Great Malaysia Itineraries: How Many Days to Spend?
A melting pot of Southeast Asian cultures, Malaysia is home to amazing wildlife, marvelous landscapes, mouth-watering cuisine, time-honored traditions and a long list of attractions to satisfy any traveler’s wanderlust. Fill your Malaysia itinerary with tours of the country’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, and spend your days lounging on the beaches of Turtle Island. Then exchange powder white sands for rainforests and go trekking through Kota Kinabalu. For the lovers of diving and snorkeling, there are few places in the world that rival the Perhentian Islands, while the Malaysian part of Borneo offers the opportunity to spot endangered orangutans and enjoy rainforest canopy walks.
There is no shortage of things to do, foods to try, places to discover and adventures to be had in Malaysia. Scroll down for more information on the number of days to spend in this wonderful destination along with the places to visit while there.
- Mohameed Sameer
- From Bangladesh
How much time should I spend in Malaysia?
Your Malaysia itinerary can span from a few days to a few weeks, and it all depends on how much time you have to explore this wonderful country. You can very easily fill a three-week itinerary with destinations and activities that allow you to experience the richness and diversity of Malaysia, though it is possible to get the taste of what the country has to offer within five days or less. Our advice, though, is to spend at least ten days in Malaysia. This should give you enough time to discover both its cities and countryside at a relaxed pace.
Malaysia in 5 days
Spending a day soaking up the sights and sounds of Kuala Lumpur is a must even for travelers with five days or less to spare. Be sure not to pass up the chance to see the Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, Istana Negara and Independence Square if you really want to experience the lifestyle of the people in the city. Afternoon tours of food destinations around the city are also popular among visitors and locals alike.
Add the Batu Cave to your itinerary since it is located conveniently close to the country’s capital. Explore this famous cave system known for its Hindu shrines. Then go on a tour of Putrajaya to see the magnificent Putra Mosque. While there, you might also want to go cruising in the peaceful Putrajaya Lake.
Next, see one of the world’s largest colonies of fireflies in Kuala Selangor. For the rest of your Malaysia itinerary, we recommend an adventure-packed trip to Sunway Lagoon, the top theme park in the country.
Malaysia in 7 days
A seven-day Malaysia itinerary can be filled with more than just a few tours of the capital and its surroundings. If you have a week to explore the country, we suggest that you head for Mount Kinabalu after you are done with Kuala Lumpur. Tourists flock to Kota Kinabalu for a chance to conquer the mountain’s peak, which sits 4,095 meters above sea level. Trekking trips around this awe-inspiring natural landmark last between two to five days.
If you are not a fan of hiking, however, you can also opt for shorter tours of Sandakan or Sarawak regions. These regions are known for their lush vegetation, wildlife and national parks. Squeeze in a tour to these regions and you can expect your Malaysia itinerary to be filled with a variety of activities in the Kinabatangan River, Sandakan Orangutan Sanctuary, Bako National Park, Lang Cave, Deer Cave and much more.
Malaysia in 10 Days
It would definitely be better if you had 14 days to spend, but a ten-day Malaysia itinerary is not that bad. The duration allows you to discover more of Sabah. In addition to Mount Kinabalu and the national park surrounding it, Sabah is also known for Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, comprising five islands off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Manukan Island, one of the islands that make the marine reserve, is a popular snorkeling destination, while Gaya is known for jungle trekking.
Done with Sabah, you can head for the Cameron Highlands next. Its cooler clime coupled with picturesque scenery makes it an ideal destination to hike and relax. Explore the Boh Tea Plantation and visit the Mossy Forest. For the lovers of art and culture, there is the Mah Meri Art Gallery, while nature lovers will enjoy the short trek to the Thompson Falls.
Malaysia in 2 weeks
Were you fortunate enough to score a fortnight-long vacation to Malaysia? If your answer is yes, then you are in for an amazing adventure. Given the time frame, you can thoroughly enjoy the Malaysian Peninsula. Some choose to spend their two-week Malaysia itinerary exploring the beaches, rivers, religious sites, historical attractions and food destinations just in and around Kuala Lumpur. However, there are many others who opt for the countryside and have their Malaysia itineraries jam-packed with activities and attractions in areas ranging from the Perhentian Islands to the Malaysian Borneo.
In addition to the above, two weeks is more than enough time to squeeze in a trip to the cultural hotspot of Malacca along with the pristine beaches of Langkawi. Tioman Island, located to the country’s east, offers excellent diving opportunities, while Gunung Mulu National Park is known for its caves and karst formations.
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Get in touch with one of our travel experts in Malaysia for a customized trip. If you’d like to book a package trip or join a group, check out our Malaysia tours page.
