Malaysia was one of the biggest surprises of my travels through Southeast Asia. It combines everything travellers love about nearby countries like Thailand and Vietnam, yet life seems to move at a more relaxed pace, with fewer crowds and an authenticity that’s easy to fall in love with.
Many travellers skip Malaysia entirely or only stop briefly in Kuala Lumpur before flying somewhere else. After spending almost a month here, my husband and I left wishing we could stay even longer. I was blown away by how diverse the country is – from its historic old towns and futuristic megacities to its beautiful beaches, dramatic mountains and lush jungle, and world-class street food thanks to a rich mix of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. If you’re planning a trip through Southeast Asia, Malaysia absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Some travellers hesitate about Malaysia, worrying it might feel a bit too conservative. Although it is a Muslim-majority country, it’s certainly not dry – there are plenty of bars, cocktail bars, live music venues, and craft beer spots if you know where to look. That being said, if you are craving somewhere calmer than the rowdy party islands in Thailand, and less hectic than cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, Malaysia could be the perfect fit.
This 2-week Malaysia itinerary covers the best of Peninsular Malaysia – from Penang and Ipoh to the Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to see a bit of everything that this wonderful country has to offer.
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How This Malaysia Itinerary Is Organised
This itinerary travels from north to south, beginning in Penang and ending in Melaka. If you’re entering Malaysia from Singapore or flying into KL, you can easily reverse the route.
As always with my itineraries, there aren’t any one-night stops, giving you enough time in each destination to enjoy it properly. I’ll share all the practical advice on what to do and how to get around, and link to some of my travel guides which go into more detail about certain places.
Getting around Malaysia
- Bus: The easiest and most budget-friendly option for most legs of this trip. I recommend booking your bus journeys on 12Go. It’s my go-to transport site because you can check prices, travel times, and bus options, pay online, and get your e-ticket instantly.
- Train: The country has two main railway lines, with the West Coast Main Line running from Padang Besar on the Thailand border down to Johor Bahru close to the Malaysia-Singapore border. Travelling by train is more comfortable and scenic than going by bus, but trains here are usually more expensive and are not as frequent or well-connected.
When to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia is actually made up of two landmasses, but for this trip, I’m focusing on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s best to save the east coast and the island of Borneo for another visit!
The best time to visit the west coast is November-March. During this season, you can expect sunny days, warm temperatures, and relatively low rainfall.
Day 1-3: Penang
Our two-week Malaysian adventure begins in one of my favourite places in the whole of Southeast Asia – Penang. While Penang is technically a state, most travellers base themselves on Penang Island, home to the vibrant UNESCO-listed city of George Town.
I absolutely love this city, and I’m positive you will too. It is full of pretty streets lined with quaint colonial-era townhouses, Chinese clan houses, Buddhist and Hindu temples galore, and countless little alleys to get lost in.
George Town is often called the street food capital of the world, and for good reason. Night markets and hawker stalls line the streets, serving iconic dishes like Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and Nasi Kandar. Check out my post 10 Must-Try Dishes In Malaysia for more mouth-watering ideas!
Top Things to Do in Penang
- Wander the colourful streets of George Town
- Ride the funicular up Penang Hill
- Visit the enormous, multicoloured Kek Lok Si Temple
- Hike through Penang National Park
- Relax on Monkey Beach
- Admire the city’s whimsical street art
For a deeper dive into Penang, check out my post 3 Days in Penang, Malaysia: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
Where to Stay in Penang
I suggest staying in George Town’s historic centre for easy access to most attractions. You’ll find everything from budget hostels in restored shophouses to charming boutique hotels full of character.
Here are some well-rated hotels and apartments you might like:
- Moon Hotel George Town (£) – This well-located hotel offers clean, modern, air conditioned rooms with private bathrooms, free WiFi and free private parking.
- Citadines Tanjung Tokong (£) – A modern serviced apartment, with bright kitchenette-equipped suites, an indoor pool and free parking. A great choice for people who want easy access to both the beach and city.
- Eastern & Oriental Hotel (££) – A historic colonial-era landmark overlooking the sea, this hotel combines old-world grandeur with modern luxury, with elegant suites, two outdoor pools and a full-service spa.
How to Get to Penang
- Plane: The main airport for Penang is Penang International Airport (PEN). If your flight doesn’t go directly into PEN, then you will likely require a transfer at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL). The flight from KUL to PEN takes around one hour.
- Bus: Coaches or buses to Penang Island will cross over Penang Bridge and take you directly to George Town. These are the most budget-friendly options, especially if you’re travelling to Penang from another Malaysian city like Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur.
- Train & Boat: Take the train to Butterworth Railway Station from Kuala Lumpur, which takes around 4hrs one-way and costs RM90 (Malaysian Ringgit). From there you can walk to Sultan Abdul Halim Ferry Terminal and take the Penang Ferry across to George Town. Departures run roughly hourly and cost RM2 each way.
If you are entering Malaysia from Thailand then you will need to take the train to Padang Besar on the Thai-Malaysia border via Hat Yai. Once you have cleared immigration, transfer to a train to Butterworth station. The direct Bangkok-Butterworth service is set to resume in late 2025, but until then, you need to change trains at the Padang Besar station.
Day 4-5: Ipoh
Next stop: Ipoh, the chilled out capital of Perak state. Surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and lush greenery, Ipoh is perfect for slowing down and soaking up the city’s history and café culture.
Top Things to Do in Ipoh
Ipoh is split in half by the Kinta River, with the historic Old Town to the west and the more modern “New Town” to the east. To find our bearings, my husband and I followed the Ipoh Heritage Trail, a short self-guided tour that takes you past wonderfully preserved colonial-era buildings and historical landmarks like Ipoh Railway Station and the Birch Clock Tower. The tower commemorates James W.W. Birch, a British officer assassinated in Perak. After gaining independence, the street beside it was renamed for his killer – a detail that reveals Malaysia’s taste for irony!
Another popular attraction here is Concubine Lane. Once home to brothels and opium dens, this historic street is now lined with cafés, handicraft stores, independent art galleries, and street art. Although this area is quite touristy, it’s still worth visiting for a coffee or some souvenir shopping.
Speaking of coffee, Ipoh is the perfect place to enjoy the city’s wonderful café culture, with traditional kedai kopi (coffee shops) found throughout the city. Be sure to order an Ipoh white coffee, a local specialty where coffee beans are roasted with palm oil margarine, giving the drink a uniquely nutty, sweet, and slightly smoky flavour profile.
You certainly won’t go hungry in Ipoh – there are some really tasty local dishes you won’t find in other parts of the country. The city’s signature dish, nga choi kai, is a scrumptious plate of softly poached chicken, served alongside crunchy beansprouts dressed in light soy sauce, sesame oil, and white pepper. To try it, head to the intersection at Jalan Yau Tet Shin and Jalan Dato Tahwil Azar in the New Town. Here you’ll find several restaurants, such as Restoran Tauge Ayam Lou Wong, serving their own version of nga choi kai, competing in some kind of tasty turf war.
Another local favourite to try is salted chicken, which consists of a whole chicken marinated in aromatic herbs and spices, wrapped in paper and baked in salt. There are several places to try this succulent dish, but I can personally recommend Aun Kheng Lim Salted Chicken.
If you want to get outside of the city, there are some gorgeous scenic spots around Ipoh. There are hiking trails if you are feeling fit, as well as a number of impressive limestone caves to check out, some of which have been converted into temples!
Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple was one of my favourite surprises. It’s a stunning 12-acre Buddhist cave temple around 10 km from Ipoh city centre. Inside the cave, you’ll find stalactites and stalagmites, Buddha sculptures, and cheeky little monkeys running around. Just don’t feed them or they’ll never leave you alone!
Once you go through the cave, you emerge outside to a serene, well-maintained garden, surrounded by limestone karsts. It’s really impressive and very theatrical. There is also a reflexology footpath in the garden if your feet are sore, though from personal experience I cannot recommend it. Ouch!
You can get a Grab taxi to the cave temple, in about 20 minutes, and entrance is free.
Where to Stay in Ipoh
- The Horizon by MyKey (£) – A comfortable apartment with a sofa area, dining area and kitchen. Guests can enjoy the communal garden, fitness room and outdoor swimming pool.
- ICC Suites Ipoh City Centre (££) – A serviced apartment with complimentary breakfast, kitchen facilities and a washing machine. There are good communal amenities like an indoor swimming pool and fitness room.
- TUI BLUE The Haven Ipoh (£££) – Spacious and well-reviewed, this hotel has large suites and fantastic amenities like a swimming pool, on-site restaurant, fitness centre, a jogging track, a tennis court and a basketball court.
How to Get to Ipoh from Penang
The quickest and easiest way to get to Ipoh from Penang is to catch the ETS train from Butterworth Railway Station to Ipoh, with the journey taking around 1hr 40 mins. Tickets cost around RM45.
You can also get a bus if you want a more budget-friendly option, but these journeys will take around two to three hours, depending on the departure terminal.
Day 6-7: Cameron Highlands
Now it’s time to escape the heat and head into the hills! The Cameron Highlands was once used as a retreat for British colonial officers and, living up to stereotype, a place where they established tea plantations.
Today, the Cameron Highlands remains Malaysia’s primary tea-producing region, with stunningly picturesque tea plantations and rolling green hills as far as the eye can see.
Top Things to Do in the Cameron Highlands
The country’s largest and most well-known manufacturer, BOH, is located here. The BOH Tea Centre (Sungei Palas Garden) is a great place to visit. You’ll be treated to some jaw-dropping views from the BOH Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of tea from the on-site café. The views here are particularly atmospheric when the temperature drops and mist blankets the hills. You can also do a tea tasting and factory tour here to learn all about the tea-making process.
For a quieter, calmer experience, you could visit the Bharat Tea Plantation (entry RM4), which is equally beautiful as BOH but without the crowds. There are lots of pretty paths to walk along here, as well as a man-made waterfall, all of which provide plenty of photo opportunities.
Another English tradition that has remained popular in the Cameron Highlands is eating scones. If you’ve never tried a scone before, head to one of the various cafés in town serving freshly made scones with strawberry jam and cream. As a Brit, I just had to treat myself to one and I can report that they are the real deal.
While sipping on tea, munching scones, and looking out at the views is a pretty perfect way to spend a day, the Cameron Highlands is also a fantastic place to explore on foot. Along with several nearby waterfalls, there are also hiking trails to adventure through, all with varying levels of difficulties.
My husband and I did Jungle Trail 10, which joins up with Jungle Trail 6. Taking a good few hours to complete, this route takes you up hills, through thick forests, past small farms and through serene tea plantations.
We ended our long hike at the Cameron Valley Tea House at the Bharat Tea Plantation, where we sipped on a much-needed cup of tea while enjoying the splendid views. We also met a couple there who generously drove us back to town as our feet were throbbing!
Where to Stay in the Cameron Highlands
- Rovers Inn Guesthouse (£) – A great low-cost option for people travelling on a budget. Rooms are clean and comfortable, and guest reviews praise the central location and the shared communal areas.
- Silvan Garden Cameron Highlands (£) – A quiet and peaceful hotel, with clean and comfortable rooms. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and lovely views from the rooftop patio.
- Zenith Hotel Cameron (££) – This hotel offers spacious rooms with balconies, air conditioning, and private bathrooms. There’s also a sauna, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, and a restaurant serving continental and buffet breakfasts.
How to Get to the Cameron Highlands from Ipoh
To get from Ipoh to the Cameron Highlands, you will need to travel by bus from Amanjaya Bus Terminal to Tanah Rata Bus Terminal. Several operators run this route, with journeys taking around 2.5 hours. Tickets cost roughly RM25 and can be purchased on 12Go.
Day 8-11: Kuala Lumpur
Time to swap cool mountain air for the buzz of Malaysia’s capital city. Kuala Lumpur (KL) is a mix of shiny skyscrapers, historic districts, multicultural neighbourhoods, and endless places to eat.
Compared to the other spots on this itinerary, KL is definitely the busiest and most bustling (although not on the same level as other Asian cities like Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh City). KL can feel a little overwhelming at times, but it has so much to offer that it’s well worth spending at least three full days in the city.
Top Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur
- Admire the Petronas Towers from the ground, or travel up to the observation deck on level 86 for spectacular views.
- Climb the colourful steps to Batu Caves, a major Hindu temple complex with shrines dedicated to Lord Murugan.
- Explore Chinatown and the Petaling Street Market
- Visit vibrant Little India in Brickfields
- Marvel at the Islamic Arts Museum (you can easily spend hours admiring the beautiful artefacts!)
- Relax in the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, the largest of its kind in Asia. Watch out for the peacocks in the trees – one of them pooped on my husband, which was a shock as we didn’t realise peacocks flew into trees!
And of course, let’s not forget the food. Being the country’s capital city, there is an absolute abundance of places to eat, ranging from hawker centers and night markets like Jalan Alor, to cafés and upmarket restaurants. The city also boasts plenty of international dining options, just in case you need a break from Malay cuisine.
Check out my post on What To See And Do In Kuala Lumpur for more inspiration!
Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur
- Crown Suites At Platinum KLCC (£) – Comfortable, well-equipped apartments with dining areas, air conditioning, private bathrooms, and kitchenettes. Guests can enjoy a rooftop swimming pool, sun terrace, on-site restaurant and lush garden.
- Soho Suites KLCC (£) – A serviced-apartment-style stay, combining home-comforts, space and central convenience. Guests comment on how clean, modern and well-equipped the apartments are.
- Hilton Kuala Lumpur (££) – You can rely on a Hilton to offer comfort and an ideal city base, great if you want to be centrally located. There’s an outdoor swimming pool, a bar and six restaurants to choose between!
How to get to Kuala Lumpur from the Cameron Highlands
The best and most direct way to get to Kuala Lumpur from the Cameron Highlands is by bus. The journey takes around 4.5 hours and costs roughly €7.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from the Cameron Highlands to Ipoh, then take the direct train to KL Sentral.
Day 12-13: Melaka (Malacca)
Head south to the charming UNESCO World Heritage City of Melaka (also spelled Malacca). Steeped in history, Melaka has been shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British rule, and you can still see these influences today.
Top Things to Do in Melaka
Start exploring Melaka’s history in Dutch Square (Red Square). This photogenic part of the city is known for its striking red Dutch colonial landmarks, with the likes ofthe Stadthuys, a former government building from the mid-17th century, which attracts visitors from near and far.
Other notable sights nearby include A Famosa, an ancient Portuguese fortress, as well as the ruins of the Church of Saint Paul. Built by the Portuguese in the early 16th-century, it is one of the oldest European buildings in SE Asia.
Another thing that I really liked about Melaka is that it makes good use of the river flowing through it. The Melaka River Walk, a scenic promenade lined with restaurants, food markets, cafés, and fantastic art murals, is a lovely place to stroll down. It is particularly pleasant in the evening around sunset, when the paths are illuminated and the lights reflect upon the river.
You can also take the Melaka River Cruise for a guided tour along the river. The round-trip takes around 40 minutes and costs RM38. My husband and I found it a fun way to see the river from a different perspective, and it was amusing when the captain suddenly started blasting pirate music over the loud speaker (very random!).
If you are in Malacca from Friday to Sunday, be sure to visit the lively Jonker Street Night Market. From 6pm to midnight, the long stretch of road becomes pedestrianised and transforms into a lively hub of activity, with locals and tourists alike enjoying live music and delicious food from hawker stalls.
Where to Stay in Melaka
- Rosa Malacca (£) – A peaceful stylish hotel within walking distance of the city’s main sights. Guests praise the friendly staff, cozy atmosphere and on-site restaurant.
- Heeren Palm Suites Hotel (£) – An apartment-style stay, offering a bit more space and flexibility. This would be a good choice for those looking for a restful retreat with home comforts after a day of sightseeing.
- The Majestic Malacca Hotel (££) – A refined, heritage-style hotel with beautiful décor, on-site spa, outdoor pool, and a central location. A great base if you want to soak up the historic charm of Melaka while feeling pampered.
How to Get to Melaka
The easiest way to get from KL to Melaka is to take a direct bus. Journeys take around 1 hr 45 mins and cost around €2 one-way.
Unfortunately there isn’t a direct train between these two cities, but you can get the train from KL to Tampin, which is the nearest station to Melaka. From here you can either get a Grab taxi or local bus. While you can technically visit as a day trip from KL, I encourage you to give Melaka more of your time as it’s a really colourful, charming city.
Day 14: Return to KL or continue to Singapore
Your last day depends on your onward travel plans.
- Returning to Kuala Lumpur: Take a bus from Melaka Sentral back to KL. If you have a morning flight, travel the night before.
- Visiting Singapore from Melaka – I highly recommend this! The journey time is around 4hrs by bus from Melaka Sentral. You’ll need to clear immigration at Johor Bahru at the Malaysia-Singapore border. Once through, you can find your bus to continue onwards. Tickets can be booked in advance at 12Go.
If you do this itinerary in reverse and finish in Penang instead, you can:
- Fly or take the train back to KL
- Continue north into Thailand
- Or hop over to Langkawi for some chilled island time
I hope this 2-week Malaysia itinerary helps you plan an unforgettable trip to this underrated, wonderfully diverse country. Whether you’re here for the food, culture, nature, or slow-paced charm, Malaysia has a way of surprising even the most seasoned travellers.
Ciao for now
Izzie, the Curious Sparrow
