I have been to Malaysia twice. The first one, I spent nearly a month there exploring top cities such as KL, Langkawi, and Penang. The second time, I only had 2 weeks and I focused on the beaches and the Sabah region.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia that is divided into two regions, Peninsular and East Malaysia (also known as Borneo).
Peninsular shares a land border with Thailand and Singapore, while East Malaysia shares a maritime border with Brunei and Indonesia. It is included in one of the megadiverse countries and is the 45th most populous country.
Malaysia is a must-visit because of its modern and colonial architecture, tea plantations, wildlife, diverse culture, caves, multicultural cuisine, stunning beaches, and islands. Diving and hiking are some of the most famous activities in Malaysia.
If you have 2 weeks in Malaysia but don’t know how to spend it, this article will show you 3 travel itineraries that you can choose from or use as a guide until you make your own Malaysia travel plan.
>> DO YOU KNOW THAT YOU CAN COMBINE MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE IN JUST 14 DAYS?
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING MALAYSIA
Malaysia is easily one of the most hassle-free countries I’ve visited. The fact that the locals speak amazing English, but getting around and cost – everything simply makes sense and is convenient. To give more information, you’ll find helpful travel tips for Malaysia below.
When is the best time to go to
The best time to visit Malaysia is between November and March, as it is not too hot or rainy. The rainy season is from June to October and must be avoided, while the months of April to May are immensely dry and humid, which could make you feel uncomfortable throughout your trip.
Are 2 weeks enough for Malaysia
Well, that depends. If you only have 14 days in Malaysia, plan to see 3-4 cities only. Adding more will result in rushing and spending the most time in airports or taxis. Don’t fret; although you have limited time during this trip, that means you’ll have more locations to explore on your next visit.
Getting around
The most common mode of transportation is by bus, as the country has a limited railway network. The buses are also quite comfortable for me as they are well-air-conditioned.
You can also get around by flying since major cities have domestic airports. Boats are being used if you want to travel to small, remote tropical islands.
Renting a car is also an option, but remember that in Malaysia, they drive on the left.
Language and currency
The official language of Malaysia is Malay, and the largest native languages spoken in East Malaysia include Dusunic, Kadazan, and Iban. English is widely understood all over the country.
The currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. Cash is still widely used in the country, with more than 50% of transactions still using this mode of payment. However, many establishments also accept credit cards and digital wallet payments. Cirrus and Maestro are the most commonly accepted here, as well as Visa and Mastercard.
Visa
Malaysia has a pretty easy visa policy. Pretty much everyone can enter and travel to Malaysia without applying for a visa in advance. For passport holders from most countries, depending on your nationality, you can stay in Malaysia for 14 days, 30 days, and 90 days.
Come travellers might have to apply for an evisa such as China, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, to name a few.
For visa-free travellers, you still have to fill out and get the Tourist Arrival Card, which is free. Do it in advance and save time from lining up at the airport.
What is the average cost for 2 weeks in Malaysia
Malaysia, in general, is an affordable destination. A basic double room in a mid-range hotel should cost between $25 to $35 a night. While transportation, food, and tours are also on the budget-friendly side.
With that, a budget of $55 a day will be pretty good. So that’s around $770 for 14 days in Malaysia. If you want to be in the backpacker range, you can do it at $600, or the luxury spenders, $2,000, will make your trip super comfortable.
The flights to Malaysia and back home are not included though. Plus, don’t forget your travel and medical insurance. Malaysia is actually known as a medical tourism destination in Southeast Asia, so you know that if anything happens, you’ll be in great hands.
Other basic travel tips
Here are some travel tips that you must know before staying for 2 weeks in Malaysia. I recommend you book your flights and hotels in advance if you’re visiting during peak season, which is from December to February, then again from June to August.
PINNED MAP OF TOP THINGS TO SEE IN MALAYSIA
Click the icon on the top right to enlarge the map. Credit: map data: Google
2 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA ITINERARY
I prepared not only one, not only two, but three itineraries that you could choose from for your two weeks in Malaysia. The itineraries are divided into one’s preferences. For instance, if you are a history buff or someone who is very fond of nature, there’s a specific itinerary for you.
This doesn’t mean I am limiting your travel options. You could modify these travel plans to your heart’s content. These itineraries only serve as a guide as to what each place offers and which ones you could group together in one trip.
Itinerary #1: First-time (Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Perhentian Islands)
This first itinerary is perfect for first-time travellers in Malaysia as Kuala Lumpur is basically the gateway for the whole country, and moving around from one place to another is easy as the cities are well-connected.
The cities are also filled with world-famous tourist attractions, including the Petaling Street Flea Market and the Menara KL Tower, Malaysia’s tallest tower.
Penang is famous for George Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has hawker food and skyscrapers such as Komatr, where you can even walk outside the tower with a rope.
On the other hand, Langkawi is well-known for its scenic landscapes and diverse activities, such as cable car rides, kayaking through mangroves, sightseeing tours, and ATV rides, among others. Not to mention, it’s a duty-free island so many imported items are much affordable.
At the same time, Perhentian Island is the perfect epitome of laid-back island life, as people come here to slow down, relax, and soak up the sun.
Kuala Lumpur for 4 days
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s largest city and is among Asia’s fastest-growing cities. I think this is a perfect starting point for your 2 weeks in Malaysia because most of the international flights arrive at its airport. It is a must-visit because it has many beautiful skyscrapers, cultural sites, and incredible food.
For those who are fond of island tours, it also offers island getaways, and the people are very welcoming, so I’m certain that your stay here will be quite unforgettable.
The world-famous Petronas Twin Towers can be found here. As well as KLCC Park, Merdeka Square, and Sunway Lagoon Theme Park.
Penang for 3 days
Penang is a Malaysian state that is divided into two parts, Penang Island and Seberang Perai. These two are connected by two of Malaysia’s longest road bridges, so if you’re someone who is fond of road trips just like me, you could cross these bridges.
This state is well-known for its diverse cuisine, 3D street art, melting pot of different cultures, greeneries, mouthwatering food, and hiking trails. Some of the must-visit places here include Penang Hill, Fort Cornwallis, Dark Mansion Museum, Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Little India, and more.
You could travel to Penang from Kuala Lumpur either by bus, plane, train, taxi, or car. The distance between the two is 357 km. The cheapest option is by bus, which costs $10 but takes 5-6 hours. The most recommended option is by plane, which is the fastest and has a travel time of 1 hr and 5 min. Ticket prices range from $34 – $40.
Langkawi for 3 days
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands, with an additional five that only appear during low tide. It is a must-visit because it is abundant with wildlife, including several monkey species and around 200 bird species.
Some of the places to see here are Eagle Square, Mahsuri Tomb and Museum, Langkawi Park & Bird Paradise, and more.
The distance between Penang and Langkawi is 122 km. There are three modes of transportation here, including ferry, plane, and bus then ferry. The travel time by plane is 35 minutes and costs around $29-$53. The ferry ride lasts for almost 3 hours and costs $18, which is the most convenient option for an affordable price.
IMPORTANT: The ferry between Penang and Langkawi is no longer in operation (since the pandemic), and is yet to be back in business. The best option is to take the plane or by land, although that will take a long time.
Perhentian Islands for 4 days
The Perhentian Islands comprise two main islands and five uninhabited islands. The two main islands thrive off of nature tourism, where you’ll find clear waters, fine sand, and even turtle sanctuaries.
This island is known for diving and snorkelling, plus it is a perfect place to lie back and be lazy. This is the perfect way to end your trip: you can rest and unwind by chilling at the beach.
The distance between Langkawi and Perhentian Islands is 322 km. The flight time lasts almost four hours and costs between $107 and $137. However, you don’t actually arrive at the island. You still need to take a boat. The cheapest option is by riding a ferry and then riding a night bus, which only costs $25.
Itinerary #2: Historical (Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang, Kota Kinabalu)
This second itinerary is focused on people who are very fond of history. Kuala Lumpur, for instance, has tons of historical landmarks such as Merdeka Square, Istana Negara, and Central Market. Melaka, on the other hand, has sights that seem like they were frozen in time.
Some include the Dutch Square, Little India area, St. Paul’s Church, and Jonker Street, a central hub filled with museums, restored houses, religious buildings, and quaint shops.
Penang’s historical richness can only be found in this area. Some places that come to mind are Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Fort Cornwallis. Of course, let’s not forget about Kota Kinabalu, as you’ll also be able to glimpse its past by looking at its well-preserved structures.
Some historical places include Masjid Bandaraya, Sabah State Mosque, and Mari Mari Cultural Village.
Kuala Lumpur for 3 days
Kuala Lumpur is Malaysia’s largest urban area and transportation centre. It is a must-visit as it is a cultural melting pot of the world. So much so that it has a plethora of international cuisines. Malaysian history is also well-preserved here, and it shows in its museums and old structures.
It offers many day trips, including one where you’ll see Batu Cave, which is 400 million years old, and another featuring tilt houses in fishing villages. It is the perfect starting place as most of the international flights land here, and transportation to another city is very easy.
Melaka for 2 days
Melaka is a perfect getaway if you want to break from the hustle and bustle of urban cities. Melaka has tons of historical sights that will surely draw you in, including A Famosa Fort, Melaka Warrior Monument, and Red Square.
This is also an ideal place to check out if you’re on the way to crossing the land border to Singapore.
The road distance between Kuala Lumpur and Melaka is 144.9 km. The best and cheapest option to reach Melaka is by bus, which only costs $5. The travel time lasts for more than 2 hours. Other options include riding a taxi or driving.
Penang for 3 days
Have a respite from your hectic itinerary by staying in Penang. It is a must-visit because this place is known to serve the best foods in Malaysia, such as Mee Jawa, Muah chi, and char kuey teow.
For those who are looking forward to events, they have a Georgetown literary festival held annually. There are also tons of temples and boutique hotels here.
Melaka to Penang has a distance of 507 km and can be reached by plane in more than an hour. Plane tickets cost around $46 for a non-stop flight. Other modes of transportation include a bus ride from Melaka Sentral to Sungai Nibong, Penang.
Kota Kinabalu for 3 days
I suggest you stay for at least 3 days in Kota Kinabalu during your two weeks in Malaysia as it has many tourist attractions, including Tanjung Aru Beach, Kinabalu Park, and Mt. Kinabalu.
If you have more time, around one week, including a hike to the famous Kota Kinabalu Mountain, is perfect. This is a great place to end your trip because you can be around the nature, and also enjoy the beach.
The distance between Penang and Kota Kinabalu is 1745 km via plane, with a travel time of almost 3 hours. Flight tickets cost anywhere from $93-$147. There are direct flights and ones that connect to Kuala Lumpur.
Itinerary #3: Hiking and Wild Life (Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands/Taman Negara, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan)
This itinerary is perfect for hikers and those who are fond of wildlife. Kuala Lumpur actually has tons of hiking trails and nature walks, including Bukit Broga, Chiling Waterfall, and KL Forest Eco Park.
There are other things to do aside from hiking. In Cameron Highlands, you could go bird watching and Heritage Discovery and you could even drink tea and eat scones.
You would definitely have a wildlife encounter here in Malaysia, particularly in Kota Kinabalu. There are tons of day tours involving wildlife, including a river cruise and fireflies tour, Sepilok Orangutan tour, and Kinabalu Park and Desa Cow Farm tours.
Last but not least is Sandakan. Aside from Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys, you can visit turtles, see bears up close, walk at a heritage trail, and stay at a nature resort. Seriously, the list of things you could do here is endless.
Kuala Lumpur for 2 days
Kuala Lumpur is a perfect starting point for your 14 days in Malaysia as the transportation here to basically anywhere in the country is seamless.
A wide variety of cuisines are also available at street and night markets, such as Jalan Alor. The foods being sold here are prepared authentically and are affordable.
Aside from staying here to plan the rest of your trip, you can also get a local SIM card and get local money. Aquaria KLCC, Bukit Bintang, and the National Museum are a couple of must-see places here.
Cameron Highlands and Taman Negara for 3 days
One place in Malaysia with abundant flora and fauna is Cameron Highlands. It is famous for its tea plantations, rainforests, and various fruits, such as strawberries. It also has tons of hiking trails, including Sam Poh Buddhist Temple to Arcadia, Arcadia to Gunung Berembun, and Brinchang Town to Gunung Brinchang, among others.
Maximise your tropical vacation experience by visiting Taman Negara. It is a 130 million-year-old virgin forest with acres upon acres of diverse plants and species waiting to be explored.
The distance between Kuala Lumpur and Cameron Highlands is 208 km. You’ll be able to reach your destination by bus or driving, and the travel time is almost 4 hours.
Kota Kinabalu for 3 days
Kota Kinabalu is a coastal city located in the Malaysian part of Sabah Island. It is famous for its hiking trails, rainforests, and beaches.
You can also see the world’s largest flower (rafflesia) here, and since they have an international airport, it’s very easy to travel, both within and outside the country.
The distance between Cameron Highlands and Kota Kinabalu is more than 3,000 km, so you must ride a plane to reach your destination.
There’s an airport in Ipoh, but a flight from there to Kota Kinabalu means you must connect twice. Another option is to get to Penang by land and then fly from there to Kota Kinabalu.
Sandakan for 3 days
Sandakan is one of the places in Malaysia with much to offer, but it isn’t being talked about much. This place is perfect for hikers who want to hike off the beaten paths. You’ll also get to see Orangutans and Proboscis Monkeys here, as they have sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres.
If you come during the right time, you can see turtles, visit the beautiful Turtle Islands, and witness the “sending off” season when baby turtles will be released into the ocean.
Other places to see include rainforests, caves, the Sandakan Heritage Museum, and the Sim-Sim Water Village. The distance between Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu is 337 km.
You can ride the plane to reach Sandakan from Kota Kinabalu. The travel time lasts 50 minutes, and the flight ticket costs range from $29 to $73. Other travel options include riding the bus, which is the cheapest but takes more time.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN (per city)
Here’s a list of activities you can do in each city, plus recommended tours that you can book:
Kuala Lumpur
- Petronas Twin Towers – Twin Tower observation deck and Batu Caves combo tour
- KLCC Park
- Malacca/Melaka – you can enjoy a full-day trip from KL
- Menara Kuala Lumpur
- Genting Highlands – get on a day tour from KL that includes Batu Caves
- Dataran Merdeka
- KL Tower – buy your admission ticket to skip the line
- Central Market
- Try local street food – book a night tour
- Thean Hou Temple
- Batu Caves – you can book a half-day tour or combine Batu Caves with the National Mosque tour
- Ilham Gallery
- Kuala Selangor – see the glowing Kuala Selangor firefly tour
- Buffet Dinner at Atmosphere 360
Cameron Highlands
- Jungle Trail 1 (Gunung Brinchang)
- Mossy Forest
- Tringkap Hiking Trail
- Lavender Farm
- Strawberry picking at Kampung Taman Sedia
- Boh Tea Estate Habu
- Day trip to Taman Negara
- Tanjung Tualang Tin Dredge No. 5
- Lata Merkor or Geruntum Falls
Penang
- Walk around and find Penang Street Art – there’s a full-day tour for this
- Fort Cornwallis
- Dark Mansion Museum – book a tour
- Hawker Centres – to try local street food
- Penang Hill – combine this with Temple Tour
- Masjid Terpung Tanjung Bungah
- Kek Lok Si Temple
- George Town Street Food – enjoy a 4-hour tour or an evening food tour
- Penang Little India
- Countryside Cycling – read the tour reviews
- Penang National Park
- Explore the colonial architecture of Penang: Queen Victoria Tower, City Hall, and St. George’s Church
- Orangutan Island – join the half-day tour
- Upside Down Museum
- Escape Penang Water Park
- Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion – visit with a local guide
- Wonderfood Museum
- Explore George Town with a local guide visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Langkawi
- Langkawi Skybridge Cable Car – get on a private tour
- Pulau Payar
- Pulau Lembu
- Kilim Geopark Mangrove – check this tour or this Mangrove Safari boat tour, you can also do a Kayak tour
- Eagle Square
- Mahsuri Tomb and Museum / Kota Mahsuri
- Galeria Perdana
- Tanjung Rhu Geoforest Park – get there on a sunset kayak trip
- Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
- Dayang Bunting Island – visit this place and the Langkawi archipelago on a jet ski tour
- Gunung Raya
- Langkawi Countryside – go on a bike tour
- Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise
- Parasailing on Langkawi Beach
- Private island tour – visit all must-see attractions and will save you time as well
Perhentian Islands
- Scuba Diving
- Snorkelling
- Jungle Trekking
- Turtle Beach – you can simply take a look or volunteer at the sanctuary
- PIR Beach
- Adam and Eve Beach
- Terengganu Marine Park
- Tupai Beach Bar
MUST-TRY MALAYSIAN DISHES, DRINKS, AND SNACKS
There are lots of amazing dishes in Malaysia due to its diverse culture. Whether you’re a foodie or not, try at least 3 foods and see how you like them. Here’s a quick list of tasty Malaysian food. If you like this cuisine, maybe you should also check-out India for 2 weeks.
- Nasi Lemak – Malaysia’s national dish, consisting of fragrant rice cooked in coconut milk
- Satay – skewered and grilled marinated meat
- Roti Canai – a flaky, flatbread of Indian origin served with a side of curry sauce
- Char Kway Teow – popular stir-fried noodle dish
- Laksa – spicy and flavorful noodle soup with a coconut milk-based broth
- Hainanese Chicken Rice – Steamed or roasted chicken served with fragrant rice
- Mee Goreng Mamak – stir-fried noodle dish commonly found in Indian-Muslim stalls
- Rendang – rich and spicy meat curry
- Cendol – refreshing dessert made with shaved ice, green jelly noodles
- Teh Tarik – popular Malaysian milk tea made by “pulling” the tea between two containers
- Ais Kacang (ABC) – also known as “shaved ice dessert
- Kuih – refers to a variety of bite-sized traditional Malay cakes and pastries
- Roti Jala – this delicate and lacy pancake
- And don’t forget to drink local Malaysian tea
ACCOMMODATIONS (per city)
Lastly, you need a good place to rest in each place. Whether you’re on a budget or looking to splurge a bit, you’ll find some recommended accomdations below:
Kuala Lumpur
- Affordable: Space Hotel in Chinatown or Amethyst Dorm in KLCC
- Mid-range: Ceylonz Suites by Five Senses or Queens Service Suites at Times Square
- Luxury: The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel or Eastern Suites at Platinum KLCC
Cameron Highlands
- Affordable: Traveller Bunker Hostel 1 or Bricks Backpackers Sleeper Box
- Mid-range: Peony Square Residences or TR Homestay
- Luxury:
Penang
- Affordable: Cocoa Mews Cafe and Homestay or Tony’s Guesthouse
- Mid-range: Modern Hotel or Gallivant Hotel
- Luxury: Eastern & Oriental Hotel or Maritime Suites by Comfy
Langkawi
- Affordable: Motordorm Backpackers Hostel or Dar Yasmine Motel
- Mid-range: Cloud9 Holiday Cottages or Chill Suites
- Luxury: Villa Molek or Ombar Villa
Perhentian Islands
- Affordable/Mid-range: Samudra Beach Chalet or Perhentian Chomel Chalet
- Luxury: Bubu Resort or Aluna Resort
SUMMARY OF 2 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA
You can have a mind-blowing wilderness experience, unlimited beach getaways, and walking trips to well-preserved towns, heritage sites, and museums. Malaysia also has some of the oldest tropical jungles in the world. You’ll also see one of the longest tree-based walkways in the world here.
So whether you’re a history buff, an adrenaline junkie, a nature lover, a foodie, or want to relax and unwind all throughout your vacation, Malaysia has got you covered.
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