As Tourism Malaysia’s jingle goes, ‘Malaysia Truly Asia’, this country encapsulates Asia’s diversity in terms of culture, culinary adventures, and experiences. Malaysia is divided across two separate land masses separated by the South China Sea, and it might be tough to choose what to include in your Malaysia itinerary. Peninsular Malaysia has more cities and developed tourist spots, while Borneo (Sarawak and Sabah in east Malaysia) is all about deep forests and natural beauty. Sand lovers are blessed because both parts boast beautiful beaches. Our Malaysia itinerary will give everyone – families, luxury travellers, shopaholics, culture seekers, and gastro-tourists – a taste of everything to do in Malaysia.
Best time to visit Malaysia
Malaysia is only about 278 km north of the equator. Hence, the country has a warm tropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C throughout the year. The driest period in most regions would be between March and June, perfect for sightseeing, hiking and biking trails, and beach and forest adventures. For cooler weather, head to upcountry areas such as Cameron Highlands and Genting Highlands, where temperatures are surprisingly pleasant.
The best time to avoid visiting is during the monsoon season, as heavy rain could be a wet blanket during your activities. The west coast (where places like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and George Town are located) has rain between May and October, the east coast (beautiful beaches and traditional culture) has rain from mid-October to March, while Borneo bears the brunt between November and February. For those who don’t mind the heat and prefer the buzz of bazaars and festivals, June is high season. If eating fresh durian fruit is on the agenda, plan a July visit. October is a good time to go if budget is a constraint.
Decode the best time to visit Malaysia with this detailed guide to choose between monsoon mist and tropical bliss.
Requirements to visit Malaysia
All foreign travellers (barring a few nationalities and holders of certain passes) must complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) three days before arriving in Malaysia. Once the online form is completed and submitted, proof of submission will be sent to your registered email.
Also read | Did You Know Malaysia Passport Holders Get Visa-Free Access To Over 100 Countries?
Many nations are exempt from requiring a tourist visa to see and discover everything to do in Malaysia. Still, since the rules keep changing, it’s best to check the latest and correct information for your country on their official website here. A visa is not required for a stay of less than one month for ASEAN nationals except for Myanmar. Visas are required for stays longer than a month for all these countries, except for Brunei and Singapore nationals. Citizens of China and India are exempt from acquiring tourist visas until December 31, 2026. Travellers with certain types of special travel documents (Laissez-Passer, Certificate of Identity, Titres De Voyages, US Re-entry Permit For Naturalization, Surat Perjalanan Laksana Passport – SPLP Indonesia) are required to apply for a visa too. In addition, you may need to produce a Yellow Fever certificate from certain countries upon landing in Malaysia.
The essential five-day Malaysia itinerary
Fall in love with Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia itinerary days 1 and 2
You’ll land at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. After the immigration formalities, you will be set to check in at your hotel and then head out to explore this bustling metropolis, the country’s capital. The most recognisable landmark in this fabulous urban destination is the twin Petronas Towers, featured in several Hollywood and Bollywood action films. Apart from going across the famous skywalk connecting Kuala Lumpur’s sprawling malls, such as Pavilion KL and Suria KLCC, KL offers many interesting things to do.
Travel 13 km north from KL to see the famous Batu Caves on day 2 of your Malaysia itinerary. Pay your respects to the Hindu Tamil deity Murugan at the start of the cave complex and then walk up 272 gaily painted steps to see the various shrines and the panoramic view. Later today, we highly recommend visiting Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, which has the most innovative exhibits and interactive experiences guaranteed to excite and illuminate you on various aspects of science. If you’re interested in culture and anthropology, the Mah Meri Cultural Village, which gives you insights into Orang Asli (indigenous) history and culture, is only an hour away by road. The Islamic Arts Museum, with over 9,000 artefacts, is well worth visiting.
Here’s your guide to the top tourist places and things to do in Kuala Lumpur.
Even if you don’t want to sightsee and would instead soak in the vibe, the multi-faceted city of KL has beautiful places of worship, coffee houses called kopitiam, and a very vibrant restaurant and bar scene. Jalan P Ramlee, the shopping, food and entertainment district of Bukit Bintang, Petaling Street Chinatown, and the area dubbed the Golden Triangle are the places to eat, shop, and party into the wee hours.
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The powerful pull of Penang and Langkawi: Days 3-5 of Malaysia itinerary
This morning, fly to Penang. Start your time in Penang with a visit to Penang Hill, the country’s oldest hill station. The funicular ride up and the views from the top are beautiful and will give you an idea of the lay of the land. Later, stop at Kek Lok Si, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple. In the evening, walk around the charming port city of George Town, which has colonial buildings and vibrant street art. The first British settlement in Southeast Asia is now a thriving tourist magnet. If you love to try local fare, Penang is the right spot. If you want authentic laksa, try the hawker stalls in Lorong Baru. Want to binge on the freshest and most delicious seafood? Head to Gurney Drive and pick from the impressive line-up of restaurants. Armenian Street has some great eateries, too.
To understand the three communities that make Malaysia what it is, visit the Penang Peranakan Mansion here. Once a mansion home to a wealthy Chinese tycoon, today, it houses a museum that showcases Penang’s rich Peranakan heritage (a mix of Chinese and Malay) through an immense collection of antiques and artefacts. Stroll through the streets of Little India and grab a delicious South Indian lunch. In the evening, head to the Clan Jetties, wooden piers built by Chinese immigrants. Echoes of times gone by and the stories of early Malaysia float on the breeze as you watch the solemn sunset.
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On day 4 of your Malaysia itinerary, pencil in a canopy walk through the Penang National Park, bringing you close to nature. Look out for flying lemurs that are endemic to this jungle! This is a must-do on any Malaysia itinerary.
Later on day 4, it’s time to get beach-ready. Fly to the island of Langkawi (the larger of only two inhabited islands among over a hundred that form an archipelago in the Andaman Sea), which has a fascinating legend. Learn all about this at the Mahsuri Museum, which is named for a beautiful woman at the centre of the story. Head to Pantai Cenang Beach, one of Langkawi’s most loved. You can relax, swim, or indulge in water sports here and get superb sunset shots. The two-km stretch is packed with restaurants, beachfront bars, souvenir shops, cultural performances, and kid-friendly activities, so it has something for everyone as long as you don’t mind being in the centre of a crush of people, especially in high season.
The famous Sky Bridge you’ve been waiting to see is on Pulau Langkawi, the main island. Take the Langkawi Cable Car to the top of Mat Cincang Mountain, where you can get a bird’s eye view of the forested island and some tumbling waterfalls. Do a leisurely mangrove cruise through the unique ecosystem of the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, getting a chance to spot some of its diverse wildlife.
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If you have only five days, you’ll fly back to KL and then home today. However, there are several other things to do in Malaysia that could be part of an extended trip or perhaps even saved for another Malaysia itinerary in the future!
So many more things to add to your Malaysia itinerary!
If you extend your five-day Malaysia itinerary, there’s still much more to do in this country. Here are some top suggestions from the thousands of things to do in Malaysia…
- In the highly cultural Melaka, take a walk along the river (or a boat cruise) to enjoy the sights of traditional Malay houses, Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture, and some spectacular street art. Apart from the lovely heritage homes, the murals in the Jonker Walk area are worth seeing. Visit the Dutch Square, which has some unique red buildings, including Stadthuys, the erstwhile house of the governor during Dutch rule. British-era buildings like the Christ Church, the oldest Protestant church in Malaysia, the Queen Victoria Fountain and the red clock tower are also worth stopping by. Take a trishaw ride for the actual ‘local experience’.
Explore more of Malaysia’s historic heart with our guide to the best things to do in Melaka.
- Trekkers will love exploring the trails in Taman Negara National Park in Pahang. They can walk across the world’s longest rope walkway, see the homes of the Orang Asli indigenous tribals, and experience a wide variety of wild flora and fauna. With our comprehensive guide, they can explore more national parks in Malaysia.
- Enjoy the British colonial hangover in the Cameron Highlands (also in Pahang), with visits to tea and coffee plantations, fruit orchards, and traditional English cream teas with fresh, local strawberries. Here’s our travel guide to exploring the best of Cameron Highlands.
- The Genting Highlands (also called Resorts World Genting) are also worth visiting, with resorts, casinos and shopping over 5,000 feet above sea level in the Titiwangsa mountains. Take the Genting Skyway cable car (the world’s fastest and southeast Asia’s longest) up, stay at the world’s biggest hotel – the First World Hotel – which has 7,351 rooms at the top, and enjoy the theme parks, bars, restaurants, nightclubs, casino, and outlet mall here.
- If you prefer to be physically active, expert hikers can try climbing Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s highest peak, in Borneo.
- Divers, meanwhile, will enjoy the Perhentians, islands in Terengganu that are not too far from the coast of Thailand.
- If you love cats, add Kuching in Sarawak to your Malaysia itinerary. It will delight you with the tale of how it got its name (which means cat) and all the statues of felines.
- Ipoh, the capital of the Perak province and birthplace of many famous people, including Oscar-winning actress Michelle Yeoh, is a city that straddles history and modernity with its ancient caves, stunning Buddhist temples, colonial-era buildings, zen gardens, and fantastic theme parks. Explore the heart of Perak with our guide to the best places to visit in Ipoh.
- Wildlife enthusiasts can spot orangutans, pygmy elephants, and carnivorous pitcher plants in the incredibly biodiverse Danum Valley, proboscis monkeys near the Kinabatangan River in Sabah, and enjoy many other unique experiences. Chartering a flight to reach Gunung Mulu National Park is worth the expense and effort to see how the forest, mountains, and caves come together in interesting juxtapositions. It’s especially worth adding to your Malaysia itinerary if you’re into photography.
While Johor Bahru is well known for being home to Legoland Malaysia and the adventure-centric X Park Iskandar Puteri, it also has an interesting mix of Malay and British colonial architecture and spaces such as the Johor Craft Complex, which showcase the region’s culture and handicrafts.
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Things to remember while travelling to Malaysia
- While Malaysia is very culturally diverse (multiple ethnicities, religions, and languages), and KL is modern and fashionable, it’s best to dress modestly, even though the weather may be hot and humid. Avoid public displays of affection and behaviour that may be considered inappropriate, whether on the street or at a place of worship. This can include anything from selfies to obnoxious poses and dances for social media.
- Don’t point with your index finger, as that is considered offensive. Use your thumb instead!
- Use your right hand to greet others with a handshake or for eating.
- KL and most popular tourist towns have good connectivity and data with most global service providers, but if you go into the interiors, you may need to scout a more local option.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, digital payments are gaining ground quickly, and ATMs are easily found. But this is in KL. If you head to remote areas in Borneo and beyond, carrying local currency in smaller denominations would be wise.
- Green travellers may not think of buying mineral water as a good practice. But unless you can boil tap water or fill your refillable bottle from a reliable source, branded water may be the safest bet.
(Feature image credit: salehi hassan/Flickr)
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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.
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FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
A minimum of five days will give you a sense of Malaysia and how much more there is to discover!
Singapore is very close to Malaysia and could be done as a day trip.
You should wear light clothing in breathable fabrics, a small umbrella, a hat or cap, shades, comfortable footwear that is waterproof and cool, and plenty of sunscreen and insect repellent.
Flights are the quickest way to get around Malaysia, albeit expensive. Trains can be comfortable and more affordable if you have the time. Road journeys can be long, but not bad in an AC bus, considering how little they cost. Hiring a car and driver or even self-driving is possible. Ferries connect Peninsular Malaysia with nearby islands and are a good way to get around.
Activities such as snorkelling, diving, wakeboarding, surfing, skyboarding, and jet skiing can be found at the popular beaches. Many forest locales offer ATV rides on mud tracks. Paragliding, parasailing, and helicopter sightseeing are worth weaving into your Malaysia itinerary. Waterfall abseiling, rock climbing, and spelunking in caves are all adventure activities that rate amongst the top things to do in Malaysia if you’re an adventure junkie. Scaling Mount Kinabalu is a tremendous challenge, which typically takes two days. There’s even a Via Ferrata (protected mountain trail, which has all the aids like rungs and rails needed to climb without being an expert or professional rock climber. It’s the world’s highest route (ranging between 3,400 and 3,800 metres). If natural adventure isn’t your thing, parks such as X Park Iskandar Puteri will give you the thrills and spills in a more controlled environment. One of Malaysia’s largest extreme and adventure parks, it has many adrenalin-pumping activities.
Kuala Lumpur and Penang have the most variety, but wherever else you travel, you’re likely to discover some fabulous local gems.
One of the chief British legacies to the countries they occupied was the development of ‘hill stations’. Having these highland spots allowed them to cope with living in the tropics by escaping to the cooler climes of the hills in summer. Cameron Highlands is one such hill station, populated in the 1930s, making it the oldest in Malaysia. Today, you can enjoy walking through forest trails, visiting waterfalls and the most serene spots, and meeting some of the Orang Asli aboriginals in their villages. Tea gardens, strawberry farms, and floral nurseries are rich in nature-filled experiences.
This is possible in almost every place in Malaysia. While some cities have museums and cultural centres that you can visit for insights, interacting with locals, walking around neighbourhoods, and observing their customs can bring you closer to diverse Malaysian culture. Often, booking a private tour with a local guide can allow you to access an inner and fascinating world.
While you may not want to navigate the crowded streets of KL, renting a self-drive vehicle to explore the rest of Malaysia is quite doable. Good roads, proper signage, and orderly traffic mean that driving here isn’t as fraught as other Asian nations.
For most nationalities, the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) must be completed and submitted online three days before the scheduled arrival in Malaysia.
Written By
Priya Pathiyan
A chronicler of all things culture and lifestyle. Priya\'s forte is fresh perspective on everything. ..Read More
