Malaysia in 5 Days: 3 Recommended 5-Day Itineraries to Malaysia

5 days in Malaysia is enough to go trekking at Mount Kinabalu, sightseeing at Kuala Lumpur and more! Check out our recommended 5-day itineraries in Malaysia.

With 5 days in Malaysia, you have just the right amount of time to hike the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia: Mount Kinabalu. Start off in Kota Kinabalu, the town at the base of the mighty mountain. Here, you can opt for a canopy walk or a wander around the base trails to stretch your legs. You can also visit the Poring hot springs and soak your muscles, to get ready for the big hike ahead. Set off on your hike to the summit of Mount Kinabalu which will take two days to complete. Hike for between 5-7 hours uphill until you reach the Laban Rata mountain huts. Here you can sleep and eat before pushing on to the summit the next day, which is only an additional 2-3 hours uphill. Descend back down to Kota Kinabalu in one day and depart the next morning. See all tours in Malaysia.

If you’re looking for a Malaysia tour over five days, consider starting off in historical Malacca. Filled with sights like the oldest Christian church in Malaysia, the largest 17th-century Chinese cemetery outside of China, and the multi-denominational Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malacca is a haven for history and culture that you’ll experience on a half-day tour. After a short stay in the coastal town of Port Dickson, known for the Army Museum and beautiful lighthouses, journey onto Putrajaya. Located just south of Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya is known for the gorgeous Putra Mosque, made out of rose-colored granite. Explore this site before traveling to the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Spend a day sightseeing around the city, including locations like Central Market, the KL Tower, Petronas Twin Towers, and the Pavilion shopping center. From here, you can organize your onward travel.

Looking to spend five days in paradise? Known as the filming location for South Pacific, Tioman Island is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Arrive at Tioman Airport and check into your resort. From here, you can wander along the beaches or head to Air Batang, one of the few villages on the island, and it’s completely car-free. Here you can find restaurants and bars, as well as stunning beaches. Next, strap on your flippers and head out for a snorkel over the Tioman Marine Park. Home to some of the finest coral reefs in the area, it’s a beautiful way to spend a day. Back on dry land, you can put on your hiking boots and head inland on a nature hike to Asah Waterfall. Spend your last full day relaxing on the stunning beaches, working on your tan, and soaking up the good vibes before heading back to the mainland. See all beach tours in Malaysia.

Whether you want to hike mountains, like Kinabalu, relax on sun-drenched beaches on Tioman island, or soak up history and culture in Kuala Lumpur, 5 days in Malaysia is a perfect short break. If you’re having trouble planning your trip, our in-country travel experts can help you create a personalized 5-day Malaysian itinerary for your ideal vacation.

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