Malaysia Itinerary: Perfect Two Weeks Adventure
Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for excitement as you plan and pack for your next Malaysian holiday. Just picture yourself arriving at the sun and ocean and smiling at every corner. Malaysia is a Southeast Asian gem with natural wonders, beautiful beaches, rich culture, and a mouthwatering cuisine.
You often see Malaysia as the third or fourth travel destination choice amongst travelers or just a stop-off destination. This Malaysia itinerary is here to change your mind and let you know why Malaysia should be at the top of your list.
Before we suggest your Malaysia itinerary for seven days and two weeks, let's discuss the best things to do in Malaysia, the best times to visit to Malaysia, and some travel tips. This way, you can get a better understanding of Malaysia as a whole and add or change our suggested Itineraries as you please.
Best Time to Visit Malaysia
Dry Season (March to October)
The dry season is from March to October. During this period, you can expect weather temperatures to range from 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F). The weather is generally sunny and dry.
This is the ideal time for outdoor adventures and island escapes. If beaching and exploring nature excites you, then visiting Malaysia during this season would be recommended.
Wet Season (November to February)
The wet season is a traveler's nightmare. It can seem less appealing to visit a tropical country when it rains all the time. However, it's not all dark and grim, and it comes with some benefits, too.
The months of November to February bring occasional showers and pretty high humidity levels. But here's the catch: Malaysia is way less crowded during these seasons, and the rain creates a lush greenery scene that can only be experienced during the wet season.
If you prefer a more laid-back and authentic experience, this would be the time. You can experience the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations that happen during this time.
It is important to note that these weather patterns can vary slightly across different regions. The East Coast experiences a different rainfall pattern to that of the West Coast.
Things to do in Malaysia
Sometimes, what makes the holidays the best is getting the opportunity to do many different types of things. Luckily, Malaysia is one of those countries where you can get a slice of all your favorite adventures in one country. With its big cities, islands, jungles, and diversity, you will always feel excited and never feel bored:
Urban Explorations for Things to Do in Malaysia
More than likely you will be flying into Kuala Lumpur airport. Here you will be greeted by the nation’s pulsating heart. The perfect way to start your Malaysian holiday. Explore the streets of Kuala Lumpur. You can visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers which is an architectural masterpiece.
You will find yourself browsing through some of the world's most vibrant street markets, where you will find everything you have ever wanted.
You can visit museums such as the National Museum to learn about the country's rich cultural heritage. When feeling tired from all the exploring you can have a rest in KLCC Park.
Don’t forget that with cities comes an unlimited number of food options. Enjoy the local street hawkers or fine dining at some world-class restaurants.
Experiencing Malaysia’s Natural Wonders: Things to do in Malaysia
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and enjoy rolling hills with tea plantations. Go for scenic hikes through misty trails and enjoy the beautiful greenery that Malaysia’s nature has to offer. Here is a list of Natural wonders that will leave you spellbound:
- Taman Negara National Park: This is Malaysia's oldest and best-looked-after rainforest. Go on guided nature walks and see what 130 million years of biodiversity can provide.
- Mount Kinabalu: For a more challenging experience try summit this mountain that rises 4095 meters above the lush forests of Borneo.
- Cameron Highlands: Hike along trails through tea plantations and strawberry fields. Enjoy the sweet smells and views.
- Kinabatangan River: Go for a river cruise, and you might even get to experience the pygmy elephants in their natural habitat. Bird watch as your boat floats down the river.
- Gunung Mulu National Park: Explore a cave network that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cave network hosts the world's largest known cave chamber.
- Danum Valley: Enjoy the majestic orangutans in their natural habitat, where they live in this rainforest sanctuary.
Island Paradises
Now that you have had enough of the city and the lush rainforest and mountain scenery, you can hop on a boat and visit some of the most incredible islands.
You can opt to visit the Perentian islands or Langkawi islands.
The Perhentian island has turquoise waters and white sand beaches that are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the summer sun. You can also snorkel and dive amidst vibrant, colorful coral and say hello to a plethora of marine life.
Langkawi is another excellent choice if you want an island escape. It is an archipelago of 99 islands that have endless outdoor adventures. You can see the islands from the sky by taking the iconic SkyCab. You can kayak through mangrove forests, dive and snorkel, or even ride a jetski to explore as many smaller islands as possible in a day.
Travel Tips
Now, before we get into the itinerary, Here are some travel tips for Malaysia to ensure that your journey throughout Malaysia is smooth and enjoyable:
Transportation
Malaysia has a very efficient and diverse transportation network to suit all your travel needs.
For long-distance travel in Malaysia, consider taking domestic flights or for a cheaper option take long-distance overnight busses. To visit the islands you can hire private boats or take ferries which would be a whole lot cheaper.
Within the cities and for shorter distance travel you can get around by using public transportation such as their railway system. However, the most common option is using services like Grab to book taxis.
Accommodation
From budget-friendly options like hostels to luxury resorts, Malaysia has an option that caters to all accommodation preferences.
When in major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, You’ll find that your options are unlimited, ranging from boutique hotels to serviced apartments.
When exploring the islands, your options will become fewer. Generally, you will get luxurious beach resorts, some eco-resorts, and beachfront bungalows.
Safety and Health
Like most Southeast Asian Countries, Malaysia is generally safe to travel to. However, there are some cases of petty theft, so avoid carrying valuables in plain sight. Also, be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas and get a good-quality bag to carry around.
Besides petty crime, in the city, there are many cars and bikes that crowd the streets, and accidents can happen. Exploring the island and nature can also pose some risks, such as falling or encounters with dangerous animals. It’s recommended to purchase good travel insurance to safeguard yourself in case the worst-case scenario has to happen.
Internet in Malaysia
Malaysia's cities boast a well-developed telecommunications structure and fast internet. Most cafes, hotels, and some public spaces offer Wi-Fi. However, it is not always stable.
The problem comes when you want to explore the islands or jungles. Internet speeds slow down, and you have fewer WI-FI options. Because of this, it is recommended to get an eSim to ensure your connectivity is smooth throughout your entire trip. EsimSurf offers great eSim packages, where activation is an easy process that gets sent to your email. They also offer no roaming charges and unlimited data!
Without further adieu, here are the suggested Malaysia itineraries for those with a limited amount of time and for those with more time.
Seven-Day Malaysia Itinerary
Having a limited amount of time is a bummer, but the good news is that you can still experience a taste of everything Malaysia provides: the city, nature, and island life. Here’s a suggested route that will let you enjoy a bit of the nation's highlights:
Day 1-3: Kuala Lumpur
Kickstart your Malaysian adventure in the nation's heartbeat and vibrant capital, Kuala Lumpur. Visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, go shopping in the bustling street markets, and enjoy the intricate architecture of the Batu Caves. Each day, eat as many local delicacies as you can.
Day 4-5: Taman Negara National Park
Find your way back to nature and head out of the urban bustle to the middle of Taman Negara National Park. Go for guided treks, and let your guide lead you to elusive wildlife and learn about the natural flora and fauna of the world's oldest rainforest homes.
Take the breathtaking canopy walk, which can give you a different view of this amazing rainforest.
Day 6-7: Langkawi
Finish your journey in the 99 islands of Langkawi. There's no better place to reflect on a beautiful few days than the white sand pristine beaches. Also, get your last adrenalin fix by kayaking, riding the cable cars, or diving with the marine life.
Two-Week Malaysia Itinerary
For those blessed with more holiday time, a Malaysia itinerary allows you to dive deeper into Malaysia's Diverse offerings. Here’s a suggested route that combines cultural exploration, natural wonders, and island escapes
Day 1-3: Kuala Lumpur
As your landing place and entrance into Malaysia, this is a great place to start your trip.
- Visit the Petronas Twin Towers
- Go to the Batu Caves
- Shop and eat at local street markets
Day 4-6: Taman Negara National Park
With a short three-hour drive, you will arrive in the heart of Taman Negara National Park. Here you can:
- Go for guided treks
- Have encountered with rare animals
- Do the canopy walk to get a unique view of the rainforest
- Eat local and traditional food
Day 4-5: Penang
After a one-hour drive, you will arrive in Penang, where you can visit George Town, the cultural melting pot of Malaysia. You can admire the vibrant street art and colonial architecture and get a feel for a different side of Malaysia.
Day 6-8: Cameron Highlands
Take another break from city life and treat your eyes to the beauty of the Cameron Highlands. Go on scenic hikes on the rolling hills with tea plantations. Go on tea-tasting tours and learn about how the teas are grown and harvested.
Day 9-14: Perhentian Islands
Getting to the Perhentian islands might take you a little longer as you need to get ferries, etc. It is totally worth it, though. You truly feel separated from the rest of the world when you visit these islands, and it's something you can only experience once you've been there.
You can snorkel or dive in the beautiful waters, go on fishing tours with the locals and kayak, or simply enjoy basking in the sun's warm embrace and taking in the beautiful paradise.
Conclusion
In closing, we hope that your mind has been changed about Malaysia and that it has moved up on your travel list. There are so many different experiences in one trip that it would be difficult not to enjoy yourself there.
Whether you have a seven-day break from work life and want to enjoy a different country, Malaysia is a great choice. If you have more time, you can experience more of this beautiful country and immerse yourself in its culture.
Use our suggested Malaysia itinerary as a baseline for your trip, but feel free to change and edit them to your preferences.
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