15-Day Malaysia Adventure Itinerary

  • Day 1: Kuala Lumpur
    From Kuala Lumpur International Airport: 1 hour (59 km)

    Upon arrival at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, start your journey in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. Visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and marvel at the stunning skyline view. Take an evening stroll around the Chinatown Market for local delicacies and souvenirs.

  • Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
    From Petronas Twin Towers: 20 minutes (6.7 km)

    Explore the vibrant and bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, filled with high-end shops, malls, and global cuisines. Next, visit the Batu Caves, a magnificent series of caverns filled with Hindu shrines and temples dedicated to Lord Murugan.

  • Day 3: Malacca
    From Kuala Lumpur: 1 hour 45 minutes (148 km)

    Travel south towards the historic city of Malacca to explore the blend of European and Asian culture. Visit the St. Paul's Hill Complex, with its impressive church ruins and scenic view of the city. Visit the Jonker Street Night Market for street food, live music, shopping, and cultural experiences.

  • Day 4: Cameron Highlands
    From Malacca: 4 hours 30 minutes (321 km)

    Travel towards the refreshing and serene Cameron Highlands, known for its tea plantations, strawberry fields, and scenic views. Visit the BOH Tea plantation to savor the aromatic tea and take a relaxing trek in the tea hills.

  • Day 5: Cameron Highlands
    From Brinchang: 10 minutes (2.4 km)

    Explore the Sam Poh Chinese Temple, the oldest and largest Buddhist temple in Cameron Highlands, and enjoy the serene ambiance. Next, visit the Mossy Forest, an enchanting and tranquil preserved jungle renowned for its rare plants and wildlife.

  • Day 6: Penang
    From Cameron Highlands: 4 hours (220 km)

    Travel north to the island of Penang, famous for its street art, mouth-watering food, and cultural heritage. Visit the Khoo Kongsi Temple, a Chinese clan house with traditional architecture and ornate decorations. End the day exploring the vibrant and colorful Little India neighborhood.

  • Day 7: Penang
    From George Town: 20 minutes (8 km)

    Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town, the capital of Penang. Start with a visit to the Penang Hill Funicular Railway, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Continue to Fort Cornwallis, the largest standing fort in Malaysia, and explore the impressive architecture and history of the era.

  • Day 8: Langkawi
    From Penang: 3 hours 30 minutes (120 km)

    Travel northwest to the popular island of Langkawi, known for its beaches, duty-free shopping, and stunning natural landscapes. Visit the famous Cable Car and Sky Bridge, offering scenic views of the island and the surrounding sea.

  • Day 9: Langkawi
    From Pantai Cenang: 15 minutes (9.1 km)

    Explore the tranquil and peaceful Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, a mangrove reserve with unique limestone formations and diverse fauna. Take a relaxing stroll at the scenic Pantai Cenang Beach, a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

  • Day 10: Kota Kinabalu
    From Langkawi: 2 hours 20 minutes (1,080 km including flight)

    Head to the eastern shores of Malaysia and land at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Start exploring by visiting Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a group of five scenic islands with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and abundant marine life. End the day by enjoying the fresh seafood at the waterfront Tanjung Aru Beach

  • Day 11: Kota Kinabalu
    From Kota Kinabalu: 30 minutes (15 km)

    Delve deeper into the beauty of Borneo's rainforest at the Kinabalu Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia. Explore the park's diverse flora and fauna on walking trails, and don't miss the famous Poring Hot Springs, a natural hot spring with therapeutic properties.

  • Day 12: Sandakan
    From Kota Kinabalu: 1 hour (230 km including flight)

    Explore the east coast of Sabah state and arrive at the city of Sandakan. Start with a visit to Sandakan Memorial Park, a solemn and significant WWII memorial. Then, explore the Gomantong Cave, a massive cave system with an impressive ecosystem of bats and swiftlets

  • Day 13: Sandakan
    From Sandakan: 30 minutes (22 km)

    Explore the magnificent Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a sanctuary dedicated to the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured orangutans. Walk in the adjacent Rainforest Discovery Centre and explore the outstanding biodiversity of Borneo's rainforest.

  • Day 14: Sipadan Island
    From Sandakan: 2 hours 30 minutes (140 km including ferry)

    Travel to >strong>Semporna town and then take a ferry to the world-renowned Sipadan Island. Explore the diverse marine life and coral reef at one of the top diving sites in the world.

  • Day 15: Departure
    From Kota Kinabalu International Airport: 45 minutes (8 km)

    Depart from Kota Kinabalu after 2 weeks of adventure and unforgettable experiences in Malaysia.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Petronas Twin Towers (2-3 hours, free)
  • Batu Caves (2-3 hours, free)
  • Jonker Street Night Market (2-3 hours, $)
  • BOH Tea plantation (1-2 hours, $)
  • Khoo Kongsi Temple (1-2 hours, $)
  • Penang Hill Funicular Railway (2-3 hours, $)
  • Fort Cornwallis (1-2 hours, $)
  • Cable car and Sky Bridge (2-3 hours, $)
  • Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (4-5 hours, $)
  • Kinabalu Park (4-6 hours, $)
  • Poring Hot Springs (2-3 hours, $)
  • Gomantong Cave (2-3 hours, $)
  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (2-3 hours, $)
  • Rainforest Discovery Centre (2-3 hours, $)
  • Sipadan Island (4-6 hours, $)
  • Total Estimated Costs ($$$$)

Transportation

Transportation in Malaysia includes buses, trains, taxis, ride-share services, and flights. Most transportation is affordable, and traveling between major cities can be done via public transport. However, for destinations such as Cameron Highlands, Langkawi Island and Sipadan Island, a rental car or a private tour service might be more convenient. Flight costs may vary depending on the destination, but booking in advance can often lead to more affordable airfare.

Useful Tips

For more adventure and thrill-seeking, add white water rafting at the rushing rivers of Kuala Kubu Bharu or explore the unique wildlife of the Kinabatangan River. For a more relaxed vacation, subtract Langkawi and/or Sipadan Island to balance travel time and increase relaxation time. Don't forget to indulge in local cuisines when visiting night markets and street food stalls, but make sure you stay hydrated and protected from the sun.

Airports

Malaysia has several airports that connect the country to the rest of the world. The Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is the main gateway to Malaysia and offers various airlines and flights options. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) is the main gateway to Sabah state and provides domestic and international flights. Sandakan Airport (SDK) is a smaller airport that connects Sandakan with other major cities in Malaysia.

0