Malaysia itinerary in 15 days | Complete guide

Summary | Route through Malaysia in 15 days

One of the main problems when preparing Malaysia route in 15 days There are so many things to see and do throughout the country that it is difficult to decide on the right itinerary. The route that we are going to propose is not fixed, internal transport, both by air and land, is cheap and efficient, so you can adapt our proposal to create your own route through Malaysia in 15 days. In fact, throughout the article we already propose some good alternatives in case they suit you better.

• Day 1: Arrival in Malaysia and first day in Kuala Lumpur
• Day 2: Touring Kuala Lumpur
• Day 3 and 4: Tea plantations in Cameron Highlands
• Alternative 3 and 4: Venture into the Taman Negara jungle
• 5 6 days and: Penang
• Days 7 to 11: Enjoy Perhentian
• Days 12, 13 and 14: Orangutans in Kuching, Borneo
• Day 15: Last day in Kuala Lumpur and back home

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Day 1 – Arrival in Malaysia

Almost any 15-day Malaysia itinerary starts in Kuala Lumpur, one of Asia's most iconic cities. Its airport has connections to almost every part of the world and is also perfectly connected to most corners of the country. Flying within Malaysia is very cheap, we will see that later.

We are going to briefly recommend the main places to visit in Kuala Lumpur so as not to make ourselves too heavy, if you want to know more details read our article where we recommend What to see in Kuala Lumpur in 2 days.

Recommended hotel in Kuala Lumpur: Ceylonz

💡 To get around the city quickly you can use apps like Grab or BoltThey are the Asian version of Uber and in Kuala Lumpur they are really useful and cheap.

After many hours of traveling we always recommend start with something quiet. On this first day in Kuala Lumpur we recommend you visit:

• Chinatown District: A great neighborhood to stroll around and see how Chinese and Hindu cultures mix in its streets. Here you can visit some temples and walk around Petaling Street, the heart of the neighborhood.
• Kwai Chai Hong: Small alley next to Chinatown with a wide variety of murals, ideal if you like urban art.
• Merdeka Square: It is the most important square in the country and the buildings that surround it, which mix several different architectures, seem to us some of the most beautiful in the city. Without a doubt, the one that stands out the most is the Sultan Abdul Samad building.
• Masjid Negara Mosque: It is one of the main mosques in the country and can be visited for free.
• Petronas Towers: These two twin buildings are an icon of the country and amaze both day and night. That's why we recommend seeing them at sunset and waiting for it to get dark. You can also stay in one of the many Hotels with views of the Petronas.

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur

The first day of this 15-day itinerary through Malaysia has started off intensely, seeing some iconic stops in Kuala Lumpur. But this great Asian metropolis has many more interesting places that are worth a visit. For the second day in the city we suggest you visit:

• Batu cavesThese are caves that house Hindu temples inside. The entrance is guarded by a golden statue of more than 40 meters, which is accessed by a colorful and photogenic staircase. These caves are another of the most famous attractions in the city.
• Thean Hou Temple: Spectacular 6-story Chinese temple with views of the city. The architecture, colors, and Chinese lanterns make this temple one of our favorites in the country.
• Little India: You visited Chinatown the day before, so today it's time to visit the Indian Quarter, one of the largest communities in Malaysia. It's not a very large neighborhood and can be explored quickly, but its streets and businesses are truly unique. It's also one of the best places to visit. where to eat in Kuala Lumpur.

• Malls: As a good Asian city, Kuala Lumpur is known for having numerous shopping malls. Two of the most interesting are the Berjaya Times Square, which has a roller coaster inside, and the Pavilion, which is one of the largest and most luxurious malls in the country.
• Alor Road:When night falls, this street comes alive. If you are looking for a street with a great nightlife and full of Asian food options, this is your place.

Days 3 and 4: Cameron Highlands and its tea plantations

Cameron Highlands is possibly one of the coolest places in Malaysia, an ideal destination to escape the stifling Malaysian heat and humidity. To visit the area you will have to take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Tanah Rata.

Recommended hotel in Tanah Rata: Gerard's Backpackers

The main attraction of Cameron Highlands is its plantations, where tea is particularly popular, and also the trails that run through its mountains. During your visit to this beautiful area we recommend:

• Tour a tea plantation and taste the harvest: One of the typical activities is to enter a plantation and walk along some of its paths, seeing how tea is worked. Then you can try the mythical teh tarik in the cafeteria at the main entrance. The most famous plantation is BOH Tea Centre.
• Hiking trails: Another of the main attractions is the large number of routes in the area, some very simple and others quite demanding. The most popular are the 10 Trails and the Mossy Forest.
• Rafflesia Search: Venture into the lush forests of the area to find this exotic flower, considered the largest in the world.
• Try Indian food: In Malaysia in general and Cameron Highland in particular there is a large community of Indian origin. In Tanah Rata you will find many quality Indian restaurants, although our favorite without a doubt is Highlands Spice.

Alternative 3 and 4: Taman Negara Forest

If walking through plantations doesn't quite convince you and you prefer a more exotic and adventurous experience, we recommend Visit the Taman Negara jungle as an alternative. It is one of the oldest tropical forests in the world and is relatively easy Getting there from Kuala Lumpur and spend a night there, although many prefer to hire a 1 day tour from KL.

Recommended hotel in Taman Negara: Julies Hostel

This national park offers a impressive biodiversity, with hiking trails that allow you to enter the dense jungle on your own or with a guide and try to spot wildlife such as elephants and monkeys. One of the most popular activities is walking through the canopy walkway, a bridge suspended between the trees that offers spectacular views of the jungle.

You can also go on night safaris, cruise along the Tembeling River or visit indigenous villages (Orang Asli) to experience the local culture. Taman Negara is a must-visit destination for lovers of adventure and the jungle.

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Days 5 and 6: Penang

Penang Island is another of the best places on this 15-day route through Malaysia. George Town, its capital, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This city has a lot of historical importance and is famous for its colonial architecture, its colorful street murals and its temples of different religions.

You can reach Penang from Cameron Highlands by busIf you choose to visit Taman Negara the route is a little more complex, you must first arrive by bus or taxi to Temerloh and then take a overnight bus to PenangYou can also return to Kuala and catch a flight.

Recommended hotel in Penang: Heritage Villa

Moreover, Penang is a paradise for food lovers because it is considered the Malaysia's culinary capital. Its culinary offering fuses Malay, Chinese and Indian flavours. Here are the best things to do and see in Penang:

• Buscar the famous George Town graffiti: Much of Penang's tourist fame is due to the street art by artists Tang Mun Kian and Ernerst Zacharevic that decorate the streets of the center.
• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple: This large Buddhist temple situated on a small hill presides over the city of George Town. It is the largest Buddhist complex in the country with many gardens and buildings to explore.
• Tour Penang National Park: It is one of the island's biggest attractions. Not only is it an ideal place to walk through its lush forests in search of monkeys, but it also has some great beaches for a swim.
• Get to know the cultural neighborhoods:Due to the importance of maritime trade in George Town there is a great cultural mix, don't miss Little India, Chinatown or the Chew Jetty.
• Eat: The Malay cultural mix is ​​synonymous with good food and Penang is full of good restaurants at very affordable prices. Its street food is also popular, for example on Chulia Street.

Days 7 to 11: Enjoy Perhentian, paradise on this 15-day route through Malaysia

Recommended accommodation in Perhentian: OceanBoys INN

This 15-day route through Malaysia also takes you to the islands Perhentian paradise. Getting there from Penang is quite easy as you can take a flight to Kota Bharu and then a ferry. We explain all the details in our article on How to get to the Perhentian Islands.

The two main islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. The first is more family-friendly with large resorts and the second has more of a backpacker vibe with more restaurants and bars. Regardless of which one you choose to stay on, it will be a good decision because You can go from one to the other by taxi boat and the excursions offered are the same. We have a complete Guide to visiting Perhentian where we talk in detail about each island and the hotels we recommend so you can find the one that best suits you.

These islands are the typical paradise of sun and beach where there are no vehicles or paved roads, you walk along the sand. Even the tables of the best restaurants to eat in Perhentian They are on the sand of the beach. For us it is a Ideal destination for snorkelling and diving lovers, as well as being a perfect place to get started in either of the two. We have a good article with the best beaches in Perhentian and the most incredible places to snorkel.

Langkawi – The best alternative to the Perhentian Islands

Due to the rainy weather during the monsoon months it is not recommended to visit the Perhentian Islands between november and february, most hotels and restaurants close during those months.

As an alternative beach destination for that period We recommend you visit Langkawi, an island on the west coast of the country that is easily accessible from Penang by ferry or plane. Langkawi is not as paradisiacal as Perhentian but it also stands out for its beaches, crystal-clear waters and a wide range of activities. Some of the best things to see and do on the island are:

• Bathe in the Seven Wells Waterfalls: A set of waterfalls and pools that are very popular for swimming.
• Sunset at Pantai Cenang: This is the most touristic beach and the area where most hotels and restaurants are located. Although it is not the prettiest, it is an ideal place to watch the sunset.
• Route along the beaches of Langkawi: Visit the most beautiful beaches on the island such as Pantai Kok or Tanjung Rhu Beach.

Recommended accommodation in Langkawi: Salsa Resort Langkawi

Days 12-14: Orangutans in Kuching, Borneo

One of the most popular attractions of the island of Borneo is the endemic fauna, especially the imposing orangutans. One of the Best places to see them is in Kuching, Thanks to its good air connections you can get very cheap tickets. from Kota Bharu, next to Perhentian. To see orangutans we personally prefer the area of ​​the Kinabatangan River, but it is too far for this 15-day route through Malaysia, although by slightly modifying the itinerary it could be included.

Recommended hotel in Kuching: The LimeTree

Your first day in Kuching can be dedicatedcarOpt for a more relaxed plan, strolling through the city, visiting some of its temples, and exploring the Waterfront. The next day, take a day trip to Visit Bako National Park, a spectacular jungle area located next to the coast and which can only be reached by boat. This is It is very common to see endemic fauna such as proboscis monkeys. and many types of birds. If you like the plan, it's best not to visit Kuching and instead dedicatecarAllow two days to sleep inside the park and do a night trek. Keep in mind that, being a very jungle-covered region, rain is common, so be prepared for rain. luggage for travelling to Malaysia a raincoat should not be missing.

On the last day in Borneo you can enjoy one of the greatest and most special experiences of this 15-day route through Malaysia, seeing orangutans in the wild. The best place to do this is in the Semenggoh Orangutan Reserve, which is very easy to get to by bus or Grab. Hours are limited, they open only twice from 8:00 to 10:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00 and they put food on the platforms at 9 and 15:2. We recommend choosing one of those two time slots and spending the XNUMX hours there.

Day 15: Last day in Kuala Lumpur or Melaka and return home

This 15-day route through Malaysia is coming to an end. The ideal way to avoid being short on time would be to fly late on the 14th from Kuching. Depending on the departure time of your return flight, you might even have time to do a Quick visit to the nearby city of Melaka, famous for its colonial historical heritage such as Red Square.

Please note that Kuala Lumpur airport is a bit far from the city centre so you should arrive well in advance. If you don't have much time, take advantage of the last few hours to buy some souvenirs at the Petaling Street market or the Central Market or go see the Petronas one last time.

We hope that this 15-day itinerary through Malaysia is very useful for you to organize your trip. If you have any questions, you can write us a comment. To read more about each specific place You can access all the articles what do we have of Malaysia or see our featured stories from Instagram. Thanks for reading us!

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