Kuala Lumpur & Malacca short break · 5 days

5 days, 4 nights: Kuala Lumpur (2N), Malacca (2N). Best time to go: Works year-round; Jonker Street market Fri–Sun.

Day 1: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

KL Tower (Menara KL) observation deck & Sky Deck · 1.5 h. Go about an hour before sunset; the open-air Sky Deck and Sky Box cost extra and close in rain.
Thean Hou Temple · 1 h. On a hill south of the centre; take Grab. Lanterns are lit around Chinese New Year.

Local tip: Go about an hour before sunset; the open-air Sky Deck and Sky Box cost extra and close in rain.

Kuala Lumpur

Petronas Twin Towers skybridge & observation deck · 1.5 h. Timed tickets sell out on weekends; book online a few days ahead. Closed on Mondays.
Batu Caves temple and the 272 steps · 2.5 h. KTM Komuter from KL Sentral runs to the gate. Cover knees and shoulders (sarongs for hire), go before 9am, and keep food away from the macaques.
Bukit Bintang & Jalan Alor food street · 2.5 h. Stalls get going after 6pm; check prices on seafood before ordering.
KL Forest Eco Park canopy walk · 1.5 h. Rainforest at the foot of KL Tower; go early before the heat and carry water.

Local tip: Timed tickets sell out on weekends; book online a few days ahead. Closed on Mondays.

Malacca · Kuala Lumpur to Malacca, Bus from TBS or car ~2–2.5h

Christ Church, Dutch Square & the Stadthuys · 2 h. Go early before the heat and tour buses; the square itself is free and the museums charge a small fee.
A Famosa gate & St Paul's Hill · 1.5 h
Melaka River cruise · 1 h. About 45 minutes; after dark the riverside murals and lights are best.

Local tip: Go early before the heat and tour buses; the square itself is free and the museums charge a small fee.

Malacca

Jonker Street night market · 2.5 h. The night market runs Friday to Sunday evenings only; weekdays are much quieter.
Cheng Hoon Teng Temple & Harmony Street · 1 h. A temple, a mosque and a Hindu temple stand within one block on Jalan Tukang Emas.
Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum · 1.5 h. Entry is by guided tour at set times; check opening days before you go.
Menara Taming Sari revolving tower · 1 h

Local tip: The night market runs Friday to Sunday evenings only; weekdays are much quieter.

Malacca

Keep a buffer before your flight; check-out is usually noon.

Kuala Lumpur (2 nights): Bukit Bintang. Malls, Jalan Alor food street and the monorail and MRT on foot.
Malacca (2 nights): Melaka River / Kampung Morten. Riverside boutique stays a short walk from Dutch Square.