3 day 2 night trip malaysia

Dive Into Malaysia

Best Places To Visit In Malaysia In 3 Days – Twelve 3 Day Itineraries!

Malaysia is a country of huge variety which you could travel for months without being bored. However, if you just have 3 days in Malaysia, don’t despair! You can still have a great introduction with a 3 day itinerary in Malaysia.

From gorgeous beaches to the picturesque highlands to the dynamic capital to mysterious Borneo, there are some fabulous options for what to do in Malaysia for 3 days 2 nights.

Below, I have all the best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. You simply need to read through and work out which Malaysia itinerary 3 days best suits your interests. In this article you’ll find several itineraries for 3 days 2 night trip in Malaysia options, so if you’re looking for the perfect Malaysia 3 days 2 nights itinerary, you’re bound to find it here!

If you are short on time, I highly recommend you book private taxis to get you between cities so you are enjoying your 3-day destination faster and in more comfort. You can book an affordable private taxi here.

If you are looking for places to visit in Malaysia in 2 days or Malaysia itinerary 4 days, you can also use the list below. Simply remove your least preferred day of the itinerary Malaysia 3 days if you have less time or follow the suggestion for the fourth day if you have 4 days in Malaysia.

At the bottom, I also give what I recommend as the top options for a 2 days 1 night short trip in Malaysia where your time is quite limited.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

You can find some of our other ideas for your Malaysia short getaway here .

12 Best Places To Visit In Malaysia In 3 Days

Note that when thinking about what to see in Malaysia for 3 days, I don’t recommend that you change cities. It’s a short time period so to maximise your time, stick to just one place in Malaysia and explore from there.

For the best 3d2n trip Malaysia has to offer, I suggest picking one of the destinations below and then following my 3 days 2 nights in Malaysia itinerary and suggestions for that place.

This list of places to see in Malaysia in 3 days below also takes into account that time is limited so sticks to the more easily accessible locations.

1. Kuala Lumpur

If you haven’t been to Malaysia before, it’s hard to look past the capital, Kuala Lumpur. KL is perhaps the perfect place for your 3 days 2 nights Malaysia trip, especially if you haven’t been before. Given you will most likely be arriving at Kuala Lumpur airport for your 3 days trip in Malaysia, this is a great place to spend your time, particularly if it’s your first time in Malaysia.

If you love cities, culture, variety and great food, Kuala Lumpur is a top choice, and it’s hard to beat KL for where to go in Malaysia for short trip options.

Kuala Lumpur 3 Day Itinerary

I have the perfect Malaysia tour itinerary 3 days centred on Kuala Lumpur in detail here.

You can follow this 3 days in Kuala Lumpur guide exactly. If you are looking for places to visit in Malaysia in 4 days, there is also a fourth day itinerary in that article so that you can enjoy a little more time with 4 days in Kuala Lumpur. Click the link above to find out all of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days.

You can find all our Kuala Lumpur guides here.

Or click here to download a free, detailed itinerary for Kuala Lumpur. You can copy it exactly!

Top place to stay:  Berjaya Times Square Hotel – Click here for the latest prices

2. Port Dickson

If you want a quick and easy beach stop for your answer of where to go in Malaysia for 3 days, Port Dickson is a nice and easy choice. This is one of the best place to visit in Malaysia if you love beaches and want a beach break that’s located relatively close to KL and the airport.

Port Dickson (often referred to as PD for short) is a short taxi ride from the airport, this is also a good choice if you are flying into Kuala Lumpur airport and have been to Kuala Lumpur before.

We can book you a private taxi to Port Dickson from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

If you love the idea of staying in an over-water chalet, Port Dickson is also a fabulous choice. There are a few different options where you can do this in Port Dickson for a very affordable price. When you aren’t relaxing in your chalet, you can visit any of the many beaches on this coastline or some of the low key attractions in Port Dickson.

Port Dickson 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and relax. Enjoy the surrounds and head to a beach. Our top pick is Blue Lagoon but you can find more choices here.

Day 2: Choose your preferred attractions from this list of things to do in Port Dickson and visit.

Day 3: Enjoy your hotel’s facilities or head to the beach

If you are looking for what to do in Malaysia for 4 days, spend your last day exploring Kuala Lumpur on a day trip.

Top place to stay: Lexis Hibiscus – Click here for the latest prices.

Find all our Port Dickson guides here.

3. Sunway Lagoon

If you want an easy and fun Malaysia stopover, particularly if you are travelling as a family, Sunway Lagoon is a great place to pick for your 3 days.

Located between KL Airport and Kuala Lumpur, this is a quick and easy place to get to and is like its own city with a huge theme park, big shopping centre with entertainment options and multiple hotels. We have very much enjoyed 3 day stopovers here as an alternative to Port Dickson or Kuala Lumpur.

Sunway Lagoon 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into the Sunway Resort. Enjoy the hotel facilities and the shopping centre. Find our full review of this 5 star hotel here.

Day 2: Visit Sunway Lagoon theme park.

Day 3: Either return to the theme park, enjoy your hotel facilities or do some activities at the shopping centre like ice skating and going to the cinema.

If you are looking for what to do in Malaysia in 4 days, spend your last day exploring Kuala Lumpur on a day trip. With a 2 days 1 night vacation in Malaysia, focus on visiting Sunway Lagoon.

Read our full review of Sunway Lagoon here.

To learn more about the history of Malaysia and for some fun and interesting attractions, consider Melaka as a great option for your Malaysia 3 days 2 nights tour package. Melaka is perfect for history and culture lovers and there’s plenty to do here. This is also possible as a stopover option from Kuala Lumpur Airport, although it is further away than the options above.

We can book you a private transfer to Melaka from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

Melaka is a pretty city with numerous churches, temples and mosques. There are many heritage sites around the city and the centre is UNESCO World Heritage listed.

It’s also known for its lively Jonker Street area and night market on weekends. Definitely make sure you head there! The central area is great to explore on foot or by trishaw. There are also some great family friendly attractions nearby like the A’Famosa Resort and the Melaka Zoo.

Melaka 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and relax. Head to Jonker Street in the evening. If it’s Friday or Saturday night, enjoy the night market. If it’s not then there are plenty of places to eat on this famous strip.

• Start at the Sultanate Palace, take a photo of Porta de Santiago and explore the ruins of St Paul’s Church.
• Walk downhill to Stradthuys. Trishaws congregate here so take a ride.
• Walk over the river to Chinatown and head to 8 Heeren Street and the Baba and Nonya Heritage Centre.
• Visit the three temples: Cheng Hoon Temple, Masjid Kampung Kling and Sri Poyatha Venayagar Moorthi Temple.
• In the evening, head to Shore Sky Tower .

Day 3: Pick from your favourite attractions in Melaka in this article like Melaka Zoo  or A’Famosa Water World.

Top place to stay:  Swiss-Garden Hotel Melaka – Click here for the latest prices.

If you are looking for what to see in Malaysia in 4 days, spend your last day visiting more attractions in our list linked to above.

Find all our Melaka guides here.

Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel around Malaysia?

We can book a taxi for you between anywhere in peninsular Malaysia. Travel straight from one hotel to your next without any fuss or sweat.

You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.

Click here for prices and online booking.

5. Johor Bahru

If you are entering Malaysia from Singapore then Johor Bahru is a great choice for your 3 day Malaysia stopover. It’s very easy to get here from Singapore ( more details here ) and there is plenty to do to fill your time. It’s even possible to make a day trip in Malaysia from Singapore to ‘JB’ – but having a few days is a much more relaxed option.

The easiest way to get here is by private taxi. These can pick you up anywhere in Singapore and drop you anywhere in Malaysia including Legoland or Johor Bahru. They make crossing the border so easy as, unlike buses, you can stay in the taxi the whole time and don’t need to walk through each border side with your luggage.

And, they only cost SG$90 between Singapore and Johor Bahru/Legoland.

Click here to book your taxi now.

This city offers visitors several attractions including a mix of museums, theme parks and natural landmarks like the Gunung Ledang National Park and Gunung Lambak, and there’s plenty to do during your 3 day 2 night trip to Malaysia. It’s also possible to visit the attractions in nearby Desaru Coast or to day trip to Singapore.

In this itinerary, I am assuming you have come from Singapore so do not include this option. Consider it if you haven’t been to Singapore though.

Johor Bahru 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel then head to central Johor Bahru near the causeway to Singapore. Do some shopping or explore the streets to the west of the main strip.

Day 2: Today is all about Legoland Malaysia. Buy discounted tickets here.

Day 3: Get back to nature with a day trip to Gunung Lambak. Climb the mountain here and cool down afterwards in the recreational water park.

For a Malaysia tour itinerary 4 days, take it easy exploring the fun attractions of the Desaru Coast.

Top place to stay:  Hotel Jen – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Johor Bahru guides here.

6. Taman Negara

If you’re based in KL and want to escape to the jungle for a few days, or have time for a 2 days trip in Malaysia from KL, then Taman Negara National Park holds the title as Malaysia’s largest national park and is easy to visit from Kuala Lumpur. It’s truly a nature lover’s paradise!

There are a huge amount of plants and animals in this 130 million year old rainforest and plenty of short and long hikes.

We can book you a private transfer to Taman Negara from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

This is a great choice for nature lovers with some great attractions to visit. There is the longest canopy walkway in the world from which you may spot some monkeys. Take a long boat ride into the interior. Explore and discover!

Taman Negara 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Taman Negara first thing. Take a bus to Jerantut and then another to the jetty at Kuala Tembling. Then take a boat to the main entrance of the park at Kuala Tahan. This boat ride is an attraction in itself. Check into your hotel (ideally in Kuala Tahan like the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort here ) and relax. Eat dinner in a nearby floating restaurant.

Day 2: Visit the Canopy Walkway (if it has re-opened), walk up Teresek Hill and visit an Orang Asli village (indigenous people of this area)

Day 3: Have breakfast at a floating village before taking a boat back to Kuala Tembling and heading back to Kuala Lumpur or wherever your next stop is.

To make your visit smooth and easy, you can book a tour to complete this itinerary here for a great price.

A few hours from Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is a great balance of beautiful scenery + interesting Old Town + great food! The state capital of Perak is a fantastic destination for a short getaway with plenty of interesting things to do if you’re looking for a Malaysia 4 day tour package that has something a bit different to offer.

We can book you a private transfer to Ipoh from the airport, Kuala Lumpur or elsewhere here.

There’s the unfinished Kellie’s Castle to explore, Tempurung Cave, the popular Sunway Lost World Of Tambun (great for families) and much more. The Old Town area is filled with cute alley ways and Ipoh’s famous street art to find and enjoy.

Plus, there’s Ipoh’s famous white coffee and many amazing food dishes.

It’s perfect for anyone who wants an easy taste of Malaysia while feeling like they have got away from all the tourists.

Ipoh 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Travel to Ipoh ( you can book a bus here ). Check in to your hotel and relax before taking a walk around the Old Town in the evening and having dinner.

Day 2: Start the day with one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts. Walk around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail ( download here ). Look out for street art!

In the afternoon, grab a taxi and visit a couple of Ipoh’s cave temples at Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Ton Temple. Cover your shoulders and knees and wear sturdy footwear. Have dinner at the  Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre and try as many dishes as you can.

Day 3: If you have the time, spend the day at the fun Sunway Lost World of Tambun . Surely the prettiest location for a theme park in the world ( full review here ).

If you have a fourth day, take a day tour to the Cameron Highlands or go white water rafting . If you have 2 days in Malaysia in Ipoh, concentrate on day two of this itinerary.

Top place to stay:  Regalodge – Click here for the latest prices

Read our full 3 day itinerary to Ipoh here or find all our Ipoh guides here.

Penang is our personal favourite spot in Malaysia and a great location for a 3 day break or for a Malaysia 4 days 3 nights itinerary if you have an extra day. It has great variety and you can spend the morning exploring the UNESCO World Heritage listed centre of George Town and then relax for the afternoon on the beach.

There’s an interesting multicultural mix of influences, interesting architecture and affordable resort style accommodation. It’s also one of the best places in Malaysia (perhaps the world) to eat, offering some of the best food for great prices, so an all round great getaway whether its architecture, history, food, beaches or island life that appeals to you.

Penang is perfect for anyone looking for a variety of things to do in a beautiful setting while eating top class food!

Penang 3 Day itinerary

I have the perfect Penang 3 day itinerary here.

You can follow it exactly. If you are looking for an itinerary for two days one night trip in Malaysia for Penang or 4 days, they are also in this article.

Top place to stay:  Shangri La Rasa Sayang – Click here for the latest prices

Find all our Penang guides here.

Want Help Having An Awesome Food Experience In Penang?

Join a Simply Enak (aka delicious) Food Tour!

There are two different options depending on whether you want to concentrate on street food or nightlife.

No matter what you pick, you’ll taste a range of fabulous local food and drinks while learning the history and culture of Penang.

There’s no better way to discover this great island.

Make sure you use the coupon code DIVE30  for RM30 off your tour.

Click here for all your option s .

9. Langkawi

Langkawi is the place to go if you want some easy and luxurious beach time in your 3 days in Malaysia. It has some of the best beaches in the country as well as superb coastal scenery.

Langkawi is actually an  archipelago but the main island offers a range of different locations to visit and stay and should be your focus on a 3 day trip. Pantai Cenang is the most popular beach destination and the place to stay to be surrounded by action. There are many more peaceful destinations around the island where you can be surrounded by nature.

There are many attractions in Langkawi beyond the beach like the Langkawi Cable Car which takes you to the peak of Gunung Machinchang where you’ll find restaurants, shops and other attractions.

Langkawi 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Take a taxi to your hotel or book a transfer here. Enjoy the afternoon at your hotel or at the beach in Pantai Cenang, Have sunset drinks and dinner here. This is also the place to party this evening.

Day 2: Head to Langkawi SkyCab and SkyBridge then spend the afternoon enjoying the beach at Pantai Tengah (or choose an activity from here ). Finish the day with a stunning sunset cruise.

Day 3: Spend your final morning exploring the Langkawi archipelago on a half day Langkawi Island Hopping adventure . Do some shopping at the Cenang Mall and Zon Shopping Paradise in Pantai Cenang before leaving.

If you have a fourth day, chose some other attractions from our list here. With a 2 days one night trip Malaysia, prioritise the Langkawi SkyCab and the sunset cruise.

Find all our Langkawi guides here  or click here to download a free, detailed itinerary for Langkawi. You can copy it exactly!

Top place to stay:  Ritz-Carlton Langkawi – Click here for the latest prices

10. Tioman Island

From Singapore, Tioman Island makes an easy destination for a 3 day break in Malaysia. It was once named one of the most beautiful islands in the world and is a good choice for people coming from Singapore who want an island getaway.

We can book you a private transfer to Mersing, for your ferry to Tioman, from anywhere in Singapore.

This island is surrounded by coral reefs which make it the perfect destination for people who love scuba diving or snorkelling. It is also great for hiking.

Tioman Island is a good mixture of development so things are easy, while still being able to get away from it all very easily. The only problem is that after 3 days on Tioman island, you may not want to leave!

Tioman Island 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Make the journey to Tioman Island. Check into your hotel and relax and enjoy the surrounding beaches or hike to another beach.

Day 2: Take a half or full day snorkelling or diving trip around the island.

Day 3: Go for a hike.

If you are looking for what to see in Malaysia in 2 days then I would head straight on a snorkelling or diving trip on arrival.

Top place to stay:  Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Find all our Tioman Island guides here .

11. Kuching

Kuching, also known as Cat City, is a port city located on the island of Borneo. It is a nice city with a lovely riverfront area which is the best area to stay. If you’re looking to see more of Borneo, then Kuching is a great entry point and a nice place to stop over for a few days.

For people short on time, this is your best bet to get a taste of Borneo. There are many interesting day trips you can do from Kuching as well as exploring Kuching itself with museums like the Sarawak Museum and Cat Museum.

It’s easy to get out in the jungle and explore the wilder side of Borneo with some great national parks nearby.

Kuching 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and take a walk around the downtown area of Kuching visiting the Sarawak Museum, Chinese History Museum, temples and anything else that takes your fancy. If you enjoy super tacky museums, also take a cab to the Cat Museum. It’s hilarious. In the late afternoon, take a walk along the riverfront.

Day 2: Take a day trip. Choose between Sarawak Cultural Village,   Semenggoh Wildlife Centre , Bako National Park , Satang Islands or visit the Annah Rais Longhouse.

Top place to stay:  Hilton Kuching – Click here to see the latest prices

Day 3: If you have time, chose another day trip option.

12. Kota Kinabalu

Another destination in Borneo, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah state on the opposite side of the northern part of the island compared to Kuching. This is another good choice for people who want to get a taste of Borneo for their 3 days in Malaysia and want to see a different side to Malaysia.

There are many cultural activities as well as getting out in nature and going island hopping. It’s a very accessible way to explore this island.

Kota Kinabalu 3 Day itinerary

Day 1: Check into your hotel and take a half day tour around the main city sights.

Day 2: Get out of the city and explore Kinabalu Park and hot springs.

Day 3: Head to the nearby islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and enjoy snorkelling and a great lunch.

For where to go for 2 days 1 night in Malaysia in Kota Kinabalu, I would pick whatever appeals most to you from days 2 and 3.

Top place to stay:  Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort – Click here to see the latest prices

Click here for our full Kota Kinabalu guides.

Want more ideas? Read our list of the best places to visit in Malaysia here . You can really pick any of them to be your base for your 3 days trip to Malaysia if you don’t mind adding some travel time.

Top Options For Places To Visit In Malaysia In 2 Days

Of the above, I recommend that you keep your Malaysia itinerary 2 days to places near where you arrive in the country.

If you arrive at Kuala Lumpur…

Follow the Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon or Port Dickson itineraries above, just remove one day.

If you arrive at Johor Bahru…

Follow the Johor Bahru itinerary above, just remove one day.

If you arrive at Penang…

Follow the Penang itinerary above, just remove one day.

Do the same thing for any other destination where you enter the country. If you aren’t sure what’s nearby, look at the map below to come up with your best option for what to do in Malaysia for 2 days. If you only have the opportunity for a 1 day trip in Malaysia, you’ll likely be exploring Kuala Lumpur on a stop over (follow Day 1 of the KL guide above) or coming from Singapore to Johor Bharu, in which case you can do day 1 of the Johor Bharu.

Map Of Locations For Malaysia Itinerary 3 Days

Final Words

I hope you have found this list of places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days useful. I am sure anywhere you pick to go will be awesome!

To make sure you get the most out of your three days, consider booking a private taxi here to get you to your city/region of choice quickly and easily.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Have any questions? Ask them in our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here. We would love to help you!

Find more places to visit in Malaysia here and more Malaysia itineraries here . You can also find our best suggestions for weekend getaways here . All our Malaysia planning guides are here .

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By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

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39 Cool Places to Take a Short Getaway in Malaysia (2024)

Looking for a short getaway in Malaysia that your entire group will enjoy? Here are some unique and fun places to visit!

We lived in Malaysia for almost 18 months and spent a lot of that time exploring the country. I wrote this article to help others based on my own experience researching all the places we wanted to see while we lived there.

I include everything from peninsular Malaysia, Malaysian Borneo, and a variety of Islands you may never have heard of before!

Since we’re already planning a return trip, I’ve been keeping all this updated so I’m ready to see it all when we go back.

Since sharing is caring, I wrote this article to help you plan your own short getaway in Malaysia!

Each of these destinations offers something different and exciting for visitors on a quick trip to Malaysia, so you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. Let’s jump in!

What is a Short Getaway in Malaysia?

A short getaway in Malaysia is a quick trip that only lasts two to three nights. It can even be a quick staycation Malaysia style.

Depending on your budget and how much time you have, it could be a two-hour or less drive from where you live or it can be a plane flight to another part of the country.

Some short getaways in Malaysia are more adventurous while others offer a more relaxed atmosphere. It all depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for in a vacation.

No matter what, there’s sure to be a short getaway in Malaysia for families, couples, or any kind of travel group!

If you already know where you want to go and just need some recommendations for the best family resorts in Malaysia , I’ve got you covered on that as well.

Short Getaway in Malaysia Summary

Don’t want to read the whole article? Check out our summary video below that gives you just some of the amazing spots to visit on a quick trip to Malaysia.

Short Getaways Near Kuala Lumpur

All of these places to go on a short getaway in Malaysia are two hours or less driving from Kuala Lumpur . They’re great for travelers on a budget or who have a shorter period of time to get away in Malaysia .

1. Kuala Lumpur City Stay

If you’re really pressed for time or don’t live in KL, Malaysia’s capital city offers some really great options for a short getaway in Malaysia. It’s really fun at Christmastime and New Years , too!

Either spend a couple of nights in KLCC for a KL getaway to enjoy all the tourist opportunities that the city center has to offer or plan time at a local waterpark. There are also some excellent hotels with rooftop pools in KL, too!

If you stay in KLCC, then KLCC park, with its enormous playground and fabulous splash pad, is a quick stroll away during your KL short getaway.

Aquaria KLCC and Petrosains Science Center are also excellent activities to consider. Don’t forget to visit the Twin Tower Skydeck, too!

KLCC Hotels and Activities

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying in KLCC are: ✔️ Mandarin Oriental KL 💰💰💰 ✔️ Grand Hyatt KL 💰💰 ✔️ Corus Hotel 💰

KLCC Activities to Try:

• Aquaria KLCC
• Petronas Twin Towers Skydeck
• Le Petit Chef Interactive Dinner Night
• Ride the Hop On, Hop Off Bus

Southern Kuala Lumpur Hotels and Activities

South of KLCC, we love to spend a couple of days at Sunway Lagoon . This theme park offers water activities, a small zoo, amusement park rides, and a year-round haunted house.

Sunway Lagoon is also adjacent to Sunway Pyramid Mall, which offers its own variety of activities from bowling and archery to ice skating and escape rooms! There’s even a TGV movie theater with IMAX.

Little Man told me the area around Sunway Lagoon is the best staycation Malaysia offers!

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying at Sunway Lagoon are: ✔️ Sunway Pyramid Hotel 💰💰💰 ✔️ Raintree Resort Suites 💰💰 ✔️ GG Hotel Bandar Sunway 💰

Restaurants to Try during your short getaway in KL:

• Hungry Tapir
• Bluebird Cafe
• Slappy Cakes Sunway Pyramid
• Bife Charcoal Steakhouse
• Eat in a River at BBQ Lamb KL Kemensah

2. Fraser’s Hill

Also known as Fraser’s Hill, Bukit Fraser is a colonial hill town with excellent bird-watching and good hiking. Located in Pahang, it’s a great place to spend a short getaway.

There are plenty of things to do, including hiking and picnicking at Fraser’s Hill Lighthouse. The Pine Tree Trail and Hemmant trail are fairly easy hiking paths.

Plus, you can also visit Deer Park to see different types of deer or go to the Jeriau Waterfall.

Fraser’s Hill Hotels & Activities

👉 For staying in Fraser’s Hill, I recommend Shahzan Inn .

Fraser’s Hill Activities to Try:

• Take a Birdwatching Tour
• Go on a Photo Tour
• Visit Deerland Park

Try these restaurants in Fraser’s Hill:

• Green Roses (in the Fraser’s Hill Food Court)
• Tea House Restaurant & Cafe
• Ye Old Smokehouse

3. Genting Highlands

Located just over the state border in Pahang, Genting Highlands is less than an hour’s drive from KL. We loved it as a short trip from KL option!

Despite its proximity to the capital city, the mountains and clouds make it feel like your 2 days 1 night trip in Malaysia is a lifetime away. Because of this, some people consider Genting Highlands the best getaway near KL.

Although Genting Highlands is known for its casinos, there are a lot of kid-friendly activities here as well. You can visit a local strawberry farm to pick your own strawberries and taste assorted strawberry products in the cafe.

In addition, it’s a lot of fun to ride a mountainside cable car and visit the ancient Chin Swee Caves temple. It’s worth paying extra for the glass-bottom gondola so you can see the ground fly past you underneath!

Genting Highlands Hotels & Activities:

👉 Some Genting Highlands hotels I recommend are: ✔️ Grand Ion Deleman Hotel 💰💰💰 ✔️ Swiss Garden Hotel 💰💰 ✔️ Resorts World Genting – First World Hotel 💰

At the top of the cable car ride is Resorts World, which has a huge indoor amusement park. Plan to spend an hour or so exploring the complex even if you don’t stay to enjoy the theme park.

Genting Highlands Activities:

• Resorts World Skytropolis Theme Park
• Ride the Skyway Gondola

Restaurants to try in Genting Highlands:

• Cloud View Cafe (our favorite spot!)
• Brew House Genting Permai Avenue
• Sugu Restaurant Claypot Rice

4. Kuala Selangor

Considering its proximity to KL, this is a great short weekend in Malaysia’s Selangor! This is one of the more memorable short trips in Malaysia that we’ve taken. It’s great for a family trip or an adventure with friends.

Kuala Selangor is best known for the Sky Mirror, a natural phenomenon that occurs at low tides. It allows for trick photography so that the water reflects a mirror of your actions. We loved it! In addition, you can take a sunset boat tour to see fireflies at Kuantan Firefly Park as well as scores of eagles along the Selangor River. Plus, you can explore the Sri Shakti Temple and the lighthouse atop Malawati Hill.

Kuala Selangor Hotels and Activities:

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying in Kuala Selangor for a short trip to Malaysia are: Firefly Villa 💰💰💰 Kuala Selangor Boutique Hotel 💰💰 Hotel Le Shore 💰

Kuala Selangor Activities to Try:

• Sky Mirror photo tour
• Fireflies Night Cruise with seafood dinner
• Eagle-watching boat tour

Restaurants to Try in Kuala Selangor:

• Thyme Taste & Grill
• River View Seafood Restaurant
• Aroma Ikan Bakar

You’ll often find this historic city spelled “Malacca,” which is the English-imposed spelling from colonial times. The correct, Malay spelling is Melaka.

Located in the state of the same name, the coastal city on the Straits of Melaka has a lot to offer.

We actually stayed here for four nights but could have easily enjoyed many of the sights after only staying two or three. Some people even just come for a day trip.

One of the best things to do in Melaka is a river cruise! From seeing the beautiful street art to the water monitors sunning themselves, this one is enjoyable for all ages.

For a short getaway in Malaysia to Melaka, you should visit the submarine museum and the prison museum as well as some of the historic ruins and the Shore Skytower. The Shore Aquarium is pretty great, too!

Melaka Hotels and Activities:

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying in Melaka are: ✔️ Doubletree by Hilton 💰💰💰 ✔️ Rosa Melacca 💰💰 ✔️ Shore Hotel & Residences 💰

Melaka Activites to Try:

• Tour Historic Melaka
• Visit the Shore Sky Tower
• Explore the Upside Down House

Pro Tip : Make time to ride a trishaw ! Their LED lights glow like beacons after dark so you can’t miss seeing them near the A’Famosa fort.

Restaurants to Try in Melaka:

• Baboon House
• Pak Putra Restaurant
• Munchkins Cafe Melaka

6. Port Dickson

Port Dickson is a waterfront town located in Negeri Sembilan. It’s best known for its overwater bungalows at Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson. However, there are also some great things to do there with kids during a quick getaway.

Families will enjoy the PD Ostrich Show Farm as well as the Port Dickson lighthouse, which offers a stunning panorama of the jungle and the ocean.

The town also has the Army Museum, which has a variety of retired military vehicles, as well as the historic Kota Lukut fort.

Just south of town are the Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Tuan Forest Reserve, which offer excellent swimming opportunities during your short weekend getaway.

Port Dickson Hotels and Activities:

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying in Port Dickson are: ✔️ Lexis Hibiscus Port Dickson 💰💰💰 ✔️ Grand Lexis Port Dickson 💰💰 ✔️ Corus Paradise Resort 💰

Port Dickson Activities to Try:

• Go on a Sunset Cruise
• Visit the Ostrich Farm
• Ride a Banana Boat & Go on a Picnic !

Restaurants to Try in Port Dickson:

• Mutiara Seafood Village
• Lucky King Bun
• Gim Men Teppanyaki

7. Bukit Tinggi + Bentong/Raub

Bukit Tinggi is located in Pahang and is a great place to go on a short getaway. There are plenty of things to do, including visiting the Bukit Tinggi Botanical Gardens and going on a jungle trek.

You can visit the Japanese Village, where they can learn about Japanese culture and try traditional food. Plus, Colmar Tropicale is a French-themed village that’s ideal for people who want to experience something different.

You can also, visit the Lembah Anai waterfall, go to Bentong to enjoy one of the hot springs resorts, or Raub to go gold panning.

Bukit Tinggi Hotels & Activities

👉 When staying in Bukit Tinggi, I recommend the New York Studio at Selesa Hill Homes .

Bukit Tinggi Activities:

• French Town Tour
• Colmar Tropicale Castle

Restaurants to Try in Bukit Tinggi, Bentong, and Raub:

• Fantasy Valley Restaurant
• Kitchen & La Boulangerie Cafe
• Bee’s Food and Coffee

8. Kuala Kubu Bharu

Kuala Kubu Bharu (KKB) is located in Selangor and is a great place to spend a short getaway.

There are plenty of things to do including hiking to the Sungai Selangor Dam for a lovely scenic overlook and visiting the Sungai Chiling Waterfalls.

You can also visit the massive playground at Taman Tasik Millenium or take a dip in the Taman Arif hot springs.

Just sitting outside at night to watch the stars is also a lot of fun. You may find that two nights here isn’t quite enough.

Kuala Kubu Baru Hotels & Activities

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying in KKB are: ✔️ Hillside Batu Retreat 💰💰💰 ✔️ Greenland Boutique Hotel 💰💰 ✔️ Hilltop Hotel 💰

Kubu Bharu Activities to Try:

• Go White Water Rafting (Ages 10+ only)
• Check out the Sungai Selangor Dam

Restaurants to Try in Kuala Kubu Bharu:

• Teng Wun Bakery (eat some Kaya puffs!)
• Dataran Kuala Kubu Bharu
• Sun Sun Nam Cheong

9. Sekinchan

Sitting on the coast of Northern Selangor, Sekinchan is reminiscent of Balinese rice paddy fields. You can even visit a working rice farm as well as the Paddy Gallery museum about the history of rice farming in Malaysia.

The Sekinchan Wishing Tree is located right on a great beach for swimming, so you can take a dip after tying your wish to the tree.

Families will also enjoy the huge playground at MSekin Wonderland, as well as the colorful structures the campus has to offer.

Sekinchan Hotels & Activities

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying in Sekinchan are: ✔️ Villa Chee 💰💰 ✔️ A+ Plus Boutique Hotel 💰

Sekinchan Activities to Try:

• Tour a Rice Paddy
• Make a wish at the wishing tree

Restaurants to Try in Sekinchan:

• Ah Ma House Seafood Restaurant
• Ninja Private Kitchen (Eat a sunset dinner overlooking a rice paddy!)
• Daiyum Daisek

10. Hulu Langat

Hulu Langat is located in Selangor and is a great place to spend a short getaway. There are plenty of things to do, including hiking, picnicking, and visiting the Hulu Langat Falls.

You can also visit the Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest or take a dip in the Sungai Gabai Waterfall. The Kem Herba recreational camp is also a lot of fun.

Hulu Langat Hotels & Activities

👉 When staying in Hulu Langat, I recommend Homestay Cikgu Zedi although you can also go camping at Hammocks by the River .

Hulu Langat Activities:

• Go fishing!
• Visit the Sungai Gabai Waterfall
• Walk through the Sungai Congkak Recreational Forest

Restaurants to Try in Hulu Langat:

• Zest Restaurant
• Elda’s Farmhouse
• Latest Recipe

11. Janda Baik

Janda Baik is located in Pahang and is a great place for taking a short getaway in Malaysia. From the unique accommodation options to the expansive coffee farms that offer tours , there are plenty of things to do during a short getaway.

You can also visit the BOH Tea Garden, go on a nature walk along the Janda Baik River, or visit the Tampit Waterfall. Pack sturdy shoes for hiking!

Janda Baik Hotels & Activities:

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying in Janda Baik are: ✔️ Le Maneh Retreat (private villa) ✔️ Canopy Villa Tampik Valley (glamping resort with breakfast) ✔️ eRYA by Suria (traditional hotel)

Janda Baik Activities to Try:

• BOH Tea Garden
• Tampit Waterfall
• Janda Baik River walk

Restaurants to Try in Janda Baik:

• The Cafe at Ebum Villa
• Farm on a Hill (an excellent farm-to-table dining experience!)

12. Bukit Jugra and Pantai Morib

Bukit Jugra is located in Selangor and is a great spot to spend a Malaysian short getaway.

There are plenty of things to do in this nostalgic old town, including hiking and picnicking during a visit to the Bukit Jugra Lighthouse.

Pantai Morib is a nearby beach that’s perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing. You can also visit the Kampung Cempaka Putih to see traditional Malaysian houses.

Pantai Morib Hotels & Activities

👉 For staying in Bukit Jugra or Pantai Morib, I recommend Gold Coast Morib International Resort .

Bukit Jugra and Pantai Morib Activities:

• Go Tandem Paragliding
• Relax on Morib Beach

Restaurants to Try in Bukit Jugra and Pantai Morib:

• She Ba Judgra
• Restoran Wan Ikan Bakar

13. Batang Kali

Located in Selangor, a short getaway to Batang Kali is a perfect short vacation in Selangor for those who want to spend time outdoors in beautiful landscapes.

Teratak Tok Alang river rafting is great for kids and those who don’t love the water because the river isn’t too deep or too rough. It’s a perfect place to spend two or three nights.

The beautiful Sakyak monastery and Siamese Temple is located there, as well, and is a fun place to tour. You can also visit Hoho Farm, a local farming cooperative, for a day of picking fruits and vegetables.

Batang Kali Hotels & Activities

👉 I suggest One Home Hotel for staying in Batang Kali.

Restaurants to try in Batang Kali Selangor:

• CCK Restaurant
• WK Restaurant
• Ken Kee Restaurant

Short Getaways Around Peninsular Malaysia

You’ll have to drive further than two hours from Kuala Lumpur to get to these towns and cities, but they’re well worthwhile. You can even take a bus or the train to some of them if you don’t have a car.

14. Belum Rainforest

This rainforest in northern Perak offers a variety of activities, from guided nature hikes on Banding Island or Royal Belum State Park to exploring Temenggor Lake.

It’s a great short getaway in Malaysia for anyone who enjoys the outdoors!

I recommend you stay at one of the eco-resorts in the area for the best up-close nature experience. The Belum Rainforest resort even has a star trail for night hiking!

Belum Rainforest Hotels and Activities

👉 Belum Rainforest Resort has been called one of the best nature retreats in Malaysia. However, Belum Adventure Camp and Belum Eco Resort are also excellent!

There aren’t really any restaurants in this area, so all or most of your meals will likely be at your resort’s on-site restaurants.

👉 This Belum rainforest package includes your hotel stay, meals at the hotel, and round trip airport transfers!

15. Cameron Highlands

Located on the Perak border of Pahang, the Cameron Highlands are known for nature hiking and strawberries!

Most strawberries grown in Malaysia come from this area, and you can tour one of the many farms and even pick your own to take home!

Note : Our strawberries never made it past the hotel room the next day!

You can take also nature hikes in the Mossy Forest as well as visit the Cameron Highland Butterfly Farm. Cactus Valley is an expansive plant nursery that grows and sells both cacti as well as assorted fruits.

If you visit on a weekend, make sure to check out the Golden Hills Weekend Market. This outdoor shopping extravaganza also has some great street food!

In addition, the Time Tunnel Museum is very popular as are the Robinson Waterfalls and Taman Eko Rimba Parit Falls.

Cameron Highlands Hotels and Activities:

👉 Some Cameron Highlands hotels I recommend are: ✔️ The Lakehouse 💰💰💰 ✔️ Century Pines Resort 💰💰 ✔️ Zetter Suites 💰

Cameron Highlands Activities to Try:

• Search for the famous and rare Rafflesia flower
• Tour local farms and pick your own strawberries
• Hike the Mossy Forest

Restaurants to Try in Cameron Highlands:

• Highland Steamboat Cheese & Grill (the local farm tour above stops here for dinner!)

16. Johor Bahru

We lived in JB for six months in 2020, so we go to explore it pretty fully during that time!

Families would be remiss if they didn’t spend a short getaway in Malaysia at Legoland ! From rides and STEM classes to a waterpark and aquarium, there’s enough to fill several days here.

👉 Buy your Legoland Malaysia tickets in advance, to avoid lines at the gate!

Plus, if you stay at the Legoland Hotel you also get access to a Lego-themed pool reserved only for hotel guests.

In addition to Legoland, the surrounding area also has a great board game cafe at Eco Botanic as well as EnerG X Trampoline Park at Sunway Big Box mall.

For outdoor nature activities, the Heritage Forest and the Edible Park are in nearby Medini Iskandar.

Johor Bahru Hotels and Activities

👉 Some hotels I recommend staying near Legoland are: ✔️ Legoland Malaysia Resort (on-site midrange resort) ✔️ Ramada Meridin Johor (walkable midrange hotel) ✔️ Meridin Medini Apartments (walkable vacation rental)

Restaurants to Try near Legoland:

• Bricks Family Restaurant
• Secret Recipe
• Warung @ Edible Park

Ipoh is known for its street culture, specifically street art and street food, as well as white coffee. You should definitely go there to explore all those things. However, there’s so much more to do!

Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat offers a variety of relaxing thermal pools for adults and kids alike to enjoy. It’s a luxurious way to wind down after a busy work week.

Sam Poh Tong Temple and Perak Cave Temple are both located nearby. They’re fun for sightseeing!

Families also love Sunway Lost World of Tambun theme park. It’s great for a single-day visit, or even a couple of days if you have more time.

Ipoh Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for staying in Ipoh: ✔️ The Haven All Suite Resort 💰💰 ✔️ Sunway Lost World Hotel 💰💰 ✔️ Xcape Tambun 💰💰

Ipoh Activities to Try:

• Take a Heritage Tour of Ipoh
• Visit an Orangutan Sanctuary
• Relax with a Banjaran Hot Springs Day Pass

Restaurants to Try in Ipoh:

• Plan B (Ipoh)
• Sun Marpoh Restaurant
• Fish and Chips by Bareeseta

18. Taiping

Not to be confused with Taipei in Taiwan, this city in Perak offers a lot of unique things to do for a short getaway in Malaysia. The Perak Museum and the Taiping Zoo Night Safari are incredibly popular activities.

However, the Taiping Lake Gardens are also a lot of fun and offer beautiful views to relax and enjoy.

One of the more unique things to do in Taiping is touring the Spritzer bottling plant, then enjoying their on-site eco-park and playing mini-golf.

Taiping Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for staying in Taiping: ✔️ Sentosa Villa 💰💰 ✔️ Knight Alley Hotel 💰

Taiping Activities to Try:

• Go on a Firefly Night Tour
• Support the Orangutan Island Foundation
• Brave the Taiping Suspension Bridge

Restaurants to Try in Taiping:

• Restoran Mr BBQ
• Ansari Famous Cendol
• Yut Sun Restaurant

19. Cherating Beach

Cherating is located on the Northeast coast of Terengganu state and has excellent surfing. Kids and adults alike can take lessons here if you’ve never done it. If surfing isn’t your thing, don’t worry!

You can also visit the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary, relax on Cherating beach, or explore the Kemaman Recreation Park. Plus, you can even go firefly-watching by boat on the Cherating Mangrove River!

Cherating Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for visiting Cherating Beach: ✔️ Royal Chulan Cherating Villa 💰💰💰 ✔️ Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa 💰💰 ✔️ Residence Inn Cherating 💰

Cherating Activities to Try:

• Go on a Night Cruise to See Fireflies
• Watch for Sea Turtles (late May to late August only)
• Enjoy a Mangrove Eco-Tour

Restaurants to Try in Cherating:

• Don’t Tell Mama Beach Cafe
• Ombok Cherating
• Cherating Beach Bar

20. Desaru Beach

Also located on the eastern coast, but on the southern tip of Johor state near Singapore, Desaru is a great place to spend a short getaway in Malaysia.

While the beach is (of course) one of the more popular things to do here, there is so much more!

From the Desaru Ostrich Farm to the Desaru Fruit Farm , there are many agricultural activities to enjoy here. We spent an entire day just at the fruit farm, including an amazing farm-to-table lunch and an ATV ride.

If you aren’t a beach or farm person, check out Adventure Waterpark Desaru. They offer pools and waterslides for everyone to enjoy!

Desaru Hotels and Activities

👉 Some hotels I recommend at Desaru Beach are: ✔️ Anantara Desaru Coast Private Villas 💰💰💰 ✔️ Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast 💰💰 ✔️ Amansari Hotel Desaru 💰

Activities in Desaru to Try:

• Explore Tide Pools on the beach
• Cruise the Sedili Kecil R
• Adventure Waterpark Desaru

Restaurants to Try in Desaru:

• Nelayan Seafood by the Coast
• Sea.Fire.Salt

Enjoy a 100-Year-Old Kampung House as well as some amazing waterfalls in this small town in central Perak. There are several museums here talking about the history of the area.

There is also a massive tree plantation here, called Tea Valley. You can tour the facilities to learn not only about the area’s agriculture but also to see some amazing viewpoints.

Just south of Gopeng is Tempurung Cave, one of the longest caves in Malaysia. You can explore several kilometers inside, which has some amazing stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Gopeng Hotels and Activities

👉 Some accommodations I recommend for staying in Gopeng are: ✔️ Dhotel (traditional hotel) ✔️ Tokmat Glamping Resort (high-end camping) ✔️ Rocky Farm Ipoh (farm stay experience)

Gopeng Activities to Try:

• Go waterfall trekking
• Enjoy River Tubing
• Orang Asli Heritage & Cultural Experience

Restaurants to Try in Gopeng:

• Kristal Jade Seafood Restaurant
• Idamsa Cafe
• Miera Kitchen

22. Taman Negara

Taman Negara is a national park in northern Pahan. It was established in 1938 and means “national park” in Malay. Taman Negara is one of the world’s oldest deciduous rainforests. It’s estimated to be over 130 million years old.

When visiting Taman Negara, you can explore the canopy walkway among the treetops as well as the Gua Telinga cave system. You can also take adventure excursions on the Lata Berkoh rapids.

Or experience the tropical rainforest by going birdwatching or jungle trekking as well as enjoying a river cruise along the Tahan River. 

Taman Negara Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these Taman Negara hotels: ✔️ Multiara Taman Negara Resort 💰💰💰 ✔️ Taman Negara River View Lodge 💰💰 ✔️ Danz Eco Resort 💰

Taman Negara Activities to Try:

• Enjoy a Taman Negara tour
• Relax along the river and watch wildlife

Restaurants to Try in Taman Negara:

• Taman Negara Floating Restaurant
• Family Restaurant Taman Negara
• Seri Multiara Restaurant

23. Kuala Sepetang

This small city in Perak is known for eco-tourism. The most popular activity here is tours of the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve, where you can also enjoy seeing eagles and other wildlife.

Tours can be done by boat or on one of the walking paths.

Some wildlife guides also offer dolphin spotting tours, which are very popular, too. And you may also enjoy touring the local charcoal factory to see how it’s made.

Kuala Sepetang Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend the Happy 8 Retreat for staying in Kuala Sepetang.

Restaurants to Try in Kuala Sepetang:

• Xin Seafood Restaurant
• Lian Thong Restaurant
• Restoran Tepi Sungai

24. Jungle Railway of the East Coast

The Jungle Railway of the East Coast is a great activity for all ages. It starts in Tumpat and ends in Gemas. Fly into and stay overnight in Kota Bahru, next to Tumpat, and watch the sunset Pantai Cahaya Bulan.

The journey takes about seven hours. You can enjoy the scenery and learn about the history of Malaysia.

When arriving at Gemas, stay overnight at Awanmulan so you can hike Brogas Hill before heading home the next day.

This is a great activity because it is relatively affordable and it is a unique experience. In addition, there are several stops along the way where you can get off the train and explore different towns.

👉 Stay at PCB Beach Resort in Kota Bahru and The View Hotel in Sengamat, nearby Gemas. Or you can have a taxi take you 90 minutes to Melaka.

If you don’t want to get off the train for lunch, because you do have to wait for the next one to come by and pick you up again, bring some snacks or a picnic to eat as you enjoy the window views.

Short Getaways in Malaysian Borneo

Whether you’ve seen it all on the peninsula or just want a unique adventure, Malaysian Borneo delivers!

25. Kota Kinabalu

The capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu (KK), is a gateway to climbing Mount Kinabalu. It’s also home to rainforests, wildlife, beaches, and coral reefs. You may find that 2-3 nights here isn’t enough.

From the Mari Mari Cultural Village and handicraft market to the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Ramsar and Manukan Island Marine Reserve, there are many activities to do on a short getaway here.

Pro Tip : Stop by the I Love KK sign at the waterfront for a fun pic!

Little Man really enjoyed the musical fountain at Tanjung Aru Perdana Park as well as the Aquarium and Marine Life Museum. If you have time left, make a trip to the Poring Hot Spring complex.

Kota Kinabalu Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels when staying in Kota Kinabalu: ✔️ Le Meridien KK 💰💰💰 ✔️ Shangri-La Rasa Ria 💰💰 ✔️ Hotel Grandis 💰

Kota Kinabalu Activities to Try:

• Visit Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, AND Sun Bear Sanctuaries
• Klias River Cruise with Fireflies
• Explore Kinabalu Park & Poring Hot Springs !

Restaurants to Try in Kota Kinabalu:

• Brass Monkey Cafe
• Yee Fung Laksa
• Pete’s Corner

26. Kuching

Kuching is next to Bako National Park, the oldest national park in Sarawak. It’s an easy day trip from Kuching, although the only way to access the park is a 20-minute boat ride from the village of Kampung Bako.

Millions of years of erosion of the sandstone have created a coastline of steep cliffs and stretches of white, sandy beaches.

Wave erosion at the base of the cliffs has carved many of the rocks into fantastically shaped arches and columns.

In addition, animal lovers will enjoy a visit to Kuching’s cat museum and to the Semenggoh Nature Preserve, where you can book a tour to see wild orangutans!

Kuching Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these Kuching hotels: ✔️ Cove 55 Damai Beach 💰💰💰 (outside Kuching city) ✔️ The Waterfront Hotel 💰💰 ✔️ Imperial Hotel 💰

Kuching Activities to Try:

• Bako National Park Day Trip
• Sarawak Cultural Village Tour
• Satang Island Day Trip

Restaurants to Try in Kuching:

• Kids Cafe Metrocity
• Chilled Out!
• Sunny Hill Ice Cream

27. Sandakan

This city on the northern coast of Sabah offers unique opportunities to see a variety of wildlife including orangutans, turtles, monkeys, and sun bears.

There’s also a Rainforest Discovery Center that teaches you about fragile rainforest ecosystems.

You can either go on a jungle trek or a river cruise into the jungle to see them in the wild or you can visit a few sanctuaries for rescued animals that can’t be released back into the wild.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, and Turtle Islands National Park are all located in or very near Sandakan.

Sandakan Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for staying in Sandakan: ✔️ Sabah Hotel 💰💰 ✔️ D North Star Hotel & Spa 💰

Sandakan Activities to Try:

• Private Full-Day Tour of Animal Sanctuary Visits
• Sandakan Heritage Walking Tour
• Overnight on Selingan Island to watch sea turtles

👉 Want to see all the best wildlife Sandakan has to offer? Book this two-night jungle getaway !

Restaurants to Try in Sandakan:

• English Tea House & Restaurant
• Harbour Bistro Lodge
• Balin Roof Garden Bistro

28. Gunung Mulu National Park

Located next to the country of Brunei, in Northern Sarawak, Gunung Mulu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its caves and karst formations in a mountainous equatorial rainforest setting.

You can even visit Deer Cave, the largest cave on earth. Families who spend a short getaway in Malaysia at this national park will certainly not be disappointed!

In addition to cave expeditions, you can explore multiple waterfall formations including Latak Waterfall and Eastern Julan Waterfall. Make sure to include a trip to the top of the Mulu Tree Top Tower, for exquisite views of the rainforest.

Gunung Mulu Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these Gunung Mulu hotels: ✔️ Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa 💰💰 ✔️ Benarat Lodge 💰

Restaurants to Try in Gunung Mulu National Park:

• Good Luck Cave’fe Mulu

Short Island Getaways in Malaysia

Many Malaysian islands are overlooked in favor of Thailand or Indonesia, but they shouldn’t be! Here are my top picks if you want a fabulous island experience in Malaysia.

29. Langkawi Island

Langkawi is off the coast of Perlis, at the northern edge of Malaysia along the Thailand border. It sports the same sort of beautiful jungles and pristine beaches for which the southern Thai islands are well known.

Your biggest challenge in Langkawi will be choosing what activities to exclude during your short getaway in Malaysia. This large island is also well-suited for a longer trip.

I recommend staying at one of the resorts with private pool villas but there are also some amazing family-friendly resorts there as well.

You’ll find many things to do here, including the Langkawi Sky Bridge and Langkawi Skyway Cable Car. These options both offer excellent views of both the island and the ocean.

You can also visit Langkawi Underwater World or Langkawi Wildlife Park and go snorkeling or scuba diving in Pulau Payor Marine Park when you aren’t relaxing on Cenang Beach or Tanjung Rhu Beach.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfall is also a lot of fun!

Langkawi Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these Langkawi hotels : ✔️ Ritz-Carlton Langkawi or St. Regis Langkawi 💰💰💰 ✔️ Berjaya Langkawi or Pelangi Resort 💰💰 ✔️ Adya Hotel Langkawi or Sri Embun Resort 💰

Langkawi Activities to Try:

• Kayak through Mangroves
• Go island hopping through the archipelago
• Explore the Langkawi Geopark

Restaurants to Try in Langkawi:

• The Fat Frog
• Pia’s the Padi
• Kaka Western Food

30. Penang Island

Penang Island is off the coast of Penang state, on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Penang Island is a great place for a short getaway in Malaysia.

Many people have a hard time deciding on Penang vs Langkawi .

The island has plenty of things to do, especially George Town, including visiting the Penang National Park, going on a jungle trek, and visiting the Batu Ferringhi Night Market.

You can also visit the Penang Butterfly Farm or take a dip in the ocean at Monkey Beach. In addition, visit Kek Lok Si Temple and Fort Cornwallis for some interactive history adventures.

Penang Hotels and Activities

👉 In addition to splurging on a Penang hotel a with private pool , I recommend these hotels in Penang: ✔️ Macalister Mansion 💰💰💰 ✔️ Hard Rock Hotel Penang 💰💰 ✔️ Shangri La Golden Sands Resort 💰

Penang Activities to Try:

• Go on a Food Tour
• Cool Off at Escape Penang Waterpark
• Find all the best Penang Street Art

Restaurants to Try on Penang Island:

• Nasi Kandar Line Clear
• New Lane Hawker Centre
• Sungai Pinang food court (for some delicious street food!)

31. Tioman Island

Last but certainly not least, Tioman Island is a wonderful short getaway in Malaysia.

There are a lot of fun things to do on the island. Our friends got scuba certified there and claim it’s the best scuba diving they’ve done.

People who aren’t into scuba can go snorkeling to also explore the vibrant underwater world surrounding Tioman Island. You can also visit the Turtle Hatchery and learn about these amazing creatures.

For land activities, take a hike through the jungle and discover hidden waterfalls. You can also relax on one of the many pristine beaches.

The best part of Tioman Island is that there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. And, at the end of the day, you can all relax in your comfortable hotel room or villa.

Tioman Hotels and Activities

👉 Some hotels I recommend for staying on Tioman Island are: ✔️ Berjaya Tioman Resort 💰💰💰 ✔️ Tunamaya Beach & Spa Resort 💰💰 ✔️ Juara Mutiara Resort 💰

Tioman Activities to Try:

• Get SCUBA certified
• Visit the Turtle Hatchery

There are also many great restaurants on Tioman Island that you’ll love on a short getaway in Malaysia. Here are a few of our favorites:

• Tom’s Place (seafood)
• Fong Lye (Chinese)
• Ali’s Roti Canai (Indian)

32. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are islands off the eastern coast of Terengganu. They’re a quick flight for a short getaway from KL in Malaysia.

The two main islands are Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, but there are a few uninhabited smaller islands as well.

Scuba diving here is reputed to be some of the best in Malaysia. However, there are seemingly endless beaches to explore for those who aren’t certified.

The Alunan Coral Project is run by Alunan resort on the southern end of Perhentian Kecil. It focuses on preventing and reversing coral bleaching in the island’s reefs. You can volunteer there if you contact them in advance.

Perhentian Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for your stay in the Perhentian Islands: ✔️ Bubu Perhentian Resort 💰💰💰 ✔️ Mimpi Perhentian Resort 💰💰 ✔️ Berhat Perhention Resort 💰

Perhentian Activities to Try:

• Kayak the Terengganu
• Volunteer at Alunan Coral Project
• Learn to scuba dive

Restaurants to Try in the Perhentian Islands:

• Crocodile Rock Bistro
• Ewan’s Restaurant
• Keranji Beach Cafe

33. Pangkor Laut Island

👉 Pangkor Laut Island is a privately owned island by Pangkor Laut Resort off the eastern coast of Perak.

The accommodations here are a five-star, luxury resort that guarantees you’ll have a very enjoyable short getaway in Malaysia.

Most people come here to relax and enjoy the beautiful private beaches. However, don’t skip visiting the 17th-century ruins of a Dutch fort on the south end of the island.

The Fu Lin Kong and Lin Je Kong temples are also located on Pangkor Laut and are worth visiting, too.

Restaurants to Try on Pangkor Laut Island:

• Feast Village
• Street Stall Burger (Western & Thai Food)
• Uncle Lim’s Kitchen

34. Lang Tengah Island

Lang Tengah Island is another island in Terengganu that is also connected to the mainland by ferries from Merang.

It has clear blue water and white sand beaches that offer excellent opportunities for families to go both snorkeling and scuba diving.

You can also visit Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, which is a non-profit organization focused on saving Malaysian Sea Turtles.

Plus, you can even volunteer there for a couple of nights. However, do note they offer basic jungle living not a resort experience.

Lang Tengah Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these Lang Tengah hotels for your trip: ✔️ Summer Bay Resort 💰💰 ✔️ Sari Pacifica Resort Lang Tengah 💰💰

Restaurants to Try on Lang Tengah:

• Koko Restaurant

35. Redang Island

Located off the coast of Terengganu, Redang Island is the perfect short getaway for families. In addition to relaxing on the beach and playing in the ocean, there are a few other fun things to do on Redang Island.

The Turtle Sanctuary is a great place to learn about the different types of turtles that call Redang Island home. Depending on the season, you can even help release baby turtles into the ocean!

In addition, the Terengganu Marine Park is a beautiful place to explore since there are many different types of fish and coral to see.

You can also go snorkeling or diving in the park. It’s easiest to go with a guided tour.

Redang Island Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for a short vacation on Redang Island: ✔️ Taaras Beach & Spa Resort 💰💰💰 ✔️ Sari Pacifica Resort Redang 💰💰 ✔️ Redang de Rimba Resort 💰

The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort has all the amenities one would expect from a high-end resort: a fabulous beach, a kids club, two swimming pools, and a spa.

There are also assorted on site activities and you can also enjoy the many restaurants and bars at the resort.

Restaurants to Try on Redang Island:

• Redang Moon
• Pelangi Bistro
• Kayu Manis Restaurant & Bar

36. Rawa Island

Rawa is a relatively small, private island off the eastern coast of Johor which means it’ll be a very quiet short getaway in Malaysia. There are no proper roads, only a few walkways.

One side of the island is a beach covered with white sand, while the other side has a rocky vertical cliff.

There are many sea and land creatures such as fish, squid, octopus, Malayan sea eagles, and reptiles.

Also blacktip reef sharks can be found feeding in the sea off Rawa. Rawa’s waters are clear and you can see an abundance of corals when snorkeling.

Pro Tip : Ask your resort about Jellyfish season before booking, so you don’t try to swim when it’s unsafe.

Because there isn’t much infrastructure here, you’ll only be able to eat meals at one of the two resorts on the island: Rawa Island Resort or Alang’s Rawa. Bring your own snacks if you’re worried about liking the resort food.

37. Kapas Island

Kapas Island is located just north of Marang in Terengganu. It has a tropical jungle, crystal clear water, white sand beaches, and coral reefs in the surrounding waters.

Reachable by ferry from Marang, the island is promoted as a “diving and snorkeling paradise”.

You can spend your short vacay in Malaysia on Kapas Island for a rustic beach escape or stay in Marang while taking day trips to Kapas.

When you need a break from the beach and snorkeling, take a hike to Bukit Singa on the northern tip of the island. It’s not very steep so most anyone can do this pretty easily. Wear sturdy shoes, not flip-flops!

Kapas Island Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for a Kapas Island short vacation in Malaysia: ✔️ Turtle Valley Resort (on Kapas) ✔️ OYO Hotel Pelangi (in Marang)

Restaurants to Try in Marang:

• D’Rhu Bayu Seafood Restaurant
• T’Kafe Cosmopal Family Restaurant
• Rhu Muda Chicken Chop Corner

If you stay on Kapas island, there isn’t much infrastructure there besides the hotels so you’ll be eating your meals at one of them.

38. Carey Island

Located in Selangor, just outside of KL, Carey Island is actually accessible by car from peninsular Malaysia. Kelanang and Tanjung Piai beaches are excellent for a weekend of relaxation and sun.

However, you will also enjoy visiting the Mah Meri Cultural Village and exploring Isana Bandar Palace. They’re great interactive learning opportunities for all ages.

In addition, you can climb to the top of the Bukit Junga lighthouse for lovely views of the Straits of Melaka as well as visit the Jugra Intitu Museum, which is in a converted colonial police station.

Carey Island Hotels and Activities

👉 I recommend these hotels for staying in or near Carey Island on a Malaysia short trip: ✔️ Amverton Cove Golf & Island Resort 💰💰 (the only hotel on Carey Island) ✔️ The Canvas Hotel 💰 (across the river from Carey Island)

Restaurants to Try on Carey Island:

• Daifuku Japanese Restaurant
• I Suka Restaurant
• Burger Warisan D’Gazebo

39. Sibu Island

Located off of the eastern coast of Johor, not far from the Singapore border, Sibu Island is an excellent short trip in Malaysia. There is very little infrastructure there. However, there are a couple of resorts with meal-inclusive options.

Sea Gypsy Resort is wonderful a short getaway in Malaysia because it offers daily activities from hiking and boogie boarding to tree climbing and a home-made waterslide into the ocean.

There’s even a kids club with a separate kids dinner from 5-10 pm so adults can enjoy a proper meal and social time in the bar.

The bar offers a wide variety of board games and books so you can entertain yourself, too. It’s a lovely short trip to Malaysia from Singapore!

Note : We spent Christmas 2020 here on a 3 days 2 night trip in Malaysia, and it was magical.

In addition to the resort activities, you can hike to the southern tip of the island, go snorkeling, and even go scuba diving.

David and I did a Discover Scuba Dive but Little Man was too young, so one of the other scuba instructors took him snorkeling 1:1.

Pro Tip : The hotel will pick you up at your address in Malaysia (even in KL) and drive you to the Johor jetty and then by boat to Sibu Island.

👉 While we have global health insurance for our day-to-day lives, we also elect travel insurance with SafetyWing for our spurts of fast travel adventure!

Final Thoughts on a Short Getaway in Malaysia

Whether you want a short vacay city escape, a beach break, a short escape jungle adventure, or something else entirely there are a bunch of opportunities for a unique short getaway in Malaysia.

A Malaysia getaway offers diverse experiences, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to vibrant cities and rich cultural heritage.

With this list, there’s definitely no more wondering where to go in Malaysia for short trip! They’re also great spots for your best staycation in Malaysia.

Fun Fact : If you took one of these short getaways in Malaysia per month, it would take over three years to do them all!

For just one country, there are countless ecosystems to explore in Malaysia. That’s probably one of the reasons the country has stolen our hearts!

Did we miss including a short getaway in Malaysia on this list? Contact us to tell us about it!

Author: Brodi Cole

Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director. Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years! In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America. She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina. Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

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Brodi Cole is a full-time digital nomad who travels the world with her family. She made the switch to blogging and content writing after spending more than a decade and a half working as a Human Resources Manager and Director.

Since transitioning her family to a digital nomad lifestyle, they've visited over 20 countries together (and counting) in the last ten years!

In addition to traveling extensively through Canada, the USA, and the Caribbean, she's also visited Asia, Europe, and South America.

She spent most of the pandemic living in Malaysia before living in Mexico for over a year and then driving the Pan-American Highway from the USA to the southernmost tip of Argentina.

Brodi is also a freelance SEO writer and editor, sharing her expertise with other companies and bloggers. She has a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature and a Master's Degree in Human Resources Management.

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TOP 7 Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days | Epic Islands & Weekend Getaways

Planning a quick getaway and looking for the best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days? Well, let me help you out with that, because I’ve lived and traveled around Malaysia quite extensively over the last few years, and it’s become one of my favorite countries in Asia!

With its deliciously diverse cuisine, jaw-dropping scenery, and welcoming culture – I think Malaysia is one of Southeast Asia’s most underrated countries! Whether you want to spend three days eating as much as humanly possible, sightseeing and shopping around Kuala Lumpur, or relax on a secluded beach after snorkeling with turtles- Malaysia has a place for you! When I was based in Kuala Lumpur (living with friends in an Airbnb Condo), I went on plenty of weekend getaways, so that’s why I wanted to put this post together for what I think are some of the best places for a short getaway in Malaysia!

My travel blog is filled with tons of helpful articles on Malaysia, so be sure to read/ bookmark a few of these as well for your upcoming holiday:

• The 20 Best Beaches in Malaysia
• The Ultimate Two-Week Malaysia Itinerary
• Malaysia Travel Guide | Trip Itinerary, Highlights + more

So without further ado, take a look through these amazing destinations, watch some of the fun YouTube videos, and learn all about the best things to do, tours to consider booking, and fun accommodation recommendations!

1) Kuala Lumpur 

Starting off the list I’ve put Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, as it’s truly a wondrous city that has so much to offer, and while it may be the main gateway for exploring the country, it is 100% worth a 3-day visit on its own! It’s one of my personal favorite cities in Southeast-Asia and I actually based myself there during my days as a long-term traveler! 

The city is completely vibrant, and there seems to be something new around every corner to explore! While the weather may be hot and steamy (like the majority of country), the cuisine is delicious, the locals are incredibly friendly, and it’s one of the world’s best destinations for shopping!   

It’s got a fantastic cosmopolitan vibe, but with affordable prices, and it’s no wonder why more and more international ex-pats are flocking to this wonderful city to embrace the epic lifestyle it has to offer!

You can pretty much always find cheap flights here (thanks to AirAsia being based at KLIA), getting around the city is incredibly easy thanks to KL’s clean and affordable metro system, and there’s also an abundance of amazing Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur  for a comfortable stay and a rooftop infinity pool swim! So without further ado, here’s my quick breakdown of Kuala Lumpur in 3 days!

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 Days

• Take the metro out to the Batu Caves, walk up it’s colorful steps, and marvel at the beautiful Hindu Temples & massive statues! But please be careful of the monkeys! They’re quite infamous for being a bit meaner than the average monkey!
• Head down to KLCC and visit the world’s highest twin towers and book tickets to walk along the Skybridge Petronas Twin Towers! They’re truly magnificent, and I’d actually recommend heading there once during the day, and then once at night to see them all lit up! 
• Spend some time shopping in China Town, especially along the iconic Petaling Street Market. It’s a bustling area with lots to offer like cheap souvenirs, delicious food, and an awesome atmosphere! 
• Soak up some culture at the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu Temple in the city, dating back to 1873.

• Visit the colorful shops in Little India for textiles, jewelry, and plenty of low-key restaurants serving up amazing Indian curries! 
• Grab some cocktails and watch the sunset at the Heli Lounge Bar Kuala Lumpur . It’s an old helipad that’s been transformed to a bar and offers one of the best views in the city! 
• Have dinner in the buzzing Jalan Alor Food market at night for some local Malaysian food and incredible ambiance!
• Check out the nightly FREE Symphony Lake Water Show at KLCC! 
• Book tickets to visit the top of the iconic Menara Kuala Lumpur Tower for unbelievable panoramic views of the city!
• Try the iconic Malaysian dish Nasi Kandar, meaning ‘mixed rice’, which is a favorite among locals & travelers! 
• If you’re a backpacker or looking for a fun place to grab a drink, check out the Reggae Mansion Rooftop parties!
• Finally, take a swim in one of the city’s iconic rooftop infinity pools like at the Regalia Condominium!

Best Places to Stay in Kuala Lumpur for 3 Days

While there are certainly countless of amazing hostels, hotels, and luxury resorts found in Kuala Lumpur, I ALWAYS recommend people to book one of the hundreds of Airbnb’s at the Regalia Condominium. This is complex where I lived when I was based in KL, and I really do miss it every day! It’s centrally located /walking distance to two different metro lines, has a great mall right next to it, and all the apartments are modern and comfortable. But most importantly – it has one of the MOST EPIC infinity pools in the world that you must experience!

In recent year’s it has become quite popular in the Airbnb community, so checking-in/ checking-out is super easy, and there’s a mini-market on the main floor for essentials like water, coconuts, basic food, beer, and lots more! 

It’s also really easy to order transportation, as all the rideshare drivers (like GRAB ) know it’s popular, so you’ll rarely have to wait more than a few minutes to get picked up, and there’s an easy pick-up area on the main floor. While you can definitely find a ton of different amazing properties, here are a few of my main picks: 

• Float in the Infinity Pool of a Gorgeous Apartment
• Spectacular Skyline views from a Chic, High Rise Apartment

There really are tons of different Airbnb’s in the Regalia condominium, so even if all three of these don’t have availability, you’ll be able to find one! It’s truly a MUST-VISIT for any 3-day visit to Kuala Lumpur, and I know you’ll love it as much as I do!  

Where to go in Malaysia for a short trip? Well, I’d argue that Penang might be the best answer to that question!

“If there’s a more thrilling cocktail of eastern cultures than Penang, we’ve yet to find it. Penang has long served as the link between Asia’s great kingdoms and an important outlet to the markets of Europe and the Middle East.

Penang is one of the most unique destinations in Malaysia, and definitely has a little something for everyone! While it may be known as one of the main cultural hotspots in the country, that comes second to Penang’s claim to serving up the best food Malaysia has to offer! 

While walking around the UNESCO Heritage Zone of George Town, you’ll simply fall in love with its colorful streets, unique street art, and lively atmosphere! But if you’re looking for a beach getaway, then Penang would still be a fantastic choice, as there are tons of incredible beaches in Penang! 

Planning a Malaysia weekend getaway to Penang would be the perfect amount of time to explore and fall in love with this Malaysian gem, and getting here is super easy as it has it’s own international airport on the southern tip of the island!   

Things to Do in Penang in 3 Days

• Eat your heart out and explore Penang’s amazing street food scene. Check out this article  15 Best Must-Eat Street Foods When You Visit Penang for some mouth-watering inspiration! The food truly is spectacular, and is worth the visit alone!  
• Explore Penang at Night ! From unique bars to late night bites, Penang has a lively night scene that you’ll absolutely love! 
• Book a George Town Food Hop & Heritage Tour for a deeper understanding of this city’s relationship with food! “ Penang is a gallery full of stories told through its dishes and shared with you on this tour. After all, there’s more to food than just the taste.”
• Spend an afternoon walking around George Town and admire all of the amazing street artwork! They’re all over the place, but you can browse through this article on the 25 Most Captivating Murals In Georgetown  for lots of fun photos! But it might be better to leave them as a surprise during your visit! 
• Take the tram up to the top of Penang Hill which offers stunning views of the city and surrounding area! 
• Get lost in the jungle and spend some time hiking through Penang National Park ! There are loads of different trails and routes, and each of them will bring you to a different gorgeous beach, lake, or attraction. My main piece of advice would hike to Monkey Beach ! It’s really beautiful, and the walk is quite pleasant!
• Enjoy a beach day on the iconic Batu Ferringhi Beach! There are tons of awesome hotels and luxury beach resorts there, so the entire area is quite popular and has lots to offer! 
• For the adventure seekers, you can go parasailing or rent a jet ski (which I’d highly recommend doing during the sunset!)
• Brush up on some history while walking through Fort Cornwallis , which was built by the British East India Company in the late 18th century, and is the largest standing fort in Malaysia! It’s free to enter, and definitely worth the visit! 

Best Places to Stay in Penang for 3 Days

Three days really is the ideal amount of time to visit Penang, and you have two main options for where to stay, in the cultural food hotspot of George Town , or by the main beach resort area of  Batu Ferringhi!   So it really just depends on what you’d prefer to be closer to! Here are a few of my top picks though, so take a look and see what you like most!

• SkyHome Two@ Studio 30 Seaview 218 Macalister : This budget-friendly studio-apartment Airbnb is located right smack dab in the center of George Town, just minutes away from some of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s a Superhost property and has outstanding reviews, but it is also a fantastic deal that even most backpackers would be able to afford this place! You’ll want to book this property well in advance though, as it’s quite popular! The condominium is also equipped with an amazing infinity pool which can be crucial to escaping the Malaysian heat!
• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel : If you’re a solo traveler on a tight budget, then look no further and book a bed here! I’ve personally stayed here and definitely think it’s the best hostel in Penang! It has a really awesome backpacker atmosphere, perfectly located in George Town, and has over a thousand glowing reviews from fellow travelers!
• Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La : Want to experience a bit of luxury at a fraction of the cost!? You’ve probably heard of Shangri-La before, and their property in Penang is absolutely stunning! Complete with three outdoor pools, a mini water park with slide and a whirlpool, and  beautifully landscaped grounds, it’s no wonder that the  Golden Sands Resort Penang  is one of the top picks on the island! It’s a beachfront accommodation that’s also walking distance to  Batu Ferringhi’s night market and would provide for the most comfortable 3-day vacation!

Image via Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La

3) Langkawi

Officially known as  Langkawi the Jewel of Kedah,  this Malaysian paradise is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea (around 30 km off the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia), and deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list! 

I first visited Langkawi back in 2013 while completing a visa-run from Thailand, but have since returned numerous times as I absolutely fell in love with its beauty and laidback atmosphere! While I think it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days, just be warned – it’s one of the destinations that has the power to keep you there much longer than expected! My original trip was only meant to be for a couple of days, and I ended up staying nearly two weeks! 

With its unbelievably turquoise seas, gorgeous beaches, fantastic snorkeling/ scuba-diving sites, beautiful waterfalls, delicious food, and duty-free prices – Langkawi is truly a gem, and would make for a fantastic budget Malaysia weekend getaway! 

There’s an excellent international airport on Langkawi making it perfect for a 3-day visit! My travel blog has covered Langkawi quite a lot, so if you decide to choose Langkawi for your upcoming holiday, be sure to read/ bookmark these posts to give you some inspiration!

• 10 Awesome Things to Do on Langkawi
• Chasing Waterfalls on Langkawi
• Backpacker’s Guide to Langkawi
• Berjaya Resort Crashing on Langkawi
• The 5 Best Hostels on Langkawi

Since I work online as a travel blogger, I’ve actually contemplated moving to Langkawi for a few months! That’s how much I love it. Oh, and the   tax-free booze is definitely a plus!  ;-)  

Cenang beach, Langkawi, Malaysia

Things to do in Langkawi in 3 Days

• Book the ICONIC Langkawi Island Hopping Boat Tour ! It only costs $8.45 U.S.D (which I’ll never really understand why they don’t charge more), and you simply can’t leave the island without visiting all the stops! It’s a half-day tour that includes snorkeling, swimming at a beautiful lake (with pleasantly warm water), and a visit to one of the best beaches in Malaysia! I’ve done this tour EVERY time I visit Langkawi, because it’s just a great way to soak up the scenery, and enjoy a day cruising through the islands in the archipelago! Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!
• Take a stroll through the charming Oriental Village and then head up to the Langkawi Cable Car & Skybridge ! This is another MUST-DO during your visit, as it’s just fun and offers AMAZING views of the island’s marvelous landscape of the entire archipelago and Southern Thailand! It’s the highest cable car in all of Malaysia, and you’ll fly through the eastern cliffs of Mt. Machinchang with the lush forests below, and arrive at the second highest peak, Mt. Machinchang! 
• If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, then look no further than Pantai Cenang! With it’s soft-white sand and plenty of restaurants and beach bars nearby, it’s definitely THE PLACE to be in all of Langkawi. 

• Rent a Moto or a car and explore all of the waterfalls! There are 3-4 really great ones perfect for swimming, and one even has a natural waterslide and “jacuzzi”! I’d recommend the  Seven Wells Waterfalls and Terjun Temurun! 
• Eat one or two meals at this restaurant called  Tomato, because It’s actually one of my personal favorite aspects of visiting  Langkawi! They serve some of the best and most affordable Indian food I’ve ever tried, and everyone I’ve told to go there always thanks me for the recommendation! They’ve got a pretty decent sized menu, but I always order the  Butter Chicken with some Garlic Cheese Naan!  
• Enjoy a different side of Langkawi by trying out this Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark Tour ! I’ve personally done this tour as well and definitely loved it! It’s just mesmerizing to sail through the Mangroves and admire all the beautiful limestone cliffs and diverse wildlife, as well as visit secluded coves and beaches!
• Party it up in Pantai Cenang’s buzzing nightlife scene! There are tons of fun beach bars and a few clubs to dance at, and the backpacker atmosphere really is outstanding! I’ve spent many nights drinking tax-free booze on the beach with friends I met at hostels, and they’re some of my fondest memories of Langkawi! 
• Either book a one-night stay or “crash” the Berjaya Resort in Langkawi! It has an incredible pool with a swim-up bar, and you could easily spend all day relaxing here! Also, they’ve got their own private beach with volleyball nets, so it’s an ideal place to go with a group of friends! 
• Looking for a bit more excitement? Book this popular Langkawi Dayang Bunting Islands Jet Ski Tour for a four-hour adventure that’s guaranteed to get your heart racing! You’ll cruise through Langkawi’s Islands and crystal clear waters onboard your own fast jet ski, making several stops along the way that include hiking, kayaking, and of course lots of swimming!
• Last, but certainly not least, check out the Langkawi Underwater World ! It’s one of the largest aquariums in Malaysia, and includes over 4,000 different aquatic species inside the park that’s almost six acres big!

Best Places to Stay in Langkawi for 3 Days

Langkawi is a really large island, but there are only a couple of main areas where you’ll want to stay for a 3-day visit! My personal recommendation would be to stay along Pantai Cenang, as it’s the most populated region with the most to offer its visitors. With that being said, if you’re looking for a luxury getaway or romantic holiday, there are some truly EPIC resorts on Langkawi that would provide an unforgettable visit. Here are my top recommendations for where to stay on Langkawi: 

• The Love Shack: A Romantic Getaway : One of the most popular Airbnb’s in Langkawi! It’s a private bungalow minutes away from Pantai cenang perfect for couples looking for privacy. 
• Dash Resort Langkawi : Beautiful resort in Pantai Cenang, but tucked away from the main action! 
• Langkawi Dormitorio:  This is the BEST HOSTEL on Langawki! Excellent dorm beds at an affordable price!
• Berjaya Resort Langkawi : I mentioned this place above, and it really is an incredible property! They even have overwater villas! 
• Four Seasons Resort Langkawi : Saving the best for last, if you’re looking for a luxurious getaway than this is where you want to stay! This 5* Resort is truly jaw-dropping, and offers a mile-long private beach, multi-tiered outdoor pools, and beautifully designed spacious villas!

Image via Four Seasons Langkawi

4) Perhentian Islands

Next on the list (and another one of my personal favorites), are the marvelous Perhentian Islands! Here you will find many of the country’s most idyllic beaches, incredible scuba-diving sites (shipwrecks, turtles, and colorful reefs), and a laidback paradise vibe! Some have even referred to as “Maldives of Malaysia”

The Perhentian Islands consist of two main islands: Perhentian Kecil & Perhentian Besar.  During my three visits, I’ve always chosen to stay on Perhentian KECIL, as it’s the more popular of the two for younger travelers, and also has lots more nightlife and a lively atmosphere. Perhentian BESAR (which I have visited during snorkeling trips) is more geared towards  families ,  vacationers ,  honeymooners, and those looking to book expensive resorts. 

So if you’re planning a 3-day visit to the Perhentian Islands, you’ll need to choose which island you’d like to base yourself on. I’d definitely recommend Perhentian Kecil though because there are still plenty of beautiful beach hotels/ resorts, and just has so much more to offer! 

Take a read through my guide & photos for the Perhentian Islands below:

• The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide to the Perhentian Islands
• The Perhentian Islands: Perfectly Picturesque [Photo Essay]

How to get to the Perhentian Islands?  Unlike the previous destinations on the list, there is no international airport, so you’ll need to book a flight to  Kota Bharu Airport OR   Kuala Terengganu Airport , and from there you can hop on a bus/ or pay for a taxi to the  Kuala Besut  jetty  which offers transfers to the islands. You can simply tell the boat drivers the accommodation you have booked, and they’ll drop you off as close they can get you.

Important Note –  The Perhentian Islands are CLOSED DURING THE MONSOON SEASON BETWEEN NOVEMBER – FEBRUARY, and the best time to visit is going to be between May-August. 

  Things to do in the Perhentian Islands in 3 Days

• Book one of the many snorkeling trips offered on the island! They aren’t expensive at all, and will take you to some really awesome places where you’ll almost guarantee to swim with turtles, countless fish, stingrays, and lots more! 
• Book a Fun-Dive or Discover Scuba at one of the many dive centers! Since this only a 3-day visit, you won’t have enough time to get your PADI scuba diving certification, but if you’re already certified (which I’m sure most people who are interested in the activity will be) you’ll honestly want to do as much diving as possible!  
• Simply relax on the beach! The Perhentian Islands truly are a marvelous vacation destination, so rent a beach umbrella/ lounger, read a book, sip on a coconut, go for a swim, play some volleyball, soak up the sun, and let your stress melt away!
• Attend one of the movie nights! A couple of the resorts/ restaurants on the island will play nightly movies for customers, so it’s a great way to spend an evening after the sun goes down. So get there early to find a good seat, order some delicious Malay cuisine, and watch whatever movie they’re playing that night!
• Party it up at Perhentian Kecil’s nightlife scene. While there are many places you can go to grab a drink, a few of my favorites are Panorama Bar, Monkey Bar, and the Pirates of Perhentian!

Best Places to Stay in the Perhentian Islands for 3 Days

Now, since I like staying on Perhentian Kecil and know it well, all of these accommodation recommendations will be there! 

• Perhentian Grand Seaview Villa : Owned and operated by a Malaysian/English couple who met on The Perhentian Islands, this private secluded tree-house villa overlooking the sea would provide for a super memorable stay while being nestled in the serene jungle! 
• Bubu Resort Perhentian Island  – Located right on Long Beach, Bubu Resort is definitely my favorite place to stay on the island! The rooms/ beds are super comfy, the buffet breakfast is divine, and the entire property is absolutely beautiful. I stayed there during my most recent visit, and really loved it!
• Tropicana Inn / Tivoli Backpackers : For the backpackers/ budget-travelers reading this, this is where I’d recommend! It’s actually a combination of two different places, but they both offer dorm beds at an unbeatable price!   

5) Pulau Kapas

Want to visit one of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets?  Well, look no further than the laid back tropical hideaway,  Pulau Kapas ! So when I was based in Kuala Lumpur, all of my ex-pat friends would regularly go on a weekend getaways to Kapas Island, and told me how much they loved it! I finally got the chance to check it out for myself, and immediately fell in love with it! 

While it may be the most under-developed places to visit on this list, that’s what makes it so charming! There are limited accommodation options, not that many places to eat, and honestly not much to do – but it’s simply the definition of paradise! The color (and temperature) of the water will put you into a complete state of relaxation, and the snorkeling right off the beach will blow your mind! I had never seen any reefs like that so close to my hotel! You can just wake up, pop on your snorkel, and go swim with turtles among colorful reefs within a 1-2 minute swim! 

It also has an unbeatable laidback vibe, and all of the travelers who visit Kapas Island seem to be incredibly friendly! Since it’s an off-the-beaten-path destination, it attracts a really great crowd of long-term travelers/ backpackers who are looking for authentic connections and experiences. 

How to get to Kapas Island…?  It’s pretty simple! You’ve just got to book a flight to  Kuala Terengganu Airport,  and then either take the bus/ book a taxi to the Marang Jetty.  Transfers on the speed-boat only take 15-minutes and cost around $5 U.S.D per one-way. Transfer boats leave Marang at 9.30 am, 11.30 am, 1.30 pm, and 4.30pm.

Also, be sure to BRING CASH (there are not ATM’s on the island), a flashlight for getting around at night, and don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen/ plenty of insect repellanant! 

Important Note –  Pulau Kapas is also closed during the Monsoon season between November February, and the best time to visit is from April – August.

Things to do in Pulau Kapas in 3 Days

• As mentioned above, make sure you go snorkeling right off the beach! You’ll honestly be amazed at what you can find! 
• Walk along the beach across the entire west side of the island! It won’t take you more than 20-30 minutes, and is truly jaw-dropping! They even have these golden staircases which are quite photogenic!
• Take a half-day-trip over to the neighboring Gem Island Resort & Spa ! It’s just a short boat ride away and offers relaxing hammocks, a turtle sanctuary, a great restaurant, spa, and fantastic snorkeling (I actually saw a pretty big shark when I snorkeled there!) 
• Have a few meals at the Jetty Café, which is one of the first establishments you’ll see when dropped off at the main arrival jetty. The family who owns is are super nice, the food is cheap, and it’s quite delicious!
• Check out Kapas Beach Chalet (KBC) for their incredible Friday night beach BBQ’s. 
• Go scuba-diving! There’s only dive-center on Kapas, so go chat with them about all the different dive sites. 
• Take a walk through the jungle to different viewpoints
• Play Beach Volleyball with fellow travelers!
• Enjoy the peaceful laidback setting! 

Best Places to Stay on Pulau Kapas for 3 Days

There really aren’t that many options to choose from, but here would be my top picks!

• Kapas Beach Chalet:  You can’t book online, but it’s definitely one of the more popular establishments on the island! Great stuff, delicious food, basic yet comfortable rooms, and awesome staff! 
• For the super-budget travelers, you can rent a tent and beach camp on Kapas Island !
• Kapas Turtle Valley Resort : Tucked away on the very far end of the island, this lovely little resort offers its own private beach, budget-friendly rooms (with breakfast included), and they also have wi-fi available! I didn’t stay there myself, but did get the chance to meet the owners who were helpful and friendly! 
• Gem Island Resort & Spa . Finally, if you’re looking for a luxurious 3-day Island getaway, then reserve a room on the neighboring Gem Island. Transfers to/from Kapas Island & Gem Island don’t take long at all, and it’ll definitely provide for the most comfortable visit. 

6) Pulau Tioman

Another popular island destination, Pulau Tioman is famous for many beaches, wondrous dive sites (more shipwrecks, tropical rainforests, and diverse wildlife! It’s a pretty decent-sized island with lots of different areas to stay, but I’d say the most popular would be on the east coast near the Juara Turtle Project, which is a hatchery that protects and studies sea turtles!

While it may be one of the more difficult destinations in Malaysia to visit in 3 days (as there aren’t many great flight options), and the ferry from the mainland (Mersing Jetty) does take over two-hours, travelers will forget all about it once you arrive on its white sand beaches and azure waters! 

Things to do in Pulau Tioman in 3 Days

• Scuba-diving is a MUST on Tioman Island , as that’s probably what it is most famous for! There are dozens of colorful dive-sites, shipwreckes, and of course lots of marine life.
• Spend a day relaxing on the famous Paya Beach!
• Visit the Juara Turtle Project
• Book the  Coral Island Snorkeling Trip!  This is the trip I went on during my weekend trip to Tioman, and it was incredible (even with the unfortunate weather I experienced) 
• Explore the beach bars and restaurants at Juara Beach
• Go hiking through Tioman and find your way to Asah Waterfall
• Play a round of golf at the Tioman Island Golf Course
• Hike to the top of Gunung Kajang, the highest mountain on Tioman Island!

Best Places to Stay in Pulau Tioman for 3 Days

• Beachfront Guest Suite by the Hill : Surrounded by pristine rainforest and beautiful nature, this lovely Airbnb hosted by a friendly local who goes above and beyond to make your visit to Tioman as memorable as possible! This property offers an amazing view of Juara Bay (which is one of my favorite areas on Tioman), and has a peaceful and private area with a river separating the property from the common beach area.
• Japamala Resorts – By Samadhi : If you’re looking for a luxury getaway on Tioman Island than this is where you want to stay! With it’s tastefully designed rooms, top-notch services, and overall 5* ambiance, a stay here at the Japamala Resort will certainly leave an outstanding impression!
• Cheers Chalet  –  For the backpackers out there reading this, Cheers Chalet is one of the cheapest options available on Tioman Island!

7) Cameron Highlands

Last, but certainly not least, the Cameron Highlands must be included for the best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days! While some people may say you could visit here on a day trip from Ipoh or Kuala Lumpur, I think it requires much more time as it’s quite beautiful and there’s a lot to explore! 

Roughly the size of Singapore and famous for its massive rolling hills and tea plantations, a 3-day visit to the Cameron Highlands is guaranteed to be filled with stunning scenery, invigorating tea, and wonderful hiking opportunities!

The main town in the Cameron Highlands is called Tanah Rata, and it’s filled with amazing little local eateries, fun tourist shops, and different travel agents to assist in booking day-trips to explore the area! 

How to get to the Cameron Highlands?  The nearest airport is Ipoh, and easy to book a bus ticket from Ipoh to Tanah Rata , or Kuala Lumpur to Tanah Rata

Be sure to take a read through my guide for a bit more detail:

• The Ultimate Backpacker’s Guide to the Cameron Highlands

Things to do in the Cameron Highlands in 3 Days

• Book one or two of the many half-day/ full-day trips! Unless you rent a car or scooter, it’s pretty impossible to see all the sights, so every tourist pretty much just books the arranged tours!  I’d recommend looking into this Cameron Highlands and Mossy Forest Half-Day Trip
• Visit the Strawberry farms
• Take a stroll through the iconic night market
• Take in the fresh air and go exploring on this Gunung Jasar Mountain Trekking Tour
• Visit as many of the tea plantations and factories as possible!
• Have dinner at  Restoran Kumar!  It’s a small local place in Tanah Rata with cheap prices, but the food was particularly amazing!

Best Places to Stay in the Cameron Highlands for 3 Days

• Cameron Highlands Apartment : Located just a minute’s walk from the Cameron Highlands Market, and not too far from the main area of Tanah Rata, this gorgeous one-bedroom apartment is budget-friendly, comfortable, and clean! 
• CH Traveler’s Inn : For backpackers looking for a budget-hostel dorm bed, then this is where you should stay! During my days backpacking in Malaysia, I stayed here and really enjoyed my time! It’s a bit basic, but it is affordable, centrally located, and have an awesome staff!

Am I Missing Any Places to Visit in Malaysia In 3 Days? 

This list really could have gone on and one, as I didn’t even mention any of the places in Borneo Malaysia (as I haven’t been there myself quite yet)! So if you think there are any specific destinations I should add to my Malaysia getaways article, please do let me know! I’d love to keep my list of fun places to visit in Malaysia as up-to-date as possible!

And if you’re looking for a bit more travel inspiration, take a watch through this awesome video below…

Planning a trip to Malaysia & Southeast-Asia?

So as I’ve already mentioned, I’ve spent A LOT of time exploring Malaysia and the neighboring countries in Southeast-Asia, and would love for you to take a read through some of my favorite articles below! They’re filled with helpful guides, things to do, travel itineraries, and so much more! And if you ever have any questions, please do feel free to reach out to me via email or on social media! 

• The 25 Best Music Festivals in Asia To Experience Before You Die
• Ultimate Singapore to Bangkok Travel Overland Backpacking Itinerary
• 2 Days in Bangkok Itinerary How to Spend 48 Hours in Bangkok
• 3 Days in Singapore | The Ultimate 3-Day Singapore Itinerary & Travel Guide
• Malaysia Travel Guide: Trip Highlights, Destinations, & Itineraries
• Three Weeks in Thailand Itinerary
• The 10 Best Music Festivals in Thailand To Experience Before You Die
• Magic Mushrooms in Thailand | To Mellow Mountain & Beyond
• The 20 Best Singapore Rooftop Pool Hotels
• Top 20 Airbnb’s in Singapore | Unique Stays, Lofts, and Apartments
• One Month in the Philippines Travel Itinerary
• The Ultimate Bali Itinerary | How to Plan the Perfect Bali Vacation

Thanks for reading my guide on the best places to visit in Malaysia in 3 Days

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[…] With an archipelago of over 100 islands and islets, Langkawi is Malaysia’s most popular island escape. The majestic island is home to idyllic beaches with white sand and picture perfect water, with beachside shisha bars serving up fruity cocktails. The interior of Langkawi is a lush jungle home to native wildlife and birds, and towering mountains make for an eye catching backdrop. Take the cable car up over the rainforest canopy to the mountainside viewing platforms. Langkawi made my list of the Top 7 Places To Visit In Malaysia In 3 Days.  […]

[…] The 7 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days […]

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Untamed travel on asia's hidden roads, best places to visit in malaysia in 3 days | 12 epic weekend & island itineraries.

Are you going to visit Malaysia in 3 days? Well, sorry to say, but it’s really not enough time to travel to Malaysia. We have been living here for 12 years now and we still find new amazing things to do in Malaysia every day.

But we hear you: not everyone has all the time in this world to travel, and if you only have 3 days in Malaysia, you can still make the best out of it.

Malaysia is an incredible destination, probably the unsung hero among other Southeast Asian countries which obviously get more ugly tourists — see our list of the 22 worst places in Southeast Asia you should avoid at all costs. Malaysia has ultra-modern cities, colonial architecture, mouthwatering food , hill stations, pristine tropical islands fringed by aquamarine waters, and reefs that are both great for snorkelling and diving.

It’s easy enough to land in the capital Kuala Lumpur and reach other main destinations in Malaysia in a matter of hours, making the task of choosing the best place to visit in Malaysia in 3 days much easier. The following are our suggestions, honed by a decade of experience living and trawling these shores… Welcome to your best 3-day itinerary in Malaysia! And don’t forget to read our list of 20 best short trips in Malaysia for even more great ideas.

Article Contents

12 Best Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days

To maximize your time and make the best of what you can see in Malaysia in 3 days, it’s much better if you stick to one city and use your short time to visit it, including trips to some of its nearby attractions. If you are not familiar with the country, this useful post on the best landmarks in Malaysia will help you decide.

This said, the following suggestions take into consideration that you are rushed for time, and comprise only the most accessible locations.

At last, rather than giving you a full itinerary of what places you can see in Malaysia in 3 days, we have divided our suggestions into useful bullet points . Pick and choose what tickles your fancy, and arrange your time accordingly. Last but not least… enjoy every minute of this Malaysia 3 days itinerary.

1. Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia’s technological capital will be most probably your landing point and first introduction to the country. To be extremely fair, we don’t like Kuala Lumpur that much. It’s smoggy, congested, has no proper sidewalks and its people show off 24/7.

But Kuala Lumpur certainly represents the conundrum that’s modern Malaysia and has plenty of things to do and places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. And if you are a city person, you may find Kuala Lumpur’s mix of futuristic and scraps of colonial leftovers quite infectious, with a wealth of locations for great KL photo opportunities and some of the cheapest 5 star hotels in the world . Don’t think it’s just a city, too: there are many hiking trails in or around Kuala Lumpur .

Here are some of the best places you can visit and things you can do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days.

Kuala Lumpur 3-Day Itinerary/Things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 Days

• Go to the city center at KLCC and admire the Petronas Towers, the world’s tallest twin towers. If you can, book tickets for the Skybridge Petronas Twin Towers. You should see them both during the day, and also at night when they are lit up. Skip the line and get a one-way transfer by buying your tickets at 10% off here .
• Catch a KTM train to the Batu Caves, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most important Hindu shrines perched at the top of a rainbow-coloured staircase, and right behind a giant golden statue of Lord Murugan. This recommended tour combines a visit to the caves with the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, a rainforest park, and it’s a perfect way to fill up one of your 3 days in Kuala Lumpur.
• Visit Little India at Brickfields for some mouthwatering South Indian food and some bargains.
• Go to Petaling Street, the local Chinatown, for some tourist tat and be a regular tourist. Things spruce up at night, when business shutters and the area offers an engaging nightlife, with plenty of cool bars.
• Visit Kampung Baru, an old Malay enclave that still has wooden and stilt houses right in the midst of the city.
• Spend a night at the Bangsar Village, a beautiful enclave of one-storey townhouses set next to one of Kuala Lumpur’s most dense bar and restaurant districts.
• Check the tourist bucket list with a sunset cocktail at one of the many sky bars, including the famous Heli Lounge Bar.
• Meet a bunch of tropical friends at KL Bird Park, where you’ll meet the Malaysian hornbill. Get your ticket on Klook and get 7RM off.
• Spend a day at Pulau Ketam, a traditional island with no cars that are like the opposite of Kuala Lumpur. This guided tour starts and returns from KL and is a perfect option for those who don’t want to waste time on public transport.
• If you are in town on Sunday, go to the Amcorp Mall market and browse through piles of incredible second-hand stuff at one of Malaysia’s best markets.
• Spend a few hours at KL Forest Eco Park (the former Bukit Nanas reserve) with its canopy walkway right next to the Menara KL
• Visit the Zhongshan Building and shop at its collection of hip and cool boutiques and bars — which include Tandang, a rock and roll vinyl record shop, and Tintabudi, a vintage book store.
• Take a day trip to the Genting Highlands for cooler temperatures and casino-galore

Best places to stay in Kuala Lumpur for 3 Days

• ZigZag Travellers Home is a social backpacker hostel straight in the center of Chinatown where most of the action is.
• For something mid-range and stylish, Flexus Signature ticks all the boxes. It’s a furnished apartment that gives great homey comfort.
• Ritz-Carlton Kuala Lumpur is a 5 Star resort by a popular and trusted brand set smack-center in the entertainment district of Bukit Bintang.

Check more prices and hotel options in Kuala Lumpur.

We have been living in Penang for 12 years and Kit is born there — this should be enough to convince you to trust us on anything Penang-related. I run a blog entirely dedicated to Penang , too.

It’s a fantastic island rich in culture, colonial heritage and arts. While most tourists come for the street art and trendy Penang cafes , we think there’s so much more to see and do in Penang.

We have a very detailed post on what to do in Penang in 3 days and also what to do in Penang in 48 hours . You can refer to those two Penang itineraries for a perfect Penang in 3 days holiday. You can follow that step by step, otherwise, consider these suggestions.

Things to do in Penang in 3 Days

• Visit Kek Lok Si Temple , one of Southeast Asia’s biggest Buddhist shrines.
• Have your tourist fun visiting George Town street art and bopping around Chulia street where all the backpackers stay in Penang .
• Spend a day out at Teluk Bahang visiting Penang National Park.
• Visit Penang Hill and try the Flight of the Colugo , a great zip-line flying over Penang’s most ancient rainforest. Or go hiking on Penang Hill’s most secret trail .
• Go to KOMTAR, Penang’s highest building, and try the exciting rainbow Skywalk, Asia’s highest transparent sky bridge. You can also bring your kids to KOMTAR theme park. Read our complete guide to the best things to do at Penang KOMTAR .
• Pick one of Penang best 20 beaches and laze a day in the sun.
• If the timing is right, check out one of Penang’s best festivals and events .
• Invest all the time you have left to enjoy Penang food , one of the island’s best and most famous offerings.

Best Places to Stay in Penang for 3 Days

Penang has a wide choice of accommodations to suit every palate and budget. You can check out this list of George Town’s best boutique hotels or check out one of these other recommendations.

• Ryokan Muntri Boutique Hostel is a social backpacker hostel within walking distance of Chulia Street. Very recommended and clean. Check Prices and Book .
• For something mid-range and stylish, Ren-I-Tang ticks all the boxes. Smack in the centre of Little India, it’s perfect for exploring George Town and chilling in style. Check Prices and Book .
• Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort is a 5 Star beach resort in popular Batu Ferringhi. Perfect for a 3 day Penang holiday with family. Check Prices and Book .

3. Taman Negara

Malaysia’s biggest national park occupies the centre of the peninsula and can be easily reached from Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown. Taman Negara offers hiking trails in pristine nature, impressive canopy walkways, and longer multi-day trekking tours that snake into one of the world’s oldest jungles, and require guides.

To be fair, the amount of hiking you can do unsupervised in Taman Negara these days is quite limited, but the place retains plenty of charm and is a perfect getaway with plenty of places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days.

Things to do in Taman Negara in 3 Days

• First of all, get yourself there. The village of Kuala Tahan is the getaway from which you may take the tourist boat from the jetty at Kuala Tembeling. The boat ride is an adventure in itself if river levels are high enough for it to run.
• Spend a couple of days in Kuala Tahan, exploring the park and chilling in a hammock.
• Before or after visiting Taman Negara, take a half-day tour of the Kota Gelangi caves near Jerantut. They are very impressive, maybe even better than Taman Negara itself.

Best Places to Stay in Taman Negara for 3 Days

You have a choice of a resort in the park, or several guesthouses and mid-range accommodation in Kuala Tahan village.

• Mutiara Taman Negara Resort is a flagship resort just beyond the national park’s entrance. It’s the most luxurious hotel in the area, albeit not a very new one.
• Tebing Guesthouse is a beautiful and clean resthouse set along the Tembeling River and manned by a friendly family.
• Naura Roomstay is a perfect budget option that sets the standards higher than most. Highly recommended.

Find More Great Hotel Deals in Taman Negara here .

Together with George Town on Penang , Melaka earned a UNESCO World Heritage inscription in 2008. Taking a stroll along its old-world alleys strewn with Chinese temples and ancient shophouses it’s easy to see why.

I used to spend quite a lot of time in Melaka, and that’s exactly where me and my wife Kit Yeng started our relationship if you care to know about it.

On top of that, Melaka is only two hours south of Kuala Lumpur, and it’s an excellent spot full of places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. A short holiday in Melaka is great — just try to avoid weekends, when thousands of Singaporean day-trippers transform it into one of the worst places to visit in Southeast Asia .

Things to do in Melaka in 3 Days

• Take a stroll (or 25) along Jonker Street, stopping at a different cafe and hole-in-the-wall restaurant each time.
• Visit the Stadthuys, with its Dutch colonial buildings, including Christ Church, all painted in pink
• Hike up Bukit China, with one of Malaysia’s biggest Chinese cemeteries, and enjoy the views over the bay
• Visit St. Paul’s Church, founded by the Portuguese in 1521, and 16th century A Famosa fort, and soak more beautiful views from the top of this hill.
• Get on one of Melaka’s iconic super colourful rickshaws, and take a spin around the old city.
• Take a river cruise on Melaka’s River
• Visit Taman Mini Malaysia in Ayer Keroh and see reproductions of homes from all of Malaysia’s 13 states.
• Visit the old world vessel and the Flora de la Mar Maritime Museum it houses
• Take your kids to Kidzooona , an indoor theme park that will keep them well-occupied for a full day
• Take a day trip to Pulau Besar, a semi-abandoned island with some pretty wild nature, only 15km from Melaka off the Anjung Batu pier.

Best Places to Stay in Melaka for 3 Days

• NOMAPS Flashpacker Hostel honours its name: swanky, comfortable and clean pods and rooms that will fit most budget and mid-range budgets.
• The Jiong House is another nice hostel with a very hip decor that mixes Malaysian heritage with backpacking essentials.
• For 5-star comfort, Double Tree by Hilton is a trusted name with all the bells and whistles of the category.

Check more prices and accommodation in Melaka.

We love Kuching. Sarawak’s capital is no longer the sleepy and romantic affair we visited for the first time 12 years ago, but it remains one of Malaysia’s best cities, and a perfect introduction to Malaysian Borneo — if you want to explore further, see our epic guide to backpacking Borneo .

Set in the middle of some of West Sarawak’s most impressive sights, with incredible national parks and some of Borneo best beaches at its doorstep, Kuching is only 3 hours flight from Kuala Lumpur and has plenty of incredible places to visit in Malaysia in 3 days.

Things to do in Kuching in 3 Days

• Enjoy Kuching nightlife, either dining at one of its best restaurants or simple food courts or getting smashed on flavoured tuak at one of Kuching’s cool bars.
• Spend half-day visiting the orangutans at Semenggoh sanctuary.
• Go for an overnight tour of Bako National Park, and peek at proboscis monkeys dominating their harems.
• If it’s the right season, go spot the Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower, at Gunung Gading National Park.
• See some local music or go to the Rainforest Music Festival in July.
• Do the tourist thingy at the Sarawak Cultural Village — which is still great to take some awesome photos.
• Visit the Annah Rais Longhouse and learn about Sarawak ethnic diversity and former headhunters.
• Visit the Brooke Gallery at Fort Margarita and learn about the White Rajahs of Sarawak.
• Eat some Laksa Sarawak, a tangy, curry-scented version of this famous Malaysian dish.

Best Places to Stay in Kuching for 3 Days

• The Waterfront Hotel is set atop the Plaza Merdeka Shopping Center and is one of the most trusted upper-range properties in town. In walking distance to everything, and next to the Old Court House, too.
• Kuching Waterfront Lodge is another trusted option near the bazaar and the Sarawak river.
• Cheap and in a great location, Hero Hostel is perfect for those on a budget. It’s well-manned and clean, too.

Check more Hotels in Kuching .

5. Kota Kinabalu

Sabah’s capital is another good option to visit Malaysia in 3 days. Located about 5 hour flight from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu is set in front of a marine park and has plenty of things to do in 3 days.

From bars and street markets to beaches and diving, this is possibly the closest Asian city to a marine park and a place that has become better and better in the past few years.  If you have more time than 3 days or fancy something different, check out our great suggestions of the best Sabah attractions  or a list of  alternative things to do in Sabah.  If you feel adventurous, you could book yourself on a tour of the incredible Danum Valley Conservation Area .

Things to do in Kota Kinabalu in 3 Days

• Snorkel or dive your face off at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. You can book your Discover Scuba Dive package here.
• Glide on the Coral Flyer, Borneo’s only zip line perched between two tropical islands. Buy your discounted tickets via Klook.
• Go scour for tourist trinkets and awesome street food at one of Kota Kinabalu’s great markets
• Go hiking on the surrounding hills to get a different city feel
• Take a day trip to Mount Kinabalu Park — even if you don’t climb it, Southeast Asia highest peak offers kilometers of hiking trails. This day tour explores Ranau and the stunning Desa Cattle dairy Farm directly from Kota Kinabalu.
• Get on a river cruise on the Klias River and see some fireflies.
• Do the tourist thing at the Mari Mari Cultural Village and learn about the customs of Sabah’s tribes. Buy your tickets here.
• Catch a violet sunset at Kota Kinabalu waterfront, and eat some seafood at the Filipino Market.
• Go to Tanjung Aru Beach to escape the hordes of Chinese Tourists and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Best Places to Stay in Kota Kinabalu for 3 Days

• The Bunk is a very interesting hostel with a loft filled with industrial-chic dormitories on top of a social hole-in-the-wall bar.
• You won’t go wrong at the Hilton KK , one of the top properties in town.
• Monaco Boutique Hotel Kampung Air is central and well located and boasts very comfortable and spacious rooms.

Check more Hotels and prices in Kota Kinabalu.

6. Langkawi

Langkawi is a beautiful archipelago of 99-odd tropical islands floating not far away from Penang — see how to get from Penang to Langkawi . It’s also less than 2 hours from Kuala Lumpur by flight and has many beautiful places to see in 3 days.

There’s absolutely A LOT to do in Langkawi, and a three-day Langkawi itinerary will be barely enough to get you started. The jungle is lush and filled with wildlife. And there are many beautiful beaches in Langkawi . Party lovers will probably want to stay nearby the popular Pantai Cenang, with its overdeveloped tourist village. But the best natural spots in Langkawi are on the other beaches, where many resorts abound. This said, it’s totally possible to visit Langkawi on the cheap.

Things to do in Langkawi in 3 Days

• Take one of the popular Langkawi sunset cruises and have a BBQ dinner floating on the sea. Check prices and book here .
• Visit the Seven Wells Waterfalls as a half-day trip.
• Go on the 660-meter-high Langkawi Sky Bridge and enjoy some of Malaysia’s most breathtaking views. Buy your ticket and skip the long queues here .
• Chill at Pantai Cenang and wait for sunset to drink a lazy sundowner while the local beach bums play fire on the shore.
• Fly and abseil over the majestic forest of Gunung Machinchang Geo Park on a zipline adventure. And maybe spot a monkey or twenty-two. You can pre-book your tickets here via Klook.

• Visit the Tropical Fruit Farm (MARDI Agrotech Farm) and take a selfie with a giant jackfruit.
• Hop on a boat for an exciting mangrove tour of Langkawi’s shores .
• Take your kids to Langkawi’s Underwater World (and if you buy your tickets on Klook, you get a   5 RM discount ).
• Take a day trip to Pulau Payar , a paradise of transparent water, baby sharks, and pristine reefs.
• Rent a car and explore the whole island at your own speed

Best Places to Stay in Langkawi for 3 Days

• Langkawi Dormitorio is a perfect flashpacker option on Pantai Cenang with large rooms that will appeal to family and large groups.
• Bonton Resort is a classy, Australian-owned hotel set in an attractive garden. One of the best for all the good reasons.
• The Andaman is a beautiful resort on a secluded beach, Teluk Datai, which also pioneered a coral restoration project, so your money ends up where it’s much needed.

Ipoh oh Ipoh! We love Perak ’s capital so much. It’s like Penang without the group tours and better food, and it’s still off the beaten track. Did I say that it’s also only 2 hours north of Kuala Lumpur, and connected by fast ETS Train or plenty of buses? There are so many great things to do in Ipoh .

The main pastime in Ipoh is chilling in the charming Old Town, and… eat. The home of Malaysian White Coffee, it was also Colonial Malaya’s prominent tin mining center, and still packs a lot of quiet, secluded charm. And don’t forget the limestone karsts that dot the countryside all around this town… Lovely place you should really consider checking out to have a perfect Malaysia 3-day itinerary.

Things to do in Ipoh in 3 Days

• Eat, hop and bop in Ipoh’s Old Town. Don’t forget to try the local Bean Sprout Chicken!
• Take a day trip to Gua Tempurung , one of Perak’s biggest caves, and a real adventure.
• Fancy a day of action? Get on a white water rafting tour in Kampar , a charming little village not far away from Ipoh city.
• Go scour for fresh pomelos at Tambun, and try to visit the forgotten petroglyphs while you are at it.
• Visit the enigmatic and “haunted” Kellie’s Castle, built by a British businessman who died here.

• Bring your kids to the Lost World of Tambun, a dinosaur theme park set below Ipoh’s incredible limestone karsts. If you book via our partner at Klook, you can save 20RM off each ticket! Buy it here.
• Visit Ipoh’s Buddhist cave temples like Perak Tong and Kek Lok Tong.
• Visit Han Chit Pet Soo, the miners’ museum, and maybe  get on a heritage tour of Ipoh town .
• Get a drink at the Sinhalese Bar, one of Malaysia’s oldest bars, ever!

Best Places to Stay in Ipoh for 3 Days

• M Boutique Hotel has very good rooms in a quiet part of the New Town that’s midway to most of the city sights.
• Beds In Garden Hostel is a perfect budget spot with a very creative interior design and a large guest lounge.
• Ipoh Bali Hotel has a strange concept (Balinese style in Malaysia?) but is one of the better rated properties in town and worth checking out.

Check more Ipoh Hotels and prices.

8. Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor may be one of Malaysia’s least-known islands, but we love it exactly for that reason. Not far away from Ipoh, it’s made up of two islets, one bigger and one smaller (Pangkor Laut), Pangkor island is amazing because not only it has nice beaches — it also has a huge population of oriental pied hornbills that flutter everywhere! To be honest, I’ve never seen so many anywhere else in Malaysia.

Did I mention the culture and heritage? Pulau Pangkor has thriving Chinese, Indian and Malay communities who live in harmony with each other, and yet live on different parts of the island. This means that visiting Pulau Pangkor for three days will offer you an insight into three different ways of life.

Things to do in Pangkor in 3 Days

• Visit the ruins of the 17th century Dutch Fort and the enigmatic tiger rock.
• Enjoy the beach, of course. Coral Bay is one of the best, and close to accommodation and restaurants.
• Go visit Foo Ling Kong, a colourful Chinese temple sporting a mini replica of the Great Wall of China.
• Go visit the Kali Amman temple, one of the only sea-facing Hindu shrines in Malaysia, and the location of a beautiful yearly festival.
• Learn how fishing boats are built and maintained by visiting the jetties off the coast.
• Go feed the hornbills at Sunset View Chalet. They come at 6 pm every day.
• Organize a boat trip to Pulau Sembilan, a mini-archipelago of nine beautiful tropical islands to the south of Pangkor. This park is often closed, so make sure to ask before you arrive on Pangkor.
• Take an ATV adventure ride through the jungle.

Best Places to Stay in Pangkor for 3 Days

• Tiger Rock is absolutely the best place to stay on Pangkor island. The former home of an artist and her family is tucked into the jungle and has a beautiful private swimming pool.
• Nipah Guesthouse has a nice swimming pool and comfortable A-frame huts set around immaculate gardens. Great value for the price.
• Pangkor Laut Resort is set on its own island and offers 5-star comfort and seclusion.

Check out more Hotels and Prices on Pangkor Island.

9. Perenthian Islands

Backpacker mecca Perenthian islands have changed a lot since we first visited a decade ago, but they are still a perfect island getaway to spend 3 days in Malaysia.

You can get to the islands, which are not far from the city of Kota Bharu, by flying there from Kuala Lumpur or taking a night bus that will drop you at the Kuala Besut jetty in the morning. Return boat transfers costs RM70. Book your ticket in advance here.

The islands are great for sun and beaches, snorkeling and diving. They are probably also the cheapest place in the world to take a PADI diving certification.

NOTE – The Perhentian Islands are closed during the monsoon season between NOVEMBER and FEBRUARY, and the best time to visit is May through August.

Things to do in Perenthian Islands in 3 Days

• Whether you do a course or just fun dives, diving the reefs of the Perhentians is a must.
• Hop to Perhentian Besar to explore more beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Walk around the main island using a paved path.
• Hop on a half-day snorkeling boat tour and go chase giant turtles.
• Enjoy the nightlife on Perhentian Kecil, with its many backpacker-oriented bars and resorts there will definitely be something for your tastes.

Best Places to Stay in Perenthian Islands for 3 Days

• Ombak Resort  on Coral Bay has direct access to the beach and spacious rooms for the mid-range travelers.
• Mimpi Perhentian is a full-fledged 4-star resort on Long Beach, a perfect stay for families and those who need their comforts even on a tropical island.
• For backpackers and those who love to be in nature, Orang Utan Camping is a happening tented camp near the more low-key Mira and Petani beaches.

Check more prices and accommodation in Perhentian Islands.

 10.Kota Bharu

Too many people catch a flight here to go to the Perhentian Islands, but the capital of Kelantan, one of Malaysia’s most conservative states, is far from being an unorthodox place to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. In all honesty, after having returned several times, we believe that Kota Bharu is incredible.

A cradle of Malay culture, it is both close to some very unspoilt beaches, and southern Thailand and its Malay-Siamese communities. The intoxicating mix of food, cultures and landscapes Kota Bharu has to offer is unique in the whole of Malaysia. Where else you can gorge on Thai-style seafood for lunch, Malay curries for dinner, and Chinese noodles for breakfast? Don’t believe the stereotypes: Kota Bharu will surprise you.

Things to do in Kota Bharu in 3 Days

• Visit the Covered Market, one of Malaysia’s most historical, to see how Malay women peddle their stuff… vegetables and food, of course.
• Get to Pantai Cahaya Bulan to try beach bumming, Muslim style.
• Rent a car and spend a day in and around Tumpat visiting its incredible Thai-Chinese Buddhist temples, including Wat Machimmaram, in Pengkalan Kubor, and Wat Mai Suwan Kiri, shaped like a Dragon Boat, in Kampung Dalam.

• Try Nasi Kerabu, traditional East Coast Malaysia’s blue coloured rice, at Restoran Capital
• Hit Irama beach for the great seaside with no tourists.
• Tour the Istana Jahar, one of the city’s oldest buildings from 1887
• Watch a cultural show at Gelanggan Seni, Kota Bharu’s cultural center. Drumming, puppet shows, traditional Malay silat (martial art) exhibitions, or kite making.
• Break the Malay stereotype by enjoying the Indian curries at Sri Devi, Kota Bharu’s quintessential South Indian restaurant.
• Go shopping at Kampung Kraftangan, a traditional handicraft market set next to a museum that explains more about the local woodcarving and batik making.
• Take a batik painting class
• Eat again and again at Kota Bharu’s Night Market, where expert Malay chefs grill fish to perfection, and you’ll try the delicious ayam percik (chicken in local spicy sauce)

Best Places to Stay in Kota Bharu for 3 Days

• Berkat Studio is super-central and super comfortable, with large and well-appointed rooms that are perfect for both families and independent travelers.
• Hotel Perdana Kota Bharu is a classic 5-star hotel with a large swimming pool, set only in 10-minutes drive from the Central Market and all the best the city has to offer.
• KB Backpackers Lodge is a long-running budget option in walking distance from town, and offers a free breakfast. Check more places to stay in Kota Bharu

11.Kuala Terengganu

The capital of Terengganu state is another offbeat place to visit in Malaysia, but has enough beautiful things to do in 3 days we feel like it’s very worth recommending.

Kuala Terengganu sits in a stellar location, perched between the ocean and the mouth of the Terengganu river. It’s a leafy and balmy city studded with mosques, temples and a lot of mouthwatering food — of course. It’s connected to Kuala Lumpur by flight, and it makes for a perfect 3 days getaway in Malaysia.

Things to do in Kuala Terengganu in 3 Days

• Visit the Tengku Tengah Zaharah Mosque, of the Floating Mosque, a white-washed mosque perched above the water.
• take a trip to the quirky Taman Tamadun Islam, and Islamic theme park with mini-replicas of the world’s most beautiful mosques
• Don’t forget the Crystal Mosque, another beautiful shrine made of steel and glass, perched on the Terenegganu river mouth.
• Visit Pulau Duyong and its population of boat makers. It’s a very good place to stay, too, right in the middle of the mouth of the river.
• Find color (and great food and beer) at Chinatown, Kuala Terengganu’s answer to Penang’s street art.
• Try the traditional keropok lekor — a yummy sausage made of sago flour and fish paste.
• Take a day (or two) trip out to Pulau Kapas, a beautiful aquamarine-ringed atoll opposite Marang.
• Visit beautiful Lang Tengah island
• Hop on a boat and explore Tasik Kenyr, mainland Southeast Asia’s biggest man-made lake, filled with floating islands.

Best Places to Stay in Kuala Terengganu for 3 Days

• Uptown Hotel has cozy rooms with Japanese-style beds tucked in the hip surroundings of Kampung China (Chinatown).
• The Rise Room is a modern, shabby-chic hotel with a great price and self-check-in facilities. One of the best in town.
• The Space Inn is a modern hostel with great private pods and a social common area with fast Wi-Fi. It’s close to the center of town, too! Check more prices and hotels in Kuala Terengganu

12. Pulau Tioman

This huge island off the southeastern coast of Malaysia has it all — from beaches lined with chalets and resorts to a jungle-clad interior you can hike across in a few hours. There are also many dive sites that include shipwrecks, and being a larger island, it feels like a whole world to explore.

Tioman’s problem — and that’s why we reserved it for last — is that it’s no more connected to Kuala Lumpur by flight, and it takes more than two hours to get there from either the ports of Mersing or Tanjung Gemuk. And both of these places are quite a drive from Kuala Lumpur, so Tioman may not be the best place to visit in Malaysia in 3 days. Regardless, it’s a beautiful destination that warrants the effort of getting there.

Things to do in Tioman Island in 3 Days

• Scuba diving in Tioman is popular, as there are many dive sites and operators.
• Spend some time relaxing and partying at Juara Beach
• Base yourself at Tekek Beach, with its barrage of resorts and guesthouses big and small
• Hike across Tioman island between Tekek Bay and Juara, visiting the Asah waterfall en route
• Take a ferry to Salang beach and spend your time beach hopping and relaxing on Tioman’s northernmost tip

Best Places to Stay in Tioman island for 3 Days

• Japamala Resort by Samadhi is a luxury 5-star property that will cater perfectly to families and couples.
• Bagus Place Retreat is another top-notch resort with beach access that comes highly recommended by guests.
• Cheers Chalet is a perfect budget option set around well-manicured and relaxing gardens. Check more prices and places to stay in Tioman Island.

Final Words on the Best Places to Visit in Malaysia in 3 Days

Malaysia has an incredible array of sites, and 3 days is a short time to visit. However, if you concentrate on one place and visit its immediate surroundings, using the suggestions above for a 3 days Malaysia itinerary you will have a fantastic time and see so much you won’t believe… and you’ll definitely come back for more.

Read More for Malaysia travel inspiration:

• A Guide to Diving in Pulau Tenggol
• How to Hike Tawau Hills Park
• Ultimate Backpacking Borneo Guide
• Sungai Kapur River Cruise in Borneo
• Meet the Orangutans of Bukit Piton

Blogging transparency: this post contains affiliate links. These are products and services that we personally use and recommend. If you click on one and buy any service, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Consider it a small way to say thanks, and keep Monkeyrockworld going.

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3 Days 2 Nights Malacca & A Famosa Tour

3 days 2 nights Historical Malacca

Day 01            Depart from Kuala Lumpur (L)

                        Upon arrival into Malacca, you will then proceed for your in Malacca. Enjoys a strategic location on the west                                 coast of Peninsular Malaysia, along the historic straights of Malacca covering an area of 1650 sq km. Today it is                           a home to the UNESCO World Heritage City o  f Melaka. Experience the old world charm of buildings and                                     architecture  inherited from the Portuguese , Dutch  & British rule.

                         Highlights :

• Porta De Santiago
• Baba & Nyonya Museum
• Jonker Street
• Melaka River Cruise
• Trishaw ride

       Lunch at local restaurant.  Later in the evening, transfer to A Famosa

      Check in at A Famosa Resort

      Later in the evening, proceed for cowboy Town + carnival

Day 02                 A Famosa

                            Free on own arrangement to enter the The Water World & Animal Safari + lunch

                            Overnight at A Famosa

Day 03                Travel back to Kuala Lumpur

======== end ot tour ========

Package includes :

* Return transfer from Kuala Lumpur to Malacca * 2 nights hotel accommodation at A'Famosa with daily breakfast * One local lunch in Malacca + One lunch at A Famosa * Safari Wonderland + Water Theme Park + Old West (Cowboy Town Carnival) + Chinese dinner at Cowboy Town

• 4 Nights A'famosa Malacca And Kuala Lumpur Tour
• 3 Days 2 Nights Langkawi Tour
• 4d/3n Langkawi Malaysia Tour
• 4d/3n Sunway & Kuala Lumpur Tour
• 3 Days 2 Nights Penang Tour

• 7 Special Services
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Marvelous Malaysia Family Package Rated 4.1 /5 (based on 107 reviews) Marvelous Malaysia Family Package

Marvelous Malaysia Family Package 3 Days & 2 Nights

Visit Batu Caves that are said to be more than 400 million years old.

The scenic beauty of Kuala Lumpur

Relish authentic culinary treats

Witness the charm of the beautiful city

The scintillating Kuala Lumpur skyline

Hotel included in package:

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TravelTriangle has served 3000 + travelers for Malaysia

Malaysia is a small country located in Southeast Asia with a landmass of 330,803 kilometres. Consisting of 13 states and 3 federal territories, the country is located partly on a peninsula of the Asian mainland and partly on the northern third of the island of Borneo. In recent times, Malaysia is emerging as one of the top visited destinations for families. Book this 2 nights 3 days Malaysia family package with us for best in class experience.

Bestselling Malaysia Packages

The best time to visit Malaysia is April to October. However the driest months are January and February while the wettest ones are September to November. January and February are also the busiest months for the visitors. The East Coast has a particularly diverse climate with two clear seasons.

This Malaysia family package itinerary is carefully planned to cover all the elements in order to make sure that our customers don’t miss out on even a single part of entertainment. This Malaysia travel itinerary begins with your transfer to Malaysia followed by leisure on rest of the day. The package progresses further to the best place in Malaysia for the family to enjoy a great blast- The Sunway Lagoon Theme Park. It is a huge theme park with several rides and proves to be a great source of entertainment. It is preceded by an evening city tour of other local attractions.

The next day is the day of departure and with this note ends a short and thrilling Malaysia family package giving a vacation worth a million memories.

• Enjoy a Visit to the Chocolate Boutique
• Enjoy a photo stop at the Independence Square
• Marvel at the sight of KL Towers and Petronas Twin Tower
• Get to explore the city on your own in leisure time

Kuala Lumpur: Arrival & Leisure Day

• Leisure Day

Other Benefits (On Arrival)

Get ready for an amazing journey to Malaysia

Your trip to Malaysia commences with arrival at the airport in Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative who will transfer you to the hotel. Once you have reached the hotel, proceed with the check-in formalities. Head to your hotel room and freshen up. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at leisure. You can opt to explore places nearby or can simply relax at the hotel. End the day with a peaceful slumber in the hotel.

Kuala Lumpur: Half-Day City Tour

• KL twin Towers

Visit the local attractions of Kuala Lumpur

Wake up to a scrumptious breakfast and get ready for the day to unfold. This day takes you on a half-day city tour and lets you explore some of the best places in Kuala Lumpur. The tour starts with a photo stop at the King’s Palace and then takes you further where you pass through the National Mosque, Moorish style Railway Station, and the Lake Garden. Later, you will be headed to the Independence Square for a photo stop. Moving forward, you will drive through the oldest part of the city which will lead to Petronas Twin Towers where you will halt for a photo stop. Next, enjoy a visit to the Chocolate Boutique where you will find a plethora of chocolates. Then, enjoy a halt at KL Tower after which the tour will end at Pavillion Shopping Mall. You can either opt to stay and later return at your own expense or can opt to leave at the moment with us driving you back to the hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay at the hotel.

Note: Please note that pick up time for tour is between 08:45 AM and 09:45 AM (morning slot) / 12:45 PM and 13:45 PM (afternoon slot) (Subject to your designated hotel). Tour commences after the above-mentioned time and the maximum waiting time for pick up will be 5 minutes only. If a guest fails to reach within the time arranged, there will be no replacement given.

Kuala Lumpur: Departure

The day of departure is here

This amazing Malaysia family package ends on this day. Have breakfast in the morning and after that, you’ll be transferred to the airport. Take your departure flight.

Note: Our agents will provide you these or similar hotels depending on availability

Kuala lumpur

Arenaa star hotel

49 - 51, Jalan Hang Lekiu, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50050 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Air conditioning
• Business services
• Health club
• Room service
• Business center
• Meeting rooms
• 2 Nights stay at Kuala Lumpur with breakfast (Except arrival day)
• Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Tour
• Airport Transfers
• All tour & transfers on seat in coach basis
• Malaysia Govt. Tax
• Additional transfers
• Personal spendings
• Anything not mentioned in inclusions

Your Preferences

Where do you want to go?

FAQs for Malaysia

What is the currency of malaysia.

The currency of Malaysia is Malaysian Ringgit and is valued approximately at 16.87 INR or 0.24 USD.

What is the best time to visit Malaysia?

The best time to visit Malaysia is April to October. However the driest months are January and February while the wettest ones are September to November. January and February are also the busiest months for the visitors.

Are the rides of Sunway Lagoon safe for kids?

There are several rides for children which are quite safe and rather specially designed according to the difficulty level of kids.

Do we need a visa to enter Malaysia?

No, visa is not required for Indian nationals.

What is the time difference?

Standard Malaysia time is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), 7 hours ahead of summer and 8 hours ahead of winter.

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Karthik's 3 days trip to Malaysia

Karthik Gandhi

Hyderabad, India

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MALAYSIA PACKAGE | 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS | MELAKA

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The history of Melaka @ Malacca began as early as the year 1402. It was once an important trading port linking the East and the West. The historical and cultural influences roots arise from mixtures of colonialization after being founded by Parameswara including the Dutch, Portuguese and British. Among famously known places in Melaka includes the A Famosa Fort, the night market Jonker Walk and the alluring cruise in Melaka River.

Book now  with Azuki Tours! Please read our  terms & condition  for further clarification on all our tours.

Selamat Datang ke Malaysia or Welcome to Malaysia! Upon arrival we will travel from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) to Melaka City which would take approximately 2 hours travel time. Upon arrival to Hotel, it is free for you to wander around.

Melaka is one of the most visited places in Malaysia also known because of its food and rich historical background. Among the places of attractions around this historical city includes the mascot of Melaka city, A Famosa Historical Complex, The Street of Harmony, Dutch Square, Heeren & Jonker Street as well as Bukit Cina. After breakfast, you could walk around the the city on your own based on a map provided by the Hotel Lobby. We will provide you with an entrance ticket for you to enjoy a boat cruise of Melaka River. Before the night ends, enjoy a mesmerizing 70 minutes Melaka Encore performance with a series of touching life stories of the locals.

After breakfast, it is free at leisure for any last minute souvenir shopping around the hotel/resort or taking photos, before we proceed to check out and transfer to the airport. We hope you return home with wonderful and memorable memories and visit us again. 

• Accommodation (Resort Names will be disclosed upon request)
• Land transfers
• Meals as stated
• Entrance fee
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• Digital Assistance during trip (if required)
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Taman negara [3d2n].

A 3-day, 2-night Taman Negara tour is a perfect way to explore the magnificent national park in Malaysia. The tour includes activities such as jungle trekking, night safaris to see nocturnal animals, and crossing the Canopy Walkway. Visitors can also learn about the traditional lifestyle of indigenous communities in the area. With its stunning natural beauty and abundance of unique flora and fauna, Taman Negara is ready to offer you a once-in-a-lifetime experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the incredible biodiversity of the rainforest.

TOUR DURATION: 3 Days 2 Nights

Air Conditioned Vehicle

English Speaking Guide cum Driver

Passenger’s Insurance

Bottled Drinking Water

Accommodation at Mutiara Taman Negara Resort with Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Tour activities

EXCLUDES:  

Personal Expense

Entry Tickets

Personal Travel Insurance

DAY 1: KUALA LUMPUR - TAMAN NEGARA - GUIDED JUNGLE NIGHT WALK

Pickup from hotel in KL - Taman Negara - Check in at Mutiara Resort Taman Negara - Night walk activity.

Trip Highlights: Night Jungle Walk with Nature Guide (1 – 1 1⁄2 hours 

Enjoy the experience walking inside the rainforest at night. Learn about nocturnal plants & insects. Catch sights of mammal’s en-route (sambar deer, mouse deer and porcupine, if you are lucky) 

Attire: Long Pants, Long Sleeve Shirt, Sport Shoes, Insect Repellent, Flashlight 

Meals: Lunch & Dinner

DAY 2: TAMAN NEGARA - GUIDED NATURE WALK - VISIT CANOPY WALKWAY - RIVER BOAT TOUR TO LATA BERKOH - FISH FEEDING AT KELAH SANCTUARY

Guided nature walk starts at Mutiara Resort Taman Negara - Visit canopy walkway - River boat tour to to gigantic tree, spend time at Lata Berkoh and Fish Feeding at Kelah Sanctuary

Trip Highlights: Jungle Trekking to Canopy Walkway (Closed on Friday & subject to availability) and Teresek Hill with Nature Guide (3 1⁄2 - 4 hours) 

Soft adventure activity – walking to the rainforest and enjoy panoramic view of Gunung Tahan from Teresek hill. Experience Canopy Walkway, the longest tree top suspension bridge in the world with 530 metres long and 50 metres height from the ground.

Attire: Long/Short Pants, Short Sleeve Loose Cotton T-Shirt, Sport Shoes, Insect Repellent (no denim/jeans and tight/body shape shirt)

Trip Highlights: Tahan River Boat Trip Lata Berkoh & Fish (2 1⁄2 - 3 hours) 

Enjoy boat cruise through Tahan River to the Lata Berkoh cascades. Enjoy swimming in cool water from Gunung Tahan spring and rejuvenate by natural Jacuzzi. Stop by at Ikan Kelah Fish Sanctuary for fresh water fish feeding. 

Attire: Short Pants, Swimming Attire, Sport Shoes, Towel

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

DAY 3: TAMAN NEGARA - KUALA LUMPUR

Check out from Mutiara Resort Taman Negara - Depart to KL

Meals: Breakfast

TERMS & CONDITION:

Minimum 2 Pax

Booking deposit 50% is required, balance payment by cash or credit card upon pickup

2023 Cameron Highlands Itinerary (3 Days 2 Nights) with Budget

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 3, 2023 | Cameron Highlands , Itinerary , Malaysia , Travel Guide

Comprehensive Cameron Highlands itinerary blog with sample budget, places to visit, and list of accommodations.  

The distinctive blend of landscape and verdant tea plantations assured the fame of Cameron Highlands in Malaysia. Flanked by towering mountains draped by dense wilderness, this once sleepy district is now a popular hills station and sought after holiday destination for tourists seeking a laidback escape from the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur.

I recently revisited Cameron Highlands to see the changes in the past decade. And though now it is peppered by high-rise apartments buildings, strawberry and flower farms, it has retained much of its charm.  Exploring Cameron Highlands is like unraveling a beehive of adventure. If you’re keen on visiting, here’s my latest Cameron Highlands itinerary blog for 3 days and 2 nights to help you plan your trip.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Since Cameron Highlands is in Malaysia, its travel requirements is the same as the rest of the country. As of 2023, there’s no more travel requirements for Malaysia. So, whether you are vaccinated or not, you can enter Malaysia. Just make sure your passport must still be valid for at least, 6 months prior to your entry to Malaysia.

However, if you are coming from the Philippines and you’re a Philippine Passport holder, I highly recommend you book your hotel and tours in advance, book a return flight to the Philippines, just in case the Philippine Immigration Official (IO) asks you for these documents before your departure from the Philippines. You can book your hotels and tours through the mentioned links below.

CAMERON HIGHLAND TRAVEL GUIDE 2023

Where to stay in cameron highlands.

Cameron Highlands is peppered with accommodations for all types of budget.   The main towns here are Ringlet, Tanah Rata , and Brinchang. Most budget and mid-range hotels are located in Tanah Rata, while most mid-range and luxury hotels are scattered in Brinchang. But whenever I am in Cameron Highlands, I stay in a hotel in Tanah Rata, because everything is accessible here. This is where Terminal Freesia, the main bus terminal in Cameron Highlands is located. Also, restaurants, ATM, travel agencies, and shops are concentrated here.

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Cameron Highlands, here’s a list of some of the top accommodations in the area.

Where to Stay in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands

  Stayed at Brick’s Backpacker’s Hotel during my last trip to Cameron Highlands. Got my own private room. This hostel is really clean and the manager is so helpful.

• Brick’s Backpacker’s Hotel
• Location: Tanah Rata
• Cameronian Inn
• RESERVE HERE
• Heritage Hotel Cameron
• Spot On 89751 Bed Station Guesthouse
• Avillion Cameron Highlands

Where to Stay in Brinchang, Cameron Highlands

• Cameron KEA Farm Hotel
• Location: Brinchang
• Copthorne Cameron Highlands
• Snooze Too Hotel

How to get to Cameron Highlands  

From Manila (Philippines) fly to Kuala Lumpur.   Cebu Pacific has daily flights between Manila (Philippines) and  Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). Estimated departure from NAIA Terminal 3 (Manila) is at 8:30 PM  and estimated arrival in KLIA2 (Kuala Lumpur) is at 12:50 AM the next  day. Book your flights at CEBUPACIFICAIR.COM

1. GO TO BANDAR TASIK SELATAN (BTS) STATION.

If you are coming from KLIA2,you can take a train, a bus, a taxi, Grab, or charter a car to Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS) Station.  Here’s how to get to Bandar Tasik Selatan by train and by bus:

          By bus:

          If you want to commute from Kuala Lumpur  International Airport 2  KLIA2) to Bandar Tasik Selatan (BTS), the cheapest way is to take a bus.

• After clearing Immigration , exit the Arrival Hall and look for the sign to the bus services at Gateway KLIA2 Mall.
• Take the elevatorto Level 1 and look for the ticket booth for buses. Buy a ticket to Bandar Tasik Selatan  (BTS)  Bus fare is RM 12 (₱151/$3). First trip is at 5:00 AM. 3.
• Wait for your bus at the designated gate. Show your ticket to the bus conductor. Put your luggage on the compartment and ride the bus.
• Get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan Station (BTS) Station. Travel time is roughly 1 hour. Take the escalator to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) bus station.

       B y train:

At KLIA2, head to Level 2 and look for the sign to the ERL (KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit) station. Buy a KLIA Transit ticket (not KLIA Ekspres) to Bandar Tasik Selatan. Standard fare is around RM 40 (₱485/$9). You can also buy ticket online, ahead of time, which is usually cheaper. If you’re going to KL Sentral, you can book the KLIA Ekspres below.  But for Bandar Tasik Selatan, you need a different ticket, you need to buy the KLIA Transit ticket at KLIA or KLIA2.

        KLIA Ekspres: DISCOUNTED HERE

• Now once you secured your  KLIA Transit train ticket. Go down to Level 1 of  Gateway KLIA2 mall to ride KLIA Transit train bound for KL Sentral at the ERL station.
• Get off at Bandar Tasik Selatan Station (BTS).
• Walk to Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS), about 2 mins

If you’re wondering what’s the difference between KLIA Ekspress and KLIA Transit, well, KLIA Ekspress runs from KLIA to KL Sentral and links KLIA to KLIA2. Meanwhile, KLIA Transit stops at all station along the line. So, if you’re headed to BTS Station where the Terminal Bersepadu Selatan bus station is located, you need to take the KLIA Transit  not the KLIA Ekspres.

2. AT TERMINAL BERSEPADU SELATAN, BUY YOUR TICKET TO CAMERON HIGHLAND OR BOOK ONLINE.

Queue at the centralized ticket booth and buy your ticket. Bus fare to Cameron Highlands is   RM 38 (₱480/$9) and travel time is roughly 4 hours. First trip is at 8:30 AM and last trip leaves at 5:00 PM.  Going back, the trip from Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumour is more expensive, bus fare is RM 40 (₱504/$9).

The first trip at 8:30 AM to Cameron Highlands and the trip going backt to Kuala Lumpur at 10:45 AM and 11:45 AM are usually full. So,if you want to secure a seat, best to book online ahead of time. You can book through the link below. Print your booking and then onceyour at TBS bus station, line up at the centralized ticket booth and show it at the counter. They will print a bus ticket for you.

Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Bus: RESERVE HERE 

Here’s the Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Bus Schedule:

• Pick up: Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)
• Drop-Off: Terminal Freesia (Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands)

Here’s the Cameron Highlands to Kuala Lumpur Bus Schedule

• Pick up: Terminal Freesia (Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands)
• Drop-Off:  Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

3. WAIT FOR YOUR BUS.

Go to the gate indicated on your ticket and wait for your bus. You can buy snacks and drinks at a convenience store inside the TBS station before proceeding to your gate. Be at your gate at least 30 minutes before your bus trip.

4. RIDE YOUR BUS.

Show your ticket to the staff. Then line up to put your luggage on the bus compartment before riding the bus.

5. GET OFF AT TANAH RATA IN CAMERON HIGHLANDS .

Travel time from Bandar Tasik Selatan (TBS) to Cameron Highlands is roughly 4 hours. There’s 1 bus stop where you can use the toilet and buy snacks and drinks. The bus will terminate at Terminal Freesia in Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands where most accommodations are located. Now if your hotel is in Brinchang, you can take a taxi to your hotel. There are cabs waiting for passengers at Terminal Freesia.

Before traveling to Cameron Highlands, you can take motion sickness pill because the road is winding.

• By Car Rental

If you are traveling in groups, you might want to consider hiring a car or van from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands for your convenience. You can book through the link below, price depends on the type of vehicle.

        Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands Private Transfer:   RESERVE HERE 

Getting around cameron highlands.

By Tour Package

A cheap way to get around Cameron Highlands is by joining a group tour. It’s a good option if you’re traveling alone or with a travel partner or you’re a small group (3-4 persons).  Cameron Highlands tour costs around RM 50 (₱632/$11)  to RM 75 (₱948/$17) for half day tours, and approximately RM 90 (₱1,138/$20)  for whole day tour.  You can find travel agencies in Tanah Rata, or book online in advance to secure a slot.

The RM 50 half day tour tour typically only includes Boh Plantation Tour and The Coral Hill (Mini Mossy Forest).  The Coral Hill replaced the Mossy Forest Tour, which has been closed last year.  It is a harder trek, but is manageable if you wear the proper outfit.

Meanwhile, the RM 75 half day tour usually includes the Boh Tea Plantation, The Coral Hill, the The Strawberry Farm and Insect Farm. You can book this in advance online to secure a slot. You will be joining other tourists in this group tour.  The driver will serve as guide during the tour.

Whereas, the RM 90 whole day tour typically includes the Boh Tea Plantation, the Coral Hill (Mini Mossy Forest), the Strawberry Forest, the Bee Farm, the Flower Farm, and the Buddhist Temple. See more details below about the top tourist attractions in Cameron Highlands.

CAMERON HIGHLANDS HALF DAY TOUR : RESERVE SEATS HERE

Cameron highlands sunrise tour: book here, cameron highlands tour from kl: reserve here, cameron highlands private nature discovery tour :   book here.

If you want to customize your Cameron Highlands Tour and you want to do it on your pace, you can hire a taxi to get you around Cameron Highlands and visit the top tourist attractions in the area. This is more expensive than joining a group tour, but you can pick the places that you wanted to visit. Taxi rate is usually RM 30 (₱379/$7)  per hour, they are usually parked at Terminal Freesia.

If you have the energy and luxury of time, you can get around Cameron Highlands by foot. But be warned that this will take a lot of time since the tourist attractions are quite a distance from Tanah Rata and other tourist spots in Brinchang.

Places to See in Cameron Highlands

1.boh tea plantation.

The main attraction in Cameron Highlands is the tea plantation, and the most popular estate here is the BOH Tea Plantation.

BOH Tea was founded by an Englishman named John Archibald “Archie” Russel. Sometime in the 1930’s, during the Great Depression, he decided to plant tea at Cameron Highlands along with the veteran Sri Lankan tea planter A.B Milne. In the 1950’s, BOH acquired the Sungei Tea Palas, and the then BOH chairman Tristan Russel turned it into a massive tea plantation. In 2007, the visitor center and the cafe overlooking the lush green tea estate was built.  This place is arguably the most visited and most photographed place in Cameron Highlands because it is typically part of the Cameron Highlands package tour.

• BOH Tea Sungei Palas
• Address: Brinchang, Pahang, Malaysia
• Open Hours:   Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM  (closed on Mondays)
• Entrance Fee:  FREE

2. Cameron Highlands Valley Tea House 1, 2, & 3

Another tea plantation worthy to visit is the Cameron Valley Tea House. This isn’t part of the usual Cameron Highlands Tour, so you need to arrange your own visit here. There are 3 tea houses here owned by Bharat Group, and they’re located in Tanah Rata. You can dine in and sip tea at one of their cafes overlooking the tea plantation.  There are no guided tours but you can enter the tea plantation and tour it on your own for a minimal fee, RM 3 (₱38/$0.68).

• Address: 34 Mile Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands
• Open Hours:   Mon, Tue, Wed, Thurs – 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Fri, Sat, Sun – 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: FREE

3. Coral Hill

• Address: Kuartes Jkr Sungai Burung Brinchang, Pahang Malaysia
• Open hours:   Daily 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entrance Fee:   FREE

4. Strawberry Farm

Address:   Tanah Rata and Brinchang

Open Hours:   Daily 8:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Entrance Fee:   Free,  strawberry picking RM 40 (₱504/$9) for 500 g

  5. Buddhist Temple

I visited a Buddhist Temple during my first visit in Cameron Highlands. But during my recent visit, I saw a bigger Buddist temple called Sam Poh Temple. I’m not sure if this is the same temple I saw before, but Sam Poh Temple is the usual temple included in the tour package now. It is located in on top of the hill with a view of Brinchang Town. Like many Buddhist Temple, it houses a gigantic Buddha statue.

• Sam Poh Temple
• Address: 4I Miles Brinchang, Cameron Highlands
• Entrance Fee:  Free

6. Bee Farm

There are bee farms in Cameron Highland. During my first visit to Cameron Highlands, I was able to visit the Eu Feng Gu Bee Farm in Brinchang, near the BOH Tea Plantation.  This place is home to tons of bees at their apiary that are pesticide-free. You can purchase honey here, like the pure premium honey for RM 100 (₱1,264/$23) for 1 kg.

• Address: Tringkap, Ringlet, Brinchang
• Open Hours:   Daily 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Entrance Fee: Free

7. The Sheep Sanctuary

Located in the midst of the Kea Farm Market, the Sheep Santuary is home to several cuddly sheep. You can pay a visit after your Cameron Highlands Tour if you’re staying in Brinchang area.

The Sheep Sanctuary:   BOOK HERE

• Address: Pasar Malam Kea Farm, Brinchang
• Open Hours:  Monday 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday 9:00 AM -5:30 PM
• Entrance Fee:  Adult – RM 8 (₱101/$1.82), Child -RM 5 (₱63/$1.14)

  8. Lavender  Farm

As the name suggests, this place is peppered with lavender flowers, mostly Taiwanese and Hokkaido Lavender. You can see other flowers here to such as hydrangea, Japanese rose, morning glory, Gerbera daises, etc. You can also buy lavender-made souvenirs here and dine at their cafe and try their lavender ice cream (RM 8(₱101/$2) and lavender cheesecake. The entrance fee is a tad expensive, but if you want lavender photos for your Instagram and try lavender products, then you can give this place a try.

Address: Taman Tringkap, Brinchang Pahang

Open Hours: Monday to Thursday 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday to Sunday 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Entrance Fee:  Adult – RM 20 (₱253/$5), Child –  RM 10 (₱126.40/$2.27)

Cameron Highlands Itinerary

Here’s a 3 Days 3 Nights Cameron Highlands itinerary with expenses to help you plan your trip.  You can do Cameron Highlands for 2 Days 3 nights itinerary if you will just do the half day tour, but it will be a jam-packed itinerary, and you have to check-out from your hotel the next day before you leave for your half day tour. I prefer a 3 days 2 night stay in Cameron Highlands because it doesn’t feel too rushed.

Anyway, the Cameron Highlands itinerary and expenses below doesn’t include the expenses for souvenirs, drinks, accommodations and flight to Kuala Lumpur.

I spent around RM 123.39 (₱1,559.66/$28) for my 3 days 2 nights hostel (private room, good for 2 persons) in Cameron Highlands. So, if I add that to the sample expenses above  RM 240.40 (₱3,039/$55.11), my total expenses for 3 days 2 nights in Cameron Highlands (including accommodation) is roughly RM 363.79 (₱4,598.66/$83.11)

CAMERON HIGHLANDS TRAVEL TIPS AND REMINDERS

• Bring jacket during your trip to Cameron Highlands as the temperature here is usually cold, just like in Baguio and Tagaytay. Bring umbrella too as it usually rains in the afternoon.
• Although most accommodations offer free Wi-Fi, while in Cameron Highlands or in Malaysia in general, it is best to stay online using a pocket wifi or data. You can buy Malaysian sim card in advance and top up at convenience stores.

         MALAYSIAN SIMCARD:   BUY HERE

           SIMCARD FOR ASIA : BIUY HERE            POCKET WIFI (ANYWHERE IN ASIA): RENT HERE

• If you plan on visiting the Coral Hill (Mossy Forest), wear the proper hiking outfit, Avoid white shoes and long pants as the trail can get muddy especially during the rainy season.
• Stack up Malaysian ringgit cash as most shops and restaurants accepts cash, but there are also a handful of ATM in town.

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A 3D2N Melaka Itinerary For Your Next Long Weekend Getaway

Located next to the Straits of Melaka in the southern region of Peninsular Malaysia, Melaka is a haven for avid travel junkies from both within and outside the country. Known affectionately as 'The Historic State', the city has long attracted visitors with its charming historical ambiance, deep-rooted cultural traditions, and especially its wide array of delectable local delicacies.

All things considered, Melaka isn't exactly a 'big' city by any definition, which makes it a perfect destination for those looking for a place to relax and unwind over a long weekend! Here's a 3D2N itinerary to help you get the very best of your visit to one of Malaysia's most popular holiday destinations!

Getting there and where to stay

There are several ways to get to Melaka. The best way, if you're travelling from within Malaysia itself, is to simply drive there. The drive would take approximately two hours from Kuala Lumpur and six from Penang.

If you're flying in, be prepared to make a few stopovers as Melaka International Airport currently only welcomes direct flights from Pekanbaru (Indonesia) and Penang. The nearest train station for Melaka is Tampin, which is about 40km away from the city, so you will probably need to transfer to a bus or catch a (rather pricey) cab from the station.

Once you're in Melaka, I recommend looking for accommodation in Melaka City, the capital of the state. It's where all the best attractions and food are and the city centre has an abundance of hotels, hostels and B&Bs compared to other areas.

And now that you've (hopefully) settled in, let's get to exploring!

Day 1: A'Famosa → Dutch Square → Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum → Melaka River Cruise (Stopovers at Maritime Museum, Masjid Selat, The Shore Oceanarium + Sky Tower)

Seeing as Melaka is a city steeped in history, it is fitting that our journey begins with a visit to the city's most storied location: A'Famosa Fortress . Located on the serene St. Paul's Hill, the fort is one of the most popular tourist spots in the city. The fortress gate, the Porta de Santiago , is the oldest surviving European architectural monument in the region. Take some time to admire the historical ruins of the fort, including the iconic St. Paul's Church that was built in 1521, and take a few photos of the scenery there.

After that, take a short walk towards Dutch Square where you will be able to see Melaka's famous red terracotta buildings left behind by the Dutch in the 1700s. There, you'll find the Stadthuys , once the official residence of the Dutch Governors, now refurbished to house several interesting museums, such as the Muzium Rakyat (People's Museum).

However the main attraction of Dutch Square is Christ Church which stands out even amongst the other colourful buildings. Feel free to visit the interior of this Anglican church and marvel at its elegant designs.  

From Dutch Square, make your way down to Melaka's Maritime Museum for a quick look into what made Melaka rise to prominence as an international trade city all those centuries ago. You can't miss it, just look for a massive ship on the side of the road!

For lunch, we'll be digging into Melaka's famous chicken rice balls ! Ee Ji Ban Restaurant is one of the most famous chicken rice ball restaurants in Melaka City and it's only five minutes or so away from the Maritime Museum! It is also a halal-certified restaurant, making it the perfect option for Muslim travellers!

After lunch, head towards Pulau Melaka which is about 2km away from Ee Ji Ban Restaurant and visit the majestic Masjid Selat , the floating mosque on the Straits of Melaka. Beautiful both inside and out, it is one of the most photogenic locations in the city and one that not many people actually know about. Score!

Once you'd had enough photos for your Instagram feed, it's time to head towards The Shore Shopping Gallery for a slightly hair-raising experience, but before that, you'll pass by the unique Upside Down House , which, as the name suggests, is a house with an interior that is completely the wrong side up! How about it? Some wacky fun to fight off the after-lunch slumber!

Our next agenda is not for the faint of heart. Located on the bank of the Melaka River is The Shore Shopping Gallery, which houses the Melaka Sky Tower ! For those who dare walk on the glass panels of Melaka's tallest building (43 floors above ground), you'll be treated to a breathtaking aerial view of Melaka!

Staying closer to the ground, you'll find The Shore's interactive Oceanarium which is home a huge collection of seashells and a mini-aquarium which allows visitors to touch bamboo sharks and hedgehogs, and to feed turtles!

Back on the culture and heritage trail, the Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum is only a short drive from The Shore Shopping Gallery. From visiting exhibitions of furniture and utensils to learning about their cultural traditions, here, you'll be able to peer into the way of life of Melaka's unique Baba Nyonya community! And once you're done with the tour, take a short walk to L W Nyonya Pineapple Tarts shop to sample and buy some irresistible pineapple tarts.

For dinner, head over to the highly-rated, halal-certified Kocik Restaurant for a taste of authentic Baba Nyonya cuisine ! Take the time to sample some of the best Peranakan dishes and don't forget to wash it all down with some traditional desserts too!

As night falls, make your way towards the Taman Rempah Jetty to board a cruise of the Melaka River . While there's nothing wrong with joining the cruise during the day, I recommend saving this activity for the night as that is when the lights along the river bank come on, making the cruise even more colourful, romantic and ambient.

As you cruise along the river, you'll be able to spot Kampung Morten , one of the few remaining authentic Malay villages in Melaka, well preserved in terms of architecture (think wooden houses) and lifestyle.

And with that whimsical journey along the Melaka River, we conclude the first day of our tour! Rest up because the next day's going to be equally exciting!

Day 2: Taman Mini Malaysia & ASEAN → Botanical Gardens → Melaka Batik House → Pantai Klebang → Jonker Walk

After all the excitement of the first day, day two is more about relaxation and enjoying the natural scenery in Melaka. You can either start your day early with a hearty breakfast or sleep in till the late morning. We're not visiting as many places today so you have the liberty of a late start.

Once you're up though, head in the direction of Ayer Keroh and visit Taman Mini Malaysia and ASEAN . The cultural village contains impressive replicas of traditional Malaysian and ASEAN homes, each fully furnished with respective interior décor depicting the culture of the families who live within them.

Enjoy exploring the history of Malaysia, its traditional costumes and handicraft, and maybe even try your hand at traditional Malay games like congkak ! Visit during the weekends to enjoy regular cultural dance performances!

Next, head on over to the beautiful Botanical Gardens and admire the wide range of flora and fauna on display. What sets the Melaka Botanical Gardens apart, however, is the Kampung Buku , or Book Village located within its vicinity. Part of an ongoing project to encourage reading and to make books readily available to the public, the Book Village in Melaka contains more than 15,000 books on its shelves, making it a must-visit for all self-professed bibliophiles!

Stop for a simple lunch at the Botanical Café before heading to Melaka International Trade Center where you’ll be visiting the Batik House . Here, you can learn the art of batik printing (traditional Malay-Indo fabric art) and can even try making a batik print of your own to bring home as a meaningful memento! Daily classes are subject to slot availability though so make sure to call in advance to avoid disappointment!

Now that the sun is starting to set, head towards Pantai Klebang for Insta-worthy white sandy beaches, a pleasant sea breeze, crashing waves, an alluring sunset, and awesome coconut milk shakes ! Yes, the creamy coconut shakes at Klebang Beach are famous throughout Melaka (even Malaysia to a certain extent!) and are not to be missed during any trip to Melaka! Laze around on the beach and watch the sun set before embarking on the highlight of any Melakan itinerary: visiting Jonker Street !

Jonker Street is the most happening place in Melaka, no doubt about it. Especially packed during the night, it is home to Melaka's famous Jonker Walk Night Market , in addition to several unique eateries and restaurants! Take your time to explore this lively area and sample some of Melaka's best street food!

One particular delicacy you must try is satay celup ! Often found only in Melaka, it's like hotpot except instead of an aromatic broth, you get a boiling pot of peanut sauce (satay, duh!). Cook your food in the peanut sauce and munch away! Since this is the end of day two, I'll leave it to you to decide when you want to call it a night! See you tomorrow!

It's our last day in Melaka! How did time fly by so fast? Well, let's make the most of our last remaining hours in Melaka, shall we? First stop: the Taming Sari Gyro Tower !

While it's not as tall (and harrowing, for those who have a fear of heights) as the Sky Tower, this slow-moving gyro tower offers spectacular aerial views of the city as you slowly ascend to the top. You'll be able to spot some of the places you've visited the past two days, such as St. Paul's Hill, the Maritime Museum and Jonker Street! Not a bad way to recap all you've done in Melaka, eh?

Next, we'll make a quick stop at Tan Kim Hock Product Centre where you get to shop for local snacks that are famously Melakan. Definitely go for the durian-flavoured dodols (sweet, toffee-like sweets), coconut cookies , pineapple tarts and gula melaka (Melakan palm sugar)! Once you've stocked up, it's time to visit the final destination of our long weekend getaway in Melaka.

The Dataran Pahlawan Megamall is Melaka's most popular shopping centre, housing internationally-renowned brands and high-quality products. However, we're not just here for shopping! Within the mall, you can find the Nyonya Memoirs , which is basically an interactive space modelled after Peranakan life in the 1920s. Enjoy a guided tour or put on a traditional Baba Nyonya costume and snap away to conclude your memorable journey to Melaka!

If only we had more time!

Of course, there's still more to explore in Melaka than what's been listed in this itinerary! If you have more time, you should definitely check out places such as Wonderland Theme Park and the Melaka Tropical Fruit Farm . Both these  places are located further away from the city but they offer fun experiences you won't get anywhere else!

Also, if you're a husky lover like me, you would want to free up some time for the Huskitory , arguably Malaysia's pioneer husky café, housing around 20 energetic huskies you can snuggle up to.

That being said, this 3D2N itinerary is pretty solid if you want to cover most of the major attractions in Malaysia's historic state of Melaka! So, with that, go make your travel plans now! I hear the next long weekend is not that far away! See you soon!

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur: The Perfect Itinerary (2024)

Planning 3 days in Kuala Lumpur and seeking the perfect itinerary? Great, we have got you covered. In this guide, we bring to you what we consider to be the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days . We also include the best places to eat, where you should stay, and all of our top tips, so that you can spend less time planning and more time enjoying the city.

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur Itinerary (2024)

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission if you make a booking using my links at no extra cost to you.

Kuala Lumpur is a major international hub in South East Asia . At the same time, it is a fascinating city packed to bursting with architectural wonders, rich culture, and delectable cuisine. Whether you are a backpacker on a budget or a traveller flush for cash, Kuala Lumpur has everything you need to have a truly fantastic time.  

*Tip – Are you extending your travels in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur? Check out this 2 Week Malaysia Itinerary to help plan your trip.

A seamless combination of old and modern architecture, bustling street markets, peaceful nature areas, and hidden gems make up the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur. Here is our suggested 3-day itinerary for Kuala Lumpur that ensures you’ll cover all of the highlights.

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur – Day 1 

From awe-inspiring religious sites to spectacular rooftop bars, here is some inspiration to help plan your first day in the city.

If there is to be only one thing on your Kuala Lumpur bucket list, make it the extraordinary Batu Caves. The caves are said to be over 400 million years old and formed amid tremendous limestone cliffs are a sight to behold.

Today the caves house a collection of Hindu Temples & Shrines. The most prominent being the 42m statue of the Hindu Deity Murugan – said to be the tallest statue in the world. If you have ever been to India, it’s impossible not to reminisce on your time there.

The Batu Caves are deemed a sacred pilgrimage site among Hindu devotees, and several religious ceremonies take place here throughout the year. At the same time, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur, and thousands of people visit every day.

To explore inside the caves, visitors must first climb the 272 step rainbow staircase to the entrance. This recent renovation has proved to be a hit with photographers and is now considered one of the most instagrammable spots in Kuala Lumpur .

The best time to visit the caves is first thing in the morning. This way you’ll avoid the crowds and grueling midday heat. You should allow 3-4 hours for the Batu Caves, including travel time. Oh, and watch out for the cheeky monkeys who occupy the grounds!

*Tip – Break for a cheap and delicious lunch at one of the Indian restaurants outside of the Batu Caves. Suitable for vegetarians!

Masjid Wilayah Mosque (Federal Territory Mosque)

Serving as a true reflection of Malaysia’s multi-cultural society, you’ll find a variety of religious sites located throughout the capital city. One of our favourites, and arguably the most impressive, is the Masjid Wilayah, otherwise known as the Federal Territory Mosque.

Representing the countries official religion of Islam, the grandeur Mosque is a real architectural gem. It’s also one of the lesser-known spots in the city, meaning you can visit at any time during the day without the worry of crowds.

Inspired by other architectural wonders, such as the Taj Mahal and Mecca, the majestic structure of the mosque is truly breathtaking. Visitors can also enjoy a free guided tour of the property, where you will learn the history behind Islam religion.

All things considered, this is one of the best and most educational things to do in Kuala Lumpur.

Sunset Drinks at Helipad Lounge Bar

For an unrivalled panoramic view of the city, we suggest heading to Helipad Lounge Bar for sunset drinks. As the name suggests, the location is a helipad by day, transforming into one of the best rooftop bars in Kuala Lumpur by night.

Famed for being one of the best sunset spots in Kuala Lumpur , tables on the upper deck fill up quickly. We recommend reserving beforehand or arriving in good time to secure yourself a decent place. As the night progresses, live DJs move the relaxing sunset drinks to a full-fledged pumping nightclub located on the floor below. As you can imagine, nights here tend to escalate very quickly!

Petronas Towers by Night

If you make it out of Helipad Lounge Bar in good time, a short walk to the Petronas Towers will allow you to see the iconic structures by night. Arguably, this is when they are at their most impressive. Although, you should check them out in the day if you have time so you can compare them for yourself. 

To avoid long lines, you can purchase a skip a line ticket here .

Afterwards, head to KLCC Park at the rear of the towers for the Symphony Fountain Lightshow . Accompanied by music, the spectacular light show is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur at night. Showtimes are at 8.00 pm, 9.00 pm and 10.00 pm.

*Tip – For dinner, we recommend checking out Tapak Urban Street Dining located nearby KLCC park. Here you will find a selection of street-food trucks serving a variety of cuisine.  

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur – Day 2

From the highest vantage point of the city to a night out in China Town, let’s start planning day 2 of your Kuala Lumpur sightseeing Itinerary.

Thean Hou Temple 

Thean Hou Temple is an impressive 6-tiered Buddhist temple located South West of the city. It is said to be one of the oldest and largest of its kind in all of South-East Asia. Inside the temple complex is a series of gardens, ponds, sacred trees, shrines, and prayer halls where devotees come to burn incense and make offerings.

The striking traditional design of the temple is truly breathtaking. Intricate carvings, ornate details, and bold colours adorn the grandiose structure. The hilltop location rewards spectacular views of the city, and a visit here feels like a peaceful retreat from the hustle & bustle.

One of the things we loved most about sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur, is that all of the religious sites are free to enter. I have to admit this made a welcoming change relative to other countries in South East Asia and encouraged us to see way more than we would normally. Either way, Thean Hou Temple is one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur.

Explore Little India

If you have the time, it’s worth stopping by the colourful streets of Little India on your return to the city. Walking past the various Indian restaurants and textile stores, inhaling the tantalising aroma of spices and incense, felt like being back in India again. You don’t need much time here, but it’s definitely worth stopping off for a traditional banana leaf curry .

KL Eco Park

When you think of the concrete jungle that KL is today, it’s hard to believe that the city was once dense rainforest. Today, you’ll find the skyline adorned in towering skyscrapers; however, some attempts have been made to preserve the cities routes. 

The KL Eco Park is a 200m squared area of protected rainforest in the heart of the city. Home to a variety of endangered plants, birds, and monkeys, it’s a rare encounter to experience such raw nature in a modern metropolis.  

Visiting the eco-park is one of the fun things to do in KL and makes for quite the adventure. A variety of walking trails lead you through the park, while canopy walkways through the treetops allow a spectacular view of the city skyline.  

Sunset at KL Tower

The KL Communications tower is unmistakable among the city skyline, and along with the Petronas Towers is easily Malaysia’s most recognisable landmark. Standing at a tremendous height of 421 metres, it is the 7th tallest freestanding building in the world! And the pod-like apex resembles something other-worldly.

There is a common dispute as to whether the viewing decks within the KL Tower or Petronas Towers award a better view. When, in my opinion, the KL tower undoubtedly trumps the Petronas Towers, with the 276-metre high viewing deck boasting the highest and most spectacular vista in the city.  

Naturally, the views from KL Tower are incredible at any time of the day. Still, sunset is a great time to visit as you’ll also get to experience the sparkling city lights of a night time. Depending on your budget, there is a choice of observation decks, as well as a rotating restaurant. You can book your tickets online here .

To conclude the 2nd day of your Kuala Lumpur City Tour, we suggest taking the short trip to China Town where you can enjoy a fun-filled night on the town. The vibrant neighbourhood is worth visiting in the day-time too if you have the time; however, at night is when all the fun happens.

We suggest starting your evening by indulging in some delicious Chinese food, before meandering the street market and buying some souvenirs. If by this point you aren’t ready to call it a night, Chinatown is also home to some of the best nightlife in KL. We recommend checking out the famous Reggae Bar, or for something a little more offbeat, a speakeasy bar such as PS150 .

3 Days in Kuala Lumpur – Day 3

From meandering the botanical gardens to eating your weight in street food, here are our suggestions for your 3rd and final day sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur.

Botanical Gardens

If you’re anything like us, by now you’ll be seeking a bit of respite from the strenuous city of KL. Fortunately, the Perdana Botanical gardens offer just that. The 250-acre gardens were constructed in the 1880s, and have served as a recreational area for visitors ever since.  

As well as boasting sweeping verdant gardens and a diversity of flora and fauna, the botanical gardens are home to numerous attractions. Free attractions include the National Monument, Orchid Gardens, and National Planetarium. While others such as the National Museum, KL Bird Park and Butterfly Garden, you’ll have to pay to enter.

National Mosque

Located within the grounds of the Botanical Gardens, the National Mosque is considered one of the crown jewels of Malaysia. The grandeur structure can accommodate over 15,000 people, while the 240-foot-tall minaret is recognisable from miles around.

*Tip – Why not break for lunch at the trendy Merchant’s Lane Cafe. The cafe is considered one of the most Insta-worthy spots in the city, and when you see the rustic decor, you’ll understand why. 

Merdeka Square

Next up, head to Merdeka Square, famed for being one of the most notable locations in Malaysia’s history. Merdeka literally translates to Independence in English, and it was here that Malaysia declared their Independence from the British on August 30, 1957.

Today, the Malaysian Flag flies proudly on one of the tallest flagpoles in the world. The square itself is basically an enormous field; however, the buildings lined around the outside are considered historical landmarks.

Bukit Bintang for Shopping

Although we aren’t big shoppers ourselves, many consider shopping to be one of the top things to do in Kuala Lumpur. From modest street markets to thrift stores, and huge shopping malls sporting all the top designer brands, everybody should indulge in a bit of retail therapy when visiting KL.

Bukit Bintang is one of the most popular spots for shopping in KL, boasting some of the cities most lavish malls. It may not be the best place to shop if you are on a budget; however, it’s worth a visit all the same. Not only is the area great for shopping, but you’ll find a variety of restaurants along with some of the best nightlife the city has to offer.

Jalan Alor Street Food Market

After spending 3 tiresome days sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur, you deserve to indulge in as much street food as your belly can stand. Thankfully, just around the corner from the shopping malls of Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor Street Food Market is one of the best dining experiences you can have in KL.

During the day you wouldn’t think much of this typical city street; however, after 5 pm Jalan Alor transforms into one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur. Countless hawker stalls set up shop, delivering a delightful fusion of dishes and cuisines. It’s an atmospheric place to be of an evening, and you can expect the market to be swarming with locals and tourists alike. Consider signing up for a food tour to try all the best street food in Kuala Lumpur.

Other Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

While the above itinerary should keep you busy over your 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur, you may have some spare time or wish to make some adjustments. With this in mind, here are some other exciting things to do in the city.

Surprisingly, there are numerous hiking trails located in Kuala Lumpur . If you are a nature lover feeling overwhelmed in the city, this is the ideal opportunity to take some time out.

Visit Putra Mosque

Naturally, there are several other mosques you can visit when sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur. One of the most unique, however, is the striking Putra Mosque. Constructed in pink granite, it is unlike any other mosques in the city.   

Take a Day Trip from KL

Some of the more unique things to do in Kuala Lumpur include day trips out of the city. The Genting Highlands is a fun-filled day out where you can experience a thrilling cable car ride up to an entertainment complex. Otherwise, you can visit historic Malacca or go off the beaten path at Kanching Waterfall & Hotsprings.

The Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is considered to be from May to July and December to February. While you can expect hot and humid conditions all year round, these months are on the cooler and drier end of the scale. If you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur, this is the best time to go.  

The city sees a lot of rainfall during March and April, so I suggest avoiding it altogether. Nevertheless, Kuala Lumpur is known to be one of the stormiest cities in the world, so you should prepare for downpours at any time.

Getting Around in Kuala Lumpur

Public Transport – In our experience, the most convenient way of getting around the tourist hotspots in KL is by using the bus and rail networks. Not only are they reliable, but they are also super cheap.

The metro system in Kuala Lumpur is one of the best underground services we’ve experienced. The carriages are clean, comfortable, and air-conditioned, while several rail lines cover the city extensively. The trains even have ladies-only carriages for those who may feel uneasy in the mixed.

Taxi – If you must get a taxi, Grab Taxi is a safer and cheaper alternative to a local taxi. If you do take a local taxi, be sure they use the meter. Otherwise, agree on the fare in advance to avoid being ripped off.

Guided tours  – If you enjoy guided tours, there are several half day city tours and full day tours that can provide you with an overview of Kuala Lumpur.

If you prefer private tours consider this this private vehicle tour or this private customized walking tour .

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

Budget – Step Inn Guesthouse  – Just 10-minutes walk from China town, Step Inn Guesthouse is one of the best budget options in Kuala Lumpur. The cheap private rooms are a hit among couples, while solo travellers love the friendly vibe. What’s more, you even get free breakfast included in the price!

Mid Range – Expressionz Suites   – For a touch of luxury without breaking the bank, Expressionz Suites is an unbeatable mid-range option in KL. Boasting an outdoor pool with a view, stylish rooms, and a fitness centre, you’re guaranteed an enjoyable stay here.  

Luxury – The Face Suites – If budget permits, you won’t regret spending a night or 2 in this exclusive hotel in the heart of KL. Boasting an iconic rooftop pool with an unrivalled view of the city skyline, 5* luxury rooms, and multiple bars & restaurants, this is arguably the best place to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

Related Posts

savvyglobetrotter

I visited Kuala Lumpur many years ago and had a great time. From your post, it seems that many things have since changed, and a return visit is in order! I’d love to see the Batu caves.

I’ve been to KL and loved Batu Caves, however the steps weren’t painted then. I haven’t visited the Eco park. That suspension bridge looks like fun. Your 3 day itinerary is certainly packed with great suggestions.

Malaysia is a culturally, ethnically and religiously diverse country but Islam is the state religion. Visit the Museum of Islamic Art where art and history collide through the intricate artifacts.

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• The Perfect 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for First Timers

Are you ready to explore one of the most interesting and vibrant cities in Asia? Kuala Lumpur is hands down one of my favorite places in Southeast Asia, with its diverse culture, delicious food, and bustling city life.

There’s so much to see and do in Kuala Lumpur that you can easily spend a week or more there. However, I know that most of us usually don’t have that much time, that’s why I put together this 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary for first-timers.

This KL itinerary covers all the must-visit places and experiences, as well as some hidden gems that will make your trip unforgettable. Let’s get into it!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Are you planning a last-minute trip to Kuala Lumpur?

If your trip is coming up soon and you still haven’t booked anything, we have you covered! Below you can find our top picks for hotels, tours, getting around, and more.

Best Tours and Experiences in Kuala Lumpur

• Batu Caves Half-Day Tour (temple with the famous colorful stairway)
• Street Food Tour with 15+ Tastings (must-have tour for foodies)
• Cameron Highlands Full-Day Tour (my favorite day tour from KL)
• Petronas Towers Tickets (sells out really fast so make sure to buy them asap)
• KL Tower Tickets (my favorite viewpoint in KL)

Best Places to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

• Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur (best luxury hotel)
• The FACE Suites (epic rooftop infinity pool)
• Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur (great mid-range option)
• Hotel Capitol Kuala Lumpur (amazing budget pick in Bukit Bintang)

Overview of Your 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary

Breakdown of your 3 days in kuala lumpur.

• Day 1: Batu Caves, Wilayah Mosque, Kampung Baru, Option A: Rooftop Pool, Option B: Street Art Hunting, Petronas Towers, KLCC Park + Symphony Lake Water Show, Sky Bar at Traders Hotel 
• Day 2: Perdana Botanical Garden, National Mosque of Malaysia, Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia, Merdeka Square, Masjid Jamek of Kuala Lumpur, National Textiles Museum, Kuala Lumpur City Gallery, Heli Lounge Bar, Lot 10 Hutong Food Market 
• Day 3: KL Forest Eco Park, Menara KL Tower, Merchants Lane, Chinatown/ Central Market, National Museum of Malaysia, Thean Hou Temple, Jalan Alor, Changkat Bukit Bintang

Map for your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

I marked your 3 days in Kuala Lumpur with different colors – I used blue for the first, green for the second, and red for the third day, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit each day.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Day 1 of your 3 Day Kuala Lumpur itinerary

Of all the places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days you definitely won’t want to miss the Batu Caves, so let’s make this your first stop!

Comprising three different caverns, the Batu Caves is one of the most sacred Hindu sites outside of India.

Completed only recently, the entrance to the caves is via 272 steps painted a kaleidoscope of colors. At the base of the staircase, there is a 42.7 meter (140 feet) tall statue of the Hindu deity, Lord Murugan.

Entry to the Batu Caves is free. However, if you want to visit the smaller caves you’ll need to pay a small fee. A guided tour of the Dark Cave costs RM35 ($8.5 US).

You’ll need to wear modest clothes with covered shoulders and knees to enter the Batu Caves. There are sarongs available for rent if you forget. 

As the Batu Caves is one of the most popular things to do in KL, it’s best to arrive as early as you possibly can. Coincide your trip with sunrise and you’ll beat the crowds and the hot weather.

The easiest way to get to the caves is by taking the KTM Komuter train from KL Sentral. This costs RM2.60 ($0.60 US) each way and takes 25 minutes. From the designated Batu Caves station you need to walk 5 minutes.

If you take a Grab this will cost around RM25-30 ($6-7.50 US) each way. 

Wilayah Mosque (Masjid Wilayah)

The next stop on your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary is one of the most beautiful mosques in Asia.

Known as the Federal Territory Mosque, the Wilayah Mosque is a symmetrical complex with a central dome framed by two giant minarets. Each of these is topped with gleaming turquoise marble featuring gold paintwork.

The entrance to the main prayer hall is decorated with elegant floral and geometric designs – the whole building is a work of pure art. 

The only way to visit the mosque is to join a free guided tour, which lasts for about 45 minutes. Tours run from 10 am to 3.30 pm on Monday-Thursday and Saturday-Sunday, and from 10 am to 11.30 am and 3 pm to 4.30 pm on Fridays.

There are no set times for tours, so you can just show up anytime. There were no other tourists when we visited, so you might get lucky and have the mosque for yourself too!

One thing to note is that you will be required to wear a robe (and a headscarf if you’re a woman) to enter the mosque. Both are provided for free at the entrance.

There’s no public transport connection to the mosque without going back into downtown KL so I recommend calling a Grab from the caves. The ride will only take 15 minutes.

Kampung Baru 

From the mosque, you can head to the neighborhood of Kampung Baru. Stretched along the north bank of the River Klang, a stone’s throw from the Petronas Towers, Kampung Baru is a hub of low-rise, traditional Malay buildings.

Whilst there aren’t any museums or attractions per se, add a stroll around the area to your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for 3 days for a chance to experience this dynamic city in an entirely different light.

Before you leave Kampung Baru, grab a plate of Malaysia’s signature dish, Nasi Lemak. This combination of steamed rice, flaked anchovies, sambal (spicy) sauce, and a boiled egg is widely available.

Wander along Jalan Raja Muda Musa and let your nose guide you to one of the many restaurants.

Option A: Rooftop Infinity Pool 

After a busy first morning diving into the culture of Malaysia, now it’s time to plunge into something a little bit different! Famed for its rooftop infinity pools, one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days is to factor in some sky-high downtime.

If you’re staying in a hotel with a pool, you can just head back there for a couple of hours. If not, then you can contact a hotel close to your accommodation and enquire about a day pass to access the pool.

Some accommodations have deals whereby they can send their guests to sister hotels so I recommend checking with your own hotel reception.

A little heads up that due to the ongoing pandemic, this option might not be available anymore, so it’s safer to book your own place with a pool. In case you need some inspiration, make sure to check my post about the best Kuala Lumpur hotels with infinity pools !

Option B: Street Art hunting

For those of you who are looking for a more exciting way to spend the afternoon, you can skip on the rooftop pools and go street art hunting instead!

You will find the most colorful murals on Jalan Alor KL Street Art 1 Lane and Changkat Bukit Bintang. Think about tropical forests, rainbow-colored streets, cute butterflies, snails, parrots, and many more!

It’s worth tucking into the smaller streets in this area as most of the time these hold the best treasures.

Petronas Towers

One of the essential places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days is the city’s quintessential icon, the Petronas Towers.

With their impressive height of 452 meters (1,482 ft), the Petronas Towers are currently the tallest twin towers in the world and they also used to hold the title of the world’s tallest buildings for a few years.

The towers can only be visited on a guided tour, and tickets are limited, so make sure to book them in advance .

First, the tour takes you to the Skybridge on the 41st floor and then up to the Observation Deck on the 86th floor for stunning views of the city.

KLCC Park + Symphony Lake Water Show 

You’ll also want to get some photos of the towers from the ground too. One of the most Instagrammable places in KL is the water fountains in KLCC Park. As this is the base of the towers, you should take a wide-angle lens for your camera if you have one.

My tip is to schedule your trip to the Petronas Towers so that you watch the Symphony Lake Water Show in KLCC Park.

This light show brings the fountains to life with a soundtrack of classical music. They take place daily at 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm and it’s one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days at night. 

You might also want to nip into Suria KLCC and hit the shops whilst you’re in this part of town. 

Sky Bar at Traders Hotel 

Wrap up the first evening of your 3 days in Kuala Lumpur with a swanky cocktail overlooking the city lit up by night.

You can walk to the Traders Hotel and make your way to the Sky Bar on the 33rd floor which gives a direct view of the Petronas Towers.

Remember to take your passport along and you’ll need to adhere to their smart casual dress code. You can choose to order from Sky Bar’s Asian fusion menu – book a table in advance if so and request a window seat.

This is a pricey option, so an alternative is to eat at one of the restaurants in the shopping mall before heading to the bar.

Day 2 of your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary

Perdana botanical garden.

Kuala Lumpur’s botanical garden is well worth a wander during your Kuala Lumpur 3 day itinerary. The 226-acre complex comprises tropical plants, fruit trees, sunken gardens, a lake, and a waterfall.

Entrance to the park is free but you will need to pay if you want to visit the Butterfly Garden or aviaries. The closest MRT station is Muzium Negara (Kajang Line).

National Mosque of Malaysia (Masjid Negara)

Exit the botanical gardens on the eastern side via Jalan Lembah and follow the road until you reach one of the stars of your Kuala Lumpur 3 day itinerary.

Open since 1965, the beautiful National Mosque of Malaysia was built as a motif of Malaysia’s independence. It’s a contemporary design with a striking blue and turquoise tile roof in the shape of an umbrella and a 73-meter minaret at the center. 

It’s free to visit the mosque. You will also need to borrow a floor-length robe and headscarf – these are provided free of charge.

Admission hours for the public are Saturday to Thursday, 6.30 am-1 pm, 2.30 pm-4 pm, and 5.30 pm-7 pm. Entrance is forbidden during prayer times and on Fridays. 

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

Directly next door to the mosque is one of the most interesting museums in KL.

The Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia is home to the largest collection of Islamic art in Southeast Asia. It spans everything from textiles and ceramics to jewelry and armor.

The museum is open every day and you’ll want to spend at least an hour here. You can always choose to visit the museum and then the mosque if you’d prefer. 

Merdeka Square

From IAMM and the mosque, it’s a 15-minute walk to Merdeka Square and the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.

This is an important place for Malaysians as it’s the very site where the Malaysian flag made its debut following the Declaration of Independence in 1957.

Every year on 31 August, Malaysians gather in the square in memory of this accomplishment. If your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary coincides with this date, don’t be afraid to join in the celebrations. 

Masjid Jamek of Kuala Lumpur

From Merdeka Square, you can nip across the River of Life Bridge and visit Masjid Jamek. Blending Moorish, Islamic, and Mughal architecture, this is one of the oldest mosques in KL.

As with the National Mosque, you are welcome to enter the mosque and take a look around in between prayer sessions.

Entrance is free and again you will be provided with a robe and headscarf to wear.

Before continuing with your Kuala Lumpur 3 day itinerary, you might want to pick up some lunch.

LOKL Coffee Co is a 5-minute walk from the mosque and serves western coffee and dishes. Alternatively, you can tuck into typical Malaysian fare at Restoran Al-Rizwan or plant-based North Indian dishes at Sangeetha Veg Restaurant .

National Textiles Museum

Back over the bridge, you have a couple of other museums to choose from (or, visit them all!).

First up, housed within a splendid heritage building, the National Textiles Museum takes you through centuries of Malaysian fabrics, costumes, and textile techniques.

The gallery is divided into four exhibitions that take you through weaving, embroidery, knitting, and beadwork and will take 1-1.5 hours to explore. 

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am-5 pm (closed on Mondays).

Kuala Lumpur City Gallery

Walk around the corner from the National Textiles Museum and you’ll find the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery. This museum presents an overview of KL’s history and contains models of the city landmarks. Plan to spend an hour here.

I respect that three museums in one swoop might be too much for your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary, so feel free to choose the ones that most appeal to you.

Heli Lounge Bar

For the second evening of your 3 days in Kuala Lumpur, you can head to the most unusual bar in the whole of Southeast Asia.

The Heli Lounge Bar is located on a functioning helipad! An elevator will take you up to the 34th floor of the skyscraper where you will be asked to order a drink within the bar. From there, you can walk up to the rooftop bar and take a seat on the helipad.

The views from here are sensational and on a clear evening, you can get some incredible photos of the golden hour over the city skyline.

This bar is consistently busy with both tourists and locals so aim to get there at 5 pm so you stand more chance of getting a seat once on the helipad. You will need to flash your passport or other photo ID to gain entrance to the bar.

Whilst there isn’t a set dress code before 9 pm when the bar transforms into more of a nightclub, it’s best to dress a little smarter for Heli Lounge. 

Lot 10 Hutong Food Market

The dining scene in Malaysia is a melting pot of influences from different Asian countries and the best way to experience this is by visiting a hawker market.

Lot 10 Hutong Food Market is a covered market that presents around 30 eateries where you can sample Malaysian Hokkien Mee and Wanton Mee. The market is a 10-minute walk from Heli Lounge Bar.

Day 3 of your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary

Kl forest eco park .

Long before the skyscrapers and infinity pools, the land that Kuala Lumpur was built upon was a native jungle. In fact, the name literally translates to ‘a muddy confluence’ in homage to this. The best place to experience KL’s jungle heritage is with a trip to the KL Forest Eco Park.

Located within the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, the area features nature trails and a canopy walk. All the trails are clearly marked and it’s very easy to follow the signposts along the well-maintained tracks.

This is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days if you want to take a moment within a natural environment. 

Open daily, 7 am – 6 pm, the Eco Park is free to visit. Dress for the hot, humid weather and a tirade of mosquitoes – be sure to take your repellent with you as well as plenty of water. Plan to spend 1-2 hours exploring the forest reserve.

You can take the GO KL City Bus (Purple Line) and alight at the KL Tower stop. Alternatively, take the KL Monorail Line and depart at either the Bukit Nanas or Raja Chulan station.

Menara KL Tower 

Leaving the park, you can walk across to the Menara KL Tower. Registering at 421 meters (1,381 feet), the tower is a tad shorter than the Petronas Towers yet it gives you a staggering 360° birdseye view across the city.

Unlike the enclosed deck on the Twin Towers, the Sky Deck at the KL Tower is open-air. 

You can buy your ticket to the Menara KL Tower at the site itself or book it online in advance.

For lunch today, I suggest you head to Merchants Lane . This is a funky cafe on Petaling Street where you can enjoy contemporary Malaysian fare with an international twist.

You can take the free GO KL City Bus (Purple Line) from Wisma MPL to Kotaraya or the Kelana Jaya Line from Dang Wangi to Pasar Seni.

Chinatown/Central Market 

One thing you might want to factor in during your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary is picking up some souvenirs for your loved ones (or yourself!).

Central Market is a hub for handmade merchandise and batik products, whilst Chinatown is a mix of traditional Chinese herbs and gifts to imitation goods. While in Chinatown, you will spot KL’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Maha Mariamman, and the Taoist Guan Di Temple.

Leaving Merchants Lane you’ll be in the boundary of the two markets so you can just continue on foot. 

National Museum of Malaysia 

From Chinatown, you can now walk to the National Museum of Malaysia . Encompassing four main galleries, you will learn about Chinese, Indian, and Malaysian culture as far back as prehistoric times to the modern day.

You can also brush up on flora and fauna and see artifacts such as pottery, jewelry, and stoneware. Plan to spend 1-2 hours here gaining insight into Malaysian history. 

The admission ticket is RM5 ($1 US) and the museum is open daily, 9 am – 5 pm. It’s a 20-minute walk from Chinatown.

Thean Hou Temple 

After a series of gorgeous mosques, fascinating museums and spine-tingling skyscrapers, one of the final places to visit in Kuala Lumpur in 3 days will also take your breath away.

Dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu, the vibrantly painted Thean Hou Temple draws together elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. In the garden surrounding the temple you can also spot the 12 animals of the zodiac and a giant chess board!

Normally, the temple is decorated with myriads of red lanterns. They only remove it for a few days before the Chinese New Year to renew them. We accidentally ended up visiting on one of these days, that’s why you don’t see any lanterns in the above photos.

From the museum, you walk eastwards along Jalan Sultan Sulaiman until you reach a large intersection. Board bus 600 or 650 at KL1086 Ipd Brickfields and alight at KL1925 Jabatan Warisan Negara from where it’s a 10-minute walk.

If you’re conscious of time, a Grab will take less than 10 minutes.

Jalan Alor 

For your final meal in KL, head to the epicenter of food – Jalan Alor.

This walking street comprises dozens of hawker stalls where you can experiment with Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern plates. You can also find coconut ice cream and fresh fruit, including the love-it-or-hate-it durian. 

Bukit Bintang (Kajang Line) is the closest MRT station to Jalan Alor. 

Changkat Bukit Bintang

A 5-minute walk from Jalan Alor delivers you to Changkat Bukit Bintang.

Whether you’d prefer to dance or talk through to the early hours, the ‘pub street’ of KL is the perfect place to let your hair down and toast the end of your 3 day Kuala Lumpur itinerary.

Don’t miss The Rabbit Hole (inspired by Alice in Wonderland!) or Havana Bar and Grill . 

Useful Info for Spending 3 Days in Kuala Lumpur

Where to stay in kuala lumpur.

There’s a huge range of accommodation options in Kuala Lumpur and as such, there is something for everyone – from cheap hostels to 5-star hotels. You can even find many amazing hotels in Kuala Lumpur with infinity pools from where you can get a stunning view of the city skyline.

There are several amazing places to stay in Kuala Lumpur , but the ideal ones for first-timers are around the Bukit Bintang and Chinatown areas.

The bustling area of Bukit Bintang has a lot of shopping, dining, and nightlife choices, while Chinatown is home to some of the city’s best bargain accommodations and street food.

If you’re in a hurry, below you can find my top picks for where to stay in Kuala Lumpur with different budget options in mind.

• Luxury | Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur
• Mid-range | Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur
• Budget | Hilton Garden Inn Kuala Lumpur South

How to get to Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) is Malaysia’s largest airport and has direct connections to most major cities around the world with several budget airlines such as AirAsia and Tiger Air.

If you’re looking for how to get from Kuala Lumpur airport to the city, you have a few options. The most expensive but quickest option is to take a taxi or a Grab. A ride into the city center will cost you around RM100 (22 USD) and should take around 45-60 minutes, depending on traffic.

Another option is to take the KLIA Ekspres train which costs RM55 ($12 US) for a single and RM100 ($22 US) for a return fare and takes around 30 minutes to reach the city center.

In case you want to skip the huge taxi lines at the airport, you can book a  private airport transfer . Your driver will be already waiting for you at the airport so you just have to lay back in the comfortable car and enjoy the ride! As a bonus, it costs roughly the same as booking a Grab.

How to get around Kuala Lumpur

Public transport | The city has a well-connected public transport system, including buses, trains, and the famous KL monorail. It’s cheap, efficient, and a great way to get around the city.

Grab | If you want to save time and travel in comfort, I highly recommend using Grab, which is the Asian alternative to Uber. Honestly, it’s so affordable and convenient that I rarely use public transport when in KL.

Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur

Since Kuala Lumpur is located close to the equator, the weather in Kuala Lumpur is hot and sticky year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 26˚C to 33˚C (79˚F to 91˚F). So the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur is when you have the time available!

Its tropical climate does mean that rain can strike at any time of year, but generally, it’ll be a heavy but short affair. May to July and December to February tend to be the most stable months.

Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur?

Then you might want to take a look at all our other travel guides about Kuala Lumpur. I promise, they are just as awesome as this article was!

• Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur: 6 Best Areas & Hotels
• How to See the Best of Kuala Lumpur in One Day
• 12 Most Instagrammable Places in KL for Epic Photos
• 15 Best Hotels in Kuala Lumpur with Infinity Pools
• 21 Best Kuala Lumpur Hotels with KLCC views

Pin It for Later!

14 thoughts on “The Perfect 3 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary for First Timers”

Thanks dear though i travelled a lot national & international. but always booked trip via travel agent.first time I took initiative to make a plan from India to Kula Lumpur to Singapore and back to india.My itinerary started from your write off and found supper informative still need little help.possibly will ping you .my homework just begun to design my trip. Once will complete formalities of visa will connect with you.

Thank you for your lovely comment! Hope you will have an amazing trip.

Great article. Thank you! Really useful for planning our upcoming trip.

So happy to hear that!

Very useful, thank you for taking the time!

Thank you for your comment!

Thank you so much for this! I followed it to the T. Loved it!

This makes me so happy! Thank so much for sharing.

I love all the photos that you have taken and great post! It was helpful in my planning there for a short trip. What camera did you use for the all the shots here :)!

Thank you so much, I’m so happy you liked the photos and the post! We just recently upgraded to a Sony A7IV but I believe we still used the Sony A7III for these photos. Both cameras are really good and I can only recommend them!

Thankyou for such sharing minute details. Great article. Thank you! Really useful for planning our upcoming trip.

I’m so happy that I was able to help! Enjoy your trip to KL.

Very useful information for 3 day tour to KL. Now, I know how to get the best while I am in KL. Thanks a lot

You’re very welcome!

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It's time for a new adventure.

NORTH AMERICA

• Philippines

Kota Kinabalu 3 Days 2 Nights Itinerary

Kota Kinabalu is one of the underrated travel destinations in Asia. When we booked our flight, we really had no idea what to do in the place. Surprisingly, there are a lot of activities you can enjoy here. From island hopping to immersing yourself to a rich culture, you can easily weave your own travel goals for Kota Kinabalu.

Table of Contents

Day 0: Fly to Kota Kinabalu

If you got a late night flight to Kota Kinabalu and you’ll arrive during the wee hours, make sure you have a Malaysian Ringgit with you for taxi fare. If not, you can withdraw from the ATM machine.

Day 1: Island Hopping + Night City Tour

Explore sapi, manukan, and mamutik islands.

Visit the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR) Marine Park: Sapi, Manukan, and Mamutik . There are actually two more, Gaya and Sulug. But for a day tour, the first three islands mentioned are recommended.

You can choose to avail an island hopping tour or you can go on your own (DIY). Yes, it’s feasible to do the island hopping by yourself because the jump-off point or Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal is easily accessible within the city. Jesselton Point offers island transfer service to all five islands. But if you want a hassle-free island hopping tour, you can opt to get a tour package.

Sapi, the first island, is just 30 minutes away from the ferry terminal. The other islands, Manukan and Mamutik, are also pretty close. All three have white sand beach with crystal clear, turquoise water. You’d really enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkeling, and parasailing.

There are operators offering water activities (e.g. parasailing, banana boat ride, flying fish, etc.) in the islands, no need to book online as they offer cheaper rates.

Night City Tour

After island hopping, you can still go on a short city tour .  You can just take the taxi to get from one place to another. In our case, we hired a taxi where we agreed on a fixed fare price to bring us to our destination.

Atkinson Clock Tower

You can quickly drop by at the Atkinson Clock Tower, the oldest structure in Kota Kinabalu. The clock tower was built in memory of Francis George Atkinson, Jesselton’s first district officer.

Signal Hill Observatory

Signal Hill is the highest point in Kota Kinabalu where you can get a nice view of the city. It’s also a perfect place to watch the sunset.

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque

Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is the second main mosque in the place after State Mosque in Sembulan. It looks even more spectacular at night!

Day 2: White Water Rafting + Mari Mari Cultural Village

White water rafting at kiulu river.

White water rafting is one of the thrilling activities you can enjoy in Kota Kinabalu. There are actually two popular white rafting sites, Kiulu and Padas river. For novice rafters, Kiulu River is recommended as it offers an introductory rafting challenge that is safe even for kids. Travel time to Kuliu River from the city center is around two hours.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

If you want to immerse with Borneo’s ethnic culture, visit Mari Mari Cultural Village located at Inanam, Sabah. It’s a village serving as a one-of-a-kind museum preserving Borneo’s ethnic culture. Five ethnic tribes can be found here namely Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus, and Dusun.

With a guided tour, you’ll get to interact with these tribes and see their way of life. You’ll get around traditional houses, try local food, dance and play with tribesmen, get tattoo, and more!

Tanjung Aru Perdana’s Fountain Show

If you still have some energy to spend the night away, you can take a taxi and visit Tanjung Aru Perdana and watch the fountain show.

Day 3: Kinabalu Park + Souvenir Shopping

Kinabalu park.

Around three hours away from Kota Kinabalu city is Kinabalu Park or Taman Kinabalu. This park is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site. Covering an area of 754 square kilometers surrounding Mount Kinabalu, there are several sites you can marvel at the park for some refreshing nature retreat including Canopy Walkway , Poring Hot Spring , and Botanical Garden.

Canopy Walkway

You need to hike a little to get to the canopy walkway. The canopy walkway is a suspended bridge supported by sturdy ropes. The bridge is more than 150 meters long and about 40 meters above the forest floor.

Poring Hot Spring

At the end of the canopy walk, you will trek down going to Poring Hot Spring. Poring is a Kadazan word for “bamboo” and you’ll find lots of bamboo in the place. There are hot tubs available but it can get a bit crowded. You can enjoy a more private, enclosed tub for an additional fee.

Botanical Garden

The botanical garden located in Kinabalu Park is home to a variety of plant and animal species. If you are lucky, you can see a rafflesia here, the largest flower in the world that only lives for a few days.

Souvenir Shopping at Filipino and Handicraft Market

Visit the Filipino and Handicraft Market for some affordable souvenirs you can take home.

Seafood Dinner at Filipino Night Market

What a better way to spend your last night at Kota Kinabalu than to indulge in a mouthwatering seafood dinner ! Since seafood is abundant here, you can get it fresh at really affordable prices. Yum!

Departure from Kota Kinabalu

Take a taxi from your hotel to the airport.

Arrianne Guzman

Arrianne Guzman is the founder of Go Travel First. She has explored 67/82 Philippine provinces and 4/7 continents. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Computer Science degree but her love for writing never died. Combining her passion for traveling and photography, she writes her adventures to inspire people to see the world despite of a busy life. If not doing her IT related job, she wants to be a barista or a safari tour guide.

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DESTINATIONS

3 Days 2 Nights Langkawi Island & Sea Tour

• Day 1 Arrival & Discovery Langkawi Tour Upon arrival, you will be pickup from Airport. Proceed to Langkawi Cable Car & Oriental Village This tour will first bring you to enjoy the exhilarating 920m long cable car ride to the summit of the famous Mount Mat Cincang. Visitors can enjoy marvelous views of the Andaman Sea and the smaller islands of Langkawi. On clear days, one can also see the edge of Thailand in the North and Indonesia towards the South-West. Enjoy the cool air and the highland's view before proceeding down to the Oriental Village. The Oriental Village is one of the unique shopping, cultural and culinary destinations. Bold displays of culture and fashion and fascinating handicraft demonstrations by skilled craftsmen add to the visitor’s enjoyment here. With over 470 brands and 17,000 products, the village offers shopping buffs a bewildering range of international designer labels and local products. Take some time to shop at various outlets and enjoy your choice of cuisine for lunch (at your own expenses) before returning to your hotel. Notes: The tour price excludes entrance fees. Remarks: Cable Car Combo Entrance fees • Malaysian - Cable Car+Sky Dome+Sky Rex+ 3D Art Museum - RM43 (Adult), RM33 (Child 3-12 yrs) • Foreigner - Cable Car+Sky Dome+Sky Rex+ 3D Art Museum - RM85 (Adult), RM65 (Child 3-12 yrs) • Sky Bridge - RM6/adult, RM4/child • Tour Can be moved to Day 2 , 2PM, if arrival Langkawi after 2.00PM.
• Day 2 Langkawi Island Hopping (Breakfast) After breakfast, transfer from hotel to the jetty to take a 20 mins boat ride to Pulau Dayang Bunting (Lake of the Pregnant Lady). You have to walk 15 minutes to reach the lake from the entrance. It is the largest freshwater lake in Langkawi, which carries many legends. It is also believed that the magical waters of the lake will grant the wishes of hopeful barren women. Next, proceed for eagle feeding before to the Pulau Beras Basah for swimming, snorkelling, enjoy watersports activities or simply soak up the sun on the fine sandy beaches. Optional Tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise (5-8PM) - RM250/adult, RM150/child Sunset Dinner Cruise - 2 ways hotel transfers, Alcohol Beverage (Beer & Wines), Non-Alcohol Beverage, Tidbits, Jacuzzi Sea Pool, Live Music, Towels, Rainwater Shower
• Day 3 Departure (Breakfast) After breakfast, free at leisure until your departure transfer to the airport.

4 Days 3 Nights Langkawi Indulgence

• Day 1 Arrival + Half Day Cable Car Tour Upon arrival, you will be pickup from Airport. Proceed to Langkawi Cable Car & Oriental Village This tour will first bring you to enjoy the exhilarating 920m long cable car ride to the summit of the famous Mount Mat Cincang. Visitors can enjoy marvelous views of the Andaman Sea and the smaller islands of Langkawi. On clear days, one can also see the edge of Thailand in the North and Indonesia towards the South-West. Enjoy the cool air and the highland's view before proceeding down to the Oriental Village. The Oriental Village is one of the unique shopping, cultural and culinary destinations. Bold displays of culture and fashion and fascinating handicraft demonstrations by skilled craftsmen add to the visitor’s enjoyment here. With over 470 brands and 17,000 products, the village offers shopping buffs a bewildering range of international designer labels and local products. Take some time to shop at various outlets and enjoy your choice of cuisine for lunch (at your own expenses) before returning to your hotel. Notes: The tour price excludes entrance fees. Remarks: Cable Car Combo Entrance fees • Malaysian - Cable Car+Sky Dome+Sky Rex+ 3D Art Museum - RM43 (Adult), RM33 (Child 3-12 yrs) • Foreigner - Cable Car+Sky Dome+Sky Rex+ 3D Art Museum - RM85 (Adult), RM65 (Child 3-12 yrs) • Sky Bridge - RM6/adult, RM4/child • Tour Can be moved to Day 2 , 2PM, if arrival Langkawi after 2.00PM.

ATMA ALAM, BATIK VILLAGE Located centrally in Padang Matsirat and close to the Langkawi International Airport, Atma Alam Batik Art Village is a complex that showcases a wide array of exclusively handmade as well as block printed batik art that includes dress materials, paintings and handicraft products. UNDERWATER WORLD LANGKAWI Located at the southern end of Pantai Cenang, Underwater World is one of the top attractions in Langkawi. This huge white building covering some 60,000 square feet area houses more than 4,000 marine creatures that includes over 500 species of fish and many other underwater life.  It also showcases many different types of birds, animals and other inhabitants that are found in tropical rainforests, temperate and even sub-Antarctic regions. The overall objective of the Underwater World is to provide entertainment along with knowledge and education to those who are interested in marine life. 

EAGLE SQUARE Located in Kuah Town and next to the jetty, Eagle Square is the place that reflects origin of Langkawi's name. The square is marked by a massive 12-meter sculpture of a reddish brown eagle which is poised to take off. Langkawi's name has been derived from reddish brown eagle, because in old Malay language Helang means Eagle, and Kawi stands for reddish brown.  This manmade statue of the eagle placed on a huge star shaped concrete platform has been created to reflect this background of the island where an eagle is the symbol of Langkawi.

KUAH TOWN Kuah town is the capital of Langkawi and the administrative headquarter. This is the main hub in the island for duty free shopping. The Kuah Jetty here also serves as the main ferry terminal for ferries/boats that ply between Langkawi and other nearby places. So if you are visiting Langkawi by ferry, then this is the place where you will most likely disembark.  Kuah is located at the south eastern edge of Langkawi and facing the water area. But there are no beaches here (except for one next to the CHOGM Park, not suitable for swimming though). There are several tourist attractions like the Eagle Square on the water front GAMAT HEALING FACTORY, LANGKAWI Gamat is a species of Sea Cucumbers which are marine creatures having leathery skin and a long body. They can be found on the sea floor almost all over the world. In Malay, these sea cucumbers are known as gamat. They were once in abundance in Langkawi's water until the islanders came to know about their medicinal healing value and started capturing them in bulk, established factories in the island and started processing them to create healing oils. They can heal both internal and external body ailments like aches, ulcers, burns and injuries.

Highlight : Oriental Village (Cable Car Combo), Batik Village, Eagle Square, Gamat Healing Factory, Kuah Town (All Entrance fee is not included)

• Day 3 Langkawi Cave & Mangrove with Lunch at Floating Restaurant (Breakfast / Lunch) At 9.00AM, Pickup from hotel for Cave & Mangrove Tour . Go on an amazing maze of meandering trails, channels and waterways, where you’ll discover a unique animal sanctuary and plant life. Among the highlights of the tour are Bat Cave, Limestone, Mangrove Jungle, Fishing Village, Eagle Feeding and enjoy a refreshing swim at an isolated beach. Lunch will be served at Floating restaurant at Fish Farm! Unknowing to many, the mangrove forest plays an integral role in the ecosystem. Sometimes you'll encounter on the forest grounds animals like mudskipper, crabs, dragonflies and monitor lizards and amongst the trees are the monkeys, some type of birds like the rare brown wing stork-bill kingfisher and the amazing eagles.  If you are lucky, when the boat cross along the river you will see various type of mangrove animals like otter and long tail macaque which are seldom to be found on the normal day light.  Visit the bat cave. Explore the enchanting crocodile cave by boat. Visit a fish farm carrying out aquaculture activities. Tame fish will tickle your fingertips as you feed them! Watch Brahminy Kite eagles swoop down from the sky to feed, the moment the guide gives the signal and it is an awesome and unforgettable sight to behold.  Take a trip to Langkawi s Secret Garden, the fascinating mangroves of Langkawi which are uniquely connected to awesome limestone rock formation and sheer outcroppings by boat.  The tour ends with a lunch stop at a floating restaurant / fish farm. Optional Tour: Sunset Dinner Cruise (5-8PM) - RM250/adult, RM150/child Sunset Dinner Cruise - 2 ways hotel transfers, Alcohol Beverage (Beer & Wines), Non-Alcohol Beverage, Tidbits, Jacuzzi Sea Pool, Live Music, Towels, Rainwater Shower
• Day 4 Departure (Breakfast) After breakfast, free at leisure until your departure transfer to the airport.

3 Days 2 Nights Langkawi Explorer

• 2 Nights Accommodation
• Daily Breakfast
• Return Airport Transfer ( Private )
• Full Day Langkawi Grand Tour Private (8 hrs) - exclude entrance fee

3 Days 2 Nights Langkawi Island & Marine

• Return Airport Transfer (Private)
• Half Day Private Cable Car & Oriental Village Tour (Exclude all entrance fee) (4 hrs)
• Half Day Sharing Langkawi Island Hopping Tour (4 hrs)
• 3 Nights Accommodation
• Half Day Cable Car Combo Tour (Private 4 hrs, Exclude entrance fee)
• Half Day Langkawi Island Tour (Private 4 hrs, Exclude entrance fee)
• Half Day Island Hopping Tour (Sharing-4 hrs)
• Halfl Day Mangrove & Limestone + Lunch Tour (Sharing-3 hrs)

All Packages Exclude:

• Entrance Fees
• Room Services
• Insurance Coverage
• Min 2 Person
• All Rate Quoted in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR) per person
• All the tours and transfer are on seat-in-coach basis
• The tour price excludes entrance fees
• Peak Season Surcharge will be imposed
• Please bring sun block lotion, hat, small towel and good walking/trekking shoes for Mangrove tour
• Rates quoted are not applicable during any identified international conferences or events
• The Package Costs are subject to change without prior notice
• Payment by credit card add 2.5%

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• All Malaysia Tour
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3 replies to this topic

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If you’re staying on Muckross Road it should be a very easy walk up to the Abbey and then a pleasant walk to Muckross House. Muckross House has. Very nice cafe. There will be a marked trail to lead you to Torc. Be sure to take some sort of midge repellent.

Depending on your level of fitness you could then walk back to your hotel. Hoping you have good weather. It looks showery for the next four days.

Sounds a lovely plan, it could be a bit showery but nothing too dramatic.

Killarney is very walkable and there are always jarveys touting for business in the park.

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The top 10 visa-free countries for Indian passport holders in 2024

Visa-free countries for indians in 2024: discover the top 10 best global destinations that indian passport holders can travel to visa-free in 2024..

Many countries worldwide are currently offering visa-free entry to enhance their tourism industry and attract more visitors, including those from India, ensuring a seamless travel experience and eliminating travel obstacles. This initiative has led to a surge in new explorers eager to venture out and discover these countries.

Thailand and Sri Lanka have recently extended their visa-free entry provisions for Indian visitors. Thailand’s extension is in effect until November 11, 2024, while Sri Lanka’s lasts until May 31, 2024. However, in some instances, it is crucial to note that travel to visa-free countries is usually limited to a specific duration and additional documents, such as proof of onward travel or payment of airport taxes might be required.

Indian passport holders currently benefit from visa-free access to 62 countries, simplifying travel and exploration. Visa-free travel allows entry into a country without the need for a prior visa and only requires a passport to clear customs, eliminating the complexities of visa procedures and associated fees.

So, as the summer vacation season approaches, it’s an ideal time to travel. If you hold an Indian passport, there are several destinations you can visit without the hassle of obtaining a visa. Below is the list of the top 10 best global destinations that Indian passport holders can travel to visa-free.

1. Bhutan: 14 days

Bhutan is a neighbouring country of India and is considered one of the top visa-free destinations for Indian passport holders. They can travel for up to 14 days without needing a visa. Often referred to as the Land of the Thunder Dragon, the country is located in the Himalayas and is renowned for its snow-capped peaks, vibrant monasteries, and spiritual culture.

Nepal is a country famous for having Mount Everest, which is the highest mountain in the world. The country is an ideal destination for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers as it offers a unique and enriching experience with ancient temples, breathtaking landscapes, and amiable locals. Indian passport holders do not require a visa to enter Nepal, as the country shares a friendly relationship with India.

3. Mauritius: 90 days

Mauritius, an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, is a picturesque tropical paradise famous for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs. While many visitors come to Mauritius to experience nature and indulge in luxury resort stays, it can also be an excellent destination for Indian solo or group travellers who want to explore the cities, visit tourist attractions, and try delicious local cuisine. Furthermore, Indian travellers can stay in Mauritius for up to 90 days without a visa, making it an attractive option for those seeking to travel hassle-free.

4. Kenya: 90 days

Starting January 1, 2024, Kenya will allow visa-free travel to Indian passport holders to promote tourism through its electronic travel authorization programme. Exploring its vibrant wildlife and marine reserves, with over 50 national parks to choose from, Indians can travel to Kenya visa-free for 90 days to experience its world-renowned safari experience.

5. Malaysia: 30 days

Malaysia is a magnificent travel destination that offers a blend of ancient rainforests and a multicultural city-life experience. The capital, Kuala Lumpur, boasts the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, one of the tallest buildings in the world. The country is renowned for its exceptional food, historical vibe, gorgeous beaches, and wildlife-packed national parks. Indian passport holders can now travel to Malaysia visa-free until December 31, 2024, as per the latest update. It permits a stay of up to 30 days for each entry and visit to the country.

6. Thailand: 30 days (till November 11, 2024)

Thailand, a gem of Southeast Asia, is famous for its exquisite beaches, delicious cuisine, and lively culture. From the busy streets of Bangkok to the grand temples of Chiang Mai and the tranquil beaches of Phuket, Thailand offers a perfect combination of cultural immersion, adventure, and relaxation. As per the latest update, Thailand has extended its visa-free travel for Indian passport holders until November 11, 2024, which was previously May 10, 2024.

7. Dominica: 6 months

Dominica is a mountainous Caribbean island nation, also known as “Nature Island.” It boasts tropical and balmy weather, natural hot springs, and tropical rainforests. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park is a must-visit place, where you can find a 1,342-metre-high volcano. The country’s best features include the 65-metre-tall Trafalgar Falls and the narrow Titou Gorge. Indian passport holders can easily book flights to Dominica from India to enter this beautiful country. The good news for Indian nationals is that they do not require a visa for either tourism or business purposes for six months.

8. Qatar: 30 days

Qatar is a Middle Eastern country known for its impressive infrastructure and futuristic capital, Doha, with its towering skyscrapers. The country is also recognised as one of the wealthiest nations in the world and is currently in the spotlight for hosting the FIFA World Cup 2022. Indian passport holders can enjoy 30 days of visa-free travel in Qatar.

9. Sri Lanka: 30 days (till May 31st, 2024)

Sri Lanka is the latest addition to the list of visa-free countries for Indians. This South Asian island is rich in history and boasts stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and incredible wildlife. Visitors can experience beautiful weather and indulge in delicious cuisine. Indian passport holders can travel visa-free to Sri Lanka until May 31st, 2024, as per the latest update. The hospitality of the locals is great, and the country is famous for its sweetmeats.

10. Seychelles: 30 days

The Seychelles are renowned for their stunning waters, coral reefs, sea turtles, and underwater rock formations teeming with beautiful fish, whale sharks, and shipwrecks. The beaches in the Seychelles offer a calm, peaceful, and secluded environment, and Indian passport holders can visit visa-free for 30 days.

• e-Tourist Visa
• Indian passports
• Indian travellers

On Monday, 96 constituencies in 10 states and Union Territories will vote in the second half of the Lok Sabha elections, bringing the total number of seats to 379. Along with the Lok Sabha elections, Assembly elections will also be held in Andhra Pradesh. In 2019, the BJP won the most seats (42) followed by the Congress (6), while several non-aligned parties also won a significant number of seats.

• Mumbai News Live Updates: Fates of heavyweights Pankaja Munde, Raosaheb Danve, Amol Kolhe to be decided in May 13 polls 7 hours ago
• Delhi News Live Updates: 'If you vote for AAP, I won't have to go back to jail', says Arvind Kejriwal at roadshow 9 hours ago
• Lok Sabha Election 2024 Live Updates: 'Dalits, tribals will become slaves again if Modi, Shah get third term,' says Congress chief Kharge in Maharashtra 9 hours ago
• HBSE 10th Result 2024 (Out) Live Updates: Haryana Board matric result uploaded at bseh.org.in 9 hours ago

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• 01 Haitians demand the resignation and arrest of the country’s police chief after a new gang attack
• 02 Lok Sabha Elections 2024: 65.68% voter turnout in third phase, 57% seats saw a decline
• 03 Israel says it is preventing Hamas from re-establishing military hold in Gaza’s Jabalia
• 04 Russian PM proposes new ministers, retains ministers of finance, economy
• 05 IPL 2024 Purple Cap update: Jasprit Bumrah reclaims lead from Harshal Patel during KKR vs MI match
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Kuala Lumpur 3 days 2 nights Package | Cheap Malaysia tour package

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Trip Overview

Price & terms.

• Price: USD 125 75

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Kuala lumpur 3 days 2 nights package is the malaysia cheap package suitable for anyone with limited budget and have a short stay in malaysia..

This Kuala Lumpur 3 days 2 nights package starts from KLIA/ KLIA 2 and ends in airport too.

If you are looking or transit tour Kuala Lumpur, click Here .

Featured Photo Source: Click Here

Day 1: Airport - Kuala Lumpur

Arrive at Malaysia Airport. Meet and greet. Transfer to Kuala Lumpur. Check in at selected at hotel. Free at your own leisure. Overnight at Kuala Lumpur.

Day 2: Half Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour

Breakfast at hotel. Pick up and proceed with 3 hours half day Kuala Lumpur City Tour . Overnight at Kuala Lumpur.

Half Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour (Join-in):

Time: 09:00-12:30 or 14:00-17:30 Duration: : 3 hour(s) and 30 minute(s)

Day 3: Kuala Lumpur - Departure!

Breakfast at hotel. Pick up and transfer to airport to catch your flight to next destination.

What is included?

• 2 nights stay in Kuala Lumpur.
• Twin Sharing/Triple Sharing(Superior Room).
• Daily breakfast.
• Half Day Kuala Lumpur City Tour.
• Return Airport Transfer.

What is not included?

• Lunches & Dinners
• Items not mentioned in the itinerary.
• Petronas Twin Towers
• King’s Palace
• National Museum & National Mosque
• National Monument
• Sultan Abdul Samad Building
• Dataran Merdeka.

Tour Style:

Private Journey

Sightseeing

Minimum pax:

Minimum two person

Accommodation:

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