10 Days in Malaysia: Travel Guide + Itinerary 2023
Malaysia is an underrated gem waiting to be discovered…
Malaysia is a country that I wasn’t expecting to visit when I embarked on my travels, however after spending close to 2 weeks in the country, I am left with nothing but fond memories. If you are travelling Asia and want a slice of something different other than the usual culprits such as Thailand and Vietnam, I would recommend you put Malaysia at the top of your list.
In this travel guide you will find everything you need to know about visiting this underrated Asian gem, alongside itinerary suggestions and photo inspiration!
Where is Malaysia?
Malaysia is situated in South-East Asia, with its closest neighbours being Thailand and Singapore.
You’ll witness some amazing sunsets throughout Malaysia…
How to get to Malaysia?
For the vast majority of travellers, the main way of getting to Malaysia would be by air travel. Kuala Lumpur International Airport is one of the biggest airports in Asia, so you will be surprised at the amount of destinations you can fly from.
I use Sky Scanner to book my flights, and while I usually fail miserably at this part, you should aim to book your flights in advance as prices can seriously hike up as the departure date looms.
Malaysia does share a land border with Thailand, however I’ve never heard of anyone using this entry method, which would imply it is not worth the hassle.
Do I need a visa for Malaysia?
If you are from the UK, you can enter Malaysia for up to 3 months visa-free. While I can’t speak for other nationalities, if you are unsure I would recommend contacting a local embassy or looking on an official government website.
What currency is used in Malaysia?
The currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit. The conversion rate is around 4 Malaysian Ringgit to $1.
Is Malaysia a cheap country to visit?
Generally speaking, Malaysia is a cheap-ish destination to visit. While more expensive than neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Cambodia, it won’t break the bank.
Budget accommodation for a private double room usually ranges from around $15-25. In the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, there are some excellent higher end hotels and apartments if you are wanting to treat yourself. With many providing views of the famous Petronas Towers, you should expect prices to start at around $50-60.
The iconic Petronas Towers of Kuala Lumpur.
For a cappuccino expect to spend around $4. Food can be very affordable if you are willing to eat locally, with street food being very reasonable.
If you are on a budget, don’t expect to be drinking much alcohol. With Malaysia being a majority-Muslim country, alcohol is not only difficult to find, but also heavily taxed. Prices are in comparison to Western countries, so don’t be expecting $1 beers.
10 Day Itinerary
Kuala Lumpur (3 days)
The capital city of Malaysia is a bustling metropolis, filled with record-breaking skyscrapers and an exorbitant number of shopping malls. The main attraction here is the Petronas Towers, with the twin peaks being Malaysia’s most recognisable landmark. I was taken aback by the sheer scale of the building, alongside its intricate architecture. After you have finished gazing at the structure, you can escape the infamous Malaysian heat by visiting the adjoining shopping mall.
Make sure to visit Chinatown for some cheap street food. Petaling Street in particular has a great fashion market where you can get some great deals on clothing.
If you are wanting to take a day trip outside of the city, look no further than Batu Caves. A Hindu religious site, the caves are a great way to spend a couple of hours, with the multi-coloured steps leading up to the caves the highlight. Make sure to dress appropriately when visiting, ensuring not to show shoulders or knees.
Batu Caves from the air…
Georgetown, Penang (3 days)
The city of Georgetown is a great place to spend a few days. Georgetown is now famed for its stunning selection of street art which can be found within the city centre, and you could easily spend a full day exploring and trying to find them all. My personal favourite is the visually striking ‘Kung-Fu girl’ - otherwise known as The Little Girl in Blue - which can be seen below.
The street art of Georgetown is not to be missed!
Another great area to visit is the floating villages of Georgetown, which are close to the city centre. Chinese immigrants have been living in these floating, stilt villages for years, and several are now open for tourism. The most popular one to visit is Chew Jetty, however if you have time it is worth exploring some others.
Quite a scenic spot to play football!
If you do find yourself near the Chew Jetty area, you must visit the Jetty Food Court in Georgetown which offers extremely cheap street food from all different corners of Asia. The Pad Thai I tasted there has yet to be topped!
Langkawi (3 days)
The final destination of your trip to Malaysia has to be the island paradise of Langkawi. Offering some of Malaysia’s finest beaches, it is a wonderful island to simply relax during your last few days. Pantai Cenang Beach is the main tourist hub, however if you are comfortable riding a scooter, I’d highly recommend exploring other areas of the island. You will find stunning waterfalls, mountains, wildlife, and beautiful mangrove rivers. The North of the island definitely holds the claim as having the most beautiful beaches, and are well worth the day trip.
If you’re lucky you might spot some wildlife in Langkawi!
Return to Kuala Lumpur (1 day)
Make sure to leave a day or two to return back to Kuala Lumpur, as this will no doubt be your departure point. While you can take a ferry and a bus or two back to the capital, there are reasonably priced flights departing every day from Langkawi island which take under an hour. By the time you combine the price of your ferry and bus tickets, the costs would most likely be similar to that of a plane ticket, so air travel is the option I would recommend.
Final Thoughts
If you find yourself exploring South-East Asia, or are simply looking to explore a new and interesting country, you would be wise to consider Malaysia. If you want to know any more information regarding travelling this country, feel free to message me through this website or my Instagram page: @thechrisbyrne
Safe travels everyone!
