10-Day Self-Driven Road Trip Across Malaysia from India: An Epic Southeast Asian Adventure

Day 1: Arrival and Kuala Lumpur exploration

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 19, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at VCR Cafe

Start your morning with artisan coffee and a delicious eggs benedict or kaya toast at this popular cafe that opens at 7:30am.
MYR30, 1h

9:30am

Visit Petronas Twin Towers

Explore the iconic Petronas Towers and enjoy panoramic city views from the skybridge and observation deck. Opens 9:00am–9:00pm.
MYR80, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Jalan Alor Food Street

Sample a variety of Malaysian street foods like satay, char kway teow, and fresh tropical fruits in this lively street food market.
MYR25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Batu Caves

Head just outside the city to discover the impressive limestone caves and Hindu shrines. Open 6:00am to 9:00pm daily.
Free, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Perdana Botanical Gardens

Enjoy a peaceful walk and see the gardens, lake, and deer park. Open 7:00am–8:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Bijan Bar & Restaurant

Savor authentic Malay fine dining in an elegant atmosphere. Booking recommended; open till 11:00pm.
MYR90, 2h
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Day 2: Malacca Heritage Tour

Malacca, Malaysia on May 20, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Daily Fix Cafe

Enjoy freshly baked waffles and local coffee at this charming cafe near Dutch Square. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
MYR20, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Malacca (2h from KL)

Scenic drive southwards towards the historic city of Malacca.
Fuel approx. MYR60, 2h

11:00am

Explore Dutch Square & Stadthuys Museum

Walk around the red-hued Dutch colonial buildings and visit the Stadthuys to learn about Malacca’s history. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
MYR10, 1h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at Nancy’s Kitchen

Try authentic Peranakan (Nyonya) cuisine with flavorful dishes like ayam pongteh and layer cakes.
MYR40, 1h

2:00pm

Visit A Famosa fort & St Paul’s Hill

Explore the remnants of the Portuguese fortress and climb to St Paul’s Hill for city views. Open 9:00am–6:00pm.
MYR5, 1h

4:00pm

Relax by the Malacca River

Take a leisurely riverside walk or a scenic river cruise. Cruise operates 9:00am–10:00pm; MYR30 per person.
MYR30, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Pak Putra Tandoori & Naan

Enjoy delicious tandoori chicken and freshly baked naan in a casual setting. Open until 10:00pm.
MYR40, 1h30m
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Day 3: Johor Bahru city & foodie day

Johor Bahru, Malaysia on May 21, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Hua Mui Coffee Shop

Classic old-school coffee shop serving kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. Opens 7:00am–3:00pm.
MYR10, 45m

8:00am

Drive to Johor Bahru (2.5h from Malacca)

Start early for the drive to Malaysia’s southern gateway city.
Fuel approx. MYR70, 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque

Admire this grand mosque with Victorian architecture, overlooking the Straits of Johor. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Kam Long Curry Fish Head

Taste Johor specialty curry fish head with rice, a must-try local dish.
MYR35, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple

Visit this historical temple dedicated to five Chinese deities, built in 1870. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
Free, 45m

3:00pm

Shopping at Johor Bahru City Square

Spend the afternoon browsing shops and cafes in this large mall.
Variable, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Senibong Seafood Village

Fresh seafood by the waterfront, offering crab, prawns, and more. Open 6:00pm–11:00pm.
MYR80, 2h
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Day 4: Penang cultural immersion

George Town, Penang, Malaysia on May 22, 2025

6:30am

Early breakfast at Toh Soon Cafe

Try famous Penang charcoal-roasted coffee and toast. Opens 6:30am–3:00pm.
MYR15, 45m

7:30am

Drive to Penang (4h from Johor Bahru)

Drive northwest toward the island city of George Town, Penang.
Fuel approx. MYR120, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Chulia Street Night Hawker Stalls

Though named night stalls, many open by noon; enjoy char kway teow and Penang laksa.
MYR30, 1h

1:30pm

George Town Heritage Walk

Visit murals by Ernest Zacharevic, Clan Jetties, and Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Walk is self-guided; open all day.
MYR20 (Peranakan Mansion entry), 3h

5:00pm

Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

Explore the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia, beautifully lit at dusk. Open 8:00am–6:00pm.
MYR5, 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre

Feast on local delicacies such as asam laksa, oyster omelette, and satay in an open-air food court.
MYR40, 2h
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Day 5: Langkawi island beach day

Langkawi, Malaysia on May 23, 2025

7:00am

Early breakfast at Langkawi Ferry Terminal Café

Light Malaysian breakfast before ferry departure. Opens early with ferry services.
MYR15, 30m

7:30am

Ferry to Langkawi (1h15m)

Travel by ferry from Penang to Langkawi Island, enjoying sea views.
MYR35, 1h15m

10:00am

Relax at Pantai Cenang Beach

Spend the morning swimming and sunbathing at Langkawi’s premier beach.
Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Yellow Cafe

Beachfront dining serving Western and local dishes in a casual atmosphere.
MYR50, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Langkawi Sky Bridge & Cable Car

Take the cable car up to Gunung Mat Cincang and walk the curved Sky Bridge. Open 10:00am–6:00pm.
MYR55, 2h

5:00pm

Sunset at Langkawi Eagle Square

See the iconic giant eagle statue and enjoy sunset views by the waterfront.
Free, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Orkid Ria Seafood Restaurant

Fresh seafood with lovely views and authentic Malay flavors, open till late.
MYR80, 2h
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Day 6: Cameron Highlands nature & tea

Cameron Highlands, Malaysia on May 24, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Cameron Organic Steamboat Restaurant

Enjoy an energizing local breakfast like steamboat or fresh vegetables. Opens at 7:00am.
MYR30, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Cameron Highlands (4h from Langkawi with ferry and road)

Travel to the cooler hill station famous for tea plantations and fresh produce.
Fuel approx. MYR130, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Lord’s Cafe

Cozy café serving western and local fusion dishes using highland-grown ingredients.
MYR40, 1h

1:30pm

Visit BOH Tea Plantation

Tour the expansive tea fields and visit the tasting room overlooking the valley. Open 9:00am–5:00pm.
MYR10, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Mossy Forest

Guided nature walk through this mystical and mist-covered forest area. Tours start at 4:00pm; book in advance.
MYR25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Cameronian Cuisine

Enjoy traditional Malaysian dishes with fresh, local ingredients in a warm setting.
MYR50, 1h30m
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Day 7: Ipoh heritage & food

Ipoh, Malaysia on May 25, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Nam Heong White Coffee

Try famous Ipoh white coffee with egg tarts and traditional kaya toast. Opens 7:30am–3:00pm.
MYR20, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Ipoh (2h from Cameron Highlands)

Morning drive to Ipoh, a colonial and culinary gem.
Fuel approx. MYR60, 2h

11:00am

Visit Ipoh Old Town

Walk historic streets to admire mural art and heritage buildings with quaint cafés.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lou Wong Bean Sprout Chicken

Sample Ipoh’s famous chicken rice with crunchy bean sprouts. Open 10:00am–3:00pm.
MYR25, 1h

2:30pm

Visit Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple

Explore this impressive limestone cave temple with landscaped gardens. Open 9:00am–6:00pm.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Relax at Gunung Lang Recreational Park

Boat ride and stroll through lakeside gardens. Park open 8:00am–6:00pm.
MYR10 (boat ride), 1h30m

7:30pm

Dinner at Plan B

Trendy restaurant serving fusion and western dishes in a lively venue. Open till 10:00pm.
MYR60, 2h
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Day 8: Taman Negara national park

Taman Negara, Malaysia on May 26, 2025

5:00am

Early breakfast at accommodation

Have an early hearty breakfast before the long journey to Taman Negara.
MYR20, 30m

5:30am

Drive to Taman Negara (5h from Ipoh)

Early morning drive inland to Malaysia’s rainforest national park.
Fuel approx. MYR160, 5h

11:00am

Check-in and lunch at park resort

Settle into the resort and enjoy local food served at the resort’s restaurant.
MYR40, 1h

1:00pm

Canopy Walkway

Experience one of the world’s longest canopy walkways to see rainforest from above. Open till 5:30pm.
MYR30, 2h

4:00pm

Jungle trek

Take a guided nature hike to spot wildlife and learn about the ecosystem.
MYR40 (guide fee), 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at resort restaurant

Enjoy traditional Malay dishes and fresh river fish at the resort eatery.
MYR50, 1h30m
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Day 9: Genting Highlands excitement

Genting Highlands, Malaysia on May 27, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at resort

Fuel up with breakfast before departure from the jungle to the highlands.
MYR30, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Genting Highlands (4h from Taman Negara)

Mountain drive up to the entertainment and casino resort area.
Fuel approx. MYR120, 4h

12:00pm

Lunch at Genting Highlands Food Court

Wide variety of Malaysian and international dishes to refuel after travel.
MYR40, 1h

1:30pm

Visit Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

Enjoy rides, attractions, and entertainment. Opens 11:00am–6:00pm.
MYR150, 4h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Olive

Upscale dining with European cuisine inside the resort, great for winding down.
MYR120, 2h
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Day 10: Return to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on May 28, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Terrace Genting

Simple breakfast to begin the journey back to the city.
MYR20, 45m

9:00am

Drive back to Kuala Lumpur (1h15m from Genting Highlands)

Return trip to the capital for your onward travel arrangements.
Fuel approx. MYR40, 1h15m

11:00am

Visit Central Market Kuala Lumpur

Browse Malaysian handicrafts and souvenirs in this heritage market open 10:00am–9:30pm.
Free, 2h

1:00pm

Lunch at Lot 10 Hutong Food Court

Try a variety of Malaysian hawker-style dishes all under one roof.
MYR40, 1h

3:00pm

Relax at hotel or final sightseeing

Relax or fit in last-minute sightseeing before departure.
Variable, 3h

7:00pm

Farewell dinner at Jalan Bukit Bintang

Enjoy one last vibrant Malaysian meal with options from street food to fine dining.
MYR80, 2h
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