Where to go in Malaysia

Malaysia splits into four regions: Kuala Lumpur and the west coast (Genting Highlands, Malacca, Cameron Highlands), the north (Penang, Langkawi, Ipoh), the east-coast islands (Perhentian, Tioman) and Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). Most first trips pair Kuala Lumpur with Penang or Langkawi; Borneo needs at least a week of its own.

Kuala Lumpur & west coast · Kuala Lumpur, Genting Highlands, Malacca, Cameron Highlands

• Cameron Highlands: Tea estates, mossy cloud forest and cool air (2–3 nights)
• Genting Highlands: Cool hill resort with a cable car, temple and theme park (Day trip or 1 night)
• Kuala Lumpur: Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, food streets and malls (2–4 nights)
• Malacca: Colonial core, Nyonya food and the Jonker Street night market (2–3 nights)

Penang, Langkawi & the north · Penang, Langkawi, Ipoh

• Langkawi: Duty-free island of beaches, mangroves and the Sky Bridge (3–5 nights)
• Penang: George Town heritage, street art and hawker food (2–4 nights)
• Ipoh: Old Town kopitiams, murals and limestone cave temples (1–2 nights)

East coast islands · Perhentian Islands, Tioman

• Tioman Island: Jungle-covered duty-free island with reefs and quiet bays (2–4 nights)
• Perhentian Islands: Car-free islands with reefs, turtles and cheap diving (2–4 nights)

Malaysian Borneo · Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park, Sandakan, Kuching

• Kuching: Riverside Sarawak capital with orangutans, Bako and longhouses (2–4 nights)
• Kota Kinabalu: Sabah's capital: island hopping, seafood and the gateway to Kinabalu (2–4 nights)
• Kinabalu Park & Kundasang: Mount Kinabalu, cloud-forest trails and highland farms (2–3 nights)
• Sandakan & Sepilok: Orangutans, sun bears and the Kinabatangan River (2–4 nights)