THE BEST MALAYSIA ITINERARY FOR 10 DAYS IN 2025

Planning a trip to Malaysia and looking for the perfect itinerary? You have come to the right place! This Malaysia itinerary for 10 days includes a detailed itinerary with all the essential travel tips and information you need to know for planning your trip. Plus: where to stay, where to eat and much more. Let’s begin!

If you are looking to visit a beautiful budget friendly country that has excellent facilities and infrastructure, I would suggest you to visit Malaysia. I visited the country in 2022 and kept my expectations low since it is not that popular compared to Thailand or Singapore. However, Malaysia surpassed all my expectations and I had a great time there (which is why I am writing this blog post to talk about it!)

Malaysia as a destination has something to satisfy every kind of traveller: be it beaches, tropical rainforests, hill stations with misty weather, wildlife, historical and cultural attractions and an international megacity like Kuala Lumpur. Culture lovers will love places like Georgetown in Penang, Malacca and parts of Kuala Lumpur due to the rich history of the country where you can find temples, mosques, museums and beautifully preserved old buildings.

While the beaches in Langkawi are popular, you should also know about the more stunning and less crowded beaches of the Perhentian and Tioman islands that are located on Malaysia’s east coast.

Nature lovers can visit the tropical rainforests of Malaysian Borneo which consists of Sabah, Mount Kota Kinabalu and Sarawak and get a chance to see orangutans in the wild. Another bucket list destination would be Taman Negara National park which is said to be the world’s oldest rainforest (130 million years old) with an abundance of flora and fauna.

Foodies are in for a treat as Malaysia is known for the variety of cuisines on offer: Malay, Indian, Chinese, Peranakan, Hainanese etc. The rich multicultural history of Malaysia has given birth to a lot of fusion dishes that will melt your mouth. The street food is to die for and food hubs include Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

And let us not forget the very vibrant capital city of Kuala Lumpur which is sure to dazzle you with it’s sights and vibes.

As most people know English, communication is usually a breeze unless you are travelling to the more remote areas of the country. Add to this, good facilities, an extensive public transportation network, friendly locals and reasonable prices. In short, the perfect holiday destination!

In this Malaysia itinerary for 10 days, you will get enough time to comfortably explore four destinations. These are the ones that I have chosen for this itinerary and the reasons behind this choice:

Penang: a huge cultural destination but it also has beaches, a national park, a hill station and is a hugely popular street food paradise. Bonus: insta popular street art for your photography. I included Penang as it is a true all round destination with something for everyone.

Perhentian islands: Remote islands located off Malaysia’s east coast that are not that well known. For your first trip, you should include some beach time but instead of crowded Langkawi, make it to the Perhentians and take advantage of the un spoilt gorgeous beaches.

Kuala Lumpur: the buzzing and trendy international megacity that is a mix of the old and the new with stunning skyscrapers and equally stunning temples. Plus, a shopper’s paradise! KL is a given, it has to be in every Malaysia itinerary as it houses the main international airport in the country.

Malacca: a historic city known for it’s antique temples, colonial buildings and night market. Included this as it is a good day trip option from Kuala Lumpur.

As you can see, being a history and culture lover myself, I lean more towards rich cultural sites with a colonial past like Georgetown, Fort Kochi and Galle fort. Or ones that are world heritage sites such as Luang Prabang and Siem Reap. I also love photography which is why I prefer visiting places with good photography potential such as Jaipur, Chiang Mai or Georgetown’s street art. I am also a big beach bum so my itineraries usually have a beach stop. Check my beach posts on Koh Lanta and the Trang islands in Thailand and the best beaches in Sri Lanka for some trip inspiration. If you are more of a nature lover, you can easily swap the Perhentians or Malacca for Cameron highlands and have some mountain time.

In this Malaysia itinerary for 10 days, I have included the places that I feel provide the perfect Malaysia experience for a first time visitor. If you have less or more time on hand, check out the alternative Malaysia itineraries I have listed below.

This trip will be a wonderful experience and be prepared to return home with a lot of unforgettable memories. I hope you enjoy Malaysia as much as I did and get a lot of useful information and tips from this Malaysia itinerary for 10 days to plan your trip and have a great vacation!

ABOUT THIS MALAYSIA ITINERARY FOR 10 DAYS

To follow this Malaysia itinerary, you will need 10 full days. So, you will have to reach on the previous evening/night. In this itinerary, you will be landing at Penang international airport in the north west and ending at Kuala Lumpur. But you can also do the opposite and move from Kuala Lumpur to Penang.

It is pretty easy to navigate Malaysia thanks to the good transportation network. You can take flights, buses or trains for this itinerary. While you will have to put some extra effort for the Perhentians, it is totally worth it. You can do this itinerary independently without a full-time guide.

Lastly, my itineraries are usually packed with a lot of sightseeing and a few sunrise and sunset missions. Its okay if you want to leave out a few things and sleep in. After all, it’s a vacation right! Pick and choose the places according to your interest and tweak the itinerary to fit you!

If you are travelling to Malaysia, here are some more posts to check out:

• The Ultimate Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for 3 days
• The Perfect Penang Itinerary For 3 Days
• 15 Best Things to do in Georgetown, Penang
• The Ultimate Street Art Guide for Georgetown, Penang
• Perhentian Islands Travel Guide for 2025

MALAYSIA ITINERARY FOR 10 DAYS: THE COMPLETE TRAVEL GUIDE

THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA:

Malayasia’s tropical climate means that you can pretty much expect heat and humidity throughout the year and some showers every few days. These rains tend to be short and the sky clears up quickly. In fact, you might even prefer rains to get some respite from the heat. For the Perhentian islands which lies on the east coast, June, July and August are peak months. Make sure to AVOID the months of September to November and April-May when there are heavy downpours. The weather tends to be slightly cooler during the end of the year but as this is peak season expect lots of people.

HOW TO REACH MALAYSIA:

Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi have international airports with lots of flight connections. There are also plenty of budget airlines flying into Malaysia from other Asian cities which will keep your travel budget within limits. If you are coming from Thailand or Singapore, bus service is also available.

TRANSPORTATION WITHIN MALAYSIA:

Bus, train and flight services are all available to visit different cities.

WHAT TO EAT IN MALAYSIA:

Thanks to it’s past multicultural history, Malaysia is known for it’s diverse variety of food. You will find an assortment of Malay, Chinese, Indian and fusion dishes on offer especially in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Malacca. Foodies are in for a treat: your taste buds will have a great time here! Some of the dishes that you have to try in Malayasia include:

• NASI LEMAK: The national dish of Malaysia which consists of fragrant rice topped with veggies, peanuts, fried egg and the spicy sambal sauce.
• ASAM LAKSA: a fish broth dish with rice noodles, herbs and veggies.
• NASI KANDAR: An Indian Muslim dish of Rice served with a mix of various curry sauces thrown on top along with a side of fried meat.
• CHAR KWAY TEO: Spicy stir fried noodles cooked in prawns, squids and shallots in a coconut milk and shrimp flavoured curry with a little bit of sambar chilli paste thrown in.
• TANDOORI CHICKEN: North Indian dish of marinated chicken roasted in a clay oven (Tandoor)
• ROTI CANAI: Thin fried pieces of dough served with a curry sauce.
• HOKKIEN MEE: Chinese style fried noodles
• BEEF MURTABAK: Malaysian omlette that is made like a pancake and folded around meat and vegetables.
• BUK KUT TE: Pork that is slow cooked and served in a spicy broth.
• Cendol: shaved ice for dessert that is flavoured with coconut milk, palm sugar and read beans.

MALAYSIA ITINERARY FOR 10 DAYS: DAY BY DAY ITINERARY

DAYS 1-3: KUALA LUMPUR

Your 1^st stop in this Malaysia itinerary for 10 days is the stunning capital city of Kuala Lumpur. This vibrant city is the perfect mix of the old and the new with lots of traditional temples, modern towers, great food and shopping. I thought it is highly underrated compared to some of the other cities in South east Asia like Singapore and Bangkok. 3 nights in Kuala Lumpur will be perfect to explore all that this city has to offer and you can even go off on a day trip for further sightseeing.

DAY 1:

Arrive at Kuala Lumpur international airport and head to your hotel. Depending on your flight landing time and hotel check in, you will be able to get a few hours of sightseeing done. Begin your trip with a visit to the iconic Petronas twin towers where you can go up to the observatory deck on the 86^th floor and take a look at the stunning city views. It is better to book advance tickets online as there is always a chance of the tickets being sold out especially during popular times (morning/evening).

The towers are located in KLCC park with the Suriya mall nestled between them. Take some shots from the base of the towers and spend some time in the KLCC park where you can get to see the Petronas from various photo spots.

From KLCC park, take the elevated and air conditioned pedestrian subway to reach the huge Pavilion mall, one of the most popular malls in Kuala Lumpur. Shop (or window shop) and try their food court on the ground floor. Or you can go to the giant Berjaya Times square which has lots of entertainment options including an actual indoor theme park! These malls are located in and around the trendy Bukit Bintang area which is said to be KL’s hot spot. It has a chill vibe with bars, restaurants, live music and colourful street art.

For dinner, go to Jalan Alor which is KL’s street food haven. Hawker stalls selling a wide variety of dishes set up their shops from evening. This your chance to try a lot of different dishes here for cheap. If you have time, you can catch the free symphony musical fountain show at KLCC park which takes place daily at 8pm, 9pm and 10pm.

DAY 2:

Start your day at Merdeka square (Independence square) which is a place of national importance. Here you can take a historical walking tour and come across some beautiful architectural gems such as the Sultan Abdul Samad building, National textile museum and the National history museum. The Jamek mosque with it’s tree of life photo spot is also located nearby.

Later, hop onto neighbouring Chinatown and explore the vibrant culture of this area. There are traditional temples (including the oldest Hindu temple Shri Mariamman temple), colourful street art and plenty of cafes and bars. Shop for gifts and souvenirs at Petaling street market and Central market to bring home. It is also great place to have dinner with lots of restaurants like Pik wah bar and café, Tang city and Chocha food store along with plenty of street food hawkers.

From Chinatown, take a taxi to the oldest Buddhist temple in the city, Thien Hou temple. This temple is easily one of the most stunning temples I have ever seen with intricate designs and hundreds of red lanterns decorating the place. Post sunset, it comes alive with all the lanterns that are lit up and looks gorgeous. Thean Hou temple is not really popular among big tourist groups which is a bonus if you wanna avoid crowds. I highly recommend culture lovers and photography enthusiasts to visit this temple.

DAY 3:

On your last day here, wake up early and head to Batu Caves, one of the most famous tourist (and Instagram) spots in Malayasia. These limestone caves house a Hindu temple that was built in 1920. The colourful 272 steps leading to the top propelled this spot to worldwide popularity. At the foot of the steps, lies a giant golden statue of Lord Murugan. You can take guided tours to see the inside of the dark caves.

After experiencing Malay and Chinese cultures, it is time to soak in bit of Indian culture at Little India. Take the KTM Kommuter train from the Batu caves station till KL Sentral station. Little India is only a few minutes walk from Sentral station. Explore the colourful shops selling textiles, spices and flowers and try some Indian food like Roti canai and dosa. Check out temples like Sri Kandaswamy temple and the Buddhist Mahavira temple.

Next up is KL Menara tower which is the highest tower in Malaysia. You can go up to the open sky deck and the glass skybox to take in some more city views. Other activities include a theatre, a small aquarium, minizoo, and an upside down house. It is a good lunch spot as there are many food options here including a revolving restaurant (Atmosphere 360) that is the highest in Malaysia.

End your KL stay with a sunset drink at one of the many rooftop bars dotting the city. The most famous among them is the unique Heli rooftop lounge which is a helipad that gets converted into a bar post sunset and has great views of the Petronas. Heli is located on top of Menara KH towers which is only 1 train stop away from the KL tower.

WHERE TO STAY IN KUALA LUMPUR:

The main areas to stay in Kuala Lumpur are the trendy Bukit Bintang which is a great option for first time visitors and close to the Petronas twin towers, convenient KL Sentral which is a transportation hub and cultural Chinatown. Some of the well reviewed hotel options include:

Hotel options:

• Big M hotel (Budget)
• The KL Journal hotel (Midrange): Our stay
• The Majestic Hotel (Luxury)

Apart from hotels, you can also choose to stay in apartments which are good for families/big groups and for cooking your own meals. Many of them have infinity pools and good views of the Petronas towers. Some options include:

• Ascott Star KLCC
• The Face Style Hotel and Apartments
• The Luxe Suites KLCC

WHERE TO EAT IN KUALA LUMPUR

Being one of the most diverse cities in South east Asia, Kuala Lumpur has a great selection of restaurants and cafes to indulge your tastebuds. Be it Malay, Indian, Chinese, Nyona or European you will find plenty of restaurants and hawker centres offering all sorts of cuisines.

• Bijan, Bukit Bintang (Malay)
• Grand Imperial seafood hot pot and barbeque, Bukit Bintang
• Wong Ah wah, Jalan Alor (barbeques and satays)
• Restoran Meng Kee grill fish, Jalan Alor (seafood)
• Jalan Alor street food market
• Lot 10 Food court (Near Pavilion mall)

TRANSPORTATION WITHIN KUALA LUMPUR:

One of the best things about Kuala Lumpur is the extensive public transportation facilities which makes sightseeing easy and budget friendly. If you live near KL Sentral or Bukit Bintang you can get to most places using the metro or bus.

METRO: The city is served by the LRT (light rail transit) which includes line no 3 (Orange), line no 5 (Ruby) and Line no 11 (sky blue); the MRT (mass rapid transit) with Line no 9 (Dark green) and Line no 12 (Yellow line) and the Monorail (the light green line)

KTM KOMUTER TRAIN: Has 2 lines: Line no 1 (Dark Blue) which runs from KL Sentral to Batu caves and Line no 2 (Red).

BUS: Includes Go KL bus service (1RM/ride) with 4 main routes (green, blue, orange and purple lines) that cover many tourist attractions in the main areas of the city; Rapid KL bus which is a  comprehensive bus network throughout the city with additional feeder services to LRT/MRT/MR stations.

GRAB: This is a taxi service in South east Asia that is similar to Uber, except that it is cheaper. Grab is a convenient option for visiting some out of the way locations that do not have metro/train stations nearby such as Thean Hou temple or Wilayah caves. It is also useful if you are in a hurry or want to arrive somewhere early for photos etc.

WALKING: If you live near the central areas like Bukit Bintang, KLCC park or KL Sentral station, you can walk around and explore the local attractions like Petronas or Chinatown.

DAY 4: DAY TRIP TO MALACCA

The next stop on your Malaysia itinerary for 10 days is Malacca. Located only 2.5 hours away from Kuala Lumpur by road, Malacca is an easy day trip. This charming heritage town is Malaysia’s oldest city and a good example of the multicultural vibe of the country. Highlights include the heritage ‘Old Town’ with Chinese buildings along with colonial (Dutch, Portugese and British) architecture, St Paul’s church, Melaka river and Famosa fort. If you stay overnight, you can check out the Melaka straits mosque and Jonker street night market.

You can do visit Melaka independently or book a guided tour like this tour package where food and transportation is covered.

DAYS 5-7: PERHENTIAN ISLANDS

From Kuala Lumpur you will move onto your 3rd stop in this Malaysia itinerary for 10 days: The Perhentian Islands.

The Perhentian islands are a small group of coral fringed islands located 20 kms off the coast in North eastern Malaysia’s Terranganu province. The islands are part of the Pulau Redang national marine park and are protected. The Perhentians comprise 2 main islands:

• Besar (Big island) which is quieter and more expensive and suitable for families and couples
• Kecil (small island) which is loud, budget friendly and more suitable for younger backpackers

These beautiful islands boast of gorgeous, transparent, crystal clear water, soft white sand beaches, amazing sunsets, friendly locals and a low key air of relaxation. If you are looking for a tropical paradise at a reasonable price without the crowds that swamp Bali or Thailand, this is your place! The islands are also known for their amazing diving sites (which are among the cheapest in Asia) and variety of marine life.        

TRANSPORTATION FROM KUALA LUMPUR TO THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS:

I will be honest: it is not easy to get to these islands, which is why few people visit them. However, your efforts will be rewarded with some of the best beaches in Asia. The journey to the Perhentian islands has 3 legs:

The nearest airport is at Kota Bharu which is connected by flights to both Penang and Kuala Lumpur. You can take a flight from Kuala Lumpur airport to Kota Bharu (Sultan Ismail Petra airport) or bus/shared minivan from TBS station to Kuala Besut. The journey takes 7-8 hours.

From Kota Bharu airport, take a taxi/shared van to the jetty at Kuala Besut. Taxis costs around 70 RM and shared minivans cost 25 RM pp. The journey takes around 1 hour. If you can come by bus/mini van, you will be dropped directly at Kuala Besut.

From the pier at Kuala Besut, catch a ferry to one of the islands. The ferry costs 35 RM one way or 70RM return and the journey takes 45 mins. Make sure to arrive at the ferry terminal on time to catch a boat or else you will have to spend the night at Kota Bharu/Kuala Besut.

NOTE:  At the Kuala Besut ferry terminal, you have to pay an environmental fee of 30 RM (foreigners) before boarding the boat.

THINGS TO DO IN THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS:

1.GO BEACH HOPPING IN SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES:

The Perhentian islands are known for their beautiful white sand beaches and you can go on an island hopping tour to check them out. These include Turtle beach(snorkelling) and Teluk KK beach on the big island and Long beach (the most popular) and Adam and Eve beach on the small island. Both half day and full day tours are available.

2. SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELLING

The Perhentian islands have some good diving sites that are among the cheapest in South east Asia. This is also a good place to learn diving if you are a beginner and get an open water certification. Some of the best dive sites here are Sugar Wreck, T3, The Pinnacle and Shark points. Well reviewed dive shops include Panorama Divers and Turtle Bay divers.

If diving is not your thing, opt for a snorkelling tour instead. You can get to see a variety of marine life including parrot fish, turtles and reef sharks. Good snorkel sites on Kecil island include D’lagoon beach, Adam and Eve beach and Keranji beach.

3.HIKE TO THE BEST VIEW POINT IN THE ISLANDS

One of the best things to do in the Perhentian islands is to hike to the D’lagoon windmill view point in Kecil and get the most stunning aerial view of the islands. The starting point of this hike is at Long beach on Kecil island. The hike is a moderate one and make sure to put on your hiking shoes, sunscreen, cap and bring water.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS:

The islands have limited accommodation and on top of that, there is a lack of proper ‘value for money’ hotel options in both the islands. As is usual in islands, most places are overpriced compared to the mainland. The big island has more expensive options while the small island is relatively budget friendly.

I have listed a few options in both islands that seem to have decent reviews. Most of them are listed on Booking or Agoda. You can also contact them directly to get a better price.

• Mama’s chalet (West beach) (Budget)
• Tropicana Inn (Long Beach) (Budget)
• Tuna Bay beach resort (Tuna Bay): Our stay (Mid range)
• Perhentian Island resort (PIR) (PIR Beach) (Mid range)
• Bubu Resort (Luxury)
• Mimpi beach resort (Luxury)

WHERE TO EAT IN THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS:

A wide variety of food is available on the islands ranging from Malay, Thai, Chinese to the usual Western fare of burgers, pizzas and pastas. Several restaurants also offer seafood barbeque dinners. The food prices are definitely on the higher end. Alcohol is available too unless you are eating at a Malay restaurant.

• The World Café (Long beach, Kecil)
• Chill out café(Long beach, Kecil)
• Ewans café (Coral bay, Kecil)
• Barat (West beach, Besar)
• Mama’s chalets restaurant(West beach, Besar)
• Tuna Café (Tuna Bay, Besar)

GETTING AROUND IN THE PERHENTIAN ISLANDS:

The only way to get around most of the beaches on both the islands is via water taxis which operate on fixed rates ranging from 5-30 RM pp. Prices generally double after 7pm.

DAYS 8-10: PENANG

We will end this Malaysia itinerary for 10 days in the eastern port city of Penang which was established by the British and soon became one of the major trading points in South east Asia attracting an influx of immigrants from all over Asia. As a result, Penang boasts of a rich cultural history along with heritage sites, beaches and hills. For this itinerary I have allotted 3 days to Penang which I feel is required to see most of the sights here.

TRANSPORT FROM PERHENTIAN ISLANDS TO PENANG:

Take the morning ferry from the Perhentian islands to the pier at Kota Bharu and catch the flight to Penang. You will obviously have to plan and book the flight and ferry options in advance. If things go well, you will arrive in Penang by early afternoon. Check into your hotel and take some rest before starting your sightseeing.

DAY 8:

Start your Penang trip by exploring the core heritage area of Georgetown first as this is what forms the heart and soul of Penang and has most of the places to see. Walking through the charming streets here is an amazing experience as you will come across Chinese temples, old colonial buildings, museums, mansions, churches along with the incredible street art scattered all through this area.

Some of the best things to do in Georgetown include:

• Visit the Khoo Kongsi clan house and temple which has beautiful and intricate designs.
• Take a guided tour at The Blue Mansion (also a boutique hotel). Book tickets here.
• Check out the Clan Jetties which are basically small villages on stilts present on the waterfront.

Read the complete list of 15 Best things to do in Georgetown with all information and tips here.

Georgetown is also known for it’s collection of street art, murals and steel sculptures that have brought it international popularity and is now known as one of the best cities for street art in the world. Today, travelers come from all over to admire these pieces like Children on a bicycle and Indian fisherman.

In case you want more details and tips, check out my ultimate street art guide for Georgetown which lists 50 street art spots with location and other info.

If you planned a trip to Penang, you must have heard about the incredible street food on offer which has earned Penang the tag of ‘Malaysia’s street food capital. So, it is fitting that you end the day with dinner at Chulia street where hundreds of hawkers setting up their stalls serving every possible street food dish till late into the night.

DAY 9: PENANG

On your 2^nd day in Penang, you will get to see a completely different part of the city. Penang hill is a small hill station that was built as a summer retreat by the British during the 18^th century and boasts of the highest point in the city. There are many nature trails and experiences here which I enjoyed a lot. It is best to go to Penang hill early before it gets too hot.

Once on top, there are many free and paid attractions in Penang Hill to spend a half day. Some of the places worth seeing include The Habitat (nature trails and a skybridge), Kopi Hutan (great breakfast option) and Mariamman temple.

After visiting Penang hill, make your way to Kek Lok Si temple which is the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. It is situated at the base of Penang Hill which makes it easy to combine both these places in 1 day. The temple complex is large with various structures such as a 7 storey tower called Pagoda of ten thousand Buddhas, a 100 ft statue of Guan Yin (Goddess of Mercy), pavilions, fish ponds and flower gardens. There are double lined inclined elevators to carry people further uphill.

In the evening go to Gurney drive which is a walking seafront esplanade with lots of shops, and restaurants. It also has a famous hawker food centre which has been listed many times by travel magazines. Eat your fill and do some shopping at two of the biggest Penang malls, Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon in some much needed air conditioning.

DAY 10: PENANG

Your last day in Penang will showcase some more of Penang’s diversity. Visit the world’s smallest National park ‘Taman Negara’ aka Penang National park which is located 1.5 hours away from Georgetown. The park is full of hiking trails through dense jungles with wildlife like monkeys and monitor lizards.

After hiking in the jungle, catch a boat from the park entrance to go to a small secluded beach called monkey beach at the north western end of the park. Another pretty option here is turtle beach (Pantai Keracut) located at the south western end of the park which is a favourite nesting spot for olive ridley turtles . It also houses a turtle sanctuary and scientific conservation centre. The boats generally charge 30 RM pp.

You can visit the national park independently or join a guided tour.

End the Penang portion of your Malaysia itinerary for 10 days with a very relaxing evening at the coastal upmarket resort area of Batu Ferringhini. The sandy beach (easily the best in Penang) here has a long coastline, beautiful sunsets and lots of beachfront seafood restaurants making it popular among locals as well as tourists. Water activities and a night market are other added attractions.

CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR THE COMPLETE PENANG TRAVEL GUIDE AND ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS

GETTING AROUND IN PENANG

1. WALKING: This is the best mode for exploring the quaint alleys of Georgetown and discovering all the sights.
2. TRISHAWS: A colourful and fun experience when you become too tired from walking in the heat! Trishaws can take you on a small tour through the streets of Georgetown or you can use them to go from one spot to another.
3. GRAB APP TAXI: Definitely the best choice for longer distances like Penang Hill train station, Kek Lok Si or the beaches. Its pretty cheap compared to standard taxi fares.
4. BUS: The main bus service is called ‘Rapid Penang’ and it covers a lot of area within the mainland and the island as well. Komtar Central is the terminal to catch a bus for going to other parts of the island/mainland. Rapid Penang also provides a free CAT shuttle bus service that covers popular attractions/routes within Georgetown. 

WHERE TO STAY IN PENANG:

There are 2 main places where you can stay in Penang depending on your interests: historic Georgetown which is good for sightseeing and the seaside Batu Ferringhi known for it’s nightlife. Some of the popular and well reviewed accommodation options include:

• Swing and pillows @ Beach street (Hostel)
• B street hotel (Budget)
• Old Penang Hotel (Budget)
• Yang Keng hotel (Mid range): our stay
• The George (Luxury)

WHERE TO EAT IN PENANG:

Some popular restaurant recommendations include:

• Asam Laksa Air Itom.
• Kafe Ping Hooi
• Laksalouicious
• Kebaya dining room
• Mew’s café
• China House
• Hawker stalls in Chulia street at night

You can try a food tour in Penang here.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN MALAYASIA:

If you have more time in hand, you can choose from one of these options:

• TAMAN NEGARA NATIONAL PARK: One of the oldest rainforests in the world (130 million years old), this park is home to birds, macaques and the Rafflesia flower. You can opt for a day trip or an overnight tour and get to take guided hikes, walk through canopy bridges and spend time with the local community.
• CAMEROON HIGHLANDS: Malaysia’s tea country which is located midway between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The high altitude makes the weather cool and a pleasant break from the rest of the tropical country. Check out the tea plantations, surrounding hills, strawberry fields and take hikes in the beautiful landscape.
• LANGKAWI: One of the most popular beach destinations in Asia with beautiful beaches like Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu. Have some adventures at the world’s highest skybridge/cable car and take boat tours to Kilim geo forest park.
• TIOMAN ISLANDS: The perfect island escape with pristine beaches, rainforests and hiking trails. It is also great spot for scuba diving with lots of marine life and coral reefs.
• MALAYSIAN BORNEO: A remote part of the country with 2 main provinces of Sabah (see Mount Kota Kinabalu) and Sarawak. Fulfill a big bucket list activity be getting to see orangutans in the wild here at Semenggoh nature reserve and Baku national park.
• IPOH: Culture lovers might want to add Ipoh to their Malaysia itinerary as it boasts of hidden cave temples, colonial architecture, street art and an exciting food scene.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU HAVE LESS/MORE TIME IN MALAYASIA: ALTERNATIVE ITINERARIES

5 DAYS IN MALAYASIA ITINERARY: there are multiple itineraries I can suggest here depending on your interests.

Option A: Days 1-2: Kuala Lumpur

Day 3: Day Trip to Malacca, Taman Negara National Park or Genting highlands

Days 4-5: Cameron highlands

Option B: Days 1-2: Kuala Lumpur

Day 3: day trip to Malacca or Taman Negara National Park

Days 4-5: Penang (for culture lovers) or Langkawi (beach lovers)

7 DAYS IN MALAYSIA ITINERARY:

Option A: Days 1-2: Kuala Lumpur

Day 3: Day trip to Malacca or Taman Negara national Park

Days 4-5: Cameron Highlands

Days 6-7: Penang

Option B:

Days 1-2 Kuala Lumpur

Days 3: day trip to Malacca or Taman Negara national park

Days 4-5: Penang

Days 6-7: Langkawi

2 WEEKS IN MALAYASIA ITINERARY: You can enough time to visit most of the best places in the country! A rough itinerary would look like this:

Days 1-3: Kuala Lumpur

Day 4: Day trip to Malacca

Days 5-6: Taman Negara National park

Days 7-8: Cameron Highlands

Days 9-11: Penang

Days 12-14: Langkawi/Perhentian islands

Day 15: Departure

I hope you found this blog post on a Malaysia itinerary for 10 days helpful and got useful information and inspiration to plan your own trip independently. 

If you are travelling in Asia, you may want to check out my posts on some epic experiences in Asia:

• CRUISE IN HALONG BAY
• EXPLORE CHARMING CHIANG MAI
• THAILAND’S SECRET PARADISE: THE TRANG ISLANDS
• BEACH HOPPING IN SRI LANKA
• SPEND ONE WEEK IN BEAUTIFUL RAJASTHAN
• THE TEMPLES OF ANGKOR

EXPLORE MORE OF ASIA

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