Backpacking in Malaysia: A Varied 3-Week Travel Itinerary

24/04/2024 Yuksel 0

Are you planning a tour through Malaysia or want to go backpacking there? Pristine white beaches, jungles, culture, tea plantations, friendly people, and delicious food… Malaysia has it all. Whether you want to hike in the Cameron Highlands, are a street art enthusiast, or fancy a few lazy days on a beautiful white beach, we are happy to provide you with tips for a varied 3-week tour through Malaysia.

Itinerary:

Kuala Lumpur
Taman Negara
Cameron Highlands
Penang
Langkawi

Travel Duration: 14 days / 13 nights

Travel Period:

All year round

Travel Cost: From €1,370 per person (based on 2 people)

Included:

Night tour and trekking with a guide in Taman Negara
Nature and tea factory excursion in Cameron Highlands

Flights: Optional add-on from €1,000 per person

You will discover the best of West Malaysia in this diverse two-week trip. The journey begins in Kuala Lumpur. Here you can see the iconic Twin Towers, taste the delicious food for the first time, and stroll through the markets. Then you travel to Taman Negara, the largest and oldest rainforest in the country. In the rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands, you can see how tea is made and, of course, taste the best teas yourself. During a visit to the trendy Penang, you will soak up culture and view the creative street art. You will end your trip on the paradise island of Langkawi, where you can relax on a white beach and finally have time to finish that one book. This trip is perfect to take all year round.

Day 1 & 2 – Welcome to Kuala Lumpur

After a long flight, you have finally arrived: you are in Malaysia! You start your 2-week journey in the bustling Kuala Lumpur, the capital and a perfect mix of the hyper-modern West and chaotic Asia. Stately skyscrapers and gigantic shopping malls greet you as you stroll through typical Asian streets full of lanterns and food stalls; let your taste buds run wild! You will stay in a nice hotel with a pool in the center of Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival at the hotel, you will meet our local partner to review the route together. Let the adventure begin!

Day 3 – World City Kuala Lumpur

Today you have the entire day to explore the world city of Kuala Lumpur. Check out the view from the famous Twin Towers, learn to cook the most delicious dishes yourself, or hop on a bike with a guide and discover the city from a different perspective. This way, you not only see the highlights that Kuala Lumpur has to offer, but the guide will also show you the lesser-known places. You will learn more about the lives of the locals and go off the beaten path. If you would like to book one of these excursions, let us know and we will plan it for you.

Day 4 – Taman Negara’s Jungle Path

Travel time: approximately 4 hours
You leave the city behind and travel further to Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest and most famous jungle. During a boat trip along the shores, you will quickly realize that you have entered a completely different world: exotic birds fly around you and you hear the sounds of monkeys. After dinner, you will go out with a guide to see how lively the jungle is even in the dark. You will sleep in a wooden chalet in the jungle, waking up to the sounds of nature around you.

Day 5 – Trekking Taman Negara

You will likely wake up early to the sounds of the jungle. After breakfast, the guide will take you further into the jungle, hiking to Teresek Hill, where you will have a fantastic view over the jungle. With a bit of luck, you will come face to face with different monkeys and see plants that you wouldn’t have noticed otherwise. A special jungle adventure!

Walking through the jungle is a great way to explore the area, but if you want a different perspective, we can arrange a boat trip on the river through the dense rainforest for you. Bring your swimwear because you can dive into the water at the waterfalls.

Day 6 – Green Hills in the Cameron Highlands

Travel time: approximately 7.5 hours
Rows of tea fields and rolling hills at an altitude of about two thousand meters. Welcome to Cameron Highlands, where you step into the world of tea. In the midst of the endless tea fields and misty hills of the Cameron Highlands, you will find your accommodation for the next few nights on a hill near the village of Tanah Rata. Your hotel exudes a cozy colonial atmosphere from every corner. After checking in, you can walk to the center in about 30 minutes to explore it on your own. There are many nice souvenir shops to browse, and in the evening, there are plenty of options for a delicious meal in town.

Day 7 – Tea Fields in the Cameron Highlands

In addition to providing beautiful photos, it is also interesting to take a look at the process behind the tea fields. After breakfast, an enthusiastic guide will be ready to take you on a half-day tour. During a tea tour, you will walk among the machines and learn e

verything about the production process and colonial history. Then it’s time to stretch your legs as the guide takes you to the Mossy Forest. The jungle at this altitude is different from, for example, Taman Negara and sometimes it even seems like you are in the movie Avatar.

Real adrenaline enthusiasts can go rafting on the wild river near the Cameron Highlands. You will tackle rapids while the fast-flowing water pushes you forward with great force. On the calm stretches, you will have all the time to enjoy the surroundings. We would be happy to plan this excursion and an extra night for you.

Day 8 & 9 – Cultural Penang

Travel time: approximately 3.5 hours
The next stop on your Malaysia trip is the island of Penang, full of mystical temples. While some travelers think of Penang’s beaches, we think of its unique colonial buildings and temples with a mix of Chinese, Indian, and Islamic influences. Walk through the old streets of Georgetown full of 3D graffiti and stop occasionally for a typical street food snack. If you want to be a bit more active, plan a bike tour or join a local for a tasty cooking workshop. Ask a Malaysian about Penang, and they will only think of food. Enjoy your meal!

Day 10 – Laid-back Langkawi

Travel time: approximately 3 hours
Today you say goodbye to Penang. After breakfast, you will continue your journey by ferry to the island of Langkawi. Langkawi is the perfect ending to your tour through Malaysia. With long beaches, dense jungle, and cascading waterfalls, you will never be bored here. End this day with a delicious cocktail on the beach and enjoy the sunset.

Day 11 & 12 – Last Days in Langkawi

Discover hidden bays, enjoy local dishes, and sip on a tropical cocktail at the end of the day. For the best view of the island, you can take the cable car up Mount Machincang. Here you can walk between the mountain peaks at an altitude of 700 meters. If you like to be active, go kayaking through the mangroves or cycling through the interior and meet the friendly island residents. If you want to do any of these excursions, let us know.

Day 13 & 14 – Departure from Langkawi to Home

Your 3-week adventure through Malaysia has come to an end, but the memories you’ve created will last a lifetime. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tranquil jungles of Taman Negara, the rolling hills of the Cameron Highlands, the cultural richness of Penang, and the laid-back vibe of Langkawi, each destination has left its mark on you.

As you depart from Langkawi and head back home, take a moment to reflect on the experiences you’ve had, the people you’ve met, and the beauty you’ve witnessed. Cherish these memories and let them inspire your future travels.

Thank you for choosing to explore Malaysia with us. We hope you’ve had an unforgettable journey and look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in the future. Safe travels!