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Malaysia in 12 Days: 3 Recommended 12-day Itineraries to Malaysia

Explore the natural beauty of Ipoh during your 12 days in Malaysia.
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Malaysia 12-day Itinerary Options

Choose from our curated Malaysia 12 days’ itinerary suggestions, fitting your travel style and interests.

Itinerary #1: Explore the Wonders of Borneo

Pinnacles in Mulu National Park
Explore unique krast formations and caves in Mulu National Park during your 12 days in Malaysia.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Start your trip in Kuching, have welcome meeting and explore local food courts Arrival and city sightseeing Kuching
Day 2 Travel to Batang Ai National Park and visit native market and longhouse Cultural and natural exploration Nanga Sumpa Lodge
Day 3 Go on a jungle walk, swim at Enseluai waterfall, visit traditional longhouse Outdoor adventure Nanga Sumpa Lodge
Day 4 Return to Kuching, explore the city’s cat theme and food scene City sightseeing Kuching
Day 5 Fly to Gunung Mulu National Park and explore caves on a jungle walk Outdoor adventure Gunung Mulu National Park
Day 6 Visit Wind and Clearwater Caves in the national park Natural landmark exploration Gunung Mulu National Park
Day 7 A trip to Kota Kinabalu, enjoy sunset cocktails and local dining City exploration Kota Kinabalu
Day 8 Free morning in Kota Kinabalu, explore local markets and cultural sites Leisure Kota Kinabalu
Day 9 Travel to Kinabatangan River and enjoy river cruise wildlife spotting River cruise Sabah
Day 10  Experience morning and night-time river cruises for wildlife viewing River cruise Sabah
Day 11 Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Centre Wildlife tour Sandakan
Day 12 End of adventure    

Embark on an exciting 12-day journey through Borneo, beginning in Kuching where you will explore its vibrant food scene and cultural sites. Delve into the lush Batang Ai National Park, where you’ll engage with the Iban community and immerse yourself in tribal traditions. Discover the hidden treasures of Mulu National Park, with its fascinating caves and unique geographical formations. Enjoy the comfort of forest bungalows tucked away in nature’s embrace. In Kota Kinabalu, experience the dynamic blend of local eateries and cultural spots, before heading to the serene Kinabatangan River, where river cruises offer mesmerizing encounters with wildlife. End your journey in Sandakan, visiting conservation centers to witness orangutans and sun bears in their natural settings. This tour offers a mix of cultural insights, natural wonders, and wildlife exploration, showcasing the diverse beauty of Borneo—perfect for nature enthusiasts and culture lovers alike.

Itinerary #2: Nature and Adventure Expedition

Top-down view of Sungai Tembeling River at the rainforest in Taman Negara.
Go on a thrilling jungle walk in Taman Negara National Park.
Kek Lok Si Temple on Penang Island in Malaysia in February
Take a tour of historical and cutural landmarks during your stay in Penang.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Start your trip in Kuala Lumpur, explore heritage sites Arrival and exploration Kuala Lumpur
Day 2 Travel to Taman Negara for rainforest exploration Hiking Taman Negara
Day 3 Continue hiking in Taman Negara including a canopy walk Hiking Taman Negara
Day 4 Head to the Cameron Highlands Nature exploration Cameron Highlands
Day 5 Visit tea plantations and strawberry farms Outdoor exploration Cameron Highlands
Day 6 Travel to Ipoh and discover limestone caves Natural landmark tour Ipoh
Day 7 Relax in Ipoh’s hot springs, visit heritage sites Nature and culture tour Ipoh
Day 8 Head to Penang, explore George Town’s street art City tour Penang
Day 9 Discover Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Nature and culture tour Penang 
Day 10 Return to Kuala Lumpur Leisure Kuala Lumpur
Day 11 Go shopping in Kuala Lumpur and explore Chinatown Shopping and sightseeing Kuala Lumpur 
Day 12 Bid goodbye to Kuala Lumpur    

Experience the best of Malaysia’s diverse landscapes, rich heritage, and vibrant city life on this immersive 12-day journey. Start in Kuala Lumpur, where you’ll explore iconic landmarks like Merdeka Square, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and bustling Chinatown. Then, venture into Taman Negara—one of the world’s oldest rainforests—where thrilling jungle treks, a canopy walk, and river cruises await. Head to the Cameron Highlands, famed for its rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms, and mossy forests, before traveling to Ipoh, where you’ll uncover stunning limestone caves, ancient temples, and natural hot springs. In Penang, explore George Town’s Unesco-listed streets, colorful street art, and culinary delights before taking in breathtaking views from Penang Hill and the magnificent Kek Lok Si Temple. Finally, return to Kuala Lumpur for shopping, cultural exploration, and a final taste of Malaysia’s dynamic charm. Check out our adventure tours in Malaysia.

Itinerary #3: Hiking Mount Kinabalu and Exploring Islands

Beautiful view of Mount Kinabalu as seen from Cristall Hill in Malaysia.
Hike the scenic trails in Mount Kinabalu during your 12-day Malaysia vacation.
  Overview Activity Overnight
Day 1 Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and relax Arrival Kota Kinabalu
Day 2 Experience rural life in Tambatuon village and enjoy a local cooking class Cultural exploration Kota Belud
Day 3 Travel to Sandakan and head to Kinabatangan River to explore its wildlife on a river cruise River cruise Sandakan
Day 4 Spot wildlife on a guided river safari and jungle walk Wildlife sighting Sandakan
Day 5 Head toward Sepilok to encounter orangutans and sun bears Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre Wildlife sighting Sandakan
Day 6 Travel to Libaran Island, known as Turtle Island and visit turtle hatchery Outdoor exploration Libaran Isalnd
Day 7 Return to Sandakan and fly back to Kota Kinabalu Transfer Kota Kinabalu
Day 8 Travel to Mount Kinabalu and explore nature trails Hiking Mount Kinabalu
Day 9 Begin the hike up Mount Kinabalu to Laban Rata Hiking Mount Kinabalu 
Day 10 Summit Mt. Kinabalu for sunrise and descend for a return to Kota Kinabalu Hiking Kota Kinabalu
Day 11 Enjoy leisure day in Kota Kinabalu or explore marine wonders of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Leisure Kota Kinabalu 
Day 12 Bid farewell to Malaysia    

This 12-day adventure blends cultural experiences, wildlife encounters, and breathtaking landscapes in Borneo. Start in Kota Kinabalu and head to Tambatuon village to experience rural life and learn traditional cooking. Next, journey to the Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river and a hotspot for wildlife. Enjoy boat safaris at sunrise and sunset, keeping an eye out for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and crocodiles. An optional night walk through the jungle offers a chance to spot nocturnal creatures. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre before heading to Libaran Island, a vital turtle conservation site. Fly back to Kota Kinabalu before venturing into Kinabalu National Park. Choose between hiking scenic trails or soaking in Poring Hot Springs, known for its therapeutic waters. The adventure continues with a challenging but rewarding two-day climb up Mount Kinabalu, culminating in a breathtaking sunrise from the summit. Finally, unwind in Kota Kinabalu with island-hopping in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

Need Help Planning a 12-day Itinerary to Malaysia?

If you’re considering spending 12 days in Malaysia, our diverse itineraries cater to every traveler's desire, from urban exploration and cultural visits to beach escapes and wildlife adventures. Get in touch with travel experts for a customized Malaysia tour. For more on itinerary durations, explore insights on the ideal durations for Malaysia

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Plan a trip to MalaysiaWe offer different tour types. You can also chat with a local travel specialist if you want a customized tour to Malaysia.
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