This is the Best Malaysia Itinerary for 3 Weeks (2025)

Malaysia is now the most visited country in South East Asia. If you want the best Malaysia 3 week itinerary and how to explore this amazing country, look no further.

I have been backpacking in Malaysia twice, including an amazing trip to see the orangutans in Borneo. Places to visit in Malaysia range from bustling cities to wildlife-packed nature parks and secluded paradise islands. The country’s melting pot of cultural influences is evident in its food, which is among the best in the world.

Read on for my guide to the best Malaysia itinerary for 3 weeks.

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How to create your 3 week Malaysia itinerary

Start creating your Malaysia 3 week itinerary by first deciding what kind of trip you’re most interested in:

If lively cities are your thing, check out the capital, Kuala Lumpur and Penang Island’s capital George Town. Nature lovers will adore the jungles and orangutans of Borneo. If it’s blissful beaches you’re seeking, you’re in luck. The Perhentian Islands are perfect for snorkelling and scuba divers, while Tioman Island has a wonderful turtle sanctuary.

The following Malaysia 3 week itinerary encompasses all of these incredible experiences. It uses a smart hub strategy to optimise your transport routes so you can enjoy the best of this country with minimal hassle.

I found Kuala Lumpur to be a great location to reach most of the main places to see in Malaysia. There are regular and affordable intercity buses to most places, some of which connect with boats to the islands. Budget airline routes are also available from KL to Borneo, which is convenient for your 3 week Malaysia itinerary.

Week 1: City towers and island turtles

The first week of your 3 week Malaysia itinerary begins in its lively capital city, Kuala Lumpur. It’s your perfect introduction to the country, before heading to one of its most beautiful islands. This combination gives you the perfect taste of urban Malaysia and tropical paradise to start your adventure.

Days 1-3: Kuala Lumpur

You will most likely to arrive in Malaysia via its capital city Kuala Lumpur, often abbreviated to ‘KL’. Things to do in Kuala Lumpur include exploring its stunning towers, Chinatown, Little India and Central Market. For a side trip just outside of the city, don’t miss the glittering Batu Caves.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

The best area to stay in Kuala Lumpur is the city centre. Here, you’re close to Masjid Jamek metro station, Chinatown and the eclectic stalls and Art Deco architecture of Central Market. 

Check out The Kuala Lumpur Journal Hotel, a fabulous boutique hotel near Bukit Bintang.

Nonee Guesthouse is a great backpackers hostel in Kuala Lumpur city centre, which has female-only as well as mixed dorm rooms and a sociable vibe.

Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals for your dates:

Day 1: Arrival and exploration

After checking into your hostel, why not visit Merdeka Square with its iconic ‘I Love KL’ sign outside the Kuala Lumpur City Gallery – perfect for Instagram photos. The gallery itself is free to enter and features a fascinating miniature model of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.

Then, explore Chinatown and Central Market for some shopping. Petaling Street in Chinatown is famous for its street food, bargain shopping, and historical temples like Sri Mahamariamman Temple. Meanwhile, Central Market’s heritage building contains many stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs and features beautiful Art Deco architecture.

End your first day sampling KL’s incredible street food scene – try Jalan Alor Night Market. Must-try foods include satay skewers, nasi lemak, roti canai and durian if you’re feeling adventurous.

Day 2: Towers and city views

No Kuala Lumpur itinerary is complete without seeing the Petronas Twin Towers. These 452-metre high twin skyscrapers dominate the skyline and look even more magical when lit up at night. As I discovered on my first visit, they’re impressive during the day, but at night these statuesque twins light up and sparkle like two dazzling giant diamond earrings. Walk the Skybridge between the towers for stunning city views, or capture breathtaking night shots from KLCC Park.

For an even higher viewpoint, head to Menara Kuala Lumpur (KL Tower). This 421-metre high communications tower offers panoramic views of the entire city. A ride to the top gives you a panoramic view over your urban surroundings, making most other skyscrapers look small.

Day 3: Batu Caves day trip

Dedicate a full day to the legendary Batu Caves, just a 30-minute train ride from the city. This natural wonder features a colossal 42-metre high gold statue of Lord Murugan and 272 rainbow-coloured steps leading to the main cave. During my first trip to KL, a fellow traveller had described this site as ‘all right’, so I wasn’t expecting much – perhaps that’s the key to successful travel: low expectations!

The enormous statue of Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war, stands at over 42 metres – the tallest Lord Murugan statue in the world. Climbing the 272 steps to reach Cathedral Cave, signs implore visitors not to ‘exercise’ (apparently some people run up and down these steep steps!). Inside the cave, the high ceilings and holy shrines are reminiscent of being in a cathedral, hence the name. The fresh air here was a relief after the enclosed, smoggy spaces of the city.

Read more about the best 3-day itinerary in Kuala Lumpur in my blog post here.

Days 4-7: Tioman Island

Tioman Island provides the perfect tropical contrast after exploring urban Malaysia. This beautiful island off the east coast offers some of Malaysia’s best diving and snorkelling, plus an unforgettable wildlife experience that became my trip’s absolute highlight.

Day 4: Travel from KL to Tioman Island

Your journey to Tioman Island takes about 6 hours total. Take an early bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in KL to Mersing, which takes around 4 hours. From Mersing jetty, catch a ferry to Tioman Island, which is a 2-hour journey. The ferry stops at different beaches including Tekek.

Where to stay on Tioman Island

For the best experience, I recommend heading to Juara Beach. This is a pristine beach with soft cream sand, gentle blue sea, and trees where you can spot snoozing bats hanging from branches. It’s so beautiful here that people come on honeymoon. From Tekek, share a four-wheeled drive taxi across the mountainous terrain to Juara on the east coast. Check into your beach accommodation, spend the evening settling in and enjoy dinner at a beachside restaurant.

Best beachfront accommodation on Tioman Island

The Bushman accommodation is boutique beachside huts for around 80 ringgits (£15) per night – booking one is like winning the lottery according to guidebooks. These huts feature high-quality dark wood fittings, air-conditioning, fridge, comfortable beds and your own veranda with sun-loungers overlooking the beautiful beach view.

Other excellent options include the budget-friendly Permai Chalet Tioman, directly on the beach where you can hear the waves. The Juara Seaview Chalet has great reviews for its beachfront chalets and nearby restaurant.

Day 5: Scuba diving and snorkelling

Explore Tioman’s incredible underwater world. The island is surrounded by colourful coral reefs and teeming marine life, making it world-class for diving and snorkelling. At Juara Beach, try the Amigo Dive Centre for trips to stunning dive sites including Coral Island and Renggis Island, known for abundant reef sharks and colourful fish. Explore deeper sites like Chebeh and Tiger Reef to see shipwrecks and vibrant reefs. Whether you’re certified for scuba diving or prefer snorkelling, the crystal-clear waters reveal an abundance of coral, fish and other sea creatures.

Day 6: Turtle conservation and waterfall adventure

Start your day at the Juara Turtle Project for your Malaysia trip highlight. This conservation centre protects endangered turtle populations, rescuing eggs from vulnerable beaches for safe incubation.

In the afternoon, trek to Juara’s hidden waterfall – a steep 20-minute climb that feels almost vertical! You’ll discover a perfectly formed waterfall surrounded by trees and rocks. The tranquil water populated with little fish provides the perfect spot to cool off.

If you’re fortunate, witness the evening turtle release ceremony where around fifty people line the beach as baby turtles make their way to the sea. Watch over a hundred turtles scramble along the sand using their flippers, racing to reach the waves – a truly moving experience.

Read about all about Tioman Island and the turtle project here.

Day 7: Return to Kuala Lumpur

Take the morning ferry from Tioman back to Mersing (2 hours), then the bus to Kuala Lumpur (4 hours). This travel day gives you a chance to transition from island life back to the city. Once in KL, check into accommodation near the transport hubs, restock any supplies and prepare for tomorrow’s journey to Penang. Use the evening to enjoy KL’s street food scene one more time.

Week 2: Street food and scuba diving

The second week of your 3 week Malaysia itinerary takes you north to Penang’s UNESCO World Heritage streets, before heading to some of Malaysia’s most pristine islands. From discovering incredible street art and world-class street food to snorkelling in crystal-clear waters, this week perfectly balances cultural immersion with tropical island bliss.

Days 8-10: Penang

The capital of Penang Island in Malaysia’s northwest is George Town. Popular with backpackers, this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its incredible street art. It is also a big foodie city.

Day 8: Travel from KL to Penang

Penang is around 5.5 hours by bus from Kuala Lumpur or you can take a short flight. It is also accessible overland by bus from Thailand as it’s close to the border. 

Where to stay in Penang

The best area to stay in Penang for backpackers is around George Town’s delightfully named Love Lane. This puts you right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, within walking distance of the famous street art murals and historic architecture. The hostels around Love Lane have a great social atmosphere.

Try the friendly Some Place Else hostel or if you’re a solo female traveller, check out the superb Sogor Female Dormitory. A popular guesthouse is Aayu Muntri which has air-conditioned rooms and free bread, coffee and tea every day.

Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals in Penang for your dates:

Day 9: Penang street art and George Town exploration

Just wandering around George Town you will spot a number of enormous street art murals. In 2012, the city commissioned Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic to create wall paintings depicting the local citizens and lifestyle. They have now become cultural landmarks in their own right, earning the city UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Spend the day discovering these artistic gems integrated into the urban landscape, each telling a story about Penang’s multicultural heritage.

Day 10: Penang Hill

Take the steep funicular railway to the top of Penang Hill for spectacular island views and refreshing cooler temperatures. At the observation deck, visit the charming love lock bridge where hundreds of couples have hung decorated padlocks declaring their devotion. You can even spot keys beyond the fence where couples have symbolically thrown away the keys to their hearts.

Check out all the things to do in Penang and the best itinerary in my dedicated post here.

Where to eat in Penang

Penang is Malaysia’s undisputed food capital. You’ll find an array of temptingly cheap and scrumptious food stalls lining the streets or inside special food halls known as hawker centres.

At the food markets in Penang you can buy a freshly blended juice from a dazzling list of exotic fruits, a salty and satisfying nasi goreng, or a spicy parcel of tofu or fish and rice cutely wrapped in a banana leaf.

For the best street food experience, head to Chulia Street Night hawker stalls or the city’s Red Garden Food Paradise, which has a wide array of delicious Asian food options all in one location.

Check out my post all about where to find Penang’s tasty street food here.

Days 11-14: Perhentian Islands

Pulau Perhentian Kecil – meaning Small Perhentian island – sits next to her big sister island in the South China Sea, off the northeastern coast of Malaysia. Here, on Coral Bay, adventure lovers can try their hand at scuba diving, while the nearby Long Beach has more hotels and restaurants.

Day 11: Travel from Penang to Perhentian Islands

From Penang, you can reach the Perhentian Islands by bus to Kuala Besut jetty, then speedboat to the islands. The journey from Penang takes you to Kuala Besut on the mainland, which serves as the gateway to these incredible islands. From there, speedboats regularly transport visitors to both islands in about 30 minutes.

Check out my special post about the Perhentian Islands here.

Where to stay on the Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands consist of two main areas: Coral Bay (where boats arrive) and Long Beach, just a 5-10 minute jungle walk away. I stayed on Coral Bay.

Explore the map below to find the best accommodation deals in Coral Bay for your dates:

Day 12: Snorkelling and scuba diving

Snorkelling in the island’s clear blue sea is incredible. The shallow waters reveal an abundance of coral, fish and other creatures.

For scuba divers, to fully submerge in this underwater landscape is a dream. You share the ocean space with so many sea creatures. From hawksbill and green turtles, to clown fish playing in anemones, schools of tiny fish, colourful coral reefs and so much more. We were even lucky enough to see a black tip shark swim by at close range, though I think it was more scared than we were.

Day 13: More island adventures or relaxing

Continue exploring the Perhentian Islands’ underwater world or simply relax on the pristine beaches.

The islands operate at a delightfully slower pace that encourages relaxation and connection with nature. No motorised vehicles exist on the islands, so transportation relies on walking or occasional water taxis. This peaceful environment, combined with stunning beaches and incredible sunset views, provides the perfect contrast to Malaysia’s urban experiences.

Day 14: Return to Kuala Lumpur

Take the speedboat back to Kuala Besut, then travel by bus back to KL. This gives you another night in the capital to rest and prepare for your final week’s adventure in Borneo. Use this time to restock supplies and organise your flight to Kuching.

Week 3: Orangutans and ancient forests

The final week of your 3 week Malaysia itinerary takes you to the wild heart of Borneo, where ancient rainforests hide some of the world’s most incredible wildlife. From close encounters with orangutans to jungle treks through pristine national parks, this week offers unforgettable wildlife experiences that will be the crowning highlight of your Malaysian adventure.

Days 15-21: Borneo

Borneo has three parts owned by Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. The Malaysian section is split into two states, Sabah and Sarawak. Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, while Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah.

Day 15: Flight to Borneo

Take a short flight from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching in Sarawak (approximately 1.5 hours). Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines operate regular flights from KL to Kuching. Kuching serves as a great base for your Borneo backpacking adventures, offering easy access to wildlife centres and national parks.

Where to stay in Borneo

Kuching in Sarawak makes an excellent base for exploring Borneo’s highlights, including Semenggoh Nature Reserve and Bako National Park.

Choose accommodation close to the Kuching Waterfront as it’s convenient for getting around the city and has great restaurants and nightlife within walking distance.

The best accommodation in Kuching

The city has a good range of budget-friendly accommodations perfect for backpackers.

Excellent options include Marco Polo Guesthouse, a family-run hostel with friendly hosts and clean facilities. Alternatively, try Upspot Kuching Waterfront Premium Hostel near the waterfront which has great amenities.

Explore the map below to see the prices and availability for your dates:

Day 16: Kuching city exploration

Spend your first full day exploring Kuching itself. This charming riverside city offers excellent museums, local markets, and fantastic street food that reflects Sarawak’s unique cultural heritage. Walk along the Sarawak River waterfront, visit the bustling markets, and sample local specialties that showcase the region’s diverse influences. The city’s relaxed atmosphere and friendly locals create a welcoming base for your Borneo adventures.

Day 17: Orangutan encounters at Semenggoh

Visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, about 30 minutes from Kuching, which cares for injured and orphaned orangutans before releasing them back into the wild. Here you can watch these beautiful creatures swinging through the trees to pick up their banana breakfast. During feeding times, these incredible apes navigate the forest canopy with such grace and intelligence, creating profound connections with these endangered relatives. The centre’s conservation work highlights both the threats facing orangutan populations and the dedicated efforts to protect them.

Find out more about the best things to do in Borneo in my special post here.

Day 18: Bako National Park Adventure

Travel to Bako National Park, an hour’s bus ride and boat trip away from Kuching. Check into park accommodation for an overnight jungle experience. Bako offers nature fans the chance to escape into the jungle for some of the best hiking in Malaysia. You’ll discover deserted beaches, clamber over rocks and step between huge tree roots. The park’s diverse ecosystems include mangrove swamps, dipterocarp forests, and isolated beaches accessible only on foot.

Day 19: Return to Kuching

Wake up in the heart of Borneo’s rainforest and spend the morning exploring more trails in Bako National Park. Return to Kuching in the afternoon for your final night.

Day 20: Flight to Kuala Lumpur

Take the flight back from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur, giving you one final night in Malaysia’s capital. Use this time to do any last-minute visits or souvenir shopping and prepare for your departure.

Day 21: Departure or final KL exploration

It’s the final day of your 3 week Malaysia itinerary. If your transportation leaves later in the day, revisit your favourite spots or try any local dishes you might have missed during your first few days.

Stunning side trips from Malaysia

If you have more time, why not visit some of the amazing countries that are just a short trip from Malaysia.

Singapore

While you’re backpacking in Malaysia, why not take a side trip to the vibrant Lion City of Singapore, an island state off the southern coast of Malaysia. It’s a five-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur. In just a few days, you can see many fascinating sights, from super trees to spectacular light shows, so it’s definitely worth doing a Singapore-Malaysia itinerary.

Check out the iconic Marina Bay Sands building, visit an exhibition at the ArtScience Museum and take a trip to Sentosa Island for many more fun attractions during your stay here.

Click here to see the full itinerary for 7 days in Singapore.

Thailand

As Penang is close to Thailand, why not hop across the border and take a trip to some of its fascinating nearby islands off the west coast, including Koh Lanta.

Check out my full article about the best Thai islands here.

The best time to go to Malaysia

Malaysia has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather most of the year, with temperatures between 25°C and 35°C. Areas such as the Cameron Highlands are cooler, with temperatures from 15°C to 25°C. There is a fair amount of rain in Malaysia, but usually only in short bursts.

I spent two weeks on a Malaysia backpacking route in March and another three weeks in July the following year. It was more agreeable to spend time in the cities in March, as the temperature was not as hot as in July, but there were occasional rainstorms in Borneo.

On Peninsula Malaysia, the west coast, the lowlands and the highlands are best to visit during the winter months of November to March, as the weather is drier and you’ll benefit from off-peak prices. On the east coast and over in Borneo, April to September brings the best weather.

How to prepare for your Malaysia trip

First up, visas. Citizens of many European countries, as well as the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada and New Zealand can have visa-free entry to Malaysia for up to 90 days. Check your national government travel advice and make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your departure date. 

Health and safety is another important consideration. Check with your doctor or at a specialist travel clinic about any vaccinations you may need. If you do fall ill or get into trouble, you will need travel insurance, so make sure you take out a policy before you leave.

Don’t go without buying Lonely Planet’s essential Malaysia travel guide book.

Frequently asked questions for a Malaysia 3 week itinerary

Q: How much does a 3-week Malaysia trip cost?
A: You can expect to pay around US$65 per day, including budget accommodation, food, transport and activities. This means the Malaysia trip cost is small when you factor in the ease of travelling around Malaysia and the wide variety of places to see and things to do.

Q: Is Malaysia safe for solo travellers?
A: Yes, Malaysia is very safe for solo travellers. English is widely spoken and I felt safe throughout my trips as a solo female traveller.

Q: Is 3 weeks enough time for Malaysia?
A: Yes, 3 weeks allows you to experience Malaysia’s cities, islands and wildlife without rushing. This itinerary covers the essential highlights with realistic pacing.

Q: What should I pack for Malaysia?
A: Pack light, breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, rain jacket, comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops for beaches.

Final thoughts on the best 3-week Malaysia itinerary

So there you have it – a carefully planned 3-week Malaysia backpacking route that takes in the diverse cultures of the peninsula, the rich heritage of George Town in Penang and the awe-inspiring landscapes of Borneo. This itinerary is perfect for backpackers keen to explore Malaysia’s cities, coastlines, and wildlife, all while enjoying affordable and flavourful cuisine.

Whether you’re after cultural insights, outdoor adventures, or time to unwind, Malaysia promises something special at every stage of the journey. Happy travels!

Next up, find out how to spend your first 3 days in Kuala Lumpur.