Malaysia in 10 Days: 3 Recommended 10-Day Itineraries to Malaysia

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Malaysia 10-Day Itinerary Options
Are you planning to spend 10 days in Malaysia? Go sightseeing in George Town, view wildlife in Sandakan, and discover the best highlights of the country with our Malaysia 10-day itinerary suggestions.
10 Days in Malaysia Itinerary #1: Major Highlights of Malaysia

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Welcome to Kuala Lumpur | Arrival | Kuala Lumpur |
Day 2 | Transfer to George Town | Transfer & sightseeing | George Town |
Day 3 | Enjoy a walking tour of George Town | Sightseeing | George Town |
Day 4 | Learn about Batik patterns in Teluk Bahang | Local culture | Teluk Bahang |
Day 5 | Journey to the Ulu Muda Forest | Nature | Ulu Muda Forest Complex |
Day 6 | Take a wildlife walk through Bukit Labu with a guide | Wildlife | Ulu Muda Forest Complex |
Day 7 | Head to the Cameron Highlands | Nature | Cameron Highlands |
Day 8 | Enjoy a hike in the Cameron Highlands | Hike | Cameron Highlands |
Day 9 | Return to Kuala Lumpur | Transfer | Kuala Lumpur |
Day 10 | End your trip in Kuala Lumpur | Departure |
With this 10-day itinerary, you can see a lot of the major highlights around Malaysia. Begin in Kuala Lumpur where you can explore the Petaling Street Market or head up the Petronas Towers before journeying to the colonial heartland of George Town. Embark on a walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site where you can visit the Pinang Peranakan Museum, Balathandayuthapani Temple, and the Wonderfood Museum. Leave the city behind and journey to the fishing village of Teluk Bahang. Here, you can learn about the local batik fabric patterns and enjoy a local cooking demonstration at your homestay. From here, head to the Ulu Muda Forest where you’ll stay at the Earth Lodge, an eco-friendly and community-driven accommodation. Hike around jungle trails and embark on a nature walk to Bukit Labu with an expert - you may even see elephants! Next, drive into the scenic Cameron Highlands. Enjoy some street food, trek through mossy forested areas, and explore tea plantations before returning to Kuala Lumpur. Embrace the Sultan Abdul Samad Building or explore the Batu Caves before heading home. See all tours in Malaysia.
10 Days in Malaysia Itinerary #2: Experience Borneo


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrive in Sandakan | Arrival | Sandakan |
Day 2 | Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary | Wildlife | Sandakan |
Day 3 | Cruise down the Kinabatangan River | Wildlife & cruise | Sandakan |
Day 4 | Enjoy a wildlife cruise of the Kinabatangan River | Cruise | Onboard cruise |
Day 5 | Head to Kundasang at the foot of Mount Kinabalu | Hike | Kinabatangan |
Day 6 | Visit the rural village of Kampung Kiau | Local culture | Kota Kinabalu |
Day 7 | Journey to Manukan Island | Beach day | Manukan |
Day 8 | Snorkel on Manukan with a guide | Snorkeling | Manukan |
Day 9 | Head to Kota Kinabalu | Sightseeing | Kota Kinabalu |
Day 10 | Depart from Kota Kinabalu | Departure |
Explore the island of Borneo with this 10-day Malaysia itinerary. Start off in Sandakan, where you can visit both the famous Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Visit the Sandakan War Memorial, on the site of a former Japanese POW camp, before continuing your wildlife-filled experience with two wildlife cruises along the Kinabatangan River. Scope out various wildlife, including pygmy elephants, langurs, wild cats, crocodiles, monkeys, and orangutans. Then, visit the mighty limestone Gomantong Cave, home to bats, on the way to Kundasang. Stop off at the Napula Market before journeying to Kampung Kiau. This rural village is home to Everything Pineapple, which is a sustainable community-based project started after the 2015 earthquake to support local women economically and socially. Next, head to the island paradise of Manukan Island. Known for its stunning beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s the perfect place to relax and try your hand at snorkeling with a local guide. Return to the mainland and visit Kota Kinabalu. Wander through Chinatown, check out the Sabah Museum, or visit the Filipino Market. Describe your ideal 10-day holiday for a customized trip to Malaysia.
10 Days in Malaysia Itinerary #3: Wildlife in Sarawak

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Begin your trip in Kuching | Arrival | Kuching |
Day 2 | Explore the Bako National Park | Beach day | Kuching |
Day 3 | Visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary | Wildlife | Kuching |
Day 4 | Fly to Mulu and visit Gunung Mulu National Park | Hike | Gunong Mulu National Park |
Day 5 | Spend the day in Gunung Mulu National Park | Wildlife | Gunong Mulu National Park |
Day 6 | Explore the Clearwater and Wind Caves | Exploration | Gunong Mulu National Park |
Day 7 | Hike the Headhunter’s Trail | Hike | Limbang |
Day 8 | Journey to Labuan Island | Beach day | Labuan Island |
Day 9 | Head to Kota Kinabalu | Sightseeing | Kota Kinabalu |
Day 10 | Depart from Kota Kinabalu | Departure |
This 10-day trip to Malaysia combines wildlife tours with national park hike and beach relaxation. Start your journey in Kuching, the main city in the Sarawak region of Borneo. Check out the waterfront before heading to the fishing village of Kampung Bako. From here, take a boat to Bako National Park, the oldest national park in Sarawak. Featuring jungle, beach, and rainforest ecosystems, you can enjoy a guided walk where you can see proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, and Bornean bearded pigs. Next, visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Sanctuary to see how injured orangutans are rehabilitated before being re-released. Jump on a flight to Mulu for a few days in the Gunung Mulu National Park. Take a walk along the canopy trails, see the sunset flying bats at Deer Cave, or explore the trails of the 180-million-year-old rainforest. Journey by boat to the Clearwater and Wind Caves, which contains Asia’s largest underwater river. Back on dry land, it’s time to hike the famous Headhunter’s Trail, which used to be where warring communities used to fight. Move onto the picturesque Labuan Island for some rest and relaxation on the white sand beaches with a cocktail before journeying to Kota Kinabalu. Explore the night market, filled with delicious seafood, before departing.
Planning a Malaysia 10-Day Itinerary?
With 10 days in Malaysia, you can really dive into a specific area, like Sarawek or Sandakan, or spend your trip exploring multiple destinations, such as Kuala Lumpur, George Town, and Malacca. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures filled with wildlife or a trip that focuses on history and culture, a 10-day trip to Malaysia can deliver. Putting together a travel itinerary can be tricky. Luckily, our travel experts in Malaysia are on hand to create custom itineraries that suit all of your needs.
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