The Ultimate 5-day Itinerary For Malaysia

Waquar Habib

Malaysia

Malaysia beckons travellers with its diverse cultures, lush landscapes, and modern marvels. From the iconic Petronas Towers to the idyllic beaches of Langkawi, Malaysia offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and natural beauty.

Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia | Shutterstock

Day 1: Kuala Lumpur

Morning

Start your trip by visiting the iconic Petronas Towers, the two 88-story skyscrapers in Kuala Lumpur standing at 1,483 feet. They were the world's tallest buildings until 2004. Arrive early to beat the crowds and take photos.

Petronas Towers | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Head to Batu Caves, a limestone hill with a series of caves and cave temples, along with a magnificent statue of Lord Murugan. Climb the colourful stairs for a panoramic view of the city. Later on, experience Kuala Lumpur's street food scene at Jalan Alor.

Batu Caves | Shutterstock

Evening

Visit Kuala Lumpur Tower, the world's 39th tallest tower and seventh-tallest telecommunication tower, for a breathtaking evening view of the city. Towards the end of the day, head for dinner at Bukit Bintang.

View from monorail station at Bukit Bintang | Shutterstock

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur

Morning

Head to the Islamic Arts Museum and dive into the rich Islamic heritage. It's the largest museum of Islamic art in Southeast Asia, with over 9,000 artefacts worldwide.

Islamic Arts Museum | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Explore Petaling Street in Chinatown for its bustling atmosphere and vibrant street markets. Shop and dine at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, a premium shopping mall.

Pavilion Kuala Lumpur | Shutterstock

Evening

Enjoy a dinner feast at the famous food street, Jalan Petaling. Later, enjoy the nightlife at Changkat Bukit Bintang. It's known as the "Times Square of Kuala Lumpur" and is considered the city's "it" party venue.

Petaling street food | Shutterstock

Day 3: Penang

Morning

Fly to Penang in the morning. Located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Penang is a captivating destination known for its cultural heritage, street food, and natural beauty.

A view of Penang | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Take the funicular train to Penang Hill for panoramic views. It's also the oldest hill station in Malaysia. Later, visit the Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia.

Kek Lok Si Temple | Shutterstock

Evening

Explore the famous Gurney Drive for a variety of local dishes. After you are done dining, stroll through George Town to discover its vibrant street art.

Street art in George Town | Shutterstock

Day 4: Penang

Morning

Head to the Penang National Park for a canopy walk. The park is home to 417 plant species and 243 animal species, including silvered leaf monkeys, flying lemurs, and leopard cats.

Penang National Park | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Discover the history of the Peranakans at this beautifully preserved Penang Peranakan Mansion. It is a two-story mansion that was once the home and office of a 19th-century Chinese tycoon. Later, enjoy Indian cuisine in the colourful streets of Little India.

Penang Peranakan Mansion | Shutterstock

Evening

Take a sunset stroll along the Clan Jetties, originally wooden piers built by the Chinese and divided between different surname-based clans. At the end, explore the trendy Armenian Street for dinner options.

Lim Jetty | Shutterstock

Day 5: Langkawi

Morning

Fly to Langkawi in the morning. It is a duty-free archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, located off the northwest coast of Malaysia. The archipelago is also known as "Langkawi, the Jewel of Kedah."

A view of Langkawi | Shutterstock

Afternoon

Visit the famous Sky Bridge for breathtaking views of the island. The bridge deck is 660 metres above sea level at the peak of Gunung Mat Cincang on Pulau Langkawi, the main island of Langkawi. Take a cable car ride up to Mount Machinchang.

Gunung Mat Cincang | Shutterstock

Evening

Relax at Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach) and have dinner at one of the seaside restaurants. Later, explore the night market for local snacks and souvenirs.

Pantai Cenang | Shutterstock

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