[UPDATED IN SEPTEMBER 2024]

Are you travelling to Southeast Asia and looking for what to do in Malaysia? If you’re planning a trip and need a perfect 10 days in Malaysia itinerary, you’re in the right place!

You’ll also find other tips on accommodation, Malaysian food, the best time to visit the country and what you can visit with a few extra days to spare.

Malaysia is sometimes an overlooked destination in Southeast Asia. People usually visit neighbouring Thailand or Singapore instead.

Although a less popular option, Malaysia is an excellent choice for all kinds of travellers.

After all, it’s a destination that perfectly combines vibrant cities (Kuala Lumpur), UNESCO World Heritage sites (Malacca or Penang) and even beaches (e.g. Langkawi Islands).

What’s more, this is a country with a delicious cuisine that is well worth discovering (more on this at the end of the post) and a very friendly population 🥰.

Before starting this Malaysia travel guide, I’d like to point out that it focuses only on peninsular Malaysia (except for Langkawi). It does not include Malaysian Borneo, for example.

But, for a first visit, 10 to 15 days is the ideal length of time to plan a trip to Malaysia. With this number of days, it will be possible to include 2 to 3 days in the main Malaysian cities and a visit to one of Malaysia’s islands.

The places I’m going to mention in this Malaysia travel itinerary are sometimes a bit far apart. So, you also need to consider the time spent travelling between them.

This itinerary will allow you to explore vibrant cities like Kuala Lumpur, historical sites in Malacca, the natural beauty of the Cameron Highlands, and the cultural richness of Penang, along with relaxing beaches in Langkawi.

Follow my 10-day Malaysia travel plan and you’ll cover all the essential stops without feeling rushed.

The weather in Malaysia varies by region.

West Malaysia faces monsoon rains from May to November. On the other hand, East Malaysia and Borneo experience their monsoon from November to March.

The dry season in West Malaysia runs from December to April. East Malaysia and Borneo have it from April to October. Plan accordingly to avoid heavy rainfall.

This itinerary is concentrated in West Malaysia. So, the best months to visit Malaysia are from December to February, when there is less chance of rain. This is also normally the time of year with the most tourism in this part of the country.

In any case, it’s worth mentioning that, for example, I visited Malaysia in June (whether I was lucky, I don’t know 😇) and it worked out well. I only experienced a bit of rain in Penang (for a few minutes) and Langkawi.

In fact, rain is always possible in any month. So, for those wondering what to pack for Malaysia, I highly recommend bringing a waterproof jacket like this one from Decathlon.

When arriving in Malaysia, the process is quite simple. You might be asked a few questions about your origin, where you’re going next, how long you plan to stay and where you’ll be staying.

📝 USEFUL INFORMATION: I strongly suggest you check out the latest information here. Different rules apply to different passport holders.

This is the case with Kuala Lumpur Airport or Penang Airport. Both receive international flights. You will likely land at Kuala Lumpur airport as it is the one with connections to countries outside Asia.

This is exactly what I did on a bus trip with 707 inc that lasted around 4 hours and connected Singapore to Malacca. The bus was very comfortable and it cost around 15€. I suggest you search for your desired trip on 12goasia – the best site to search for buses in Southeast Asia.

However, if you’re in a rush, look for flights between the islands. Flights between Penang and Langkawi, for example, are super quick and cheap.

Make sure you have an international driving permit, and be prepared for traffic in and around Kuala Lumpur!

The only exception was to get to and from Langkawi, which, being an island, makes it impossible to travel by bus.

I booked all my trips on 12goasia, which makes the process of researching and buying trips much easier. The only exception was the trip between Cameron Highlands and Penang, which I booked through WhatsApp.

To purchase with a currency other than the one I usually use (Euro), I always use the Revolut card, which has many advantages. One of the biggest advantages of the Revolut card while travelling is the fact it does not charge extra fees for using a different currency.

Wondering how to stay connected in Malaysia? I recommend purchasing an eSIM from Celcom for affordable and reliable mobile data. You can easily top-up at any 7-Eleven. You can also choose a roaming mobile data plan, which works seamlessly across many Southeast Asian countries.

For example, this e-SIM Roaming Mobile Data Plan can be purchased even before you arrive in Malaysia and the options are quite cheap.

💡 EXTRA TIP: It’s a good idea to book accommodation in advance. This is especially true during peak travel seasons or local holidays, as popular places can fill up fast!

I’ll tell you more about accommodation in Malaysia throughout this blog post, so keep reading to find out more.

This 10-day Malaysia itinerary is perfect for first-timers. It offers an opportunity to check out the country’s top highlights.

You’ll explore Kuala Lumpur’s modern buzz and iconic landmarks and step back into history in Malacca’s colonial streets. Plus, you also get to enjoy nature in the Cameron Highlands tea plantations and Langkawi’s stunning beaches.

However, I will also show you some alternative versions of this Malaysia itinerary. For example, if you don’t fancy the beach, there’s no point in going to Langkawi. So I’ll also include a version without beaches.

Finally, I’ll give you a few more suggestions of places to go in Malaysia in case you have more days available in the country. You’ll also find a version for those who only have 7 days in Malaysia.

Note: None of the options presented in this post include the trip to/from Malaysia.

In fact, Malacca is a former colonial city that once belonged to Portugal, the United Kingdom or even the Netherlands.

The buildings’ architecture in this UNESCO World Heritage city leaves no doubt about its history. Some of the buildings from this colonial era are Malacca’s most famous square (Dutch Square), St. Paul’s Church or even what remains of the Portuguese fortress ‘A Famosa’.

When visiting Malacca, a boat trip on the river that crosses the city is also a must. This river cruise is quite a pleasant ride! It’s a unique opportunity to see the city from another perspective and admire some of its street art!

Given its location on the Strait of Malacca, Malacca’s history has been marked by the Peranakan culture. This is a mixture of the cultures of the people who lived near the strait and the Chinese population who moved there.

The Baba & Nyonya Museum is thus a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about this culture.

💡 EXTRA TIP: You’ll find all the tips for visiting Malacca and even more must-see places in this colonial city in my post about what to visit in Malacca.

Although you can visit Malacca on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, try spending at least one night in the city. If you visit the city at night from Friday to Sunday, you can’t miss the night market on Jonker Street.

What’s more, the service was very attentive and the staff always made sure that the guests were satisfied.

Kuala Lumpur is the most vibrant city in Malaysia and one of the liveliest cities in Southeast Asia. Here you’ll find an endless scenery of skyscrapers, but also street art and you can’t even escape the city madness away in nature.

3 days in Kuala Lumpur is the perfect amount of time to explore the city’s highlights!

From the market, it’s a short hop to two of the city’s most important temples – Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Guan Di Temple.

Also not to be missed is Merdeka Square – a symbol of the country’s regaining of independence in 1957.

As well as a visit to the National History Museum, don’t miss out on one of the city’s most beautiful buildings – Sultan Abdul Samad. Nearby, also visit the Jamek Mosque.

And then, to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, why not take a stroll through the Perdana Botanical Gardens? You won’t even remember that you’re in one of the main capitals of Southeast Asia 😉.

Finally, after the sun goes down, my suggestion is that you relax a bit and watch the KLCC Lake Symphony Water Fountain Show.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Check out my Kuala Lumpur itinerary to get all the tips to plan a perfect time in the city.

It is possible to get there on your own (either by public transport or Grab). But, if you prefer, you can opt for this half-day tour. The tour, besides the Batu Caves, also includes a visit to a rural Malay village, the Royal Selangor and the Batik Factory.

Next, head to the most beautiful mosque in Kuala Lumpur – the Wilayah Mosque. It’s not one of the most touristy spots in Kuala Lumpur, but it’s well worth it! You have to take a guided tour, but it’s free.

Also not to be missed are the Petronas Twin Towers – Kuala Lumpur’s landmark. They were once the tallest building in the world. Although they have lost that title, they are still a symbol of the city and the country.

And they are very cool indeed (especially for those of you who like this kind of architecture 🥰). If you’d like to go inside, you can buy your tickets directly here.

If you don’t intend to visit the inside of the Petronas, don’t worry, they are visible from various points in the city. One of the best places to observe them is from KLCC Park – one of the most pleasant green spaces in the city.

Alternatively, you can also climb up to the KL Tower. As well as views of the Petronas Towers, the observation deck has spectacular 360º views of the entire city.

This was one of my favourite activities in Kuala Lumpur and I can’t recommend it more! I particularly recommend visiting around sunset time to make the visit even more magical! Buy tickets for the KL Tower directly here.

As the day draws to a close, go for a meal on Jalan Alor Street. You can also have a drink at the Helipad Lounge, which is nothing more than a helipad that turns into a bar after 6 pm. Pretty cool, right? 🤩

Another place that takes your mind off the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur is the KL Forest Eco Park, where you’ll find some lovely trails.

And finally, although a little further out of the city centre, visit the Putra Mosque. This is another of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Although this itinerary recommends spending 3 days in Kuala Lumpur, you can shorten the visit to 2 days and visit the city’s essentials. If you want to visit Kuala Lumpur in 2 days, remove the KL Forest Eco Park, the botanical gardens and the Putra Mosque. Plus, try to include the Thean Hou temple on one of the other two days.

There you can find buffet breakfast service, a gym and an infinity pool with unforgettable views of the Petronas Towers.

The main attraction in Cameron Highlands is its tea plantations! Most of these plantations are still operated by English families. In fact, the tea plantations began when Malaysia was still a colony of the United Kingdom.

Although it is possible to visit the tea plantations independently, I recommend taking a guided tour. This is exactly what I did with the company Cameron Secrets.

There are different types of tours (duration and points of interest). I chose the Mossy Forest Tour (~11€), which includes a visit to the Mossy Forest (+6€) and also to the BOH tea plantations.

At the BOH tea plantations, we had some time to explore the grounds. We also enjoyed the café (which sells everything from snacks to full meals) with panoramic views over the plantations!

The tour lasted all morning and included pick up and drop off at the accommodation. The tour includes a guide and we rode the entire time in a jeep. Plus, it was quite a small tour, with just 8 people.

However, there are also some trails in Cameron Highlands that you can try out. Although I haven’t hiked any myself, here’s a post with lots of tips on hiking in Cameron Highlands. This is undoubtedly one of the best ways to explore the tea plantations away from the crowds.

Its main area is George Town, where we also find strong evidence of the colonial era. Penang has a lot to explore! The highlights are its street art, which has made the city even more famous, and the incredible Kek Lok Si temple.

But Penang’s attractions don’t stop there, as it is one of the most famous places in Malaysia to try street food.

Right next to the Clan Jetties, you’ll find some of Penang’s most famous pieces of street art. You can find out more about the various murals and where to find them here.

Another must-visit in Penang is the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. This is also known as the Blue Mansion because of its colour. This is a historic house, built in the 19th century. As the building is now a boutique hotel, you should book your visit in advance to ensure a place on one of the guided tours.

In the afternoon, go to the top of the vertiginous Komtar Tower, from where you have one of the best views of Penang. There are several viewpoints in the tower, but I particularly recommend the Rainbow Skywalk and the Observatory Deck.

And after wandering a bit around the streets of Penang, you can enjoy dinner on Chulia Street – a street food lover’s paradise.

The complex is huge! In fact, there’s even a small funicular to take you to one part of the temple. Apart from its size, you can also admire the superb views over Penang, which make this temple one of the best viewpoints in Penang.

From there, it’s a few minutes drive to the bottom station of the cable car that takes you up Penang Hill. The cable car ride might be short, but there is plenty to do at the top.

It’s quite possible to spend an entire day exploring all that Penang Hill has to offer. However, to be able to visit Penang in only 2 days, I recommend you only visit Habitat on Penang Hill.

Habitat is a small trail of about 1.6 km in the middle of nature. Entrance to Habitat is charged separately from the cable car fare, but it’s well worth it!

Although it’s a bit off the beaten track in Penang, I recommend visiting the Tanjung Bungah mosque. It looks like it’s floating on seawater.

Close by, you can also enjoy a swim at Batu Ferringhi Beach. Afterwards, visit the Batu Ferringhi night market.

💡 EXTRA TIP: If you have more days available to visit Penang, add a day in Penang National Park to your itinerary. In the meantime, you can also read all my tips and a more detailed guide on the best places to visit in Penang.

In my case, I stayed at Courtyard by Mariott Penang, which is one of the best 4-star hotels in Penang. The rooms are spacious and the service is exceptional.

In addition to a buffet breakfast service and an à la carte lunch menu, the hotel also has the Gin Library concept. Here they serve more refined dishes and an extensive menu of cocktails, especially gin-based.

There used to be a ferry from Penang to Langkawi, which took around 2 to 3 hours. But, this option no longer exists.

Alternatively, there are flights (which don’t even take 20 minutes) between Penang and Langkawi. This is how I actually travelled between these two places. The ticket (with AirAsia) cost just 8€ and I highly recommend it (it’s kind of an Asian version of Ryanair).

Langkawi’s highlights are its long sandy beaches and its very warm water.

I had the opportunity to visit the two main beaches in Langkawi (Pantai Cenang and Pantai Tengah). But my favourite was actually Tanjung Rhu Beach, which is located a bit outside of Langkawi’s main area.

💡 EXTRA TIP: You can find more tips for visiting Langkawi in my post about how to spend 2 days in Langkawi.

Another must-visit place in Langkawi is the Oriental Village and a ride on the world’s steepest cable car. At the top of the ride, you’ll find the Langkawi Sky Bridge – a glass bridge with unforgettable views over Langkawi.

But there are a few tours in Langkawi that are also worth considering. Firstly, the island hopping boat trip (~18€) which usually includes a stop at the famous Pulau Dayang Bunting, but also at the island of Beras Basah. This is a very touristy tour, but it’s certainly one of the most convenient ways to visit the tour’s main attractions.

But the important thing in Langkawi is to get in touch with a different side of Malaysia 😍. People don’t often think of this country as a beach destination, and let me tell you, it couldn’t be further from the truth.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Once you’ve completed this itinerary, your return flight from Malaysia will likely leave from Kuala Lumpur! Avoid taking the bus back to Kuala Lumpur and book a flight between Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur instead. The journey takes about an hour and you can easily find a cheap fare.

In my case, I chose to stay in Pantai Cenang at Villa Langkawi. The accommodation was central and, although simple, it was clean and good value for money (25€/night).

The big difference from the previous itinerary is that I replaced the 2 days in Langkawi with 2 days in Ipoh (and also changed the order of the itinerary). Ipoh is a small town relatively close to Cameron Highlands.

This will allow you to visit another Malaysian city. Some of Ipoh’s highlights include temples (e.g. Sam Poh Tong) or street art just like George Town. Some say that Ipoh is a less visited version of George Town 😉.

I didn’t have time to actually include this city in my Malaysian itinerary (much to my regret!). But you can find here tips for visiting Ipoh.

These islands are perfect for snorkelling, scuba diving, and relaxing on pristine beaches.

Keep in mind that the best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October.

Located in central Malaysia, it’s ideal for trekking, wildlife spotting, and canopy walks.

You can also take boat trips along the rivers to experience the jungle from a different perspective. Taman Negara offers a real taste of Malaysia’s untouched wilderness.

In Sarawak, explore the vibrant city of Kuching. Also visit Bako National Park for wildlife spotting, including proboscis monkeys.

If you enjoy adventure, head to Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO site with dramatic caves and limestone formations.

In Sabah, don’t miss Kota Kinabalu and the chance to trek up Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak.

💡 EXTRA TIP: Borneo is also home to some of the world’s last remaining wild orangutans. You can see them at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Admire the surrounding limestone hills and caves. This includes Kek Lok Tong Temple and Gua Tempurung.

Ipoh is also famous for its white coffee, so be sure to stop by one of the local cafes.

It’s a lesser-known gem where you can enjoy laid-back island life, diving, and snorkelling, with fewer crowds than Langkawi.

The island is also a duty-free zone, making it a great spot for some affordable shopping.

I hope this post has made you want to visit Malaysia as much as I want to go back there 😍! So, if you’re unsure about whether to visit Malaysia, trust my opinion, you won’t regret it.

Have any questions or tips to share? Leave a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!

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