With this 2 week Malaysia itinerary, you’ll travel from big cities towered by massive skyscrapers to small historical towns covered with 3D street art, explore cave temples, sample delicious street food, and relax on the white-sand beaches of the Andaman coast.
If that’s how you want to spend your 2 weeks in Malaysia, you’ve come to the right place!
Located between Singapore and Thailand, Malaysia is a must-visit in Southeast Asia.
This Malaysia 2 week itinerary packs all the major highlights as well as some hidden gems. From Melaka to Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, and Langkawi, there are so many places to visit in Malaysia.
So keep reading to find out how to spend 2 weeks in Malaysia, including how to travel between each destination, the best places to stay, and other helpful tips.
Make sure to read all the way to the end for a Malaysia travel budget breakdown.
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Malaysia 2 week Itinerary Essentials
- Stay connected by pre-booking a Malaysia tourist sim card that you can easily pick up at the airport.
- Taking the bus is the best way to get around Malaysia on a budget. I recommend buying your bus tickets on Easybook or 12go.asia to get the best price.
- When looking for places to stay in Malaysia, I recommend booking.com or Agoda for the most extensive list of hotels.
- Always book your attraction tickets and tours on Klook to get discounted rates.
How to spend 2 weeks in Malaysia?
DAY 1-3: KUALA LUMPUR
The first stop of your Malaysia itinerary for 2 weeks begins in Kuala Lumpur as this is where most international flights will land.
Often overlooked for cities like Singapore or Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur still deserves to be explored for its multicultural diversity, delicious food, and affordable shopping.
Be sure to read my Kuala Lumpur 2 day itinerary for the best things to do in 2 days or more.
How to get to Kuala Lumpur?
From the airport, take the train – KLIA Ekspress or KLIA Transit. Both cost RM 55 for adults and RM 25 for children and you’ll be dropped off at KL Sentral (Get a discount by booking your train ticket here).
If you’re on a budget, you can instead take the bus from the airport to KL Sentral for about RM 15. You can then take the MRT or Grab taxi from KL Sentral to your hotel.
If you’re traveling with a group, it might be more cost-effective to book a private airport transfer.
Things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Petronas Twin Towers
No 2 week Malaysia itinerary would be complete without seeing the iconic Petronas Twin Towers.
You can admire the towers for free from the outside but if you want to go up, I highly recommend buying your tickets at least a week in advance as they sell out fast (click here to buy tickets to Petronas Towers).
In the evening, you can watch the free lake symphony light and sound water show from KLCC Park found behind the Twin Towers.
Another attraction nearby is Aquaria KLCC, one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia.
Bukit Bintang
Want to shop till you drop? Then head out to Bukit Bintang where you’ll find some of the best shopping malls for any budget.
If you want to feast on some delicious Malaysian food, Hu Tong Lot 10 and Jalan Alor Night Market are where you should be headed.
You’ll also find lots of quirky and colorful street art in this neighborhood, so be sure to check them out.
Read my guide to the best things to do in Bukit Bintang here.
Chinatown and Little India
One of the best things to do during your Malaysia 2 week itinerary is to explore the local neighborhoods like Little India and Chinatown where Chinese temples, Mosques, and Hindu temples sit just a few steps from each other.
Don’t miss Petaling Street and Central Market for shopping and Kwai Chai Hong for some fun street art.
Read my guide to the best things to do in Chinatown KL here.
Batu Caves
Conquering the steps of the Batu Caves (while dodging monkeys) is another must-do in KL! The Batu Caves is a series of limestone caves housing a collection of Hindu temples and shrines.
You can get there by Grab taxi or train but it’s more convenient to book a guided tour as transportation will be sorted out for you, plus you’ll be accompanied by a local guide who will tell you about the history of the temple.
Entry to the main cave/temple is free but both the Ramayana Cave and Cave Villa require a small fee.
KL Tower
For unobstructed views of the skyline, make sure to visit the KL Tower. The building has two observation decks – one indoor at 276 meters and another at 300 meters where you can get a 360-degree view of KL.
The best time to visit is during sunset when the whole city starts to light up.
I recommend booking your tickets in advance on Klook by clicking here to get a discount.
Explore the nature parks
For those craving some greenery, be sure to visit the KL Forest Eco Park where you can walk along a canopy bridge in the middle of a rainforest. Entrance costs RM 40 (USD 8.55) for tourists or RM 10 for Malaysians.
If you’re on a budget, you can instead visit Perdana Botanical Garden which is free. The main attraction here is the yellow tree-like structure which is one of the best photo spots in KL. Plus, it has a nice view of the lake with the skyline in the backdrop.
Also near the botanical garden are the bird and butterfly parks, both of which are great places to visit for families with children.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur?
Luxury: Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur offers spacious rooms with stunning city views overlooking either the Petronas Towers or KL Tower. The city’s main attractions are within walking distance or a short train ride away. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
Mid-range: Located in Bukit Bintang, Ansa Hotel is ideal for couples or families who want to be close to everything – the metro station, restaurants and shopping malls are just a few steps away. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
Budget: Also located in Bukit Bintang, Gold 3 Boutique Hotel features affordable rooms with a private bathroom. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN KL
Tip: If you want to stay at a hotel with an infinity pool, make sure to read this KL hotels with infinity pool guide.
DAY 4-5: MELAKA
From cobblestone streets to historical buildings and huge murals serving as colorful photo backdrops and without forgetting the mouth-watering food, Melaka (also spelled as Malacca) is a must-visit on any Malaysia 2 week itinerary.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, Melaka is full of history and this can be seen through the architecture all over town.
1 or 2 days in Melaka is ideal but if you’re short on time, I recommend taking this Melaka day tour from KL which includes hotel transfers, lunch, and a tour guide.
For the best things to do, be sure to read my 1 day Melaka itinerary.
How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka?
The journey from KL to Melaka takes about 2-2.5 hours and tickets cost about RM 10. I recommend reading my step-by-step guide to taking the bus from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka for more details.
BOOK TRANSPORT FROM KL TO MELAKA HERE
Things to do in Melaka
Dutch Square
On day 4 of your Malaysia travel itinerary, take a stroll around the Dutch Square, in other words, the heart of Melaka.
This is where you’ll find the Christ Church, St Paul’s Church, A’Famosa Fort, and Stadthuys.
While you’re there, check out the Maritime and Naval Museum to learn about the history of Melaka when it was still under the ruling of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
Hunt for Street Art
Wander around the canals on foot to hunt for colorful street art or simply take a river cruise if you don’t want to walk.
Read my Melaka street art guide here.
Jonker Street Night Market
If you’re visiting on a weekend (between Friday and Sunday), be sure to check out Jonker Street Night Market to indulge in cheap and yummy street food.
Read my Jonker Street Night Market guide here.
Menara Taming Sari Tower
For a 360-degree view of the whole city, check out the revolving Menara Taming Sari. Tickets cost RM 23 for adults or RM 15 for children (tourist price) and RM 17 for adults or RM 11 for children (Malaysian price).
You can buy your tickets at a discounted rate on Klook by clicking here.
Melaka Straits Mosque
For the best sunset views, be sure to add the Melaka Straits Mosque to your 2 week Malaysia itinerary. It’s found a bit outside the city center but you can easily get there by Grab taxi.
Other things to do in Melaka include visiting The Shore Sky Tower for great views of the city and Skytrex Adventure.
Where to stay in Melaka?
Mid-range: Hotel Arissa features clean and modern rooms that can sleep up to three people. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
Budget: Thian Siong Inn is conveniently located about a 5/10-minute walk from Jonker Street and the Dutch Square. It features private rooms with air-con and shared bathrooms. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN MELAKA
DAY 6-7: IPOH
On day 6 of your 2 week Malaysia itinerary, make your way to Ipoh. Dubbed the underrated version of Penang, Ipoh is a small, sleepy town located in the state of Perak.
I’ve written a guide about 14+ fun things to do in Ipoh, so be sure to read it if you need some ideas for your trip.
How to get from Melaka to Ipoh?
The bus journey from Melaka to Ipoh takes about 5-6 hours and tickets cost about RM 30 (USD 6.40) or more depending on the bus company.
You’ll be dropped off at Ipoh Amanjaya bus station, about 20 minutes from the center. From there, you can take a Grab to your hotel.
BOOK TRANSPORT FROM MELAKA TO IPOH HERE
Things to do in Ipoh
Check out the Street Art
The streets of Ipoh are lined with almost run-down buildings but the colorful street art has helped a lot to revive the town.
Ernest Zacharevic along with local artists have painted the buildings with colorful and interactive street art, showcasing the history and cultural diversity of Ipoh.
Most of the street art can be found along Mural Art’s Lane and Concubine Lane.
Sample the Ipoh White Coffee and Egg Tarts
For those lacking the energy to hunt for street art, you can instead sip on the famous Ipoh white coffee and bite into delicious egg tarts.
Nam Heong White Coffee or Kedai Kopi Sin Yoon Loong are two of the most popular coffee shops where you can try white coffee.
Concubine Lane and Kong Heng Square
If you fancy doing some souvenir shopping, make your way to Concubine Lane and Kong Heng Square. I recommend going during the weekend when the atmosphere is more lively.
Cave Temples
For some stunning views, explore the many cave temples that make the pride of Ipoh. A few of them include Perak Tong, Sam Poh Tong, and Kek Lok Tong.
Hire a Grab taxi to take you there as they are located outside the Old Town.
For more fun activities in Ipoh, check out the Sunway Lost World of Tambun waterpark or go on a jungle trekking tour.
Where to stay in Ipoh?
Mid-range: Sarang Paloh Heritage Stay is located right in the middle of the Old Town, so within walking distance of the main tourist attractions. They offer double, twin, or family rooms that can accommodate up to 4 people. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
Budget: Grayhaus Soho Ipoh has single and double rooms with private bathrooms at a very affordable price, including free breakfast and water. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN IPOH
DAY 8-10: GEORGETOWN, PENANG
The next stop of your Malaysia itinerary for 2 weeks is Georgetown, the capital of Penang, famous for its street art and delicious food.
Be sure to read my guide to spending 3 days in Penang for a list of the best things to do.
How to get from Ipoh to Penang?
The bus from Ipoh to Penang takes about 2 hours and costs about RM 15 (USD 3.20) or more depending on the bus company.
I recommend choosing Sungai Nibong as your drop-off location as it’s located only about 20 minutes from Georgetown. From there, you can take a Grab to get to your hotel.
If you choose Penang Sentral (Butterworth) as the drop-off location, you’ll have to take a ferry to Georgetown. Note that the ferry isn’t operational 24/7.
BOOK TRANSPORT FROM IPOH TO PENANG HERE
Things to do in Penang
Hunt for Street Art
Rise and shine early before the crowds roll in and take a walk around Georgetown to see all the cool and interactive street art.
Most of them can be found along Lebuh Armenia, Lebuh Ah Quee, and Lebuh Cannon as well as at Hin Bus Depot.
The good news is that you can find their exact location on Google Maps, so simply pin the location and DIY your own Penang street art itinerary.
Tour the Historical Buildings
The well-preserved historical buildings and cultural diversity earned Georgetown a spot on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Make sure you visit some of the most famous ones such as Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion (Blue Mansion) and Pinang Peranakan Mansion.
Penang Hill and The Habitat
While there’s lots to see in Georgetown itself, I also recommend venturing out of the town center to Penang Hill and The Habitat. You can take the funicular or hike to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Due to the huge popularity of both Penang Hill and The Habitat, I highly recommend visiting before 10 a.m and booking your tickets in advance.
You can buy your ticket at a discounted rate on Klook by clicking here.
Sample street food
You can’t travel to the food capital of Malaysia without bringing your appetite. Tasting the street food in Penang was the highlight of my 2 weeks in Malaysia!
From Nasi Kandar to Wan Tan Mee and Cendol, you will be served the best food on every corner of the streets, my personal favorite being Chulia Street.
Kek Lok Si
Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia. The architectural masterpiece not only features thousands of Buddha statues but also boasts incredible views.
Other attractions you shouldn’t miss in Penang include the Clan Jetties, Batu Ferringhi Beach, and Penang National Park.
Where to stay in Penang?
Luxury: Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze) is perfect for those who want to stay in a traditional Peranakan home. Trust me, you’ll definitely be blown away by the architecture and decor. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
Mid-range: If you’re looking for something slightly cheaper, take a look at East Indies Mansion. Rooms are spacious and clean and have a private bathroom. They also have family rooms/suites that can accommodate up to 8 people. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
Budget: Carnarvon House is located within a 5-minute walk from Chulia Street Night Market, so perfect for foodies on a budget. The cheapest rooms don’t have windows but are air-conditioned. Just note that the rooms with windows and private bathrooms cost slightly more but are still affordable. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN PENANG
DAY 11-14: LANGKAWI
Why not save the best for last and end your 2 weeks in Malaysia itinerary by the beach? Lying on a white sand beach while sipping cocktails is totally acceptable in Langkawi!
Perfect for a short getaway in Malaysia, Langkawi is famous for its watersport activities such as jet skiing and parasailing which, granted can be a bit expensive, but there are also many free and cheap things to do on the island.
Be sure to read my guide on how to plan a Langkawi itinerary, including the best things to do.
How to get from Penang to Langkawi?
The fastest way to get from Penang to Langkawi is to take the plane. Tickets start from RM 65 (USD 14) without checked luggage.
BOOK A FLIGHT FROM PENANG TO LANGKAWI HERE
Things to do in Langkawi
Langkawi Cable Car and Skybridge
One of the best things to do is taking a ride on the cable car and walking across the Langkawi Skybridge, the world’s tallest suspension bridge floating at 660 meters above sea level.
The view from up there is absolutely breathtaking and you might even spot some of the Thai islands on a clear day!
As the most popular attraction in Langkawi, I highly recommend booking your tickets in advance and also avoid visiting during the weekends as it will be more crowded.
You can buy your ticket at a discounted rate on Klook by clicking here.
Seven Wells Waterfall
Another great place to visit during your Malaysia 2 week itinerary is the Seven Wells Waterfall.
There’s a small pool at the bottom where you can swim or you can walk up the stairs to the top section where you’ll find several small pools and a suspended bridge.
For more details, read my guide on how to visit the Seven Wells Waterfall in Langkawi
Check out the beaches
Langkawi boasts many beautiful beaches but the most popular one is Pantai Cenang on the southwest coast. Other beaches include Pantai Tengah, Pantai Kok and Tanjun Rhu.
Sample food at the night market
If you want to taste the best food in Langkawi, just follow the locals to the daily night markets which take place in several parts of the island.
Other attractions in Langkawi include Kilim Geoforest Park and Skytrex Langkawi.
Where to stay in Langkawi?
Mid-range: Berjaya Resort features both treehouses and overwater bungalows. The resort is bordered by the rainforest and has an incredible ocean view. The location is great – only about 850 meters from the Langkawi Cable Car and Skybridge. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
Budget: Chenang Inn is located less than a 5-minute walk from Cenang Beach. They have clean and spacious rooms with private balconies. Check price on booking.com or Agoda
CLICK HERE FOR MORE HOTELS IN LANGKAWI
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end. Head back to Kuala Lumpur to catch your flight home but, if you didn’t get enough of the beaches, you can take a ferry to the neighboring Koh Lipe Island in Thailand which is located only 1.5 hours from Langkawi.
More time in Malaysia?
If you’re spending more than 2 weeks in Malaysia, you can make a stop at Cameron Highlands which is famous for its hiking trails and tea plantations.
The Putra Mosque (Pink Mosque) in Putrajaya is found only 40 minutes from Kuala Lumpur and is an amazing place to visit if you want to learn about the Islamic culture.
If you have an extra week in Malaysia, fly out to Borneo to explore Bako National Park, hike Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, and spot the various wildlife species, including the orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
Related post: Where to go in Malaysia for a short trip?
Travel Budget for 2 weeks in Malaysia
It’s very easy to save money when traveling around Malaysia. Below is an estimated Malaysia travel budget breakdown, including all costs you might incur when traveling to Malaysia for 2 weeks.
Keep in mind that this budget is catered to solo travelers (like me) who enjoy a minimum of comfort while sticking to a low budget but at the same time don’t mind splurging every now and then.
Another thing to consider is that you might be spending more money on attractions and hotels in Kuala Lumpur but you will be spending much less in other cities like Ipoh or Penang. So, the daily budget only represents an average of the total cost.
Accommodation
There are many options when booking hotels in Malaysia. I mostly use booking.com since I’ve noticed that prices are slightly cheaper.
Some hotels will allow you to book without a credit card and even offer free cancelation. If you booked at least two times, you’ll be able to benefit from a 10% genius discount!
I’ve also used Agoda when hotels were not available on booking.com.
Also, keep in mind that you have to pay a tourist tax of RM 10 (USD 2.15) for every night’s stay.
Estimated budget for hotels in Malaysia: RM 120 (US$ 25) per night or RM 1560 (USD 325) total for 13 nights.
Attractions
The good news is that most attractions in Malaysia are free! Some of them include Thean Hou Temple and Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur, Christ Church, St Paul’s Church, A’Famosa Fort in Melaka, cave temples in Ipoh, and Kek Lok Si temple in Penang (although you have to pay a small fee to access the Pagoda).
For example, if you can’t afford to visit the Petronas Twin Towers, you can still enjoy the view from the outside (they are even more spectacular when they light up at night)!
To save money on attractions in Malaysia, I recommend buying your tickets on Klook.
If you plan on visiting most attractions mentioned in this 2 week Malaysia itinerary, budget about RM 400 (USD 85) total.
Transportation
Buses are the best and cheapest means of transportation in Malaysia. If you book in advance on Easybook or 12go.asia you’re sure to score the cheapest price!
When traveling around Kuala Lumpur, take advantage of the free Go KL City bus. They are easily recognizable by their purple color and go around all the popular attractions. You can get more info about the different routes and operating hours here.
In Penang, there is the free CAT shuttle bus that takes you to the main attractions around Georgetown.
Alternatively, you can travel around Malaysia by train. If you’re traveling from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), take the KLIA Ekspres for RM 55 for adults or RM 25 for children to KL Sentral (Get a discount by booking your train ticket here)
Another option is to use the Asian version of Uber which is called Grab. Prices start from RM 10 (USD 2.10) per trip.
Estimated budget for transportation: RM 40 (US$ 8) per day or RM 560 (USD 112) total.
Food
To save money, I recommend eating at the night markets. Expect to pay about RM 2 (USD 0.40) for snacks such as Apong (Malaysian pancake), Samosas, and Satays and RM 8 (USD 1.70) for Nasi Candar and Nasi Lemak.
You can also get a delicious meal for about RM 10 (USD 2.15) at the food courts in most shopping malls.
Estimated daily budget for food and drinks: RM 40 (US$ 8) per day or RM 560 (USD 112) total.
Tourist Sim Card
Most hotels have free Wi-Fi but if you need to stay connected 24/7 during your 2 week Malaysia itinerary, you can buy a tourist sim card on Klook for only USD 7 for 7 days of data or USD 12 for 30 days of data on Klook.
You can then pick up the sim card at the airport in Kuala Lumpur.
Overall estimated budget for 2 weeks in Malaysia: RM 214 (USD 46) per day or RM 3,000 (USD 650) total.
How to travel around Malaysia?
Budget airlines such as Air Asia are great for traveling between different Malaysian cities. Alternatively, if you’re on a tight budget, you can book train and bus tickets on Easybook or 12go.asia.
Grab is much cheaper compared to taxis and very convenient when getting around Malaysia.
Best time to visit Malaysia
Malaysia is a tropical destination with hot and humid weather year-round.
The wet season in West Malaysia (Peninsular) is between April and October while November to February is the dry season.
I visited Malaysia several times in January, February, March, and November and experienced rain showers mostly during the evenings, but they generally lasted about one hour only.
There you go! The complete guide to spending 14 days in Malaysia on a budget! If you want to add Singapore to your itinerary as well, you can check out my Singapore and Malaysia itinerary guide.
Let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading this Malaysia itinerary and which cities you’re more excited to explore!
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2 comments
What are the entry requirements needed for Malaysia. During the covid pandemic a lot of countries have set up different entry requirement
Hello Chai,
Right now you can only travel to Langkawi without quarantine through the International Travel Bubble. You will need to undergo a PCR test and purchase a travel package. I recommend checking this website for more details. Only a certain category of people are allowed to enter other parts of Malaysia provided they undergo a PCR test and quarantine for 7 days (if they are vaccinated). More details can be found here.