A 5-Day Travel Itinerary in Malaysia | Relaxing Vocation

Exploring Malaysia is like unpeeling the layers of a culture-rich onion – revealing a patchwork of colors, terrains, and ways of life. 

However, if you want to get a real taste of this extroverted country in just five days, you're going to need a plan – and we've got you covered. 

Embark on an itinerary handcrafted by yours truly, packed with pointers and tricks for making the most of your own Malaysian experience. Let's go!

1. Considerations When Planning Your Malaysia Travel Itinerary 

Before we get into the itinerary itself, there are some key points to factor in when planning a trip to Malaysia that will help you plan a visit to match your own tastes, wallet and time, and make you have the best, hassle-free trip.

• Budget: Consider how much you can spend on flights, accommodation, food and activities.

• Accommodation Options: Choose from budget hostels, mid-range hotels, to luxury resorts.

• Time of Year: Although Malaysia has a tropical climate, there are monsoon seasons to consider.

• Interests and Activities: Plan your trip around what you want to do, whether it’s lying on beaches, trekking through jungles, or sightseeing.

• Health and Safety: Keep an eye on any health alerts and take appropriate precautions.

• Travel Restrictions and Visas: Make sure you have all necessary visas and paperwork, and are aware of any entry requirements.

2. The Ultimate 5-Day Malaysia Travel Itinerary

Now, let’s consider the Malaysian leg of that journey, a five-day itinerary that takes you from the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu to the island-hopping paradise of Semporna and back again for a blend of civilization and nature on a single island.

Malaysia 5 Days Trip Table

Day 1: Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

This day, we touch down in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's colorful coastal capital, where gold sand beaches meet busy bazaars. Today is all about acclimatizing to the sights, sounds, and smells of the vicinity, ready to get the Malaysian leg of our journey underway.

What to See and Do:

Tanjong Aru Beach: As the sun sets, Tanjong Aru Beach’s skies turn into breathtaking panoply of colors – but don’t think that’s all this beach has to offer. Take a lazy afternoon to snap photos of one of Kota Kinabalu’s most beautiful sights for yourself.

Api Api Night Food Market: The street food stalls of this bustling night market will set your taste buds alight and is the perfect way to dip your toe into the culinary waters of Kota Kinabalu while mingling with the welcoming locals.

Gaya Street: The main street of the city is a hub of activity, with a host of shops and cafés serving as a perfect spot for people-watching and souvenir shopping, or to grab a taste of tong juan, a popular local snack.

Where to Stay

Choose a centrally located hotel in Kota Kinabalu to easily access major attractions and markets, ensuring convenience and comfort.

Arrive early to make the most of your day. 

Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing for walking around the markets and exploring the city.

Day 2-3: Exploring Semporna's Islands

Our next stop is Semporna. From here you take a boat to explore some of Malaysia’s most stunning islands. The clear water is alluring and we spend two days relaxing in the sun and exploring the seas.

What to See and Do

Timba Timba Island: With its white sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, Timba Timba Island is a haven for photographers and beach lovers alike. Here, you can capture postcard-perfect shots or simply bask in the sun.

Mataking Island: The vibrant underwater world of Mataking Island awaits. Whether you're a novice or an expert diver, the rich marine life here offers an unforgettable diving experience.

Lover Bay: At Lover Bay, adrenaline-pumping water sports await you. From parasailing to motorboating and banana boating, there’s an activity to thrill everyone in the beautiful setting of this bay.

Seafood Market: A feast for the senses, the local seafood market brims with the day's freshest catches. Treat yourself to a seafood meal that’s as fresh as it gets, from succulent prawns to flavorful fish dishes.

Where to Stay

There are some lovely island resorts near Semporna that are a far cry from city life, letting you wile away days of diving and playing on the beach.

Arrange diving sessions early, to ensure availability. If you have your own scuba or snorkel gear, it could be useful to bring it along.

Don't forget to apply plenty of sunblock against the searing heat.

Day 4-5: Return to Kota Kinabalu

Circling back to Kota Kinabalu, we dive deeper into the city’s rich culture and culinary landscape. These final days are your chance to fully embrace the local lifestyle, culminating our memorable exploration of Malaysia.

What to See and Do

Universiti Malaysia Sabah: It’s not just for students—this university is set on beautiful grounds that are a pleasant walk, and you can get a feel for the student life of Malaysia.

Bak Kut Teh at Night Market: Slurp up some local bak kut teh in the night markets—a pork rib and herbal soup dish that is a local favorite, ideally eaten under the night market’s bright lights.

Specialty Chocolate Shopping: Malaysian made chocolate is more than just confectionary, it’s cocoa-moulded stories. Pick some up as some unusual mementos of your trip.

Relax at a Spa: After a few days of action, you can decompress with some traditional Malaysian spa treatments while you prepare yourself to journey home.

Visit Local Markets:The local markets are packed with locally made products and souvenirs, perfect for stocking up on keepsakes that capture the Malaysian spirit.

Where to Stay

Opt for accommodations in town, making it easier to reach all nearby attractions, shopping opportunities, and great dining. Comfort and convenience combined.

Plan your return travel to Kota Kinabalu carefully to make the most of your time. 

Visit the uni campus by day and night markets by night. 

Pre-book any spa treatments and take your time browsing the markets for fantastic finds. 

Wind down and take it easy to round off your Malaysia stay.

How to Shorten/Extend the 5 Days Route

• Shortening: Skip one day in Semporna or reduce activities in Kota Kinabalu to fit a shorter schedule.

• Extending: Add a day trip to Kinabalu National Park or extend your stay in Semporna for more diving and island exploration.

3. Top 10 Malaysian Food and Drink

Malaysian cuisine is a melting pot of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, offering spice, sweetness, and an array of aromatic herbs and spices in one meal. Here are top 10 cuisine in Malaysia:

1. Nasi Lemak:

The Malaysian national dish, Nasi Lemak is coconut milk rice served with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, hard-boiled egg, and cucumber.

2. Rendang：

Slow-cooked, sumptuous beef stew in coconut milk, simmered with lemongrass, galangal, garlic, turmeric, ginger, and chili.

3. Satay:

Marinaded skewers of grilled meat, often paired with a tasty peanut sauce, ketupat (rice cakes), and onions and cucumber.

4. Laksa:

A spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base and tamarind, lemongrass, served with prawns, chicken, or fish and rice noodles.

5. Char Kway Teow:

Stir fried flat noodles with shrimp, Chinese sausage, egg, bean sprouts, and chives, typically with soy sauce and chili paste

6. Hainanese Chicken Rice:

Poached chicken with fragrant rice, garlic chili and ginger sauces, often served with cucumber slices

7. Roti Canai:

Layered, flaky flatbread typically served with dhal (lentil curry) or other curries, and perfect for breakfast or a snack pays less tax than BrH

8. Teh Tarik:

Malaysia's unofficial national drink, frothy hot milk tea where the tea is "pulled" to create a creamy texture while serving

9. Cendol:

Shaved ice, green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup dessert, sometimes topped with red beans and sweet corn

10. Ais Kacang:

Shaved ice with sweet syrups, red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, sometimes ice cream is added – frantic but fragile hugeness.

4. Additional Tips for Malaysia Traveling

Pack Wisely

Packing smart is essential in Malaysia’s hot, humid climate. Don’t forget the following:

• Light, breathable clothing

• A rain jacket

• Walking shoes

• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat

• Insect repellent

• A universal travel adaptor

• Portable charger

Cash, Local Payment and Transport Apps

While major cities are increasingly credit card friendly, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for small purchases or in rural areas. 

Payment and transport apps like Touch ’n Go eWallet or Grab make it easy to live cash-free while you’re here, whether ordering a ride, a meal, or shopping for brands. 

Local Etiquette and Customs

Etiquette is an easy way to integrate and respect your surroundings. 

Understand the people around you – greet them with a “Selamat pagi” (Good morning) or offer a “Terima kasih” (Thank you). Giving and receiving items is usually done with the right hand. 

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or local communities, and avoid public displays of affection. Malaysians society often places great value on respect for elders and the maintenance of ‘face’ (behaving properly in public).

Transport Options

Malaysia’s transportation options are varied, offering something to suit any travel style. Domestic flights are useful to hop long distances quickly. 

Trains and buses are an affordable, often scenic way to travel between destinations on peninsular Malaysia, while buses and light rail are invaluable for travelers in the cities. 

For ease, ride-sharing services like Grab appear in Malaysia, where Uber does not, and are ubiquitous within urban spots.

Communicate: Language Tips

While English is one of the nation’s languages, knowing a few Malay phrases will win you friends and better deals! For example:

Hello – Halo

Please – Tolong

Thank you – Terima kasih

Where is… – Di mana…

How much? – Berapa?

Summary

And that’s it for our whirlwind 5-day trip to Malaysia! From the bustling streets of Kota Kinabalu to the tranquil islands of Semporna, it’s a varied travel itinerary.

I hope those suggestions serve you well and that this guide helps you make the most of your own Malaysian trip. Enjoy every moment!