Malaysia 2 Week Itinerary: How to Spend 2 Weeks in Malaysia!

Wondering how to spend 2 weeks in Malaysia? You’ve come to the right place! The country has a little something for every kind of traveller. 

I’ll walk you through a day-by-day Malaysia trip planner to get you inspired for your next trip! 

From stunning island beaches that are world famous for their marine life and colorful temples to vibrant cities and mouth-watering cuisine, it’s no wonder Malaysia is a popular destination.

This 2 weeks itinerary for Malaysia packs everything in. From relaxing on the beach to venturing into the lush forest in search of stunning waterfalls – you can’t go wrong with this 2 weeks in Malaysia trip! 

So what are you waiting for? Read on, and start planning your perfect Malaysia trip!

Malaysia 14 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Kuala Lumpur 

Your two weeks in Malaysia start in Kuala Lumpur. It’s the capital of the country, and where most international flights will fly into.

Day one starts off fairly easy, without too many activities, especially since you will likely be tired from your flight.

See the View from KL Tower

KL Tower is the best place to start your day in Kuala Lumpur. Surrounded by a jungle-like city park, the KL Tower rises high above the greenery.

It has an 360 degree Observation Deck you can visit with a famous glass-floor viewpoint. Travellers like to take pictures here because it looks like you’re floating above the city!

When I visited there was quite a long queue for the glass floor photo spot though, so we skipped it and just walked around the viewing deck.

It has 360 degree views over all the city, and you can see all the famous landmarks like Petronas Towers. Make sure to purchase your ticket online beforehand to skip the queues!

Click here to book your Kuala Lumpur KL Tower Admission Ticket

Walk Around KL Eco Forest Park

Just across the road from KL Tower, you will find the famous KL Eco Forest Park. It’s a lovely park, where you can enjoy strolling around and people-watching in the cool shade of the trees. 

You can’t leave without strolling along the famous treetop skywalk, which I recommend doing in reverse so you’ve got views of the KL Tower along your way.

Admire Petronas Twin Towers

Standing at just over 450 meters tall, these epic towers are the tallest twin skyscrapers in the world! They were built in 1999 and have held the world record ever since. 

Right next to KLCC Park is the famous Petronas “photo spot”. Grab a click of yourself with the towers behind you to share later.

On the 86th level of the towers, there is also a viewing deck with epic panoramic views over Kuala Lumpur. However, if you’ve already been up KL Tower, I don’t think it’s necessary to visit also this viewing deck.

After all, the impressive view of Kuala Lumpur is the Petronas Towers, and from this viewing deck you can’t see them! So just save some cash and stick to seeing them from below.

If you do decide to go up the Petronas Towers viewing deck, make sure to buy your ticket online beforehand to skip the queue:

Click here to buy your Petronas Twin Towers Entry E-tickets

Have Dinner at Jalan Alor Street Food Market

Jalan Alor is the biggest street market in the city, it’s riddled with bars selling cheap cold beers and street food stalls.

Whilst there are loads of local Malaysian dishes you can try, there was also a surprising amount of other cuisines on offer, like Thai and Japanese. 

The atmosphere is pretty electric like all night markets around Asia, but it felt more organised and less overwhelming! 

If you want to make the most out of your visit book this nightime food tour. That way you can learn all about the culture as well as make sure you don’t miss any of the best local dishes.

Check out more cool things to do in my Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary. 

Click here to book your Kuala Lumpur street food tour!

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Budget: An old colonial building with a rooftop terrace and cool atmosphere, the Chinatown Hostel by Mingle is a fantastic option – especially for meeting other travellers! 

Click here to book your stay at the Chinatown Hostel by Mingle!

Midrange: Built just 750 meters from the Petronas Towers, the Ibis branch in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre has modern rooms and an infinity pool with panoramic city views.

Click here to book your stay at the Ibis Branch in Kuala Lumpur’s city centre!

Luxury: The Ascott Star KLCC really does have everything you could need. An infinity pool, fitness centre, kids’ play area, and even a library! Treat yourself to one of their luxury rooms with views of the Petronas Towers.

Click here to book your stay at the Ascott Star KLCC!

Day 2: Travel to Cameron Highlands

Personally, I think the best option for getting to Cameron Highlands is to hire a private car. That way you can stop at the Batu Caves along the way, and see the enormous golden Murugan Statue that guards the stairs to the caves. 

If you don’t want to splash out on a private car, you can get a bus there. It takes about 4 hours and will cost you around $10.

Leave in the morning so you can arrive in Cameron Highlands in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon wandering around and enjoying the stunning views of the tea plantations in the area. 

After that, get some rest before tomorrow’s adventures!

Where to Stay in Cameron Highlands

Budget: for the best budget option book a night at the Sleepbox Hotel. They have sectioned off beds in their dorms that are small but cozy and private.

Click here to book your stay at the Sleepbox Hotel!

Mid-range: simple and clean, the rooms at Hotel de’ la Ferns are functional and comfortable. 

Click here to book your stay at the Hotel de’ la Ferns!

Luxury: if it’s luxury you’re looking to splash out on a gorgeous room at The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands. It has a period Tudor-cottage feel, with elegantly decorated rooms.

Click here to book your stay at The Lakehouse Cameron Highlands!

Day 3: Cameron Highlands Full-Day Tour

This hilly area is famous for its cool weather, gorgeous tea plantations and fun hiking trails.

The easiest way to explore it is by joining a Cameron Highlands full-day tour, which will pick you up at your accommodation and take you to all the best spots.

You can combine a tea-tasting experience with some of the best views at the Boh Tea Center. Start your day here, eating breakfast with a brew and a view! 

Next, go for a stroll through the Mossy Forest, which is rich in biodiversity and lichen-ridden trees. There’s a walk along a wooden boardwalk that takes an hour at most.

Wanting to submerge yourself in some local wildlife? Then visit the Butterfly Farm.

This gorgeous greenhouse has more than just butterflies, there are insects and snakes lurking around too! You’ll have to pay the 1.5 USD entry on top of your tour fee.

A lot of strawberries grow in this region, so lots of tours stop off at a strawberry farm. You can pay to pick your own strawberries whilst you’re there. The farm we were at charged about $6 for 500 grams. 

You can’t leave the region without wandering around one of the colorful local markets. Amongst the most vibrant are Pasar Pagi Kea Farm Market and the Brinchang Night Market. 

If you want to save yourself the hassle of figuring out the logistics and how to fit everything in, book this Cameron Highlands tour that goes to the Mossy Forest, a strawberry farm, and Boh Tea Center. It costs just 20 USD.

Click here to book your Cameron Highlands tour!

Day 4: Travel to Georgetown (with a stop in Ipoh)

To squeeze in an extra destination along the way, and to break up what is otherwise a very long journey, it’s best to book a private car.

That way you can break up the 4-hour drive from Cameron Highlands to Georgetown, and pay a visit to Ipoh too! At Ipoh, you can squeeze in a few of the top attractions before continuing your journey to Georgetown. 

Once a tin-mining village, Ipoh is now a charming city with old colonial buildings and temples set against karst limestone hills. 

Start the day with a stroll down Concubine Lane, that once bustled with sex workers and opium smoking dens. Now, it is a picturesque street lined with eateries and little shops. 

Just past Concubine Lane, a short 10-minute walk away, you’ll find the Kong Heng Artisan Market. Surrounded by historical buildings in the city’s Old Town, the market has lots of stalls selling antiques and fascinating trinkets. 

If you set off early from Cameron Highlands you’ll have time to visit also Qing Xin Ling Leisure and Cultural Village.

Just 20-minute drive away from the market, it boasts lush scenery and picturesque houses. You’ll need to pay a 4.5 USD entry fee.

After, head to the Kek Look Tong cave temple. Just 7 minutes drive away, this stunning temple has some impressive stalactites and stalagmites hanging over its impressive altars.

Outside the cave, there’s also a breathtaking garden area with a big pond. Want to know what else there is to do in Ipoh? Check out my Ipoh in one day itinerary.

Hop back in your private car and continue towards Georgetown! You’ve got less than 2 hours drive left to go.

Where to Stay in Georgetown

Budget: located in the heart of the city centre, Aayu Chulia has comfortable rooms at amazing prices.

Click here to book your stay at the Aayu Chulia!

Midrange: offering modern apartments and an outdoor infinity pool, the Beacon Executive Suites is where we stayed in Georgetown and loved it!

Click here to book your stay at the Beacon Executive Suite!

Luxury: the Cheong Fatt Tze is a Chinese courtyard-style mansion that blends luxury with unique architecture and is just a few streets away from the city center.

Click here to book your stay at the Cheong Fatt Tze!

Day 5: Explore Georgetown

You can’t spend 14 days in Malaysia without a trip to Georgetown. Here are just some of the fantastic things you can do there in one day.

Visit Kek Lok Si Temple

This huge temple complex dates back to the 1890s and is amongst the largest Chinese Buddhist temples in Malaysia. 

One of the highlights is getting the funicular railway up to the Ban Po Thar pagoda, which is home to the 36.5-meter-tall statues of the Buddhist goddess Kuan Yin. 

The entrance to the temple is free, but you’ll need to pay for the bus or funicular railway that gets you between the four levels of the complex. 

Want some insight about the place? Then take this Kek Lok Si temple tour, which packs in a whole lot of other cool attractions too. 

Click here to book your Kek Los Si Temple tour!

Explore Chew Jetty

Built on long wooden stilts, the jetty has about 75 houses on it. There are lots of little souvenir shops too! 

Built by Chinese immigrants who settled here in the 19th century, there are also Chinese temples dotted around the jetty. 

I’d recommend going at sunsent, when you’ll get the prettiest views over the water.

Search for Street Art

The Old Town of the city has been jazzed up with street art to brighten up the crumbling walls of the old buildings.

Wander around and see how many murals you can spot, or take this street art tour to make sure you don’t miss any! 

Eat Delicious Street Food

Georgetown should be on every foodie’s 2 week Malaysia itinerary. The local cuisine is a blend of Peranakan, Thai, Malay, Indian, British, and Chinese! 

Check out the open-air Red Garden Food Paradise and The Jetty Food Court, both have live music in the evenings and sell cold beers. 

Go on this street food tour to make sure you sample all the best local dishes.

Wondering what else there is to do? Here are 9 epic things to do in Georgetown.

Click here to see prices & availability for a Georgetown street food tour!

Day 6: Travel to Langkawi

No two weeks in Malaysia itinerary would be complete without a visit to Langkawi. The only problem? It’s pretty out of the way. 

Luckily there are really cheap flights from Georgetown to Langkawi with a variety of airlines, including Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia.

The flight takes just over half an hour and you can usually find cheap flights, from 10 USD upwards. There used to be a ferry between the two, but it’s stopped running now.

If you’re against flying, you can take a ferry but you’ll have to travel to Kuala Kedha first and then get a ferry from there, so it’ll end up taking you at least 4 hours. 

Where to stay in Langkawi

Budget: Clean and simple, the De Greenish Village Langkawi hotel in Kuah Town is great if you’re travelling on a shoestring. 

Click here to book your stay at the De Greenish Village Langkawi!

Midrange: The bamboo bungalows at Kunang Kunang Heritage Villas are gorgeous! I stayed here and loved it. The other perks of staying here? The pool and breakfast buffet.  

Click here to book your stay at the Kunang Kunang Heritage Villas!

Luxury: Surrounded by green forest the villas at the Four Seasons Resort Langkawi are second to none. There’s a lush pool too!

Click here to book your stay at the Four Season Resort Langkawi!

Day 7: Langkawi Island – Views & Waterfalls

Visit Oriental Village and Take the Sky Cab

Before heading to the iconic Sky Cab, visit the Oriental Village along the way. It’s not actually a town, but a themed open-air shopping haven at the foot of the Mat Cincang Mountain Range. 

There’s a lake in the centre of the “village” alongside souvenir stores and some impressive architecture. The Sky Cab starts from Oriental Village, so you’ll have to at least walk through it to take the cable car.

The Langkawi Cable Car will take you up a steep mountain to the Langkawi Sky Bridge. There are two stations you can get off at along the cable car, and each has different views so stop at both! 

From the second, and higher, station you can walk the sky bridge.

Bear in mind that whilst the Sky Bridge entry fee is less than 2 USD, the cable car up isn’t. There are different cable car gondolas you can choose from.

Some have glass-bottoms and other quirky features to enhance the views along the way. Prices range from 10 USD to 30 USD.

Walk along Sky Bridge

The Sky Bridge is a walkway that weaves along the mountain peaks above the lush green forest. From high above the canopy there are panoramic views of the mountains and sea!

The bridge also has a glass section where you can see the lush forest below. It’s famous for its unique shape, and being the unique engineering feat it is.

If you want to skip the hassle of organising transport and adding up the cost of different activities, book this private tour that takes you to Oriental Village as well as the Cable Car and Sky Bridge. 

Click here to book your private tour to Langkawi Sky Cab and Sky Bridge!

Swim in Seven Wells Waterfall or the Temurun Waterfall

The Telaga Tujuh, or Seven Wells, waterfall is tucked into the mountain’s lush green rainforest. From the parking lot you’ll have to climb over 300 stairs to reach it, which took me about 15 minutes, but it’s well worth it! 

There are two levels of the waterfall. On the top level, there are epic views and hiking trails, alongside a glass-bottom bridge. 

Fancy a swim? Head to the lower level of the waterfall, where there are lots of pools you can cool off in after your hike. The nature around you is amazing!

Not up for a big hike? Then visit the Temurun waterfall instead. Just a 5-10 minute walk away from the carpark, this waterfall is less immense, but still great for swimming and tucked into the surrounding natural landscape. 

Day 8: Langkawi Island – Mangrove Tour & Beach Chilling

Take a Mangrove Forest Boat Tour

The impressive mangrove forests that line the coast of the island are different to most of the habitats you’ll have seen till now. 

You can book a group boat tour, or opt for a private tour. I booked a private tour with a bunch of other people once I was already in Langkawi. It was pretty affordable!

These tours will take you out through the mangroves on a cruiser boat. If you want to get closer to the mangrove forest, opt for a kayak tour as they can go through the smaller canals and deeper into the mangrove forest. 

Most tours last 3-4 hours and will pick you up and take you to the Kilim River where the tour starts. 

The tour will likely include snorkelling, a stop at a fish farm for a fresh seafood lunch, glimpses of monkeys along the way, and exploring some of the caves hidden amongst the mangroves.

Click here to compare prices & availability for your Langkawi mangrove tour!

Go to a Night Market

At the end of the day take a taxi or Grab to your daily night market. There’s a night market on every night of the week, it moves around the island depending on the day, so just make sure to check the town you should head to.

The markets tend to start from 5PM, and you’ll find it in Kuah Town on Wednesdays and Saturdays, on a Monday go to Ulu Melaka; go to Kedawang on Tuesdays; Bohor Temoyong on Thursdays; Ayer Hangat on a Friday; and Pedang Matsirat if you’re there on a Sunday.

The night markets always have delicious street food and cool souvenir stalls. We had some of the cheapest and most delicious street food of the trip here!

Day 9: Langkawi Island – Go on a Jet Ski Tour

You can’t spend two weeks in Malaysia and not go on this jet ski tour. Start the day adventurously, exploring the surrounding islets off the coast of Langkawi. 

Don’t worry if you’ve never ridden a jet ski before, you’ll have an instructor who will teach you everything you need to know before you head off on a 4-hour adventure! 

Some of my highlights from the jet ski tour were stopping off on another of the islands and seeing the monkeys that live there. The same island is also home to the largest freshwater lake in Malaysia – which you can swim in! 

That’s the biggest attraction checked off the list, so spend the afternoon chilling on the island or pick from some of the lesser-known attractions.

Click here to book your Langkawi jet ski tour!

There are some great views along the roads up to the Gunung Raya Mountain, but you will need to hire a car.

Alternatively, head to the Dataran Lang statue. The huge eagle is surrounded by the coast and mountain views, as well as being the symbol of the island. 

Looking to chill on another of the island’s white-sand beaches instead? Then catch your breath at Pantai Cenang, one of the island’s most popular beaches. 

Looking for more inspiration for things to do in Langkawi? Check this travel guide out!

Days 10 – 13: 2 options

After 10 days packed with exploring, it’s time for a break! Soak up some sun and reset at one of these two beach destinations.

The good thing about having the two options is that you can pick where to go based on the season. Choose between the Perenthian Islands, which are still a part of Malaysia, or hop over to the Thai island of Koh Lipe. 

Although Koh Lipe is technically in Thailand, it’s just an hour and a half away by ferry and is in fact easier to reach from Malaysia than from Thailand.

Koh Lipe

With picture-perfect white sand beaches, clear blue waters, and an incredible diversity of marine wildlife it’s no wonder people come to Koh Lipe. 

Some of the best beaches on the island are Pattaya Beach, Sunrise Beach, North Point Beach, and Sunset Beach. Spend your two days hopping between them, fitting in activities like scuba diving and snorkelling. 

Koh Lipe is one of the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in Thailand. They say the scuba diving in Koh Lipe is even some of the best in Asia.

There are clusters of coral reefs around the island that are protected by a nature reserve, so they are riddled with tropical fish and other marine life.

Click here to book your scuba diving tour in Koh Lipe!

One of the coolest scuba diving spots is the Stonehenge which has lots of colorful underwater rock formations. 

Not up for going to those depths to see marine life? Then go on a guided snorkelling trip. You’ll get to see all the marine life without the heavy equipment.

This tour included food, drinks, and snorkelling equipment. 

Whilst I was there I also treated myself to a massage on the beach – it was incredibly relaxing and reset my body after so much moving around! 

Wondering what else there is to do on Koh Lipe? Here are 11 great things to do in Koh Lipe that you can add to your Malaysia itinerary of just two weeks. 

Click here to book your long tail boat snorkelling tour in Koh Lipe, Thailand!

Where to Stay on Koh Lipe Island

Budget option: Stay at The Chic Lipe. It’s near to the beaches and has spacious common areas with dorm and private room options.

Click here to book your stay at The Clic Lipe!

Mid-range: She best mid-range option is Forra Pattaya Beach Front Bungalow. Although there wasn’t any AC, I enjoyed my stay here and loved sleeping on the beach in a wooden bungalow.

Click here to book your stay at Forra Pattaya Beach Front Bungalow!

Luxury: Splash out on a room at the Bulow Casa Grand View Resort on North Beach. It boasts gorgeous beachfront villas with pool access!  

Click here to book your stay at Bulow Casa Grand View Resort!

Perenthian Islands

The Perenthian Islands have stunning white sand beaches and a tropical island atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to relax and catch your breath before you head home. 

Like at Koh Lipe Island, the Perenthian Islands are known for their incredible marine life. There are lots of different snorkelling spots you can go to, but Redang and Lang Tengah are some of the least crowded. 

There are lots of small sharks in the water but don’t panic – they aren’t aggressive! You can book a snorkelling tour here. 

Click here to book a snorkelling tour in the Perenthian Islands, Malaysia!

Another thing you can’t skip is going to see the turtles at Turtle’s Bay, next to Taaras Beach.

If you want to see all the best beaches, book a boat tour and go beach-hopping around the two islands’ lushest beaches.

Turtle Beach, Romantic Beach, and Adam and Eve Beach are some of the most enticing! You can book the trip through your accommodation as they’ll know all the best local guides. 

If you want to really relax, book yourself a spa day at Bubu Villa’s Spa! They have everything from massages to reflexology. The perfect way to start bringing your Malaysia 2 week trip to a close.

Where to Stay in the Perenthian Islands

Budget: Book a simple but clean room at Senja Bay Resort. You’ll be right on the beach like in more expensive resorts but for half the price!

Click here to book your stay at the Senja Bay Resort!

Midrange: Ombak Dive Resort is the perfect place to stay if you want to go on diving excursions. It’s situated right on the beach with stunning views of the ocean.

Click here to book your stay at the Ombak Dive Resort!

Luxury: Bubu Resort is the ultimate luxury stay. Situated on the white sand of Long Beach, it feels like a hidden beach haven. Their spa is also the best on the island!

Click here to book your stay at the Bubu Resort!

Day 14: Back to KL

Now you’re at the end of your Malaysia 2 weeks itinerary, tick off a few last things to do in Kuala Lumpur before catching a flight home. You can visit places you missed on the first day, like:

Visit Thean Hou Temple

Just 5 minutes drive away from Chinatown, the Thean Hou Temple is a colorful complex that was built in honour of the sea goddess Mazu. It opened in 1989, using a mix of modern and traditional architectural approaches.

There are food stalls you can stop for a bite to eat at, as well as souvenir shops. 

Despite the fact that I hadn’t heard about it before coming to Malaysia, it was actually my favourite temple! The colours are spectacular, and fewer tourists know about it. It really is a hidden gem.

Little India

Just 20 minutes walk away, or 5 minutes by taxi, and you’ll hit the Little India neighbourhood. The streets are alive with colourful textile stalls and bright jewellery shops, as well as the spice smells of Indian food. 

If you fancy a bit of guidance to navigate the neighbourhood but you don’t want to pay for a tour, head to the Bricks Factory Cafe for a bite to eat and then scan their QR code that will take you to a 2.5-hour walking tour of the area!

Chinatown

Catch the KL1075 bus or hail a cab to Petaling Street Market. This area of Chinatown is known for its shops and stalls. It’s a bit like Little India in that sense, but has a totally different atmosphere and the cuisine changes.

There are colorful lanterns hung over the streets, making it feel festive and lively. 

If you don’t have long there, go straight to Ho Kow Kopitiam, one of the best eateries. It’s been open since 1956 and they sell Indian, Chinese, and Malaysian cuisine for close to nothing!

Final Thoughts on How to Spend 2 Weeks in Malaysia

All in all, Malaysia is a well-rounded country with something for everyone. 

This 2 weeks Malaysia itinerary will start and end in Kuala Lumpur, with stops at island beaches, remote nature spots, and some of the most vibrant cities with incredible temples along the way.

Skip spending months planning, and follow this unique 2 week itinerary for Malaysia, which has been carefully curated after my time in Malaysia. 

Have you been to Malaysia before? Are you planning to go? Let me know in the comments below!

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