10 Days in Malaysia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Best of East & West Malaysia

Discover Peninsular Malaysia and the Borneo States on this East & West Malaysia itinerary, perfect for first-time travelers as you'll sample both regions starting with the capital of Kuala Lumpur. Visit famous cave temples and explore Penang Island. Then you're off to Borneo, in East Malaysia, where you'll relax on remote beaches, snorkel, and visit local farms in the stunning highlands. 

Kuala Lumpur will captivate you with its rich culture and diversity. Start by touring its iconic sights, including the Petronas Towers, religious landmarks, colorful Chinatown, and bustling marketplaces. Take a day trip to the impressive limestone Batu Caves before spending three days in Penang, first exploring the coastal city of George Town's colonial-era buildings and sampling stir-fried rice noodles. Wander through the metropolis of pagodas, shrines, and gardens at the Kek Lok Si temple complex, learn the inner workings of a durian farm, and hit the trails at Penang National Park on your free day. 

At the halfway point, transfer to Kota Kinabalu in East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. You're sure to get a healthy dose of culture browsing the vendor stalls on Gaya Street. After your fill of the city's buzz, escape to the white sand beaches of a remote island off Kudat, where you'll lay low in a bungalow for two days. Snorkel and scuba dive, then witness the "blue tears" phenomenon of bioluminescence at night. On the Bornean mainland, you'll discover Kundasang's stunning alpine scenery and rich highland culture, visit goats at a sustainable dairy farm, and enjoy a final evening with a special themed dinner. Learn more 

Itinerary #2: Best of Peninsular Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur, Penang & Langkawi

Focusing on Peninsular Malaysia, you'll begin this best-of itinerary in Kuala Lumpur and then head north to the lush Cameron Highlands. Tour the UNESCO-listed George Town on Penang Island and finish with some relaxing beach time—and a trip to an impressive SkyBridge—on Langkawi Island. It's an excellent sequence for travelers wanting to split time between the exciting cultural highlights in cities and a slower pace in the countryside and on the beach.

For the first two days, soak up a diverse blend of cultures and gain an insight into the modern, historic, secular, and religious aspects of Kuala Lumpur with highlights like the lively markets of Pasar Seni and Chow Kit and the Petronas Towers. Discover the Batu Caves in the northern outskirts, karst caves that have been transformed into a Tamil Hindu religious site. The following day, travel north to Ipoh to enjoy the cooler climate in Malaysia's Cameron Highlands. The town has a fascinating tin mining history with caves, castles, temples, and gardens to explore or be covered with the Ipoh Heritage Walk. 

On Day 5, head to Penang, an island off the coast. Over the next three days, you'll check out the capital of George Town's beautiful colonial architecture, visit the Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang Hill, a durian farm, and have a free day to browse famous street murals or shop for handicrafts. On Day 7, you'll fly to Langkawi Island for three days of relaxing on its beaches. A day trip brings you to a traditional Malay kampung (village) house, Alam Batik Art Village, a ride on the Langkawi Cable Car, and a thrilling SkyBridge walk. Then on your last full day, paddle through a peaceful mangrove forest in Langkawi before departure. Learn more 

Itinerary #3: Best of East Malaysia's Rainforests & Beaches

It's all about discovering rainforests and beaches of the Borneo States on this East Malaysia trip. With hiking to forested waterfalls, relaxing on white-sand beaches, and snorkeling adventures in Kudat, you'll experience the perfect mix of active and leisure activities with the backdrop of rainforests, misty highlands, and topaz waters. 

Start your trip in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo, by perusing Gaya Street's market stalls and taking a sunset harbor walk. Spend the next three days adventuring in Lahad Datu, in the Danum Valley—one of the world's oldest rainforests—first with a guided treetop nature walk followed by a nighttime trek through the forest to hear and observe nocturnal wildlife. The next day, enjoy a rainforest hike along the Coffin Cliff Trail to the famed Kadazandusun burial site and cool off afterward in the Jacuzzi Pool at the base of a waterfall. Look out for rare animals like pygmy elephants on your hike, and stop at Serpent Falls. 

On Day 5, make your way to Kundasang for some crisp mountain air, meet the Holstein Friesian cows at Desa Dairy Farm, and dine in a refurbished retro Labuk bus before your overnight in Kota Belud. The following day, travel to Kudat on the northernmost tip of Borneo. Laze on the sugar-white sands or snorkel in the inviting waters teeming with exotic marine life. Dive with colorful fish and take a nighttime swim to experience the area's glittering bioluminescent plankton, also known as "blue tears." On your final night in Kota Kinabalu, wander through the night market for some fresh seafood. Learn more

Itinerary #4: East Malaysia Adventure: Jungles, Orangutans & Indigenous Culture

Bookended with nights in Kuala Lumpur, this Malaysia adventure is perfect for travelers wanting to dive deeper into East Malaysia's jungle and culture. You'll visit Bako National Park and witness exotic wildlife, get to know East Malaysia's rainforests as you settle into a jungle lodge, take daily treks into Batang Ai National Park in search of orangutans, and learn about the culture of the Iban people and their traditional longhouses. 

Admire colonial-era landmarks alongside modern skyscrapers like the Petronas Towers on your first day in Kuala Lumpur. Next, fly to Kuching in East Malaysia and spend two days strolling along the riverfront Esplanade, indulging in the local cuisine, and venturing to the wilds of Bako National Park on a day trip. The next four days bring adventures from Lubok Antu. You'll board a traditional longboat and travel up the Delok River to your Batang Ai remote accommodation before visiting a nearby longhouse, the traditional dwelling of the Iban people, where you'll sip rice wine as you get to know your hosts on the ruai (common veranda)

Lace up your hiking boots on Day 5 for your first day of orangutan tracking from Nanga Sumpa. Enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the jungle while spotting incredible endemic wildlife like hornbills and exotic birds as you stay in a jungle camp. Day 7 brings more exploration of the Borneo rainforest in search of orangutans. Bid farewell to the jungle and the orangutans the next day as you transfer to Kuching and pay a final visit to landmarks like the Moorish Jamek Mosque and the rural enclave of Kampung Baru with its traditional stilt houses before catching your departing flight in Kuala Lumpur. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Malaysia's Cities & Nature Tour

Slow the pace down as you cover the highlights in Kuala Lumpur before flying to Malaysian Borneo on this city and nature tour to explore Miri and Mulu. Split your time between visiting famous landmarks and museums in Kuala Lumpur and Tusan Beach outside Miri and the many impressive caves and natural wonders of Gunung Mulu National Park. 

For the first three days, soak up Kuala Lumpur's cultural highlights like Jalan Masjid India Bazaar, Jamek Mosque, and Chinatown. Next, head to the outskirts for Sekinchan Wishing Tree and the famous Batu Caves before visiting the city's museum and exotic marine life at Aquaria KLCC. On Day 4, fly to Miri to start your Malaysian Borneo trip. At Tusan Beach on the South China Sea, enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the "blue tears" bioluminescence phenomenon. Meanwhile, on the second half of the trip, tap into your adventurous side with four days of exploring Gunung Mulu National Park, including its caves and natural landmarks. 

Witness traditional culture firsthand by visiting a remote Penan village and longhouse. Continue to hone your spelunking skills with visits to Clearwater Cave and Wind Cave, from which you'll hike to a rainforest camp. On your hike to Mount Api the following day, notice the otherworldly rock formations called the Mulu Pinnacles. The return hike to your jungle hotel on the Melinau River passes by the caves again if you didn't get your fill of exploration the first time! End your journey at Tua Pek Kong, the oldest Chinese temple in Miri, or discover the city's museums and markets before readying for your departure. Learn more

More Great 10-Day Malaysia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Malaysia? Check out these other 10-day Malaysia itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.