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Hannah's Happy Adventures

Your Essential 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary

in Malaysia, Travel on 03/18/20

Woman on beach in malaysia

So you’re thinking about visiting Malaysia? Looking for that perfect Malaysia itinerary? Check out my 2 week Malaysia itinerary below.

After spending over a month travelling around Malaysia, I’ve narrowed this down to the best places to visit in Malaysia for two weeks.

This itinerary works its way from north to south of peninsular Malaysia. If you would like to go from south to north (starting in Kuala Lumpur) – please follow in reverse.

Jump to:

2 Week Itinerary | 3 Week Itinerary | 4 Week Itinerary

Please note: this itinerary is only for peninsular Malaysia and does not include Borneo…

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Contents hide
1 Your 2 week Malaysia itinerary
1.1 Day 1-4: Langkawi
1.1.1 Where to stay
1.2 Day 4-6: Penang
1.2.1 Where to stay
1.3 Day 6-9: Cameron Highlands
1.3.1 Where to stay
1.4 Day 9-12: Kapas Island or Perhentian Islands
1.4.1 Kapas Island
1.4.2 Perhentian Islands
1.5 Day 12 – 14: Kuala Lumpur
1.5.1 Where to stay:
2 3 week Malaysia itinerary
2.1 Day 1-4: Langkawi
2.2 Day 4-6: Penang
2.3 Day 6-7: Ipoh
2.3.1 Where to stay
2.4 Day 7-10 Cameron Highlands
2.5 Day 10-12: Taman Negara
2.5.1 Where to stay
2.6 Day 12-15: Perhentian Islands
2.7 Day 15-18: Kapas Islands
2.8 Day 18-21: Kuala Lumpur
3 4 week Malaysia itinerary
3.1 Day 21- 23 – Melaka
3.1.1 Where to stay
3.2 Day 23 – 27 Tioman Island
3.2.1 Where to stay
4 Extend your visit:
5 How to get to Malaysia
6 How to get around Malaysia
7 When to visit
8 Money-saving tips for Malaysia
9 Staying safe in Malaysia
10 Get Insured
11 Get connected

Your 2 week Malaysia itinerary

Day 1-4: Langkawi

boats on river with mountains in malaysia

Start off your 2 week Malaysia itinerary by visiting Langkawi – a beautiful set of islands off the north-eastern coast of Malaysia. It’s also duty free…. Meaning cheap (ish) booze is available across the island!

The island offers many activities from snorkelling, mangroves and hiking.

More than enough for 3 full days!

Day 1: Arrive into Langkawi by plane in the morning, and book a transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day enjoying Cenang beach, take in the environment and go jet skiing or parasailing. Make sure you get a company where the parasailing starts from the boat. It’s illegal for it to start on the beach – as it can be very dangerous. However, many companies still do this. In the evening, head to one of the many night markets.

Day 2: Enjoy a 6-hour mangrove tour. You’ll see all kinds of wildlife and some beautiful beaches. Spend the evening having a drink on Cenang beach under the stars, or enjoying some great Langkawi food.

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Day 3: Hire a car or moped to explore the island. Don’t forget to take the cable car up to Langkawi’s Mount Machinchang. Afterwards, get an early night as you’ll have a morning ferry to penang!

You may notice, I don’t include the popular ‘island hopping’ tour here. It was very touristy and I don’t recommend it.

If you have enough money the jet ski island hopping tour was meant to be amazing! You could add this to your first or last day on the island.

Day 4: Take a morning ferry from Langkawi to Penang.

Where to stay

I recommend staying on Cenang beach. It’s the main hub – while touristy, it has everything you need.

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
Langkawi DormitorioBudgetLovely clean hostel. Located right on Cenang beach.
Casa Idaman MotelMid-rangeClean private rooms. Terrace on site and located next to Cenang beach
Casa del MarLuxuryLuxury hotel with beautiful pool on-site. Breakfast included

Day 4-6: Penang

woman on bicycle with street art in penang

Penang is a great island and home to the popular Georgetown. It’s famed for street art, but don’t forget the beaches and rainforest! It’s a perfect stop on your 2 week Malaysia itinerary.

Day 4: Take a morning ferry from Langkawi to Penang, in just three hours. I recommend booking quite far in advance here we couldn’t get our chosen time when we booked just a day in advance.

When you arrive, leave your baggage or check into your hostel. Hit the streets to explore Penang’s street art. Check out a self guided street art tour here!

In the evening, head to Kimberly street market. It is not extensive, but a good option for a cheap scrummy meal! Love Lane is where its at for drinks afterwards – although pricey by Asia’s standards, its reasonable by Malay standards.

Day 5: Spend the morning exploring Little India. Don’t forget to try the roti canai and the samosas! Then either take a street food tour, visit Batu Ferringhi beach or find some of the amazing snack options yourself. Its’ a peaceful beach with a night market and a stunning sunset.

Day 6: Start early today for a visit to Penang hill and Kek Lok Si Temple, for beautiful views over the city. Afterwards grab lunch in the nearby hawker stalls. Return to the city to see the Clan jetties. Take a late afternoon bus to the Cameron Highlands.

Where to stay

I highly recommend staying in Gerogetown. The hostel we stayed in – The Frame – was perfectly located.

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
The FrameBudgetGreat guesthouse, minor furniture but clean. Good shared kitchen.
Wow HotelMid-rangeClean budget private rooms. Located in the centre of Georgetown.
Eastern & Oriental HotelLuxuryBeautiful ocean views, 24 hour butler service offered, and on-site restaurant.

Day 6-9: Cameron Highlands

Rice fields in the highlands of malaysia

This was one of my favourite places to visit in Malaysia. It may be because it was the first time I was in sub 25 °C heat for the past 6 months… but it was most likely the stunning views!

Day 6: After arriving late by bus from Cameron Highlands, get a good nights sleep in your new accommodation.

Day 7: Book a day tour for today. The Boh tea plantations is the best part of the tour. The other options you’ll see will likely include the butterfly, bee and insect farms – were for me too touristy! However, this tour will take you around the main sights in the Cameron highlands.

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Day 8: Today take a day hike. There are many trails to choose from but I recommend taking trail ten followed by six. Avoid trail nine at all costs – supposedly there’s a man in a balaclava that may mug you – as told to us by the lonely planet guidebook and multiple travellers. It should take you around 4 – 5 hours. Download Maps.Me to find your routes.

Day 9: Take a day transfer to Kapas Island or Perhentian Islands. See further details about which island to choose below.

Where to stay

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
De’Native GuesthouseBudgetThe best hostel in Malaysia! 6 friendly dogs, a bonfire every night, complete with pool table and darts board. Be aware it is a 15 minute walk from town
Hotel D’La FernsMid-rangeClean budget rooms in the centre of the Cameron Highlands.
Cameron Highlands ResortLuxuryGolf course and spa centre on site. Beautiful old style rooms and buildings

Day 9-12: Kapas Island or Perhentian Islands

There are two options for your beach time. I highly recommend Kapas Island over Perhentian – it’s less popular and has more of a hidden desert island feel. However, Perhentian is more popular and has a higher standard of accommodation. Many people feel they shouldn’t miss the Perhentian islands, but if you do it will 100% be worth it.

Kapas Island

beautiful beach in malaysia

Hands down… THE best place in Malaysia for a 2 week itinerary!

This island is well off the beaten track, and is a more beautiful and unspoilt island than the Perhentian.

To arrive from Cameron highlands, take the bus to Marang jetty, from here Kapas is just a 15-minute boat ride from the mainland. If you cannot get a bus to marang jetty you can take one to Kuala Terrenganu, and from here a taxi to Marang jetty.

The island offers diving, snorkelling and hiking. We did spent most of our time here relaxing on the beach. However, it’s very cheap to do your PADI open water with Aquasport Divers. There is also a great trail through the jungle to the other side of the island.

I can’t sum up this island well enough – I promise if you choose this over Perhentian, you won’t regret it!

Where to stay

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
Captain’s LonghouseBudgetGreat little campsite, lovely bonfire at night and cheap bar on-site.
Qimi ChaletMid-rangePrivate beach on-site, rooms built into the trees. Lovely bbq candlelit dinner on the beach each night.
Gem Island Resort and SpaLuxury Set on it’s own island next-door to Kapas Island. Over-water villas available.

Perhentian Islands

coral beach in malaysia

If you decide to choose Perhentian, there is still a lot to do on the islands. They are very popular with travellers doing their PADI open water. There are hundreds of dive centres around.

The big island (Perhentian Besar) is full of resorts and the small island (Perhentian Kesil) with backpackers.

We stayed on Coral beach on the small island. However, it was overcrowded and only had dead coral. If you’re looking for the backpacker vibe, stay on long beach.

Overall, the small island was slightly disappointing. After seeing the big island from a boat, my boyfriend and I did mull over if we’d made a mistake!

If you’re a solo traveller stick with the small island. If you’re travelling with friends or as a couple, I recommend the big island.

Last minute Deals

These islands are hyped up in Malaysia. However, if you only have time for a 2 week Malaysia itinerary, I highly recommend Kapas island over Perhentian for a true slice of paradise.

If you’re not doing a PADI open water course, take the long snorkelling tour around the islands. We saw a shark and a turtle!

You’ll find many tours suggest Rawa island – we arrived and saw mainly dead coral. Sadly, this is becoming more and more common in Asia.

Where to stay:

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
Long Beach CampBudgetCheap camping option – tents and futons provided. If you don’t mind sand – a great option.
Samudra Beach ChaletMid-rangeCheap beach chalets with possible sea views. Air conditioned but slightly old inside.
Perhentian Island ResortLuxuryLuxourious beach chalets with outdoor pool. Possibility for bathtub in room.

Day 12 – 14: Kuala Lumpur

Petronas towers in kuala lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is, I suppose, very similar to many other cities across Asia.

However… one thing it isn’t… and that is CHEAP!

We had planned to buy all our presents here for our return home… and after that experience I have to suggest not doing this!

Day 12: Arrive from from Kuala Terrenganu in just one hour by air from Kapas. If you are travelling from Perhentian Island, you can fly from Kota Bahru. This saves you time in a 2 week Malaysia itinerary. Alternatively you can take the bus: 9 hours from Kapas and 12 from Perhentian. When we booked this travel, the flight was actually cheaper than the bus.

Once you arrive, have a wander around Kuala Lumpur city centre, visit the Petronas towers and enjoy the city.

Day 13: Spend the morning at Batu Caves. Famous for the multi-coloured stairs… it’s a nice place to visit. The earlier you go, the emptier it will be. The cave itself is a little disappointing. Then spend the afternoons shopping on KLCC.

In my opinion, 2 days is enough to see Kuala Lumpur.

One of the really great things about Kuala Lumpur is the rooftop swimming pools…. Ours definitely made our trip to Kuala Lumpur. I highly recommend a hotel or hostel with one – all accommodation options suggested above have one!

Day 14: Onward travel.

Where to stay:

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
KL Skyline & Rooftop Infinity PoolBudgetGreat hostel includes a pool with a view over KL.
Expressionz SuitesMid-rangeGreat apartments on offer with rooftop infinity pool. Slightly further out of the city.
Platinum SuitesLuxuryPerfect one or two bed apartments complete with rooftop infinity pool only a stone’s throw from the Petronas towers.

Want to know more?

Get this Lonely Planet Malaysia Guidebook now to find out more about these destinations. Pick up a Malay Phrasebook to help yourselves get around.

3 week Malaysia itinerary

To bump the above 2 week Malaysia itinerary to a 3 week Malaysia itinerary, follow the below options.

Day 1-4: Langkawi

Day 4-6: Penang

Day 6-7: Ipoh

ipoh street art sign in malaysia

Ipoh doesn’t make a lot of tourists Malaysia itinerary… but it’s a less touristy version of Penang, and the perfect stop off point on your way to the highlands.

Day 6: Once you arrive from Penang by bus, get an early night sleep for a busy day sightseeing

Day 7: Start your morning with dim sum at Ming Court Hong Kong, and then head out on the mural art trail. The pieces here are very similar to Penang but less touristy!

Depending how early you started, spend the afternoon at the Lost Kingdom water park. Or choose another night market, Gerbang Malam, instead.

Take a late afternoon bus to Cameron Highlands.

Note: If you have the option to extend your visit here I’d highly recommend it as there’s multiple neighbouring temples that are worth a visit!

Where to stay

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
The Brownstone HostelBudgetA historic townhouse turned hostel. Capsule feel dormitories.
OYO 44019 Nas HotelMid-RangeBasic clean rooms with air conditioning and Wifi.
H2H – London HouseLuxuryBeautiful serviced apartments with balconies.

Day 7-10 Cameron Highlands

Day 10-12: Taman Negara

view of river and rainforest in malaysia

Taman Negara is the main entry point to the rainforest. Now I visited this place with high hopes and we spent 3 nights there. It was just too long. The scenery is beautiful yet samey. The town is full of grumpy locals serving bad food at an expensive price!

Two nights in this place is long enough….

Day 10: Evening of arrival: be sure to take a night walk or night cruise – if they have space!

Day 11: Walk up to Bukit Teresek unguided in the morning. Currently the canopy walk is closed – hopefully when you visit it may be open again – so be sure to check this out! In the afternoon, visit Orangli village and enjoy rapid shooting on the way back.

Please note: you must book your tours in advance here! We sadly could only book one tour as everything else was booked when we visited. This was despite the hostel telling us before we did not need to book in advance.

Keep count of all the countries you’ve visited!

A great present for any traveller. Scratch off all the countries you’ve visited with this Scratch the World Travel Map.

Day 12: Take a whole day transfer to Perhentian Islands. Book when you have arrived, and includes a minibus transfer to the jetty and return boat tickets.

Where to stay

I recommend staying in Mutiara resort and booking their all included package…. If you have the money to!

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
Wild Lodge BudgetThe only reasonable and clean hostel, no air conditioning and book tours through another company.
Mutiara ResortMid-rangeBest place to stay as you can book all inclusive tours and food packages. Only hotel within the national park.

Day 12-15: Perhentian Islands

Day 15-18: Kapas Islands

Day 18-21: Kuala Lumpur

4 week Malaysia itinerary

To bump the above 3 week Malaysia itinerary to four, I recommend adding Melaka and Tioman Island onto your trip.

Day 21- 23 – Melaka

Day 21: Take a 2 hour bus to Melaka from Kuala Lumpur. Check into your hotel and relax! Spend the evening enjoying foor from Little India or Jonker Street Harket Centre.

Day 22: Take a free walking tour in the morning to explore Melaka and find out more about it’s history. Then spend the rest of the day exploring central Melaka. Finished off by visiting the floating Melaka Straits Mosque.

Where to stay

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
Ola Lavenderia CafeBudgetGreat little guesthouse, private and dorms available. Bicycles available for hire.
Muk by Victoria HomeMid-rangeModern clean hotel with excellent ratings.
Ames HotelLuxuryUp-market hotel with on-site restaurant and swimming pool.
view of floating mosque from above in melaka
Photo by CK Travels

Day 23 – 27 Tioman Island

I heard only good things about this beautiful island – and so highly recommend a visit.

Day 23: Take a full day transfer from Melaka to Mersing Jetty. Followed by the ferry over to Tioman Island

Day 24: Spend your first day exploring the beaches and getting some tan-time in. You can also rent snorkels to explore the underwater life.

Day 25: Book the island hopping tour – either snorkelling or diving. Explore all this island has to offer.

Day 26: Today is your hiking day. You can hike through the jungle from Tekek to Juara.

Day 27: Take a full day transfer to arrive back to Kuala Lumpur in the evening – ready for your flight the next day. Alternatively you can also transfer down to Singapore and fly from here.

Where to stay

AccommodationPrice-rangeWhy stay here?
Beach Shack ChaletBudgetCheap, private, basic chalets. Private bathrooms. Good option for solo travellers.
Bushman TiomanMid-rangeBudget chalets with sea views. On-site restaurant and located on the beach.
Tunamaya Beach & Spa ResortLuxuryUpmarket beautiful beachfront villas. On-site spa and snorkelling activities.

Extend your visit:

If you want to spend longer than two weeks in Malaysia, I recommend heading over to Borneo. Here you will find mountains, rainforest and the orangutans in Kota Kinabalu!

How to get to Malaysia

  • By air: Malaysia has many airports littered throughout the country. Most international flights will arrive in Kuala Lumpur. Should you wish to start your itinerary in Langkawi – it’s just an hour and 30-minute flight north.
  • By boat: It’s possible to arrive in Langkawi from South Thailand. The ferry network is extensive throughout Malaysia.
  • By bus: You can take a bus into Malaysia from Thailand.

How to get around Malaysia

woman on swing in street art in penang
  • By taxi/Grab: Grab is a great way of taking a taxi as the price is agreed on the app beforehand. This means you have no danger of being ripped off. It’s also very convenient.
  • By bus: This is the most common form of transport in Malaysia. I recommend booking through 12Go.
  • By ferry: There is an extensive ferry network between Malaysia’s islands and the main country.
  • By air: Malaysia has very cheap internal flights. I recommend Air Asia for these. They are often cheaper than the bus so always worth checking!
  • By car: It’s very easy to hire a car in Malaysia. You can also hire mopeds very cheaply if you’re happy travelling like this.

When to visit

You can visit for your 2 week Malaysia itinerary all year around.

The rainy season on the west side occurs between April and October. The rainy season on the east side: between November and March. During these times, islands on some sides will close down. Be prepared for this!

Money-saving tips for Malaysia

  • Local buses – between some of the more local attractions, you can try to get the bus that the locals take by asking around. This will save you $$$.
  • Internal flights – we took a flight for £10 where the 8 hour bus cost £15. Always check the flights! Sometimes they are cheaper.
  • Avoiding tours – many of the tours in Malaysia seem like a necessity but just aren’t! For example, many of the snorkelling tours on the islands, can be replaced with snorkelling on a beach you can reach by public transport or walking.

Read here for budget travel tips and how much money you need to travel.

Staying safe in Malaysia

Keep your money safe!

Get this Travel Money Belt with RFID block. Keep your money safe under your clothes with this hidden money belt.

Like any country – it’s important to follow general safety tips when travelling. Check out my top tips for travelling Malaysia safely:

  • Wear your passport on a hidden belt when taking overnight buses/flights.
  • If you enter any busy market places – wear your backpack on your front.
  • Keep a bank card in each individual bag you have plus one in your purse that you use. This just means if one of your bag goes missing you will still have access to a bank account.

Make sure you don’t forget anything with this travel checklist.

beautiful beach in malaysia

Get Insured

It’s essential you get travel insurance when visiting, not just Malaysia – but everywhere!
I recommend True Traveller if you have pre-existing conditions, including mental health conditions.

If you don’t have any pre-existing conditions – check out World Nomads.

Get connected

Getting a sim in the country you visited is a great way to not be dependent on Wifi. Sims cost as little as 10$/£8 for a month with unlimited data. Read more about your best options for a Malaysian SIM card.

Alternatively, you can buy a sim online before you go. I don’t recommend this as it is considerably more expensive, and you can just get one at the airport when you land.


I hope you enjoyed my 2 week Malaysia itinerary. Have the best trip!

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I'm an English teacher, sailing lover and hiking enthusiast making my way around the world. Ever since a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, travelling has become my happy place. Come and join me on my adventures! Read More…

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