Malaysia welcomed us with open arms. This Southeast Asian gem offered us an incredible array of experiences, from the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, to the enchanting and artistic towns of Malacca and George Town. But Malaysia isn’t just about cities. We found solace in the lush tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands, where the cool mountain air offered us respite from the tropical heat, and we enjoyed trekkings and a wide tea tasting with some really delicious teas. We ventured into the world’s oldest rainforest, Taman Negara National Park, where we spent the wildest night in a cave in the middle of the jungle. Read more about this jungle trekking in Taman Negara in our full article here. This is our ideal 2 week itinerary for Malaysia!
The diversity and richness of Malaysia make it a destination that’s a must-visit for travelers of all types. If you’re a fan of trekking, you’re in the perfect place! Below, you’ll find a guide to our two-week on-the-road itinerary in Malaysia, complete with trekking recommendations for nearly every stop we made. Enjoy!
How to Get to Malaysia from Thailand
Note: We started the journey from Thailand and crossed the land border.
If you’re arriving from Singapore, you can follow our itinerary, but in the reverse direction.
If you’re flying into the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, or you do not have enough time to complete all the tour, you can use this itinerary as a source of inspiration and adapt it to suit your preferences. For instance, you might consider starting with a visit to Malacca and then moving north, or reorganizing your destinations to align with your personal interests.
Our Malaysian adventure embarked on an unconventional path – we hitchhiked our way through Thailand to reach the Thai-Malaysian border. You can read all about our hitchhiking adventures in Thailand in our article here.
Crossing the land border with Thailand
The final destination of our hitchhiking adventure was the bustling city of Hat Yai, in southern Thailand. From Hat Yai, our best option was a train ride to the Padang Besar Border, the entryway into Malaysia.
In about one hour, we arrived at the border, where all train passengers were required to disembark and form queues to obtain entry stamps into Malaysia. An advisable tip is to promptly get off the train and join the queue to expedite the security checks and avoid waiting for over an hour.
Once in Malaysia, the next step was to buy train tickets to Penang. You can buy the tickets in the station as soon as you cross the border. The tickets were astonishingly economical, at a mere 3 euros for a three-hour journey. The train ride to Penang was an exciting part of our adventure, taking us through picturesque landscapes and offering glimpses of life in the border regions.
After 3 hours, we arrived at Penang. However, there was one more leg of our journey. We hopped onto a ferry to reach the heart of Penang – George Town. The ferry ride took about an hour and cost around 5 euros. As we approached the island on the ferry, we were welcomed by the captivating view of George Town’s skyline.
If you want to book tickets in advance, and don’t mind spending slightly more, we recommend booking with 12go.asia. They have all the local buses and trains available for purchase online for a small fee and are really great for convenience. You can book direct minibuses from Hat Yai to Georgetown using this link!
Days 1-3: George Town
Day 1: Crossing the Thai-Malaysian border
On the first day of our adventure, we spent our time traveling to reach George Town from Thailand. We arrived quite late in the evening, around 10 pm, and headed straight to our hotel. We chose to stay at the G Fortune Guest House. The guesthouse offered excellent value for money, as we paid only 10 euros per night. It was very clean and well-maintained. However, the best part of all was its central location, allowing us to reach every corner of the charming George Town within a few minutes.
Day 2: Exploring George Town
The second day, we started exploring George Town, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it exceeded our expectations in every way. The town’s unique charm and vibrant atmosphere immediately won us over. The well-preserved historic buildings and streets were a testament to the rich history of the area. Strolling through the Old Town allowed us to appreciate the fusion of cultures and architectural styles that define George Town. At times, it felt like you were strolling through the streets of India in the vibrant neighborhood of Little India, with the bustling Indian-origin population and the tantalizing aromas of their food. At other times, it was as if you had been transported to China, with its beautiful Chinese-style buildings.
George Town is also a haven for art enthusiasts. The streets are adorned with captivating street art and murals, each telling a story about the town’s past and present. We spent hours wandering the streets, camera in hand, capturing these delightful artworks and having fun modeling around the city. You can find the exact location of all the most beautiful murales in this blog link: Murales George Town.
We highly recommend venturing out at night to savor the renowned Penang street food, which boasts a wide array of culinary delights. The flavors more than meet your expectations, making Penang’s street food truly stand out as some of the finest in Asia. One of our favourites was Little Angel Cafe, which was great value and we visited most days at least once!
Day 3: Trekking Penang Hill
On our third and last day, we decided to explore other parts of Penang, and to go trekking up Penang Hill, the tallest peak on the island. It can be easily reached by bus from the city center in approximately 40 minutes. We departed early in the morning, and the trek was somewhat challenging due to the humidity. It took us 2.5 hours in total to climb Penang Hill; a total distance of 11.5 kilometers with an ascent of 700 meters. Despite the conditions, we were genuinely pleased to have undertaken it and to have had the opportunity to admire the Penang Peninsula from above at sunrise. There is a cable car that you can take for the way down (or up). A ride costs around 3 euros.
George Town was an excellent beginning for our Malaysian adventure. On the fourth day, we were ready to bid it farewell and head towards the refreshing Cameron Highlands.
Days 4-6: Cameron Highlands
Day 4: Bus to Tanah Rata
The bus journey from George Town to the Cameron Highlands takes approximately 3-4 hours, and it’s anything but dull! You’ll have the opportunity to gaze out the window as the landscape gradually transforms into a hilly, wooded terrain (keep in mind that the place is situated at a 1500 meters elevation, so don’t forget your jumper). The bus ride costs around 7-8 euros and drops you off in the heart of Tanah Rata, the village from which you can enjoy the breathtaking tea plantations.
Note: We strongly recommend purchasing your ticket for the next destination as soon as you arrive at the bus station since there aren’t many buses, and seats fill up quickly. We opted to buy tickets directly to Kuala Lumpur for about ten euros. You can check times and book bus tickets directly here on 12.go Asia.
Upon reaching Tanah Rata, we promptly made our way to our chosen guesthouse, Orchid Haven. This guesthouse offers both private rooms and dormitories, and we secured a clean and comfortable private room for just 9 euros per night, which even included breakfast! You can check out this hotel here.
Day 5: Exploring the Cameron Highlands
The following day, we decided to venture into the tea plantations. To explore the area, we recommend two options:
- Renting a scooter
- Hitchhiking
Coming from two weeks of intense hitchhiking in Thailand, we chose to rent a scooter because we wanted the freedom to explore the area at our own pace. However, we heard from other travelers who opted for hitchhiking and found it both enjoyable and straightforward. The Malaysian people are curious and eager to help you in any situation. You can read about our Thailand hitchhiking adventure here.
We rented the bike from Cameron Highlands MK Bike & Scooter Rental Services for 7/8 euros for half a day. They even dropped the bike off directly at our hotel in the early morning.
Here is the list with the attractions we decided to visit during our motorbike trip:
Tea Plantations
Tea plantations where we had amazing green tea matcha and more flavours, and we enjoyed the fabulous views of the tea plantations!
Mossy Forest
The Mossy Forest in the Cameron Highlands is one of the oldest forests in the country. The ancient trees covered in moss from top to bottom, the labyrinth of branches, and a spongy floor with gnarly roots make it look magical—like a setting for a fairy tale.
Big Red Strawberry Farm
Big Red Strawberry Farm, where we had an amazing strawberry ice cream. You can pick your own strawberries if you visit at the correct time of year!
Day 6: Trekking Gunung Jasar
On our final day in the Cameron Highlands, we decided to embark on a trek. After considering our options, we chose to tackle Jungle trail number 10 which takes you to the peak of Gunung Jasar.
The starting point is at the Bharat Tea Plantation, which we decided to reach on foot that morning, taking about a 20-minute walk. Once there, you descend through the tea plantations and follow jungle trail number 10, which winds its way through valleys surrounded by tea plantations, strawberry fields, and small local villages. At some point, you’ll find yourself deep in the Malaysian jungle, where you’ll need to cross certain sections by grabbing onto ropes as the terrain becomes a bit steep.
Overall, the trek isn’t technically challenging, and it’s truly delightful to walk amidst the lush greenery. It took us 2.5 hours in total to reach the top; a total distance of 6.5 kilometers with an ascent of 700 meters. At the end, you’ll reach the summit where you’ll encounter a large signal antenna and enjoy a 360-degree view of the entire valley. From here, you can return to Tanah Rata by heading straight down, which takes approximately an hour on foot.
Days 7-8: Kuala Lumpur
Day 7: Break-fasting and Petronas Twin Towers
As mentioned earlier, on our seventh day, we took a bus and in about 4 hours, we headed towards the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur. In Kuala Lumpur, we decided to rely on Couchsurfing and were incredibly fortunate to find a host named Sasha, who provided us with a beautiful double room and welcomed us as if we were his own children.
Sasha gave us the opportunity to have authentic experiences, taking us around Kuala Lumpur and letting us savor the local traditions. We were fortunate to be in Malaysia during the month of Ramadan, and we joined him in breaking the fast. In the evening, we went to the local market to get food, and at the call to evening prayer, around 7:25 in the evening, we began to eat together. If you happen to be in Malaysia during Ramadan, we highly recommend visiting one of these local markets!
After dinner, we went to visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, which were illuminated at night, and then we went to have some drinks on the bustling street of bars in the Malaysian capital: Changkat Bukit Bintang.
Day 8: Batu caves and the night market
The following day, we woke up leisurely and decided to take the day at a more relaxed pace to recharge our energy. The first thing we did was visit the famous Batu Caves. They are easily accessible from the center of Kuala Lumpur by taking a taxi on Grab, the Asian equivalent of Uber! The two of us spent about 5 euros each, and it was convenient, especially for the return trip. The visit to the Batu Caves is free of charge.
Once we returned, we rested for a couple of hours before heading out to explore Jalan Alor, the 500-meter long food street in Kuala Lumpur, known as one of the busiest food streets in the world. The following day, we were already prepared to embark on our next adventure!
Days 9-12: Taman Negara
Day 9: Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara
On the ninth day, we decided to venture into Taman Negara National Park. To reach the National Park, there are convenient buses that will take you to Jerantut station in the Pahang region. We departed from Kuala Lumpur, and the ticket cost was approximately 4-5 euros for a total travel time of 3 hours. You can purchase tickets through 12go Asia.
Upon arriving at the Jerantut bus station, you’ll encounter a group of minivan drivers who will offer to transport you directly to the village of Kuala Negara in the National Park.
We were fortunate to stay at the Taman Negara River View Lodge for about 10 euros per night, taking advantage of my Genius 3 discount on Booking. The regular prices typically range around 20 euros per night. The room was very nice, and the morning river view was truly amazing.
Days 10 and 11: Jungle trekking and sleeping in a cave
During the tenth and eleventh day we did the jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park. We walked for hours in the middle of the jungle, showered in the river, ate dinner all together by candlelight, and slept in a huge cave in the wilderness. It was a challenging hike because of the conditions (the humidity level is very high in the jungle!), but it was definitely the best activity we did during our stay in Malaysia. This experience connects you with your ‘primitive self’, and with the wilderness. For a complete guide on the jungle trek and the night in the cave click here!
Day 12: Back to Kuala Lumpur
The morning following the jungle trek, after a well-deserved hot shower and a night of much-needed rest, we slowly made our way back to Kuala Lumpur, retracing the same journey we took to get there. We spent the second part of the afternoon and the evening once again in Kuala Lumpur, exploring a few more corners of the city.
Days 13-14: Malacca
On our thirteenth day, we decided to take a day trip to the nearby town of Malacca. Malacca is just a 2-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur, and you can find bus tickets for as little as 2 to 3 euros at various times here on 12.Go.Asia.
Malacca is a charming riverside town with a strong artistic vibe, and it’s truly delightful. In a day and a half, you can explore the town on foot or by bike without any issues.
We stayed at Ringo’s Foyer Guest House, and we couldn’t be happier with the choice we made. The hostel offers double beds for couples in the dormitory for just 9 to 10 euros per night, and the atmosphere is truly friendly and relaxed. The hostel also provides many activities that we happily participated in, such as bike tours around the city and group breakfasts at local spots.
Malacca Attractions
Here is a list of attractions that are worth seeing during your stay in Malacca:
- Church of Saint Paul, Malacca: A scenic church on top of a hill with a view of Malacca.
- Dutch Square and Christ Church Melaka: The Dutch-built Anglican church.
- Riverfront: Take a stroll along the Malacca River and admire the murals.
- Techno Rickshaw: While we didn’t try it, you can see these brightly colored rickshaws with different themes, especially in the evening, zipping through the city center, carrying tourists to the rhythm of techno music (or any song you prefer).
- Masjid Selat Melaka: Visit this mosque during sunset! Walk on the left bank for the best view of the mosque on the water.
- Jonker Street Night Market: The famous night market street in Malacca. If possible, we recommend visiting Malacca during the weekend, as this vibrant and bustling market takes place only on Friday and Saturday evenings and to a lesser extent on Sundays.
Day 15: Singapore and beyond!
The following morning, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast at Sayyid Antique & Cafe, a typical vintage-style café. Afterward, we took another leisurely stroll in the city center before boarding another bus to continue our adventure southward toward Singapore. Check bus tickets to Singapore here on 12.go Asia.
Useful Information
- The best time to visit the Malaysian peninsula is between February and September. The wet season is between November and February.
- When booking any bus or train ticket in South East Asia we always use 12.go Asia. It is often easier to book online rather than in person!
- Travel insurance is a must for any holiday abroad, especially South East Asia. Although problems rarely arise, you want to be covered in the case that they do. We use SafetyWing and recommend it for anyone travelling around the world.
- When spending money abroad we use the WISE international debit card. You can withdraw up to 200 euros in cash per month free of charge. After that, you only pay a very low withdrawal fee.
- Malaysia is a popular tourist destination, and hotels and hostels book up far in advance, especially in peak times. Best to book before you arrive to avoid any issues!
Final comments
If you have more than two weeks of free time, we recommend exploring one of the islands in Peninsular Malaysia to relax and do some snorkeling. Alternatively, you can head to the wilds of Borneo for even more trekking and to immerse yourself in nature and forests.
Please let us know if you have any other ideas for trekking and adventures in beautiful Peninsular Malaysia! Leave us a comment below!
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