10-Day Itineraries in Malaysia: Top 3 Travel Ideas

Looking for a perfect plan for 10 days in Malaysia? We've prepared 3 itineraries for you to explore the diversity of this tropical nation. You can dive into the cultural blend in bustling Kuala Lumpur and the heritage-rich cities of Penang and Malacca, unwind with tea-scented breezes in the serene Cameron Highlands, experience wild nature in Borneo, or simply pick Langkawi for a relaxing beach vacation. All routes are flexible to fit your style and our team will help you make the most of your Malaysia tour.

Itinerary #1: Best of Peninsular Malaysia

For first-timers, 10-day Peninsular Malaysia tour will be a good choice. This itinerary balances cultural heritages with relaxation. It takes you from the modern city of Kuala Lumper to the heritage streets of Malacca, the cool tea plantation of Cameron Highlands, the tasty street food of Penang, the peaceful beaches of Langkawi.

Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Arrival in Kuala Lumpur	Kuala Lumpur
Day 2	King's Palace, National Museum, National Monument, Independence Square	Kuala Lumpur
Day 3	St. Peter's Church, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple & Jonker Street	Malacca
Day 4	Dutch Square, St Paul's Church	Malacca
Day 5	Batu Caves	Cameron Highlands
Day 6	Cameron Highlands Day Tour（Mossy Forest, BOH Tea Factory)	Cameron Highlands
Day 7	Penang Food Tour (Gurney Drive, Queen Street)	Penang
Day 8	Penang Heritage Walking Tour	Penang
Day 9	Free Day (Skybridge, Langkawi Cable Car)	Langkawi
Day 10	Depart Malaysia - End of Trip	-

Landing first in the capital, your next 2 days will be spent exploring Kuala Lumpur, a fast-growing metropolis full of surprises. With the gleaming Petronas Twin Towers as a backdrop, let your view capture the Islamic-style King's Palace shines with its golden domes, the National Museum shows collections of royal splendor, and Independence Square, where the annual Independence Day parade is held, are all well worth a visit.

A 2-hour drive south is the second stop of Malacca, a lovely coastal city perfect for a leisurely stroll. Put on your comfy shoes and spend a day taking in the best of the city from the peaceful day and vibrant night, especially at the weekend when the Jonker Street Night Market is sure to catch your eye. Walking down the street and following the crowds, you can also see Cheng Hoon Teng Temple behind the red lanterns, as well as St Peter's Church, which combines Eastern and Western architecture.

Bid farewell to the weekend paradise of Malacca, it's time for some adventure of your Malaysia 10-day tour in the mysterious Batu Caves, standing a giant golden statue of Lord Murugan. After climbing 272 colorful rainbow steps are the ancient caves filled with Hindu statues and paintings, as well as the destination of the Thaipusam festival parade.

Batu Caves

Keep your journey to the north is the Cameron Highlands, an ideal resort that can even make your summer vacation a bit more chilly. This relaxing stop in your 10-day Malaysia itinerary is perfect for nature lovers. It is a good idea to slow down your pace here with a cup of tea tasting in the dense tea garden, or deep into the boundless mossy forest as your wonderland to encounter some animal friends. More importantly, ruby-red strawberry picking will add a touch of sweetness to your trip during the harvest months from May to August.

Heading northward about a 3.5-hour drive will take you to Penang, a mini Malaysia with two parts connected by the Penang Bridge. Put on your sandals, as the UNESCO heritage George Town really is well worth a dig out for its rich history and creative street art, but also be sure to empty your stomach before your journey, or it will be a pity to miss a sample of that fresh street food along the seafront. Leave for Langkawi and its charming beaches as your final free day destination, where you can not only capture the gleaming coastline from the Sky Bridge but also dive into the harmonious song of seabirds, waves and swaying palms.

Itinerary #2: Borneo Wildlife & Rainforest Adventure

The island of Borneo in East Malaysia is a nice getaway for those seeking wildlife adventures. Spending 10 days in Malaysia with this Borneo itinerary offers unique encounters with wildlife in their natural habitat. Travel deep into ancient rainforests, cruise along jungle rivers, meet the orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants.

Proboscis Monkey in Borneo

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Arrival in Kota Kinabalu	Kota Kinabalu
Day 2	Kinabalu National Park	Kota Kinabalu
Day 3	Poring Hot Spring	Kota Kinabalu
Day 4	Rainforest Discovery Center	Sandakan
Day 5	Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary	Sandakan
Day 6	Rainforest River Cruise	Sukau
Day 7	Kinabatangan River Safari	Sukau
Day 8	Danum Valley Jungle Trek	Lahad Datu
Day 9	Keep on the Valley Exploration or Have A Free Day in Semporna	Lahad Datu
Day 10	Depart Malaysia - End of Trip	-

Arrive in Kota Kinabalu to a warm welcome, as pleasant as its sweet weather, where a 3-day sightseeing adventure awaits you. Begin your journey at Kinabalu National Park, ascending the formidable Mount Kinabalu, and marvel at the diverse species of plants and animals that grace your path. Don't worry about muscle aches on the second day; the upcoming Poring Hot Spring is guaranteed to soothe your fatigue.

Board a one-hour flight to Sandakan, where the Canopy Walkway beckons, leading you deep into the rainforest to capture the vibrant birds over the tree top. Stay until dusk, and you might even catch a glimpse of the giant red flying squirrel emerging for its nightly feeding. The nearby Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center as well as Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary are the main dishes for your second day in Sandakan, time to meet your big-nose friends.

Allow the golden light of dusk to shade upon the water as your shadow departs from the riverbank, the coming two nights promise to be extraordinary at the jungle lodge to meet Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and even crocodiles. Embark on a boat journey deep into the Kinabatangan River jungle after sunset, it's time to encounter the little fairies that sparkle in the night.

Curious Monkey

Move on to Danum Valley, an ancient rainforest some 130 million years old, a library of various birds, wildlife and plants, a place for the ultimate tropical adventure. From exhilarating jungle treks to lazy river swims, plunge into the deep forest, and let the wide range of activities satisfy your needs and curiosity.

On your final day, before heading back home, enjoy a leisurely free day to bid farewell to the charming land of Borneo. Stay in the valley to continue your grand exploration of the lively forest, or venture south to the coastal town of Semporna for a deep breath of salt, sand, seafood, and sunshine.

Itinerary #3: The Ultimate Malaysia Tour

If you're struggling to choose between East and West Malaysia, check our ultimate 10-day Malaysia tour. It combines culture, food, and wildlife into one seamless journey - perfect for those who want to experience it all.

You'll explore everything from urban Kuala Lumpur to the UNESCO sites of Malacca and Penang's George Town, with endless local delicacies along the way. Then fly directly to East Malaysia for adventures ranging from Kinabatangan River Cruise to Kinabalu National Park trekking, where unforgettable animal encounters await.

Dutch Square in Malacca

Day	Things to Do	Overnight
Day 1	Arrival in Kuala Lumpur	Kuala Lumpur
Day 2	Petronas Twin Towers, National Museum, King's Palace, Moorish-style Railway Station	Kuala Lumpur
Day 3	Stadthuys, St Paul's Church	Malacca
Day 4	Heritage Walk Tour Around George Town	Penang
Day 5	Food Tour	Penang
Day 6	Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre	Sandakan
Day 7	Kinabatangan River Cruise	Sandakan
Day 8	Kinabalu National Park	Kota Kinabalu
Day 9	Poring Hot Spring	Kota Kinabalu
Day 10	Depart Malaysia - End of Trip	-

As the first gate to start your Malaysia 10-day tour, the capital Kuala Lumpur always welcomes your arrival with the magnificent night view from the Petronas Twin Towers, the classic Moorish-style railway station in pretty white and the National Museum tells the story of the enchanting land on your first two days.

Following breakfast, embark on a 2-hour drive to Malacca, a coastal city perfect for a delightful day trip. Explore the Dutch Square in the city center, adorned with its distinctive red roofs, buildings, and the impressive Stadthuys. Ascend the hill for a panoramic view of the city from St. Paul's Church, then descend into the lively ambiance of Jonker Street to treat your taste buds to an array of local cuisine.

Don't get off your trainer too soon, as even a brief glimpse of Penang's street art is bound to captivate your attention. Cross the bridge that leads you to start your heritage walking tour at George Town, stroll along the coast or dig in the alleys with splendid street art. Accompanied by the gentle sea breeze, immerse yourself in the deep history marked by floating mosques, Chinese temples and Gothic churches. The delicious street food there is always a reward for your 2-day testimony.

Night Street in Penang

Board a 3-hour flight to the western part of Borneo, where the 2-day Sandakan Rainforest adventure awaits as your next main course. Glide along the Kinabatangan River on a riverboat expedition to encounter animal friends, including the endearing baby orangutan, the distinctive big-nosed proboscis monkey, and the charming tiny-faced pygmy elephant.

Let the one-hour flight to Kota Kinabalu be your last stop. Start with a day's trekking in Kinabalu National Park, home to the magnificent Mount Kinabalu with its hundreds of species of plants. Finish with a relaxing day soaking your whole body in the soothing warm waters of the Poring Hot Spring, leaving behind nothing but cherished memories on your departure flight.

Plan Your Malaysia Tour With Odynovo

Spending 10 days in Malaysia is a great idea to discover this diverse coastal nation. Whether you desire a cosy city sightseeing tour in Peninsular Malaysia, an exhilarating adventure throughout Borneo, or a comprehensive exploration to savour all its charms, share your needs and requirements via [email protected] with Odynovo. Your ideal Malaysia tour is just a step away.