This 7-day journey through Malaysia offers a perfect blend of culture, natural beauty and historical charm. From Kuala Lumpur’s bustling street food and skyscrapers to Langkawi’s island tranquility and Penang’s rich heritage and cuisine, you’ll experience the best of Malaysia’s diversity in one trip.

Day 1: Arrive in Kuala Lumpur – Skyscrapers & Street Eats

Arrival

• Take a taxi or Grab from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to your hotel

• Stay at: citizenM Kuala Lumpur Bukit Bintang — modern, centrally located and walkable to top attractions

• Late Afternoon

  • Explore the Bukit Bintang district — known for shopping streets, cafés and vibrant local life

  • Stop for a traditional Nyona Laksa lunch at Limapula, a heritage restaurant tucked in a quiet terrace

  
  Evening

• Catch the sunset from HeliPad Bar — a helipad-turned-rooftop bar with sweeping views of KL Tower, Petronas Towers and beyond

• Entry ticket ~£17 includes 2 drinks and access to the rooftop (arrive before 6pm to get a table)

• Head to Jalan Alor Food Street — famous for its buzzing night market atmosphere

  • Must-try: Crispy pani puris, satay and tropical fruit desserts

  • Still hungry? Try TG's Bistro, an Instagram-famous café in Penang, known for its towering roti tissue

Day 2: Markets, Culture & Local Bites

Morning

• Start in Chinatown — have a local Malaysian breakfast at Toast Maker (kopi, kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs)

• Wander Petaling Street Market — shop for souvenirs and explore the alleyways filled with lanterns and vendors

  
  Midday

• Walk through Perdana Botanical Gardens — a vast green space home to monkeys, exotic birds and tropical flora - look out for the otters

• Visit Merdeka Square & snap a photo at the iconic “I ❤️ KL” sign

• Refresh with a soda at the nearby River of Life, a beautifully lit riverfront promenade

• Light lunch at Santa Chapati House — authentic, no-frills North Indian chapati and curries

  
  Afternoon

• Walk via Menara KL (KL Tower) and head to Suria KLCC Park

• Arthur’s Storehouse, launched in August 2022, is Malaysia’s first Guinness flagship bar. Enjoy expertly poured pints, Irish cuisine and KL’s own Guinness, locally brewed since 1965, in a Dublin-style setting

• Grab a snack at another Instagram worth spot, Restoran Mon Chinese Roti - known for flaky Chinese-style roti with beef or chicken

  
  Evening

• Explore the Brickfields (Little India) district — colorful, lively, and full of shops and temples

• End the night with a signature cocktail at Coley’s — one of KL’s top award-winning bars

Day 3: Final KL Morning & Flight to Langkawi

Morning

• Brunch in Bukit Bintang at The Breakfast Spot — great coffee, smoothie bowls and option to build your own breakfast

• Last stroll through Bukit Bintang’s street art alleys and stop at Lot 10 mall for quick shopping

  
  Midday

• Head to the airport for an afternoon flight to Langkawi (1-hour flight; easy domestic transfer)

  
  Evening in Langkawi

• Check in and unwind at your hotel

• Sunset beers at Hidden Langkawi — beachfront, boho-style bar with beanbags and live music

• Dinner at The Halfway Hut, a casual beach restaurant offering fresh seafood and local dishes

Day 4: Langkawi Beaches & Relaxation

Morning

• Spend the morning relaxing on Langkawi’s white-sand beaches — Pantai Tengah and Pantai Cenang are nearby and great for swimming or lounging

  
  Afternoon

• Lunch at Golden Bamboo Café, a peaceful garden café serving authentic Malay dishes and vegetarian options

• Enjoy a lazy afternoon at your hotel pool, surrounded by jungle views or sea breeze depending on your location

  • Optional: Book a massage or spa treatment at one of the beachfront wellness centers

Day 5: Mangrove Adventure & Transfer to Penang

Morning

• Take a taxi north to Tanjung Rhu Beach, one of Langkawi’s most secluded and beautiful coastal spots

• Join a Mangrove Forest Boat Tour — cruise through limestone caves and estuaries, spot eagles, monkeys and even otters

  • Tours typically include a stop at the Bat Cave, Fish Farm, and Geoforest Park

  
  Afternoon

• Return to the beach for a final swim or cold coconut before heading back to your hotel

• Check out and head to Langkawi Airport for your short flight to Penang (approx. 40 minutes).

  
  Evening in Penang

• First stop: grab Penang’s famous samosas

• Head to Chulia Street Night Market to sample hawker stall favourites — char kway teow, oyster omelettes and apam balik

• End the night with beers at Bee Hooi Beer Hall, a lively local institution

• For dessert, try marshmallow ice cream at Mellow

Day 6: Penang Heritage & Street Art

Morning

• Start with tea and curry puffs at Moh Teng Pheow Nyonya Koay, a traditional shop tucked behind a quiet alley

• Visit Chowrasta Market and stop for a flaky roti canai at Heritage Transfer Roti Canai

• Explore Hin Bus Depot — a creative art space with weekend markets, local design shops and indie cafés

  
  Midday

• Lunch at Auntie Gaik Lean’s Old School Eatery — a Michelin-starred restaurant serving authentic Nyonya cuisine in a heritage setting (book in advance) or try a walk in (wait time varies)

  
  Afternoon

• Walk around Penang’s Street Art Heritage Area, where vibrant murals and iron sculptures turn George Town into a living open-air museum. Begin on Armenian Street, a historic road lined with boutique shops, cafés and colorful artwork. Look out for graffiti-style murals, indie galleries and evolving street art. Don’t miss iconic pieces by Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic, including "Little Children on a Bicycle", "Boy on a Bike", and "Reaching Up". Explore nearby alleys to find "Kung Fu Girl", "Cat in a Window", and Umbrella Alley, decorated with hanging umbrellas. A must-see for street art lovers and photographers

• Visit Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi, a stunning Chinese clan house with intricate carvings and hidden courtyards

• End your walking tour at the Chew Jetty and Tan Jetty, stilt-house communities with sunset views and snacks

  
  Evening

• Wrap up the day with drinks on Love Lane, a laid-back street full of bars

• Dinner options: Tina’s Kitchen, Kesum Art Restaurant and Hameediyah Restaurant

• Cocktail at Backdoor Bodega
  

  • Optional activities in Penang: Visit Penang Hill for panoramic views — take the historic funicular train to the top, or explore the Heritage Trail, a scenic hiking route through colonial landmarks and forest

Day 7: Penang’s Colonial Past & Farewell

Morning

• Explore Fort Cornwallis, the oldest British fort in Malaysia, located on the waterfront

• Visit Pinang Peranakan Mansion, a beautifully preserved house museum showcasing Baba-Nyonya culture, antiques and art

• Optional Add-Ons:

  • Walk through Little India, or visit the Blue Mansion (Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion)

  Departure

• Head to Penang International Airport for your return flight or onward travel