Malaysia 7 Days Tour Itinerary

This morning, accompanied by your driver guide, you’ll first visit Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Malaysia’s oldest Chinese temple, where you can’t help but gravitate to the 3D architectural decorations of mythical figures and mysterious animals on the roof, crafted by gluing pieces of broken glazed porcelain together. Inside, revel in the profound classical beauty of Chinese architecture when you gaze at the lacquered pillars built from noble Chinese hardwood and the richly ornamented hall enhanced by lustrous, crimson carved beams and painted rafters.  

Next up is Dutch Red Square, where Stadthuys, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Dutch structures, has silently stood over hundreds of years. With your driver guide, you’ll learn that the Dutch colonial government back then, reputedly, shipped red bricks across from the Netherlands to erect Stadthuys. And thus, the renowned “Malacca Red” was born - possibly the lasting impression you get of the World Heritage Site. 

Afterward, walk through the path behind the square to St. Paul’s Church atop St. Paul Hill. Here, the sacred, white statue of the famous missionary Francis Xavier, old bullet-strewn outer walls, and tombstones of past nobles engraved with Latin and Portuguese inscriptions will let you faintly trace the long colonial history of Malacca. Also, from this vantage point, you can take in the entire city spilling out onto the coast. 

After dropping by A Famosa (Porta De Santiago), the sole extant city gate of a Portuguese fortress, we’ll unveil the lively side of Malacca. Delve into the Chinese-steeped Jonker Street, dating back more than 600 years. Take a moment at a typical vibrant arcade to explore Chinese and Southeast Asian architectural elements, such as cut porcelain carvings, dovetail ridges, and bright appearance adorned with green, pink, and blue patterns. Besides, lots of eateries here will offer you a great chance to have lunch on your own dime. For just RM 20-40 (USD 5-10) per person, you may taste delicious chicken rice balls or tangy Asam Fish from the well-reviewed restaurant Hoe Kee Chicken Rice.

★ Savor Old-New Cityscapes on Malacca River Cruise

In the afternoon, follow your driver guide to Taman Rempah Jetty, where you’ll embark on a 40-minute cruise trip down Malacca River. As the ship slowly glides, drink in the old-meets-new urban scene of exquisite Chinese pavilions and corridors, elegant European villas and gardens, a century-old waterwheel and modern Ferris wheel, as well as mural-covered walls. 

After disembarking, your driver guide will accompany you on a private car transfer to your hotel in Kuala Lumpur. Hope you have a good rest!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur (5 stars)

After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll start the day with Batu Caves, a Hindu temple complex tucked away in a 400-million-year-old limestone hill out of the city. Climb up 272 rainbow-hued stairs to the largest of three main caves for a sacred sight of natural karst wonders bathed in the sunlight: shrines and statues wreathed in thin wafts of burning incense, believers worshipping devoutly in front of the ornate altar, and pigeons hovering around the cave of over 100 meters (330 feet).

Later, let’s drive back downtown to Independence Square (Dataran Merdeka), one of the world’s largest squares completed after 15 years from 1961. It stands as a living witness to Malaysia’s independence, together with the Independence Monument and the towering flagpole with a fluttering national flag. Here, you can also take in a series of unique colonial landmarks, such as the iconic Sultan Abdul Samad Building, a superb British masterpiece featuring a brick facade, cupreous-domed towers, and arched balconies. 

After that, let’s get lost in Petaling Street, one of the earliest Chinese settlements in South Asia. Accompanied by interwoven sounds of Chinese, Malay, and English, follow the crowds to discover a dazzling array of traditional shophouses accented with attractive Chinese signboards and advertisements. The street is also celebrated for its multicultural cuisine. Apart from herbal pork rib soup, the Malaysian stir-fried rice noodles, coconut milk rice, smooth soy milk, and soybean puddings with a portion of only RM 2.5 (USD 0.5) from the booming stall Kim Soya Bean are worth a taste.

Our next stop is National Mosque, the largest one of its kind in Malaysia. Owing to its construction after Malaysian Independence, the Islamic sanctuary, to a certain extent, symbolizes the commitment to national sovereignty, multicultural inclusiveness, and religious coexistence. Appreciating its lofty minaret, large prayer hall with colorful windows, white geometric grating facade, and floor tiles in an eight-pointed star design, you’ll be instantly mesmerized by a perfect blend of modernism and traditional Islamic art.

In the late afternoon, we’ll continue to the futuristic Petronas Twin Towers, ranking at the top of the Kuala Lumpur travel list. Ascend to the 41st-floor Sky Bridge and the 86th-floor observation deck successively by high-speed elevator to savor a bird’s-eye view of spectacular urban landscapes. And if time is proper, you may catch a breathtaking sunset. 
► FYI: For some wonderful photo ops, consider squatting down in front of the entrance to snap the full-length, 88-story building in a low-angle shot, or walking a few steps to adjacent KLCC Park for a scenic photo of the architecture embraced by lush trees and passing locals.

After the visit, enjoy a car transfer back to your hotel. Or you may say goodbye to your driver guide at the Petronas Twin Towers, spend some time on your own admiring neon-lit nightscapes, and dining at Suria KLCC - a shopping mall at the base of Petronas Towers, before taking a 15-minute taxi ride back to your hotel by yourself.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur (5 stars)

In the morning, we’ll first make a stopover at the Islam-inspired King’s Palace (Istana Negara), the official residence of Malaysia’s supreme leader. Though we can behold the stately structure just from the outside, its yellowish domes, black gate with gilded embossments, and spirited royal infantrymen or cavalrymen in crisp military uniform will impress you with the grandeur of the palace. 

Later, your driver guide will escort you to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport for an hour-long flight to Langkawi, a leisurely island getaway famed for white palm-fringed beaches, clear waters, and diverse water activities. Once landing, your local driver guide will meet you at the arrival hall, and then accompany you to your hotel for check-in.

► FYI: Our handpicked hotel is located on the popular 2-kilometer-long (1.2-mile-long) Cenang Beach, which boasts soft white sands, stunning sunsets, as well as multiple bars and restaurants, making it pretty suitable to empty yourself.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa del Mar Langkawi (4 stars)

★ Double Highlights: Langkawi Cable Car and Sky Bridge

Today, your driver guide will escort you to Oriental Village, a picturesque resort that enjoys russet-roofed houses, lush greenery, Chinese arch bridges, and a lotus-studded lake, and then help you board the Langkawi Cable Car up to the summit, 687 meters (2,254 feet) above sea level. Along the way, feast your eyes on the magnificent vista of Malaysia’s west coast and the Strait of Malacca. Next, as you saunter through the heart-pounding Langkawi Sky Bridge supported by a single inclined pylon and linking two peaks, admire a 360-degree view of the tree-cloaked island and blue ocean without any obstruction.

In the afternoon, we’ll proceed to Kilim Geoforest Park, an ideal place for shutterbugs to capture mangrove forests, karst mountains, and indigenous animals. Once inside, let’s kick off a 2-hour Mangrove River Cruise. As the long-tailed boat glides between limestone cliffs formed hundreds of millions of years ago and through vast expanses of green rainforests, adorable monkeys resting on branches will come into view. Then, hold up your camera in advance to record the amazing moment when dozens of white-headed eagles swoop low over the river to peck at baits. Moreover, visit a dark bat cave to observe flocks of bats quietly hanging on the wall, and get close encounters with varied little fish at a floating fish farm. Following the cruise, you’ll enjoy an escort of your driver guide back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa del Mar Langkawi (4 stars)

With no guided activities today, you are free to enjoy Langkawi’s sunny beaches and diverse islands to the full at your own pace.

► Recommended Free-Time Activities (at your own cost):
In the immediate vicinity of your hotel, Cenang Beach is well-known for its multiple water sports including jet skiing, paragliding, and banana or donut boat riding. If you’re interested, ask the hotel to experience them at your own expense. Alternatively, consider taking an island-hopping tour to Langkawi’s three major islands, Dayang Bunting, Singa Besar, and Beras Basah, where you can hear ancient island tales from the boatman, swim in crystal-clear waters, and wander white sandy beaches barefoot while running into naughty monkeys. As the night falls, hit nearby bustling night markets for numerous authentic local snacks.

► Note: To protect yourself from sunburn, it’s better to avoid the heat of the day or apply high-SPF sunscreen every 2-3 hours.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Casa del Mar Langkawi (4 stars)

As our adventure draws to a close today, your driver guide will see you off to the airport depending on your scheduled flight. Do wish you a safe return trip! 

If your flight departs late, consider strolling a few steps from your hotel to Rice Garden Museum (Laman Padi Langkawi) for a deep insight into Malaysia’s history of rice production through traditional planting tools, agricultural attire, and scarecrows on display. More surprisingly, you’ll have a chance to experience how to grow and harvest rice firsthand.

Meals: Breakfast