Travel Malaysia 2025: A complete guide for 12-day itinerary

This 12-day itinerary is a complete guide. It gives you a taste of Malaysia’s incredible diversity. We start in Kuala Lumpur, a city of contrasts. Then we journey to the cool, green hills of the Cameron Highlands. After that, we visit historic Malacca’s charming streets.

 Next, we indulge in Penang’s culinary delights. The trip ends with the sun-kissed beaches of Langkawi. This is for travelers who want a rich blend of experiences. You’ll get city life, heritage, food, shopping, and relaxation.

A great tip for your trip is to book domestic flights and buses in advance. This saves you a lot of money. Local airlines like AirAsia offer affordable flights.

Days 1-2: Kuala Lumpur – The Dynamic Capital

Your journey begins in Kuala Lumpur. Gleaming skyscrapers stand alongside ancient temples. Bustling markets fill the streets.

Day 1: Modern Icons & Culinary Wonders

Morning: Arrive at KLIA and check into your hotel. Head to the Batu Caves. This is an iconic Hindu shrine. Climb the 272 vibrant steps for a unique view. You will see the temple inside.

Afternoon: Explore the colonial history at Merdeka Square. See the beautiful Sultan Abdul Samad Building. Walk to Central Market from there. It is a haven for local arts and crafts.

Evening: Witness the majestic Petronas Twin Towers. They are incredible at night. Then, go to Jalan Alor. This is a legendary street food market. Sample local delicacies like satay and nasi lemak.

Day 2: Shopping & Cultural Immersion

Morning: Get your shopping fix in Bukit Bintang. This district is full of shopping malls. Options range from the high-end Pavilion to Sungei Wang Plaza.

Afternoon: Dive into the heart of Chinese heritage. Go to Chinatown (Petaling Street). Practice your bargaining skills there. Try some of the local street food. Visit the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. It is the city’s oldest Hindu temple.

Evening: Unwind at a rooftop bar. Enjoy a final view of the city. You can also explore the trendy cafes in the Bangsar area.

Estimated Cost for Kuala Lumpur (2 days):

• Accommodation: RM 150-300 per night for a mid-range hotel.
• Food: RM 50-80 per day, especially for street food.
• Activities: RM 50-100 for attractions.
• Transportation: RM 50 for local travel.

Days 3-4: Cameron Highlands – Cool Escapes & Tea Plantations

The Cameron Highlands are a beautiful change of pace. It is a refreshing break from the tropical heat. Take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Tanah Rata, the main town. The bus trip takes about four hours.

Day 3: Tea & Strawberry Delights

Morning: Arrive and check into your hotel. Head to a famous tea plantation. BOH Tea Plantation is a must-see. You will see stunning rolling hills of tea. Enjoy a warm cup of tea at the café. Learn about the tea-making process.

Afternoon: Experience a local delight. Visit a strawberry farm. You can pick your own strawberries. Try a freshly made strawberry shake or jam. The Big Red Strawberry Farm is a great option.

Evening: Explore the town of Tanah Rata. Have a classic steamboat dinner. It’s a perfect way to warm up.

Day 4: Mossy Forests & Local Culture

Morning: Embark on a tour of the Mossy Forest. This is a unique and enchanting ecosystem. It is covered in thick moss and fog. The forest feels like another world. You will need a guided tour for this.

Afternoon: Visit a local market. Kea Farm Market is a bustling spot. Buy fresh produce, honey, and souvenirs. Check out the Cameron Lavender Garden for a beautiful photo op.

Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner in Tanah Rata. Prepare for your journey to Malacca tomorrow.

Estimated Cost for Cameron Highlands (2 days):

• Bus from KL: RM 40-60 per person.
• Accommodation: RM 100-250 per night.
• Food: RM 60-100 per day.
• Activities: RM 100-200 for tours and farm visits.
• Transportation: A private car is recommended for convenience, costing around RM 200-300 for two days. Otherwise, taxis or tours are necessary.

Day 5: Day Trip to Malacca – A Walk Through History

Travel from the Cameron Highlands to Malacca by bus. The journey is long, but it is worth it. It takes about 6-7 hours.

Morning: Arrive and start your exploration. Go to Dutch Square. It is famous for red buildings. The Stadthuys and Christ Church are here.

Afternoon: Walk up St. Paul’s Hill. See the ruins of St. Paul’s Church. The ancient A Famosa Fort is also here. Then, cross the bridge to Jonker Street. Try some of Malacca’s unique food. Examples include chicken rice balls and cendol.

Evening: After a full day, take an evening bus to Kuala Lumpur. Spend the night there to prepare for your flight to Penang.

Days 6-8: Penang – The Foodie’s Paradise

Travel from Kuala Lumpur to Penang by a short flight. Penang’s capital, George Town, is a mecca for food and art.

Day 6: Street Art & Heritage

Morning: Arrive in Penang and go to your hotel. Spend the afternoon street art hunting. Murals are scattered throughout the old streets.

Afternoon: Explore the Clan Jetties. It is a traditional waterfront village. Visit the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. This is also called the Blue Mansion. The Pinang Peranakan Mansion is also a must-see. It shows a glimpse into Peranakan culture.

Evening: Embark on a personal food tour. Penang’s street food is legendary. Try Hokkien Mee and Char Kway Teow. Also, get some Asam Laksa.

Day 7: Hills & Temples

Morning: Head to Kek Lok Si Temple. It is one of Southeast Asia’s largest temples. The temple is also very beautiful.

Afternoon: Take the funicular railway. Ride it up Penang Hill. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Evening: Have a relaxed dinner. Gurney Drive Hawker Centre is a great choice. Stroll along Batu Ferringhi Beach afterward. You can enjoy a quiet sunset there.

Day 8: Beach & Shopping

Morning: Spend the day relaxing at a beach. Batu Ferringhi offers water sports. It is a good place to unwind.

Afternoon: Visit Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon malls. Enjoy some air-conditioned shopping.

Evening: Enjoy a final delicious meal in Penang. Try a different local specialty like Penang Rojak.

Estimated Cost for Penang (3 days):

• Flight from KL: RM 80-150.
• Accommodation: RM 120-250 per night.
• Food: RM 60-90 per day.
• Activities: RM 80-150 for temple visits and funicular railway.
• Transportation: RM 50-80 for local taxis or ride-sharing.

Days 9-12: Langkawi – Tropical Relaxation & Adventure

Take a ferry or a short flight to Langkawi. It is a duty-free island.

Day 9: Sky-High Views & Sunset Bliss

Morning: Start with the Langkawi SkyCab. This is a cable car ride. It offers stunning rainforest views, and takes you up to the Sky Bridge. This is a curved bridge high above the jungle.

Afternoon: Go to Cenang Beach which is the most popular beach. It’s a great spot for swimming. You can also try water sports. Jet skiing and parasailing are available.

Evening: Enjoy a spectacular sunset dinner. There are many restaurants along Cenang Beach.

Day 10: Island Hopping & Nature’s Wonders

Full Day: Book an Island Hopping tour. This is a very popular activity. It takes you to three stunning spots.

• Pulau Dayang Bunting has a freshwater lake.
• Pulau Singa Besar offers eagle feeding.
• Pulau Beras Basah is a pristine beach.

Day 11: Mangroves & Waterfalls

Morning: Explore the Kilim Geoforest Park. Take a mangrove tour. You will see ancient limestone formations. Spot wildlife like eagles and monkeys. You will also explore a bat cave.

Afternoon: Cool off at the Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells) Waterfall. Hike to the top of the waterfall. You can swim in its natural pools.

Evening: Enjoy some duty-free shopping. Kuah Town is the place to go.

Day 12: Final Souvenirs & Departure

Morning: Savor your last Malaysian breakfast. Grab any final souvenirs.

Afternoon: Head to Langkawi International Airport. Fly home with a heart full of memories.

Estimated Cost for Langkawi (3 days):

• Ferry/Flight from Penang: RM 50-100.
• Accommodation: RM 180-350 per night for a mid-range resort.
• Food: RM 70-100 per day.
• Activities: RM 200-300 for SkyCab, island hopping, and mangrove tour.
• Transportation: RM 100-150 for car rental or taxis.

Total Estimated Trip Cost (12 Days)

This is an estimate for a mid-range budget.

• Internal flights/buses: RM 300-600
• Accommodation: RM 2,000-4,000
• Food: RM 800-1,200
• Activities: RM 900-1,400
• Local Transportation: RM 300-500

The total comes to approximately RM 4,300 – 7,700  for each person. This does not include your international flights.