Last Updated: January 3, 2024
Malaysia is an amazing and diverse country and in order to experience most of the things that it has to offer, one week in Malaysia is certainly not enough. It is, however, enough to see a few of the most remarkable attractions and experience some of the top things to do in Malaysia. All you’ll need is good planning and we have compiled the perfect guide on “How to Spend One Week in Malaysia” for you.
Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, religions, and ethnicities, with Malays, Chinese, and Indians making up the bulk of its population. The country is known for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and delicious food. It has a tropical climate and offers a variety of activities for tourists, from nature escapes to shopping and nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or a thrilling adventure, Malaysia has something for everyone.
Without further ado, here is the ultimate guide on How to Spend One Week in Malaysia.
HOW TO SPEND ONE WEEK IN MALAYSIA
HOW TO GET TO MALAYSIA
Malaysia is easily accessible by air, land, and sea. The easiest way to get to Malaysia is via a direct flight to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Alternatively, you can land either at Langkawi or Penang International Airport. There are also international ferry services to some of the larger cities and islands in Malaysia. Finally, there’s also the option to enter the country overland by bus or train from Singapore and Thailand.
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ONE WEEK IN MALAYSIA: DAYS 1 & 2 – EXPLORE KUALA LUMPUR
Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant and exciting city with many things to see and do. If you have two days to explore, here are some of the best activities to make the most of your time.
DAY ONE
Start your day off with breakfast at one of the many restaurants in the city and explore downtown on foot. Your first stop should be the city’s iconic landmarks; the Petronas Towers and the KL Tower. Afterward, visit one of the markets to get a feel for the city, or take a walk through Chinatown and sit at Merchant’s Lane for a yummy lunch. Be sure to try the Nasi Lemak Pancake, it’s their specialty! In the evening, check out the nightlife in the Bukit Bintang area.
DAY TWO
Spend the morning at the Batu Caves, a popular Hindu temple and shrine. The colorful stairs make for Instagram-worthy pictures! Be forewarned, however, that this beautiful attraction is usually packed with people. You can try your luck and visit it first thing in the morning but that’s no guarantee for lesser crowds. Afterward, take a cable car ride to the top of the Genting Highlands to take in the stunning views of the city. In the afternoon, head to Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, where you can observe over 3000 birds in their natural habitat. The Park opens daily from 9 am to 6 pm and the standard adult ticket is MYR75.00.
End your day with drinks at one of the many rooftop bars for a great view of the city. We recommend Heli Lounge Bar for its unobstructed walls or windows and panoramic views!
HERE ARE THE 10 BEST THINGS TO DO IN KUALA LUMPUR:
1. Petronas Twin Towers: The iconic landmark of Kuala Lumpur, standing 88 stories high, the Petronas Twin Towers are the tallest twin towers in the world. Take the lift to the Skybridge on the 41st and 42nd floors for spectacular views of the city.
2. Batu Caves: An impressive Hindu temple complex with a 272-step staircase leading up to a large golden statue of Lord Murugan. This is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kuala Lumpur.
3. Menara Kuala Lumpur: Take a lift up to the viewing deck of Menara Kuala Lumpur, the highest telecommunications tower in Southeast Asia. Enjoy a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the city from the observation deck.
4. Chinatown: Visit Chinatown to explore the vibrant street markets and sample some delicious local street food. Merchant’s Lane and Bubble Bee Cafe were our favorite spots for brunch and breakfast respectively.
5. Merdeka Square: The historical heart of Kuala Lumpur and the venue of Malaysia’s independence proclamation in 1957. Visit the National Monument, the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, and the Royal Selangor Club.
6. Aquaria KLCC: Visit the world’s largest aquarium with over 5,000 different aquatic and land-based creatures. Explore the underwater tunnel, touch pools, and the pirate ship playground.
7. Central Market: The city’s oldest shopping mall, with over 400 stalls selling a variety of local products, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
8. The River of Life: The River of Life in Kuala Lumpur is a public revitalization project aimed at transforming the polluted and neglected banks of the Klang River into a vibrant, urban waterfront destination. The project includes the restoration of the riverbank, the creation of pedestrian bridges and the development of public parks and plazas.
9. National Mosque of Malaysia: Visit one of the most beautiful mosques in the country, featuring an impressive 73-meter-high minaret.
10. Jalan Alor: Visit the famous street food market and sample some delicious local cuisine.
ONE WEEK IN MALAYSIA: DAY 3 – GO ON A DAY TRIP TO MALACCA
Malacca is a beautiful city in the southern part of Malaysia, approximately 2 hours away from Kuala Lumpur. It is one of the oldest cities in the country and is home to a variety of fascinating cultural attractions, such as historical architecture, museums, and temples, as well as local markets and mouth-watering street food. Melaka is an unforgettable destination that offers something for everyone, so don’t hesitate to include it in your “One Week in Malaysia” itinerary.
HERE IS WHAT TO NOT MISS IN MALACCA DURING YOUR VISIT:
- Christ Church – This Dutch Reformed Church was built in 1753 and is a major landmark of Malacca.
- Jonker Street – A popular night market street in Chinatown. Jonker Street is a great place to explore the local culture and sample the local cuisine.
- A’Famosa Fort – Built by the Portuguese in 1511 and later expanded by the Dutch, this fort is a major tourist attraction in Malacca.
- St. Paul’s Church – Located at the top of St. Paul’s Hill, this 17th-century church is the oldest surviving European church in Southeast Asia.
- Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum – The museum showcases the unique culture of the Peranakans, descendants of early Chinese immigrants who settled in the Malacca Straits.
- Cheng Hoon Teng Temple – This temple is the oldest functioning Chinese temple in Malaysia and is a great place to learn about Chinese culture.
- Malacca Sultanate Palace – This replica of the 15th-century Malacca Sultan’s palace is a great place to learn about Malacca’s history.
- Malacca River Cruise – Take a relaxing boat ride down the Malacca River or walk along the river and enjoy the beautiful murals. This is also a fantastic place to have a drink in the evening when all the bars open their doors.
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ONE WEEK IN MALAYSIA: DAY 4 – 6 – ENJOY A BEACH GETAWAY IN LANGKAWI
Langkawi is an archipelago of 99 islands. It is located off the northwest coast of mainland Malaysia, reachable by boat or plane. This tropical paradise is renowned for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, lush rainforests, and stunning mountain views. If you’re looking for a getaway to a tropical paradise, then you must include Langkawi in your “One Week in Malaysia” itinerary.
Tourists flock to Langkawi to enjoy the variety of activities on offer, such as swimming, snorkeling, diving, and sailing. The island is also home to many attractions, including Mount Mat Cincang, a wildlife park, and the Langkawi Sky Bridge for stunning views. To top that up, Langkawi is also known for its duty-free shopping, with a wide selection of items from international brands at discounted prices! With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural attractions, Langkawi is a must-visit destination. That’s why we believe it rightfully deserves a place in our guide to “how to spend one week in Malaysia”.
BEST THINGS TO DO IN LANGKAWI
We’d highly recommend that you spend at least 3 days in Langkawi as this island has a bunch of awesome things to do! Below, we have compiled a list of the 5 best things to do in Langkawi.
- Visit the Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge: The cable car takes you up to the top of Gunung Mat Chinchang, the highest point on the island to discover the magnificent views of the Langkawi archipelago.
- Explore the Island Hopping Tours: Discover the hidden gems of Langkawi, from the pristine beaches and coral reefs of Pulau Payar to the mangrove swamps of Pulau Beras Basah.
- Take a Trip to Mount Santubong: The mountain is known for its lush rainforest and many waterfalls. It is one of the most popular spots for hiking and camping. This is undeniably one of Langkawi’s most beautiful natural attractions.
- Explore the Night Markets: The night market of Kuah Town is a great place to pick up souvenirs, local crafts, and delicious snacks.
- Visit the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the most unique limestone formations in the world. Take a boat tour to explore the spectacular landscape.
As mentioned above, Langkawi is known for its pristine beaches. If you’re a beach bum like us, then you’ll most likely end up spending most of your time enjoying one of its many awesome beaches.
WHERE TO STAY IN LANGKAWI
We like to spoil ourselves from time to time when we travel. This time we chose The Danna Langkawi as our home away from home. We only stayed 3 days but we made such great memories, we promised we’d be back.
The Danna Langkawi is a luxury five-star hotel between the lush green tropical rainforest and the crystal clear waters of the Andaman Sea. The hotel offers a variety of amenities including a full-service spa, two restaurants, a beautiful large pool, and last but not least, a private beach!
The staff at The Danna Langkawi was extremely friendly and made sure that our stay was pleasant and stress-free. If you follow our advice and stay at this gorgeous hotel, make sure to book one of their beach villas. The rooms are spacious and have all the amenities one would expect from a luxury hotel, including flat-screen TVs in the bedroom and living room. It also offers free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges with drinks which are replaced daily, and a gorgeous bathroom. What’s best about the beach villas, is that you have your private pool and private entrance to the beach.
The Danna Langkawi is a great choice for anyone looking to experience the beauty and tranquility of Langkawi.
ONE WEEK IN MALAYSIA: DAY 7 – BACK TO KL
Like all good things, your one week in Malaysia has to come to an end eventually. Use your last day in Kuala Lumpur to relax before your flight. This will be your opportunity to buy any last minute shopping for souvenirs. We used this time to indulge one last time in their exceptional cuisine before heading back home.
We hope that our comprehensive guide on “How to Spend one Week in Malaysia” will help you plan your dream holiday. Feel free to share with us your experience!
