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

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


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

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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