The Ultimate Malaysia Itinerary For First Timers: Where To Visit

Malaysia is one of the most popular countries in Southeast Asia and it’s not hard to see why! 

With ancient rainforests, bustling cities, and tropical islands, this beautiful country has something for everyone. We spent four weeks travelling around Malaysia and fell in love with the country’s culture, breathtaking scenery, and delicious food.

It’s still one of our favourite countries to date and we’d recommend everyone to add it to their bucket list. For this reason, we’re going to detail every place we visited, what there is to do there, and give you a hotel option for every budget.

So, let’s dive into the ultimate Malaysia itinerary!

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The city of Kuala Lumpur is the first stop on this Malaysia itinerary! It’s the country’s capital and is a bustling city full of fantastic attractions, delicious street food, and towering skyscrapers.

Everywhere you go, there’s something incredible to see so it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular cities in Southeast Asia.

To see the best of Kuala Lumpur city, we recommend spending at least 4-5 nights here. This gives you plenty of time to visit the most popular attractions, head to some of the city’s night markets, and simply relax.

Kuala Lumpur has so much to offer and isn’t a city you want to rush – trust us!

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

You’ll find a tonne of things to do in Kuala Lumpur, but the highlight of the city has to be the iconic Petronas Towers, so make sure you put this site on your Malaysia Itinerary.

The Petronas Towers are twin skyscrapers that until 2004, held the title of the tallest buildings in the world. They are a must-visit and are found within KLCC Park. You can book your entry tickets in advance to secure a spot!

Here are some other things to do in Kuala Lumpur:

• Walk along the canopy at KL Forest Eco Park.
• Take a day trip out to Batu Caves – You can book a half-day tour from Kuala Lumpur that includes transport! 
• Admire the street art in Bukit Bintang.
• Head up the KL Tower.
• Explore Perdana Botanical Gardens – This private tour includes a visit to the Bird Park & Butterly Park located within the gardens. 
• Take a day trip out to Malacca – This fantastic tour includes transport, entry tickets to attractions, and lunch!

Here’s a more in-depth Kuala Lumpur itinerary!

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Budget: Mingle Highstreet

Set in Kuala Lumpur city centre, Mingle Highstreet is a fantastic budget option! It offers a variety of dorm-style rooms and private rooms so there’s something for everyone.

You’ll also benefit from fantastic facilities if you decide to stay here including an outdoor pool, a shared kitchen and lounge, and an on-site restaurant.

Mid-range: KLoe Hotel

KLoe Hotel is situated in a great location and has plenty to offer. The hotel has lots of awesome facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, a restaurant & bar, and a 24-hour front desk.

There’s also a variety of rooms available to suit every budget!

Luxury: Grand Hyatt Kuala Lumpur

This 5* hotel is located next to KLCC and offers plenty of fantastic facilities including three on-site restaurants, two swimming pools, and a spa & wellness centre.

However, the highlight of this place has to be the on-site bar as it overlooks the iconic Petronas Towers. With beautiful rooms, endless facilities, and a great location – this hotel is the perfect option.

How to Get Around Kuala Lumpur

Getting around Kuala Lumpur is incredibly easy as the city has an efficient metro system. Most of the popular tourist attractions are located relatively close together too, so you can walk between some of the sites.

Catching a taxi is another great option. The best option is the app GRAB as prices are super cheap, and the system is easy to use.

To make things even easier, Kuala Lumpur has local bus routes and commuter trains that run to popular sites outside of the city centre including Batu Caves. Many of the commuter trains run every 15-20 minutes so you’ll have no problems getting around this incredible city.

Days 5-8: Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands is another must for any Malaysia itinerary! The area gets its name from a British explorer who actually surveyed the area in 1885. As a result of this, it’s often referred to as Malaysia’s ‘Little England’ as there’s still a lot of British influence here.

To see the best of the Cameron Highlands, we’d recommend staying in Tanah Rata. It’s one of the most central areas and is where you’ll find plenty of authentic British and Malaysian food.

With beautiful tea plantations, plenty of great hikes, and lots of fantastic places to eat, it’s no wonder that the Cameron Highlands is a hotspot for backpackers.

It’s easily one of the most beautiful destinations in Malaysia, so don’t miss this area off your list!

Things to do in Cameron Highlands

The most popular attraction in the Cameron Highlands has to be the area’s beautiful tea plantations! There are several to choose from, but we’d recommend heading to the BOH tea plantation, and the iconic Cameron Valley Tea Plantation.

Not only can you taste delicious tea and cakes, but you can also take a tour of the plantations and see the full tea factory process.

Here are some other things to do in the Cameron Highlands:

• Try some delicious apple pie and scones.
• Visit Mrs Robertson’s Rose Garden.
• Head out on some of the hiking trails including Mount Brinchang.
• Visit the Butterfly Farm
• Explore the Agro-Technology Park
• Take a tour of the Orang Asli Villages

Depending on where you decide to visit, you can walk to plenty of places within Tanah Rata. However, many of the more popular attractions like the tea plantations are found in other parts of the Cameron Highlands.

If you’re looking to visit Brinchang or other places within the area, your best option is to use the GRAB taxi app. Journeys are cheap, and you won’t have to negotiate a price beforehand.

Public buses also run to popular sites including BOH Tea Plantation. The bus station is located within Tanah Rata, and you can find the timetables there too.

If you’re a keen hiker, then you can incorporate many of the sites into a long hike. This way you can save some cash and get some exercise!

There are also day tours from Kuala Lumpur available if you’re short on time, but still want to visit this fantastic destination.

Days 9-12: Taman Negara

Taman Negara is easily one of the best places we visited in Malaysia! It’s thought to be one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world at an impressive 130 million years old, so it’s actually prehistoric!

Taman Negara was our first rainforest experience and we will never forget it. The thrill of trekking through the rainforest and waking up to the sounds of the jungle is truly magical, and makes it a must for any Malaysia itinerary!

Over 200 species of mammal are found within Taman Negara including tigers, elephants, rhinos, leopards, and sun bears. Macaques and other monkeys can be seen swinging from the trees, whilst Malaysian tapirs roam the rainforest floor.

Don’t forget the variety of birdlife, reptiles, and insects that can be found here too.

Things to do in Taman Negara

The most popular activity in Taman Negara is jungle trekking, and we’d recommend spending at least 4-5 days in the area so you’ve got the best chance of spotting wildlife. Multi-day treks in the rainforest give you a much better chance of spotting rare wildlife like tigers and sun bears, and there are plenty of tours available within Kuala Tahan.

If you don’t want to trek deep into the jungle there are plenty of short trails you can hike. There’s even a canopy walk within Taman Negara that offers wildlife-watching opportunities from above.

Here are some other things to do in Taman Negara:

• Stay overnight in a wildlife hide.
• Head up the canopy walkway.
• Hike up to Bukit Teserk as you’ll have fantastic views of the rainforest.
• Spend some time at the ‘salt lick’ hides to spot wildlife.
• Go on a cruise of the Tembeling River.
• Explore some of the caves in the area.

If you decide to follow our Malaysia itinerary, you’ll stay in Kuala Tahan. If so, you’ll need to catch a water taxi over to the entrance of Taman Negara. You’ll find plenty of them at the jetty, and the prices are incredibly cheap.

The journey across the river takes about 30 seconds, and when you’re reading to cross back over just wait on the other side. The water taxis will see you and then pick you up.

Once you’ve got to the other side, you’ll need to walk to the entrance and purchase your permit. From there, the only way to get around Taman Negara is simply by walking so be prepared for an adventure!

Many people choose to do a day tour to Taman Negara from Kuala Lumpur if they’re running short of time. However, we definitely recommend that you spend at least a couple of days here!

Days 13-15: George Town, Penang

During this 3-week Malaysia itinerary, you’ll be visiting the colourful city of George Town in Penang. George Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site full of incredible street art, vibrant culture, and colonial buildings. Some of these buildings date back to as early as 1805, so you’ll find plenty of history within the city.

It’s one of the most unique destinations in Malaysia, and wandering through its streets will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Although George Town is starting to attract more tourists, it still has a laid-back atmosphere so is the perfect spot to relax.

Things to do in George Town

George Town has plenty to offer, but the best thing to do is visit its gorgeous colonial buildings. They are found throughout the city, but there are a couple of places you don’t want to miss.

Most of the oldest buildings are located by the Esplanade, so you can visit the majority of them at the same time. This includes the City Hall, the Penang Supreme Court House, and the Town Hall.

Other must-see colonial buildings include St. George’s Church, the Wisma Building, and Penang State Museum. To see the best of George Town you can go on a private heritage tour if you wish! 

Here are some other things to do in George Town:

• Go on a self-guided tour of George Town’s street art.
• Head up to Penang Hill and be rewarded with awesome views.
• Walk along Chew Jetty.
• Admire Kapitan Keling Mosque.
• Visit Sri Mahamariamman Temple.
• Head to George Town’s night markets

Where to Stay in George Town

Budget: Lang Hoose

Lang Hoose is situated in a great location to explore the city, as some of Georgetown’s street art and Komtar are found nearby. This property offers cheap rooms with air conditioning and FREE WiFi so you can get plenty for your money.

There’s even a communal lounge area so this hotel is a great place to meet other travellers.

Mid-range: Straits Garden Suites

This is a great option if you’re looking for self-contained accommodation. This property offers a variety of apartments and each one is fitted with a kitchen, ensuite bathroom, a living room, and a dining area.

Straits Garden Suites also offers a swimming pool, fitness centre, children’s playground, and free WiFi.

Luxury: The Prestige Hotel Penang

If you’re looking for 5* accommodation then the Prestige Hotel is the perfect place to stay. With an on-site restaurant, an outdoor swimming pool, and a fitness centre, this hotel has all the facilities you could possibly need.

The rooms are also beautifully furnished, and there’s a buffet breakfast available each morning.

How to Get Around George Town

You’ll have no problems getting around George Town!

There’s a FREE shuttle that runs throughout the city known as Central Area Transit (or CAT for short). The service runs from Weld Quay Bus Terminal and travels along all the main streets throughout the city.

The shuttle stops close to several popular tourist attractions including Little India, the Town Hall, and St. George’s Church. There are 19 bus stops in total making this the best way to get around as you can hop on and off whenever you like!

If you’re travelling outside of the city, then make sure you download the GRAB taxi app. There are also local buses that run to areas outside of George Town.

Days 16-18: Batu Ferringhi

Next up on this Malaysia itinerary, we have Batu Ferringhi. Batu Ferringhi is located in Penang too and can be reached by public bus from George Town.

It’s a must for any Malaysia backpacking route, as it’s a great place to relax, eat delicious Malaysian cuisine, and look out for wildlife.

Not only that, but Batu Ferringhi is beautiful with pristine white sands, lush forested areas, and turquoise-coloured waters.

If that’s not enough to convince you, then wait until you try the food. You’ll find plenty of tasty authentic dishes here. We recommend trying roti canai or the local chicken curry.

To make the most out of this beautiful place, we’d recommend spending at least two days here!

Things to do in Batu Ferringhi

There are endless places to visit in and around Batu Ferringhi, but the highlight of this area is Penang National Park. You’ll have to hop on a local bus to reach the park, but it’s totally worth it!

Although Penang is Malaysia’s smallest national park, it packs a punch with fantastic hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and an abundance of wildlife. If you’re lucky you might get to spot silver leaf monkeys, flying lemurs, sea eagles, and giant monitor lizards.

There are endless trails within the park that you can choose from, and there’s a map at the entry point which will show you all the options.

Here are some other things to do in Batu Ferringhi:

• Explore the night bazaars.
• Relax on Batu Ferringhi Beach.
• Visit Penang Floating Mosque.
• Take a cooking class at the Tropical Spice Gardens.
• Dine at Long Beach Food Court.
• Try out some water sports.

Where to Stay in Batu Ferringhi

Budget: Rasa Motel

This motel is just a 4-minute walk from the beach and offers spacious double rooms. It also has plenty of excellent facilities including an in-house restaurant, and a shared seating & dining area.

Rasa Motel offers a variety of budget room options, and each of the rooms comes with free WiFi and air conditioning.

Mid-range: The Bayview Beach Resort

The Bayview Beach Resort is situated along the beach and has plenty to offer including an outdoor swimming pool, an in-house restaurant & bar, and a fitness centre.

They have a variety of rooms available and many of them come with a private balcony so you can enjoy the spectacular sea views!

Luxury: PARKROYAL Penang Resort

This 5* resort is situated right along Batu Ferringhi Beach and offers fantastic facilities including two swimming pools, a spa & wellness centre, and a fitness centre. Some on-site restaurants and bars even overlook the sea.

If that’s not enough for you, there’s even a water theme park at this hotel!

How to Get Around Batu Ferringhi

Most places in the area are within walking distance so you won’t have to worry about getting around!

However, if you’re wanting to head to Penang National Park (which we 100% recommend), then there’s a bus stop in town. You’ll find the bus timetable at the stop itself, and from there just hop on and you’ll be dropped off right by the park entrance.

The taxi app GRAB can also be used in this area, but you won’t need to use it very much as everything is quite central. However, it may be suitable for taking a trip out to the floating mosque.

Many of the night bazaars and food courts can be found simply by walking down the street or along the beach too which is always handy.

Days 19-21: Langkawi 

With its crystal clear waters and endless stretches of white sands, Langkawi is a must for any Malaysia itinerary!

It’s easily one of the most beautiful places we visited during our 8-month trip through Asia, so naturally, we’d recommend it to anyone.

Known as the ‘Jewel of Kedah’, Langkawi is full of natural beauty. You’ll find plenty of pristine beaches and scenic waterfalls throughout the island.

Not only that but there’s a tonne of wildlife on this island too including the incredibly cute dusky leaf monkey. Langkawi offers the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, which is why it’s a must-visit!

Things to do in Langkawi

Langkawi is full of awesome places to visit so if you can we’d recommend hiring a scooter! Many of the popular spots on the island are located relatively close together, so this way you can visit multiple sites in a day.

However, if you only visit one place on the island make sure it’s the famous Langkawi Skybridge! Offering 360° views of the island and the Strait of Malacca, the Skybridge is one of the island’s top attractions. 

You can book a private tour that will take you to the Skybridge and cable car, or you can visit on your own – it’s completely up to you! 

Here are some other things to do in Langkawi:

• Hike up to Seven Wells Waterfall.
• Visit Mahsuri Tomb and Museum.
• Relax on Tanjung Rhu Beach.
• Check out Eagle Square.
• Head out for a swim at Pantai Cenang Beach.
• Visit Kilim Geoforest Park – This fantastic tour includes mangroves and bat caves!

Where to Stay in Langkawi

Budget: Vila Thai

This is where we stayed in Langkawi and it was just a 10-minute walk from the beach. It’s one of the cheapest options you’ll find in Pantai Cenang and offers both dorm beds and private rooms.

Free WiFi can be found throughout the property, and there’s even a spa & wellness centre on-site.

Mid-range: Royale Chenang Resort

Royale Chenang Resort has plenty of fantastic facilities including an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge area, and an on-site restaurant. You’ll also get a free Breakfast with each stay, and there’s free WiFi and parking too.

There’s even a sun terrace at the resort, where you can sit outside and take in the sunshine.

Luxury: Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa

If you’re looking for 5* accommodation then don’t miss out on this place. Pelangi Beach Resort & Spa offers a private beach, as well as three swimming pools, a spa & wellness centre, and a fitness centre.

Not only that, but the rooms are stunning and many of them offer sea views.

How to Get Around Langkawi

As we mentioned previously, hiring a scooter is the BEST way to get around Langkawi!

You’ll find plenty of bike hire shops within the main town, and although prices differ depending on the tourist season – you can get an absolute bargain.

If you don’t want to hire a scooter you can use the GRAB taxi app.

These are the only options you’ve got unless you head out on a tour of Langkawi as there’s no public transport system on the island. The only buses you’ll find are tour buses, so renting a vehicle is by far your best option.

Only have two weeks in Malaysia?

If you’ve only got 2 weeks in Malaysia you can still see the country’s best sites! You’ll just need to condense this Malaysia itinerary and prioritise the best places.

Here’s an idea of how you can do it.

Kuala Lumpur: Day 1-3

Cameron Highlands: Day 4-6

Taman Negara: Day 7-9

George Town & Batu Ferringhi: Day 10-12

Langkawi: Day 13-14

However, we’d recommend spending at least three weeks in Malaysia if you can! There are so many incredible sights to see and trust us – this isn’t a country you want to rush.

If you’re looking for the perfect itinerary for Malaysia, then ideally you’ll want to include Malaysian Borneo!

Although not part of the peninsular mainland, flights run to Malaysian Borneo every day so it’s easy to get to. We spent nearly 3 weeks exploring this beautiful part of the world which is known for being home to the incredible Bornean orangutan!

Our Malaysian Borneo itinerary consisted of travelling through the states of Sepilok and Sarawak. We visited some amazing destinations along the way.

However, if you’ve only got a couple of spare days on your Malaysia itinerary it’s best to stay on the mainland instead.

How to get to Malaysia

You’ve got a couple of options when travelling to Malaysia!

The majority of people will enter the country by air, with the most popular international airports being Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang. If you’re heading to Malaysian Borneo, the main airports are located in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

There are some great budget airlines in Asia so you can travel relatively cheap, but just check the reviews before you book your tickets.

If you’re staying in Thailand or Singapore, then you can travel overland which is often much cheaper. Journeys can be made either by bus or train, and prices will differ depending on which option you choose.

Although more of a niche way to travel to the country, ferries do operate from North Sumatra to Penang and Melaka. However, these ferries are generally few and far between, so we’d recommend catching a flight instead.

How to Get Around Malaysia

You won’t have any issues getting around Malaysia as it’s an easy country to travel around. There are a couple of different options, so let’s break them down for you!

Arguably the BEST way to travel around Malaysia is by train.

There are two main railway routes throughout the country; one runs along the west coast from Johor Bahru to Padang Besar and the other heads along the east coast from Gemas to Tumpat.

Not only will you get to admire the stunning scenery along the way, but the journeys are relatively comfortable too. Just keep in mind that tickets can sell out in advance.

Another great way to get around Malaysia is by bus, and this is the main transport method we used. Tickets are often much cheaper than the trains, but you’ll still have a hassle-free journey.

The one thing we will say is that the air conditioning is COLD on the buses, so make sure you layer up or bring a blanket.

Other ways to get around Malaysia include:

• Catching a flight: You’ll find international and domestic airports throughout the country, but it’s not the most effective way to travel.
• Long-distance taxis: Drivers will wait until they’ve filled their car before heading to the destination, but this is a great option if you’re looking to split the cost with other travellers.
• Renting a car: There are several great car rental companies throughout Malaysia including Avis and Hertz. However, it may take a while to get used to the crazy roads!

To find cheap tickets we recommend using 12GO Asia. This is the website we used whilst travelling through Southeast Asia and we found some great bargains!

Otherwise, you can often book bus and train tickets through your accommodation, tour agencies, and at the bus station itself – but book in advance if you can.

When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Generally, the best time to visit Malaysia is between March and October. This is when the weather tends to be driest, and humidity levels are lower too which is always a bonus!

However, the climate does differ between the North and South of the country.

If you’re heading to the west coast then December to February is thought to be the best time to visit, whereas if you’re travelling the east coast it’s best to head there between June and September.

We travelled through Malaysia during September, and couldn’t have had a better experience! Our journey took us from Kuala Lumpur up to Langkawi in the North, and we had no serious weather issues.

The weather was great for the majority of the time (apart from in the rainforest – understandably), and we got some great deals on accommodation and transport.

Final Thoughts on This Malaysia Itinerary

As you can see, there are tonnes of awesome places to visit in Malaysia. With so many fantastic destinations to see, it can often feel impossible to plan the perfect route.

We hope this travel guide has given you a good idea of the country’s top cities and natural wonders and shown you what adventures are out there waiting for you.

Whether you’re looking to visit one of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests or snorkel in crystal-clear waters, this country has so much to offer. If you have any questions about this Malaysia itinerary – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

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