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Going Places by Malaysia Airlines

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8 of Malaysia’s best road trips

Words by Going Places

August 2020

9 minute read

With a great network of highways, gorgeous coastal roads and rewarding detours and pitstops, there’s no better way to see the country than on four wheels

With international borders still closed, it’s the ideal time for a great Malaysian road trip – one that begins right at your doorstep. If, however, you aren’t up for quite so much driving and want to start closer to the finish, just take one of Malaysia Airlines’ newly reinstated domestic flights to your starting point, and pick up a rental car from there.

What’s more, if kicking back on a beautiful white-sand beach – as you sip on an icy cold drink and listen to the sound of waves gently lapping against the shore – sounds like your idea of paradise, we have some great news for you. Redoxon has just launched its Travel Immunity Contest , where you stand the chance to win an all-expenses paid 4D3N holiday at Tanjung Rhu Resort  in Langkawi.

The contest runs from 1 September to 31 December 2020, and a total of two families can win the grand prize. All you have to do is post your personal travel immunity story and tips with an accompanying picture; include the caption “I travel with Rexodon because…” and share it on your Facebook or Instagram page. Do remember to set your account to public, include the hashtag #RedoxonTravelImmunity and tag @RedoxonMY.

Wherever you choose to go, we guarantee you’ll be floored by what you see: from dense ancient forests and Unesco Heritage sites, to dreamy coastlines and staggering mountains – not to mention all the amazing food. These eight Malaysian road trips will quench your wanderlust until foreign travel is back on the cards, and make you fall in love with our amazing country all over again.

From the nation’s capital to the food capital of Malaysia

Total distance: 355km

Before leaving KL, stop by the beautiful Istana Negara, Malaysia’s national palace, which commands a prime position overlooking the Klang River. You can’t go inside, but you’re welcome to take photos by the main entrance.

Then make your way to Kuala Selangor, before trundling down quiet back roads along the Strait of Malacca to the town of Sabak. Just before you enter Penang, drive through Taiping, voted third-most sustainable city in the world. Stretch your legs with a hike up Bukit Larut, also known as Maxwell Hill. Standing at 1,250m tall, Bukit Larut is no walk in the park, but the fresh air and lack of crowds make it an ideal day climb.

Hop back on the highway into George Town, where you can make a longer stop to explore the heritage sites and slurp up the street food that Penang’s capital is famous for. Make sure to allow enough time for a stop by Butterworth Bird Park (also known as Penang Bird Park), Malaysia’s first and largest avian-focused park.

Suggested stops along the way include:   The Ascott KL, The Somerset KL, De.Wan KL, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang and Spa, Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya  and  Projek Nasi Lemak. See our full itinerary here

A nature-filled drive that takes you to the Jewel of Kedah

Total distance: 494km

It usually takes less than two hours to reach Ipoh from Petaling Jaya, but to make a trip of it, you could explore Fraser’s Hill along the way, or even make an overnight detour to the Cameron Highlands for some cool mountain air.

To start your drive feeling fresh, stop in Rawang, about 30 minutes from Petaling Jaya on the AH2/E1, for a quick dip in the spectacular Taman Eko Rimba Kanching Waterfalls. There are seven tiers to the waterfall, and each has a pond for swimming.

Drive on another half hour or so and you’ll reach the Selangor Fruit Valley, where you and your family can experience being a farmer for the day and, of course, sample some of the delicious produce.

After a food- and heritage-filled jaunt in Ipoh, make your way farther north to the Kuala Perlis ferry terminal where you can park your car at the port or take it to the island via a car ferry (operated by either Langkawi Auto Express or Langkawi Ro-Ro Ferry Services). Enjoy a mangrove cruise to admire tranquil coastal forests or explore the rice fields around Padang Matsirat on a bike.

Suggested stops along the way include:  Sunway Lagoon, Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya, Citadines DPulze Cyberjaya, Glaze Eatery, Lost World Of Tambun, Angsana Ipoh Mall, Tiga Bar, Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa Langkawi. See our full itinerary here

A  journey marked with key religious sites and royal palaces

Total distance: 367km

Federal Route 3 is one of the most scenic highways not just in Malaysia but in all of Asia. Before you hit the highway, though, pay a visit to Batu Caves, just 20 minutes from central KL. This limestone cave complex houses Hindu temples filled with shrines and mystical dioramas, accessible via 272 rainbow-coloured steps. It’s definitely worth taking a tour to witness some of the fascinating plants and animals that live in the caves.

If you have time for an overnight stop, drive another hour or so up into Genting Highlands. The hotels, shopping malls, theme parks and casinos that make up this sprawling hillside resort guarantee round-the-clock fun. If natural attractions are more your thing, take a hike up Gunung Nuang or pay a visit to Genting Strawberry Leisure Farm to pick (and eat) your own fruit.

From Mersing, the highway joins the coastline, making for some scenic seaside views out the window. At Pekan, which is the royal seat of the Pahang sultanate, you’ll cross the Sultan Abu Bakar Bridge over the Pahang River before continuing on to Kuantan. From there, it’s an hour’s drive to the resort town of Cherating.

Suggested stops along the way include: Element Kuala Lumpur, Hilton Garden Inn Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman South, Miss Ellie Tea House, Ancasa Royale Pekan, Pahang and Holiday Villa Beach Resort & Spa. See our full itinerary here

For a grand Malaysian adventure that takes you up mountains and deep into the sea

Total distance: 120km

Drive over the Penang Bridge and head north to Kuala Perlis. Along the way, stop at Tupah Recreational Forest in Kedah. This lowland forest has a mighty river running through it and is a popular spot to hike, swim and picnic. Adventure-seekers can do an additional detour further south, to the Lojing Highlands, which form the start of the trail up Mount Yong Belar. It’s not an easy climb, even if you’re fit, but the views are worth it.

When you arrive at Kuala Perlis, take your car on the ferry to Langkawi or leave it in a parking lot, which costs about RM10 per day.

When you have had enough time lounging out in one of Langkawi’s many beach bars, head on a hike to Gunung Raya Reserve Forest’s granite peak. Schedule in enough time for birdwatching, kayaking and dives to explore the secret sights of the seabed.

Suggested stops along the way include: Stone Nine, Golden Sands Resort by Shangri-La, JungleWalla, Mega Water Sports, Ambong Pool Villas. See our full itinerary here

An epic trip that takes you from the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula to its eastern tip 

Total distance: 826km

The drive from Johor Bahru to Port Dickson is relatively short (just over three hours) but you can maximise your road trip by making stops along the way at towns such as Batu Pahat, Muar, Malacca and Seremban.

Malacca is best known for its delicious traditional food, but Seremban is no lightweight either. This underrated foodie haven is most famous for the Seremban siew pau , a flaky pastry bun with a meat filling.

From Seremban, it’s just 30 minutes to the resort town of Port Dickson, where you can feast on fresh seafood. When you’re ready to hit the road again, continue on to Kuala Lumpur on the North-South Highway before cutting across the interior of the country and taking the scenic B-roads that hug the eastern coastline all the way to Terengganu. Stop by the Lentang Forest Reserve, an hour from downtown KL, where you can cool off in one of the many natural pools. Alternatively, drive a little further on to the Sungai Pandan waterfall for a dip beneath the 100m-high cascading rapids, followed by a relaxing picnic lunch. When you get to Terengganu, find out more the city’s artistic heritage at the Terengganu Handicraft Centre or the Bazar Warisan (Heritage Bazaar). Terengganu is also the jumping off point for islands such as Redang and the Perhentian Islands.

Suggested stops along the way include: Angsana JB Mall, DoubleTree by Hilton Johor Bahru, Somerset Medini Iskandar Puteri, D&F Boutique Hotel, AnCasa Residences, Port Dickson, AnCasa Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Kuala Terengganu Golf Resort. See our full itinerary here

A quick and easy getaway from the capital to the beaches along the eastern coast   

Total distance: 294km

The journey from downtown KL to Kuantan takes just 2.5 hours if you drive nonstop but where’s the fun in that?

Your first refuelling stop should be Bentong – famous for its durians – to feast on the King of Fruits.

Do also schedule a visit to the Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, about 1.5 hours from KL, to witness the great work the sanctuary does in caring for young elephants that have been orphaned by poaching or logging. You can even help the mahouts give the elephants their bath.

After stopping in Kuantan for a hearty meal of nasi kukus (rice with spiced chicken) and curry noodles, it’ll take you less than an hour to reach the resort town of Cherating, where sun, sand and even a little surf await.

Suggested stops along the way include: Mountain Cat Durian, Ascott Sentral Kuala Lumpur, Oh Cha Matcha, Puteh Beach Bar, White & Black Cabin, MTree Hotel Puchong and The Kasturi. See our full itinerary here

An adventure through the eco-tourism hub of Southeast Asia  

Total distance: 332km

It’s a relatively easy drive from Sabah’s capital city, Kota Kinabalu, to its nearest town, Kundasang, but pay attention around the lower slopes of Mount Kinabalu as there are some sharp bends, and roads in Sabah can sometimes be bumpy.

About an hour out of Kota Kinabalu, make a stop at Upside Down House Sabah, a quirky tourist attraction where, you guessed it, a traditional house stands on its roof. After snapping some pictures, drive another hour or so to Kundasang. This is the highest settlement in Malaysia and just 6km from Kinabalu National Park, home to more than 4,500 species of plants and animals and of course, Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest peak. Definitely schedule in some time to explore this amazing park.

From there, it’s a four-hour drive to Sandakan, on the northeast coast. Here, make a short detour to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to experience one of the twice-daily feeding sessions.

Suggested stops along the way include: Borneo Divers, Borneo Exotika, Teppanya, 50 Shades Bistro, Shangri-la Tanjung Aru and Hilton KK. See our full itinerary here

A carefree journey along the coastline with plenty of sun, sand and sea  

Total distance: 365km

It’s just 215km from JB to Malacca, making for a breezy 2.5-hour drive with several interesting pitstops along the way.

The first should be Pekan Nanas, or Pineapple Town, just 30 minutes from JB, to pick up some juicy road snacks. From there, Batu Pahat and Muar both have plenty of old-time coffee shops where you can perk up with a cup of traditional kopi.

Forego the highway from Malacca to KL in favour of the old coastal roads. It will take you a few extra hours’ driving, but it’s a much more scenic and interesting drive.

After about 1.5 hours on Route 5, you’ll reach Port Dickson, where you can stay overnight at one of the many beach resorts. If you prefer something quieter, head to Carey Island, about an hour outside KL. Here you can learn about the ancient culture of the Mah Meri indigenous community before digging into a seafood feast at one of the town’s fantastic restaurants.

Suggested stops along the way include: AladdinTi Malaysia, San Shu Gong, DoubleTree by Hilton Melaka, Stone Nine, Shangri-La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. See our full itinerary here

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Kuala Lumpur is the start point for thrilling drives to colonial townships, Malay cities and jungle outposts © Getty Images / EyeEm / Rosley Majid

With a wide-reaching bus system and fast trains whizzing across the country from the capital, Kuala Lumpur, it's easy to explore Malaysia without ever stepping inside a car. But exploring with your own wheels opens up a whole world of unexplored small towns, former colonial hamlets, misty mountains, forgotten lakes and viridian rainforests.

Most Malaysian roads are well maintained and perfectly paved – even in the remoter corners of the country – so exploring the country with a hire car is a real no-brainer. The majority of travelers can fly in, rent a car with a home license for 90 days, making for easy road trips across this country of beaches, jungles and historic cities.

To get you on the road, here are the eight best road trips in Malaysia.

The great West Coast crawl

Best scenic drive.

Kuala Lumpur–Penang; 249 miles (400km); allow 6 days

Skip the busy E1 highway north of Kuala Lumpur and trace the less-traveled west coast on Route 5 via a string of often missed towns such as riverside Kuala Selangor (home to the historic Bukit Malawati fort) and rural Sekinchan . Pass through endless paddy fields and veer inland to Teluk Intan via Sabak to marvel at the Menara Condong , Asia’s own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Route 5 snakes back to the coast via Sitiawan and Lumut, where frequent ferries leave to Pulau Pangkor , home to flocks of hornbills, boat-making workshops and peaceful jungle-backed coves.

Continuing north, Route 60 stays glued to the sea, skirting Segari’s turtle conservation center and the beaches of Pantai Remis, a hub for Sino-Malay food. Up next is the unmissable lake town of Taiping , voted the third most sustainable city in the world in 2019, from where it’s a 15-minutes detour to mangrove boat rides and fresh seafood in Kuala Sepetang.

Take a left turn along the A190 at the Simpang Empat Semanggol turnoff and time travel back to colonial Malaya in the fishing town of Kuala Kurau. Branch off to nearby Kuala Gula, home to Malaysia’s biggest bird sanctuary and the Hua Seng Keng temple, a life-sized depiction of the ghoulish layers of Buddhist Hell.

Make one last stop in Parit Buntar to buy a bag of much-loved Guan Hiang biscuits (and take an evening firefly cruise in nearby Nibong Tebal, if time allows). To finish up, cross to Penang island by whizzing over the 15 mile (24km) Second Bridge to the southern beaches of Permatang Damar Laut, facing the island’s most scenic bay. Traipse up to historic George Town to finish off with a spectacular street food dinner.

East Coast road trip 

Best for beaches and islands.

Kota Bahru–Kuantan or Pekan; 230 miles (370km); allow 4 days

This classic coastal ride packs a punch, with splendid turquoise-ringed islands, minaret-studded river estuaries and cultural surprises along the fringes of Peninsular Malaysia’s most devoutly Islamic states. Before you leave Kota Bharu , Kelantan’s conservative capital, cruise 12.5 miles (20km) north to check out the group of curious Sino-Thai temples dotting the countryside around Tumpat, gateway to Thailand ’s troubled southern province of Narathiwat. Wat Mai Suwan Kiri (Dragon Boat Temple) is particularly striking. 

Start by the journey south by following the coast. A string of wide, empty beaches rolls all the way to Kuala Terengganu and Marang, and some of Malaysia’s most gorgeous islands – Pulau Perhentian , Pulau Redang and Pulau Kapas – are just a short boat ride away. The easiest island for a day trip is Pulau Perhentian, served by regular fast boats from Kuala Besut.

Route 3 hugs the shoreline as it plunges south past forgotten coves (stop to admire the imposing twin boulders at the mouth of Kemasik Beach) to reach the surf playground of Cherating . As you roll into Kuantan , the pace of life gets a tad faster; a sunset stroll at lively Pantai Teluk Cempedak and dinner at its busy food court are must-dos. To extend the trip, head 25 miles (40km) south to Pekan, with its unique collection of aristocratic Malay architecture.

The jungle drive

Best for families.

Penang–Kuala Lumpur; 434 miles (700km); allow 10 days

Start in Penang and see how quickly Malaysia’s urban surge gives way to the drowsy rhythms of the remote settlements dotted around the country’s mountainous and jungly interior. Beginning in George Town ’s incensed-wafted colonial center, drive across Kedah state to Lenggong, perhaps Malaysia’s least-known Unesco World Heritage Site . Hollowed out by a meteorite impact, this little-explored valley boasts a cluster of prehistoric sites and caves dating back 1.83 million years.

Continue to Tasik Temenggor, a man-made lake offering charming houseboat stays and easy access to Royal Belum State Park , one of the last remaining habitats for the critically endangered Malayan tiger. Route 4 keeps climbing across the 6890ft (2100m) Titiwangsa Range before plunging via Jeli to Dabong, where Gunung Stong State Forest Park and the deep limestone cave complex of Gua Ikan make for perfect pit-stops.

Swing by Gua Musang to reach blissful Pulai, a remote Chinese Hakka community that was only reached by a tarmac road in 1978. Its sloshing river is backed by rows of limestone karst pinnacles reminiscent of China’s Guilin .

Before you reach sleepy Jerantut, the main gateway to the jungle wonders of Taman Negara, there’s more caving and hiking at Merapoh and a chance to encounter the leftovers of British colonial rule in Kuala Lipis, once an important stop for Malaysia’s discontinued Jungle Railway. Spend at least a day hiking in Taman Negara (or exploring by boat), and then drive towards the capital, stopping for a taste of spiky durian at Temerloh or jumbo-sized encounters at Kuala Gandah’s elephant sanctuary .

The final ascent over cloud-enshrouded peaks on the Karak Highway is best broken either at the casinos and theme parks of the Genting Highlands , or with a glamping stay in the quaint riverside village of Janda Baik. Wrap up with a well-deserved dose of shopping and modernity at Kuala Lumpur’s Suria KLCC mall, and pay your respects to the 140ft (43m) golden statue of Lord Murugan fronting the 272 rainbow-colored steps that lead to the Hindu shrines of the Batu Caves .

Southern Malaysian crawl

Best for food and culture.

Kuala Lumpur–Johor Bahru; 318 miles (512km); allow 5 days

Leave the bustle of the capital behind to experience sand, culture and nature on both sides of the peninsula. Start by driving down the southwestern coast, taking in the beach resort of Port Dickson and the former Dutch colonial outpost (and fusion food hub) of Melaka , now a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Before cutting across the peninsula to Mersing – the main ferry port for wild and lovely Pulau Tioman – try a smorgasbord of Chinese and Malay food in Muar, the diminutive royal city of Johor state, and take a pit stop in offbeat Kluang to hike to the scenic summit of Gunung Lambak.

With a couple of extra days, consider the short detour north to Bekok and the waterfalls and villages of Endau-Rompin National Park, home to many communities of Orang Asli – literally, "first peoples." Driving south from Mersing, the southeastern coast curves to reach the swanky beach resorts of Desaru, famed for a sandbar that becomes a 'sky mirror' at low tide. It’s just a short drive to sprawling Johor Bahru , Malaysia’s southernmost city, which rises just across the strait from futuristic Singapore .

Sarawak explorer

Best for wildlife and indigenous culture.

Kuching–Miri; 466 miles (750km); allow 6 days

Experience amazing wildlife, indigenous Dayak culture and lush coastal scenery by driving a considerable section of the Pan Borneo Highway. Before you leave Kuching , pay a visit to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre for encounters with rescued orangutans (come for feeding time at 9am and 3pm daily), then drive inland past low, forested hills and ramshackle roadside settlements to Salcra junction. A short detour to Lubuk Hantu leads to Batang Ai National Park , an artificial lake teeming with wildlife and ringed by Iban longhouses.

Grab some juicy pineapples as you pass through quaint Sarikei before reaching the riverport of Sibu, where delicious Teochew cuisine pairs well with trips to 18th-century longhouses in nearby Bawang Assan. Join the coast at Mukah , the main settlement of the seafaring Melanau people, and consider an overnight stop at the superb Lamin Dana , a boutique cultural lodge preserving local heritage in Kampung Tellian.

The quiet glare of the South China Sea will shimmer on your windshield until you reach oil-rich Bintulu, where Pantai Tanjung Batu is a good spot to tuck your toes into the sand. Head northeast of the city to Similajau National Park for jungle hikes before hitting the road again towards Miri .

The staggering limestone caves of Niah National Park are a must-stop along the way; inhabited for nearly 40 millennia, they contain some of Southeast Asia’s oldest human bones. After a day trip to Lambir Hills National Park south of Miri, end this epic drive at sunset on Canada Hill – the site of the city’s first oil well – and enjoy views over the city’s sprawling coastline.

Kelabit Highland’s Logging Track

Best extreme road trip.

Miri–Bario; 155 miles (250km); 10–14 hours

Almost everyone takes the thrilling Twin Otter flight from Miri to reach Bario, principal township of the fascinating Kelabit Highlands, an indigenous heartland straddling the border between Sarawak and Indonesian Kalimantan . However, a few hardy adventurers access the highlands by driving 4x4 vehicles along the rough and muddy logging track that winds from Miri into upper Sarawak’s wild interior.

Snaking through endless palm oil plantations – a sad reminder of Malaysia’s problematic logging issues –  this drive will rattle your bones at every turn for 12 long hours before you finally rumble into the very Catholic village of Bario, where lingering longhouses are a reminder of waning tribal lifestyles.

Classic Sabah crossing

Best coast-to-coast road trip.

Kota Kinabalu–Sandakan; 200 miles (325km); allow 5 days

Take your leave of Kota Kinabalu ’s night markets and outlying islands and head west towards 13,435ft (4095m) Mt Kinabalu , Malaysia’s highest peak. Almost everyone makes the two-day, one-night trek to the summit, but you can also check the pulse of Sabah’s indigenous art scene at the Living Arts Center in charming riverside Tamparuli, and meet the woodcut artists of the Pangrok Sulap collective in Ranau before bunking down in alpine-like Kundasang.

Leaving the mountains behind, cut through the heart of Sabah, skirting small towns and ever-present palm oil plantations to the Sukau junction, where a worthy detour on the Kinabatangan River promises thrilling wildlife spotting by boat and atmospheric riverside accommodation. Roll on to Sepilok, with its world-renown orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries. A few more miles will take you to slow-paced, multicultural Sandakan and its bay filled with WWII history and fresh seafood.

Sabah by the backdoor 

Best offbeat road trip.

Lahad Datu–Kota Kinabalu; 350 miles (564km); allow 7 days

To encounter some of Borneo’s most impressive rainforests, marine life and indigenous culture, take off from the coastal town Lahad Datu , beginning in either the Danum Valley Conservation Area or the Tabin Wildlife Reserve . Drive across the palm-strewn coast to the ugly duckling town of Semporna , the jump-off point for paradise islands such as Mabul, Kapalai and protected Sipadan, one of the world’s best dive sites.

Back on land, try Tawau ’s deserted beaches and follow nature trails at Tawau Hills Park before setting out for a lonesome drive across Sabah’s hilly interior to Orou Sapulot , an important hub for the Murut people, and the town of Keningau at the bottom of the flower-studded Crocker Range. End at Kota Kinabalu’s busy seafront and glitzy shopping malls, after one more stop in Tambunan, access point for 8668ft (2642m) Mount Trusmadi, Sabah’s second-highest peak. 

Tips for driving in Malaysia

Malaysia drives on the left, like the UK, and citizens of the 54 countries in the Commonwealth can rent a car using their home driving licenses for up to 90 days (other nationals will also need to carry an International Driving Permit).

To access any toll road in Malaysia, including the bridges leading to Penang island, you'll need to pay with a rechargeable Touch’n’Go card that is only issued to Malaysians. Ask your rental company for one if you plan on driving any stretch of the North-South Expressway (Route E1) or the Karak Highway connecting Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan. Most other roads are well paved and toll-free.

The countryside is relatively quiet, but when driving in cities, be prepared for drivers flouting traffic rules, especially in Penang, whose erratic traffic is hard for even Malaysians coming from other states to cope with. Kuala Lumpur's traffic system is also bewildering for first-timers. On weekdays, traffic jams are the norm in most Malaysian cities; Saturdays are usually quieter than Sundays.

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11 Places That Are An Hour’s Drive From KL For A Happy Road Trip To Lift Your Spirits

Road trip adventures in Malaysia

A leisure trip abroad is something wanderlusters in Malaysia have likely yearned for while being stuck at home during the pandemic.  Thankfully, there’re plenty of places worth exploring that are close to home and will lift our spirits like a trip abroad.

We mapped out 11 road trip-worthy spots – including hidden gems in Kuala Kubu Bharu and Bentong – within an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur.

Table of Contents

1. Yue Shan Gu Miao – Chinese temple with rainbow steps

2. sungai pertak recreational forest – easy-to-access cascade waterfall, 3. sungai selangor dam – nature-viewing spot in kkb, 4. teng wun bakery & confectionery – 40-year-old bakery selling kaya puffs, 5. taman tasik milenium – scenic strolls around a lake, 6. alor lempah old dam – recreational park with man-made waterfalls, 7. world of phalaenopsis – orchid farm with a cafe, 8. thong kee restaurant – og kopitiam in bentong, 9. lemang to’ki – freshly prepared lemang with a variety of sides, 10. colmar tropicale – french-inspired town with a japanese garden, 11. pineyard – rustic cafe with lakeside views, hit the road with trevo to lift your spirits , book a trevo ride for your road trip in under 5 minutes here..

It’s not difficult to find Chinese temples in any town in Malaysia, but not many are as vibrant and eye-catching as Yue Shan Gu Miao in Kuala Kubu Bharu – abbreviated as KKB by locals. A hidden gem in the town, this temple has rainbow stairs that will add a burst of colour to any Instagram grid.

Not much is known about the temple, but it’s believed to be one of the oldest Chinese temples in the area – clocking in at over 100 years old, according to locals. 

The outer temple’s main steps were given a cheery makeover in recent years, with swings and archways added to attract curious passers-by looking for fun photo ops.

Address: Jalan Kubu, Kampung Sungai Damar, 44000 Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor Opening hours: 24 hours, daily

KKB is well-known for its scenic waterfalls including Sungai Chiling and Lata Medang. If you’re not keen on working up a sweat, there’s a cascade – or low waterfall – inside Sungai Pertak Recreational Forest that does not require an arduous hike to reach.

Located right next to its designated parking lot, the cascade offers cool waters where you can dip your feet and relax before continuing on your road trip.  

To enjoy more views around this location, you can venture to the top of the cascade, reachable via a 10-minute walk or 3-minute drive from the base. There are plenty more rocks to sit on and soak in the sun and scenery here. 

We strongly recommend going to the top on foot as there are limited parking spots. Packing sunblock is also crucial since the rays can get pretty strong around noon. 

Address: Tapak Berkelah Sungai Pertak, 44000, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Opening hours: 24 hours, daily Entrance fee: RM1/pax

A fun aspect of road trips are undoubtedly the stopovers. Sungai Selangor Dam happens to be a place worth stopping by for scenic nature views, especially if you’re heading to KKB or Fraser’s Hill in Pahang from KL.

Thanks to impressive views of green mountains that separate blue waters from skies that surround the dam, it is now a popular spot with several lookout points.

A perfect locale to bask in scenic nature views, the dam – a.k.a. Empangan Sungai Selangor – helps capture rainfall and provides water to Greater Kuala Lumpur.

Adventurous road trippers should explore the area, and make their way over to the Bridge Lookout Point . Here, you’ll find vehicles parked along the road, and passengers enjoying unobstructed views of the dam and its surroundings.

Address: Bridge Lookout Point, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Opening hours: 24 hours, daily

Most locals in KKB are familiar with Teng Wun Bakery & Confectionery. This humble establishment has been churning out baked goods since 1979 – for over 40 years. They sell around 200 pastries each day, all baked from scratch by its owner Mr Wun and his family. 

Loyal patrons are typically drawn in by the bakery’s iconic Kaya Puff (RM9/box) , arguably their most popular item. These flaky puffs with crumbly fillings are sold in boxes of five pastries, a product that lures curious visitors from far and wide.

Apart from this customer favourite, there are other baked goods such as Pandan Layer Cake (RM8) and Wedding Biscuits (from RM7).

A stone’s throw from the bakery is a colourful back alley attraction called Street Art Kota Bharu , which features painted mural walls depicting town scenes and local attractions. 

Address : 15, Jalan Dato Muda Jaafar, Pekan Kuala Kubu Bharu, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Opening hours: Wed – Mon 9AM-5PM (Closed on Tuesdays) Telephone: 03-6064 1586

If your idea of a great road trip involves spending time in nature, don’t miss out on Taman Tasik Milenium. This tranquil park in KKB has picnic benches scattered along the waterfront, where you can enjoy your meals against the backdrop of a scenic lake and surrounding mountains.

For those with little ones, there is a uniquely themed playground called Dino World where your kids can stretch their legs after a long car ride.

The highlight here is a massive steel play structure in the shape of a T-Rex – kids ages 5-12 can climb all the way up the prehistoric creature’s neck and slide down its ‘tail’.

The park is a popular landing spot for paragliding as well. Those interested in this thrilling activity can check out Cloud Bass & Kelab Luncur Udara Kuala Kubu Bharu for more information. Each flight costs RM300/pax, and includes insurance and a GoPro camera. 

Address: Taman Milenium, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor Opening hours: 6AM-7PM, Daily 

Another spot to dip your feet in cool waters is Alor Lempah Old Dam , also known as Ampang Pecah. This area features manmade cascades and sandy banks that replicate the feeling of being at the beach in the middle of a surrounding hilly landscape. 

It’s also a popular area for picnics by the water, and swimming where the currents are calmer. 

This location is easily accessible by car, and has plenty of parking areas close to the cascades. Do note, however, there are no public toilets in the area, so a stopover at a nearby petrol station may be necessary on your way here.

Address: Alor Lempah, Taman Ampang Pecah, 44000 Kuala Kubu Bharu Opening hours: 24 hours, daily

Hiding out in a quiet neighbourhood in Batang Kali, Ulu Yam, is the World of Phalaenopsis. It is hailed as one of the largest phalaenopsis orchid farms in Malaysia, and where you can find plenty of vibrant orchids of varying species and colours to purchase from RM15/pot . 

These blooms make for pretty photo backdrops due to their abundance across various areas around the farm.

If you feel hungry during your visit, drop by The Florescence Cafe inside the orchid farm for coffee, cakes, and local dishes. Some ‘Ulu Yam Favourites’ listed on their menu include Mee Hoon Siam with Rendang Ayam (RM15) with generous portions of noodles and chicken, and Asam Laksa (RM15) which is mildly spicy. 

Finish your meal with your choice of coffee – from Long Black (RM9) to Caramel Latte (RM12) – or tea (from RM9) , with options such as chamomile, sencha, and lavender.

Address: 1017, Jalan Batang Kali, Ulu Yam Bharu, Kampung Sungai Kamin, 44300 Batang Kali, Selangor Opening hours: 9AM-5PM, Daily World of Phalaenopsis Facebook 

Those who frequent kopitiams in KL might be familiar with Thong Kee Restaurant . They have several branches in the Klang Valley, including in Cheras and Sri Petaling. A fact not known to many is that the original Thong Kee is located in Bentong where it has been operating since 1988. 

They are known for their classic kopitiam fare, which includes Kopi Cham (RM1.80/small) and Roti Bakar (RM1.60) with margarine and kaya, both popular and affordable orders here. An interesting light bite to grab for breakfast or yum cha is the Croissants (from RM4.30), which comes with fillings such as kaya and butter (RM5) and ham, cheese and egg (RM7.50).

Patrons of Thong Kee are likely to also recommend the Char Kuey Teow (RM6), which cuts back on the regular oiliness typically associated with the dish. 

Address: No. 4, Jalan Chui Yin, 28700 Bentong, Pahang Opening hours: Tue – Sun 7AM-4.30PM (Closed on Mondays)

Food is undeniably one of the highlights of road trips. Besides fuelling us up before our next destination, it’s also a chance for us to try out local delicacies in different towns. 

A famous food destination in Bentong is Lemang To’ki, a restaurant known for serving glutinous lemang and fragrant rendang all year round. They have a branch in KL, but their original restaurant in Bentong is where you can see rows of batang lemang cooking over charcoal. 

There are different serving portions of lemang to feed small to large groups. These include Lemang Kecil (RM13/small) to Lemang Extra Besar (RM16/XL), which can be ordered alongside their plates of rendang – Rendang Ayam (RM6) or Daging (RM8). 

Address: Batu 2, Jalan Tras, 28700 Bentong, Pahang Opening hours: Tue – Sun 8AM-8PM (Closed on Mondays) Lemang To’ki Facebook

Most of us have heard of Colmar Tropicale in Bentong. This location is popular among locals looking to experience strolling through a French village without having to leave our country.

This French village is modelled after Colmar in France, a city known for its quaint medieval village architecture. Similarly, Colmar Tropicale boasts cottage-style buildings and cobbled roads that look straight out of a fairytale – think Disney’s Beauty and the Beast . 

Besides renting a room at one of the many hotels located here, visitors can also dine at French restaurants or go for lighter cafe fare at Starbucks or Krispy Kreme.

About 3km away on the same hilltop as Colmar Tropicale is a Japanese Village – another themed attraction. A visit to the garden is included in your entrance fee, so we recommend dropping by to walk around the water garden and snap more ‘overseas’ pictures. 

You can rent kimonos (RM20/pax) , or feed koi with fish pellets (RM1/pack), both available at a traditional Japanese house in the garden. 

Address : KM 48 Persimpangan Bertingkat, Lebuhraya Karak, Bukit Tinggi, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Opening hours: 24 hours, daily Entrance fee: RM14/pax

Around a 45-minute drive from KL is Pineyard , an open-concept cafe housed inside a rustic cabin-like building. This aesthetically pleasing cafe has become popular for its waterfront dining area, and its location en route to Colmar Tropicale.

There are different seating options, ranging from bar seats overlooking the pond to communal tables that seat up to six.

Menu offerings include fusion dishes, such as the Curry Pasta (RM26) – a unique dish that pairs rich curry, pasta noodles, and sliced chicken breast. We tried the Big Breakfast (RM33), a large plate of chicken sausage, turkey ham, sourdough bread, scrambled eggs and roasted sweet potatoes with portions that feed up to two.

Address: C1, Jalan Tanarimba Pine, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang Opening hours: Wed – Mon 9AM-6PM (Closed on Tuesdays) Telephone: 03-6064 1586 Pineyard Facebook

A comfortable car is essential for a smooth and fun-filled road trip with your friends. So if you want to go on a journey to lift your spirits post-MCO but find yourself without a trusty ride, look no further than TREVO , the largest online car-rental marketplace in Malaysia. 

Browse through their vast catalogue of available cars – from light and compact Perodua Myvis and steady Honda sedans, to sporty Mercedes-Benzs and luxurious Toyota MPVs – to find the perfect ride that accommodates your journey length and group size. 

They have more than 4,000 cars and over 150 models to select from in the Klang Valley, Penang, JB, Ipoh and Kota Kinabalu. 

Booking a car with TREVO takes just under five minutes. Simply download the app to your smartphone, sign up for an account, and verify your identity to begin your car hunt. 

Vehicles are available for rent, both short- and long-term. To ease your decision-making process, listings even come with:

• User ratings
• Pet-friendliness status
• Touch ‘n Go and SmartTag availability
• Bluetooth/AUX compatibility

Once you’ve decided on a car, opt to meet your car host or have your car delivered to you before embarking on your road trip.

If you’re a car owner, TREVO even lets you rent out your car on their platform to earn extra cash. They also offer a ‘Buddy Driver’ service to make trips easier for busy bees – simply hire a personal driver to drive your car by the hour for up to 12 hours. 

Renting a comfortable ride ensures you’ll have just as much fun in between destinations as when you’re checking off locations on your bucket list. After all, meaningful moments spent in conversation and laughter with good company created along the way are worth treasuring as much as the anticipation of getting to our next stop. 

We’ve planned out the itinerary for you with these 11 places in KKB and Bentong, so all that’s left is securing a car suited to your needs. Here’s wishing you safe travels ahead.

Read more here: 

• Jeram, Kuala Selangor: visit scenic beaches and Sky Mirror Jetty
• 15 gorgeous waterfalls in Malaysia even beginners can hike to
• 60 things to do in Melaka: unique museums and theme parks

This post was brought to you by TREVO. 

Photography by Danny Ko. 

Cover image adapted from: TheSmartLocal Malaysia

This article was updated on 21st November 2022.

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City Nomads

Road Tripping in Malaysia: The Best Routes for Exploring Malaysia From Kuala Lumpur

PUBLISHED February 25th, 2022 05:00 am | UPDATED April 5th, 2022 11:24 am

After long years of pandemic lockdowns, we’re all itching for more adventure – and a roadtrip sounds like just the ticket. With Malaysia lifting its ban on interstate travel, thoughts of scenic views, food trails , and nature escapes are getting us revved up already. Here’s our bucket list of the best routes for exploring Malaysia from KL, ranging from short drives to multi-day getaways.

Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara National Park

Drive time: 2 hours from KL to Fraser’s Hill, 4 hours from Fraser’s Hill to Taman Negara National Park

If you’re craving a dose of nature, a multi-day getaway to Malaysia’s green lung of Taman Negara National Park sounds like a plan. But rather than driving there direct from Kuala Lumpur, we recommend making a stopover at the rainforest-rich hamlet of Fraser’s Hill in Pahang. Spread over seven lush hills, this highlands village is criss-crossed with scenic mountain trails, prime birdwatching spots, and the popular Jeriau Waterfall. If you’re planning to stay overnight, you’ll find an array of charming colonial bungalows available for homestays – relics of the British colonial era.

Next stop: Taman Negara National Park . This pristine 130-million-year-old forest ranks among the world’s oldest rainforests, clocking in at 4,343 square kilometres of camping, cave exploring, and trekking opportunities. Highlights include getting high with stunning views on the world’s longest canopy walkway, as well as visiting the Kampung Orang Asli – a village of Malaysia’s native aborigines renowned for their blowpipe hunting skills.

Kuala Lumpur to Tanjong Jara

Drive time: 2 hours from KL to Gambang, 3 hours from Gambang to Kuala Dungun

Fancy a breezy coastal drive? You can get your fill of sun, sand, and spa time with a winding roadtrip from Kuala Lumpur along Malaysia’s tranquil east coast. First up, a dose of wellness – make your way to Mangala Resort & Spa in Gambang for a day or two of traditional Malay massages and luxe villa living, in the serene heart of fruit orchards and wetlands.

Hit the road via the picturesque Federal Route 3 , which runs along Malaysia’s east coast and offers hours of splendid seaside scenery. This route takes you through placid beach towns like Cherating – known for its laidback sands and leatherback turtles. In no time, you’ll reach the golden sands fronting Tanjong Jara Resort in Kuala Dungun, an elegant resort designed to resemble a 17th-century Malay palace. With a whole Spa Village to relax in, you can bet on your worries melting away here.

Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Drive time: 2.5 hours from KL to Ipoh, 2 hours from Ipoh to Penang

Want to eat your way through Malaysia? No better way to do it than a roadtrip from Kuala Lumpur through the hawker food heaven of Ipoh, and onward to the buffet of street eats that is Penang. Ipoh has no end of local delights to stuff yourself silly with – white coffee and chee cheong fun for breakfast, curry mee and claypot crab noodles for lunch, and silky caramel custard to top it all off. Walk off the food coma with a tour around Ipoh’s vibrant street art gems, particularly in Ipoh Old Town.

Strap in for the two-hour drive north to Penang’s capital of George Town , where every nook and cranny is crammed with tasty street eats. Start your day right with Apong Guan ‘s famously fluffy apom manis filled with bananas and shredded coconut, then vie with the crowds at Sup Hameed for nasi kandar (aka rice with curry-based meats and veggies). Drive over to third-generation stall Bridge Street Prawn Noodle for a slurpworthy bowl of Hokkien mee, before stopping by Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul for an icy dessert.

Kuala Lumpur to Taiping

Drive time: 3 hours from KL to Cameron Highlands, 3 hours from Cameron Highlands to Taiping

Nothing spells peace quite like rolling through the countryside in Cameron Highlands . Wind down your window and breathe in the cool highlands air, as you rove through lush tea plantations dotted with honeybee farms, strawberry farms, and rustic villages. Once there, a slice of countryside awaits. The Robertson Rose Garden flaunts over 100 species of roses, best seen from mid-spring; strawberry picking is another popular activity at farms, where you can eat them ripe and juicy right off the stem.

Ready to explore further? Wind your way past mountain ranges and dense forests to reach Perak’s northwestern town of Taiping . Whether it’s a stroll in Taiping Lake Gardens or a boat tour to Kampung Dew to watch the dazzling dance of fireflies on the river, this little town oozes tranquility. It’s also worth a trip to the historic Antong Coffee Mill – Malaysia’s oldest coffee mill still follows the traditional method of roasting beans over a wood fire to produce a unique smokiness.

Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Coast

Drive time: 4 hours

Set in southeastern Johor, Desaru Coast was once a quiet coastal town – until the luxury resorts started taking notice of its charms. These days, it’s a glam getaway for folks craving the suite life, with private plunge pools and prime beach access at the likes of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast . Sun and sea aside, you’ll also have a splashing good time at the  Adventure Waterpark with over 20 wet and dry thrills to tackle.

Your four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur will take you past Johor , so why not stop over to fuel up? Drop by the local hotspot The Toast in Taman Mount Austin for Nanyang coffee, along with their signature egg mayo toast and nasi lemak. Or grab a seat at the popular Restoran Gim Cheng in Taman Daya for a spread of over 60 kinds of handmade dim sum, including the crowd-favourite mango shrimp rolls.

Kuala Lumpur to Malacca

Drive time: 2.5 hours from KL to Muar, 1 hour from Muar to Malacca

If you’re after a dose of heritage and culture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malacca is undoubtedly your cup of tea. But first, we recommend a day’s detour to Muar . The buildings of this historical town come splashed with stunning larger-than-life murals, including Julia Vochkova’s Loving Sisters and Sabek’s  The Bond . Also worth seeing is the Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque – a breathtaking mosque splashed in dreamy white and sky blue, blending elements of British colonial and traditional Malay architecture.

Next, head to the heritage hotbed of Malacca , where you can explore Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple: the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple . Another striking attraction, the Malacca Sultanate Palace , is a reconstruction of the 15th-century royal palace that stood in the same spot; not only is it wrought entirely of wood, not a single nail was used in its construction. For a suitably heritage-style stay, opt for the Timez Hotel , where each individually designed suite is a nod to Malacca’s history.

Road Tripping in Malaysia

Planning  your next road tripping adventure? UOB Cardmembers can a variety of travel deals, with up to 25% off accommodation bookings with Agoda , Booking.com and Expedia or up to 5% off savings on travel bookings with Klook . If you’re looking to rent a car to explore your destination, get up to 20% off Avis Car Rental or Budget Car Rental . Last but not least, don’t forget the Travel Insurance !

Don’t have a UOB Card? Find the right credit card for all your needs here .

Top Image: One&Only Desaru Coast

Deputy Editor

Jolene has a major sweet tooth and would happily eat pastries for all meals. When she’s not dreaming of cheesecake, she can be found in the dance studio, working on craft projects, or curled up with a good book.

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Road Tripping in Malaysia: The Best Routes for Exploring Malaysia From Kuala Lumpur

After long years of pandemic lockdowns, we're all itching for more adventure – and a roadtrip sounds like just the ticket. With Malaysia lifting its ban on interstate travel, thoughts of scenic views, food trails, and nature escapes are getting us revved up already. Here's our bucket list of the best routes for exploring Malaysia from KL, ranging from short drives to multi-day getaways.

Kuala Lumpur to Taman Negara National Park

Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Drive time: 2 hours from KL to Fraser's Hill, 4 hours from Fraser's Hill to Taman Negara National Park

If you're craving a dose of nature, a multi-day getaway to Malaysia's green lung of Taman Negara National Park sounds like a plan. But rather than driving there direct from Kuala Lumpur, we recommend making a stopover at the rainforest-rich hamlet of Fraser's Hill in Pahang. Spread over seven lush hills, this highlands village is criss-crossed with scenic mountain trails, prime birdwatching spots, and the popular Jeriau Waterfall. If you're planning to stay overnight, you'll find an array of charming colonial bungalows available for homestays – relics of the British colonial era.

Next stop: Taman Negara National Park. This pristine 130-million-year-old forest ranks among the world's oldest rainforests, clocking in at 4,343 square kilometres of camping, cave exploring, and trekking opportunities. Highlights include getting high with stunning views on the world's longest canopy walkway, as well as visiting the Kampung Orang Asli – a village of Malaysia's native aborigines renowned for their blowpipe hunting skills.

Kuala Lumpur to Tanjong Jara

 Photo courtesy of Mitchel Lensink on Unsplash 

Drive time: 2 hours from KL to Gambang, 3 hours from Gambang to Kuala Dungun

Fancy a breezy coastal drive? You can get your fill of sun, sand, and spa time with a winding roadtrip from Kuala Lumpur along Malaysia's tranquil east coast. First up, a dose of wellness – make your way to Mangala Resort & Spa in Gambang for a day or two of traditional Malay massages and luxe villa living, in the serene heart of fruit orchards and wetlands.

Hit the road via the picturesque Federal Route 3 , which runs along Malaysia's east coast and offers hours of splendid seaside scenery. This route takes you through placid beach towns like Cherating , known for its laidback sands and leatherback turtles. In no time, you'll reach the golden sands fronting Tanjong Jara Resort in Kuala Dungun, an elegant resort designed to resemble a 17th-century Malay palace. With a whole Spa Village to relax in, you can bet on your worries melting away here.

Kuala Lumpur to Penang

Photo courtesy of Krystal Ng on Unsplash

Drive time: 2.5 hours from KL to Ipoh, 2 hours from Ipoh to Penang

Want to eat your way through Malaysia? No better way to do it than a roadtrip from Kuala Lumpur through the hawker food heaven of Ipoh, and onward to the buffet of street eats that is Penang. Ipoh has no end of local delights to stuff yourself silly with – white coffee and chee cheong fun for breakfast, curry mee and claypot crab noodles for lunch, and silky caramel custard to top it all off. Walk off the food coma with a tour around Ipoh's vibrant street art gems, particularly in Ipoh Old Town.

Strap in for the two-hour drive north to Penang's capital of George Town , where every nook and cranny is crammed with tasty street eats. Start your day right with Apong Guan 's famously fluffy apom manis filled with bananas and shredded coconut, then vie with the crowds at Sup Hameed for nasi kandar (aka rice with curry-based meats and veggies). Drive over to third-generation stall Bridge Street Prawn Noodle for a slurpworthy bowl of Hokkien mee, before stopping by Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul for an icy dessert.

Kuala Lumpur to Taiping

 Photo courtesy of TM Yap on Unsplash

Drive time: 3 hours from KL to Cameron Highlands, 3 hours from Cameron Highlands to Taiping

Nothing spells peace quite like rolling through the countryside in Cameron Highlands . Wind down your window and breathe in the cool highlands air, as you rove through lush tea plantations dotted with honeybee farms, strawberry farms, and rustic villages. Once there, a slice of countryside awaits. The Robertson Rose Garden flaunts over 100 species of roses, best seen from mid-spring; strawberry picking is another popular activity at farms, where you can eat them ripe and juicy right off the stem.

Ready to explore further? Wind your way past mountain ranges and dense forests to reach Perak's northwestern town of Taiping . Whether it's a stroll in Taiping Lake Gardens or a boat tour to Kampung Dew to watch the dazzling dance of fireflies on the river, this little town oozes tranquility. It's also worth a trip to the historic Antong Coffee Mill – Malaysia's oldest coffee mill still follows the traditional method of roasting beans over a wood fire to produce a unique smokiness.

Kuala Lumpur to Desaru Coast

Photo courtesy of One&Only Desaru Coast

Drive time: 4 hours

Set in southeastern Johor, Desaru Coast was once a quiet coastal town - until the luxury resorts started taking notice of its charms. These days, it's a glam getaway for folks craving the suite life, with private plunge pools and prime beach access at the likes of Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast . Sun and sea aside, you'll also have a splashing good time at the Adventure Waterpark with over 20 wet and dry thrills to tackle.

Your four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur will take you past Johor , so why not stop over to fuel up? Drop by the local hotspot The Toast in Taman Mount Austin for Nanyang coffee, along with their signature egg mayo toast and nasi lemak. Or grab a seat at the popular Restoran Gim Cheng in Taman Daya for a spread of over 60 kinds of handmade dim sum, including the crowd-favourite mango shrimp rolls.

Kuala Lumpur to Malacca

 Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons 

Drive time: 2.5 hours from KL to Muar, 1 hour from Muar to Malacca

If you're after a dose of heritage and culture, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malacca is undoubtedly your cup of tea. But first, we recommend a day's detour to Muar . The buildings of this historical town come splashed with stunning larger-than-life murals, including Julia Vochkova's Loving Sisters and Sabek's The Bond. Also worth seeing is the Sultan Ibrahim Jamek Mosque – a breathtaking mosque splashed in dreamy white and sky blue, blending elements of British colonial and traditional Malay architecture.

Next, head to the heritage hotbed of Malacca , where you can explore Malaysia's oldest Chinese temple: the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple . Another striking attraction, the Malacca Sultanate Palace , is a reconstruction of the 15th-century royal palace that stood in the same spot; not only is it wrought entirely of wood, not a single nail was used in its construction. For a suitably heritage-style stay, opt for the Timez Hotel , where each individually designed suite is a nod to Malacca's history.

Road Tripping in Malaysia

Planning to rent a car for your road tripping adventure? UOB Cardmembers can kickstart the journey with up to 20% off at Avis Car Rental! For accommodation options, UOB Cardmembers can enjoy 7% off on Expedia and up to 10% cashback via Booking.com.

Amp up the fun on your road trip with activities and tours on Klook – UOB Cardmembers can enjoy up to 5% off bookings sitewide! Access to medical care is a must as you travel as well, so for peace of mind, UOB Mastercard Cardmembers can enjoy 10% savings across all service packages on Medical Travel Companions.

Don’t have a UOB Card, sign up for UOB PRVI Miles here to enjoy up to 5x UNIRinggit on overseas and travel spend and exclusive travel deals.

Top image: Photo Courtesy of Paul-Vincent Roll on Unsplash

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Your Guide to an Ultimate Malaysian Road Trip

Ready, set, ROAD TRIP!

It’s one of our favorite ways to travel, so of course, while in Malaysia we ventured on a road trip.

When travelling, there are so many hidden gems to find along the way, and it’s not like you could spot them from the plane and say “hey pilot, can you quickly land so I can take a look?” Whereas when you’re doing the driving, you essentially control the journey (and destination).

And with the roads in Malaysia being pretty darn great, it was time to hit the road.

Table of Contents

So why go a road trip in Malaysia?

Planning your malaysian road trip – hiring a car with gocar malaysia, packing for your road trip, hitting the road, a promo code just for you, loved this post pin it, it’s more fun.

• It’s one of the best ways to travel around Malaysia

When you calculate the time to get to the airport, wait to board, then arrive, pick up your luggage, get a taxi etc…you might as well have driven to your destination and could have saved yourself a few hours. And heck, you probably will also see more along the way.

There are also a number of great places to visit that are not far from Kuala Lumpur…but you pretty much can only get there by road. Going on a day trip from Kuala Lumpur by car or doing a road trip have taken me to some amazing places in Malaysia including…

Cameron Highlands

Just to name a few… And these places can only be accessed via road since there are no major airports here.

• Get spontaneous & go off the beaten track

You’ve ticked off all the major sites to see, but what about those places that are slightly off the beaten track. Hop off the highway and explore the smaller roads…who knows what you’ll find.

There are so many things we would’ve missed if we weren’t driving. From local food stalls to amazing green landscapes to random attractions – we would have totally missed these off the beaten track gems if we hadn’t been driving.

• Ohhh the laughter & conversations you’ll have

You’ve raced around to make sure you’re checking all the places to see on your travel… but what about taking a moment off to bond with your travel partner. And I don’t know about you, but smartphones these days can be a real blessing and a curse. While I do love them because of the opportunities and information it presents, I do feel that we also should give ourselves the chance to switch off and enjoy the present moment.

And a road trip is the perfect solution for that.

Put the phone down and get talking with your road trip buddy. You’ll find wonderful conversations and laughter will come out of it.

• It’s budget friendly

Exploring Malaysia via car is at times more cost-friendly than hopping on a plane to the next destination. Hiring a car in Malaysia is super affordable, especially with companies like GoCar which offer fantastic rates on an hourly, daily, and monthly basis. They offer flat rates all year round – no peak and off-peak season pricing! Whether it is a weekday, weekend, or public holiday, all GoCar pricing remains the same. Plus, you’ll find the tolls and the petrol is quite reasonably priced.

And hey, if you do plan to book with GoCar, there’s a special GoCar promo code available just for Hello Raya readers – keep reading to find out the code.

• Food Galore

If there is one thing this country is known for, it is for its delicious Malaysian food…amongst many other things of course. But the best part of going on a road trip in Malaysia is you’ll get to explore the many foods that the different towns in Malaysia are known for.

Pretty much every town in Malaysia is famous for some sort of food item – in Cameron Highlands, it’s their steamboat. In Melaka, it’s the Nyonya cuisine. In Ipoh, it’s the…well it’s food paradise in Ipoh. In Cherating, it’s the sata and keropok lekor. And to get to these towns, you’ll need to drive.

It’s simple really.

GoCar is a Malaysian born company, which is an on-demand car sharing platform – an alternative to the traditional car rental services. No more waiting in line, no more limited pick up locations, no more random hidden fees. With the GoCar app to book, unlock and access a hire car all from the convenience of your smartphone.

With over 100 locations across the city of Kuala Lumpur, Klang Valley, Langkawi, and Johor Bahru, the world’s your oyster really with convenient pick up locations. You’ll find that the locations are strategically placed at airports, shopping malls, selected hotels, LRT stations, Shell petrol stations – this means you’ll be sure to easily find a pick-up location that is most convenient for you. And the best part is that GoCar Malaysia continues to grow and expand their fleet so you can look forward to more locations

The current fleet includes four styles of cars, to fit with every driving need. For the purpose of your Malaysian Road Trip, I recommend booking one of GoCar’s Renault Capturs .

Ok apart from their awesome range of colors…. Driving on the highway with a Renault Captur in Malaysia is oh-so smooth, and the car is fuel efficient which is great for the environment and also means cost savings, there’s plenty of storage space for your luggage, and there’s a great sound system so you can plug in your phone and singalong to those road trip jams.

Ohhh and do you know what the most interesting part of the whole experience driving the Renault Captur with GoCar Malaysia? It’s keyless.

This means you only need your smartphone to lock, unlock and start your car. It’s seamless, keyless driving by simply using the GoCar app as the ‘car key.’

I recommend booking at least 3-5 days in advance. If it is your first time booking with GoCar, you will have to register as a member first and submit a copy of your driver’s license via the GoCar app. This will take about 48-hours to process before you can then book your car, so do keep this in mind.

The best part of a road trip is that you don’t have to worry about your luggage weight limits the way you do when you travel by plane. But to make your road trip in Malaysia all the more comfortable, I recommend the following essentials…

• A Local Phone Plan

Having a data plan is a good idea when traveling around Malaysia. It means you can navigate using Google Maps, keep in touch with family and friends so they know your safe and sound whilst on the road, research the heck out of your final destination… I am sure I don’t have to explain all the benefits of having data on your phone.

Best part – in Malaysia, organizing a local number and data plan is easy and affordable. I recommend going with Hotlink , which is a company tied to telecommunications giant, Maxis. I have found their network pretty strong and they also offer great data packages. You can easily sign up at the Kuala Lumpur airport or any any Hotlink/Maxis stores.

When signing up with Hotlink, you will need your passport. Then I recommend adding about RM60-RM100 of credit upon signing up.

Do download the Hotlink app, which is where you can track your data usage, and top up on credit as needed. And if you run out of credit along the way and can’t access data, just make your way into any petrol station or convenience store where you’ll be able to purchase credit over the counter to top up.

• Touch ‘n Go Card

You might be wondering what the heck a Touch ‘n Go card is…. But it is a super duper awesome card to have when traveling in Malaysia.

Touch ‘n Go is a prepaid cash card that you can use to pay for all kinds of things throughout Malaysia including public transportation such as the LRT, paying for parking, and in the case of your Malaysian road trip, you’ll need it to pay for tolls.

To get one is easy – we got ours at a Shell Petrol Station (don’t book it online). You pay a RM10 fee for the card itself, and then you can top up the card with however much you might need. I recommend topping up with around RM50-RM100 to start with.

We learned this the hard way, but you will need a Touch ‘n Go card to pay for tolls.

It is also possible to top up your card at the toll booth (make sure to head to the booth that is furthest to the left to do so) – though you can only top up with cash here. If you need to pay with card, you’ll have to go into a petrol station or convenience store.

• A Kick Ass Playlist

With GoCar’s Renault Captur cars, you can easily plug in your phone via USB connection and play those road trip jams. I love using the Spotify app for music, because there is so much variety. And with a premium account, you can even download songs offline which means you never have to worry about not having data access.

• Bottled Water

Staying hydrated on your road trip is important, so make sure you have bottled water handy. It’ll keep you alert while driving.

And if you run out of water, fear not young grasshopper. There are plenty of rest stops with petrol stations on the highway so you can purchase extra water if needed.

• Toilet Paper

Yes. You heard me right.

Unfortunately more often than not, toilets in Malaysia don’t have toilet paper. So definitely handy to carry some of your own.

To capture all those amazing road trip moments…duhh! 🙂

• Phone Charger

You’ll need a phone cable to play those wickedly amazing road trip jams anyways, and it’ll charge your phone at the same time. Win-win!

One of the best things we did was to leave first thing in the morning. I mean like before sunrise kind of first thing in the morning.

Trust me, you’ll be so grateful that you did.

The roads are relatively clear, which made for a great driving experience, and watching the sunrise is just magical. Leaving before the sunrise also helps you avoid traffic and hey, it’ll also help you make the most of your road trip in Malaysia.

The best part about hiring with GoCar is that you can pick up your car at the oddest of hours. This means that leaving before sunrise is a true possibility – with GoCar, picking up your car at 5am is no problem, because you only need your smartphone to pick up the car. Heck, if you want to go a bit more hardcore and pick up your car at 2am…you could do that too! No more needing to wait until the car rental office opens so that you have to fill out forms galore and pay for hidden fees. Booking your car via GoCar is perfectly streamlined through the GoCar app.

So now dear reader, it’s time to hit the road and explore Malaysia.

To get you started, together with GoCar, we are offering Hello Readers a special GoCar promo code. Get RM15 off your  GoCar  rental by entering the promo code  HELLORAYA  upon booking. This is valid for all GoCar members with a minimum of 2-hour booking, and for travel up to 20 June 2018.

No compensation was received for this review, however we were guests of GoCar. All opinions remains my own and I only promote products/services that I love. 

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17 Comments on Your Guide to an Ultimate Malaysian Road Trip

We visited Malaysia a few years ago and loved it. I would love to come back and do a road trip like this! GoCar sounds like such a great idea! Just added this trip to my bucket list!!

What a great idea to road trip around Malaysia! I wish I would’ve thought about that when I was there. The Cameron Highlands look gorgeous – I’m adding that to my list for next time. And I totally know what you mean about the food there – I ate SO much and it was all so affordable!

HAHA, I just love the opening GIF, it just gets me immediately into the road trippin’ mood. Malaysia looks and sounds like an amazing country for road trips and you’re so right, most of the time by the time you boarded a plane, you could have been there and had the whole experience to go along with it. I have to giggle on the carrying tissue with you thing. I learned that in Morocco and ever now always have some in my purse even now that I’ve been back in Western countries.

Taking a road trip around Malaysia would be incredible! I’ve only done road trips around some parts of the US and Italy. GoCar sounds like a great choice and very convenient too! Good tip on the toilet roll; I hate running out!

I’m fascinated by the keyless feature of the Renault Captur! It’s such a clever idea as I’m always forgetting or losing my keys but you’ll never find me without my phone. I love exploring new places by car as, like you said, you can go well off the beaten path and discover so many new things. GoCar seems like a really good rent a car option and I’ll definitely keep it in my mind for when I visit Malaysia next! Although, I don’t drive so my boyfriend will have to be my chauffeur 🙂

Thank you SO much for this, I feel like you’ve covered every question I might’ve had about taking a road trip in Malaysia. I’ve never been before, and your pictures certainly convinced me that this is one of the next trips I should do! Good to know that renting a car there can be budget friendly, Go Car looks really great 🙂

I really want to try this as I simply cannot imagine unlocking my car using my smartphone. What happens if the battery dies? I love a good road trip too as it’s the sense of freedom, going at your own pace and where you want…like an intrepid explorer

I so agree that taking a road trip is the best way to see an area. When the locals mention a great place that is off the beaten track, how are you going to detour and check it out if you don’t have a vehicle. Some of the best places we have seen were because someone from the area mentioned a must see thing and we listened to them. I wonder, does GoCar also rent out motor homes? Malaysia looks so nice that we might want to go slow and check it out for quite sometime.

I have never thought of the possibility of doing a road trip for tourists in Malaysia. It think this will solve our problem since we wanted to drop by KL, Legoland, Melaka and Johor Bahru. Will check out GoCar and thank you for the promo code.

Go Car looks like a perfect way to visit Malaysia. There are so many gems outside of KL that you really need your own set of wheels to see them all efficiently. That’s a great way to get off of the beaten track.

I usually am dependent on public transport when I travel. However I fully understand the benefits of self drive, as you have very effectively explained. With platforms like GoCar, I think I too should start exploring self drive holidays.

What a fun way to explore Malaysia! We planned out a trip there a couple of years ago that didn’t end up happening, but it never occurred to us to make it a road trip! We’re hoping to pick that trip idea up again soon, so maybe we’ll look into driving. The Cameron Highlands look amazing–they’re very high on our Malaysia to-do list.

I live just next door in Singapore, so I have been on a road trip through Malaysia before. Certainly loved visiting Melaka and Kuala Lumpur by car, but I wasn’t very thrilled about the ride up to Cameron Highlands – really got my motion sickness going!

I always love to go for a road trip while exploring a new country. Road trips give the true flavor of that place. Your road trip in Malaysia looks perfect as it is budget friendly and passes along the beautiful green local landscapes. I would love to drive to Cameron Highlands as it looks amazing and relaxing. Janda Baik fields look very appealing. I would surely look for Go car when plan for Malaysia.

I am a big fan of road trip. It would be fun to do it in Malaysia. Haha, I loved your analogy. Of course, pilots will never listen to you even if you said that. Melaka is definitely on my to do list. I would love to sample local food. I hope vegan food is easily available there. Go Car looks like a reliable company.

I have been dying to do a roadtrip via Malaysia. It has such amazing roads and sceneries. BTW I love the use of GIFs in a blogpost. Mkaes it more fun to read.

Good article! Malaysia is a very colorful country. Your advice will be very helpful in my journey

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Dive Into Malaysia

The Ultimate Malaysia Itinerary For The Ultimate Trip✅ 5 Days To 2 Weeks+ [2024]

Looking for the perfect Malaysia itinerary for your perfect vacation in Malaysia?

You are in the right place!

Between living in Malaysia and now travelling to Malaysia a couple of times a year, I have been to most corners of this awesome country. There are fabulous beaches, a bustling capital, an interesting history, some of the best food in world and so much more!

In fact, there are so many great options for where to travel in Malaysia that this can cause problems when it comes time to plan your Malaysia travel itinerary.

With limited time, where should you go?

I can help you answer this! Below, you will find my detailed Malaysia tour itinerary. It is perfect whether you are looking for a Malaysia 5 day itinerary, a Malaysia 7 day itinerary, a Malaysia 10 day itinerary, a 2 week Malaysia itinerary or anything in between!

This article will work whether you are looking for a backpacking Malaysia itinerary or a luxury travel itinerary – you can easily adapt it to your needs. I start by walking through a Malaysia 7 days itinerary and then give you suggestions for slightly more or less time. I then extend this into a 10 day itinerary and a 2 weeks in Malaysia itinerary before giving suggestions for longer periods.

So if you are lucky enough to have two weeks to explore Malaysia, keep reading through all the itinerary suggestions below!

If you have just 2 – 4 days in Malaysia then click here for all our 2 – 4 day Malaysia itineraries.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Planning a trip to Malaysia? Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

Malaysia Trip Planner

Before I dive into my Malaysia trip itinerary, I want to point out that if you are currently planning your whole Malaysia trip and wondering about flights, how to get around, how to book accommodation, what time of year you should go, etc etc then I highly recommend you read my detailed guide here to how to plan a trip to Malaysia.

It steps you through everything else you need to think about in addition to the itinerary for Malaysia trip below. In this article here, I’m strictly talking about the best Malaysia tour plan.

If you prefer to listen than read, you can also find a great Malaysia itinerary for 1- 2 weeks in my podcast here.

Malaysia Itinerary: 7 Days

The following 1 week Malaysia itinerary is exactly what you should do if you have that long. If you are looking for a longer or shorter itinerary, I’ll tell you what edits to make below.

A week is a great length of time to explore two of the best parts of Malaysia – the beaches and island scenery, along with the dynamic capital, Kuala Lumpur. These are the best vacation spots in Malaysia. The highlights of this Malaysia itinerary 1 week:

• Discover the best of Kuala Lumpur
• Visit the tallest twin towers in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers
• Learn the history of Malaysia
• Enjoy the best Indian, Chinese and Malay food in Kuala Lumpur
• Explore some of the most beautiful coastline in Malaysia
• Relax at the best beaches

You’ll spend three nights in Kuala Lumpur and four nights in Langkawi.

This would also work great as a Malaysia honeymoon itinerary, staying in the luxury choices noted below.

It’s also great for a family. Depending on your kids’ ages and interests, you may just want to cut down the itinerary a little and add some chill out pool or beach time to make it a bit easier.

Day 1 Kuala Lumpur

Three days in Kuala Lumpur is a great amount of time to get a good taste of this city in this Malaysia 1 week itinerary.

On arrival at the airport, book a transfer , catch a taxi or the express train into Kuala Lumpur so you aren’t wasting any time.

The itinerary below is based on my detailed 3 day itinerary for Kuala Lumpur here. Click here to get more detailed information or see an overview below. It assumes you hit the ground running and have three full days in Kuala Lumpur. If you don’t, edit out the attractions that seem least interesting to you.

• Start the day at Merdeka (independence) Square where the Malaysian flag was raised for the first time
• Take a look at the nearby Jamek Mosque
• Enjoy lunch at Brickfields, KL’s Little India. Take a stroll and soak it all in
• Visit the Skybridge at the famous Petronas Twin Towers. I recommend you buy tickets in advance
• Wander through KLCC Park
• Have sunset cocktails at SkyBar and enjoy unmatched views of Petronas
• Watch the Symphony Fountain Light Show at KLCC Park

Day 2 Explore Kuala Lumpur’s Variety

Today, you get to enjoy a great mixture of attractions which will show you why Kuala Lumpur is such a great place to visit. Starting at the famous Batu Caves, you’ll also be surrounded by rainforest, enjoy great views of KL and shop at modern shopping centres. Finish the day eating great food and hitting up the infamous drinking street.

• Start the day at the enigmatic Batu Caves. Walk to the top of the coloured stairs, check out the temples and look back over KL
• Visit the tropical rainforest in the heart of KL at KL Forest Eco Park
• Get high in KL at the KL Tower for fabulous views
• Shop in Bukit Bintang
• Eat fabulous food at Jalan Alor Food Street
• Have a drink at Changkat Bukit Bintang Street

Day 3 Kuala Lumpur’s Museums, Islam And Food

Today is a great mixture of enjoying how beautiful Kuala Lumpur can be combined with learning more about its history and Islam. Finish the day with an amazing food tour through Chinatown.

• Start the day at the beautiful KL Bird Park . Enjoy both the birds and the gardens
• Visit the impressive National Mosque
• Learn at the Islamic Arts Museum
• Discover Malaysia’s history at the National Museum
• Enjoy an amazing food tour through KL’s Chinatown. Find it here

Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur

Here are our best options for each budget. Pick the one that corresponds to yours.

LUXURY – Traders Hotel Kuala Lumpur

For awesome views of the Petronas Twin Towers in a central spot with direct access to KLCC Park, you can’t go wrong at the Traders Hotel. There are a range of room types with huge windows for great views. You can also choose to stay in a room with Club Lounge access where you get special food and drinks.

There are also many other facilities including the Sky Bar which forms part of your Kuala Lumpur itinerary for excellent sunset views of the Towers. There is an indoor swimming pool, gym and day spa all for a very affordable price.

Click here for the latest prices or here to read my full review.

MID RANGE – Berjaya Times Square Hotel

The Berjaya Times Square Hotel has one of our favourite locations for a hotel in Kuala Lumpur thanks to being directly above the huge Berjaya Times Square shopping centre. This means easy access to hundreds of shops, restaurants and even a big indoor theme park.

It’s also home to one of the biggest swimming pools I have seen in a city hotel and many other facilities. Room types vary and include apartment-style rooms making this an extra good choice for families or groups. Prices are excellent and we have stayed here many times.

Click here for the latest prices or read our full review here .

BUDGET – Hotel Olympic

For bargain seekers, the Hotel Olympic is a solid choice central to many of Kuala Lumpur’s attractions. It is moments away from the new Merdeka 118 and two metro stations. It is also just a short walk from KL’s fabulous Chinatown.

Rooms are all air-conditioned (you will need it!) with private bathrooms and TVs. They also have a kettle and free wifi. Rooms range from double/twin to quad configuration. There are also suite options including a fabulous junior suite for families with a double bed and super cool bunk beds (built to look like a house) with a slide.

It’s also colourful and modern with a restaurant and convenience store on-site.

Click here for the latest prices.

If you would like something cheaper and don’t mind staying in a room without a window, also consider the Big M Hotel here . This is also conveniently located in Chinatown.

If you would like more options, read our full guide to the best accommodation in Kuala Lumpur for all budgets here.

Day 4 Fly To Langkawi

Today, you take the short flight to Langkawi leaving the bright lights of Kuala Lumpur behind. You can read more about travelling from KL to Langkawi here.

Langkawi is a beautiful tropical island off the north west coast of Malaysia near the border with Thailand. It has stunning scenery, great beaches and many fun attractions and activities. Many of Malaysia’s best resorts are located here and some time in Langkawi is the perfect accompaniment to Kuala Lumpur in a Malaysia one week itinerary.

• Take a flight to Langkawi in the morning. Find the best prices here
• On arrival in Langkawi, take a taxi to your hotel or book a transfer here to make things extra easy
• Enjoy the afternoon at your hotel or at the beach
• In the early evening, head to Pantai Cenang for sunset drinks and dinner. Yellow Cafe is a good place for sunset drinks
• If you want to party tonight, this is the area to be

Day 5 Explore Langkawi

Today, you are going to explore the island of Langkawi. Hire a car or taxi for the day and get going!

• There are many attractions in Langkawi but they can be quite spread out. I recommend you go through this list and pick out your favourite
• I particularly recommend the zipline adventure and the kayaking Mangrove tour. Ignore any cruising and the SkyCab as they are coming up next!
• In the evening, head to one of Langkawi’s night markets. They change location every night of the week. See the schedule here

Day 6  Langkawi Nature

Langkawi is famous for its gorgeous natural attractions and today you will explore them.

• In the morning, head to Langkawi SkyCab and SkyBridge for some of the most beautiful scenery in Malaysia
• In the afternoon, if you are staying at a luxurious resort, it’s time to enjoy it! Relax and enjoy what it offers. Otherwise, head to Pantai Tengah for a beautiful beach with services but without the huge crowds

Day 7 Langkawi Cruising

For your final day in your one week Malaysia itinerary, it’s time to enjoy Langkawi from the sea! This is the most beautiful and enjoyable way to explore this part of the world.

• Explore the Langkawi archipelago on a half day Langkawi Island Hopping adventure. These tours include beaches, optional snorkelling and eagle watching. Click here to book a good one now or read our full guide to Langkawi island hopping tours here
• Relax in the afternoon or go shopping at Cenang Mall and Zon Shopping Paradise in Pantai Cenang
• Finish your final day in Langkawi with a stunning sunset cruise. Click here to book now

You can read more details on all of the activities mentioned in Langkawi here.

Where To Stay In Langkawi

Luxury – the datai langkawi review.

This 5-star resort is a luxurious favourite. Not only is it located in a beautiful setting between the rainforest and a private beach, but it has all the facilities of a top resort. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want luxury.

There are three pools (one for adults, one for families and one for toddlers), water sports, a health club and many nature activities both for children and adults. There are many room types, but the downside is that it is removed from most attractions so factor in lots of taxi rides if you want to explore the island.

The Datai also has four restaurants and two shops. Rates include breakfast and minibar and the villas also have a private butler service.

Click here for the latest prices .

MID RANGE – Camar Resort

If you like being close to the action, this beachfront hotel in Pantai Tengah is close to the main area of Pantai Cenang. In addition to the beach, there is a huge pool, gym and on-site restaurant.

There is a huge range of room types including private villas and family suites. It’s very good value given the location.

BUDGET – Adya Hotel

The Adya Hotel Langkawi is a great choice for bargain hunters who love being in a central spot (it’s located in the main town, Kuah) but don’t mind being away from the beach. The Adya Hotel has a shopping centre next door and has two swimming pools (one is ladies only). It also has a gym and restaurant.

With all of this and solid room standards with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs, this is a great mid-range hotel at a budget price tag.

You can find more options for where to stay in Langkawi here .

Final Notes

Instead of a 7 days Malaysia itinerary, you could turn this into a Malaysia 6 days itinerary by removing one day in Langkawi. Pick which day least appeals and remove it. Or, if you prefer to be active on trips, you could remove the relaxing on day 6 in the afternoon and do the day 7 activities then.

If you are looking for a Malaysia itinerary 8 days, you have two choices. Pick whether you would like more time in Kuala Lumpur or Langkawi and add a day to that destination and then simply do less each day in that destination to spread it across an extra day.

If you would prefer to see an extra destination in Malaysia instead, I recommend spending an extra night in Kuala Lumpur and doing this day tour to Melaka . Melaka is an interesting place quite different to Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi and you are sure to enjoy it.

You can also get to Melaka very easily by booking our taxi service here.

Malaysia Itinerary: 5 Days

If you are looking for a Malaysia 5 days itinerary, I recommend you don’t go to Langkawi. You still can if you don’t mind moving fast but with just a couple of nights, I would focus on Kuala Lumpur and its surrounding area instead.

So for a 5 days trip to Malaysia, I recommend doing days 1 – 3 above. Day 4, I recommend you visit Batu Caves and follow the bonus 4 day mentioned here. Then on day 5, head to Melaka on a day trip. You can book that here.

If you are looking for a Malaysia itinerary 6 days and aren’t much of a beach person, you could also follow this 5 day Malaysia itinerary and spend an extra day returning to whatever you loved most in Kuala Lumpur.

Looking for the ultimate Malaysia Itinerary Planner for your trip? Click here to get it now!

Malaysia Itinerary: 10 Days

The following 10 days in Malaysia itinerary is exactly what you should do with a week and a half.

This timeframe is perfect to really get a good introduction to Malaysia by adding two more of the best tourist destinations in Malaysia to the one week itinerary. You don’t just get to see the capital and beaches but also UNESO-listed George Town and get to eat some of the best food in the world. The highlights of this Malaysia holiday itinerary are:

• Enjoy the best Indian, Chinese and Malay food in KL
• Eat the best food in Ipoh and Penang
• Explore the historic centres of Ipoh and George Town
• Enjoy the most beautiful coastline in Malaysia

Let’s start this Malaysia vacation guide!

Days 1 – 3 Kuala Lumpur

Follow the 3-day Malaysia city tour itinerary for Kuala Lumpur above.

Day 4 Explore Ipoh

Today, you leave Kuala Lumpur for the pretty city of Ipoh just over three hours bus journey north-west of Kuala Lumpur. Ipoh has a gorgeous Old Town area with fun street art, beautiful surrounding scenery and is known for having some of the best food in the country. You are sure to love your quick stopover!

• Take a morning bus to Ipoh ( book it here ) or take an easy taxi transfer ( book it here )
• Take a taxi to your hotel and drop off your bags
• Have one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop .
• Spend the afternoon walking around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail. You can download the map and more information on the sights here
• Take your time and keep a look out for Ipoh’s famous street art and gorgeous laneways
• Have dinner at the Tong Sui Kai Hawker Centre and try as many dishes as you can. Ipoh’s specialty dishes, like Ipoh laksa, ayam garam (salted chicken) or any of Ipoh’s special noodle dishes like Gai Si Hor Fun (shredded chicken noodles) or Chee Chong Fun, are especially recommended

Want the Easiest (and BEST) Way to travel around Malaysia?

We can book a taxi for you between anywhere in peninsular Malaysia. Travel straight from one hotel to your next without any fuss or sweat.

You can pick your own departure time, relax and know everything will go to plan.

Click here for prices and online booking.

Where To Stay In Ipoh

Regalodge is a solid mid range hotel option not far from the Old Town of Ipoh. There’s a restaurant and day spa, and the service is great.

There are a variety of room types from standard double hotel rooms to family suites. They are all a good standard with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and flatscreen TVs. It’s an amazing price for this standard of hotel.

You can find more options for where to stay in Ipoh here .

Day 5 Temples And Beaches

Today, you finish exploring Ipoh by visiting the surrounding temples and then take a bus on to Penang.

• Grab a taxi to visit a couple of Ipoh’s cave temples at Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Ton Temple. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees and wear sturdy footwear
• Eat a quick lunch before catching a bus or private taxi to Penang. This journey takes just over two hours and you can book a ticket here for the bus or make it super easy and book your private taxi here.

Penang island is one of the most popular Malaysia vacation destinations off the west coast of Malaysia. It has long served as a link between Asia’s two halves and, as such, has a more diverse culture. Its capital, George Town, has a UNESCO World Heritage listed centre. Penang isn’t just about tourist cities in Malaysia though. There are beaches, mountainous jungle and the best food in Malaysia.

• Drop your bags at your hotel before heading to Batu Ferringhi, the popular beach area. If you like water sports, go parasailing. Otherwise, relax with a drink on the beach at the Bora Bora by Sunset bar
• Eat dinner at Long Beach Kafe. This hawker centre has many delicious food choices
• Visit the surrounding night market

Day 6 Explore Penang

Today, you are exploring Penang particularly its UNESO-listed centre.

• Head to the funicular tram for a ride up Penang Hill for great views. Read more about Penang Hill here
• Visit nearby Kek Lok Si Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia. Consider doing this morning tour to make it easy and to learn more. Otherwise, take taxis
• Have lunch in Little India in George Town
• While in George Town, visit Peranakan Mansion and learn about Penang’s original people. Then head to Fort Cornwallis and the museum at Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. I recommend you walk around if the heat will allow it so you can take everything in and to keep a look out for Penang’s famous street art
• Consider taking this amazing food tour of George Town which starts around 4pm. You’ll see more of George Town and really get to enjoy and know the food. You can see my full review of this tour here (including what we ate)
• Otherwise, walk via Love Lane to Kapitan Keeling Mosque. You need to dress modestly to enter, and there are gowns on site you can borrow (if you do the food tour, you’lll visit all these places on the tour)
• Stroll down Armenian Street, once the home of Chinese clan-houses and secret societies. Today it has been gentrified and is home to many shops and cafes. This is also where you will find the famous “kids on a bicycle” mural
• You could also do this sightseeing tour instead to make things easier
• For dinner, head to another hawker centre. Some good options are New Lane Hawker Centre, Gurney Drive Hawker Centre and Sri Weld Food Court – pick whichever is most convenient for you.

Where To Stay In Penang

Luxury – shangri-la’s rasa sayang resort and spa.

The 5-star Rasa Sayang is set in a beautiful spot by one end of the beach in Batu Ferringhi. It’s only a short walk from the action of Batu Ferringhi where you can relax and feel a world away while lounging by the pool or in its spacious gardens. There are countless facilities here including multiple pools, restaurants, gym, kids club and golf course.

There are a variety of room types from doubles to family rooms. For a treat, book a room in the Rasa Wing which includes special benefits such as breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktails and pre-dinner canapes.

MID RANGE – Bayview Hotel George Town

This business style hotel is in a great location in George Town. It offers a pool, gym and a 360 degree revolving restaurant!

You will find a variety of room types including family options and suites for extra space.

This is all at a great value price given the location.

BUDGET – Chulia Heritage Hotel

If you are on a Malaysia backpacking itinerary. you will appreciate this budget friendly option in a central part of George Town. This is a simple hotel with bicycles available but without extra facilities and services.

Despite the low price tag, all rooms are a good standard with air-conditioning, flatscreen TVs and tea and coffee making facilities. Depending on your budget, you can pick a private or shared bathroom. There are family room options as well as regular twins and doubles.

You can find more great places to stay in Penang here.

Day 7 Head To Langkawi

This morning, it’s time to leave Malaysia’s cities behind for one of the best holiday spots in Malaysia, Langkawi.

I recommend you fly between the two places as travelling overland is a lot more mucking around. You can read about your transport options here.

If you fly, you can book a transfer here to your hotel.

• Travel to Langkawi in the morning
• In the afternoon, take it easy in your resort or on the beach at Pantai Cenang
• In the evening, head to Pantai Cenang for sunset drinks and dinner. Yellow Cafe is a good place to sit for sunset drinks.
• If you want to party tonight, Pantai Cenang is the place to be

Days 8 – 10 Enjoy Langkawi

Follow days 5-7 in the 7-day itinerary above.

Malaysia Itinerary: 2 Weeks

When designing a Malaysia 2 week itinerary, I recommend basing it on the 10 day itinerary above but with extra time everywhere and visiting Melaka on a day trip. Read through the 10-day itinerary before going through the Malaysia two week itinerary as it is more detailed.

Below, I quickly share this Malaysia 2 weeks itinerary.

Days 1 – 5 Kuala Lumpur

Follow the 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary above for the first three days.

On day 4, pick one of the bonus 4th day activities you can find this in this Kuala Lumpur itinerary . This includes visiting either the Genting Highlands , Putrajaya or Sunway Lagoon for theme park fun.

On day 5, do a day trip to Melaka .

Day 6 Travel to Ipoh

Take it easy in the morning returning to any favourite spots in Kuala Lumpur. After lunch, take a bus to Ipoh ( book it here ) or treat yourself to an affordable private taxi ( book here ) to save some time. After checking in, enjoy a quick wander in the Old Town before dinner.

Day 7 Exploring Ipoh

Ipoh has a gorgeous Old Town area with fun street art, beautiful surrounding scenery and is known for having some of the best food in the country. Today, you explore the best it has to offer.

• Start the day with one one of Ipoh’s famous white coffees and egg tarts at Nam Heong White Coffee Shop
• Spend the morning walking around the Old Town following the Ipoh Heritage Trail. You can download the map and more information on the sights here
• In the afternoon, grab a taxi to visit a couple of Ipoh’s cave temples at Sam Poh Tong Temple and Kek Lok Ton Temple. Cover your shoulders and knees and wear sturdy footwear

Day 8 Penang’s Beaches

Today, it’s time to move on to the awesome island of Penang!

• Catch a bus to Penang. This journey takes just over two hours and you can book a ticket here . Alternatively, a taxi from Ipoh is very affordable and is faster and easier. Book it here.
• Drop your bags at your hotel before heading to Batu Ferringhi, the popular beach area. If you like water sports, go parasailing or you can try a banana boat ride
• Late afternoon, relax with a drink on the beach at the Bora Bora by Sunset bar

Day 9 Explore Penang

Follow day 6 of the 10 day itinerary above.

Days 10 – 13 Enjoy Langkawi

Follow days 7-10 of the 10 day itinerary above.

Day 14 Final Day

For your final day in this Malaysia itinerary 14 days, repeat anything you have loved in Langkawi so far, relax at your resort or visit some more places in this list of best things to do in Langkawi.

Malaysia Itinerary: 3 Weeks+

With three plus weeks in Malaysia, you have plenty of time to add in another region of Malaysia.

I recommend you follow the two week Malaysia itinerary above or you could follow the 10 day one instead if you like to move fast and see a lot.

If you are looking for a Malaysia 3 week itinerary, you can then spend the rest of your time following an itinerary east coast Malaysia or head to Borneo to explore a very different part of Malaysia.

If you have 4+ weeks, you could consider doing all of the above!

Here are some suggestions for an east coast Malaysia itinerary and a Borneo Malaysia itinerary for 7 – 10 days.

East Coast Malaysia itinerary: 7+ Days

This itinerary takes you to the best islands and most interesting cities on the east coast.

Day 1: Fly to Kota Bharu . This will take two flights. Click here to find flights. Check in to your hotel and take a walk around the attractions in Kota Bharu.

Days 2 – 3: Leave early for Kuala Besut and then a ferry across to the Perhentian Islands ( read how to do this here ). Stay 2 nights on the Perhentian Islands enjoying what these islands have to offer. This is primarily enjoying the beach, hiking and snorkelling/diving.

Days 4-5: Catch a boat to Redang Island ( see how here ) for more gorgeous Malaysia Island time for the next two nights. Read more about Redang Island here.

Day 6: Take a ferry to Kuala Terengganu. Explore this city

Day 7: Finish exploring Kuala Terengganu and fly back to Kuala Lumpur

With an extra three nights, you could spend longer at the locations above or also head to Cherating Beach and Kuantan and catch a bus or flight back to Kuala Lumpur from here.

A long-distance taxi is a great way to speed up your exploration of the region and is affordable. Find out prices and book here.

If you are trying to work out which east coast island to visit, read our guide here to whether Perhentian Islands, Redang Island or Tioman is best!

Borneo Malaysia Itinerary: 7+ Days

This Malaysia trip guide takes you to the best of the state of Sabah. Another alternative would be to spend a whole week in Kuching doing day trips to the jungle and surrounding attractions.

Day 1: Fly to Kota Kinabalu. This will take two flights from Langkawi. Click here to find flights.

Day 2: Explore Kota Kinabalu. Consider visiting Gaya Island or the surrounding islands or the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Read our guide to Kota Kinabalu here.

Day 3:  Climb Mt Kinabalu or take the easy option and enjoy Mount Kinabalu from some hot springs on this tour.

Day 4: Catch a bus or fly to Sandakan. Arrive as early as possible as there are some great things to do here. Explore the amazing wildlife attractions around this city. Head to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and the Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre if you can fit it in. (You will have to push this to day 5 if you climb the mountain.)

Day 5: Visit Turtle Island for an amazing overnight experience getting to enjoy a tropical island then viewing a female turtle laying her eggs and other turtle related activities. More information here.

Day 6: Arrive back in Sandakan and take an overnight tour to explore the awesome wildlife at Kinabatangan River . Read more here

Day 7: Return to Sandakan and fly back to Kuala Lumpur

With an extra three nights, you could spend longer at the locations above or fly onto Miri and explore Gunung Mulu National Park.

I hope with these suggestions, you can make the best 3 week itinerary Malaysia for you!

Map Of Malaysia Travel Itinerary

The following map shows the 10 day and the 2 week trip for Malaysia. The one week trip is a simplified version of this with Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur.

Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklist . We’ll help you get ready for your trip!  

Have any questions?  Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now!  It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired!

I hope this has helped you create your best itinerary Malaysia! To help you plan your whole trip, click here for our ultimate guide or find all our planning guides here . If you plan to visit Singapore as well, find our best Singapore and Malaysia itineraries here . You can also find our best road trip itineraries here .

Related posts:

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.

Seven Malaysia Roadtrips You Need To Add To Your Bucket List

You deserve a good holiday. You know you do. But instead of the average rigmarole i.e. booking a flight that can be rescheduled without warning, checking into a homestay for its photogenic qualities, and gorging on authentic tourist cuisine as recommended on ‘TotallyGenuineFoodTrippers.com’, why not skip the sea of selfie sticks and boorish tour-bus throngs for a proper Malaysian roadtrip?

The worst bit about Covid – perhaps more than being deadly – is how it dictated and inhibited our daily lives. Roadtrips put control back in your hands. You’re the captain of your ship, setting whatever pace you like, following whatever winds catch your fancy. But before you chart your course, here’s two important questions to consider:

A) What bevy of delicious snacks will accompany your upcoming adventure? B) What are the best cars to experience our iconic highways and byways?

We’ve chosen cars that return decent enough mileage, that are reliable in a pinch, and with sufficient space if you’re bringing along several best friends – because hey, what’s a roadtrip without the right passengers? But more than anything else, we’ve chosen cars with character. These are the vehicles that make the long journey just as exciting as the destination.

And ‘long journey’ are key words here. While a red Ferrari is exactly the type of car that everyone gets out of bed for, a vehicle like that is better appreciated creeping along Jalan Telawi or speeding down a race track. Not swallowing ribbons of tarmac as you munch on those aforementioned snacks. So yes, ride comfort is a big consideration as well.

That however doesn’t mean our choice of car will be boring and uninspired. Fun should measure just as importantly as the other parameters. Along with comfily bolstered seats we shall also want smile-inducing performance. We’re not talking about pushing a car to its top speed but it should at least have more than enough grunt to comfortably break speed limits – not that we’re suggesting you do anything of the sort.

Without further ado, here are the roadtrips and cars we feel, will give you the most bang for your roadtripping buck.

1. K.L. to Pantai Irama, Kelantan

• Travel time: 6.5 hours
• Distance: 450KM
• Car of choice: Porsche Cayenne CKD

We’re very cautious about over-selling seaside destinations, but Pantai Irama or Melody Beach is one of the nicer ones without having to go off-shore. But while the sand is powdery and the lapping waves a welcome respite, it can get ever so slightly crowded on the weekends. Bring your picnic basket or better yet, dig into traditional Kelantanese cuisine that’s rich, sweet and creamy. Just don’t expect a pristine beach.

Still, this could be a pretty epic if not historic journey to make in the Cayenne CKD. Not only will you be charmed by Kelantanese food and culture, but that uber-lux SUV would have just come off the very first Porsche assembly facility outside of Europe. Based in Kulim, Kedah, the new plant only produces base model Cayennes, priced from RM550,000, offering a savings of up to RM115,000 from previous filly imported vehicles.

It’s powered by a 3.0 litre turbocharged V6 petrol engine that’s good for 340 PS (335 hp) at 5,300 to 6,400 rpm and 450Nm of torque between 1,340 to 5,300 rpm. An eight-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission and active all-wheel drive ensures you carve up those East coast roads like a hot knife through butter.

2. K.L. to Legoland, Johor Bahru

• Travel time: 3.5 hours
• Distance: 330KM
• Car of choice: Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 AMG Line

What good reason does an adult have to be at a water park? First up, stop being such an grown up. Between talking politics at your favourite watering spot, or jumping on a water slide and going with the flow, which do you figure is more life affirming? Take off your big boy pants and take a lesson or two from kids who know exactly how to enjoy life’s best moments. And anyone who’s spent a day – let alone several is quick succession – at a water park, will know how exhausted, famished and completely refreshing it can be. Want a more physically and mentally challenging day than you’ve ever experienced? Invite your young nephews and nieces, and you’ll be having the best sleep of your life come the day’s end.

For this trip, we recommend hopping into the GLC 300 that now comes in a new Spectral Blue paint option. Retailing from RM338,693 without insurance, this beauty offers 258 PS and 370Nm of torque plus the right amount of space to fit enough luggage for several days for four adults. Blending premium quality and style, this comfortable drive has all the styling, tech and driver appeal to win over the weekend cross-country tripper in you. That means it’ll feet every bit as great whether running down North-South Expressway, or navigating through of Johor Bahru’s heritage streets or cafe hoping in Mount Austin.

3. K.L. to Malacca

• Travel time: 1.5 hours
• Distance: 155KM
• Car of choice: Hyundai Ioniq 5

Malacca’s tourism has always been a double-edged sword. You might be experiencing a UNESCO World Heritage site on a trishaw powered by an equally ancient looking man, except his bike and cart is decked out in garish Hello Kitty pink. As he takes you across historic cobbled streets toward the steps of a 16th century church, you might also spy numerous new hotels, built in disregard of said UNESCO guidelines, because there’s really no such thing as over-commercialization. It’s still worth a visit though. Especially if you roll in on a spanking new Hyundai Ioniq 5.

4. K.L. to Cameron Highlands

• Travel time: 3 hours
• Distance: 206KM
• Car of choice: Volkswagen Golf GTI MK8

Hooray for life’s simplest pleasures; like picking fresh strawberries to have with hot scones and cream. Or how about a cool stroll through the surreal Mossy Forest? Or simply breathing in the crisp mountain air?

Serene activities like these are the perfect come-down, after a spirited drive up from KL in the cracking Golf GTI MK8. Thanks to its Vehicle Dynamics Manager, it sticks to mountain corners and spits you towards the next bend faster than ever before. Overseeing stability control, the electronic differential and adaptive damper settings to optimise your driving experience, this new fangled software allows regular joes to push the car’s limits albeit under controlled parameters. But If you’re really feeling adventurous, then you’ll need to set you GPS for the longer Ringlet Road-Sungai Koyan road via Route 102. Certainly the more “scenic” route, you’ll be putting an additional 30-40 minutes on your fun time. Just make sure your passengers’ stomachs are up to the task.

5. K.L. to Penang to Kota Bharu

• Travel time: 4 hours (K.L. to Georgetown), 5.5 hours (Georgetown to Kota Bharu)
• Distance: 354.5KM (K.L. to Georgetown), 341KM (Georgetown to Kota Bharu)
• Car of choice: BMW i4 M50

There is just a stunning range of geographical diversity as you travel up north; it’s filled with mountains, rivers, forests and wetlands. With attractions so diverse, this medium to long range journey is perfect if you’ve got five to seven days to spare. In Penang, punctuate your meal times with visiting Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, and the Botanical Gardens. There’s popular Batu Ferringhi Beach and Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion to take selfies at. Penang boasts the best hawker food in Malaysia, but trendy cafes serving creamy lattes and buttery pastries have also been mushrooming across the island.

Once you’ve had your fill, Kota Bharu offers sights, sounds and smells that might seem completely foreign if you’ve never experienced them before. There are shopping bazaars, Thai Buddhist temples, and a thousand delicacies at the famous Kota Bharu Night Market,

Our chosen car? BMW’s jaw-dropping i4 M50. Retailing at RM430,000, this is the German maker’s first fully electric M model. Arriving with all-wheel drive, the power to sprint from zero to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds, real cowhide seats, and (we kid you not) Hans Zimmer designed engine sounds, this model is the one that finally convinced us that those oversized kidney bean grills are actually pretty attractive.

6. K.L. to Ipoh

• Travel time: 2.5 hours
• Distance: 205KM
• Car of choice: Mercedes-AMG A35

Georgetown will always be the rockstar destination for local roadtrips. While Ipoh is all about turning off and slowing down. You still get pretty colonial buildings, historic walkways like Concubine Lane, and the charming city’s tin-mining history is gloriously retold at the Han Chin Pet Soo museum. But contemporary attractions like the Ipoh Art trail – thanks to a collaboration between the Old Town White Coffee company and Lithuanian artist Ernst Zacharevic – shake things up and remind you that Ipoh has its eye on moving with the times. And if the sweltering heat at Kellie’s Castle is a little too much to take, step into the Kek Lok Tong cave temple and its cooling mini-ecosphere instantly puts a weary traveller at ease.

The perfect car for this quick getaway – the Mercedes A35. Like Ipoh, the A35 is the more down-to-earth brother to the limelight hogging A45. Unlike its older sibling that comes with its very own bespoke AMG engine and an impressive RM450,000 plus price tag to match, the A35 (RM336,278) stills pumps out a very serious 306 PS and 400Nm of torque via its 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. Its short wheelbase is perfect for navigating tight nooks and crannies, while still cocooned in Merc’s signature luxury.

7. K.L. to Taiping

• Distance: 266KM
• Car of choice: Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric P8

Did you know that Taiping’s Lake Gardens was completed in 1880? It is one of, if not the oldest, park crafted from leftover tin mines. It’s mesmerising Rain Trees, also known as the Pukul Lima Tree for the way its leaves curl up in the evening, are a sight to behold. Just don’t get in the way of numerous pre-wedding photoshoots that dot the waters edge. Other fascinations that might pique your interests: All Saints Church is Perak’s very first, the Taiping-Kuala Lumpur railway was Malaysia’s first train route, and Maxwell Hill was Malaysia’s first hill station.

Unlike many destinations mentioned in this list, Taiping is still relatively pristine given its long history. And we’d like to keep it that way. Enter the XC40 P8, the very first ever fully electric car to be locally assembled. As the third XC40 variant, this snazzy new car is powered by two electric motors, delivery a healthy output of 408PS and 660Nm of torque. Completing the 0-100 sprint in 4.9 seconds, its takes 7-8 hours to fully charge, and features Volvo’s very, very, extensive list of safety and driver assistance systems. What you really need to know is yes, this model features those insanely cool Thor’s Hammer LED daytime running lights.

Read more: The A-Listers Took A Few Mercedes-Benz Cars For A Spin In Bukit Tinggi

Zech Pharamond

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Here’s One of Peninsular Malaysia’s Best Road Trips

This enjoyable loop route offers nature, scenery, history, a charming Malaysian small town, and a welcome dose of cool highlands weather.

Who doesn’t enjoy a good road trip? The best of these feature lots of good food, great scenery, and in this case, plenty of local heritage. One such Malaysian road trip that’s mostly in Selangor, but partly in Pahang, involves driving up to Kuala Kubu Bharu (or, more commonly, KKB), then on to Fraser’s Hill, and back to Kuala Lumpur via Bentong. This can all be done as a long-ish day trip, or you can stay overnight in KKB, Fraser’s Hill, or both.

KKB is an easy, breezy drive north from Greater KL, taking a little over an hour, depending on your start point and, as always, traffic. We think the best route is via the Rawang Bypass (Route 37), easily one of Malaysia’s more remarkable stretches of highway. Impressively, this soaring elevated highway – at heights of nearly 60 m over the ground far below, it’s Malaysia’s highest – owes much of its breathtaking design and engineering (both the elevation and sweeping, graceful curves) to a super-rare and critically endangered tree, Hopea subalata .

Known locally as ‘Giam Kanching,’ this species is hyper-endemic, found only in this one little patch of Selangor that’s part of the Kanching Forest Reserve. Apparently, considerable pains were taken to avoid cutting down large numbers of Giam Kanching trees, which can now be seen at canopy height as you make your way north.

As you continue on, there are trailheads, waterfalls, and small lakes nearby. There’s also a gorgeous Buddhist temple, Jing Loong Shin Wan Fo Shih, that’s a short hop off the main road after you get off the bypass between Rawang and Serendah. Just nearby is another temple, Liang Liang, and though not quite as ornate, it’s still plenty appealing. For anyone interested in such temples, it’s a slight backtrack, but a detour well worth taking. Afterward, it’s very easy to jump back on the main road.

After you pass through the townships of Batang Kali and Rasa, just beyond the Jamek Al-Khalidiah mosque, there is a choice of two routes that both continue on to KKB, the proverbial ‘fork in the road.’ Bail off the busier route and take the road on the right, Jalan Ampang Pecah. This route is a bit slower, but it’s more interesting, and certainly more scenic.

As you reach the tiny township of Ampang Pecah, it’s worth noting you’ll be on the original site of the Kuala Kubu of old. (The new version, KKB, lies at a modestly higher elevation just north.) But what’s particularly worth seeing here is another nice Buddhist temple, Guan Yin Gu See, and the lovely Darul Quran mosque, which is sited on a little thumb of land that juts out into Huffaz Lake. Sadly, the road that affords the best view of the mosque is now inaccessible without special permission from the local Islamic school, but the surrounding area is beautiful and worth exploring.

The KKB Hot Springs can be found just outside of town and and at the edge of a little residential area, and though small and a bit basic, this little-known attraction offer visitors a chance to wade or dip in a natural hot spring pool. Locals use the springs for hot water therapy, but with 24-hour access, chances are good you can find a time to have the springs all to yourself. The water is quite clean (except for a bit of floating moss or algae), about 40-41°C – basically hot tub temperature – and we felt that the pool and surrounding area was kept reasonably neat and tidy. A small changing room is onsite, as are two small, covered pavilions.

STAY AND PLAY

Day trips to KKB are easy enough, but deciding to stay overnight here definitely offered its own rewards. We were impressed with the accommodation options in and around KKB. The range of interesting options in such a small town – from woodland glamping properties to basic shoplot hotels to authentic lakeside campsites – came as a real surprise.

We chose Sarang by the Brook , an appealing and affordable jungle-sited retreat on the northern edge of town that brilliantly utilises upcycled old shipping containers as accommodation in three different sizes. There are only 12 rooms here, and they’ve all been nicely kitted out with air conditioning, comfortable beds, and full en suite bathrooms, including hot showers. There’s a sparkling clean and beautifully landscaped swimming pool, BBQ facilities and a full kitchen for self-catering use, plenty of third-party activities for those who are keen, and a friendly and knowledgeable host. The lush jungle setting is idyllic, and it’s clear this private little retreat has earned its excellent ratings on various travel sites.

We liked that Sarang offers a BBQ option to its guests, and provides everything necessary apart from your choice of meats and veggies. (We did this for dinner, enjoyed a delicious private BBQ, and had an absolutely terrific time.)

In the morning at about 8am, the staff leave packets of freshly and locally made nasi lemak in containers in the kitchen, labelled for each room. The kitchen also has beverages available like coffee, tea, and Milo, and guests also have a choice from a number of cereals, and toast and various spreads. Of course, for those so inclined, you can bring your own eggs and other goodies and make a full breakfast for yourself!

We loved the concept of Sarang by the Brook, with its jungle setting, large pool, and great vibes all around. The idea of repurposing shipping containers as cosy rooms is a particularly great one, and we were surprised at how comfortable and enjoyable the accommodation felt. (If you want a quiet, nature-focused experience, request room #6, as the balcony faces the jungle.)

EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE

The next day found us wandering the town on foot again. Walking around KKB, just a short distance from Sarang, is undeniably good exercise for both the body and soul. Heritage shoplots, street art, pre-war buildings, an old theatre dating back to 1953, and plenty of charm and opportunities for discovery lurk seemingly around every corner.

We were pleased to see that KKB is kept notably clean and tidy – streets are free of litter, parks and signposts alike are nice and orderly, and the town seems to be making a real effort to ensure the town centre is well-maintained, attractive, and appealing. There’s a real sense of civic pride evident from walking around in KKB, something that, sadly, is often lacking in towns and small cities here – or even in the townships of Kuala Lumpur, for that matter!

In our time there, we tried out a number of restaurants and found some of them especially easy to recommend. Head to Restoran Wong Ng Kee for lunch, a mainstay in KKB for over 80 years, and order their pork chop, served crispy and pre-cut, along with fried onion rings, some gravy, and a fried egg. Absolutely amazing.

Another terrific choice for lunch (or dinner) is the popular 98 Restoran, serving up seafood and Chinese food at very reasonable prices. We loved the smoked duck, and definitely recommend adding that to your list of dishes.

After spending a bit of time checking out an array of curio shops, cafés, and even small parks in the heart of town, we bid KKB adieu and headed on towards the mighty Sungai Selangor Dam, about 7 km east of KKB. There is a small roadside park affording spectacular views of the sprawling lake and forested mountains surrounding it.

The road, Route 55, snakes alongside the southern and southeastern shores of the lake for a few kilometres, then breaks free and heads into the jungle, a twisting, narrow road that soon begins its steady ascent – defined by scores of winding switchbacks – to Fraser’s Hill. Not far after leaving the lake behind, a trailhead to Air Terjun Sungai Chiling – the beautiful and well-known Chiling Waterfalls – is on the right-hand side. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is an easy hike well worth putting on your list.

For those less inclined to go tromping through the forest, a much more easily accessible waterfall, Air Terjun Semangkuk, can be found just a few kilometres further along Route 55. Visible from the road, Semangkuk offers a scenic stopping point, and there’s a sizeable parking area on the opposite side of the road. The rocks and forest floor can get very slippery around the falls, so caution is warranted.

ON TO FRASER’S HILL

Fraser’s Hill, one of a handful of hill stations established by the British, was created to provide a cool retreat from the oppressive climatic conditions that some colonialists experienced in the Malaysian lowlands. Most of these hill stations have fascinating histories and settings that resemble distant lands that were intentionally created by the colonialists to remind them of life back home.

The British set about erecting Tudor Revival bungalows (Mock Tudor or, in Singapore, the Black and White House) based on stone and wood buildings from the Tudor era. These were set among gardens planted with temperate plants, and their interiors often featured an open fireplace. On cool days, colonialists could retreat for a cream tea of scones, clotted cream, and strawberry jam after a round of golf.

In the case of Fraser’s Hill, Mr. F.W. Mager, Pahang State Engineer, was instructed over a century ago to survey the area and to commence construction of a new access road from the Gap to the Fraser’s Hill summit. Fraser’s disused tin mine was to be the centre of the resort, with the wide valley earmarked for a golf course that is still in use today.

The hill resort was officially opened to visitors in 1922. Buildings soon sprung up, built in the ‘colonial style’ between 1919 and 1957, and many still stand, with 46 officially designated as heritage buildings. These include British government bungalows built to house officials of the administration; private bungalows for use by senior company staff employed in trades such as tin and rubber; and public buildings including the post office and the police station.

These days, Fraser’s Hill makes an enjoyable continuation on from KKB for those looking to extend their trip, or just to take in more of the delights of rural Malaysia. We did just that and soon found ourselves enjoying afternoon tea at a small colonial hotel that originally opened as the Red Cross House, which was built by the Department of Public Works and hosted its first guests in mid-1924.

The property reverted to an inn some years later, and in 1988, it began operating as Ye Olde Smokehouse Fraser’s Hill. Since then, it has offered comfortable country house hospitality with 14 rooms, a lounge, a restaurant, and a bar. The property offers all the charm of an old English inn, with the suites having good facilities, including en suite bathrooms.

Ye Olde Smokehouse offers visitors a nostalgic English experience and a comfortable place to stay. (It’s also one of only two places on the hill to enjoy an alcoholic beverage).

Beyond a nice tipple, guests can do as we did and enjoy afternoon cream teas of freshly baked scones, strawberry jam, cream, and a pot of Malaysian tea. There is a also a small bar with a log fireplace and an adjoining restaurant that serves traditional English fare. The staff are always happy to light a fire on chilly nights, which can see temperatures drop down to as low as 14-16°C.

The two towns are quite different, but it’s safe to say if there were ever a pair of Malaysian settings trapped in a bygone era, it would be KKB and Fraser’s Hill. While the slow pace of life and general lack of modern facilities and conveniences may not have universal appeal, others will enjoy the small-town charms of KKB and the refreshingly cool and unhurried highlands setting of Fraser’s Hill.

To return to Kuala Lumpur, just head towards Raub and then Bentong, and you’ll be back on the main highway before you know it!

With additional text and photos by David Bowden.

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Singapore to Malaysia road trip: the most complete guide

Last Updated on 19/05/2023 by Clotilde Passalacqua

Are you visiting Singapore and considering extending your time to explore Malaysia, its neighbouring country? Nothing is easier than organising a Singapore to Malaysia road trip. Whether you travel with family, alone, or with friends, this is a trip that will fill everybody with memories.

There are several options to organise a trip to Singapore and Malaysia, there are good bus connections between the two countries, and then using buses and taxis you can reach the major sites in Malaysia. However, the freedom and flexibility you get by driving in Malaysia are unbeatable. You will be able to easily reach less known attractions, take your time, and not be forced into a schedule.

On top of the bus and car options, you can also join tours. Malaysians seem to love tour packages, but be aware that you may feel like on a school trip. We partially experienced this on the east coast (more below) and it wasn’t our cup of tea!

Driving in Malaysia is also a breeze, the main roads are in perfect condition, the rest are generally good, and traffic, in general, seems quite light. In this post we will look at:

• Considerations to define your road trip to Malaysia itinerary based on time available and season
• Practicalities to organise your Singapore to Malaysia road trip
• Best itinerary to mix cultural stops and time to unwind

Just to put this trip into context: we travelled as a family of 4 (with our 6 year old twin boys). In 2022 the borders were open but there were few foreign tourists in Malaysia, with more in Singapore.

This post may contain affiliate links. I may receive a commission for purchases made through the links on this page, at no cost to you .

CONSIDERATIONS FOR A ROAD TRIP TO MALAYSIA FROM SINGAPORE

When you are starting to prepare for your Singapore to Malaysia road trip there are two important things to consider:

• the time that you have available and
• the time of the year of your trip, as Malaysia is affected by the Monsoon season.

Time available for a road trip in Malaysia and Singapore

Singapore is a really small country (city-state) but packed with tons of things to see and experience. Many people will tell you that a couple of days are enough in Singapore. Whilst this is true in the sense that in a couple of days you could gain an overview of the city, however, you could easily spend 5-7 days there if you enjoy exploring the museums and taking part in tours.

If you are tight for time then planning 3 days in Singapore is a good compromise.

Malaysia on the other hand is a big country with many things to explore throughout. In this article, we will focus on peninsular Malaysia and leave exploring Borneo to another time. I would recommend planning at least 12 days in the country

Time of the year: different itineraries for different seasons

• During the monsoon season from November to January you will get a bit more rain, but tropical rain is not uncommon during the rest of the year too.
• May to October From, roughly, May to October the monsoon presides over the west coast which sees rain most days even if sometimes just for a couple of hours in the afternoon. At the same time, the east coast is sunny and it is the perfect time to visit beautiful tropical islands like Tioman, Pulau Redang, or the Pulau Perhentian.
• November to March From November to March the monsoon is on the east coast. During heavy rain, the connection with the islands could be disrupted and resorts and hotels on the smaller island usually close during this period. While you can still include a visit to the east coast, if you want to soak up the sun you will want to dedicate more time to islands like Penang and Langkawi.

The itinerary you will see below is perfect for the Summer months. Of course you can do it whenever you want but at the end I will suggest another option if you travel in Winter.

PRACTICALITIES OF YOUR SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA ROAD TRIP

There are a couple of things to check and consider when planning your Singapore to Malaysia road trip. First of all, make sure you are up to date with both countries’ entry requirements.

Check if you need a Visa to enter Singapore or Malaysia. Many countries can access Singapore with their free e-visa program (for tourism purposes), and Malaysia asks for a visa only from a few countries if you visit for tourism purposes for less than 90 days, but these things can change quickly and unexpectedly.

• The official website for Singapore: www.ica.gov.sg
• The official website for Malaysia: www.malaysia.gov.my

The same advice is valid for Covid 19 vaccine requirements. At the moment borders in both countries are open to everybody regardless of vaccination status, but again these things could change really quickly.

Driving license

To drive a car, you will not need special documents if your license is in English. In case your driving license is not in English you will need to provide an official translation, or you will need an international driving permit. Together with your driving licence, you need to provide your passport. Then you will be ready to go.

Touch and go card

This is a simple rechargeable card you can buy in any 7/11, that is used to pay the motorway tolls. If like us you forget to get one you will still be able to pay cash, but in most cases, you will need to buzz someone to special come and take the payment as everything seems to be automated and it’s a proper pain! So try to get one as soon as possible! It is a really useful card, we did use it also in KL to pay for some parking where it was one of the few accepted methods of payment!

Where to start your journey

You will have two options regarding where to start your journey and where to rent a car for your road trip. I’m assuming that you will arrive in Singapore. You can pick up a car directly at the airport but be prepared for a shock when you check the rental price. I checked quotations on different websites, at different times of the year and the results were always sky high.

However, there is an easy solution to this. You can spend your time in Singapore (where anyway you wouldn’t need a car), and then you can cross the border and pick up your car in Johor Bahru. This is a really simple process and the car rental will cost you a quarter of the price you see in Singapore. Even if you leave the car in another city (as I recommend in the itinerary below) you will still save lots of money.

Car Rental Net is our option every time we have to collect a car out of hours or return it to a different place because they include all fees meaning no nasty surprises!

Check here for the best price to rent a car in Malaysia

Cross the border between Singapore and Malaysia

To cross the land border between Singapore and Malaysia, you have two choices: you can cross the Johor–Singapore Causeway or the Second Link. Following there is a summary of your best options, but you can read a detailed article on how to cross the border from Singapore to Malaysia here.

If you decide to cross the border with a rented car (assuming you picked it up in Singapore) you need to check that you are allowed, and you will be responsible to get the VEP (vehicle entry permit)

If you decide to rent a car just across the border in Johor you can use a bus or train to cross the border at the Johor–Singapore Causeway.

• To cross the border with the bus you need to arrive at Marsiling (on the red line), from there catch bus 950 or 170 (there are also others, it is worth checking with the drivers) to the Woodland Checkpoint, then after clearing Singaporean immigration you will board again the bus and cross to Malaysia and clear immigration there too. You can also take a bus 170X from Kranji (on the red line).
• To cross the border with the train you need to arrive at Marsiling (on the red line), and from there catch bus 950 or 170 (there are also others, it is worth checking with the drivers) to the Woodland Train Checkpoint. Once at Woodland Checkpoint, you will clear both immigration controls before boarding the train and after the 5-minute journey, you arrive and simply exit the station.

The train is a really practical option, but if you are planning to travel during peak dates you will need to reserve your ticket far in advance. We used this option and it worked perfectly for us. You can buy the ticket here .

The bus is also ok, but you will need to clear immigration in two steps, and it could be more time-consuming.

Once you are on the other side of the border you can easily get a taxi to your rental place. Make sure to pick a downtown office and not the airport location.

• Of course, if money is not a concern you can also decide to cross the border with an authorised taxi!

SINGAPORE TO MALAYSIA ROAD TRIP JOURNEY

This road trip around Malaysia is based on 15 nights. You can squeeze it into 14 nights, but it would be difficult to shorten it more. However, I will make some suggestions at the end.

As I mentioned before, spending 3 days in Singapore will give you a good overview of the country , but feel free to add an extra day if you have more time available.

Malaysia is perhaps an underrated country but when you start to look deeper there are millions of beautiful and interesting places to see. It could become an overwhelming job to select what to include in your itinerary (it was for me), but here you have got a tested road trip that works really well and combines cultural interests with stops where to take a break and unwind, as well as water activities to get the best out of your time in Malaysia.

Of course, it also leaves out many things, but at the end, I will mention 2 easy swaps you could consider.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 nights

• WHERE TO STAY: Singapore offers an impressive number of accommodations, unfortunately, unlikely other Asian destinations it is challenging to find reasonable budget hotels/Airbnb. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Orchard city centre and while it was ok, it was still quite priced. However, the location was really good to reach easily everything by bus or underground. Overall I would stay again.

As Said before Singapore is quite small but packed with interesting things to see. In three days you will have a good overview but it is impossible to see everything. In this itinerary, Sentosa island is not included. We travelled with kids, but this time we didn’t want to invest a full day between parks, we preferred to focus on discovering the city.

The first day could be a little shorter as you maybe arrive mid-morning. Take it easy, if you arrive at the hotel before check-in time, drop the bag and go for lunch. Then explore little India and go back to your hotel for a rest or a refreshing splash in the swimming pool. After resting walk along the Clarke Quay till you reach the Merlion and then move in front of the Marina Sand bay to watch Spectra a night light show. For dinner enjoy something a little different at Violet kitchen a restaurant hidden in the National Gallery. (book in advance)

On the morning of the second day explore Chinatown and for lunch, queue to taste some delicious food at the first stall awarded a Michelin star in the Chinatown complex (Hawker Chan). After lunch move to the bay and explore Garden by the Bay. Book the entrance in advance to avoid queuing and disappointment because it could be sold out. It will take all afternoon, but it really worth it. For dinner, you can stop at Satay by the bay.

On the third day, you can decide to visit one of the many interesting museums, or I would recommend a visit to the terrific botanic gardens . In the afternoon you can shop until you drop in Orchard street.

On the morning of the fourth day make your way to cross the border and pick up your rental car to start exploring Malaysia.

Day 4-5 Malacca 1 night

• DRIVING TIME: 2h 30
• Rucksack Caratel for a budget solution really close to the centre.
• Rosa Malacca for a stylish new hotel, with big rooms (we stayed here, but next time I would try the Rucksack hotel)

Driving to Malacca from Johor Bahru takes around two hours and a half so you can be there by lunchtime if you get up early. Malacca is not a big city, but there are many things to see.

On the first day after lunch take a stroll along the river and then walk around the old town to see A Famosa, Malacca sultanate, the charming St. Paul hill, and the area around Christ Church. At sunset take the boat that is near the Maritime Museum and enjoy the view from the river of the old buildings that start to light up. If you are there over Friday, Saturday or Sunday do not miss going to Jonker night market. The market takes over, the street is closed to traffic, and you can taste delicious street food.

On the second day go back to the area around Jonker street and visit some of the temples, a mosque, and shop in the traditional artisanal shops. If you are too tired to keep walking then take the car and reach Kampung Morten, a small preserved village along the river where there are around 50 traditional houses, including Villa Sentosa that you should be able to visit. (Unfortunately, it was closed when we went there but I understand it is quite interesting)

Around lunchtime is time to move to Kuala Lumpur

Day 5-7 Kuala Lumpur 2 nights

• DRIVING TIME: 2h
• Aloft hotel is in a great location and the hotel has a really fun and inviting vibe. The rooms are not big but have everything you need and there is a great rooftop pool with a bar for a medium price. There are different eating options and breakfast is superb!
• DRIVING TIME: 2h.

Driving from Malacca to Kuala Lumpur takes a couple of hours. Driving in the city was easy and we found parking easily wherever we went. There are a lot of underground parking lots around the city which makes it practical to go around with a car (Some parking don’t accept credit cards but only touch’n-go cards).

We stayed at the beautiful hotel Aloft beside the central station where the parking charge was reduced for guests. The parking entrance is just beside the main entrance on the left when looking at it, but it could be confusing. When you arrive drive in front of the hotel and ask the hotel staff that are usually outside to point you in the right direction)

On the first day after dropping off your stuff at the hotel, make your way to the Petronas twin towers. Make sure you buy your ticket in advance, it is highly unlikely otherwise that you will find space on the same day. The tour is organised and it lasts around 1 hour in total.

PETRONAS TWIN TOWERS FLEXIBLE TICKETS – IMPORTANT TO KNOW

The tickets you buy on the official Petronas twin towers website are the cheapest and they include what third-party websites call “skip the line” as you have to choose the entrance time. They are the same they just don’t promote it as skip-the-line tickets.

However, there is still a good reason to pay that extra £2-3. It is the possibility to cancel your ticket for a full refund up to 24h before. You will not have this option with the ticket you buy on the official website.

Then walk around the KLCC park or explore the immense shopping mall just below them and at 8 pm don’t miss the Symphony Light and sound show by the esplanade in front of the towers. If it is summer wait till dark to see the Petronas towers beautifully lit, then move to Jalan Alor for an incredible street food market experience.

Start early on the second day and beat the heat while visiting Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park (a little overpriced, but really engaging for kids). Parking is available just near the entrance. Then drive a little bit out of the city to see the majestic Batu caves and when you come back explore the intriguing Chinatown.

If you stay at the Aloft Hotel you can take the opportunity to relax by the rooftop pool with a drink. On the morning of the third day you want to leave around 10-10:30 for the next stop

Day 7- 8 Kuantan 1 night

• DRIVING TIME: 2h and 30 min
• WHERE TO STAY : Mangala Resort and Spa is a wonderful place where once you enter you will not want to leave. It is an all-villas resort, some over the lake water and some big enough for numerous families. A small gym, a lovely spa, a good restaurant and a peaceful infinity pool are part of it.

You will stop a little earlier than Kuantan because I really recommend you to not miss staying at the astonishing Mangala resort just out of town. Here you are coming to be in touch with nature and to relax. The Mangala resort is a little haven, maybe because when we went it was really quiet but we loved the peace and serenity of the lake, the big window that opened to a veranda directly on the water.

You can spend all afternoon here . The food is lovely and you can also have something to eat by the pool. The resort has been built on an abandoned mining land, you can take some time to walk around and explore nature and spot some of the hundreds of types of birds that found a home here in this new paradise. A beautiful Spa and a gym could keep you here all day, but before dinner, it is time to make a little journey to Cherating for an enchanting encounter.

Malaysia is home to 19 types of fireflies and near Cherating, you can take part in a boat tour that will bring you really close to this magical creature. Mr Hafiz has a special way to communicate with fireflies and you will end up surrounded by them and also able to gently hold them. It lasts one hour and it is unmissable!

After you can drive to the Cherating beach where you will find several, simple traditional cafés and restaurants where to stop for dinner.

We found “Beach café by Payung ” to be super charming and romantic. Laid back, settled overlooking the beach it was just perfect to blend with locals! On the morning of the second day , you can relax a little longer at the Mangala resort and after check out, you will start to drive towards Kuala Dungun, but there are a couple of stops on the way.

Day 8-10 Kuala Dungun 2 nights

• DRIVING TIME: 1h and 45min
• WHERE TO STAY: Tanjong Jara resort is a luxury resort perfectly integrated into nature. It is located directly on the beach and it offers beautiful rooms with gigantic bathrooms. The staff are lovely and helpful. It isn’t a budget place but it is really worth the money. (It is quite popular, they have one restaurant on the beach, book it in advance or it will be difficult to get a table when you arrive)

The drive to the next stop is around 1h and 45 minutes, but you will drive a little longer to stop on the way in a couple of places.

This itinerary works well if you can spend two nights in Kuala Dungun, we needed to make it shorter and we cut 1 night here and we felt too rushed. The east coast is a place to savour slowly!

After leaving the Mangala resort in 20 minutes you can be at the Sangai Pandall waterfall. These waterfalls are scenic and a favourite day trip destination for people from Kuantan. There is a parking lot that makes them easily accessible even if the road signals are a little scarce. You need to keep your eyes open for directions even if you are following Google maps.

You can splash in the waterfall safely and you will find many people having picnics and some also camping overnight. There are the same basic facilities like toilets and changing rooms.

Another stop is about one hour drive past Kuantan. Near the Club Med, there is a Sea turtle conservation centre . You can visit it every day, except Monday, from 9:30 to 16:30. The place is small and half an hour is enough to cover the educational part and visit the little swimming pool where some turtles are kept waiting to be released. From around 6/6:30 you can also release the baby turtles to the ocean after paying a small fee.

Finally, you can drive the last part of the journey and check in to another astonishing place: Tanjong Jara resort .

The architecture of this place invokes the grandeur of Malay palaces from the 17th century with modern luxuries and outstanding services. There is a beautiful beach, a lovely swimming pool with a connected bar, two restaurants, and an adult-only area. They also organise different tours and activities.

On the beach, there is a small hatchery where they protect eggs that sea turtles come to lay and occasionally you can release baby turtles (there weren’t any when we were there, unfortunately). If you are short on time you could also consider staying at the resort an extra day and visiting the island as a day trip from here.

On the second day, you can relax by the pool/beach and in the afternoon drive to visit Terengganu.

On the morning of the third day, you will need to leave around 9:30 to drive to Merang Jetty to board the transfer boat to Pulau Lang Tengah.

Day 10-12 Pulau Lang Tengah 2 nights

• TRANSFER TIME: 2h. plus 30min on the boat
• WHERE TO STAY : There are only three properties on the island. Summer Bay Resort is supposed to be the best (where we stayed), but don’t have high expectations unfortunately, low competition means high prices and low quality.

To reach Merang jetty you will need around two hours of driving plus half an hour on a boat.

I recommend you book your tickets in advance online. The resort where you are going to stay can also organise transport for you, but I found it was much more expensive.

BE AWARE : Before continuing I want to make you aware of my opinion. Pulau Lang Tengah is the island located between the more famous Pulau Redang and Perhentian Island. It is less touristic and wilder than the others, this is the main reason I choose it.

Unfortunately what could spoil your stay is the hospitality on offer. There are only 3 resorts on the island. We stayed in the one that is in theory the best, Summerbay Resort. My husband found a good definition for it: “a hostel masquerading as a hotel”

Everything from start to end is managed and organised in a really poor way by a group of young people that, even if polite, don’t have a clue about customer service or what people would expect for the price they charge.

The food offer is incredibly poor, rooms are basic and not properly clean, on the sea excursion the boat is over packed, and regarding the other activities like the jungle walk, they just show you where to start then you follow a rope through the jungle until the end. No-one is coming with you to explain anything, same story for the activity of the blue tears.

However, yes I would probably go back because there are moments when you sit on the beach (on the broken sunbeds) that you could almost feel you are on a Maldivian island. The sea life is terrific, and you can just snorkel from the beach.

If you are not getting annoyed by what I mentioned before then you can really relax and unwind. Most of the guests are Asian and seem to prefer the swimming pool so the beach stays quiet. Luckily there is a Warung that serves good food so you don’t need to eat at the “resort” restaurant and there is also a pleasant bar to sit by in the evening.

Most people are coming here on 3 day 2 night all-inclusive packages, but you can also just go on a bed and breakfast formula, paying separately for the snorkel activity.

On the morning of the third day from here, you can move to Redang island.

Day 12-13 Pulau Redang 1 night

• TRANSFER TIME: 30 min on the boat
• WHERE TO STAY : If money is not a concern I would recommend The Taaras beach and Spa resort . It is a place where you find five-star service and you will be able to unwind while enjoying the spectacular island. A more affordable but still great solution is the Laguna Redang island resort.

To reach Redang island you can book a boat transfer that will bring you directly there from Pulau Lang Tengah. Also, in this case, you should book your ticket in advance. When you book the boat transfer you need to select the resort pick-up and the resort where you need to be dropped off.

Pulau Redang is a completely different island. It is much bigger than Lang Tengah and you can find several types of accommodation options.

Redang is a bigger island and so you will have more difficulty finding that peaceful and serene setting unique to Lang Tengah, but it is still a beautiful island.

The Taaras beach and Spa is the best and most luxurious resort on the island and if you can afford it, it is a real treat. Laguna beach resort is probably the second-best option. It is a big resort that opens up on the main beach. They have big and lovely rooms organised in small buildings. There is a massive swimming pool with even a small slide for kids.

Most people are here on the usual 2/3 days 1/2 nights package and move in groups for each activity including lunch and dinner where there is a specific time to respect. This creates massive queues like to enter a canteen. We experienced this issue only for breakfast as again we took only the bed and breakfast option.

The breakfast option was vast but the quality was poor. Fortunately, there are many other eating options for lunch and dinner including a tasty and cheap traditional Warung, but you can also just walk to one of the other resorts or restaurants on the beach.

While at the resort take part in their snorkelling tour to see the sea turtles. The tour is superb and highly recommended. At this resort, they don’t mix guests from the package with others and this makes the experience much more spacious and enjoyable.

The beach is long and so you could take a long walk and explore the sea life around the different spots.

On the second day enjoy time on the beach until check out because then you will need to move back on land and face a long drive.

Day 13-16 Penang 3 nights

• TRANSFER TIME: 30 min on the boat and 6h and 30 minutes drive
• WHERE TO STAY : Georgetown is rich in lovely hotels. JEN by Shangri-La is located really close to the old town, the rooms are big, and there is also a swimming pool and free parking. really recommended!

When you check out, the resort will bring you and your luggage back to the jetty. At the jetty in Redang, many boats are arriving and departing, ask for some help if you are not sure how to identify your transfer.

Once on land, you will need to drive around 6 hours from Merang Jetty to Penang.

Of course, if you have more days available you can add a stop halfway to break the trip, however, if you don’t, I still believe this is the best option.

The drive is long, but really scenic. After passing through some towns and villages, you will drive a great road with little traffic that passes through the rainforest and you will have countless opportunities for pictures.

In Penang, the recommendation is to stay close to the old town. Jen by Shangri-La is an excellent choice, modern and in a great location, they offer parking (free for guests) and they also have a swimming pool (that, however, closes a little early around 6 pm).

The first evening you can just stroll around for dinner at the hawker centre by Gurney drive.

Then the second day , you can explore the old town, Fort Cornwallis, the Chew jetty, Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, take the tour or at least stop for a drink by the Blue Mansion and enter one of the other heritage houses open to the public like the Pinang Peranakan Mansion. Take pictures in Armenian street and pick one of the many great restaurants for dinner.

On the third day head to Penang hill (make sure to secure your tickets in advance). Enjoy the spectacular views, walk in the virgin rainforest and enjoy the many stops along the way. The visit will take you at least half a day, then you can explore the close by Kek Lok Si Temple, and if you still have energy by the end of the day you can enjoy a stroll in the Botanic gardens.

The last day of the itinerary will depend on the time of your departure, if you have at least half a day available then pack your things and leave them with the hotel and head to Batu Ferringhi for the last sea visit. If you have a little longer you can reach Penang National park and after exploring it take the boat to Monkey beach.

WHAT IS LEFT OUT OF THIS ROAD TRIP TO MALAYSIA FROM SINGAPORE?

Every time you visit a big country you need to face the difficult decision of what to leave behind for the next visit. This itinerary leaves 3 major things behind: Taman Negara National park, Cameron Highlands, and Ipoh.

• Taman Negara : this a fabulous national park, where you can discover the tropical rainforest, walk in the jungle, along the river, and engage in fantastic treks. If you want to add it to the itinerary you should consider 2 nights, as arriving there takes quite a while. Check also with your doctor about Malaria risk as Malaria is still present in these areas.
• Cameron Highland s: this is an area with tea plantations, hiking trails, gardens, butterfly and bee farms, and more. If you want to add it to the itinerary, you should consider at least 2 nights.
• Ipoh : sacrificing Ipoh is a difficult choice. If you can’t add more days to the road trip you could question if it could be worth cutting some time from Penang, but don’t or you will feel rushed in both places.

HOW TO ADAPT THE ROAD TRIP

I’m going to suggest here a possible alternative to this road trip itinerary to Malaysia from Singapore. One option is in case you need to shorten the trip by 1 to 3 days, and another option is if you are planning the road trip from November to March.

How to shorten the itinerary

To shorten the trip cut the time in Malacca and on the islands. You can visit Malacca as a short stop while driving from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, saving one day. When you are in Kuala Dungun you can organise a day trip to Redang instead of spending one night there and finally, you can cut the time in Penang to 2 nights instead of 3.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 Nights Day 4 – 6 Kuala Lumpur 2 Nights Day 6 – 7 Kuantan 1 Night

Day 7 – 9 Kuala Dungan 2 Nights Day 9 – 11 Lang Tengah 2 Nights Day 11 – 13 Penang 2 Nights

Adapt the itinerary during the monsoon season

If your road trip to Malaysia from Singapore is from November to March then you need to reconsider what to visit on the east coast. Most of the island resorts in Redang, Perhentian, Lang Tengah, and also Tioman close in this season. You can still enjoy the east coast mainland or you can spend more time on the west coast and stretch the itinerary to Langkawi and introduce one of the missing stops Ipoh, Taman Negara, or Cameron Highlands.

Day 1 – 4 Singapore 3 Nights Day 4 – 5 Malacca Day 4 – 6 Kuala Lumpur 2 Nights Day 6 – 7 Kuantan 1 Night

Day 7 – 9 Kuala Dungan 2 Nights Day 9 – 11 Ipoh 2 Nights Day 11 – 13 Penang 2 Nights Day 13 – 16 Langkawi 3 Nights

Let me know with a comment below if have any more questions! Enjoy the trip

MORE ABOUT MALAYSIA

• How to cross the border from Singapore to Malaysia
• Best accommodation with a private pool in Penang
• Lang Tengah vs Redang
• Driving in Malaysia: everything you need to know
• Easy short trips in Malaysia

NO TIME NOW? PIN IT FOR LATER

Clotilde Passalacqua

Clotilde is a resilient, resourceful and adventurous person that navigate the world of travelling with kids. She is a mum of 7 years old twins and she share practical tips, profound insights and genuine personal experience to empowers family to embrace travel with children as an enriching experience rather than a daunting challenge.

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Charming small towns and villages in Malaysia for your next road trip

R oad trip anyone? Don’t fret if you’re on a tight budget but still want to explore and travel. Malaysia is full of hidden gems just waiting to be explored. While you may have done the rounds on the more popular touristy cities like George Town, Malacca and Ipoh, there are still a handful of smaller towns and villages just waiting to be discovered.

These small but charming towns and villages are full of distinctive cultures, sights, good food, character, that certainly deserves a spot on your instagram and tik tok feeds. Ready to be pleasantly surprised? Here we go!

1. Bentong, Pahang Most of you have probably been to Bentong before, a huge district in the state of Pahang and know for popular weekend getaway spots such as Bukit Tinggi, Genting Highlands and Janda Baik.

However there is more to Bentong than meets the eye, this place hides some pretty sweet durian orchards, gorgeous waterfalls, and a aesthetic laid back old town with good food, go explore and soak in the lovely morning atmosphere at the Bentong Morning Market, take your coffee at a quaint shop that has been in business for decades and take a refreshing dip at the beautiful Chamang Waterfall.

Also what is a trip without souvenirs, doný forget to bring back Bentong's famous ginger, soy sauce and durian snacks.

2. Kluang, Johor

When your friends suggest a road trip to Kluang, just accept!

Nestled in central Johor, Kluang has some of Malaysia's largest organic farms, where you can pick your own herbs, befriend some goats and sheep and take selfies to fill your whole phone gallery, there are hills waiting to be conquered, a colourful street adorned with murals and if you're coffee enthusiast a coffee powder factory you are able to explore.

Go early and start with an aromatic cup of Kluang coffee and kaya toast at a kopitiam established in 1938, walk off those calories by admiring the murals and then take the whole day to explore the beautiful organic farms and learn how organic vegetables, fruits, and herbs are farmed!

3. Gopeng, Perak

Everyone associates Perak with Ipoh, rightly so, but have you ever set foot in Gopeng? Gopeng is a former tin mining town, with a laid-back vibe perfect for nature lovers who love exploring majestic rainforests, rivers, caves, and limestone cliffs.

Home to the 400-million-year-old Gua Tempurung, those craving for an adrenaline rush can try out white water rafting at the Kampar River,or hike Bukit Batu Putih. History buffs can learn the history of this town at the Gopeng Museum.

For those who love the idea of camping but are not really into roughing it out, there are many glamping sites to also explore.

4.Teluk Intan, Perak

If you miss the days of old, and love quaint towns then lean into Teluk Intan or formerly known as Teluk Anson. This town is most known for the iconic leaning tower of Teluk Intan, Malaysia's version of the leaning tower of Pisa!

The tower which was built in 1885 for the purpose of storing water during the drought season and to guide ships to the town's port is slanted leftward due to the underground stream.

While there aren't a lot of things to see in this quiet laidback town, the food will make the trip worth it. Go on a foodie adventure and start with some hearty nasi kandar, yummy rojak, and chinese pastries. Cool down with a refreshing bowl of ais kacang at the Glutton Square food court which has been a local favourite for almost 60 years.

5. Kangar, Perlis

The capital of Perlis, Kangar is more known as a transit station for overland travel between Malaysia and Thailand. While Kangar is not some snazzy metropolis full of exciting lights and vibrant streets, it has a charming old town vibe that makes it refreshing to explore.

Because of its close promiximity to the Thai border, most locals speak Thai and for those who stay by the border some even just walk over the immigration line to visit family and friends.

Surrounded by vast fields and farms, you can even get aesthetic photos at its beautiful sunflower field filled with rows and rows of sunflowers located in its snake and reptile park.There is also a petting zoo and reptile conservatory for an educational and fun filled time for the kids.

6. Rompin, Pahang Dotted with natural gems and located by the sea and the river, surrounded by lush rainforests, if you're off the adventurous sort then Rompin is the district for you.

Explore the off-the-beaten path, see beautiful waterfalls, visit orang asli villages, soak in the sun at one of the beaches and prepared to be mesmerised by a picturesque lake with clear blue waters in Bukit Ibam called Tasik Biru.

The district also merges with the edges of the popular Endau-Rompin National Park,the second-largest national park in Peninsular Malaysia after Taman Negara. Covering an area of almost 900 square kilometres, this nature gem makes up a part of two Malaysian states (Pahang and Johor), and is home to pristine forests, majestic waterfalls, and endangered animals including the Malayan Tiger and Sumatran Rhinoceros.

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How the Key Bridge Collapsed in Baltimore: Maps and Photos

By Weiyi Cai ,  Agnes Chang ,  Lauren Leatherby ,  Lazaro Gamio ,  Leanne Abraham and Scott Reinhard

On Tuesday, a major bridge in Baltimore collapsed into the water seconds after it was struck by a cargo ship, sending vehicles on the bridge into the river below. The ship lost power and issued a mayday call shortly before it hit the bridge.

The ship, a 948-foot-long cargo vessel called Dali, was about a half hour into its journey toward Colombo, Sri Lanka, when it hit a main pillar of the bridge. All crew members are safe, according to the ship’s owners.

Follow our live coverage .

A mayday call from the ship gave officials enough time to stop traffic at both ends of the bridge. The waters where the bridge collapsed are about 50 feet deep. By Tuesday morning, six construction workers who had been fixing potholes on the bridge remained missing as divers and other emergency workers on boats and helicopters continued to search for them. Two others had been rescued, and one was in the hospital.

Francis Scott

Patapsco River

The ship left the Port

of Baltimore around

1 a.m. on Tuesday.

Where impact occurred

Direction of the ship

The ship hit the

bridge at 1:28 a.m.

The ship hit the bridge at 1:28 a.m.

Where impact

Source: Spire Global

The New York Times; satellite image by Google Earth

The lights of the ship flickered on and off as it lost power in the minutes before the ship changed bearing and hit the bridge.

Ship approached from

the Port of Baltimore

Road repair crews

Ship changed heading

as it neared pillar

Ship hit pillar

Southern and central spans

of bridge began to collapse within

seconds of impact

Northern span began to

collapse seconds later

Within 30 seconds of impact,

the central part of bridge had

entirely collapsed.

Source: StreamTime Live via YouTube

Timestamps are from StreamTime Live video.

The New York Times

The Francis Scott Key Bridge was opened in 1977 and carried more than 12.4 million vehicles last year. The bridge was one of the three major ways to cross the Patapsco River and formed part of Baltimore’s beltway.

The Port of Baltimore is a major trade hub that handled a record amount of foreign cargo last year. It is an especially important destination — the nation’s largest by volume last year — for deliveries of cars and light trucks.

Ship impact

To Chesapeake Bay

Sources: Maryland Port Administration, OpenStreetMap, MarineTraffic

Note: Ship positions are as of 2:46 p.m. Eastern time.

Overall, Baltimore was the 17th biggest port in the United States in 2021, ranked by total tons, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. The bridge collapse brought marine traffic there to a standstill, with seven cargo or tanker ships stranded in the harbor as of Tuesday afternoon.

Gov. Wes Moore declared a state of emergency for Maryland and said that his office was in close communication with Pete Buttigieg, the U.S. transportation secretary. The White House issued a statement saying that President Biden had been briefed on the collapse.

Erin Schaff/The New York Times

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