Ultimate 3 Weeks Malaysia Itinerary for First Timers

Malaysia is a country that has a lot to offer but is often overlooked because of its neighbouring tourism giants like Thailand or Indonesia. However, Malaysia has a vast cultural heritage as well as modern marvels, rich biodiversity, incredible landscapes, pristine beaches and adventure activities, not to mention a fantastic gastronomy! In this post, I will design a 3 week Malaysia itinerary aimed at people that visit the country for the first time. It will include a mix of all the things that make Malaysia awesome, so you’ll get a taste of everything the country has to offer.

Being limited to 3 weeks, I suggest that you stick to Peninsular Malaysia, since it is the most accessible and easy to travel area in the country. However, I will offer some options in case you can extend your trip or you’ve already visited Malaysia before and want to explore other regions. Let’s dive in!

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Perfect Malaysia Itinerary in 3 weeks

Day 1-4: Kuala Lumpur – Embracing the Modern Marvels

Kuala Lumpur (or KL) is the capital of Malaysia and, most likely, your entry point, since it has its most important international airport. KL is a definite must in any itinerary in Malaysia, since it is the perfect mix between the past and future of the country. From heritage neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Little India, to otherwordly temples like the Batu Caves or Thean Hou temple to futuristic skyscrapers like the Petronas Twin Towers or Merdeka 118, there are endless amazing things to do in Kuala Lumpur. It is also a foodie’s paradise, with plenty of dishes to try. You can begin at Jalan Alor in Bukit Bintang, where dozens of seafood and street food restaurants line the streets with hundreds of tables to enjoy Malaysian delicacies!

READ: What to do in Kuala Lumpur: discovering the Malaysian capital

How Long to Stay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur is a massive city with a lot of things to do and an amazing food scene and nightlife (for Malaysian standards). That is why I suggest that you stay at least 3 full days in Kuala Lumpur. This will allow you to explore the heritage neighbourhoods, visit the main landmarks and even explore some of the sites further away from the city, like the Batu Caves. Also, with this time you’ll get to treat your taste buds with different foods and enjoy a more relaxed pace. However, if you’re really short on time, you can quickly go through the main attractions in 2 days in Kuala Lumpur.

It is also possible that you’ll end up flying out of the country through Kuala Lumpur, or pass through it at some point during your trip, as many bus and train lines go through the capital. For this reason, you can plan your visits to KL in several stages!

How to Get to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur has a very important international airport, so if you’re traveling from another country this will be your best choice. However, if you’re traveling from other areas of Malaysia or even Singapore, you’ll save some money traveling by bus or ferry (depending on where you are). You can travel mostly anywhere in Malaysia from KL.

Flights:

Buses, trains and ferries:

READ: Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Day 4-6: Melaka (Malacca) – Understanding the Cultural Harmony of Malaysia

Melaka (or Malacca) is Malaysia’s oldest city. Located by the Straits of Malacca and only a 3h drive from Singapore, this city is a perfect representation of the multi-cultural origins of Malaysia. The city has moved hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch to the British, and with its multi-cultural Malay, Indian, Chinese and Eurasian communities, Melaka is a gem of cultural heritage. Some of the highlights are the Melaka River, the Red Square built by the Dutch, the Jonker Walk Night Market and the Portuguese remains such as the A Famosa Fort and St. Paul’s Church, the oldest church in all of Southeast Asia.

READ: What to do in Melaka, Malaysia: a Journey through Cultural Heritage

How Long to Stay in Melaka

When planning your stay in Melaka, I suggest that you save 2 full days. This will give you enough time to see the main attractions as well as some spots that are a bit further away from the city (such as the Melaka Straits Mosque). Also, this will allow you to discover Melaka at night, which comes alive at Jonkers Walk and the River promenade. That being said, if you don’t have a lot of time, you can always visit Melaka as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur:

How to Get to Melaka

If you’re traveling to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur, the cheapest option is the bus. Buses leaving from TBS station in KL take between 2 to 3h, so it is quite convenient and the buses are generally clean and comfortable. You can also hire a private driver, which can be more convenient but, in my opinion, the difference in the price doesn’t compensate.

READ: Where to stay in Melaka, Malaysia

Day 6-8: Taman Negara – Exploring the Jungle

Taman Negara is Malaysia’s oldest national park. Located in the heart of Peninsular Malaysia, Taman Negara is home to ancient rainforests dating back millions of years. This makes it an important biodiversity hotspot, so if spotting wildlife is something that you enjoy, this is a perfect destination to include in your itinerary. The highlights of Taman Negara are cruising Tembeling River, walking on the canopy walks around Kuala Tahan, hiking and camping in the jungle to looking for fauna like the elusive Malaysian tiger, exotic birds or other animals, and visiting the indigenous Orang Asli villages. Note that it is one of Malaysia’s more popular and accessible national parks so, if you want to avoid the crowds, avoid the peak season (April-August) and look for multi-day jungle treks!

How Long to Stay in Taman Negara

You can get a taste of the jungle experience at the fringe of the forest if you visit Taman Negara for 2 full days. However, if you want to explore the more remote areas of the jungle, with increased chances of fauna sightings, multi-day treks in the jungle are the best option. For this, I recommend that you stay a minimum of 3 days, and ideally 4-5 days, especially if you’d like to climb Mount Tahan!

If you’re really short in time, you can visit Taman Negara as a day trip from Kuala Lumpur, but I would not recommend doing that. Any way, here it is:

How to Get to Taman Negara

The best way to go to Taman Negara is to take the bus or train from Kuala Lumpur to Jerantut. Once you arrive to Jerantut you can get on the local bus to Kuala Tahan, which only departs when full. Other options include private minivans, taxi (which will cost roughly 100 RM). Alternatively you can take a bus to the jetty at Kuala Tembeling sail up the river to Kuala Tahan. If you’re traveling from Penang, you can take a direct bus to Kuala Tahan from Butterworth.

Where to Stay in Taman Negara

There’s not much to say here, since the only practical place to stay in Taman Negara is Kuala Tahan. There are not many options and they don’t shine by the quality, but they are generally affordable and functional. There is one option to stay within the park at Mutiara Resort. 

Recommended stay: Mutiara Taman Negara Resort

Day 8-11: Cameron Highlands – Tea Plantations and Forest Trails

The Cameron Highlands is a region in the central mountains of Peninsular Malaysia where a hill station was established by the British. It is known for its lush tea plantations and breathtaking landscapes. With its cool mountain climate, it is a perfect respite from the heat and humidity of Malaysia! There are also many activities to do with children, such as visiting strawberry farms or sheep sanctuaries. While it is a rather popular destination, especially during the weekends, most people just visit for the plantations. However, we found the jungle trails in the forests of Cameron Highlands to be one of the highlights of our Malaysian adventure. If you’re more into nature and adventure, the jungle trails will give you what you’re looking for!

READ: What to do in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia: where wild and tamed nature meet

How Long to Stay in Cameron Highlands

Since many people only visit Cameron Highlands to see the tea plantations, there are abundant companies offering day trips from Kuala Lumpur.

However, if you’d like to experience the true wonders of this region, and especially if you want to follow one or more of the jungle trails, I suggest that you spend at least 3 days in the Cameron Highlands.

How to Get to Cameron Highlands

The absolute best way to go to the Cameron Highlands is by bus. It is well connected to some of the most important areas around, such as Kuala Lumpur or Taman Negara. You can also take the train to Ipoh and hail a car from there, but it will be considerably more expensive.

Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The two main areas to stay in the Cameron Highlands are Tanah Rata and Brinchang. Tanah Rata is the main touristic hub, so it is better connected and has more accommodation options. On the other hand, it can get crowded and it feels inauthentic. Brinchang has cheaper accommodation and a more local feel, but for some tours you may need to get to Tanah Rata. In any case, neither are particularly beautiful, but they are well located to explore the region.

Recommended stay: Muji Homestay

READ: Where to stay in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

Day 11-14: Penang – The Island of Heritage and Gastronomy

Penang is an island located in the northwestern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Penang is famous for its rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks and incredible street food scene! Explore George Town, Penang’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site where colonial architecture, heritage quarters and street art coexist. Taste some of Malaysia’s most delicious dishes, such as char kway teow, wonton mee or laksa in one of the many hawker stalls around Penang.  Don’t forget to visit some of the island’s most incredible sites, including the awe-inspiring Kek Lok Si temple, the panoramic views and diverse nature of Penang Hill or the unique floating houses at the Clan Jetties. For any traveler, Penang offers a fantastic mix of cultural, natural and gastronomic experience that you must include in your Malaysia itinerary!

READ: What to do in Penang, Malaysia: the island of cultural tapestry

How Long to Stay in Penang

There are many things to do in Penang, so I think a minimum of 3 days is enough to visit the main sites and enjoy the mix of culture, nature and delicious food that defines this island.

How to Get to Penang

You have many options to get to Penang depending on where you’re coming from. Penang has an international airport, making it very convenient! We flew to Penang from Langkawi, and then travelled to Thailand from Penang.

However, if you’re traveling from other areas of Malaysia, your best bet would be to take a bus or train to Butterworth and then take a short ferry ride to George Town in Penang.

Where to Stay in Penang

The best area to stay in Penang is its capital George Town, since it has easy access to most of the islands attractions. Anywhere around George town’s old town has plenty of great options for any budget. If you’d prefer to relax on the beach, then you should go to Batu Ferringhi (although I do not consider Penang a particularly nice beach location).

Recommended stay: Reunion Carnarvon

READ: Where to stay in Penang, Malaysia

Day 14-17: Langkawi – Malaysia’s Adventure Island

Langkawi is an archipelago located on Peninsular Malaysia’s west coast. It is a tropical paradise that combines beautiful beaches with lush rainforests, mountains and mangroves, making it a perfect destination for any Malaysia itinerary. This is especially true for those looking for adventure. From kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, island hopping and parasailing to ziplines, sky-trekking and even skydiving, Langkawi is a paradise for adrenaline junkies! Some of its most incredible landmarks include the SkyBridge, a suspended walkway on top of its highest mountain offering panoramic views of the archipelago and the Andaman Sea, the Kilim Georforest Park, where you’ll immerse yourself in the mangrove ecosystem around the limestone formations, or relaxing on Pantai Cenang or Tanjung Rhu, two of its most famous white-sand beaches. It is also a duty-free island, so it is a perfect place to do some shopping!

READ: What to do in Langkawi, Malaysia

How Long to Stay in Langkawi

There are many things to do in Langkawi, so you can easily stay there for a week. However, 3 days in Langkawi will give you enough time to visit the main sites, such as Pantai Cenang and the SkyBridge, and join some activities like island hopping, scuba diving or kayaking in the mangroves.

How to Get to Langkawi

Langkawi has an airport, so it can be very convenient to fly there from Kuala Lumpur or Penang. If you’re traveling by land, the best way is to go by bus to either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis and then take a ferry to Kuah in Langkawi. There used to be a ferry service from Penang to Langkawi, but in the time of writing it had been discontinued for years.

Where to Stay in Langkawi

The most popular area to stay in Langkawi is without a doubt around Pantai Cenang, the main beach in the island. There are also plenty of options in Kuah, the main city in Langkawi. However, if you’d like some tranquility and a beautiful natural surroundings, I suggest you stay around Tanjung Rhu in the northern part of the island.

Recommended stay: Langkawi Primrose Seaview

READ: Where to stay in Langkawi, Malaysia

Day 17-20: Relax in a Paradise Island: Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are what you imagine when thinking of a tropical paradise island. They are located in the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia and they are the best place to relax, enjoy the beach and explore the vibrant coral reefs that surround them. The two islands, Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, have a very laid-back vibe, with no roads and limited development. The best things to do in the Perhentian islands is snorkeling and scuba diving, swimming and sunbathing in one of their amazing beaches and enjoy the chill nightlife of Long Beach in Perhentian Kecil.

How Long to Stay in Perhentian Islands

This one is hard, since it depends a lot on how much you want to dedicate to relaxing. There is not a whole lot to do in the Perhentian Islands other than snorkeling, so I think 3 days is the perfect amount of time. But this is because I am not great at relaxing so after a couple of days in the beach or the resort I start to get restless! If you’re not like me and you need some time off, you’ll probably want to stay there for a week.

How to Get to Perhentian Islands

To get to the Perhentian Islands you’ll have to make your way to Kuala Besut, either by bus or flying to Kuala Terangganu or Kota Bahru and then taxi or bus. Then you have to take the ferry for RM35 (9€) each way, not including a conservation fee of RM30 (7€). The ferry ride takes around 40 minutes.

Where to Stay in Perhentian Islands

You can stay in either Perhentian Besar or Perhentian Kecil. Perhentian Besar is the biggest island and is home to more amenities and nicer resorts, and it’s the perfect place if you want to relax and enjoy paradise. Perhentian Kecil is smaller and is home to more budget options. This is where most backpackers go, so it should be your choice if you’re looking to socialize.

Recommended stay: Suhaila Palace

Extending your Malaysia Itinerary

Ipoh: Food and Culture in your Malaysia Itinerary

Tioman or Redang: Beach and Relaxation in your Malaysia Itinerary

Tioman

If the Perhentian Islands were not enough for you, you can include a stay at Tioman, located in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, very close to Singapore. Tioman is famous for its pristine beaches, clear turquoise waters, diverse marine life and lush rainforests. While Tioman is more developed than the Perhentian Islands, it offers a much more local vibe, since the tourism of this island is mainly local.

Malaysian Borneo: Nature and Adventure in your Malaysia Itinerary

Malaysian Borneo, also known as East Malaysia, is the perfect addition for those of you that prefer a less explored and more rugged journey. It is especially interesting for those interested in wild untamed nature. It is home to some incredible fauna, such as the elusive orangutan, the pygmyelephant, the proboscis monkey or the Bornean cloud leopard, not to mention countless species of tropical birds. Some of the best places for jungle trekking or jungle cruise to see the orangutans are the Kinabatangan River, the Danum Valley or Deramakot Forest Reserve.

Borneo is also a paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, with the underwater life around Semporna being one of the best on this planet. This is especially true in Mabul Island and Sipadan Diving Reserve. Lastly, if you like mountain climbing, you’re in for a treat! Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and home to a diverse flore and fauna, awarding it the UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

What to pack for this Malaysia itinerary

Travel tip: the weather in Malaysia is hot and humid, so you may lean towards bringing more clothes. However, remember that you can wash your clothes for as little as 1€ per kilo! So don’t overpack. Worst case scenario, you can always buy cheap clothing almost everywhere in SEA.

Backpack

• A carry on backpack like this Osprey Fairpoint 40L with a dettachable daypack.
• If you prefer to pack heavier, they also have 55L and 70L options, although the latter one is a bit of an overshoot if you ask me.

Clothing

I’m not gonna tell you how many of each item you should bring, since this is a very personal matter.

• Breathable T-shirts and shirts (I lean towards cotton, linen and merino wool). Predominantly light colors (mosquitoes like dark colors!).
• Bring your shorts for the heat, but bring some breathable long pants for temples/nights out.
• Underwear and socks. Big surprise!
• Hiking shoes, especially for Taman Negara and Cameron Highlands or if you’re visiting Borneo. I can really recommend Tropicfeel and their all-terrain water-friendly shoes.
• Trekking pants, ideally with zip-off legs so you can choose to use them as shorts and long pants. 
• Slip-on sandals. These are perfect in cities when you have to remove them for visiting temples. Some guesthouses and accommodations will also ask you to remove your shoes.
• A thin raincoat or poncho. It will rain. For sure!
• A sweater or light coat, since some inland and mountain places can get chilly at night, like the Cameron Highlands.
• Don’t forget your swimwear if you’re going to one of the islands!
• A hat/cap for the sun.

Travel gear

• DO NOT forget to bring sunscreen. Sunscreen is quite expensive in Southeast Asia, so I suggest you bring as much as you’ll need during your trip. Try to go for reef-safe 50+ SPF sunscreen.
• A camera, since you’ll want to keep those mamories for a long time! If you don’t have one, your phone will do, but it’s not the same!
• Mosquito repellent. Look for brands that have DEET. My go-to brands are Relec and Halley (this one has natural repellents), but I’m not sure they are available everywhere.
• A universal adapter that you can use for any of your trips.

Apps

• Maps.me will be your friend. Download the maps of the region and use the first to move around, especially for nature trails.
• 12go is the best app to book transportations in Southeast Asia.
• Revolut is a great online banking tool perfect for taking cash out from any ATM up to twice a month with no commission! You can use it also with the official exchange rate as a credit card.
• Grab is the most ubiquitous car hailing app in Southeast Asia and it will be very useful during your trip.
• Klook is one of the best apps for booking tours and activities in Southeast Asia.

How to move around in this Malaysia itinerary

The best way to move around in Malaysia is undoubtedly by bus and train. Peninsular Malaysia has a strong infrastructure connecting the most important cities and the buses and trains are very affordable.

That being said, reaching lesser known areas or more remote locations gets increasingly difficult. In those cases, it is usually easier to hire a private driver through your hotel or via a car hailing app like Grab.

For important cities and island and especially if you plan to reach Malaysian Borneo, your best option is to catch a flight. National flights are generally quite affordable when compared to western standards. Also, it can save you a big chunk of time! It is also your best bet as your in and out flight.

Closing Statement

Malaysia is a truly unique country, with a really interesting mix of cultures, incredible architecture, both new and old, lush landscapes and diverse wildlife and some of the best food out there! If you’re thinking of traveling to Malaysia, let this post be your sign to book the flights!

If you’re traveling to Southeast Asia, perhaps you’ll find these interesting:

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