The Ultimate Malaysia Itinerary For The Ultimate Trip✅ 5 Days To 2 Weeks+ [2024]

Looking for the perfect Malaysia itinerary for your perfect vacation in Malaysia?

You are in the right place!

Between living in Malaysia and now travelling to Malaysia a couple of times a year, I have been to most corners of this awesome country. There are fabulous beaches, a bustling capital, an interesting history, some of the best food in world and so much more!

In fact, there are so many great options for where to travel in Malaysia that this can cause problems when it comes time to plan your Malaysia travel itinerary.

With limited time, where should you go?

I can help you answer this! Below, you will find my detailed Malaysia tour itinerary. It is perfect whether you are looking for a Malaysia 5 day itinerary, a Malaysia 7 day itinerary, a Malaysia 10 day itinerary, a 2 week Malaysia itinerary or anything in between!

This article will work whether you are looking for a backpacking Malaysia itinerary or a luxury travel itinerary – you can easily adapt it to your needs. I start by walking through a Malaysia 7 days itinerary and then give you suggestions for slightly more or less time. I then extend this into a 10 day itinerary and a 2 weeks in Malaysia itinerary before giving suggestions for longer periods.

So if you are lucky enough to have two weeks to explore Malaysia, keep reading through all the itinerary suggestions below!

If you have just 2 – 4 days in Malaysia then click here for all our 2 – 4 day Malaysia itineraries.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist. We’ll help you get ready for your trip! 

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Malaysia Trip Planner

Before I dive into my Malaysia trip itinerary, I want to point out that if you are currently planning your whole Malaysia trip and wondering about flights, how to get around, how to book accommodation, what time of year you should go, etc etc then I highly recommend you read my detailed guide here to how to plan a trip to Malaysia.

It steps you through everything else you need to think about in addition to the itinerary for Malaysia trip below. In this article here, I’m strictly talking about the best Malaysia tour plan.

If you prefer to listen than read, you can also find a great Malaysia itinerary for 1- 2 weeks in my podcast here.

You can also save a ton of time and have a great trip by letting me plan your itinerary…🥰

Malaysia Itinerary: 7 Days

The following 1 week Malaysia itinerary is exactly what you should do if you have that long. If you are looking for a longer or shorter itinerary, I’ll tell you what edits to make below.

A week is a great length of time to explore two of the best parts of Malaysia – the beaches and island scenery, along with the dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur. These are the best vacation spots in Malaysia. The highlights of this Malaysia itinerary 1 week:

• Discover the best of Kuala Lumpur
• Visit the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers
• Learn the history of Malaysia
• Enjoy the best Indian, Chinese and Malay food in Kuala Lumpur
• Explore some of the most beautiful coastline in Malaysia
• Relax at the best beaches

You’ll spend three nights in Kuala Lumpur and four nights in Langkawi.

This would also work great as a Malaysia honeymoon itinerary, staying in the luxury choices noted below.

It’s also great for a family. Depending on your kids’ ages and interests, you may just want to cut down the itinerary a little and add some chill out pool or beach time to make it a bit easier.

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur

Three days in Kuala Lumpur is a great amount of time to get a good taste of this city in this Malaysia 1 week itinerary.

On arrival at the airport, book a transfer, catch a taxi or the express train into Kuala Lumpur so you aren’t wasting any time.

The itinerary below is based on my detailed 3 day itinerary for Kuala Lumpur here. Click here to get more detailed information or see an overview below. It assumes you hit the ground running and have three full days in Kuala Lumpur. If you don’t, edit out the attractions that seem least interesting to you.

• Start the day at Merdeka (independence) Square where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time
• Take a look at the nearby Jamek Mosque
• Enjoy lunch at Brickfields, KL’s Little India. Take a stroll and soak it all in
• Visit the Skybridge at the famous Petronas Twin Towers. I recommend you buy tickets in advance
• Wander through KLCC Park
• Have sunset cocktails at SkyBar and enjoy unmatched views of Petronas
• Watch the Symphony Fountain Light Show at KLCC Park

Day 2 Explore Kuala Lumpur’s Variety

Today, you get to enjoy a great mixture of attractions which will show you why Kuala Lumpur is such a great place to visit. Starting at the famous Batu Caves, you’ll also be surrounded by rainforest, enjoy great views of KL and shop at modern shopping centres. Finish the day eating great food and hitting up the infamous drinking street.

• Start the day at the enigmatic Batu Caves. Walk to the top of the coloured stairs, check out the temples and look back over KL
• Visit the tropical rainforest in the heart of KL at KL Forest Eco Park
• Get high in KL at the KL Tower for fabulous views
• Shop in Bukit Bintang
• Eat fabulous food at Jalan Alor Food Street
• Have a drink at Changkat Bukit Bintang Street

Day 3 Kuala Lumpur’s Museums, Islam And Food

Today is a great mixture of enjoying how beautiful Kuala Lumpur can be combined with learning more about its history and Islam. Finish the day with an amazing food tour through Chinatown.

• Start the day at the beautiful KL Bird Park. Enjoy both the birds and the gardens
• Visit the impressive National Mosque
• Learn at the Islamic Arts Museum
• Discover Malaysia’s history at the National Museum
• Enjoy an amazing food tour through KL’s Chinatown. Find it here

Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur

Here are our best options for each budget. Pick the one that corresponds to yours.

LUXURY – Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

For awesome views of the Petronas Twin Towers in a central spot with direct access to KLCC Park, you can’t go wrong at the Traders Hotel. There are a range of room types with huge windows for great views. You can also choose to stay in a room with Club Lounge access where you get special food and drinks.

There are also many other facilities including the Sky Bar which forms part of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for excellent sunset views of the Towers. There is an indoor swimming pool, gym and day spa all for a very affordable price.

Click here for the latest prices or here to read my full review.

MID RANGE – Berjaya Times Square Hotel

The Berjaya Times Square Hotel has one of our favourite locations for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur thanks to being directly above the huge Berjaya Times Square shopping centre. This means easy access to hundreds of shops, restaurants and even a big indoor theme park.

It’s also home to one of the biggest swimming pools I have seen in a city hotel and many other facilities. Room types vary and include apartment-style rooms making this an extra good choice for families or groups. Prices are excellent and we have stayed here many times.

Click here for the latest prices or read our full review here.

BUDGET – Hotel Olympic

For bargain seekers, the Hotel Olympic is a solid choice central to many of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions. It is moments away from the new Merdeka 118 and two metro stations. It is also just a short walk from KL’s fabulous Chinatown.

Rooms are all air-conditioned (you will need it!) with private bathrooms and TVs. They also have a kettle and free wifi. Rooms range from double/twin to quad configuration. There are also suite options including a fabulous junior suite for families with a double bed and super cool bunk beds (built to look like a house) with a slide.

It’s also colourful and modern with a restaurant and convenience store on-site.

Click here for the latest prices.

If you would like something cheaper and don’t mind staying in a room without a window, also consider the Big M Hotel here. This is also conveniently located in Chinatown.

If you would like more options, read our full guide to the best accommodation in Kuala Lumpur for all budgets here.

Day 4 Fly To Langkawi

Today, you take the short flight to Langkawi leaving the bright lights of Kuala Lumpur behind. You can read more about travelling from KL to Langkawi here.

Langkawi is a beautiful tropical island off the north west coast of Malaysia near the border with Thailand. It has stunning scenery, great beaches and many fun attractions and activities. Many of Malaysia’s best resorts are located here and some time in Langkawi is the perfect accompaniment to Kuala Lumpur in a Malaysia one week itinerary.

• Take a flight to Langkawi in the morning. Find the best prices here
• On arrival in Langkawi, take a taxi to your hotel or book a transfer here to make things extra easy
• Enjoy the afternoon at your hotel or at the beach
• In the early evening, head to Pantai Cenang for sunset drinks and dinner. Yellow Cafe is a good place for sunset drinks
• If you want to party tonight, this is the area to be

Day 5 Explore Langkawi

Today, you are going to explore the island of Langkawi. Hire a car or taxi for the day and get going!

• There are many attractions in Langkawi but they can be quite spread out. I recommend you go through this list and pick out your favourite
• I particularly recommend the zipline adventure and the kayaking Mangrove tour. Ignore any cruising and the SkyCab as they are coming up next!
• In the evening, head to one of Langkawi’s night markets. They change location every night of the week. See the schedule here

Day 6  Langkawi Nature

Langkawi is famous for its gorgeous natural attractions and today you will explore them.

• In the morning, head to Langkawi SkyCab and SkyBridge for some of the most beautiful scenery in Malaysia
• In the afternoon, if you are staying at a luxurious resort, it’s time to enjoy it! Relax and enjoy what it offers. Otherwise, head to Pantai Tengah for a beautiful beach with services but without the huge crowds

Day 7 Langkawi Cruising

For your final day in your one week Malaysia itinerary, it’s time to enjoy Langkawi from the sea! This is the most beautiful and enjoyable way to explore this part of the world.

• Explore the Langkawi archipelago on a half day Langkawi Island Hopping adventure. These tours include beaches, optional snorkelling and eagle watching. Click here to book a good one now or read our full guide to Langkawi island hopping tours here
• Relax in the afternoon or go shopping at Cenang Mall and Zon Shopping Paradise in Pantai Cenang
• Finish your final day in Langkawi with a stunning sunset cruise. Click here to book now

You can read more details on all of the activities mentioned in Langkawi here.

Where To Stay In Langkawi

Here are our best options for each budget. Pick the one that corresponds to yours.

LUXURY – The Datai Langkawi Review

This 5-star resort is a luxurious favourite. Not only is it located in a beautiful setting between the rainforest and a private beach, but it has all the facilities of a top resort. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want luxury.

There are three pools (one for adults, one for families and one for toddlers), water sports, a health club and many nature activities both for children and adults. There are many room types, but the downside is that it is removed from most attractions so factor in lots of taxi rides if you want to explore the island.

The Datai also has four restaurants and two shops. Rates include breakfast and minibar and the villas also have a private butler service.

Click here for the latest prices.

MID RANGE – Camar Resort

If you like being close to the action, this beachfront hotel in Pantai Tengah is close to the main area of Pantai Cenang. In addition to the beach, there is a huge pool, gym and on-site restaurant.

There is a huge range of room types including private villas and family suites. It’s very good value given the location.

Click here for the latest prices.

BUDGET – Adya Hotel

The Adya Hotel Langkawi is a great choice for bargain hunters who love being in a central spot (it’s located in the main town, Kuah) but don’t mind being away from the beach. The Adya Hotel has a shopping centre next door and has two swimming pools (one is ladies only). It also has a gym and restaurant.

With all of this and solid room standards with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs, this is a great mid-range hotel at a budget price tag.

Click here for the latest prices.

You can find more options for where to stay in Langkawi here.

Final Notes

Instead of a 7 days Malaysia itinerary, you could turn this into a Malaysia 6 days itinerary by removing one day in Langkawi. Pick which day least appeals and remove it. Or, if you prefer to be active on trips, you could remove the relaxing on day 6 in the afternoon and do the day 7 activities then.

If you are looking for a Malaysia itinerary 8 days, you have two choices. Pick whether you would like more time in Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi and add a day to that destination and then simply do less each day in that destination to spread it across an extra day.

If you would prefer to see an extra destination in Malaysia instead, I recommend spending an extra night in Kuala Lumpur and doing this day tour to Melaka. Melaka is an interesting place quite different to Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi and you are sure to enjoy it.

You can also get to Melaka very easily by booking our taxi service here.

Malaysia Itinerary: 5 Days

If you are looking for a Malaysia 5 days itinerary, I recommend you don’t go to Langkawi. You still can if you don’t mind moving fast but with just a couple of nights, I would focus on Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding area instead.

So for a 5 days trip to Malaysia, I recommend doing days 1 – 3 above. Day 4, I recommend you visit Batu Caves and follow the bonus 4 day mentioned here. Then on day 5, head to Melaka on a day trip. You can book that here.

If you are looking for a Malaysia itinerary 6 days and aren’t much of a beach person, you could also follow this 5 day Malaysia itinerary and spend an extra day returning to whatever you loved most in Kuala Lumpur.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Malaysia Itinerary: 10 Days

The following 10 days in Malaysia itinerary is exactly what you should do with a week and a half.

This timeframe is perfect to really get a good introduction to Malaysia by adding two more of the best tourist destinations in Malaysia to the one week itinerary. You don’t just get to see the capital and beaches but also UNESO-listed George Town and get to eat some of the best food in the world. The highlights of this Malaysia holiday itinerary are:

• Discover the best of Kuala Lumpur
• Visit the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers
• Learn the history of Malaysia
• Enjoy the best Indian, Chinese and Malay food in KL
• Eat the best food in Ipoh and Penang
• Explore the historic centres of Ipoh and George Town
• Enjoy the most beautiful coastline in Malaysia
• Relax at the best beaches

Let’s start this Malaysia vacation guide!

Days 1 – 3 Kuala Lumpur

Follow the 3-day Malaysia city tour itinerary for Kuala Lumpur above.

Day 4 Explore Ipoh

Today, you leave Kuala Lumpur for the pretty city of Ipoh just over three hours bus journey north-west of Kuala Lumpur. Ipoh has a gorgeous Old Town area with fun street art, beautiful surrounding scenery and is known for having some of the best food in the country. You are sure to love your quick stopover!

• Take a morning bus to Ipoh (book it here) or take an easy taxi transfer (book it here)
• Take a taxi to your hotel and drop off your bags
• Have one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop.
• Spend the afternoon walking around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail. You can download the map and more information on the sights here
• Take your time and keep a look out for Ipoh’s famous street art and gorgeous laneways
• Have dinner at the Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre and try as many dishes as you can. Ipoh’s specialty dishes, like Ipoh laksa, ayam garam (salted chicken) or any of Ipoh’s special noodle dishes like Gai Si Hor Fun (shredded chicken noodles) or Chee Chong Fun, are especially recommended

Where To Stay In Ipoh

Regalodge

Regalodge is a solid mid range hotel option not far from the Old Town of Ipoh. There’s a restaurant and day spa, and the service is great.

There are a variety of room types from standard double hotel rooms to family suites. They are all a good standard with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. It’s an amazing price for this standard of hotel.

Click here for the latest prices.

You can find more options for where to stay in Ipoh here.

Day 5 Temples And Beaches

Today, you finish exploring Ipoh by visiting the surrounding temples and then take a bus on to Penang.

• Grab a taxi to visit a couple of Ipoh’s cave temples at Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Ton Temple. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees and wear sturdy footwear
• Eat a quick lunch before catching a bus or private taxi to Penang. This journey takes just over two hours and you can book a ticket here for the bus or make it super easy and book your private taxi here.

Penang island is one of the most popular Malaysia vacation destinations off the west coast of Malaysia. It has long served as a link between Asia’s two halves and, as such, has a more diverse culture. Its capital, George Town, has a UNESCO World Heritage listed centre. Penang isn’t just about tourist cities in Malaysia though. There are beaches, mountainous jungle and the best food in Malaysia.

• Drop your bags at your hotel before heading to Batu Ferringhi, the popular beach area. If you like water sports, go parasailing. Otherwise, relax with a drink on the beach at the Bora Bora by Sunset bar
• Eat dinner at Long Beach Kafe. This hawker centre has many delicious food choices
• Visit the surrounding night market

Day 6 Explore Penang

Today, you are exploring Penang particularly its UNESO-listed centre.

• Head to the funicular tram for a ride up Penang Hill for great views. Read more about Penang Hill here
• Visit nearby Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Consider doing this morning tour to make it easy and to learn more. Otherwise, take taxis
• Have lunch in Little India in George Town
• While in George Town, visit Peranakan Mansion and learn about Penang’s original people. Then head to Fort Cornwallis and the museum at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. I recommend you walk around if the heat will allow it so you can take everything in and to keep a look out for Penang’s famous street art
• Consider taking this amazing food tour of George Town which starts around 4pm. You’ll see more of George Town and really get to enjoy and know the food. You can see my full review of this tour here (including what we ate)
• Otherwise, walk via Love Lane to Kapitan Keeling Mosque. You need to dress modestly to enter, and there are gowns on site you can borrow (if you do the food tour, you’lll visit all these places on the tour)
• Stroll down Armenian Street, once the home of Chinese clan-houses and secret societies. Today it has been gentrified and is home to many shops and cafes. This is also where you will find the famous “kids on a bicycle” mural
• You could also do this sightseeing tour instead to make things easier
• For dinner, head to another hawker centre. Some good options are New Lane Hawker Centre, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and Sri Weld Food Court – pick whichever is most convenient for you.

Where To Stay In Penang

Here are our best options for each budget. Pick the one that corresponds to yours.

LUXURY – Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort And Spa

The 5-star Rasa Sayang is set in a beautiful spot by one end of the beach in Batu Ferringhi. It’s only a short walk from the action of Batu Ferringhi where you can relax and feel a world away while lounging by the pool or in its spacious gardens. There are countless facilities here including multiple pools, restaurants, gym, kids club and golf course.

There are a variety of room types from doubles to family rooms. For a treat, book a room in the Rasa Wing which includes special benefits such as breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails and pre-dinner canapes.

Click here for the latest prices.

MID RANGE – Bayview Hotel George Town

This business style hotel is in a great location in George Town. It offers a pool, gym and a 360 degree revolving restaurant!

You will find a variety of room types including family options and suites for extra space.

This is all at a great value price given the location.

Click here for the latest prices.

BUDGET – Chulia Heritage Hotel

If you are on a Malaysia backpacking itinerary. you will appreciate this budget friendly option in a central part of George Town. This is a simple hotel with bicycles available but without extra facilities and services.

Despite the low price tag, all rooms are a good standard with air-conditioning, flatscreen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Depending on your budget, you can pick a private or shared bathroom. There are family room options as well as regular twins and doubles.

Click here for the latest prices.

You can find more great places to stay in Penang here.

Day 7 Head To Langkawi

This morning, it’s time to leave Malaysia’s cities behind for one of the best holiday spots in Malaysia, Langkawi.

I recommend you fly between the two places as travelling overland is a lot more mucking around. You can read about your transport options here.

If you fly, you can book a transfer here to your hotel.

• Travel to Langkawi in the morning
• In the afternoon, take it easy in your resort or on the beach at Pantai Cenang
• In the evening, head to Pantai Cenang for sunset drinks and dinner. Yellow Cafe is a good place to sit for sunset drinks.
• If you want to party tonight, Pantai Cenang is the place to be

Days 8 – 10 Enjoy Langkawi

Follow days 5-7 in the 7-day itinerary above.

Malaysia Itinerary: 2 Weeks

When designing a Malaysia 2 week itinerary, I recommend basing it on the 10 day itinerary above but with extra time everywhere and visiting Melaka on a day trip. Read through the 10-day itinerary before going through the Malaysia two week itinerary as it is more detailed.

Below, I quickly share this Malaysia 2 weeks itinerary.

Days 1 – 5 Kuala Lumpur

Follow the 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary above for the first three days.

On day 4, pick one of the bonus 4th day activities you can find this in this Kuala Lumpur itinerary. This includes visiting either the Genting Highlands, Putrajaya or Sunway Lagoon for theme park fun.

On day 5, do a day trip to Melaka.

Day 6 Travel to Ipoh

Take it easy in the morning returning to any favourite spots in Kuala Lumpur. After lunch, take a bus to Ipoh (book it here) or treat yourself to an affordable private taxi (book here) to save some time. After checking in, enjoy a quick wander in the Old Town before dinner.

Day 7 Exploring Ipoh

Ipoh has a gorgeous Old Town area with fun street art, beautiful surrounding scenery and is known for having some of the best food in the country. Today, you explore the best it has to offer.

• Start the day with one one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop
• Spend the morning walking around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail. You can download the map and more information on the sights here
• Take your time and keep a look out for Ipoh’s famous street art and gorgeous laneways
• In the afternoon, grab a taxi to visit a couple of Ipoh’s cave temples at Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Ton Temple. Cover your shoulders and knees and wear sturdy footwear
• Have dinner at the Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre and try as many dishes as you can. Ipoh’s specialty dishes, like Ipoh laksa, ayam garam (salted chicken) or any of Ipoh’s special noodle dishes like Gai Si Hor Fun (shredded chicken noodles) or Chee Chong Fun, are especially recommended

Day 8 Penang’s Beaches

Today, it’s time to move on to the awesome island of Penang!

• Catch a bus to Penang. This journey takes just over two hours and you can book a ticket here. Alternatively, a taxi from Ipoh is very affordable and is faster and easier. Book it here.
• Drop your bags at your hotel before heading to Batu Ferringhi, the popular beach area. If you like water sports, go parasailing or you can try a banana boat ride
• Late afternoon, relax with a drink on the beach at the Bora Bora by Sunset bar
• Eat dinner at Long Beach Kafe. This hawker centre has many delicious food choices
• Visit the surrounding night market

Day 9 Explore Penang

Follow day 6 of the 10 day itinerary above.

Days 10 – 13 Enjoy Langkawi

Follow days 7-10 of the 10 day itinerary above.

Day 14 Final Day

For your final day in this Malaysia itinerary 14 days, repeat anything you have loved in Langkawi so far, relax at your resort or visit some more places in this list of best things to do in Langkawi.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Malaysia Itinerary: 3 Weeks+

With three plus weeks in Malaysia, you have plenty of time to add in another region of Malaysia.

I recommend you follow the two week Malaysia itinerary above or you could follow the 10 day one instead if you like to move fast and see a lot.

If you are looking for a Malaysia 3 week itinerary, you can then spend the rest of your time following an itinerary east coast Malaysia or head to Borneo to explore a very different part of Malaysia.

If you have 4+ weeks, you could consider doing all of the above!

Here are some suggestions for an east coast Malaysia itinerary and a Borneo Malaysia itinerary for 7 – 10 days.

East Coast Malaysia itinerary: 7+ Days

This itinerary takes you to the best islands and most interesting cities on the east coast.

Day 1: Fly to Kota Bharu. This will take two flights. Click here to find flights. Check in to your hotel and take a walk around the attractions in Kota Bharu.

Days 2 – 3: Leave early for Kuala Besut and then a ferry across to the Perhentian Islands (read how to do this here). Stay 2 nights on the Perhentian Islands enjoying what these islands have to offer. This is primarily enjoying the beach, hiking and snorkelling/diving.

Days 4-5: Catch a boat to Redang Island (see how here) for more gorgeous Malaysia Island time for the next two nights. Read more about Redang Island here.

Day 6: Take a ferry to Kuala Terengganu. Explore this city

Day 7: Finish exploring Kuala Terengganu and fly back to Kuala Lumpur

With an extra three nights, you could spend longer at the locations above or also head to Cherating Beach and Kuantan and catch a bus or flight back to Kuala Lumpur from here.

A long-distance taxi is a great way to speed up your exploration of the region and is affordable. Find out prices and book here.

If you are trying to work out which east coast island to visit, read our guide here to whether Perhentian Islands, Redang Island or Tioman is best!

Borneo Malaysia Itinerary: 7+ Days

This Malaysia trip guide takes you to the best of the state of Sabah. Another alternative would be to spend a whole week in Kuching doing day trips to the jungle and surrounding attractions.

Day 1: Fly to Kota Kinabalu. This will take two flights from Langkawi. Click here to find flights.

Day 2: Explore Kota Kinabalu. Consider visiting Gaya Island or the surrounding islands or the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Read our guide to Kota Kinabalu here.

Day 3: Climb Mt Kinabalu or take the easy option and enjoy Mount Kinabalu from some hot springs on this tour.

Day 4: Catch a bus or fly to Sandakan. Arrive as early as possible as there are some great things to do here. Explore the amazing wildlife attractions around this city. Head to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre if you can fit it in. (You will have to push this to day 5 if you climb the mountain.)

Day 5: Visit Turtle Island for an amazing overnight experience getting to enjoy a tropical island then viewing a female turtle laying her eggs and other turtle related activities. More information here.

Day 6: Arrive back in Sandakan and take an overnight tour to explore the awesome wildlife at Kinabatangan River. Read more here

Day 7: Return to Sandakan and fly back to Kuala Lumpur

With an extra three nights, you could spend longer at the locations above or fly onto Miri and explore Gunung Mulu National Park.

I hope with these suggestions, you can make the best 3 week itinerary Malaysia for you!

Map Of Malaysia Travel Itinerary

The following map shows the 10 day and the 2 week trip for Malaysia. The one week trip is a simplified version of this with Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur.

Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist. We’ll help you get ready for your trip! 

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

I hope this has helped you create your best itinerary Malaysia! To help you plan your whole trip, click here for our ultimate guide or find all our planning guides here. If you plan to visit Singapore as well, find our best Singapore and Malaysia itineraries here. You can also find our best road trip itineraries here.