 5% off Heymondo travel insurance!

Final thoughts on what to see in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days

There you have it, the ultimate itinerary for two days in Kuala Lumpur! Have you been to Kuala Lumpur before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!

Kuala Lumpur is a great city, with plenty of tourist attractions to keep you busy for two days.

While you could definitely spend longer in Kuala Lumpur, I personally think two days is the perfect amount of time if you also have other stops in your Malaysia itinerary.

After Kuala Lumpur we travelled on to the Cameron Highlands , Ipoh and Langkawi , which made for a great Malaysia trip. We had a good mix of nature,  waterfalls , city, culture, and beach escapes.

In Kuala Lumpur you will find some of the tallest buildings in the world, delicious street food markets, a unique blend of cultures and religions, and affordable luxury hotels.

It’s honestly one of the most unique cities I have ever visited. I hope you will enjoy your two days in Kuala Lumpur just as much as I did! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below.

Enjoyed reading my 2 day itinerary Kuala Lumpur? Pin it!

Where to go in Malaysia for a short trip: KL Getaways

Looking for budget weekend getaways in Malaysia that can be taken from KL? This guide will show you exactly where to go in Malaysia for a short trip!

Malaysia is an incredibly diverse country with so much to offer to any type of traveler. While Peninsular Malaysia is known for its bustling cities, historical towns and pristine beaches, Malaysia Borneo is known for its diverse wildlife, lush rainforest and spectacular mountain peaks. 

Although I’ve traveled to Malaysia on multiple occasions, I still have a lot more to explore. That’s why I’ve asked some of the best travel bloggers to share their top recommendations for the best places to visit in Malaysia for a short trip. 

So here’s a list of 20 weekend getaways in Malaysia (that can easily be taken from Kuala Lumpur) to help you plan a short but relaxing vacation in Malaysia! 

Check out these other Malaysia travel guides:

• How to spend 4-12 days in Singapore and Malaysia?
• Ultimate 2-week Malaysia itinerary on a budget

*** This article may contain affiliate links, meaning each time you click through and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you which helps a lot in keeping this website running. Thank you for your support :)

Table of Contents

Getting around Malaysia 

Being well connected with other Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore and Thailand, traveling to and within Malaysia is very cheap and easy. 

I recommend using either Easybook or  12go.asia  to book your transportation so you can easily compare the price of train and bus tickets and hence get the best deal. 

Alternatively, if you don’t want to spend hours on the bus or train during your short Malaysia getaway, AirAsia offers very cheap flights and usually has some pretty awesome deals if you book well in advance. 

Another option is to book a private transfer from KL to any destination in Malaysia.

Weekend Getaways in Peninsular Malaysia

Penang .

Penang Island is located in the northwest of Peninsular Malaysia. With a diverse cultural heritage that can be seen through its temples and mosques, historical buildings, interactive street art and world-class street food, Penang, also known as the food capital of Malaysia, is the perfect place to spend the weekend in Malaysia for foodies and history buff. 

The cheapest way to get to Penang  is by bus. There are also direct flights available from Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi and Singapore. The best time to visit Penang is between December and April. 

One of the top things to do in Penang is to go on a self-guided street art tour. The city of Georgetown is covered with an abundance of quirky and interactive murals that make for really fun photo backdrops!  

You can also take a tour of the Blue Mansion , visit Penang Hill ,  Penang Habitat , Kek Lok Si Temple, 3D Trick Art Museum or spend the evening on Chulia Street to feast on some tasty Malaysian food. 

Other   things to do include taking a dip in Batu Ferringhi beach, hiking Penang National Park or visiting the Botanical Gardens. 

Where to stay in Penang : The  Blue Mansion  is perfect for those who want to stay in a traditional Peranakan home. The hotel is located in the heart of Georgetown and includes free breakfast. 

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Related post: How to spend 3 days in Georgetown Penang?

Melaka 

If you’re looking for a short Malaysia getaway from Kuala Lumpur that’s rich in history and culture, the UNESCO World Heritage city of Melaka (also spelled Malacca) is right up your alley! 

Melaka, sometimes referred to as the Amsterdam of Asia, is famous for its colonial architecture with Dutch, Portuguese and British influences, colorful river canals, a majestic floating mosque and night markets.

Although most people visit  Melaka as a day trip , there’s quite a lot to do to fill in a weekend, plus you can easily take the bus from KL to Malacca . Explore the Dutch Square to see all the major attractions such as the Christ Church, Saint Paul’s Hill, Stadthuys and A’Famosa Fort.  

You can also take a river cruise , hunt for street art in Melaka , visit the Maritime Naval Museum, take in the view from The Shore Sky Tower , watch the sunset at the Melaka Straits Mosque, have an adventure-filled day at the Skytrex Adventure and more! 

To sample some of the tastiest local dishes, make sure to visit the famous  Jonker Street night market which takes place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A GUIDED MELAKA DAY TOUR FROM KL

Where to stay in Melaka : If you want to stay in a quiet neighborhood not too far from the main attractions,  Hotel Arissa  is perfect for you. They provide clean and comfy rooms with a large double bed and a private bathroom. 

Related post: 15 awesome things you must do in Melaka

Situated in the state of Perak, Ipoh is one of the most underrated getaways in Malaysia! While exploring Ipoh, you’ll come across colorful and interactive murals, cute alleyways and beautiful cave temples etched into the limestone cliffs. 

You can easily  get to Ipoh from KL  or other major cities in Malaysia by either bus or train. For the best weather condition, plan your visit between December and April but avoid Chinese New Year if you don’t want to get stuck in traffic on your way to Ipoh! 

Start your trip by heading to Mural’s Art Lane which is covered with dozens of colorful street art before making your way to the Old Town, the center of all Ipoh attractions . 

In the Old Town, you’ll find Concubine Lane, a little alley flanked by cute cafes and shops selling souvenirs, clothes and delicious food.  Market Lane is also not to be missed with its colorful hanging umbrellas and interactive murals. 

If you have time, make sure to visit at least one cave temple. There are over 30 of them dotting every corner of Ipoh, some providing the most scenic views. Three of my favorite temples are Perak Tong, Kek Lok Tong and Sam Poh Tong. 

Finally, you can’t say you’ve been to Ipoh without sampling some delicious egg tarts accompanied by a cup of Ipoh white coffee! Follow the locals to either Nam Heong White Coffee or Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong and you’ll be in for a treat! 

Where to stay in Ipoh : If you want to stay in the Old Town, I recommend Dé Cafe & Rest House . Alternatively,  Grayhaus Soho Ipoh  in the New Town offers budget single or double rooms, inclusive of breakfast. 

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Related post: 14+ best things to do in Ipoh in 3 days

Kuala Lumpur 

Featuring the world’s tallest twin towers, bustling neighborhoods, impressive temples and mosques and an omnipresent food scene, Kuala Lumpur or KL is the perfect place to visit for a short vacation in Malaysia. 

The city is found about 50 minutes from the airport and can be reached by bus, train or Grab taxi.  

The starting point for exploring Kuala Lumpur is Bukit Bintang  where you can do some cheap shopping and eat to your heart’s content at the famous Jalan Alor Night Market. 

From Bukit Bintang, take the air-conditioned walkway that leads to the Petronas Twin Towers. I recommend visiting at night to see the towers light up just in time for the lake symphony show. 

You can also visit the KL Tower and KL Forest Eco Park (one of KL’s top Instagram spots ) where you can walk along a canopy bridge surrounded by the only remaining rainforest in KL city center. Aquaria KLCC , Chinatown KL , Little India and the  Batu Caves  are also not to be missed on any Kuala Lumpur itinerary as well as a visit to the impressive Thean Hou Temple. 

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur : There are lots of options for infinity pool hotels in KL but if you’re on a tight budget, I recommend Gold 3 Boutique Hotel . It features stylish and modern rooms and is a cheap place to stay in Bukit Bintang. 

Related post: Top things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 48 hours

Sekinchan 

Anyone visiting Malaysia is likely to stop by Kuala Lumpur. While the city is amazing, it can feel too busy for some. Luckily for visitors looking for a relaxing weekend getaway in Malaysia, there’s the small fishing village of  Sekinchan , located only two hours away. 

Sekinchan is considered the hidden gem of Malaysia. It wasn’t until recently that it started to receive an influx of tourists due to the popular TVB drama “Outbound Love”.  

What’s so special about this peaceful fishing village is the rice fields that lie on its perimeter. Acres of stunning and lush rice fields cover the eastern outskirts of town, stretching beyond the eye’s reach. When admiring these rice paddies, an unknowing traveler might even think that he or she is in Bali ! 

Just remember to visit when the rice paddies are in full bloom, or else you might not see anything at all. March to May and September to November are considered the best time to visit. 

Many visitors do a  Sekinchan day trip , enjoying the rice paddies during the day, relaxing on the Redang beach at sunset, and enjoying some fresh seafood before heading home. However, I would advise staying for a whole weekend to relax and enjoy some of the attractions of the neighboring town such as the  fireflies tour  and  Sky Mirror  in Kuala Selangor.

Where to stay in Sekinchan : If you’re spending the weekend in Sekinchan, make sure to book a stay at  Villa Chee for the best rice field view! 

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Recommended by Sean from Living Out Lau 

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is the perfect place to escape for a couple of days and enjoy some time in the mountains. It’s well known for its endless beautiful tea fields that cover the rolling hills and valleys.  

The local busses are a cheap and easy way to get to Cameron Highlands  and run regularly from major hubs such as Kuala Lumpur and Penang. 

You can visit all year round but January and February are the months with the least rainfall, so you may want to visit then. The best thing to do in  Cameron Highlands  is to explore the local tea fields.  

There are several hikes in the area or you can visit some of the tea plantations. BOH Plantation  is one of the most popular due to the beautiful scenery surrounding the tasting room. 

The region is also known for growing lavender, strawberries and other fresh produce with lots of markets and shops selling local goods, making it the perfect place to go for a short trip in Malaysia!

Where to stay in Cameron Highlands : A great option for those staying on a budget is The Cave Guesthouse which is a 10-minute walk from the town center. 

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Recommended by Luke from The Coastal Campaign 

Port Dickson

Port Dickson is probably one of the best weekend getaway destinations due to its close proximity to cities like Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. It’s also a region that’s well-known for its picturesque beaches, quaint colonial architecture, and breathtaking natural attractions. 

Within easy reach of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, most tourists and locals get to Port Dickson by private transport . However, public transportation from Singapore is more straightforward with the availability of direct coaches such as the Golden Coach Express or KKKL Express. It’s also easy to arrange a transfer from Kuala Lumpur airport . 

January and February are the best months to  visit Port Dickson if you want to avoid the wet season. As this is the peak season, it’s best to visit in early March and perhaps to take note of the auspicious dates of the Lunar New Year as this is when locals from Singapore, Malaysia and other neighboring Asian countries would be on holiday. 

Aside from lying on one of the beaches across Port Dickson’s 18-km coastline, one of the best things to do is to pay a visit to the oldest lighthouse in Tanjung Tuan and use this location as a starting point for a hike through a verdant jungle trail. Once you’ve reached the peak, do not turn back. Instead, follow the descending trail that leads you to a secret bay with granite formations amid gleaming blue waters. 

Other things to do in Port Dickson include taking a boat tour and visiting the Alive 3D Art Gallery .

Where to stay in Port Dickson : Port Dickson has a variety of accommodations that suit all types of travelers. For those looking for a luxurious break, the Grand Lexis Dickson with its sea chalets and swimming pools is highly recommended. A cheaper option would be the Glory Beach Resort with its serviced apartments, pool, and private beach. 

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Recommended by Karolina  Klesta  from Lazy Travel Blog.  

Johor Bahru  

Johor Bahru is located in the southernmost point of Malaysia – just on the border with Singapore and is great for a short getaway in Malaysia with kids.

The city has excellent shopping and restaurants and everything is much less expensive compared with Singapore . 

If you’re traveling as a family, Johor Bahru is the perfect place! Your kids will be spoiled for choice of fun – LEGOLAND Malaysia  or Hello Kitty Town. We spent the whole day in LEGOLAND enjoying the rides and other activities, and guess what was the best – no queues! You can fully enjoy the rides instead of waiting for them.

If this isn’t enough, you can always go from  Johor Bahru to Singapore , the trip takes max 45 minutes (by local bus), and Singapore has everything you can imagine! 

Where to stay in Johor Bahru : If you travel as a family to Johor Bahru, you should stay in the LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel . Alternatively, if you’re traveling as a couple, the brand-new Z Hotel is a great choice! It’s conveniently located in the heart of Johor Bahru close to shopping malls and restaurants with mouthwatering food – especially at “Flowers in the Window” restaurant. 

CHECK LATEST PRICE FOR LEGOLAND MALAYSIA HOTEL

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Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins 

Island Getaways in Malaysia

Langkawi .

Located off the west coast of Malaysia, Langkawi is a stunning archipelago of 104 islands with waterfalls, gorgeous white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and lush rainforest. 

Langkawi is a great destination all year round but the best time to visit is between November and March during the dry season when the days are beautifully sunny.  

You can reach Langkawi either by air or by ferry – there are  direct flights from Kuala Lumpur , Singapore and Penang, or you can reach Langkawi by ferry from Penang Island or from Kuala Perlis on the mainland.  

There are heaps of fun  things to do on Langkawi’s main island  and it’s perfect for a short Malaysia getaway. Take a ride on one of the world’s steepest cable cars to get amazing panoramic views of the islands from the  magnificent Skybridge . After you’re done, make your way to Seven Wells Waterfall which is found within walking distance of the Skybridge or head over to Skytrek Adventure Langkawi for an adventure-filled day. 

Related post: Guide to visiting the Seven Wells Waterfalls

The  Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is a beautiful UNESCO heritage site and home to mangroves, macaque monkeys and eagles. 

If you like water sports, head to one of Langkawi’s many beaches to go parasailing or jet boating or jump on an  island hopping tour  to enjoy some diving or snorkeling. The island is also duty-free and there are lots of shopping centers selling bargain clothing and alcohol. 

Where to stay in Langkawi : There are accommodation options to suit all budgets here. Check out the mid-range priced Berjaya Resort – spacious chalets situated on the beach on the edge of the rainforest with restaurants, bars and an outdoor pool. For a more budget option, there’s  Chenang Inn  found only a few minutes from Cenang beach. 

CHECK LATEST PRICE FOR BERJAYA RESORT

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Recommended by Caroline from CK Travels

Related post: What to do in Langkawi for 3 days?

Tioman Island 

Just off the southeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia lies the beautiful island Tioman, ideal for a short vacation in Malaysia! This wonderful speck in the ocean offers amazing beaches, tropical forests and laidback villages.  

Note that Tioman can only be visited between March and October, the island is closed off to tourists during monsoon season (November to February).  

Getting to Tioman invariably involves a boat trip as there’s no airport (anymore) on the island. There are two jumping-off points for Tioman Island: Mersing and Tanjung Gemok. Ferry departures depend on the tide and weather conditions.  

Tioman is a great place for scuba diving as well as snorkeling as the ocean around it is marked as a marine reserve. It’s an excellent place to get your PADI as dive prices are very reasonable and you’ll see plenty of colorful fish and corals while learning how to dive.  

Other things to do in Tioman include relaxing on one of the pretty beaches, hiking through the jungle and watching the monitor lizards and monkeys roam around the tiny towns.  

Where to stay in Tioman : A good place to stay in Salang (my favorite village on Tioman) is Ella’s Place, a simple but lovely budget accommodation on the north side of town. There are small bungalows with fan or aircon, no hot water but with the tropical Tioman temperatures this isn’t really necessary.

Recommended by Lotte Eschbach from Phenomenal Globe.  

Redang Island 

Redang Island is a gorgeous destination located off the east coast of Malaysia near Kuala Terengganu.  It’s located in a protected marine park and is perfect for people wanting to explore nature with its jungle-filled interior, fantastic coastline and coral surrounded exterior. 

There’s no bridge to Redang and only charter flights operate here which means you need to catch a ferry across from Kuala Terengganu or  Merang . Ferries are quick and easy and this is part of the fun of visiting Redang. Once on the island, you’ll generally get around by foot, kayak or boat since there aren’t many roads. 

Redang has two seasons – dry and monsoon. You should avoid the monsoon season as ferry rides to the island stop and the island basically shuts down. For this reason, visit Redang from late March to October. 

Most of Redang’s things to do center around nature. You can dive, snorkel, kayak, swim, explore the island by boat or trek across, play volleyball and other land and water sports.  

During the turtle hatching season from April to October, you can even release baby turtles. Of course, you can also relax on one of the gorgeous beaches. 

Where to stay in Redang : Note that Redang isn’t a budget destination and it’ll cost you more than the mainland. A good option for bargain seekers is  Redang De’ Rimba  as long as you don’t mind not having direct beach access. You can find more information about visiting Redang  here .

Recommended by Sharon from Dive Into Malaysia

Pangkor Island 

If you’re wondering where to go in Malaysia for a short trip, make sure to visit Pangkor Island, Malaysia’s little local paradise. It’s the ideal island getaway since it’s situated only a few hours from Kuala Lumpur. Yet it’s still very overlooked by tourists. Pangkor Island is for those who seek quiet beach life and fun scooter adventures. 

It’s easy to get to Pangkor – from Kuala Lumpur, it’s a 4-hour bus ride to Lumut  where the ferry leaves for the island every half hour. You can visit Pangkor Island all year round, but you might want to steer clear of the rainy season from October to December. The island is also very popular among local tourists, so avoid the busy holiday season. 

The west side of the island has beautiful beaches and often accommodates the few tourists who visit, whereas the right side has more of a local feel. 

There are many things to do on Pangkor Island apart from relaxing on the beach. You can rent a kayak, go jungle trekking, visit the local fishermen’s village or simply go explore on a scooter. On the island, you can find a Hindu temple, a Chinese temple, and a floating mosque which are worth a visit.  

Where to stay on Pangkor Island : Pangkor Waterfall Beach Resort is a budget-friendly option for those who want to stay close to Coral Beach, good restaurants and wildlife. 

Recommended by Cecilie from Worldwide Walkers  

Perhentian Islands 

The Perhentian Islands are located on the quiet east coast of Malaysia. Perfect for a short vacation in Malaysia, the islands are famous as a haven for snorkeling and scuba diving .

The Perhentian Islands are split into two inhabited islands known as  Perhentian Besar  (the big island) and Perhentian Kecil (the small island). Both offer different vantage points to explore the abundant marine and wildlife in the region.  

For travel to and from the islands, it’s easy to find boats leaving from Besut  and make sure to book in advance as accommodation is limited and somewhat exclusive on the island. It’s also best to visit during the dry season (April to September). 

One of the best spots has to be Teluk Pauh Beach where the coral reefs run right up to the sands, with ridiculously diverse marine life! Just a short swim out, you’ll find “turtle point” which is a famous snorkeling spot in Malaysia to swim with sea turtles.  

The beaches as well are pristine with golden sand, the interiors of the island are dense with forest and the wildlife, such as silvered leaf-langurs, mingle on the shores.  

Where to stay on Perhentian Islands : A great place to stay is the  Perhentian Islands Resort on Teluk Pauh Beach which has its own jetty for arrivals from the mainland.  

Recommended by Allan from Live Less Ordinary 

Kapas Island 

Kapas Island is one of the best places you could visit for a weekend in Malaysia. It’s a stunning island located off the east coast and due to its hidden nature, it remains empty most of the year. Because of this, the coral reefs remain intact unlike many contrasting locations in Malaysia such as the Perhentian Islands. 

Kapas Island is best visited from March to October as storms can hit in the other months. It’s a short flight or 7-hour bus ride into  Kuala Terengganu from Kuala Lumpur . Afterward, take a taxi to Marang Jetty and a 15-minute boat journey to the island itself. Alternatively, buses are available in Kuala Terengganu from all major locations in Malaysia. 

One of the best things to do is to take a snorkel and swim on the colorful reefs. Alternatively, boat tours are available to further locations. If you’d prefer to dive, it’s very cheap costing less than US$ 300 for your PADI open water. If you prefer dry land, there’s a hike through the jungle to the beaches on the opposite side of the island. 

Where to stay on Kapas Island : There are many beautiful places to stay, but I have to recommend Qimi’s Chalet. It has a private beach where it hosts candlelit barbeque dinners in the evening. The rooms are like treehouses and have a rustic feel. But if you prefer something more modern, do consider Turtle Valley Resort. 

By Hannah from Hannah’s Happy Adventures  

Rawa Island 

Rawa Island, translated in the local dialect as ‘white doves’ is the very definition of peace. This picture-perfect tropical island resort within the Sultan Iskandar Marine Park off the east coast of Malaysia is perfect for a short relaxing getaway.  

The white sand, verdant groves and warm, clear waters feel like a world away from the stress of modern life. And yet this idyllic haven is just a 30-minute speedboat ride from Mersing in the province of Johor. Rawa Island is hugely appealing between February and October for a family break or romantic paradise getaway.  

Rawa’s main attraction is the opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, to kick back and unwind on its soft-sand beaches under the never-ending sun. For those rare moments of activity, take a short stroll along its coastal walkways or snorkel its coral reef.  

If this isn’t enough, there’s always the resort spa for indulgent pampering as you gaze across the calming ocean beyond.  

At the end of each day, Rawa will reward you not only with a fabulous feast from the restaurants but also a splendid sunset. Ideal to enjoy with a glass or two of something cold and refreshing, Rawa will no doubt leave many wonderful memories.

Recommended by Paul from The Two That Do 

Short Getaways in Malaysia Borneo

Kuching .

An easy getaway from Kuala Lumpur is Kuching, one of the most charming and action-packed towns in Sarawak and a perfect place to start a  Borneo itinerary . 

The only feasible way is  flying from Kuala Lumpur  or Penang with the cheap AirAsia flights. You can come to Kuching pretty much any time of the year, but avoid the period between November and February when the rainy seasons make the task of exploring the surrounding jungles a wet mess. Also, in July it’s the time for the iconic Rainforest World Music Festival — this is a fantastic music event, but also a time when Kuching is packed, and accommodation prices skyrocket. 

Kuching itself has plenty of charming lanes packed with bars and a beautiful waterfront set next to the Sarawak River. Take the bridge across to Fort Margherita, where an excellent gallery resumes the history of the Brookes, the White Rajahs of Sarawak.

In half an hour from Kuching is Semenggoh’s Orangutan sanctuary , a must-visit place to get close and personal with one of the world’s most endangered primates. 

There are also many national parks around Kuching: Bako National Park , set on a rugged promontory is ideal for a 2 days/1 night trip to properly explore its many hiking trails.  

If you come at the right time, the Gunung Gading National Park near Lundu is a perfect place to spot Rafflesia, the world’s biggest (and foulest-smelling) flower. If you still have time, a trip to Mount Santubong or the endlessly empty beaches of Tanjung Datu National Park will bring you off the grid in an already pretty offbeat Malaysian destination. 

Recommended by Marco Ferrarese from Monkey Rock World

Sandakan might not be on everybody’s bucket list, but after visiting a couple of years ago, it now ranks really high on our list of recommendations!  

It’s easily accessible with  direct flights from Kuala Lumpur , as well as other Malaysian cities such as Kota Kinabalu.

The best time of year for visit is between May and August, but traveling in the shoulder months of April or even March means fewer crowds, cheaper prices and less rain. 

Not only is Sandakan a beautiful and peaceful little city with great food and friendly people, but it also serves as a perfect place to base yourself for a bunch of really exciting activities! 

Not to be missed is a visit to Turtle Island National Park , where you get to experience all of the important conservation efforts going on there while also enjoying an almost off-grid retreat on the paradise island! 

Alternatively, just south of Sandakan is Kinabatangan River , with a couple of nights’ stay at an incredible river-side lodge, a few wildlife river cruises, all of your meals and a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Center often included in the tour!  

Where to stay in Sandakan : We chose to stay at Sandakan Central Hotel as we were wanting somewhere affordable but still in a desirable location, and we were pleasantly surprised by it! 

Recommended by Alex and Harmony from By The Compass

Bako National Park 

Bako National Park is situated in the Sarawak region of Borneo and features some of the most unique wildlife and natural rock formations. 

The closest city to Bako National Park is Kuching. It’s easy to get from Kuching to Bako National Park as there are buses that go there directly. Take the number one red public bus that departs from the Kuching Waterfront area, opposite the Riverside Shopping Complex. 

It’s best to visit Bako National Park in the dry season from March to September. Keep in mind that it tends to get very hot in July, so make sure to stay hydrated. 

There are many hiking trails to explore, ranging from easy to more strenuous hikes. In addition to the hiking trails, wildlife is abundant, and visitors are guaranteed to see some animals. If you’re lucky enough you may even spot a proboscis monkey! 

Depending on the hike you choose, you may need to pay to catch a boat back to the entrance. The boat trip back is amazing though, as you get to sail past the Serpent Rock. 

CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF BAKO NATIONAL PARK

Where to stay : There aren’t many accommodations close to Bako National Park, so if you’re on a budget, plan to stay in Kuching – Imperial Riverbank Hote l is a great mid-range option. Kuching is a great place to stay as there are amazing food options to refuel after a day on the trails. 

Recommended by Beth from Frugal Female Abroad 

Mulu National Park 

Mulu National Park is difficult to get to, but a world away from regular Malaysia and well worth the trip. There are stunning caves, hiking trails, ecotourism activities and extreme adventures. Plan ahead with the National Park guides to include canopy experiences, a visit to the Deer or Clearwater caves and definitely arrange to be there for the dusk exodus of the bats from the caves.  

The night walk with rangers is definitely recommended! One of the joys of visiting Mulu is that the sheer numbers of bats mean that there are no mosquitoes!  

There’s no specific best time to visit although July to September is the dry season and will be hotter, so is best avoided if you’re planning on doing strenuous hikes – this is also the peak season to visit and will be busiest. 

There are three ways to get to  Mulu National Park   the riverboat trip (only in the wet season), hiking the several days’ long Headhunters Trail or the more practical way for a weekend getaway in Malaysia, by flying in from Miri.  The airstrip is walkable to virtually all accommodation and there are transport options also available at the airstrip.  

Where to stay : You can choose to stay inside the National Park in the park accommodation, which you can book directly through the Park offices  here  but this can be limited. A recommended homestay option that you can pre-book is Mulu Village . 

Recommended by Sarah from ASocialNomad 

Kota Kinabalu 

The State of Sabah in Malaysia is famous for its beaches, forests, wildlife and water activities. Kota Kinabalu , the capital city of Sabah, reflects the beauty of the state.  

Kota Kinabalu is a heady combination of art, history, shopping, beaches and parties. From experience, we can say it’s one of the most tourist-friendly cities we’ve visited. If you’re looking for a short break, a visit to Kota Kinabalu could be a rejuvenating experience. 

You can get to Kota Kinabalu from KL  by taking a 2.5-hour flight. Cabs are the best way to get around the city. The weather is moderate throughout the year with regular showers keeping the heat at bay.

Things to see and do include Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, the City Mosque. Surrounded by water, the Mosque is a beautiful example of modern Islamic architecture.  

Another attraction is the Sabah Museum. They have several displays of history, art, textiles, ethnography, archaeology and even a heritage village. You can also visit Tanjung Aru Beach late afternoon for the most beautiful sunset, providing a gorgeous assortment of colors.  

There are many cool cafes and bars and The Waterfront is the most popular hangout zone for locals and tourists. If you’re in the mood for shopping, Imago Mall has a variety of stores. 

Where to stay : One of the best places to stay in Kota Kinabalu is Hotel Avangio  which is moderately priced with comfortable rooms with enough facilities, including a pool. 

Pro-tip : There are some amazing trekking, water sports and diving destinations around Kota Kinabalu. 

Recommended by Sundeep and Bedabrata from Delhi Fun Dos 

I hope this guide gave you some ideas for your short getaway in Malaysia. Let me know in the comments below which location you’re planning to visit first for your short trip in Malaysia!

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Steph is an outdoor enthusiast who’s always down for adventure. When she's not traveling abroad, you’ll either find her exploring her own backyard or researching her next trip. She writes adventure travel guides featuring waterfalls, mountains, and beaches and shares her tips on how to travel on a budget without compromising on comfort and experience.

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2 DAY MELAKA ITINERARY | Best Things to Do in Melaka

One of the quirkier and interesting places we visited in Malaysia was Melaka (also known as Malacca). This city has a rich and interesting history as it was colonized by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British. This eclectic mix of cultures has blended together to create a unique place that tourists seem to love. Follow our 2 day Melaka itinerary to make the most out of a short trip to this UNESCO world heritage city.

Before visiting we had read mixed reviews of the city, with some people saying that there were too many tourists and tacky attractions. While we found it to be extremely busy and there definitely are some tacky things here, overall we were thoroughly impressed during our trip to Melaka. There are loads of great things to do in Melaka and the city holds a certain charm, with great food, cool cafes and lots of street art.

You don’t really need to spend more than a couple of days here. Our Malacca itinerary will help you get the most out of your two days exploring this fun city.

Check out our  Southeast Asia Packing List  for a guide on what to pack for your Malaysian adventure!

Disclaimer – This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a small commission if you make a purchase at NO extra cost to you. This will never impact our reviews and we only recommend products and services we firmly believe in.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The historic centre is clustered together, so 2 days should be more than enough time to see all of the best places to visit in Melaka.
• It is very busy and touristy, especially on weekends as it is a popular destination for local tourists coming from Kuala Lumpur and even Singapore.
• All of the tourist attractions that we recommend for your Melaka trip are within walking distance of the city centre.
• The food is amazing and there is a heavy Chinese influence here.

Where to Stay in Melaka

Budget: Ohana House HQ – The perfect place to stay for any traveler on a budget. While this accommodation is very cheap you still get to be just a few minutes’ walk from the city centre and you also get spacious, clean rooms with air conditioning.

Mid-Range: JonkeRed Heritage Hotel – Another excellent location right in the city centre. This hotel offers exceptional value with each modern room uniquely decorated. You won’t be disappointed with your oasis from the hustle and bustle from the city centre.

Luxury: Casa Del Rio – With a fantastic location right in the city centre and an incredible infinity pool overlooking the river there is no better place to stay when visiting Melaka. The hotel also offers a fitness centre and a spa.

How to Get to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur

From Kuala Lumpur city centre, take the SPL line from the Masjid Jamek station to Bandar Tasik Selatan. This will take 30 minutes and costs less than $1 USD. The train station is right next to the TBS bus station where busses run regularly throughout the day to Melaka Sentral. The bus journey takes 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs 10 RM ($2 USD) per person.

We recommend staying right in the city centre, so from Melaka Sentral you will need to take a Grab or a taxi to your accommodation.

Best Time to Visit Melaka

The temperature in Melaka stays fairly consistent throughout the year. The months that see the least rainfall on average are October, April and early May making these the best time to visit to avoid rain putting a damper on your trip.

Melaka Itinerary

When planning your Melaka trip itinerary, we suggest spending 2 days here. This will give you enough time to see all of the main attractions and enjoy some amazing food. Below is our suggested itinerary for Melaka.

If you are really short for time there is a great tour that you can take that will showcase the best parts of the city in just a few hours. You can check out rates and availability for this tour here.

Melaka River

Stadthuys, dutch square and christ church, discover the street art, melaka straits mosque, dinner in little india, st paul’s church, cheng hoon teng temple, menara taming sari revolving sky tower, jonker street night market.

Start your trip by walking along the banks of the Melaka River which flows right through the city centre. The narrow walkways that border the river on each side offer a beautiful path in and out of the city. The river is lined with cafes, restaurants and lots of creative street art. These paths along the river are always bustling with people and we highly recommend stopping at one of the restaurants to grab a drink and people watch for a while.

Another great way to see the city is by taking a Melaka River cruise. Boats sail up and down the waterways, offering an alternative view of the city from the water.

The Dutch Square is renowned for its historical and brightly coloured buildings. The Stadthuys is an old building built by the Dutch in the 1600s to be the office of the Dutch Governor. Throughout the years it has passed through many different hands and it is now home to the History and Ethnography Museum.

The buildings, including a clocktower in the middle of the square, are all painted a striking shade of red and they light up beautifully in the late evening as the sun sets and really makes the colour come to life.

Also located in the Dutch Square is Christ Church, which is an 18 th century Anglican church that is also painted red. This is the oldest functioning protestant church in Malaysia and another eye-catching building.

If you come to the Dutch Square in the evening you will see one of the city’s tackiest attractions. At night time the square is packed with rickshaws offering quick tours around the surrounding streets. These rickshaws are wildly decorated, covered in flashing lights and blast music as they are pedaled around with each rickshaw driver seemingly trying to outdo the next with their extravagance.

Malaysia is home to several cities with incredible street art. Penang is the most famous of these and even Kuala Lumpur had some amazing street art. You can add Melaka to this list as well. You will catch your first glimpses of the street art as you walk along the river, with several of the buildings here having been decorated.

What is great about this activity is that you will be able to enjoy it the whole time you are here. Around every corner there is a new and vibrant piece of art. One of our favourites was the giant Orangutan painted onto the side of The Orangutan House, which is an art gallery. The more you explore the city, the more you will be rewarded with discovering new unique street art scattered throughout.

If you wish to get out of the city centre for a couple of hours, you can head to Melaka Straits Mosque. This stunning Mosque can be found on the man-made Malacca Island which is less than an hour’s walk from the city centre. If you catch it when the tide is high, then it looks like the Mosque is floating on the water.

Thanks to Caroline at CK Travels for the epic photo.

Malaysia has a heavy Indian influence and like most cities, Melaka has its own Indian district called Little India. If you are a fan of delicious food, then we recommend coming here for dinner for some authentic Indian cuisine.

Selvam Restaurant is a good choice for those traveling on a budget. They offered up an assortment of vegetable curry which was served on a banana leaf, all for just 19 RM ($4 USD) for two people.

A Famosa is a former Portuguese fortress which is one of the oldest European architectural remains in Southeast Asia. The fortress was quite extensive when it was originally built in the 1500s, but now all that remains is a solitary gatehouse. Like most of the buildings in the city, it passed through the hands of the Dutch and the British, the latter of which are responsible for almost the complete destruction of the fortress.

From A Famosa, a short climb up the hill will take you to St Paul’s Church, or more accurately, to the ruins of St Paul’s Church. The church was originally built in the early 1500s at the top of St Paul’s hill which overlooks the city. The church was built as a simple catholic chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Now it is yet another piece of the city’s remarkable history and heritage. Visitors can walk inside the ruins of the church as well as around the outside of the building. It is a beautiful building and the location overlooking the city makes it even more impressive. Inside you will also see some old Portuguese tombstones lined up against the walls. 

The Cheng Hoon Teng Temple is regarded as the oldest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It was built in 1645 and unlike many of the ruins you will see around the city, this temple has been beautifully preserved and restored over the years. It has even received a UNESCO award for outstanding architectural restoration. You will find this temple just a couple of minutes’ walk from the famous Jonker Street.

The temple is made up of one large prayer room with several smaller prayer rooms surrounding it. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin and you will see a large robed statue of the goddess in the prayer hall. Like many of the Buddhist temples in Malaysia, the colourful and intricate architecture can be appreciated by all visitors, regardless of their religion.

For a totally unique perspective of the city, climb aboard the Menara Taming Sari Tower. Enter the platform at ground level and watch as the city unfolds as the circular viewing platform climbs to 80 metres.

Enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views of the historic city and its surroundings. From the sky tower, you can see all of the famous attractions in Melaka such as St Paul’s Hill and the Dutch Square, as well as seeing much further afield out to the Melaka Strait and the Melaka Straits Mosque.

An adult ticket costs 15 RM ($3.50 USD) for locals and 23 RM ($5.50 USD) for international visitors. 

The most famous street in Melaka is Jonker Street which is just across the bridge from the Dutch Square. If you visit during the day you will find the street to be relatively busy with a lot of shops lining the roadside. We recommend walking along this street during the day but it is on Friday and Saturday nights when this street really comes to life.

The Jonker Street Night Market only operates on Friday and Saturday nights and it feels like every tourist in Melaka is on one single street at that time. The night market is full of street vendors who set up shop for the evening selling everything from local cuisine to arts and crafts to cheap souvenirs.

Walking down this street is an absolute feast for the senses and even though you will be packed shoulder to shoulder with hundreds of other people, it really is an awesome experience. A lot of the vendors also put on a show to help sell their products and if you ever want to see the most entertaining way to open a coconut you will have to visit the Jonker Street Night Market.

You should also try chicken rice balls which are a specialty dish in the city. There are several places that sell only chicken rice balls and you get a plate of steamed chicken, soft rice balls and some chilli sauce to add some extra flavour.

As the market only runs on the weekends, we recommend planning your trip so at least one day during your visit is on the weekend. The night market was one of the highlights of the trip and it would be a shame to travel to Melaka and miss this experience.

Where to Eat in Melaka

Selvam Restaurant – Delicious and cheap authentic food in Little India that comes served on a banana leaf.

Wild Coriander – A good lunch spot serving local food, such as laksa. They also had a choice of freshly baked goods for dessert.

Daily Fix – The most popular brunch café in the city. It’s best to arrive early and avoid it on weekends as it gets very busy.

Poh Piah Lwee –  Local food including nonya dumplings made with natural pea flower colourings.

Stolen Cup – Funky café serving great coffee with an awesome brunch menu.

Final Thoughts

The city of Melaka took us somewhat by surprise. At first glance it seems like a busy city full of tourists with some tacky attractions. But after spending a couple of days here, we found there to be a rich history and interesting culture. There are lots of cool things to see here if you just look in the right places.

We hope our Melaka itinerary helps you discover the awesome parts of the city and to make the most out of your short time here.

Have we missed any of your favourite spots in our itinerary? Let us know in the comments below.

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Check out our other blog posts on the area:

• 2 DAYS IN KUALA LUMPUR | Itinerary & Tips

PERFECT 3 DAY CAMERON HIGHLANDS ITINERARY

• SOUTHEAST ASIA PACKING GUIDE | Best Backpacking Gear

*Please note, prices are a reflection of our experiences while traveling Malaysia in July 2019 and are subject to change. Prices quoted in RM were the exact prices we paid and USD conversions are listed for your convenience.

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Hi, we're Luke and Roxy, a travel couple from Ireland and Canada. We are all about finding awesome, off the beaten path adventures and love to find the cheapest way of doing things. Thanks for visiting our blog!

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Best Places To Visit In Malaysia In 3 Days – Twelve 3 Day Itineraries!

Malaysia is a country of huge variety which you could travel for months without being bored. However, if you just have 3 days in Malaysia, don’t despair! You can still have a great introduction with a 3 day itinerary in Malaysia.

From gorgeous beaches to the picturesque highlands to the dynamic capital to mysterious Borneo, there are some fabulous options for what to do in Malaysia for 3 days 2 nights.

Below, I have all the best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. You simply need to read through and work out which Malaysia itinerary 3 days best suits your interests. In this article you’ll find several itineraries for 3 days 2 night trip in Malaysia options, so if you’re looking for the perfect Malaysia 3 days 2 nights itinerary, you’re bound to find it here!

If you are short on time, I highly recommend you book private taxis to get you between cities so you are enjoying your 3-day destination faster and in more comfort. You can book an affordable private taxi here.

If you are looking for places to visit in Malaysia in 2 days or Malaysia itinerary 4 days, you can also use the list below. Simply remove your least preferred day of the itinerary Malaysia 3 days if you have less time or follow the suggestion for the fourth day if you have 4 days in Malaysia.

At the bottom, I also give what I recommend as the top options for a 2 days 1 night short trip in Malaysia where your time is quite limited.

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

Planning a trip to Malaysia? 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!

You can find some of our other ideas for your Malaysia short getaway here .

12 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia In 3 Days

Note that when thinking about what to see in Malaysia for 3 days, I don’t recommend that you change cities. It’s a short time period so to maximise your time, stick to just one place in Malaysia and explore from there.

For the best 3d2n trip Malaysia has to offer, I suggest picking one of the destinations below and then following my 3 days 2 nights in Malaysia itinerary and suggestions for that place.

This list of places to see in Malaysia in 3 days below also takes into account that time is limited so sticks to the more easily accessible locations.

1. Kuala Lumpur

If you haven’t been to Malaysia before, it’s hard to look past the capital, Kuala Lumpur. KL is perhaps the perfect place for your 3 days 2 nights Malaysia trip, especially if you haven’t been before. Given you will most likely be arriving at Kuala Lumpur airport for your 3 days trip in Malaysia, this is a great place to spend your time, particularly if it’s your first time in Malaysia.

If you love cities, culture, variety and great food, Kuala Lumpur is a top choice, and it’s hard to beat KL for where to go in Malaysia for short trip options.

Kuala Lumpur 3 Day Itinerary

I have the perfect Malaysia tour itinerary 3 days centred on Kuala Lumpur in detail here.

You can follow this 3 days in Kuala Lumpur guide exactly. If you are looking for places to visit in Malaysia in 4 days, there is also a fourth day itinerary in that article so that you can enjoy a little more time with 4 days in Kuala Lumpur. Click the link above to find out all of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days.

You can find all our Kuala Lumpur guides here.

Or click here to download a free, detailed itinerary for Kuala Lumpur. You can copy it exactly!

Top place to stay:  Berjaya Times Square Hotel – Click here for the latest prices

2. Port Dickson

If you want a quick and easy beach stop for your answer of where to go in Malaysia for 3 days, Port Dickson is a nice and easy choice. This is one of the best place to visit in Malaysia if you love beaches and want a beach break that’s located relatively close to KL and the airport.

Port Dickson (often referred to as PD for short) is a short taxi ride from the airport, this is also a good choice if you are flying into Kuala Lumpur airport and have been to Kuala Lumpur before.

We can book you a private taxi to Port Dickson from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

If you love the idea of staying in an over-water chalet, Port Dickson is also a fabulous choice. There are a few different options where you can do this in Port Dickson for a very affordable price. When you aren’t relaxing in your chalet, you can visit any of the many beaches on this coastline or some of the low key attractions in Port Dickson.

Port Dickson 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and relax. Enjoy the surrounds and head to a beach. Our top pick is Blue Lagoon but you can find more choices here.

Day 2: Choose your preferred attractions from this list of things to do in Port Dickson and visit.

Day 3: Enjoy your hotel’s facilities or head to the beach

If you are looking for what to do in Malaysia for 4 days, spend your last day exploring Kuala Lumpur on a day trip.

Top place to stay: Lexis Hibiscus – Click here for the latest prices.

Find all our Port Dickson guides here.

3. Sunway Lagoon

If you want an easy and fun Malaysia stopover, particularly if you are travelling as a family, Sunway Lagoon is a great place to pick for your 3 days.

Located between KL Airport and Kuala Lumpur, this is a quick and easy place to get to and is like its own city with a huge theme park, big shopping centre with entertainment options and multiple hotels. We have very much enjoyed 3 day stopovers here as an alternative to Port Dickson or Kuala Lumpur.

Sunway Lagoon 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into the Sunway Resort. Enjoy the hotel facilities and the shopping centre. Find our full review of this 5 star hotel here.

Day 2: Visit Sunway Lagoon theme park.

Day 3: Either return to the theme park, enjoy your hotel facilities or do some activities at the shopping centre like ice skating and going to the cinema.

If you are looking for what to do in Malaysia in 4 days, spend your last day exploring Kuala Lumpur on a day trip. With a 2 days 1 night vacation in Malaysia, focus on visiting Sunway Lagoon.

Read our full review of Sunway Lagoon here.

To learn more about the history of Malaysia and for some fun and interesting attractions, consider Melaka as a great option for your Malaysia 3 days 2 nights tour package. Melaka is perfect for history and culture lovers and there’s plenty to do here. This is also possible as a stopover option from Kuala Lumpur Airport, although it is further away than the options above.

We can book you a private transfer to Melaka from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

Melaka is a pretty city with numerous churches, temples and mosques. There are many heritage sites around the city and the centre is UNESCO World Heritage listed.

It’s also known for its lively Jonker Street area and night market on weekends. Definitely make sure you head there! The central area is great to explore on foot or by trishaw. There are also some great family friendly attractions nearby like the A’Famosa Resort and the Melaka Zoo.

Melaka 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and relax. Head to Jonker Street in the evening. If it’s Friday or Saturday night, enjoy the night market. If it’s not then there are plenty of places to eat on this famous strip.

• Start at the Sultanate Palace, take a photo of Porta de Santiago and explore the ruins of St Paul’s Church.
• Walk downhill to Stradthuys. Trishaws congregate here so take a ride.
• Walk over the river to Chinatown and head to 8 Heeren Street and the Baba and Nonya Heritage Centre.
• Visit the three temples: Cheng Hoon Temple, Masjid Kampung Kling and Sri Poyatha Venayagar Moorthi Temple.
• In the evening, head to Shore Sky Tower .

Day 3: Pick from your favourite attractions in Melaka in this article like Melaka Zoo  or A’Famosa Water World.

Top place to stay:  Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka – Click here for the latest prices.

If you are looking for what to see in Malaysia in 4 days, spend your last day visiting more attractions in our list linked to above.

Find all our Melaka guides here.

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.

5. Johor Bahru

If you are entering Malaysia from Singapore then Johor Bahru is a great choice for your 3 day Malaysia stopover. It’s very easy to get here from Singapore ( more details here ) and there is plenty to do to fill your time. It’s even possible to make a day trip in Malaysia from Singapore to ‘JB’ – but having a few days is a much more relaxed option.

The easiest way to get here is by private taxi. These can pick you up anywhere in Singapore and drop you anywhere in Malaysia including Legoland or Johor Bahru. They make crossing the border so easy as, unlike buses, you can stay in the taxi the whole time and don’t need to walk through each border side with your luggage.

And, they only cost SG$90 between Singapore and Johor Bahru/Legoland.

Click here to book your taxi now.

This city offers visitors several attractions including a mix of museums, theme parks and natural landmarks like the Gunung Ledang National Park and Gunung Lambak, and there’s plenty to do during your 3 day 2 night trip to Malaysia. It’s also possible to visit the attractions in nearby Desaru Coast or to day trip to Singapore.

In this itinerary, I am assuming you have come from Singapore so do not include this option. Consider it if you haven’t been to Singapore though.

Johor Bahru 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel then head to central Johor Bahru near the causeway to Singapore. Do some shopping or explore the streets to the west of the main strip.

Day 2: Today is all about Legoland Malaysia. Buy discounted tickets here.

Day 3: Get back to nature with a day trip to Gunung Lambak. Climb the mountain here and cool down afterwards in the recreational water park.

For a Malaysia tour itinerary 4 days, take it easy exploring the fun attractions of the Desaru Coast.

Top place to stay:  Hotel Jen – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Johor Bahru guides here.

6. Taman Negara

If you’re based in KL and want to escape to the jungle for a few days, or have time for a 2 days trip in Malaysia from KL, then Taman Negara National Park holds the title as Malaysia’s largest national park and is easy to visit from Kuala Lumpur. It’s truly a nature lover’s paradise!

There are a huge amount of plants and animals in this 130 million year old rainforest and plenty of short and long hikes.

We can book you a private transfer to Taman Negara from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

This is a great choice for nature lovers with some great attractions to visit. There is the longest canopy walkway in the world from which you may spot some monkeys. Take a long boat ride into the interior. Explore and discover!

Taman Negara 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Taman Negara first thing. Take a bus to Jerantut and then another to the jetty at Kuala Tembling. Then take a boat to the main entrance of the park at Kuala Tahan. This boat ride is an attraction in itself. Check into your hotel (ideally in Kuala Tahan like the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort here ) and relax. Eat dinner in a nearby floating restaurant.

Day 2: Visit the Canopy Walkway (if it has re-opened), walk up Teresek Hill and visit an Orang Asli village (indigenous people of this area)

Day 3: Have breakfast at a floating village before taking a boat back to Kuala Tembling and heading back to Kuala Lumpur or wherever your next stop is.

To make your visit smooth and easy, you can book a tour to complete this itinerary here for a great price.

A few hours from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is a great balance of beautiful scenery + interesting Old Town + great food! The state capital of Perak is a fantastic destination for a short getaway with plenty of interesting things to do if you’re looking for a Malaysia 4 day tour package that has something a bit different to offer.

We can book you a private transfer to Ipoh from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

There’s the unfinished Kellie’s Castle to explore, Tempurung Cave, the popular Sunway Lost World Of Tambun (great for families) and much more. The Old Town area is filled with cute alley ways and Ipoh’s famous street art to find and enjoy.

Plus, there’s Ipoh’s famous white coffee and many amazing food dishes.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants an easy taste of Malaysia while feeling like they have got away from all the tourists.

Ipoh 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Ipoh ( you can book a bus here ). Check in to your hotel and relax before taking a walk around the Old Town in the evening and having dinner.

Day 2: Start the day with one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts. Walk around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail ( download here ). Look out for street art!

In the afternoon, grab a taxi and 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. Have dinner at the  Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre and try as many dishes as you can.

Day 3: If you have the time, spend the day at the fun Sunway Lost World of Tambun . Surely the prettiest location for a theme park in the world ( full review here ).

If you have a fourth day, take a day tour to the Cameron Highlands or go white water rafting . If you have 2 days in Malaysia in Ipoh, concentrate on day two of this itinerary.

Top place to stay:  Regalodge – Click here for the latest prices

Read our full 3 day itinerary to Ipoh here or find all our Ipoh guides here.

Penang is our personal favourite spot in Malaysia and a great location for a 3 day break or for a Malaysia 4 days 3 nights itinerary if you have an extra day. It has great variety and you can spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed centre of George Town and then relax for the afternoon on the beach.

There’s an interesting multicultural mix of influences, interesting architecture and affordable resort style accommodation. It’s also one of the best places in Malaysia (perhaps the world) to eat, offering some of the best food for great prices, so an all round great getaway whether its architecture, history, food, beaches or island life that appeals to you.

Penang is perfect for anyone looking for a variety of things to do in a beautiful setting while eating top class food!

Penang 3 Day itinerary

I have the perfect Penang 3 day itinerary here.

You can follow it exactly. If you are looking for an itinerary for two days one night trip in Malaysia for Penang or 4 days, they are also in this article.

Top place to stay:  Shangri La Rasa Sayang – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Penang guides here.

Want Help Having An Awesome Food Experience In Penang?

Join a Simply Enak (aka delicious) Food Tour!

There are two different options depending on whether you want to concentrate on street food or nightlife.

No matter what you pick, you’ll taste a range of fabulous local food and drinks while learning the history and culture of Penang.

There’s no better way to discover this great island.

Make sure you use the coupon code DIVE30  for RM30 off your tour.

Click here for all your option s .

9. Langkawi

Langkawi is the place to go if you want some easy and luxurious beach time in your 3 days in Malaysia. It has some of the best beaches in the country as well as superb coastal scenery.

Langkawi is actually an  archipelago but the main island offers a range of different locations to visit and stay and should be your focus on a 3 day trip. Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach destination and the place to stay to be surrounded by action. There are many more peaceful destinations around the island where you can be surrounded by nature.

There are many attractions in Langkawi beyond the beach like the Langkawi Cable Car which takes you to the peak of Gunung Machinchang where you’ll find restaurants, shops and other attractions.

Langkawi 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Take a taxi to your hotel or book a transfer here. Enjoy the afternoon at your hotel or at the beach in Pantai Cenang, Have sunset drinks and dinner here. This is also the place to party this evening.

Day 2: Head to Langkawi SkyCab and SkyBridge then spend the afternoon enjoying the beach at Pantai Tengah (or choose an activity from here ). Finish the day with a stunning sunset cruise.

Day 3: Spend your final morning exploring the Langkawi archipelago on a half day Langkawi Island Hopping adventure . Do some shopping at the Cenang Mall and Zon Shopping Paradise in Pantai Cenang before leaving.

If you have a fourth day, chose some other attractions from our list here. With a 2 days one night trip Malaysia, prioritise the Langkawi SkyCab and the sunset cruise.

Find all our Langkawi guides here  or click here to download a free, detailed itinerary for Langkawi. You can copy it exactly!

Top place to stay:  Ritz-Carlton Langkawi – Click here for the latest prices

10. Tioman Island

From Singapore, Tioman Island makes an easy destination for a 3 day break in Malaysia. It was once named one of the most beautiful islands in the world and is a good choice for people coming from Singapore who want an island getaway.

We can book you a private transfer to Mersing, for your ferry to Tioman, from anywhere in Singapore.

This island is surrounded by coral reefs which make it the perfect destination for people who love scuba diving or snorkelling. It is also great for hiking.

Tioman Island is a good mixture of development so things are easy, while still being able to get away from it all very easily. The only problem is that after 3 days on Tioman island, you may not want to leave!

Tioman Island 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Make the journey to Tioman Island. Check into your hotel and relax and enjoy the surrounding beaches or hike to another beach.

Day 2: Take a half or full day snorkelling or diving trip around the island.

Day 3: Go for a hike.

If you are looking for what to see in Malaysia in 2 days then I would head straight on a snorkelling or diving trip on arrival.

Top place to stay:  Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Find all our Tioman Island guides here .

11. Kuching

Kuching, also known as Cat City, is a port city located on the island of Borneo. It is a nice city with a lovely riverfront area which is the best area to stay. If you’re looking to see more of Borneo, then Kuching is a great entry point and a nice place to stop over for a few days.

For people short on time, this is your best bet to get a taste of Borneo. There are many interesting day trips you can do from Kuching as well as exploring Kuching itself with museums like the Sarawak Museum and Cat Museum.

It’s easy to get out in the jungle and explore the wilder side of Borneo with some great national parks nearby.

Kuching 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and take a walk around the downtown area of Kuching visiting the Sarawak Museum, Chinese History Museum, temples and anything else that takes your fancy. If you enjoy super tacky museums, also take a cab to the Cat Museum. It’s hilarious. In the late afternoon, take a walk along the riverfront.

Day 2: Take a day trip. Choose between Sarawak Cultural Village,   Semenggoh Wildlife Centre , Bako National Park , Satang Islands or visit the Annah Rais Longhouse.

Top place to stay:  Hilton Kuching – Click here to see the latest prices

Day 3: If you have time, chose another day trip option.

12. Kota Kinabalu

Another destination in Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah state on the opposite side of the northern part of the island compared to Kuching. This is another good choice for people who want to get a taste of Borneo for their 3 days in Malaysia and want to see a different side to Malaysia.

There are many cultural activities as well as getting out in nature and going island hopping. It’s a very accessible way to explore this island.

Kota Kinabalu 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and take a half day tour around the main city sights.

Day 2: Get out of the city and explore Kinabalu Park and hot springs.

Day 3: Head to the nearby islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and enjoy snorkelling and a great lunch.

For where to go for 2 days 1 night in Malaysia in Kota Kinabalu, I would pick whatever appeals most to you from days 2 and 3.

Top place to stay:  Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here for our full Kota Kinabalu guides.

Want more ideas? Read our list of the best places to visit in Malaysia here . You can really pick any of them to be your base for your 3 days trip to Malaysia if you don’t mind adding some travel time.

Top Options For Places To Visit In Malaysia In 2 Days

Of the above, I recommend that you keep your Malaysia itinerary 2 days to places near where you arrive in the country.

If you arrive at Kuala Lumpur…

Follow the Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon or Port Dickson itineraries above, just remove one day.

If you arrive at Johor Bahru…

Follow the Johor Bahru itinerary above, just remove one day.

If you arrive at Penang…

Follow the Penang itinerary above, just remove one day.

Do the same thing for any other destination where you enter the country. If you aren’t sure what’s nearby, look at the map below to come up with your best option for what to do in Malaysia for 2 days. If you only have the opportunity for a 1 day trip in Malaysia, you’ll likely be exploring Kuala Lumpur on a stop over (follow Day 1 of the KL guide above) or coming from Singapore to Johor Bharu, in which case you can do day 1 of the Johor Bharu.

Map Of Locations For Malaysia Itinerary 3 Days

Final Words

I hope you have found this list of places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days useful. I am sure anywhere you pick to go will be awesome!

To make sure you get the most out of your three days, consider booking a private taxi here to get you to your city/region of choice quickly and easily.

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

Have any questions? Ask them in our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here. We would love to help you!

Find more places to visit in Malaysia here and more Malaysia itineraries here . You can also find our best suggestions for weekend getaways here . All our Malaysia planning guides are here .

Related posts:

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.

An Incredible 2 Days in Penang: Best Penang Itinerary For A Short Visit

Penang, Malaysia is one of those places that we would return in a heartbeat. While we loved exploring Kuala Lumpur , Penang is easily a favorite place to visit in Malaysia. From the recognition as a top foodie destination to the gorgeous nature and hiking opportunities, we can’t get enough of this place!

We only had two days in Penang as we did a weekend trip with Justin’s colleagues. While two days is a short time frame, it was enough time to experience the Malaysian culture and to wander around the small island. We appreciate the laid-back and slower pace of the city’s vibe, friendly locals, and the affordability of accommodations and food .  

In this Penang 2 days itinerary, we’re highlighting the awesome things to do in Penang including the well-recognized street art, mouth-watering places to eat, best places to stay, and how to get around. As you know us by now, we’re including plenty of outdoor activities such as hiking and relaxing on the beach. Feel free to mix up the itinerary based on the amount of time that you have and your interests. 

Now let’s continue to see how you can maximize your 2 days in Penang itinerary. 

* Disclaimer: Have a vacation in Penang? This post contains affiliate links. If you click on them and make a purchase, we receive a small commission. There is no additional cost to you. Appreciate the support.

Penang Itinerary: Day 1 – Explore George Town and Batu Ferringhi

On the first day in Penang, we’re off to explore George Town, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia since 2008 and later heading to the beach at Batu Ferringhi.

Whether you’ve landed in Penang in the morning or stayed in the city the night before, George Town is a great introduction to the capital city of Penang. The area is sprawling with rich culture from its food scene to the incredible street art to the beautiful temples.

At first glance, George Town may look a little dated and grungy compared to Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur , and Singapore . Yet it’s such a charming area that still preserves its original look and feel of the buildings and lifestyle. 

Our itinerary below is based on a DIY walking tour. If you prefer to have an organized tour of George Town, consider making a reservation to take this tour. 

Walk around and look for amazing street art in George Town. 

We’re a fan of seeing street art around the world and George Town’s artwork doesn’t disappoint. It’s one of the top things to do in Penang!

In 2012, Ernest Zacharevic, a Lithuanian artist, transformed George Town to a street art mecca. He created interactive artwork by combining everyday objects such as motorbikes and bicycles with paintings of local people. His artwork is playful and depicts Malaysian people in their everyday lives. 

You’ll recognize the famous artwork such as,

• The boy looking back on the motorbike (located near Lebuh Pantai and Lebuh Ah Quee)
• The brother and sister sharing a swing (located near Pengkalan Weld and Gat Lebuh Chulia, next to the 35@Jetty Building 潮人居 )
• The brother and sister reaching out of their window for the bike with the bamboo steamers  (located along Gat Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Victoria, next to the Ming Xiang Tai Pastry Shop 名香泰饼家)

Zacharevic’s influence paved the way for George Town to now have dozens of designated street art locations in the main George Town. Besides the interactive artwork, you’ll also notice wire artwork which also depicts the Malaysian culture and the city’s history.

Take the time to travel through the popular areas to spot the artwork such as along Armenian Street and Victoria Street . Consider wandering through quieter streets and alleyways to find some hidden gems.

One of our favorites is of two cats in a yellow tub that says, “Please care n bathe me.” The artwork is small and off an alleyway from Gat Lebuh Armenian and Lebuh Victoria that you can easily miss. Plus, we like the PSA that the stray cats need care too!

If you’re interested in learning more about street art and its cultural influences, check out this post on the best street art books to read .

Wander around the Armenian Street and Little India.

Now we’ll head to the cultural areas of Penang. The first stop is Armenian Street . As a former street that housed Armenian traders, it’s now a hot spot to buy unique souvenirs, enjoy a cup of coffee at cafes, and of course, pose with the street art. 

Some highlights of the area include: 

• Umbrella Street is one of those Instagram spots in Penang with colorful umbrellas above your heads. While the street is small, it’s filled with restaurants and fun street art. It’s located in an alleyway near Zacharevic’s Children on Bicycle street art.  
• Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple 福德正神庙 is a great spot to see a Chinese temple.

Not far from Armenian Street is Little India . Embrace your senses and the vibrant colors with the yummy Indian cuisine and shopping in the area. You can stop by the Sri Mahamariamman Temple which is the oldest Hindu temple in Penang. 

Head to the Chew Jetty.

Only a short walk away from Armenian Street is the Chew Jetty 姓周桥 (also referred to as Clan Jetty). It’s a floating village area with clothing and souvenir shops and restaurants along the walking route. If you’ve been to Brunei ’s Kampong Ayer or Hong Kong’s Tai-O Village, the look of the jetty area is similar. 

The walking route is an out-and-back once you reach the water area. The wooden walkway is tight and can get crowded with visitors so it’s not best for those with claustrophobia. You can also see some street art in the area too. 

If you’re hungry, grab a bowl of noodles at the Chew Jetty Big Bowl Noodles 姓周桥大碗公面. While we weren’t hungry, this place looked intriguing. You can order a big bowl of noodles (seafood, beef, pork, vegetarian) for up to five people. The noodles are placed in a giant ceramic bowl (the bowl is bigger than your head!) for everyone to eat out of. The restaurant is closed every Wednesday. 

Spend the Afternoon at Batu Ferringhi Beach.

Let’s take a break from exploring George Town by heading to the north side of Penang Island to Batu Ferringhi Beach . It’s 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) away and takes about 40 minutes (depending on traffic) to drive there. The beach stretches about 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) so your Grab or taxi driver can drop you off anywhere.

While the water is not the greatest (we think it is a bit dirty) and the sand is coarse, the beach is a good spot if you’re dying for some sun, beach time, or want to get away from the city center. For our group, the beach was our bonding and hang out time. You can hire a boat ride or a jet ski for some water adventures.

Depending on how late you stay in the area, there is an evening night market along the main road, Jalan Pantai Batu, that starts around 8pm. You can purchase souvenirs and eat street food. 

If you prefer to have a more sit-down environment for a meal,  we recommend that you try Andrew’s Kampung . Located in an unassuming strip mall on the third floor, this place serves good Chinese food. The owner, Andrew, is super friendly and provided suggestions on what to eat. Prices are on the higher end compared to what you can get in George Town. We enjoyed our family-style meal of tofu clay pot, fried sea bass, fried squid, stir-fried veggies, and beef curry. There are plenty of vegetarian options here. 

Address: Eden Parade, Jalan Sungai Emas, Kawasan Perumahan Sungai Emas, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Return to George Town for the Night Market and Eat More!

George Town has a few night markets where you can eat your heart out such as Kimberley Street Food Market or Chulia Food Night Market .

We went to the Chulia Food Night Market where many hawker stalls set up shop along Chulia Street selling noodles, BBQ seafood, sandwiches, and more. A small bowl of wonton noodles will set you back 4.50 MYR ($1.08 USD). Prices are reasonable so you can stop by multiple shops.

You can also find more restaurants and bars along Love Lane . 

Penang Itinerary: Day 2 – Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si 

On our second day in Penang, we’re off to get some exercise hiking up Penang Hill and also the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, Kek Lok Si. These two places are some of the most memorable  

Hike or Take the Cable Car Up Penang Hill.

Penang Hill is a top place to visit in Penang. With a summit of 833 meters (2,733 feet), it’s the perfect place to work up a sweat to hike up Penang Hill and see the beautiful views of the city. Once you reach the top of the mountain, there are many attractions to visit so you can spend half a day here. 

We love hiking so we decided to trek up to Penang Hill summit. There are several hiking routes you can take depending on your starting location.

We took the Heritage Trail which you can get to from the Penang Hill Lower Station . This trail is not technical as you don’t need hiking boots yet it’s humid and hot if you start later in the day. Most of the hiking trail is shaded so that helps and you’ll pass by lots of greenery and trees. There are a few resting spots along the way so you can take a break.

Give yourself a huge pat on the back once you hike to the top as it’s no easy task. It’ll take between 1.5-2 hours to reach the top of Penang Hill.

Read more about our experiences hiking Penang Hill here.

Tip: If you want to hike the trail, go early to beat the heat – before 7am! Don’t be like us and start around 10am! Don’t forget to bring lots of water as you’ll sweat a lot. 

Even though we’re sweating like crazy hiking Penang Hill, we’re rewarded to an awesome view of the city and also see the cable car pass by.

Penang Hill Cable Car

Not into hiking? Don’t worry, you can purchase a round-trip cable car ticket for 30 MYR ($7.20 USD) for adults or 15 MYR ($3.60 USD) for children. 

The lines for the cable car can be very long and you can wait 30-60 minutes in line! If you want to bypass waiting in line, you can purchase a round-trip express ticket for 80 MYR ($19 USD) for adults and 40 MYR ($9.60 USD) for children.

Skip the line to purchase the cable car tickets and buy them ahead of time here . 

With your cable car ticket, you can feel free to get off at the sub-stations to hike up or down Penang Hill. The sub-stations for the cable car are only available at the top of every hour such as 9am, 10am, 11am, etc. 

At Penang Hill Summit

Once you reach the summit of Penang Hill, feel free to check out the various free attractions such as the observatory tower, locks of love, the colorful Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan temple, and grab a snack to eat at the Cliff Cafe. 

We also recommend that you visit The Habitat where you’re surrounded by the forest. It’s a fun spot to walk around on the suspension bridges, swing on the giant swings, see the view of Penang Hill on the top of Curtis Crest, and enjoy nature. The best part is that this place is quiet and doesn’t have crowds!

You do need to pay a separate admission ticket to enter yet it’s worth the price. For the adventure lovers, you can also do zip lining between the trees (for an additional fee). 

The standard admission cost is 55 MYR ($13.10 USD) for adults and 35 MYR ($8.40 USD) for children, seniors, and students. We purchased tickets at the counter, yet you can save money by purchasing tickets ahead of time. 

Save money with The Habitat tickets by clicking here .

A visit to Penang Hill’s The Habitat is a must-visit during your two days in Penang. The views of the forest are stunning!

Awe at the Kek Lok Si Temple.

Once you’ve reached the bottom of Penang Hill, take a Grab car to go to the Kek Lok Si Temple , the largest and one of the most beautiful Buddhist temples in Malaysia .

Your Grab driver will most likely drop you off at the lower level where you need to take cable cars to each of the levels. If possible, ask them to drop you off at the top level so you can bypass the tourist trap of the cable cars and walk your way down to the other levels.

The top area is lovely with the impressive Guanyin statue (Lady Buddha) standing tall at 30.2 meters (99 feet high). The pavilion around Lady Buddha is still in construction. Behind the Lady Buddha statue is an area with over 10,000 smaller Buddhas.

As with any temple, please be respectful when entering the temples as there will be people making prayers. You can buy good luck wishing ribbons for yourself,  family members, or friends. 

If you prefer a tour of Kek Lok Si Temple, combine the opportunity with a visit to Penang Hill. Consider this tour option. 

Although it just rained, Lady Buddha is still stunning at Kek Lok Si Temple.

Stroll through Air Itam Dam.

Our friend who lives in Penang showed us this off-the-beaten-path place nearby the Kek Lok Si Temple. From the temple, if you drive (or walk) along the paved path for 2 kilometers (1.2 miles), you’ll reach Air Itam Dam .

It’s a reservoir area where you can also walk and run around the lake. It was a pleasant and quiet walk where we saw a few families of monkeys (macaques and dusky leaf monkeys – so cute!). Be careful when approaching the monkeys as they are wild animals!

The monkeys at Air Itam Dam are shy as they don’t see too many tourists.

At the end of the day, head back to George Town area to do some last-minute shopping or see things that you didn’t get to on the first day.

If You Have 3+ Days in Penang

Two days in Penang is not enough time to visit everything, especially when it comes to trying all of the different food. If you have three or more days in Penang, consider visiting these other Penang attractions which are on our bucket list when we return. 

• Penang National Park has plenty of hiking trails to keep you occupied for the day and you can even head to the beach. It’s on the bucket list to visit Penang National Park’s Meromictic Lake in the future. We also like how there is free admission to the park. If you decide to go on the canopy walkway, there is an admission fee. 
• Penang Botanic Garden is an oasis of an area with greenery and beautiful plants. There is a hiking trail that leads to Penang Hill. You can also relax along the waterfall in the area . 
• Go shopping in the Gurney Drive area . We didn’t have time to explore the glamorous area of Gurney Drive so we’ll check it out on a return trip.

How to Get to Penang

Most visitors will fly into Penang Bayan Lepas International Airport  (airport code: PEN). For us, it was an easy 1.5-hour flight via Air Asia (one of our favorite low-cost airlines in Asia) from where we started in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

If you’re starting your Malaysia trip in Kuala Lumpur, you can take a domestic flight or consider other modes of transportation to get to Penang .

We loved how the airport was so convenient and orderly with immigration. It took us only five minutes to pass through immigration, considering that the line was short. 

To head to the main city area, the easiest way is to take a taxi, Grab car, or hire a private driver from the Arrivals terminal. Grab is Southeast Asia’s equivalent to Uber ride-hailing. It’s an efficient way to travel throughout the city and often cheaper than taking a taxi. Download the Grab app here . 

Don’t forget that you’ll need to have a data plan in order to use Grab or to browse the internet. Check out this post on the best Malaysian SIM card to purchase. We recommend that you buy one before leaving the airport. 

Save money and pre-purchase a 4G SIM card for pick-up at the Penang International Airport .

If you’re from the U.S. and looking to upgrade your international phone plan , consider getting Google Project Fi . You can use data and text on this plan in over 200+ international countries without having to buy a SIM card and/or pay extra. We’ve used this plan since 2016 and love it! Sign up for Google Project Fi and get $20 off your bill .  

How to Travel Around Penang

If you’re staying in George Town, then you can walk around everywhere . It’s a walkable area with decent sidewalks (unlike what we’re used to in Ho Chi Minh City). 

Another unique opportunity is to hire a cyclo . You get to sit in a carriage and the driver bikes around the city to major attractions. Depending on your driver, he can also act as your tour guide. Compared to other cyclos that we’ve seen in Southeast Asia, the Penang cyclos are adorable as they’re decorated with stuffed animals and streamers for a more inviting ambiance. 

Consider taking the Penang Hop On and Off double-decker bus to visit the top highlights of Penang. Purchase your ticket ahead of time and save money !

For a free bus alternative, take the Central Area Transit (CAT) bus which stops by the popular and interesting places of Penang. Click here to see the route s . 

For distances farther away, it’s recommended to hire a Grab car . We didn’t see too many taxis driving around in George Town. The traffic in Penang can be slow so you’ll need to be patient or travel during the off-peak hours.

A unique way to explore George Town is on a cyclo tour.

What to Eat in Penang

Oh gosh, what to eat in Penang is the million-dollar question. It’s no doubt that the food in Penang is amazing! There is so much delicious food to eat from the assam laksa to the char koay teow. With our limited time in Penang, we barely made a dent to try all the Malaysian and Chinese food. 

To get a taste of Penang street food, take one of these local tours:

• 3-hours George Town Street Food Tour
• 4-hours Penang Street Food Tour 

Below are some of the restaurants in George Town that we tried and would recommend.

• Mew’s Cafe is a fabulous spot to try traditional Malaysian food. You can choose to sit inside the restaurant or enjoy the patio. Choose from dishes such as beef rendang, nasi lemak, or noodle dishes. We tried the beef rendang which had tender beef with turmeric rice, pineapple salad, and crackers. We also had the ikan samal with steamed sea bass in banana leaf served with blue rice. The fish was cooked perfectly and had a lot of good flavors from the coconut milk. Try the sago gula melaka for dessert as the pandan sago isn’t too sweet with syrup and coconut cream. Main entrees are around 26-30 MYR ($6.20-$7.20 USD).

 Address : 77, Muntri St, Georgetown, 10200 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

• China House is a must-visit spot to eat in Penang to satisfy your sweet tooth. Come to this place with an empty stomach as you’ll drool over the 30+ fresh-baked desserts from baklava to tiramisu. We tried two pieces of cake – passion fruit coconut butter cake and the fresh ginger cake. Both were heavenly yet the passion fruit coconut butter cake was the winner! It was moist and had a burst of flavor from the passion fruit cream. Each slice of cake is between 11-15 MYR ($2.60-$3.40 USD) and can be easily shared with two people. Besides dessert, you can also have meals for lunch or dinner. Just note that this place is busy so there will be a wait to grab a table and to get waiters’ attention. 

 Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia

 For more information: Website 

Did we say dessert?! Check out China House during your Penang itinerary. It’s a fabulous place to try over 30+ desserts.

• Toh Soon Cafe is a recommended place to eat a cheap breakfast. Locals and tourists line up to find a seat in a tiny alleyway. The menu only has a couple of items. The most popular item is the buttered toast with a running egg. It’s one of those dishes that is so bad for you with the richness from the butter yet oh so good! We also recommend that you try one of the paper-wrapped items on your table. At first, it was a mystery to us yet it was a surprise to see a ball of rice with fried fish, hard-boiled egg, and spicy sambal. The flavors tasted similar to Indonesian food and brought us back to Bali . Three toast with eggs, 1 rice ball, and 3 drinks set us back 21.20 MYR ($5 USD). 

 Address: Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Come to Toh Soon Cafe for breakfast. Locals and tourists enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and a plate of buttery toast with egg. Simple yet delicious.

• Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee (Hong Kee Bamboo Noodle 鸿记(廣式) 竹昇云吞面 ) is your place if you want Hong Kong-style noodles. The restaurant makes their noodles daily and you can see them in person at 10am and 3pm. From one person pressing the dough down with a giant bamboo stick with his thigh to another person placing the dough in the noodle flattening machine and cutter, it’s such a sight to see the process. 

 We recommend that you try the wonton noodles and the egg tart (it’s one of the best ones that we’ve eaten!) If you   decide to upgrade to a large size, you’ll get more than double the amount of noodles as the regular size. 

 Address: 37, Lebuh Campbell, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

 For more information: Facebook  

If you’re missing Hong Kong food, try the noodles at Hong Kee Wan Thun Mee!

• Khoon Klanng Bak Kut Teh is further away from the main tourist attractions yet it has delicious bak kut teh, braised pork ribs in a broth. While this bak kut teh version doesn’t have the pork bone in the broth, unlike what we’ve had in Singapore, it comes with a nice addition of mushrooms and tofu. Our Grab driver recommended that we eat bak kut teh with yam rice and it didn’t disappoint. 

 Address: 320, Jalan Perak, Jelutong, 11600 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Where to Stay in Penang

Finding accommodations in Penang is relatively easy depending on your budget and comfort. We suggest that you stay closer to the street art area (near Armenian Street) as it’s a prime location.

As you can see from the Penang 2 days itinerary, you’re in a central location for the sites and have easy access to affordable street food. Plus, wouldn’t it be cool to stay at one of the guesthouses in the traditional Straits-Chinese architecture ?! You’ll recognize the tall buildings attached to other buildings and all having reddish rooftops.

Click here to find the best accommodations in Penang’s George Town .

Our group stayed at the Carnarvon House in George Town which provided enough space and was a central location to the major Penang sightseeing places. We rented the entire building. If your group is smaller, you can rent individual rooms. The lower level has a huge living room and dining area. Upstairs has two levels of guest rooms and shared bathrooms with 2 shower rooms and 2 combo toilet/shower rooms with body wash provided. All rooms come with towels and air conditioning. The only bad part about this place was that there are mosquitoes everywhere. The cost is $30-$50 USD per room per night. Find availability and reserve a room at the Carnarvon Hotel.

You can also consider staying in the chic Gurney Drive area or at one of the resorts along the Batu Ferringhi beachside.  Here are some splurge/luxury options to consider:

• G Hotel Gurney is located next to the Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon so it’s perfect if you want to go shopping. The cost is $125-$190 USD per room per night.  Check availability and reserve a room at G Hotel Gurney .
• Park Royal Penang Resort is within walking distance from the Batu Ferringhi Beach and has all the amenities of a resort including a water theme park for children. The cost is $120-$300 per room per night. Read more about the hotel and make a reservation at Park Royal here .

Our two days in Penang went by way too quickly. We feel like we scratched the surface here. Regardless, we hope you’ve enjoyed reading this post on what to do in Penang in 2 days. Since there is so much to do here, we’ll be back to Penang soon!

Have you visited Penang? What other places should we visit on a return trip? Share in the comments below.

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I'm Jackie - world explorer, hiker, and wanderer. I love planning things whether it is a trip or an upcoming event, exploring nature, hiking up mountains, and seeing new places. I'm notorious for getting lost, so you may see me circling a place a few times.

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I visited Penang on a cruise a few years ago and hardly had a day there. We visited Georgetown which was a fantastic idea because it was my favourite part of the city. The street art was amazing and so was the street food! Also, going up the Penang Hill was a great thing to do. So glad we managed to squeeze that in given our limited time. I wish to return to Malaysia someday with more time to explore its cities and eat their food because I love it so much!

Wow! Can’t believe you only had less than a day in Penang! You managed to see a lot during your time there. Hope you can return back to Penang again soon!

I think I had recently heard that George Town was put in a top 10 list of places to retire in the world recently…we should have checked it out when we went to KL last year! You’ve really sold me with photos of the food…Toh Soon Cafe will definitely be visted one day!

George Town would be a lovely place to retire! We would just eat our way through this amazing area.

Wow! Thanks for the lovely blog on Penang. You have nicely described how to travel Penang so nicely with awesome 2 days Itinerary – explore George Town, which one is the UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia since 2008 and then how to headed back to Batu Ferringhi. I didn’t know the fact that in the year 2012 a Lithuanian artist transformed George Town to a street art mecca which one is really interesting for me

Shreya – We’re glad that you enjoyed the Penang itinerary. It’s such a fascinating place to visit. Hope you can visit in the future!

I would love to see Little India. I remember I stumbled upon Little India in Bangkok and loved the atmosphere. As I have never been to India, seeing Indians with turbans wrapped around their head was fascinating.

I didn’t know there was a Little India area in Bangkok. Thanks for the tip! Will need to check that out on a return trip.

Penang sounds like a fascinating destination! The street art looks incredible and so life-like! I love exploring frescoes – we have some great ones here in Switzerland, we also found some very famous ones in Lyon.

We spent the entire day looking at street art in Penang. Although there is a map of the location for the street art, it’s a bit of a treasure hunt since the artwork could be in an alleyway somewhere. Good to know about the frescoes in Switzerland! Would love to see those on a future visit.

I’ve never been but have heard such great things – especially about the murals there. How fun that you got to meet a furry friend at Air Itam Dam and the Botanic Garden is defs calling my name. Seems like I gotta book a weekend trip here sometime!

Hi Jas! Hope you can visit Penang in the future. A weekend in Penang sounds like a fabulous plan!

Very interesting street art works! I really like this installation with a swing, it’s really ingenious. I have never even heard of this place, but after reading your blog post I would love to visit it.

Ewa, the swing artwork is so much fun to pose with. There are other street art in Penang with props such as with a motorbike, bicycle, basketball hoop, and more!

I love street art myself, Penang has been on my list for quite sometime now. The one with the swing looks so life-like. It’s quite an instagrammable place for travellers.

Yes!! Visit Penang as soon as you can! Many of the street art is fading away from sun damage and/or usage (especially the interacive ones). Hope you can travel there sometime this year.

I really like how the street art and murals in Penang are meant to be interactive with travellers for photos. I’d definitely like to hike up to the viewpoint on Penang Hill, but if it was too hot I’d probably take the cable car! I really like your detailed itinerary, very informative.

Sara – The street art in George Town, Penang is so much fun to explore. We didn’t have enough time to see everything as there are street art hidden in random alleyways. Would love to go back to explore more.

What a beautiful street art!

Hi Niry. Yes, Penang has some of the best street art that we’ve seen on our travels. Hope you get a chance to see them in the future.

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• BORNEO , CAMERON HIGHLANDS , KUALA LUMPUR , LANGKAWI , MALACCA , PENANG , PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

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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We’re Charlotte & Natalie, a British lesbian couple with a passion for travel and adventure.

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2 Week Malaysia Itinerary For City, Beach & Nature Lovers

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

So you have 2 weeks in Malaysia? You’re going to love it. Since it’s one of my favourite Southeast Asian countries, I can’t wait to share my Malaysia itinerary to help you love it, too. While Malaysia receives plenty of tourism, it’s not as popular on the backpack trail as Thailand or Bali. There are plenty of places to escape the crowds and enjoy places you haven’t seen before on Instagram. If you have time for a 2 week Malaysia itinerary, you can get off-the-beaten-track and explore all kinds of diverse destinations.

MALAYSIA ESSENTIALS E-sim data plan Copy of Lonely Planet Malaysia Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ) Getting around: bus and train ( 12GoAsia ) Pre-book your KL airport to city transfer Accommodation: Browse hotels on Booking.com // hostels on Hostelworld Tours: GetYourGuide Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads)

Read next: solo travel in Malaysia , the ultimate guide!

Many of the best things to do in Southeast Asia can be found in Malaysia. There’s no much variety: Kuala Lumpur is a cultural melting pot with authentic street food alongside opulent sky bars. But Malaysia isn’t all about big cities: there are some gorgeous small cities like Melaka and Ipoh which are lesser-known to tourists but great for soaking up the charm of Malaysia.

Visiting neighbour countries? Check out my 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary

Then, there are quirky cities like George Town on the island of Penang with countless hipster cafes and plenty of day trips around the island. There are also paradise beaches like Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands, as well as dense rainforest in Taman Negara National Park and rolling tea plantations in the Cameron Highlands. Malaysia really has everything!

Check out my other 2 week Asia itineraries to Taiwan , Vietnam , Bali and Korea .

Two weeks in Malaysia itinerary

I’m going to share three different 2 week Malaysia itineraries: one for city lovers, one for nature lovers and one for beach lovers. Follow whichever one best suits you or mix them up. I’ll share the majority of details in the first itinerary as some destinations overlap, then I’ll introduce the new destinations in the following 2 itineraries.

Read next: 101 Southeast Asia backpacking tips

Malaysia 2 week itinerary for nature lovers

Days 1-2 kuala lumpur.

Whether you’re a city lover or not, you can’t visit Malaysia and not explore Kuala Lumpur. The capital is one of the flashiest cities in Southeast Asia, apart from maybe Bangkok . The iconic Petronas Towers were once the tallest buildings in the world and although they’ve since lost the title, they make for an impressive view while sipping cocktails from a sky bar opposite.

Day 1: Explore Chinatown , a vibrant area of Kuala Lumpur. Head inside Indian temple, Sri Mahamariamman, and Chinese temple, Guan Di, to begin soaking up the culture. Browse Petaling Street which is an atmospheric market, although a little rough around the edges. Check out the wet market behind with authentic food stalls like Madras Lane Curry Laksa. You can also find tasty cuisine in Tang City Food Court, as well as Insta-friendly Merchant’s Lane Cafe and charming Old China cafe with 100 years of history.

For the afternoon, take a trip over to Merdeka Square where you can see Jamek Mosque and the impressive Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Then, take a taxi or walk over to KL Forest Eco Park where you can walk swinging canopy bridges over the rainforest with skyscraper views. For the evening, spot street art in Bukit Bintang neighbourhood before the sun sets. Eat dinner at Jalan Alor Night Market which gets busy after 7pm with locals dining outside on char kway teow, dim sum and other Malay, Indian and Chinese dishes. If you have energy left, there are lots of bars around Bukit Bintang. Check out my Kuala Lumpur guides:

• How to spend 2 days in Kuala Lumpur
• What to eat in Chinatown, Kuala Lumpur
• Instagrammable cafes in Kuala Lumpur

Day 2: For the second day of your Malaysia itinerary, we’ll explore the culture and get to know the country’s ethnic populations. Start by catching a taxi to Thean Hou Temple , an enormous temple site dedicated to the Chinese goddess of the sea. After an hour wandering around and taking photos, call another Uber to Brickfields , the Indian neighbourhood, for an early lunch of curry on a banana leaf. Yum!

I recommend GetYourGuide for KL activities:

For the afternoon, board a train from KL Sentral to The Batu Caves . Check train times on Google Maps because often they only depart every hour. If you’d prefer, take a guided tour to Batu Caves ($8 USD) or a half day KL tour inc a Batu Caves stop ($14). The vibrant Batu Caves are a vibrant addition to your Malaysia 2 week itinerary. You can walk up the rainbow stairs provided your legs and shoulders are covered (sarongs can be rented at the bottom if not) and explore the cave temple at the top.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

• For backpackers,  stay at Sunshine Bedz in Kuala Lumpur for a comfy, social hostel located near KL Tower and the Petronas Towers. Beds start from $10 a night .
• Space Hotel @ China Town Kuala Lumpur – this boutique capsule bed hotel just 2 minute’s walk from Petaling Street. Book from $15 a night .
• With a garden, shared lounge and terrace, Hotel Aman is budget-friendly hotel with a 24-hour front desk, concierge service and free Wi-Fi. Book from $30 a night.
• If you’re splashing out during your 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur, The Face Suites is one of the fanciest places to be with amazing views from the rooftop pool. Book from $70 a night .

Days 3-5: Taman Negara

To visit Malaysia’s biggest national park, translating into Bahasa adventurously as ‘National Park’, you can travel independently or take a tour. While it takes a while to get there, visiting this 130 million-year-old rainforest was a highlight of my Malaysia itinerary.

While you can visit Teman Negara without a tour, I enjoyed the chance to relax and let someone else take the lead during my busy 2 weeks in Malaysia. We departed KL and rode in a minibus until transferring to a longboat and travelling to Kuala Tahan, the village at the heart of the park. From there, we spent 2 days walking canopy bridges, taking guided nature walks, rapid shooting and meeting the local community who live in the forest. The tour included all our meals and accommodation and they even helped organise our onwards journeys, mine to Tanah Rata in the Cameron Highlands. To visit independently (and stay overnight) take bus and boat from the Han Travel and organise your own activities when you arrive. Alternatively, visit as part of a day trip from KL .

Days 6-8: Cameron Highlands

Two weeks in Malaysia wouldn’t be complete without the Cameron Highlands, a misty land of rolling hills and tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see. Once you know it was a British hill station, the reason for the tea is clear. The best place to stay is the town of Tanah Rata where you can organise tours and sample excellent Indian food along the high street. Depending on what you want to do, you can spend one or two days in the Cameron Highlands. We spent the first day visiting tea plantations and strawberry fields on a guided tour and a second day hiking in the Cameron Highlands . There’s not much by the way of nightlife but at least you can relax and sip some excellent tasting tea! Alternatively, visit the Cameron Highlands as a day tour from KL .

Days 9-11: Penang

The next stop for our 2 week Malaysia itinerary is the island of Penang off the west coast of Malaysia. Not only is there lots of nature, hiking and scenery on Penang but it’s a good launching point for our final destination, Langkawi. The best place to stay is the island’s main city of George Town . This hipster city is known for street art famously created by Ernest Zacharevic, as well as world-class street food and more recently, hipster Penang cafes.

Day 9: Arrive and head out for some Penang street food. Check out my guide for all the best things to do in Penang which include exploring Little India, the numerous temples, Clan Jetties floating houses and, most importantly, eating cake at Chinahouse cafe.

Here are also some food tours you can join: 

—> Penang: Evening walking foods tour

—> Penang harmony food trail

—> Private Penang tasty local street food tour

Day 10: Take a day trip over to Kek Lok Si Temple in nearby Air Itam town. After lunch of famous asam laksa at Pasar Air Itam Laksa, continue to Penang Hill. You can hike or take a cable car up to the top and look out over the island.

Read next: visiting Kek Lok Si from George Town

Day 11: Spend the day exploring Penang National Park. Located 20km from Penang, you can drive there in 30 minutes from George Town and spend the day trekking, walking the Canopy Walkway and visiting Monkey Beach. If you’re not hiring a car during your 2 weeks in Malaysia, you can take an organised day trip to Penang National Park or catch the 101 bus from George Town for 4 MYR. The first bus is at 5.30am and the last is at midnight so you’ll have plenty of time to make a day of it. For more details, visit this blog on visiting Penang National Park .

Where to stay in Penang

• EZ Social – with a co-working space, lively bar and laundry facilities, this is a fantastic and sociable place to stay. Book from $10 a night .
• The Frame – in a well-preserved heritage house with a TV lounge, spacious lockers and individual reading lamps and electrical plugs, this is the comfiest base for budget travellers. Book from $10 a night .
• Carnarvon House – in central Georgetown with great reviews, this is a fantastic budget hotel. Book from $30 a night .
• Savv Hotel – a wonderful mid-range base with an outdoor swimming pool, free parking, garden, shared lounge, a bar and terrace. Book from $60 a night .
• Blue Mansion – for the ultimate treat, this 4-star heritage property has boutique rooms with antique fittings. Book from $120 a night .

Days 12-14: Langkawi

To finish off your Malaysia itinerary for 2 weeks, relax on the beach in beautiful Langkawi. This gorgeous island across from Penang is one of the best places in Malaysia for holiday vibes, as well as wildlife and natural scenery. To arrive, simply catch a ferry from Swettenham Pier for 80 RM, taking 3 hours in total.

Day 13: Consider taking a taking a boat tour around the highlights of Langkawi. As well as watching eagles soar to catch fish, you can swim and visit quieter beaches only accessible by private boat. Day 14: Relax on the beach or explore the island further, soaring over Langwaki on Langkawi Cable Car or walking Langkawi Sky Bridge.

Malaysia 2 week itinerary for city lovers

Want to focus more on cities than nature during your 2 weeks in Malaysia? Follow this itinerary.

Days 1-2: Kuala Lumpur – as above

Days 3-4: melaka.

The small city of Melaka is a lovely place to visit during 2 weeks in Malaysia. You can actually take a Melaka day trip from Kuala Lumpur if you’re short on time but I’d recommend staying over if possible.

In many ways, Melaka is a strange place, for example the central square’s windmills and church dating back to Dutch colonial rule of Melaka from 1641 to 1826. Even weirder, you’ll see (and hear!) ridiculous Minion and Hello Kitty tricycles roaming the streets playing Nicki Minaj and offering rides. Aside from these oddities, Melaka is a charming town with lots of Straits Heritage buildings lived in by the Chinese community. If you’re staying for the weekend, make sure you eat and soak up the atmosphere at Jonkers Street Night Market . You can also take a trip to Melaka Straits Mosque, eat at authentic Melaka restaurants, and explore the street art.

Read my Melaka blogs:

• Things to do in Melaka
• Best Melaka food guide
• Melaka street art guide
• Melaka cafes & coffee shops .

Days 5-7: Ipoh

From Melaka, you can catch a direct bus passing back through KL to one of my favourite places in Malaysia. If you’re short on time, take a KL to Ipoh return day tour . The charming city of Ipoh is a must for your Malaysia 2 week itinerary with some impressive countryside and cave temples surrounding it. I actually preferred it to Melaka. Read about everything I got up to in my Ipoh itinerary .

Day 6: Explore the highlights of Ipoh. Start your day at Old Town White Coffee before spotting street art along Mural Art’s Lane, visit Panglima Kinta Mosque, then soak up the markets and heritage buildings along Concubine Lane and Market Lane. Eat famous chicken rice at Luo Wang . Day 7: Take a trip to the cave temples surrounding Ipoh. Sam Poh Tong is a Chinese Buddhist temple about 5km from Ipoh with colourful statues from Chinese mythology (and a random Pegasus statue). Entrance is free and there’s a hidden temple at the back. Kek Lok Tong is another set of caves, although the highlight is the incredible scenery rather than the temples inside. Wander around the 14km grounds surrounded by limestone peaks. Continue to Perak Cave Temple , another impressive place with lots of religious cave art and a panoramic view from the top. Check out my guide to visiting the Ipoh cave temples .

Where to stay in Ipoh: the best hostel in town is the Brownstone with a rooftop garden, TV room, coffee makers and more from $13 a night. For a lovely hotel with a restaurant, opt for M Boutique Hotel Station from $35.

Days 8-9: Cameron Highlands

From Ipoh, you’re only an hour and a half from the Cameron Highlands, one of the most naturally beautiful places I visited during 2 weeks in Malaysia. Why not take a break from culture and cities and spend a couple of days soaking up the natural beauty and drinking tea? A night in Tanah Rata is enough to see the region if you’re not trekking. Jump up to my first 2 week nature itinerary above.

Days 10-12: George Town, Penang

City lovers should not miss Penang from their 2 week Malaysia itinerary. It’s easy to spend a couple of days enjoying city life in George Town while eating amazing street food and visiting Chinese temples, Hindu temples, mosques and even churches. If you visit on a Sunday, take a trip to Hin Bus Depot where the weekend market sees live music, food trucks and a craft market.

The amount of time you spend in Penang depends how many day trips you take from George Town. As well as visiting Kek Lok Si Temple, you can take a day trip to Penang National Park or explore the island further. Jump back up to my first Malaysia itinerary for the details. Check out my Penang guides:

• Things to do in Penang
• Penang street food guide
• Digital nomad Penang guide
• Best street art in Penang
• Healthy food in Penang
• 12 best cafes in Penang .

Days 13-14: Langkawi

After your busy 2 week itinerary of Malaysia, head over to Langkawi on the ferry for some beach chills. Jump back up for all the details.

Malaysia itinerary for 2 weeks – beach lovers

Days 3-7: perhentian islands.

Located off the northeast coast of Malaysia, the Perhentian Islands are a must for beach lovers spending two weeks in Malaysia. I’m pretty sure you could spend your whole Malaysia itinerary here and leave happy (although I’m including a few extra destinations too). There are two islands to visit, Besar (big) and Kecil (small) so I would suggest spending a good chunk of time in the Perhentians in order to see them both.

Seasonal note – the best time to visit is March to early November as monsoon season draws in soon after. Unlike many beach destinations around the world, there’s a limited window each year for visiting the Perhentian Islands. Make sure to book your accommodation ahead of time as things can get booked up. Getting to the Perhentian Islands from Kuala Lumpur: The cheapest option is an overnight bus from PWTC Station in Kuala Lumpur arriving at Kuala Besut where you can catch a ferry to the Perhentians. Alternatively, AirAsia fly into Kota Bharuor Kuala Terrengganu and catch a ferry. Days 4-5: Perhentian Besar . Visit Turtle Beach and spot turtles from Turtle Point. There are lots of locations around the coast for snorkelling and diving. This island is slightly quieter than Kecil so if you are looking for a relaxing stay, this is the spot. Days 6-7: Perhentian Kecil . This island may be the smaller of the two but it’s the most popular, making it best for meeting other travellers and finding good deals on snorkelling and diving. You can even take your PADI license while looking for sharks and turtles. Long Beach is where most tourists stay but you can also explore quieter Coral Beach and stay for sunset.

Days 8-9: Ipoh / Cameron Highlands

Choose either Ipoh or the Cameron Highlands as a stop-off in central Malaysia, although Ipoh is slightly easier to reach. Catch the ferry from the Perhentians then a bus changing at Pasir Puteh. Alternatively, you could head to Penang from the Perhentians and then on to Langkawi Island.

Days 10-11: Penang – as above

Days 12-14: langkawi – as above.

I hope you enjoyed my Malaysia itinerary and you have a fantastic time during your 2 weeks in Malaysia. This country is so full of friendliness, food and diverse destinations that you’d be hard pushed not to!

Thanks for reading my Malaysia itinerary

See you next time,

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Malaysia useful links Flights – I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Stay connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just span the QR code. In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Copy of Lonely Planet Malaysia . For Malaysia buses and trains , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide and Viator as they both have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

8 thoughts on “ 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary For City, Beach & Nature Lovers ”

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Malaysia again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Veronika

Hi Veronika! Thanks for reading and commenting. I adore Malaysia too and can’t wait to find myself back there one of these days 🙂

Can you tell me when is the best time to visit Malaysia for city lovers? I will need to travel before March 2024 as I have an airfare credit. Would June, July or August work?

Hey Alice, sorry for late reply! I think the cities may be too hot in that summer season.

Hi Rose, Really well written article. I notice that you excluded the Borneo part of Malaysia. Is that because you don’t think it’s worth seeing or you’ve not had a chance to go there yourself.

Hi Roben, I went there myself but only briefly and didn’t feel qualified enough to talk on it. But I liked what I saw!

Hey Rose! Love your article. It is packed with information and will make my upcoming trip to Malaysia easier. I tried to buy eSIM trough your link but simply don’t understand how it works. It is an app, and no actual physical SIM card? Do you mind telling me step by step how to get eSIM? Thank you so much 🙏🏾

Hi Indra, they wiil email you the QR code and you will activate it. You are right, there’s no physical SIM!

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2 Week Malaysia Itinerary (Mainland): Best Things To Do

We have put together the perfect 2 week Malaysia itinerary if you want to explore the mainland of the country and discover the rich culture, amazing food and vibrant nature! We’ll show you how to travel around mainland Malaysia, visit some of the best cities, where to stay and tasty food recommendations!

If you only have time for 2 weeks in Malaysia, it’s going to be hard to see everything. The country is huge with areas that need flights and ferries.

This itinerary focuses on the main island ( The Malay Peninsular) between Thailand and Singapore. It’s really easy to add the islands and Borneo onto this itinerary as the route starts and ends at airports.

We’re so excited to share this Malaysia itinerary as there’s so much more to the country than its popular capital city – Kuala Lumpur . A trip away from the major city and you’ll find beautiful tea plantations, national parks and different food specialities from other regions.

The country is incredibly diverse with a mix of Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures. You’ll also find old colonial buildings from the Dutch, British and Portuguese that have been preserved and converted into shops, museums and restaurants.

When exploring Malaysia, we wrote down as much information as possible to create this tried and tested Malaysia travel guide. Let’s plan your Malaysia 2 week itinerary!

This post may contain affiliate links. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using these links, at no additional cost to you .

Quick Tips for a 2 week Malaysia Itinerary

Table of Contents (Skip to a section!)

• Currency  –  Malaysian Ringgit   (compare your currency  here )
• Language  – Malay (also Mandarin and Tamil)
• Cuisine  – Malay, Chinese & Indian  (noodles, rice, dosas, soups, curries, roti & more)
• Apps  – GoogleTranslate, GoogleMaps, Grab,  Booking.com  &,  Hostelworld
• Power Voltage  – Plug G, 240V ( Same as the UK )

Accommodation in Malaysia

There are many hotels, hostels, homestays and guesthouses in Malaysia for affordable prices. We share our recommendations throughout this itinerary and we always use Booking.com to find places to stay.

Sim Card in Malaysia

If you’re spending 2 weeks in Malaysia, it’s definitely working getting a sim card. We picked up a Digi sim card at Penang airport for around 35 RM (around £6.15) for a 30-day ( unlimited social media ) package.

There’s also the option of pre-purchasing  an E-Sim in advance  to avoid any queues at the airport and they’re really easy to set up. You can also purchase a Celcom Simcard in advance on Klook  (Pick up at KLIA 2)!

Also, check out our in-depth guides to each destination:

• 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary: Best Things To Do
• The Best 2 Day Melaka Itinerary: Things To Do (Malacca)
• Cameron Highlands Itinerary: Best Things To Do
• The Best Ipoh Itinerary: 2 Days in Ipoh
• 4 Day Penang Itinerary: Best Things To Do

Best time to visit Malaysia

Malaysia has a hot and tropical climate all year round. There are many different weather systems and typhoons in Malaysia that change throughout the region.

For this 2 week Malaysia itinerary, the best time to visit is from February to September . The West Coast experiences rain a lot throughout the year, but it gets worse around September and October . This is especially true for the Cameron Highlands which is colder than the rest of the country.

The best time to visit the east coast of Malaysia is March and early October , which can be explored at the end of this mainland itinerary. During the wet season in the Perhentian islands, the rain is usually a lot heavier than the wet season in the west.

How to get around Malaysia

Flying  – There are plenty of airports around Malaysia as it’s a huge country! Kuala Lumpur International Airport and Penang Airport connect to each other or to the island of Borneo. Most cities on this itinerary also have their own airports.

Bus  – Ultimately the best way to get around mainland Malaysia is by bus. They are so comfortable for long journeys and it was even possible to use our laptops on them! Check for times and prices on  12Go ,  RedBus  or  EasyBook . If you book tickets online, you have to print them out before getting on the bus.

Train  – There’s also a train line through some of the country which is a great way to leave or enter Kuala Lumpur. Check times on  12Go  here!

Planning more trips in Southeast Asia? Check out our 3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary !

2 Week Malaysia Itinerary (Mainland)

After a few quick tips, it’s time to share our Malaysia itinerary. This route can be switched around if you’re starting in Penang and it’s very easy to add more locations to this itinerary at the beginning or end (such as Borneo, Langkawi or the Perhentian islands).

Day 1 – 4 | Kuala Lumpur

The best way to start your 2 week Malaysia itinerary is in the capital city , Kuala Lumpur.

Kuala Lumpur is an urban wonderland with culture and delicious food around every corner. It’s also home to the iconic Petronas towers which can’t be missed when visiting the city.

Due to the city’s well-connected airport, it’s a popular layover destination in Southeast Asia , but it definitely deserves more than a day. Check out our 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary for full details.

How to get to Kuala Lumpur city centre

It’s likely you’ll be arriving in Kuala Lumpur by flight or bus and if you’re following this Malaysia itinerary you will enter the city twice after a side trip to Melaka.

• Flying  – Kuala Lumpur International Airport is one of the best in Southeast Asia ( along with Singapore ) and it’s the perfect place to arrive from anywhere else in the world.
• Bus  – Malaysian buses are the best way to get around the country and there are even routes from Singapore. Check for times and prices on  12Go ,  RedBus  or  EasyBook .
• Train  – The trains in Kuala Lumpur arrive and leave from KL Sentral Station! Check times on  12Go  here!

How to get from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to the city centre

There are two terminals at Kuala Lumpur International Airport and both are connected by a small train that’s free to use. Both terminals are easy to get to using public transport from the city centre. Here are a few ways to do it:

• Train – A train ticket from the airport to KL Sentral takes around 30 minutes and costs around RM 55. Book your  KLIA Ekspres Airport Train Tickets .
• Bus – The bus is cheaper at RM 15 but can take 45 minutes to an hour and arrives at KLIA2.
• Grab – If there are more than two people, then a Grab ride could work out more cost-effectively.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

In total, we’ve spent over 1 week in Kuala Lumpur exploring all the best things to do. We highly recommend spending at least 2-3 days in the city and seeing the main highlights. Here are a few things to see during the first few days of your Malaysia itinerary!

If you’ve been looking at photos of Malaysia, you’ve likely seen the beautiful rainbow-painted stairs at the Batu Caves. These are some of the most popular things to see in Kuala Lumpur and are easy to get to via train or Grab from the city centre. You can also do a Batu Caves Half-Day Tour !

The Batu Caves have Hindu shrines inside and you can also find colourful Hindu buildings around the area. For religious reasons, legs must be covered when entering the temple and climbing up the stairs.

Central Market

During your Malaysia 2 week itinerary, another must-visit place in Kuala Lumpur is the Central Market, right around the corner from Chinatown. It’s an indoor market filled with small boutique stalls mainly aimed at tourists. We found a very affordable jewellery shop and appreciated the air con in the building!

Petaling Street Market

In the heart of Chinatown is one of the best markets in Kuala Lumpur – Petaling Street Market ! This is completely different to Central Market and rougher around the edges.

We have passed through this market multiple times throughout our Kuala Lumpur treats as you really can’t miss it when exploring China Town. There’s food, clothes, watches, technology and more! You can find bargains all around!

The Chinatown area is one of our favourite places in Kuala Lumpur, we love the hustle and bustle, the beautiful street art, cosy cafes and delicious restaurants.

Make sure to visit the Hindu Temple, Mahamariamman Temple and the Taoist temple, Guan Di Temple whilst you’re in the area. Also, check out the colourful houses and street art near Kwai Chai Hong !

You can also jump on a  Kuala Lumpur Half-Day City Tour  with a guide that will teach you so much more about Malaysia!

Little India (Brickfields)

Little India is the perfect way to fuel up for the day with authentic Indian food! The streets are beautifully painted with colour and there are many Indian-related shops in the area. The best way to get to Little India is via KL Sentral, the main train station in Kuala Lumpur.

Our favourite restaurants in Little India are  Saravanaa Bhavan  and  Singh Chapati House  although anywhere will be good.

Petronas Towers

The iconic Petronas Towers are the most famous buildings in the country and are worth seeing during your 2 weeks in Malaysia. They were once the tallest buildings in the world and are currently the tallest twin towers in the world.

At the base of the towers, there’s a light show every evening and on the inside is a mall with the Sky Deck on some of the higher floors.

Book your tickets in advance for the Sky Deck of the Petronas Towers !

Wondering what to pack for Southeast Asia ? Find everything you need to pack in our Southeast Asia packing guide .

Bukit Bintang

There’s an abundance of malls to choose from on this Malaysia itinerary and Kuala Lumpur has some of the best! Check out Berjaya Times Square  (BTS) for the best experience of shopping and there’s even a theme park!

If you’re around in the evening, visit Jalan Alor Food Street Market  to explore the many options of food! You’ll find a range of Asian cuisines and lots of tropical fruit!

Merdeka Square

Merdeka Square is a significant area in Kuala Lumpur, symbolising the day that Malaysia became an independent country. The buildings that surround the square, such as Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Jamek Mosque are definitely worth visiting as they’re so close to Chinatown.

There’s honestly too much to do in this city, if you have some extra time check out the Perdana Botanical Gardens , Masjid Wilayah Mosque (Federal Territory Mosque) , Thean Hou Temple and take a visit up the KL Tower  (book your KL Tickets in advance )

If you want a more local activity during your Malaysia 2 week itinerary, head to a water park – Find  tickets to Sunway Lagoon here

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

The best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur is near  KLCC ,  Bukit Bintang ,  Chinatown  &  KL Sentral .

Kuala Lumpur is the only time we’ve ever stayed in a rooftop pool because they’re so affordable here! It’s the best opportunity on your Malaysia itinerary 2 weeks! We’ve added three to our list and they’re worth it to have views of the city.

• Ceylonz Starlight Suites Bukit Bintang  $$ – A beautiful rooftop pool in a modern hotel.
• Hotel 1000 Miles  $ – Great prices, great location and there are private or dorm rooms. We stayed here twice during our 2 weeks in Malaysia!
• Mingle @ Highstreet  $ – Here’s a hostel for social travellers or those travelling solo and there’s even a rooftop pool here!
• D’Majestic Place  $-$$ – We have also stayed here twice throughout our time in Malaysia just to use the amazing pool on the roof. The rooms are great too!

Best Restaurants in Kuala Lumpur

• Sweet Veggie  (Pudu) $ – Our favourite Chinese buffet restaurant in KL ( location )
• Sangeetha Veg Restaurant  $-$$ – Indian Food in Masjid Jamek ( location )
• Happy Sambodi Vege Restaurant  $ – Affordable Chinese food ( location )
• The Hungry Tapir  $$ – Amazing veggie & vegan food including desserts ( location )
• Minf Houze Vegan Cafe  $-$$ – Vegan Malay food near KLCC Park ( location )
• Singh Chapati House  $ – Indian food in Little India, Brickfields ( location )

Also, check out the  Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant in KL Tower  for a dining experience!  Find your tickets on Klook here !

Alongside our 2 week Malaysia itinerary, check out more of our in-depth Malaysia travel guides !

Day 4 – 6 | Melaka

The next destination on this Malaysia 2 week itinerary is the historic city of Melaka! We recommend spending 2 days here to check out the best things and if you can time it right, make sure you visit on at least one of these days – a Friday, Saturday or Sunday!

If you’re arriving from Singapore, it makes sense to visit Melaka before Kuala Lumpur as it’s along the way. Melaka is worth a visit on any Malaysia trip to discover the old shophouses, dutch buildings, and take lovely walks along the river.

The city is much smaller than Kuala Lumpur, so it’s easy to get around. It’s also possible to visit Melaka on a  day trip from Kuala Lumpur with a guide !

How to get to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur

The best way to get from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka is by bus . It’s only a 2-hour journey from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to Melaka Sentral . From Melaka Sentral, you can take a local bus or a Grab to the city centre.

You can the times and prices of buses using 12Go ,  RedBus  or  EasyBook !

Things to do in Melaka

As Melaka is quite small, we’ve included enough activities for 2 or 3 days. Check out our 2 Day Melaka Itinerary for a full detailed guide!

Admire the Church of Saint Paul

One of our favourite old buildings in Melaka was the Church of Saint Paul standing high on St Pauls hill. It’s known as the oldest church in Malaysia and in the region of Southeast Asia !

The church is being preserved however there’s no roof and you can freely walk around the area looking at the tombstones and old walls.

Join a  Historical Melaka Tour to find out more about the history of Melaka.

A Famosa (Fortress)

A Famosa is an old fortress that is in ruins now. The main highlight is seeing the main gate to the fortress (Porta de Santiago). The fortress is near the Church of Saint Paul, so it’s perfect to pair together. Also, A Famosa   means ‘The Famous’ in Portuguese !

Melaka Straits Mosque

Another beautiful spot on this 2 week Malaysia itinerary is the Melaka Strait mosque . It’s just outside of the city centre but a good sunset is on the horizon. You can catch Grab to the mosque for around 10 RM. We found some rocks with the best views of the mosque on the water. It’s also possible to enter inside if you’re wearing the correct clothing.

Jonker Street Night Market (Friday to Sunday)

We mentioned above that it’s worth visiting Melaka over the weekend because that’s when the Jonker Street Night Market  is in Melaka. This is one of the best things to do in Melaka!

You’ll find music, street food and lots of mini stalls selling a bit of everything! Jonker Street is also worth checking out in the daytime.

Dutch Square

The Dutch Square is another site you can’t miss if you’re visiting Melaka during this 2 week Malaysia itinerary. The square is surrounded by beautiful colonial red buildings such as the Christ Church , Stadthuys and Tan Beng Swee Clock Tower (the tower was built more recently matching the red theme of the square).

Sunset River Cruise in Melaka

Melaka is split by the Malacca River which gives the city the perfect opportunity to do boat rides! The best time of day to go on a Melaka boat trip is in the evening for sunset. Ticket prices are around 25 RM and the ride is 40 minutes long. You can buy your tickets on the day at the Melaka River Park and Cruise  building.

Street Art in Melaka

Throughout this 2 week Malaysia itinerary, you’ll notice that we love to find street art in every city. Melaka has plenty of wonderful street murals to discover such as Kiehl’s Colourful Wall , The Orangutan House , Melaka Street Art (The Well) and there’s also some art along the river near The Old Merchant .

Here are a few more things to do in Melaka if you have extra days – The Shore Sky Tower , Bayou Lagoon Water Park and Upside Down House Gallery !

Where to stay in Melaka

The best area to stay in Melaka is near Jonker Street (Jalan Hang Jebat) and the Old Town !

• Haven Inn  $ – This is where we stayed in Melaka.
• The Cozy Place by Nestcove  $ – A lovely modern guesthouse in Melaka.
• Bali Residences  $$ – Just outside of the city centre is this luxury and affordable place with a swimming pool.

Best Restaurants in Melaka

• Chin Hua Vegetarian Food  $ – The best Chinese buffet restaurant in Melaka! ( location )
• Restoran Saravanna – Chettinadu King  $ – Authentic Indian food in Melaka! ( location )
• Thong Xin Vegetarian Restaurant  $ – Delicious Chinese food! ( location )
• Botanist Cafe  $$ – Vegetarian restaurant with Malay options! ( location )

We have more Southeast Asia posts , including a 2-Week Thai Islands itinerary & 2-Week Cambodia Itinerary !

Day 6 – 9 | Cameron Highlands

After exploring some of Malaysia’s cities on this Malaysia 2 week itinerary, it’s time to breathe the fresh air of the highlands. The Cameron Highlands is one of the highest points in Malaysia with beautiful tea plantations, green hills and crisp cool air.

The British used the highlands as their resort town in the colonial days and a lot of the buildings have stayed! The whole area feels like a little England and there are even fresh strawberries growing too!

We loved our time in the Cameron Highlands and wish we spent a few more days to just relax and drink tea. 2 days is definitely enough to see the main highlights and it’s a little tricky to get around unless you go on a tour or hire a scooter or bike.

How to get to the Cameron Highlands from Melaka

Getting to the Cameron Highlands from Melaka will be the longest travel day on this 2 week Malaysia itinerary. The best way to get there is by bus via Kuala Lumpur.

It will take around 2 hours to get from Melaka to Kuala Lumpur and around 4 hours from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands. Luckily the buses in Malaysia are very comfortable!

If you have the time you can spend an extra night in Kuala Lumpur to break up the journeys or just leaving enough time between buses is also fine! Check for times and prices on 12Go ,  RedBus  or  EasyBook !

Things to do in the Cameron Highlands

Now on this 2 week Malaysia itinerary, we’re going to show you the best things to do in the Cameron Highlands if you have a few days. Some of these activities are best done on a tour which we’ll tell you about too!

If you’re staying in Tanah Rata, spend some time exploring the area and admiring the colonial buildings! This will be the best area to find food such as Singh Chapati (an Indian restaurant). There are also markets, outdoor shops and cafes!

BOH Tea Plantations & Cafe

The beautiful tea plantations are the best parts of the Cameron Highlands and there are a few different plantations around the area. The BOH Tea Plantations are the largest in the country and they have a lovely cafe at the top with views of the hills. The tea plantations were a highlight of our Malaysia itinerary!

Mossy Forest & Mount Brinchang

Another highlight in the Cameron Highlands is the Mossy Forest. An incredible old forest full of moss and viewpoints! It’s a pretty short but beautiful walk and there’s also an entrance fee.

Private vehicles aren’t allowed to drive to Mossy Forest, so you have to book a tour with a 4×4. We recommend Discover Camerons !

Jungle Trekking

In the Cameron Highlands, there are certain times of the year when you can go hiking for the Giant Rafflesia ! These flowers are very rare to find as they only bloom for around 5 days and take one year to grow!

There will be guides in Malaysia who know exactly what to look for when there’s a blooming opportunity. It’s still possible to hike the jungles of the Cameron Highlands all year round!

Pick Your Own Strawberries

It’s crazy to think that strawberries can grow in the Cameron Highlands, but we were so happy to find and eat them! You can pick your own strawberries at various farms in the area, here are a few:

• Big Red Strawberry Farm ( location )
• Raju’s Hill Strawberry Farm ( location )
• 200 Seeds Cafe & Farm ( location )
• Kasimanis Strawberry Farm ( location )

Bharat Tea Plantations

Another tea plantation to visit during your 2 weeks in Malaysia is the Bharat Tea Plantations! They allow visitors to walk around an area of the tea leaves for a small fee. There’s also a shop and cafe here overlooking the plantations. The views are amazing! We took so many photos here. It’s also less busy than the famous BOH plantations.

Best Tours in the Cameron Highlands

As the Cameron Highlands is a large area with lots of things to do, we recommend joining a half-day tour or renting a scooter. We actually did both during our trip and the half-day tour is definitely worth it!

The Mossy Forest is down a road that is banned from vehicles other than jeeps, so a tour is the only way to see it.

We booked a Cameron Highlands Half-Day Tour at the hostel we were staying at ( Bricks Cameron Hostel ) and they booked us on a tour with  Discover Camerons ! Here are the places we saw on this trip:

• BOH Sungai Palas Tea Centre   (free entry)
• BOH Cafe  (tea from 4RM)
• Mossy Forest   (entry fee: 30RM for internationals / 10RM for locals)
• Mount Brinchang Viewpoint   (included in the Mossy Forest ticket)

Our guide was amazing and told us so much valuable information about the plantations and the highlands. We also met a few other travellers on the tour as we all shared a jeep! Find their details here  –  Discover Camerons Facebook  &  Bricks Cameron Hostel

Where to stay in the Cameron Highlands

The best area to stay in the Cameron Highlands is Tanah Rata , followed by Brinchang  and  Ringlet .

Bricks Cameron Hostel $ – We stayed here during our time in the Cameron Highlands and loved it! They have private rooms and dorms for a good price in the heart of Tanah Rata!

100 Oastel coLiving $ – A cosy guesthouse in Tanah Rata with beautiful decor and free parking–  Find here on Booking.com !

The Rustique Guest House  $ – Affordable rooms in Tanah Rata –  Find here on Booking.com !

Best Restaurants in the Cameron Highlands

• Singh Chapati $ – a tasty Indian restaurant ( location )
• The Lords Cafe $-$$ – serving tea & scones  (no vegan cakes) ( location )
• Restoran Sri Brinchang  $ – a South Indian restaurant ( location )
• Restoran Bunga Suria $ – another lovely Indian restaurant ( location )

If you love tea plantations, plan your next trip to Sri Lanka! We spent 3 weeks in Sri Lanka Itinerary and loved the green hills when exploring Ella and Nuwara Eliya are so similar to the Cameron Highlands !

Day 9 – 11 | Ipoh

The next destination on our 2 week Malaysia itinerary is Ipoh, a city surrounded by limestone cliffs and beautiful temples.

Ipoh has a charming old town with a new town right around the corner. We think of Ipoh as a smaller version of Penang (which you’ll visit next on this Malaysia itinerary) with street art and colonial buildings.

We’re so glad that we visited Ipoh on our trip as it really felt different to the other cities. There was less tourism and fewer major things to do which meant we could explore the city more authentically. However, it’s not completely hidden from tourism in places such as Concubine Lane!

How to get to Ipoh from the Cameron Highlands

The best way to get to Ipoh from the Cameron Highlands is by bus ! Honestly, the buses are amazing in Malaysia. Check for times and prices on 12Go ,  RedBus  or  EasyBook !

The journey should take around 2 hours and the bus drops you off just outside of the city centre in Ipoh. Hop on a T30a bus that will take you to Old Town Ipoh, alternatively, you can use Grab .

There’s also a  private day tour to Ipoh  from Kuala Lumpur if you’re based in the capital city –  book your trip here !

Things to do in Ipoh

We recommend spending 2 nights in Ipoh on your Malaysia itinerary to see the main highlights such as the old town, temples and nature. If you have more time in the city, you can head to a theme & water park for the day at Sunway Lost World Of Tambun or explore Tempurung Cave .

Concubine Lane

One of the best areas to see in Ipoh is Concubine Lane, also known as Panglima Lane. It’s in the heart of Old Town and hard to miss as you’ll find most visitors here! There are boutique shops, souvenirs and many different types of food! Ipoh is big on white coffee and Portuguese tarts!

You’ll also find the  Time Tunnel Museum  and a  Funtasy Trick Art House  here, but we didn’t get the time to visit these!

Mural Art’s Lane

In the New Town, you’ll find the Mural Art’s Lane – full of energetic art pieces embracing Malaysian culture! It’s a quiet street which makes the area very peaceful to explore and take in the murals. It’s a lovely area to visit if you’re wondering what to do in Malaysia.

Heritage Buildings in Ipoh

On your 2 week Malaysia itinerary, head to the Tourist Information Office and grab a map to follow the Ipoh Old Heritage Trail . There are so many old heritage buildings in Ipoh and if you don’t know where they are, you could honestly walk past them without realising! Here are a few that you can see whilst exploring Ipoh:

• Ipoh Railway Station  
• Ipoh Town Hall
• Han Chin Pet Soo
• HSBC Building
• Birch Memorial Tower

Cave Temples

Ipoh also has some beautiful cave temples just outside the main city centre. The best way to reach them is by Grab or if you’re on a budget, there’s a local bus but there’s no official timetable at the bus station.

• Ling Sen Tong Temple
• Nam Thean Tong Temple
• Sam Poh Tong Temple
• Mystery Temple (through the cave of Sam Poh Tong Temple)

Our favourite temple was the Mystery Temple, purely because it’s so unique and hidden in a cave. We always wonder how temples are built in such interesting places.

All of the temples have their gardens, ponds and complexes to explore and it’s the perfect way to spend a morning in Ipoh during your 2 week Malaysia itinerary!

We use a Joby GorillaPod to take photos of ourselves when there’s no one around! It’s small and lightweight so fits in our day bag! There’s even a  Joby Phone Tripod  too!

Tasik Cermin and Mirror Lake

Not too far away from the impressive cave temples is Tasik Cermin Park (Mirror Lake). There’s an entry fee to enter the park but inside is a beautiful lake surrounded by nature.

When we visited, there was a big thunderstorm and we were stuck in the heavy rain for a while, but the lake was so peaceful. It’s a lovely spot to see during your 2 weeks in Malaysia.

Street Murals in Old Town Ipoh

Alongside Mural Art’s Lane in New Town, there’s much more street art to find in the Old Town. We’ve tried our best to list the locations for all the art that’s worth finding and maybe some more will pop up too! Market Lane Murals are our favourite, so we’ve included a photo!

• Market Lane Murals 3D  ( location here )
• Kids Riding a Paper Plane  ( location here )
• Cheers! 3D  ( location here )
• Old Town Relieves Nostalgia With Trishaw   3D  ( location here )
• Parking Troubles Mural
• Old Uncle Drinking Coffee  ( location here )
• Evolution  ( location here )

Where to stay in Ipoh

The best area to stay in Ipoh is near the Old Town or New Town . Here are a few we can recommend:

The Brownstone Hostel  $ – The best social hostel in Ipoh with dorms & private rooms –  Find on Booking.com here !

The Tudor  $$ – A lovely hotel with balconies & views –  Find on Booking.com here !

We stayed at City Hostel, but sadly it’s now closed!

Best Restaurants in Ipoh

• Sri Ananda Bahwan Restaurant  $ – more Indian food in Little India ( location )
• Man Xiang Cun Vege Restaurant  $ – amazing Chinese food near the temples ( location )
• Ninety-Six Vegetarian Food  $ – delicious Chinese food in New Town Ipoh ( location )
• Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre  $ – many small restaurants with lots of options ( location )

If you’re backpacking and heading to Thailand next – check out our 3 Days in Krabi, Thailand !

Day 11 – 14 | Penang

Penang is one of the best places to visit during this 2 week Malaysia itinerary. We will always recommend visiting here on any Malaysia trip as Georgetown is so unique!

The city also has a well-connected airport so you can travel to or from various areas of Malaysia and other countries.

Penang is an island connected to the mainland via a bridge and is home to a vibrant old town, street murals, amazing nature and impressive views. George Town is the capital of Penang and the best place to base yourself whilst exploring the area.

How to get to Penang from the Cameron Highlands

The best way to get to Penang from the Cameron Highlands is by bus ! The journey will take around 3 hours and take you to George Town. Once arriving in George Town there is a local transport such as buses or Grab’s that can take you to your accommodation.

Check for times and prices on 12Go ,  RedBus  or  EasyBook !

Things to do in Penang

Penang is one of our favourite destinations in Malaysia and we recommend spending at least 3 days here to explore the historic old town and the hills, beaches and nature of Penang island.

Street Murals in George Town

It’s hard to walk around George Town and not stumble across an interesting piece of art. Quite a lot of them are 3D and you can sit or ‘interact’ with the murals. Penang is a very popular spot on this Malaysia itinerary, so there may be queues to take photos with the art.

Head out early if you prefer fewer crowds. The must-see murals are Little Children on a Bicycle , Boy on a Motorbike , Brother and Sister on a Swing and Love on Bicycle. Here are a few more that you can find throughout George Town.

• Hoola Hoop Basketball
• Love Me Like Your Fortune Cat
• Old Soy Milk Stall
• The Window Cat
• Reaching Up
• The Indian Boatman

Armenian Street

When hunting for street art, we came across Armenian Street – a street full of snacks and bike rentals! A popular snack to get in Penang is the flavoured ice ball and although we didn’t try one, we saw a lot of people with one!

Little India

A visit to Little India in George Town is a must for your Malaysia 2 week itinerary. The streets are vibrant and alive, especially in the evening. There’s great food everywhere, including Penang’s Famous Samosa! You can also find Hindu temples in Little India.

Want to explore George Town by tour?  You can discover  George Town  on a  Half Day City Tour  with Klook!  Book your tickets online here  and meet other travellers whilst in Penang.

Clan Jetties

The Clan Jetties are wooden villages built over the water on the coast of Penang. Chew Jetty is the most popular jetty to visit and there are a few shops, restaurants and shows around.

People still live on these jetties, so it’s not best to explore all of them but you can see them from the waterfront. There’s even a Taoist Temple on one of them!

Kek Lok Si Temple

One of the most interesting temples we came across during our 2 weeks in Malaysia was Kek Lok Si Temple. It’s a whole temple complex with gardens, statues and of course temples.

The best way to get there is by bus or grab and from there, it’s easy to get to Penang Hill on the same day! It’s also free to enter the temple and there’s a great vegetarian restaurant there!

Penang Hill

The best views in Penang are from Penang Hill ! You can reach the top by a funicular or a steep hike. Although the hike is free, we chose to get the funicular which costs 30 RM for a return ticket. It’s quite expensive, considering the rest of Malaysia is pretty affordable!

At the top, we saw macaque monkeys! There are also a few trails to explore and cafes. One of the best things to do at Penang Hill is  The Habitat , a nature walk high up in the trees.  Get your tickets in advance here !

Batu Ferringhi Beach

This is the only beach on our 2 week Malaysia itinerary, which is wild because Malaysia does have some incredible beaches on various islands around the country.

If you’re spending some time in Penang, Batu Ferringhi Beach is worth visiting! It takes about 1 hour to get there by bus from George Town.

Even though it’s the most popular beach in Penang, we found it to be pretty quiet. There are multiple beach resorts, although not taking up the beach, volleyball and watersports!

Stay the night in Batu Ferringhi : Lost Paradise Resort   –  Find here on Booking.com !

There are a few more things to do in Penang such as Penang Tropical Fruit Farm Guided Tour , Escape Theme Park and heading to the top of Penang’s tower . You can also take a Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion Tour in George Town.

Where to stay in Penang

The best place to stay in Penang is near George Town . If you’re more into the beach than the old history of Penang, Batu Ferringhi Beach  is another area to stay, although it takes around 1 hour to reach George Town.

Dou Houz Georgetown  $ – We stayed here for 4 nights in one of their private rooms. There are also dorms!

Carnarvon House  $ – Another affordable place to stay, with a beautiful interior!

Evergreen Laurel Hotel Penang  $$ – This one includes a pool!

Lost Paradise Resort   $$ ( Batu Ferringhi )– A beautiful resort near the beaches

Best Restaurants in Penang

• Woodlands Vegetarian Restaurant  $ – Incredible Indian Restaurant in Little India ( mark them on your map )
• Ee Beng Vegetarian Restaurant  $ – Amazing ‘buffet’ Chinese food! ( here’s the location )
• Kek Lok Si Vegetarian Restaurant  $-$$ – Next to Kek Lok Si Temple! ( find them here )
• Zhu Yuan Vegetarian Restaurant  $ – Local Chinese Restaurant ( location here )
• SUPE Vegan  $$ – Vegan Japanese food in George Town (here’s  their Facebook )

2 week Malaysia Itinerary Breakdown

We’ve included two travel days in this Malaysia 2 week itinerary but there will be some travel time between all the destinations. The journey from Melaka to the Cameron Highlands will be the longest.

Kualar Lumpur – 3 days Melaka – 2 days Melaka to Cameron Highlands – 1 day Cameron Highlands – 2 days Ipoh – 2 days Ipoh to Penang – 1 day Penang – 3 days

We’re trying to be as honest as possible about how long the journeys can take between places! Sometimes travel days really knock us out and we want to rest for the evening!

More Places to Visit in Malaysia

Langkawi – This is a major destination that we’ve missed off our 2 week Malaysia itinerary. If you want to visit this lovely island on your way to Thailand, skip out Ipoh and minus a day in Melaka or Penang. You’ll then have 3 days to explore Langkawi during your 2 weeks in Malaysia.

We didn’t visit the islands as it was the wrong time of year and we weren’t continuing to Thailand as we actually flew into Penang and travelled to Kuala Lumpur (the reverse of this itinerary). We do recommend visiting if you’re a beach and nature lover!

Perhentian Islands – These are some of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia and it will take some time to reach them! The islands are chilled and laidback and have beautiful white sand beaches. They’re definitely on our list when we visit Malaysia in the future!

Taman Negara – This is one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests and a beautiful place to explore in Malaysia. It’s a bus ride away from Kuala Lumpur, so very easy to add to your 2 week Malaysia itinerary.

Borneo Island – Borneo is the third-largest island in the world and one of the best places to see wild orangutans, Bornean elephants and proboscis monkeys. The island is also home to two other countries, Brunei and Indonesia. It’s been on our list for years and we hope to make it there one day!

Head over to the beautiful Thai Islands after your 2 weeks in Malaysia for beautiful beaches and amazing Thai cuisine. Check out our – 1 Month Thailand itinerary .

How to get to Malaysia

If you’re heading to Malaysia from a country outside of Southeast Asia, it’s best to fly ! Kuala Lumpur will be the city to arrive in with the best flights and prices, it’s one of the best airports in the region. We flew from Bangkok to Penang which is another international airport in Malaysia.

There are buses and ferries from Thailand such as Koh Lipe to Langkawi and there are also buses from Singapore. Check times on  12Go  here!

1 Week in Malaysia Itinerary

If you only have 1 week in Malaysia, we recommend landing in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur and travelling across the mainland to Penang, passing through the beautiful Cameron Highlands on the way.

Kuala Lumpur | 1 – 3 Cameron Highlands | 3 – 5 Penang | 5 – 7

More than 2 weeks in Malaysia

With more than 2 weeks in Malaysia, you can explore other areas of this wonderful country. Follow this 2 week Malaysia itinerary and add on the island of Borneo or Langkawi.

We recommend spending at least 1 week in Borneo, 3 days in Langkawi and 3 days in the Perhentian Islands.

2 Weeks in Malaysia Budget

Malaysia is a very affordable country to travel around and we recommend budgeting around £30 a day. This will include accommodation, travel days, food and any activities. Depending on the accommodation, some days will be more and less. We spent less than £30 a day each.

Here are a few estimates that we noted down as we explored this 2 week Malaysia itinerary:

• Accommodation:  from £12 / RM66
• Food : around £2 to £4 per meal / RM11 to RM22
• Bus Journeys : around RM20 (around £3.60)
• Grab Journeys : around RM10 (around £1.80)
• Activities : RM25 (around £5)

Prices of our bus journeys in Malaysia: Penang to Ipoh – RM20, Ipoh to the Cameron Highlands – RM 25, the Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur – RM40, Kuala Lumpur to Melaka – RM15, Melaka to Kuala Lumpur – RM10.

Trying to plan a budget for Southeast Asia ? Get a breakdown of all countries in our Southeast Asia budget guide . Also here are our tips on how to save money for your Malaysia trip .

Food in Malaysia

Malaysia is a food paradise ! It’s one of our favourite countries for food purely because of the variety! The country is incredibly diverse with large Malay, Chinese and Indian communities. This means there’s amazing food all over and lots of new dishes to try!

During your 2 week Malaysia itinerary, you have to try Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s National dish! You can find these dishes all over Malaysia as well as Roti Canai . Local restaurants are often open from 6 am which means they’re great for breakfast or lunch.

We fell in love with the Chinese buffet-style restaurants where you fill up a plate full of rice, veggies and protein and pay by weight. We ate this style of food throughout our 2 weeks in Malaysia with plenty of curries and dosa in between ( thank you Indian and Chinese cuisine )!

Malay food seems to be more meat-heavy than Chinese and Indian, so sadly we didn’t get to try a lot of Malaysian dishes as we eat plant-based.

Travel Essentials for a Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

• Stainless Steel Water Bottle  – Bring a bottle and fill it up at filtered water machines throughout Malaysia. Some of them are free!
• Amazon Basics Packing Cubes  – These packing cubes are essential for our travels!
• The Little Bodhi Microfibre Towel  – Great for beaches, hostels or rooftop pools!
• Rain Mac in a Bag  and a  Backpack Cover  are two more essentials we need in rainy weather!
• Anker Power Bank  – Keep your phone charged during long bus journeys.
• Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit  – We love our  Joby GorillaPod  and use it with our Sony A600 . There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod !

Find out what to bring with you to Malaysia in our Southeast Asia packing list !

Don’t forget about Travel Insurance! –  SafetyWing  Nomad Insurance

SafetyWing  is a very flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay safe on your trip anywhere in the world including Malaysia.  Find out more here!

Is Malaysia worth visiting?

Malaysia is definitely worth visiting! Malaysia is one of our favourite Southeast Asian countries . The food is amazing (even for vegans or vegetarians), it’s easy to get around by bus, it’s budget-friendly and there’s a range of different activities!

Malaysia’s nature is incredible, the cities are beautiful and there’s always somewhere new to explore.

The islands are so underrated compared to the nearby popular Thai Islands . They’re not too touristy yet although a lot of the country is set up for tourism for Malaysians. Add Malaysia to your Southeast Asia itinerary !

Check out our other  Malaysia Travel Guides :

• We also have posts about Thailand , The Philippines , Sri Lanka , South Korea & more!

That’s the end of our  2 Week Malaysia Itinerary (Mainland): Best Things To Do ! Have fun in the capital of Malaysia and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!

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Amy & Dan are the founders of The Sunrise Dreamers. They are travellers from the UK who have been on the road since 2017 whilst living in places like England, Canada, Thailand and the Canary Islands. They share their knowledge of travelling the world with detailed travel guides and tips. They're experts in vegan travel and show their audience how to travel on a budget.

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Two Week in Malaysia: The Best Travel Itinerary

Looking for the perfect two-week itinerary for malaysia.

I’ve spent quite a lot of time traveling through Malaysia, and I think it’s the most underrated destination in South-East Asia.  There’s an amazing capital city, gorgeous landscapes, and pristine islands.  The food is delicious, the transportation is comfortable, and I’ve found the locals to be incredibly kind and hospitable.   While two weeks in Malaysia isn’t quite enough time to see everything, you’ll still have plenty of time to have an incredible tour through the country

So take a look at my two-week Malaysia Itinerary, and feel free to contact me with any questions you have! I honestly love hearing from people who have used my website to help plan their travels, and I’ll be happy to Malaysia itinerary questions you have!

Two Weeks in Malaysia Itinerary

ALSO –  I recently published an AMAZING article titled “ The Best 7 Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days | Epic Islands & Weekend Getaways  that goes over a lot of the destinations on this Malaysia Itinerary in great detail! Give it a read or bookmark it, as I guarantee it’ll be super helpeful!”

I’d also highly recommend purchasing the Malaysia Lonely Planet Travel Guide to assist you during your travels in the region. It can be incredibly helpful on the road, and is filled with travel tips, restaurant recommendations, and much more!

Two Weeks in Malaysia Itinerary Overview

Before we dive into my full guide, here’s a quick overview on what this itinerary will cover:

• Kuala Lumpur (3 Days)
• Cameron Highlands (2 Days)
• Penang (3 Days) 
• Langkawi (4 Days) 

This also includes one-day travel time back to Kuala Lumpur for your flight home (but if you’re traveling across Southeast Asia for longer, you could easily take a ferry up to Thailand from Langkawi, or hop on a flight as Langkawi does have an international airport.

Two Weeks in Malaysia Travel Insurance

While I never travel anywhere without booking a travel insurance policy , I think this is especially important in Malaysia or South East Asia, where moto bike accidents happen, hostels can sometimes have theft problems, and tropical diseases like Dengue could get you in hospital.

I highly recommend HeyMondo due to their extensive range of cover for all situations and trip lengths, their fair pricing, and their handy app which allows you to not only manage any claims within the app, but also access free assistance online so you don’t need to rack up an expensive phone bill while in Malaysia where the charges are steep!

So, whether you need a single trip cover for two weeks in Malaysia, or an affordable annual cover for multiple trips worldwide, be sure to buy your travel insurance before you travel, and relax during your trip knowing that HeyMondo has your back. Nowadays I would never travel without insurance again, especially after hearing so many of those (expensive and dangerous) horror stories from other travellers I’ve met!

Still planning your trip? You can always just get a no commitment travel insurance quote now, so you have an idea of how much extra to budget for your vacation!

Arriving into Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur Airport Tips

Welcome to Malaysia! Most people who travel to this wondrous country begin and end their travels at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which is actually one of my favorite airports in Southeast-Asia (but not quite as fascinating as Changi Airport inSingapore).

It’s a very clean, comfortable, and easy to navigate, but it’s also nearly an hour outside the city center by car.  

The main issue that people face at KLIA is that  customs/ immigration is notorious for taking a while!   While I’ve arrived several different times and had only a ten-minute wait, don’t be surprised if you arrive to a large queue! But at least you’ve been warned!

How do I get from KL airport to City Centre?

There are basically four main options: bus, train, taxi, or pre-arranged transfer!

• The bus is the cheapest option costing 11 MYR ($2.63 U.S.D), and will take about one hour or more depending on traffic.  Just follow the bus signs at the airport (on the bottom level), and you’ll be able to purchase your tickets there.  The bus is comfortable and safe, but if you get stuck in traffic (which happens often in KL), it can be very draining, especially after a long flight!  I really only recommend this option if you’re a budget traveler, and want to save as much money as possible!
• The train is a much better option, in my opinion , taking you directly to KL Sentral station in 28 minutes! You can’t get stuck in traffic, it’s super comfortable and it’s much easier to find (there are signs everywhere for the KLIA Express). Just make sure you book tickets in advance though  because it costs more at the airport!  You can get into the city center for only  US$ 11.49! 
• Taking a taxi from KLIA airport to the city should cost between $30-$40,  but the taxi drivers are always trying to rip off people.  Instead, I’d recommend downloading a couple of Malaysia’s Rideshare Apps in advance, and using one of those!  The most popular is GRAB, and you should be able to get some free credit for signing up for a new account (which is always a nice incentive)
•  Finally, if you’re traveling with a large group or enjoy having a private-shuttle arranged,  I’d recommend booking this  Premium Private KLIA Airport Transfers .  They’ll be waiting for you at the airport for a hassle-free shuttle service, and will drop you off at the door of your accommodation/Airbnb!

Now, maybe it’s because I’ve gotten a bit older, and want to take the stress out of traveling.  I’ve begun to avoid the bus + train options because I always stay at the same Airbnb in Kuala Lumpur, and I’d much rather just skip the process of being dropped off at KL Sentral Train station.

Malaysia Itinerary Days 1-3: Kuala Lumpur

You’ll most likely be starting your Malaysian adventures in the amazing capital city of Kuala Lumpur. With its impressive skyline, delicious cuisine, and never-ending shopping options – you definitely won’t be bored during your time in Kuala Lumpur!

I’ll admit that the first time I visited the city, I actually wasn’t a big fan – but I have since grown to love this city, and even treated it as my home-base while backpacking through South-East Asia!  I’ve thought about moving back to Kuala Lumpur on multiple occasions, and I hope you’ll enjoy your time there as much as I do!

Kuala Lumpur Highlights include:  

Visiting KLCC & The Petronas Towers is a must!   These magnificent twins are truly stunning, and the most iconic building in Kuala Lumpur for a reason!  I’d recommend booking in advance + skip the line for the Petronas Towers !

Explore the Magnificent Batu Caves! Located just outside the city center you’ll find this massive series of caves and cave temples, but climbing up the colorful steps is half the fun.  It’s super easy to get to on public transportation, or you can combine it by checking out this Kuala Lumpur Suburbs and Batu Caves tour for only $9.59!!

Staying in an AirBNB at the Regalia Condominium for infinity pool swimming!   So this is where I lived during my time in Malaysia, and it’s become an Airbnb hotspot in the city!  Amazing and affordable condos, great city views, and an unbelievable pool!

• Heli Lounge Sunset Drinks!   
• Dinner on Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang
• Shopping & Street Food on Petaling Street
• Rooftop Hostel party at Reggae Mansion
• Little India

Further Reading :

I’ve written tons of awesome guides on Kuala Lumpur, so be sure to check and bookmark a few of these to help with your Malaysia trip planning fun!

• 10 Awesome Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
• The Absolute Best Thing to do in Kuala Lumpur
• Heli Lounge Kuala Lumpur:  Sunset Drinks on a Helipad 

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur?

For travelers on a budget, then I’d recommend looking into an Airbnb at the  Regalia Condominium.  I used to live there, and it’s one of the best complexes I’ve ever stayed in. The rooftop infinity pool is simply perfect, and you can’t leave Kuala Lumpur without taking a swim in it! Here are a few recommended properties. I’ve heard in recent years though it has gotten a bit overcrowded, and it can be a bit of a pain for a shorter visit.

Malaysia is a super budget-friendly country though, and there are some amazing and well-located hotels with stunning views that I’d recommend:

The Ritz-Carlton, Kuala Lumpur – If you’re looking for the top of the line, then you simply HAVE to book a stay at the Ritz Carlton. It’s super central, has amazing rooms, and impeccable service. Plus, it honestly won’t break the bank compared to staying at other Ritz Carlton locations around the world.

The W Hotel – Kuala Lumpur – My other main recommendation is staying at the wondrous W Hotel. It’s one of my personal favorite hotel brands, and their KL location will certainly impress.

Reggae Mansion Hostel – If you’re backpacking in Malaysia for two weeks, then there is simply no better place to start your trip than the Reggae Mansion. It’s the most popular hostel in the city (and for good reason).

The Infinity Pool views at the Regalia Condominium

Malaysia Itinerary Days 4-6: Cameron Highlands

Book a bus ticket on 12Go.Asia from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands.  There are several  daily departures to choose from,  and only cost around 35 MYR  ($8.50 U.S.D.).  The busses are all really comfortable, and the stations are easy to get to on public transportation in Kuala Lumpur!

Bus Time:  4 Hours & 45 Minutes

You’ll arrive into Tanah Rata (the main city in the Cameron Highlands), get checked-into your accommodation, and will have the next two days to explore this beautiful Malaysian beauty.

Cameron Highlands Highlights include:

“Because of its high location, it is cooler than the rest of Malaysia. The highlands are named after William Cameron, a British expedition leader. He discovered the location during an expedition in 1885. From that moment onward the Cameron Highlands got increasingly interesting for the British. Because of the perfect climate, it was very suitable for cultivating tea, and the Cameron Highlands soon grew out to be the biggest tea region of Malaysia.”

While there are tons of amazing things to do in the area, the main highlight would be to take a full-day tour!  There are tons of stops on each tour, so you just have to stop and talk to a travel agent about which tour suits you the most.

I’d definitely recommend booking a tour like this  Cameron Highlands with Mossy Forest Day Tour !  You can book online, but there are also dozens of travel agents along the main street of the Tanah Rata that you can use.  They’ll provide hotel pick-up, a local guide, and you’ll learn all about the area.

Hiking through the tea plantations!   There are tons of awesome hiking trails that go through the plantations!  Check out this article for The 5 Best Hiking Trails in The Cameron Highlands  for more information!

Walking around/ shopping in Tanah Rata!   While it’s not the largest area, it’s a fun town with some decent shopping, and amazing food!  Seriously, some of the local street food restaurants were incredible!  Malaysia is top-notch for Asian cuisine lovers, so definitely indulge!

Renting a Moto for some self-guided explorations!   If you’re not one to book day trips with guides then you can rent a scooter and explore the area at your own pace!  Just make sure you have decent travel insurance to cover you in the rare case you get in an accident !

Where to Stay in the Cameron Highlands

Backpacker / budget hostel.

CH Traveler’s Inn

Clean, comfortable, and affordable.  This is a recently opened hostel in Tanah Rata, the jumping off point for the Cameron Highlands. You’ll find everything you need in walking distance at a fantastic price!

Mid-Range / Luxury Hotel

Cameron Highlands Resort

This property is the best option for those travelers looking for a a bit more comfort!  It’s a 5* resort at the fraction of the cost.  Perfectly located, amazing breakfast, and outstanding staff.  You’ll definitely love your stay here!

Malaysia Itinerary Days 7-9: Penang

Now it’s time to book your travel from the Cameron Highlands to Penang . There aren’t as many options, and the departure time is only at 8:00 A.M ! I’ve taken this bus twice now though, and have had a great experience both times.  It can sell-out though , so my main tip would be to plan ahead and book your ticket in advance , probably

• Bus time: 4 Hours & 27 Minutes
• Cost:   35 MYR (9.00 U.S.D)

You’ll arrive into Butterworth, and can hop on the ferry over to Georgetown (the main city on Penang Island).  The ferry doesn’t take long at all, and then it’s super easy to get to your accommodation of choice on the island of Penang.

Penang Highlights include:

“If there’s a more thrilling cocktail of eastern cultures than Penang, we’ve yet to find it. Penang has long served as the link between Asia’s great kingdoms and an important outlet to the markets of Europe and the Middle East.

At its heart is diverse, cosmopolitan George Town, Penang Island’s main city and an urban center that delivers old-world Asia in spades, from trishaws pedaling past watermarked Chinese shophouses to blue joss smoke perfuming the air. The freshest aspects of modern culture are present, too, in the exceptional art scene and free-spirited carnivals, all fed by an infectious local enthusiasm for Penang’s long history and a kaleidoscope of cultures.”

• George Town:  Food Hop with Heritage on a Plate Tour
• Exploring all the street art of Penang
• “Food Capital” of Malaysia so try a bunch of different places
• Head to Batu Ferringhi Beach for some Parasailing & Jetskiing
• Hike through Penang National Park to Monkey Beach
• Take the tram up to the top of Penang Hill
• Stroll through Fort Cornwallis

Check out this incredible article about awesome things to do in Penang for more information!  Both of my visits to Penang were, unfortunately, a bit short, but I absolutely loved my time out there!

Where to Stay in Penang

Solo travel / budget hostel.

Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel

This is a newly opened hostel in Penang, with great affordable rooms, well-located, and excellent Japan theme.  Excellent reviews by everyone, and would by my top-pick for sure!  I would highly recommend this for every budget traveler in Penang!

Ke-Lan-Tan Guesthouse

The rooms are named after famous Penang Streets, the property is gorgeous inside, and the rooms are super comfortable.  Great reviews, centrally located, and excellent value for money!  I would definitely check out this place for a comfortable stay!

Malaysia Itinerary Days 10-13: Langkawi

I hope you’ve enjoyed your time in food heaven, but it’s time to book a ferry ticket from Penang to Langkawi online !!

It’s the absolute best way to get in between these two Malaysia hotspots!  You could actually fly, but I don’t really see the point because the ferry is super easy, cheap, and convenient.  I’ve done this Penang-Langkawi ferry three times now, and it’s really awesome on a sunny day in Malaysia!

• Depart : 8:30 AM
• Ferry time:   2 Hours
• Cost: 60 MYR

You’ll arrive into Kuah Jetty, Langkaw i, and will take a  TAXI  or  Rent a Car  and drive to your accommodation in PANTAI CENANG.  

Langkawi Highlights include:

“Langkawi is an archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast. Surrounded by turquoise sea, the interior of the main island is a mixture of picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. If you’re intent on carting off duty-free alcohol, cigarettes and chocolate, then this is the place to be. Still, nature lovers will find the island just as agreeable as the shoreline is fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees.

The island is especially recognized for its excellent diving opportunities and this tropical gem hides a treasure trove of other exciting holiday opportunities. From the expansive Underwater World Langkawi along Pantai Cenang to the soaring Cable Car in Pantai Kok, Langkawi is an electrifying locale that keeps visitors coming back for more.”

Here are a few of my favorite things to do in Langkawi!!

• Island hopping tour for 30 MYR.   The most amazing and cheap tour on the island!  You can’t book this online, but  you can literally book this tour almost anywhere on the island!  Every hotel, shop, and restaurant will try and sell you on this (and it’s definitely worth it)!
• One-day boat ride and tour through the Mangroves !  This tour is really amazing, and a great value for money!
• Rent a Moto and explore the waterfalls
• Cable & Car & Skywalk at the Oriental Village
• Nightlife in Langkawi can get pretty wild!  :-)
• 4-Hour Jet Ski Tour Around Dayang Bunting 8 Islands!! 
• Pantai Cenang Beach Days & Sunsets
• Langkawi: Geopark Eco Zipline Adventure

Further Reading:

I’ve actually spent a good amount of time on Langkawi, so take a read through some of these articles below for some more information!

• 10 Awesome Things to Do on Langkawi
• Chasing Waterfalls on Langkawi
• Backpacker’s Guide to Langkawi
• Berjaya Resort Crashing on Langkawi

Where to Stay in Langkawi

Backpacker / budget hostel.

Langkawi Dormitorio

The best beds and location out of all the hostels in Langkawi! It’s right in the heart of Pantai Cenang, with everyone you need just steps away from the door. The staff are great, and will help you plan anything you’d want for your Langkawi explorations!

Mid-Range Hotel

Cenang Plaza Beach Hotel

One of the best selling hotels in Panti Cenang!  I’ve stayed here a couple times now, and I honestly love it!  The value for money is really amazing, and I know you’ll love it as well!  Perfectly located on the beach, right in the middle of the main strip – you just can’t go wrong with this place!

Day 14 – Return to Kuala Lumpur for Flight Home

Goodbye Malaysia!  It’s been amazing!

Malaysia Travels Tips

• Try a bunch of different “Nasi Kandars” for quality Malaysian meals.
• Use 12GoAsia  to book bus, train, and ferry tickets.  I’ve used them a lot and have never had an issue.  Seats do sell-out, so it can be best to book in advance to avoid stressful travel days. .
• Malaysia is a really popular destination for AirBNB . You can get $40 U.S.D off your first booking if you create a new account.
• Buy a local SIM CARD with data and put into an unlocked smartphone.

Reading for Southeast-Asia Trip Planning!

My website is filled with helpful articles just like this one for this amazing country!  Check out a few of my other favorite articles to help you plan your trip to South-east Asia!

• The 20 Best Beaches in Malaysia | Epic Islands & Beach Hotels
• Malaysia Travel Guide: Trip Tips, Highlights & Itineraries
• The Best Hostels in Malaysia
• 10 Days in Thailand | How to Plan the Perfect Thailand Vacation
• 3 Week Thailand Itinerary
• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Thailand | Instagram Checklist
• Singapore to Bangkok Overland Travel Itinerary
• The 25 Best Music Festivals in Asia
• The 9 Best Hostels in Thailand Every Backpacker Should Stay At
• One Month In the Philippines | The Best Travel Itinerary
• The Ultimate BALI Itinerary | How to Plan the Perfect Bali Vacation
• The 5 Best Places to Trip on Magic Mushrooms in Southeast Asia

Malaysia Itinerary Substitutions:

• Take a one day/night trip to Melacca from Kuala Lumpur. It’s another charming city in Malaysia.  I’ve never been, but I’ve heard amazing things!
• Instead of heading to Penang/ Langkawi, you can make the journey over to the Perhentian Islands , and then make your way down to Pulau Kapas .  These islands, I think, are much more picturesque and more ideal for scuba diving.  It just depends if you’re more of an adventure & food person, or more a beach/ water type of traveler!

Thanks for reading my Two Week Malaysia Itinerary!

If you ever have any questions, feel free to reach out to me on Facebook  and   Instagram , and I’ll be sure to help out any way I can!  Malaysia truly is such an incredible destination, and I’m sure you’ll have an amazing time!!

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