Two weeks is the perfect amount of time to spend in Malaysia, allowing you to explore the region's top wilderness venues and experience many of its cultural highlights. However, you can still enjoy Malaysia with far fewer days: five is long enough for a wildlife-rich rainforest experience, including time for relaxing on white sand beaches and snorkeling the Sulu Sea, while in a week to 10 days, you can dive deeper and experience multiple regions.
With only five days in Malaysia, focusing on one to two destinations is best. Travelers interested in urban adventures can sample street food in Kuala Lumpur and take a boat tour of UNESCO-listed Melaka. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot orangutans and more on Kinabatangan River safaris in Malaysian Borneo, while beach lovers can snorkel at Lankayan Island. Those looking for variety should head to Kuching, where they'll visit historical sites, learn about Bidayuh culture, and see endemic species at Bako National Park.
One week in Malaysia is enough time to visit four destinations, like the classic Melaka to Penang trip for first-timers keen on a quick pace and a variety of activities. Those that prefer a slower pace can take a Langkawi beach holiday, and food-focused travelers will enjoy feasting on dim sum in Ipoh and street food in Penang. The Borneo itineraries are best for outdoorsy types—Gunung Mulu is suited to cave enthusiasts and avid hikers, while the wildlife safaris on the Borneo Adventure are perfect for animal lovers.
In 10 days in Malaysia, you can see most of the highlights and four to five destinations in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia. Choose an itinerary that samples both regions, relax at Langkawi Island on the Andaman Sea, go rainforest hiking and spot waterfalls at Lahad Datu in East Malaysia, or focus your trip on jungle trekking and tracking orangutans in Nanga Sumpa. Alternatively, split your time between city life in Kuala Lumpur and discovering caves and nature in Borneo's Gunung Mulu National Park.
With two weeks in Malaysia, you can visit five to eight destinations. Adventurous travelers should explore Langkawi island in West Malaysia while those wanting an off-the-beaten-path experience should consider Malaysian Borneo for cultural village visits and cave excursions at Gunung Mulu National Park. For natural highlights, snorkel at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and see orangutan sanctuaries, and add a fun day at Universal Studios Singapore for a multicountry trip.
