Malaysia Itinerary: 10 Days of Culture, City, Beach, & Nature

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Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated travel destinations. This unique country is full of diverse beauty, including turquoise waters, dense jungles, historical treasures, cultural heritage, and a bustling city. No matter what travel experiences you’re seeking, you can find them in Malaysia. From the pristine beaches of Langkawi and the lush tea fields of the Cameron Highlands to the historic streets of George Town and Malacca and the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, this Malaysia itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure through Southeast Asia’s best-kept secret.

Table of Contents

Malaysia Itinerary: 10-Day Overview

Days 1-3: Langkawi

Days 4-5: Penang

Day 6: Cameron Highlands

Days 7-9: Kuala Lumpur

Day 10: Malacca

Days 1-3: Langkawi

Day 1: Island hopping & beach chilling

Did you know that Langkawi is made up of 99 islands? These islands are mostly uninhabited and are home to bright blue water and limestone karsts. This makes island hopping one of the most popular activities in Langkawi, and for good reason. Pulau Dayang Bunting is the most popular island-hopping destination, with a huge freshwater lake for swimming. There are endless island-hopping itineraries to choose from.

After your morning island hopping tour, have a relaxing afternoon at the beach. For a long strip of soft, white sand lined with coconut trees, Pantai Cenang is Langkawi’s most popular beach. Just south of Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah is a more chill, less crowded but equally beautiful beach. No matter which beach you spend your day at, end up at Pantai Cenang for dinner and drinks at some of its many beachfront restaurants and bars.

Day 2: Sky Bridge & waterfalls

The Langkawi Sky Bridge allows visitors to walk between mountaintops with stunning views of the jungle canopy, coastal mountains, and the Thai islands. To get to the Sky Bridge, you’ll take the cable car for over a mile, taking in beautiful views on the way. When you get off the cable car, you’ll be on Langkawi’s second-tallest peak with sweeping panoramic views.

Just down the road from the cable car is the incredibly high Seven Wells Waterfall. It flows down the same mountain that you’ve just descended from. Named after seven natural pools, it’s a great place to go for a swim or slide down a natural rock slide. It’s an easy walk to the lower level or a quick but steep walk to the upper level.

You can continue to chase waterfalls at Temuran Waterfall and Durian Perangin Waterfalls, multi-tier waterfalls with natural pools and monkeys.

Get your cable car and Sky Bridge ticket here for the best price and skip the queue for tickets.

Day 3: Tanjung Rhu & Kilim Geoforest Park

Today, head northeast to Kilim Geoforest Park, where you can take a riverboat tour among the forests, lagoons, caves, karsts, and beaches. The boat will take you through the mangroves to see wildlife and natural wonders.

After your morning boat tour, head to nearby Tanjung Rhu, the island’s best beach. It has clear turquoise water, palm trees, white sand, and limestone karsts in the distance. You can go swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, or just relax. It’s the perfect place to catch a sunset on your final evening in Langkawi.

Book an affordable riverboat tour with pickup and dropoff at Tanjung Rhu or your hotel here!

Days 4-5: Penang

Day 1: George Town Historic Center

Wake up early on your 4th day to travel to George Town, Penang. The best way to get there is to take a quick and cheap flight from Langkawi Airport to Penang International Airport. There used to be a direct ferry, but it isn’t in service anymore. If you’re on a strict budget, there are ferry + train (2 hours) and ferry + bus (3 hours) options. Check current ferry routes here.

When you arrive in George Town, you have the rest of the day to wander around the George Town Historic Center. Don’t miss stops at Khoo Kongsi, the Clan Jetties, Fort Cornwallis, Cheong Fatt Tze, Little India, and the street art district. If you need to recharge away from the heat, China House is a renowned cafe, restaurant, and arts space offering over 30 different flavors of cake.

End your day on Love Lane, a well-known street with a reputation for its vibrant nightlife scene, mostly amongst travelers and backpackers. There are bars and pubs, street food, restaurants, live music, and a friendly atmosphere where you can socialize with fellow travelers. Don’t miss out on Gravy Baby, a Malaysian restaurant and bar chain famous for its cocktails and pies.

Day 2: Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si, & Penang Botanic Gardens

Today, you’ll take a 25-minute taxi or 40-minute bus outside of the historic center to see Penang’s greenery, wildlife, and a stunning temple. At Penang Hill, you can take a 15-minute train ride to the summit with cooler temperatures, lush greenery, cheeky monkeys, and breathtaking city views. Next to Penang Hill is one of the most significant and largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, Kek Lok Si. The colorful grounds feature a towering Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas, beautiful gardens, and panoramic views of the city.

Next, catch a 20-minute taxi (buses aren’t convenient here) to Penang Botanic Gardens. You can take a leisurely walk among the various plant species, enjoy the tranquility, and even spot monkeys. The highlight is the 122-meter-tall three-tiered waterfall.

In the afternoon, board a 5-hour bus to the Cameron Highlands.

For more detailed help planning your time in Penang and more itinerary recommendations, check out my top 14 things to do in George Town.

Day 6: Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands are halfway between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, making them an especially great place to break up the journey. With its cooler temperatures, rolling tea fields, strawberry farms, and cloud forests, it’s unlike anywhere else you’ll visit in Malaysia. In fact, it was my favorite stop on this Malaysia itinerary! The best things to do include visiting Boh Tea Plantation, the Mossy Forest, and a strawberry farm.

There is no public transportation here, so I recommend booking an affordable tour like this one that shuttles you everywhere.

Days 7-9: Kuala Lumpur

Day 1: KL Forest Eco Park, Petronas Towers, KLCC Mall

Wake up early on your 7th day to take the 4.5-hour bus from the Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur. When you arrive early in the afternoon, start exploring Kuala Lumpur at the KL Forest Eco Park. The park is a tropical rainforest oasis in the middle of the bustling city. It’s best known for its canopy walk, which provides great city views and a chance to see the many species of trees and animals that call the park home.

Next, head to Kuala Lumpur’s iconic twin towers, the Petronas Towers. The KLCC Mall is located in the Petronas Towers and has a fantastic food court and over 300 flagship stores. It’s a great place to get dinner and shop before a water fountain show, which happens at the KLCC Lake at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm (light and sound) or 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm (light only).

If you’re up for a drink, finish off the night at Vertigo @ Banyan Tree, a rooftop bar with stunning night views of the city and the lit-up Petronas Towers.

Day 2: Batu Caves, Chinatown, Merdeka Square, & Central Market

The Batu Caves are one of Malaysia’s top attractions, and for good reason. Their iconic rainbow stairs, cute monkeys, and cave temples are one-of-a-kind. They’re located slightly outside of the city, so I recommend taking a short 20-minute taxi. You can also take a KTM train, but it requires a transfer and takes around 1 hour. Once you’re there, climb the 272 colorful steps to reach the three caves at the top.

After spending the morning at the Batu Caves, make your way back to the city center to explore Chinatown, Merdeka Square, and Central Market. These are all within walking distance, making them a great place to wander around for the afternoon. In Chinatown, don’t miss Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Ancestral Hall, Sri Maha Mariamman Temple, Guan Di Temple, and Sin Sze Si Ya Temple. If you’re hungry, try the Chinese street food at Petaling Street Market. For a shopping fix and a break from the heat, head over to Central Market. Finally, see the unique architecture and heritage at Merdeka Square.

Day 3: Thean Hou Temple, National Mosque, Islamic Arts Museum, & Perdana Botanical Garden

Kuala Lumpur’s most impressive temple, Thean Hou, is located slightly outside of the city but is worth the journey. It’s a quick 15-minute taxi or KTM train ride, although the train station is a 30-minute walk from the temple. This impressive six-tiered temple blends cultural elements from Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. You also get a great view of the city skyline from the top.

From Thean Hou Temple, it’s a 10-minute taxi or bus to the National Mosque of Malaysia. It’s one of the largest mosques in Southeast Asia. Non-Muslim visitors are welcomed in during certain hours (NOT between 12pm to 3pm and 4pm to 5:30pm) to explore the grounds and see the prayer hall. Please remember to be respectful of those practicing their religion. If you’re a woman, you’ll be given a robe to cover your body and head.

The Islamic Arts Museum and Perdana Botanical Garden are situated on the same grounds as the National Mosque. The Perdana Botanical Garden has pleasant walking paths through 10 different gardens featuring rare tropical plants, fruit trees, a fish pond, a waterfall, and a cafe. The Islamic Arts Museum offers exhibitions of historic and contemporary masterpieces of Islamic art from all around the world.

Day 10: Malacca (Melaka)

Your final day of this Malaysia itinerary will be well spent in a charming coastal city rich in culture, history, and traditions. Along with George Town, Malacca is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic City. Malacca was a pivotal port city for centuries, giving it its unique blend of British, Chinese, Portuguese, and Dutch influences. As you stroll around the historic area, you’ll see colorful street art, historic buildings, and charming streets. Include stops at Jonker Walk, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, St. Paul’s Church, A Famosa, and Dutch Square. You can also take in Malacca from the water on a river cruise, which I especially enjoyed at night when the town is lit up. When you get hungry, don’t miss trying pandan pancakes at The Daily Fix Cafe and mango cendol at Cendol Kampung Hulu.

If it works better for your Malaysia itinerary, you can take a guided day trip from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca instead of staying overnight. Check out this affordable day trip, which includes hotel pick-up, a local tour guide, and lunch.

For more detailed help planning your time in Malacca and more itinerary recommendations, check out my top 10 things to do in Malacca.

entrance to jonker street with palm trees and red lanterns — Jonker Walk

As your 10-day adventure ends, this Malaysia itinerary has guided you through the highlights of this beautiful country. From breathtaking landscapes to rich culture and history, Malaysia has undoubtedly left a lasting impression. You’ll quickly understand why so many travelers think it’s Southeast Asia’s most underrated destination.

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Malaysia itinerary: 10 days of culture, city, beach, & nature

Malaysia Itinerary: 10-Day Overview