2 Weeks in Malaysia - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Wonders of West Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi Island

Perfect for the adventurous traveler, this highlights itinerary focuses on the Malay Peninsula and takes you from the capital, Kuala Lumpur, to Langkawi Island. Highlights include visiting the Hindu Batu Caves, a trek in Malaysia's oldest rainforest, hiking in the lush Cameron Highlands, and walking on a sky bridge in Langkawi. Along the way, you'll taste local teas, explore historic cities, and spot unique wildlife.

In Kuala Lumpur, discover its landmarks, such as the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, and explore the Hindu Batu Caves. Next, embark on a day trip to the UNESCO-protected city of Melaka, renowned for its colonial architecture, ancient temples, and street markets. From there, journey to Taman Negara, Malaysia's oldest rainforest, perfect for trekking by day and night. Your next destination is the Cameron Highlands, known for its scenic tea fields and verdant landscapes. Enjoy a hike in the ghostly Mossy Forest and visit tea plantations on Day 7 before heading to the island of Penang via the haunted Kellie's Castle.

In Penang, you'll tour the historic city of Georgetown, Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si, one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, and other multiethnic attractions. Then, on Day 10, you'll fly north to Langkawi, an archipelago off the west coast of Malaysia. Here, you'll visit the Mahsuri Tomb Museum, embark on a mangrove and island-hopping tour, and admire the views from the iconic Langkawi Skybridge. Fly back to Kuala Lumpur on your last full day for a final afternoon of sightseeing before your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Off the Beaten Path in Malaysian Borneo

On this off-the-beaten-path itinerary through Malaysian Borneo, immerse yourself in local cultures and natural landscapes. This itinerary is perfect for the intrepid traveler wanting to experience lesser-visited destinations, from Indigenous villages and staying in traditional "tall houses" to spotting wildlife along the Kinabatangan River and discovering the vast cave systems of Gunung Mulu National Park. You'll also visit an orangutan rehabilitation center, hike through lush rainforests to hidden waterfalls, and participate in traditional craft workshops.

Your adventure begins in Kuching, the walkable capital of East Malaysia's Sarawak state, before traveling to the Semenggoh Orangutan Center and the Indigenous highland village of Kampung Sadir. After learning about the local culture and hiking to nearby waterfalls, you'll fly east to Mukah. Visit the Indigenous Melanau community, stay in a traditional "tall house," and participate in a craft workshop. Next, you'll fly to Miri, a city on the northern coast of Sarawak, and prepare for an outdoor adventure in Gunung Mulu National Park, where you'll wander through the Deer and Lang caves.

On Day 8, take a longboat ride to the Clearwater and Wind caves and discover the ways of the Indigenous Penan tribe. From there, fly to Kota Kinabalu and travel to the Kiulu region, where you'll learn about local farming practices and get to know the local villagers. Moving farther east, you'll experience some of Borneo's richest wildlife habitats on the Kinabatangan River. Look out for orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and a colorful array of bird species. Finally, you'll visit an orangutan rehabilitation center in Sepilok and explore the Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Center. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Explore Malaysian Borneo's Wild Heart

Slow the pace down with this alternate Borneo itinerary that leads you farther east from Kuching to Lahad Datu, suitable for travelers interested in wildlife and nature. Experience the culture of the Indigenous Bidayuh people, snorkel among marine life at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and assist with orangutan feedings at two conservation areas. You'll also spend time seeking out birds on a rainforest hike followed by a traditional foot soak to soothe weary feet.

In Kuching, embark on a Heritage Trail tour, discovering the city's historic sites and heritage buildings. Continue with a cruise down the Santubong River to encounter wildlife like the Irrawaddy dolphin and explore the lush mangroves. Then, experience the enchanting beauty of Borneo's rainforests at the Kubah Wildlife Park and conclude with a trip to explore the Wind and Fairy caves, the traditional Bidayuh Village, and the Semenggoh Nature Reserve. Fly to Kota Kinabalu on Day 5 for free time before enjoying a day trip to Kundasang and Kinabalu Park and swimming with marine life at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

The second half of your journey starts with a flight to Sandakan, where you'll embark on a city tour, followed by a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and a boat ride to Kinabatangan. Once there, you'll enjoy an evening cruise and spend the following day exploring the Kinabatangan River. Afterward, transfer to Lahad Datu to visit the active Lipad Mud Volcano and search for animal prints. Spend the next day bird-watching at sunrise and soaking your feet in the Tabin Rainforest before embarking on one last wildlife-spotting adventure and catching your departing flight from Lahad Datu when it's time. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Highlights of Singapore & West Malaysia

Opt for this multicountry highlights itinerary of Singapore and the Malay Peninsula, perfect for those seeking a mix of city life, nature, and culture, soaking up both urban and natural attractions. It includes a day at Universal Studios Singapore, a river cruise in Melaka, city tours of Kuala Lumpur, jungle treks in Taman Negara, and a visit to a tea plantation in the Cameron Highlands. You'll also enjoy a cooking class in Penang and have plenty of opportunities to sample local cuisine along the way.

Begin exploring Singapore's captivating landmarks, such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. Be sure to savor the local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice or chili crab at the hawker centers. Next, enjoy a day of fun and excitement at Universal Studios Singapore before you're off to Melaka, Malaysia and learn about the once buzzing international trace center's historical landmarks on a guided bicycle tour. Next, visit Padang Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur to see bustling old markets and iconic buildings like the Mahamariamman Temple before boarding a riverboat cruise to watch the sunset amid blinking fireflies.

Spend the following two days at Taman Negara, Malaysia's largest national park, for a jungle trek and venture to the Cameron Highlands for a tea plantation visit. Your journey continues to Penang, renowned for its cultural diversity, historical sites, delicious food, and beautiful beaches of which you'll have two days to lie out upon. You'll also participate in a cooking class at the beautiful and lush Tropical Spice Garden. On your last full day, you'll fly back to Kuala Lumpur, where you'll have some free time to explore more of the city or revisit your favorite spots before your departure. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Explore Malaysia from East to West

Cover a lot of ground with this itinerary that has you exploring Peninsular Malaysia as well as Borneo. You'll experience exciting activities from Melaka to Kota Kinabalu, including city tours of Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, a cycling adventure in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, wildlife spotting at Bako National Park and Kinabatangan River, and a memorable encounter with orangutans at Semenggoh Orangutan Center. Discover local village life at Kampung Sadir and pristine coral reefs on a snorkeling adventure.

From Kuala Lumpur you'll spend your first night in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Melaka. Here, you'll explore the city's rich history, ancient landmarks, and colonial buildings. Then upon your return to Kuala Lumpur on Day 2, you'll enjoy a walking city tour followed by a city cycling tour. Next, fly to Kuching on Borneo, where cycling continues through the city's historic sites. Your journey into nature begins with an excursion to Bako National Park, filled with diverse wildlife and beautiful landscapes. On Day 6, you'll visit the Semenggoh Orangutan Center before learning about the way of life at Bidayuh village at Kampung Sadir.

As your journey continues, you'll fly to the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu for a snorkeling excursion amid color marinelife and pristine corals in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. After exploring the underwater world, fly to Sandakan and enjoy an afternoon cruise along the Kinabatangan River, a wildlife haven. The next day offers further wildlife exploration with two safari cruises along the river. Finally, your trip concludes with a return to Kuala Lumpur, where you can explore the city at your own pace before departure. Learn more

More Great 2-Week Malaysia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Malaysia? Check out these other two-week Malaysia itineraries, with off-the-beaten-path adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.