Ultimate guide to Malaysia

Day 1-2: Malacca

Malacca is your first stop if arriving from Singapore, where most international flights land (in my opinion it’s usually cheaper to fly to Singapore from Europe or US than to Kuala Lumpur). Kick off your Malaysian adventure in the historic city of Malacca, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its rich history and unique architecture. Explore the red-stained Christ Church and the storied Jonker street night market. Take a leisurely river cruise or a trishaw ride around the quaint streets, and don’t miss sampling the local Nyonya cuisine, which blends Chinese ingredients with Malay spices.

Day 3-5: Kuala Lumpur

Next, take a bus to the dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur (sadly there is no train connection here). Spend your days visiting iconic landmarks such as the Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves. Immerse yourself in the local culture and food scene at the bustling markets of Chinatown and the vibrant streets of Little India. For shopping enthusiasts, the city’s numerous malls are truly impressive and offer everything from luxury brands to local handicrafts (plus much-needed aircon).

Day 6-7: Ipoh

Continue your journey to Ipoh, a cool city often overlooked by tourists, known for its colonial heritage and a booming food scene. Visit the Ipoh Heritage Trail and explore historical buildings like the Ipoh Railway Station and the Birch Memorial Clock Tower. The limestone caves, such as Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave Temple, offer stunning natural beauty and a peaceful escape from city life. Food is also big here – some people come only to try the famous Ipoh white coffee and the local special dishes (like Lou Wong’s chicken rice, yum!).

Day 8-10: Cameron Highlands

Head up to the cooler climates of Cameron Highlands, a perfect retreat for nature lovers. Tour the vast tea plantations and go see the Mossy Forest, a unique type of jungle at elevation. The best thing to do here is to go for a hike, through jungle, gorgeous views and working tea plantations.

Day 11-13: Penang (Georgetown)

Drive down to Penang and explore Georgetown, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and vibrant street art. Stroll through the streets to witness the fusion of cultures and taste the famed street food, including Char Kuey Teow and Assam Laksa. Visit the Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Fort Cornwallis to delve deeper into the local history.

Day 14-17: Kuching

Fly to Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo. This charming city is the gateway to the region’s natural wonders. There’s a lot to do here, you’ll need at least 3 nights to see the best parts of Sarawak. Visit the Sarawak Cultural Village to learn about the local indigenous cultures. Explore Bako National Park, where you can see wildlife like proboscis monkeys and unique plant species. Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Sarawak River to end your days on a peaceful note.

Day 18-20: Kota Kinabalu

Next, head to Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, a city known for its stunning sunsets, bustling markets, and proximity to beautiful islands. Visit the Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take a day trip to the nearby islands for snorkeling and relaxing on white-sand beaches. There’s also a mountain to be climbed, if that’s your thing. Mount Kinabalu with its 4095 meters is the highest point in Malaysia, and can only be climbed with a guide and permit (making it quite an expensive adventure unfortunately).

When to go

December to March (for West Malaysia): Malaysia’s tropical climate has warm and humid weather year-round, with temperatures typically ranging from 25°C to 32°C in the lowlands. In the highlands temperatures are usually between 15°C and 25°C. The optimal time to visit West Malaysia, including popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and the Cameron Highlands, is from December to March when the weather is relatively dry and sunny, perfect for exploring cities and enjoying the beaches.

March to September (for Borneo): Borneo experiences its dry season from March to September, making it the best period for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities due to minimal rainfall. 

If you want to combine the two, the shoulder months of March to April offer a good balance with fewer tourists and relatively dry weather in both areas.

How to get there

If you’re flying to Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) serves as the main international gateway, with direct flights from cities like London, New York, Sydney, and Tokyo. Singapore can also be an alternative to consider when looking for cheap flights –  you can easily take a bus into Malaysia. Browse through Kiwi or Expedia for a cheap flight from your home country to Malaysia. If you’re currently traveling around Southeast Asia, you can catch affordable flights from neighboring countries with carriers such as AirAsia, a popular low-cost airline in Asia that is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur.

From Nearby Countries

From Singapore | There are several regular buses and trains connecting Singapore with Johor Bahru, and from there you can continue to other parts of Malaysia. The bus journey to Kuala Lumpur typically takes about 5-6 hours. The best idea is to take a bus directly to Malacca, and start your itinerary there. This should cost you around 80 MYR, and it will take you 4 hours. Book your bus ticket from 12Go Asia for this trip. 

From Thailand | If you are currently in Thailand and want to visit Malaysia, buses and trains frequently run from southern Thailand to the Malaysian states of Perlis, Kedah, and Penang. (For example, several buses connect Hat Yai (Thailand) to George Town, Penang. This trip should cost around 40 MYR and will take around 4-5 hours.) For a scenic adventure, take the train from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur, it is slow but a cool adventure, featuring rural and coastal vistas.

How to get around

By Air | Domestic flights provide a quick way to travel from Kuala Lumpur to places like Penang, Kuching, and Kota Kinabalu. The airline with the most frequent flights is AirAsia, but there are several other budget airlines to choose from. See all the domestic flight routes below.

By public transport | There are train and public bus connections between all major tourist destinations. The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) operates rail services that span the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia from Perlis to Johor, including a route to the scenic Cameron Highlands. Virtually everything else is covered by buses.

By car | Malaysia’s excellent highway network makes driving a practical choice. Car rentals are available at airports and major cities, offering you the freedom to explore at your pace.

Cost of travel

Transportation Costs | Your primary expense is likely to be your flight into Malaysia. Internal flights can vary, but budget airlines like AirAsia offer many routes between cities for as little as $20-$100. For ground travel, buses and trains are extremely economical; intercity train fares can range from $2 to $30, and extensive bus services are similarly priced. Within cities, public transportation such as buses and metro systems usually cost under $1 per ride. Taxis and rideshares are more costly but still reasonable, starting from around $1-$2 for short trips.

Accommodation | Hotel prices in Malaysia offer great flexibility. Mid-range hotels average $40-$100 per night, while budget travelers can find hostels for $10-$20 per night. Many hostels also include kitchens, which can help reduce food costs.

Food and Drink | Malaysia is celebrated for its street food, which not only offers a taste of the local cuisine but is also light on the wallet. Meals at street vendors typically cost between $1-$3. Dining in mid-range restaurants will generally set you back about $5-$15 per meal. For those looking to splurge, a dinner at a high-end restaurant can vary from $20 to $100, depending on the location and menu.

Activities | Entry fees for major attractions in Malaysia are quite reasonable, with most ranging from $1 to $10. Specialized activities, like diving or guided jungle treks, generally cost between $30 and $100, which often includes equipment rental and expert guidance.

For budget-conscious travelers, it’s possible to enjoy a day’s worth of activities, meals, and accommodations for under $30. A more comfortable mid-range budget could average around $50-$150 per day, while indulging in luxury experiences and accommodations could raise daily expenses to over $200. With careful planning and local insights, Malaysia offers an enriching travel experience that can be tailored to suit various budgets.