Make this trip your own
Create your own free, personalized itinerary in seconds — then sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version
Viewed by 73 travelers

7-Day Budget Itinerary for Malaysia

Thursday, August 31: Kuala Lumpur

Start your trip by exploring the vibrant capital city of Kuala Lumpur. In the morning, visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers and enjoy breathtaking views from the observation deck. In the afternoon, explore the colorful Central Market and indulge in local street food. As the evening sets in, head to Jalan Alor for a bustling night market experience.

  • Petronas Twin Towers: Cost Estimate - $20, Time Spent - 2 hours
  • Central Market: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 2 hours
  • Jalan Alor Night Market: Cost Estimate - $10, Time Spent - 2 hours
Restaurants
  • For breakfast, head to Restoran Kudu Bin Abdul in Chow Kit for a delicious Malaysian roti canai. A typical meal here costs about RM 5-10 per person.
  • For lunch, try Nasi Kandar Pelita in Bukit Bintang. Indulge in their flavorful rice dishes with a variety of curries and side dishes. A meal here costs around RM 15-20 per person.
  • For dinner, visit Madam Kwan's in Suria KLCC for some traditional Malaysian cuisine like nasi lemak and satay. Enjoy a delightful dinner for around RM 30-40 per person.
Friday, September 1: Malacca

Embark on a day trip to the historic city of Malacca. In the morning, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Malacca Old Town, filled with colonial architecture and charming streets. In the afternoon, visit the Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum to learn about the rich Peranakan culture. As the evening sets in, take a relaxing river cruise along the Malacca River.

  • Malacca Old Town: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 3 hours
  • Baba-Nyonya Heritage Museum: Cost Estimate - $10, Time Spent - 1 hour
  • Malacca River Cruise: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 1 hour
Saturday, September 2: Penang

Fly to Penang and immerse yourself in the cultural melting pot of the island. In the morning, explore the vibrant street art in George Town and visit the iconic Clan Jetties. In the afternoon, indulge in delicious local cuisine at the hawker stalls of Gurney Drive. As the evening sets in, take a stroll along the picturesque Batu Ferringhi Beach.

  • George Town Street Art: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 2 hours
  • Clan Jetties: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
  • Gurney Drive Hawker Stalls: Cost Estimate - $10, Time Spent - 2 hours
  • Batu Ferringhi Beach: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour
Sunday, September 3: Langkawi

Take a short flight to the beautiful island of Langkawi. In the morning, visit the Langkawi Sky Bridge for breathtaking views of the surrounding islands. In the afternoon, relax on the pristine beaches of Pantai Cenang. As the evening sets in, explore the vibrant night market in Kuah Town.

  • Langkawi Sky Bridge: Cost Estimate - $15, Time Spent - 2 hours
  • Pantai Cenang Beach: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
  • Kuah Night Market: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 1 hour
Monday, September 4: Cameron Highlands

Head to the cool highlands of Cameron Highlands. In the morning, visit the tea plantations and enjoy a refreshing cup of tea. In the afternoon, explore the colorful flower gardens at the Kea Farm Market. As the evening sets in, indulge in a steamboat dinner at one of the local restaurants.

  • Cameron Highlands Tea Plantations: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 2 hours
  • Kea Farm Market: Cost Estimate - $2, Time Spent - 1 hour
  • Steamboat Dinner: Cost Estimate - $10, Time Spent - 2 hours
Tuesday, September 5: Borneo Wildlife Adventure

Fly to Borneo and embark on a wildlife adventure. In the morning, visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and witness these incredible creatures up close. In the afternoon, take a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River and spot proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. As the evening sets in, enjoy a traditional village homestay experience.

  • Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre: Cost Estimate - $10, Time Spent - 2 hours
  • Kinabatangan River Cruise: Cost Estimate - $30, Time Spent - 3 hours
  • Traditional Village Homestay: Cost Estimate - $20, Time Spent - Overnight
Wednesday, September 6: Kota Kinabalu

Conclude your trip by exploring Kota Kinabalu. In the morning, hike up to the summit of Mount Kinabalu for breathtaking views. In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Tanjung Aru Beach. As the evening sets in, visit the vibrant Filipino Market and indulge in fresh seafood.

  • Mount Kinabalu Hike: Cost Estimate - $50, Time Spent - 6 hours
  • Tanjung Aru Beach: Cost Estimate - Free, Time Spent - 3 hours
  • Filipino Market: Cost Estimate - $5, Time Spent - 2 hours

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

One of the hidden gems in Malaysia is the beautiful island of Perhentian. It offers pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and amazing snorkeling opportunities. Locals love hiking in the Taman Negara National Park, immersing themselves in lush rainforests and spotting unique wildlife. Another favorite is the food paradise of Penang, where you can explore the vibrant night markets and savor delicious street food.

To check hotel and flight prices, click here.

0
Like this trip? Make your own version.
A free, personalized itinerary in seconds — sign up to save and edit it.
Create my version