Classic One Week Malaysia Itinerary

Here’s a suggested one-week travel itinerary for exploring Malaysia, which includes Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Penang.

Why Travel To Malaysia

• Modern city architecture
• Interesting colonial history and architecture
• Stunning beaches
• Incredible wildlife
• Diverse culture
• Delicious and diverse cuisine
• Friendly locals
• Budget friendly destination
• Well-developed infrastructure

Malaysia Itinerary Map

A:Kuala-Lumpur  B:Melaka  C:Penang

Malaysia Travel Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KL)
• Day 2: Explore KL
  
• Day 3: Explore KL
  
• Day 4: Travel to Melaka, Explore Melaka
• Day 5: Travel to Penang
• Day 6: Explore Penang
• Day 7: Explore Penang
• Day 8: Depart

If you have more time then also visit Langkawi to enjoy the beaches or visit Cameron Highlands to enjoy little cooler temperatures.

Best Time To Visit Malaysia

The best time to visit the west coast of Malaysia is between the dry season months of December and February.

Malaysia Top Experiences

• Spectacular KL Bird Park
• Magnificent Batu Caves
• Charming and historic city of Melaka
• Massive Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple in Penang
• Diverse and delicious Malaysian cuisine

Day 1: Arrive In Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur (or KL) is Malaysia's capital and largest city. After arriving in KL, if you're not too tired then enjoy a nice stroll through the vibrant city center. Enjoy a delicious dinner at one of the numerous restaurants located in the heart of the city.

Best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur: Best location to book your stay in Kuala Lumpur is the Kuala Lumpur City Center (also known as KLCC).

 

Kolam Biru In Evening (Kuala Lumpur)

Day 2: Explore Kuala Lumpur

• After a good night's sleep, wake up in KL feeling refreshed and have a delicious breakfast at your hotel. Start your day with a guided walking tour around Merdeka Square to explore the city's rich history and unique architecture.

• After lunch visit KL Forest Eco Park which is one of the oldest permanent forest reserves in Malaysia. Don't miss the amazing 200 m canopy walk, which gives you lovely views from above.

• Next visit Chan See Shu Yuen Temple which is one of the largest and oldest surviving Buddhist temples in Malaysia. Then visit The Sri Mahamariamman Temple which is the oldest Hindu temple in KL. 

• In the evening visit KL Tower (aka Menara KL), which is a communications tower that stands 421 m tall. From it's observation deck enjoy some spectacular views of the city. Later in the evening enjoy authentic Malaysian cuisine for dinner.

KL Forest Eco Park

Chan See Shu Yuen Temple (Kuala Lumpur)

Sri Mahamariamman Temple (Kuala Lumpur)

View From KL Tower

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Day 3: Explore Kuala Lumpur

• Begin your day exploring the lovely KL Bird Park, and immerse yourself in the beauty of over 200 bird species residing within an enclosed aviary. Next visit Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, which is the largest museum of Islamic arts in South-East Asia. 

• In the afternoon visit the Batu Caves, which is a magnificent limestone hill with many stunning caves and cave temples. This special site is one of the most famous Hindu temples outside India. You could consider joining Batu Caves Half-Day Tour from KL.

• After returning from the caves if you're not too tired, explore the famous Central Market for some shopping. End your day with a delicious dinner at the renowned food street, Jalan Alor.

KL Bird Park

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)

Batu Caves

Batu Caves

Jalan Alor (Kuala Lumpur)

Day 4: Travel to Melaka, Explore Melaka

• Take early morning transport to the historic city of Melaka, which is about two hours journey via bus from KL. I recommend spending a night in Melaka to fully experience the city. Alternatively you could do a Melaka Day Tour from KL. 

• Melaka is a charming city which has an interesting trading history and a multicultural heritage. It has also been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

• After settling into your hotel visit The Baba Nyonya House Museum, which showcases the local history of ethnic Chinese-Malays called Baba-Nyonya in Melaka. 

• Next visit Villa Sentosa which is traditional Malay house. It is now a living-history private museum depicting life in a wealthy early-20th-century home. 

• Don't miss the sunset at the lovely Melaka Straits Mosque located on the man-made Melaka Island. End your day with dinner at one of the nice restaurants on the Jonker Street. If your visit falls over the weekend then enjoy the night market on Jonker Street.

The Baba Nyonya House Museum (Melaka)

Villa Sentosa (Melaka)

Melaka Straits Mosque

Melaka River

Day 5: Travel to Penang

If you've some time in the morning before your transport to Penang, then explore more of Melaka. Then take the transport to Penang.

George Town which is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang is the best place to stay to explore Penang. Settle down in your hotel. If you're not too tired after you arrive, then walk around and explore George Town. In the evening enjoy a nice dinner at city's one of many restaurants or enjoy delicious street foods. George Town is renowned for its diverse street food.

Goddess of Mercy Temple (Penang)

Day 6: Explore Penang

• Begin your day with a visit to Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a charming museum that is dedicated to Penang's rich Peranakan culture. This magnificent mansion was once the home and workplace of a prominent Chinese tycoon from the 19th century. Explore the colorful Peranakan artifacts, beautiful antiques, and interesting collectibles in the mansion. Also appreciate the detailed Peranakan interior design and learn about its customs and traditions.

• Next visit Khoo Kongsi which is a large Chinese clan-house with elaborate and highly ornamented architecture.

• After lunch visit The Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, an impressive structure constructed by the respected merchant Cheong Fatt Tze in the late 1800s. This lovely building is known as The Blue Mansion because to its unique indigo-blue exterior walls and intricate external decorations. Inside, you will find 38 rooms, 220 timber louvre windows, 5 granite floor courtyards, and 7 beautiful staircases. It functioned as both Cheong's private residence as well as the headquarters for his business activities in Penang.

• In late afternoon visit Fort Cornwallis which is the largest standing fort in Malaysia. It was built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century. End your day again enjoying Penang's diverse and delicious cuisine.

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

Khoo Kongsi (Penang)

The Blue Mansion (Penang)

The Blue Mansion (Penang)

Fort Cornwallis (Penang)

Day 7: Explore Penang

• Join Kek Lok Si Temple & Penang Hill Guided Tour from George Town. You'll begin your day with a visit to Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia and an important site for the Buddhist pilgrims. The main highlight of this temple complex is the stunning seven-story Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda.

• After visiting the temple, next you'll visit the Penang Hill via the funicular to enjoy some spectacular views of the city.

• This being your last day in Malaysia, spend rest of your day exploring Penang and doing some last minute shopping.

Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang)

Kek Lok Si Temple (Penang)

View From Penang Hill

Day 8: Depart

Depart from Penang to your destination.

What to Shop In Malaysia

Malaysia is known for Pewter (metal alloy) products, hand-woven fabric like Batik (silk), paintings, Durian chips/candy/etc., and Dodol (Malaysian toffee).

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this itinerary! Feel free to share your questions or suggestions in the comments section below.