The Ultimate Malaysia Travel Guide:
A 2-Week Family Itinerary
For years, Malaysia had been at the top of my list of must-visit destinations. The idea of watching orangutans in their natural habitat, tasting authentic laksa where it originated, and diving deeper into the country’s rich culture was simply irresistible. Eventually, we set off on a two-week journey through Malaysia with our kids, keeping a daily travel journal to document our experiences along the way. What follows is the outline of our family trip — a Malaysia itinerary specifically designed for those traveling with children.
Day 1 – Departure from the UK: Beginning Our Two-Week Family Journey to Malaysia
Our adventure started with a long travel day, leaving Heathrow early in the morning on Qatar Airways with a connection in Doha. The airline made the journey much easier for the kids, surprising them with SpongeBob-themed activity packs filled with crayons and books, along with fun SpongeBob lunchboxes for their meals. Random snacks like crisps and Mars Bars also appeared during the flight, which kept everyone happy.
Doha Airport turned out to be a destination in itself — sleek, modern, and packed with great shopping. We were especially impressed by the local handicraft stores, but what stood out most was the art: the iconic giant Teddy Lamp in the center and creative copper play zones scattered throughout.
Even with a five-hour layover, time passed quickly thanks to the airport’s atmosphere.
Tomorrow, the real adventure begins as we continue on to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Day 2 – First Impressions of Kuala Lumpur
After what felt like a marathon of travel, we finally made it to Kuala Lumpur — and honestly, the journey couldn’t have gone smoother. The kids coped brilliantly, and having that stopover in Doha definitely broke things up in the best possible way.
From the airport, we hopped on the city bus. It was straightforward, affordable, and packed with a mix of backpackers and locals — which gave us a nice reminder that we can still travel the budget way when we want to.
That illusion of budget travel didn’t last long, though, because we pulled up to the Shangri-La Kuala Lumpur. What a hotel! With interconnecting rooms, elegant décor, and one of the most striking lobbies I’ve ever walked into, it felt like stepping into another world.
Dinner tonight was at Shang Palace, the hotel’s celebrated Chinese restaurant. We feasted on noodles, tofu with wild mushrooms, garlic broccoli, and a wonderfully spicy tofu with cashews. For dessert, we took a leap of faith and tried durian — Malaysia’s infamous fruit. Served in delicate cream parcels, it smelled as strong as the legends promised. The taste? Somewhere between sweet, savory, and an oddly onion-like tang. None of us could finish it, but the laughter around the table as we each tried it was worth it.
We’re heading to bed at something close to a normal hour, fingers crossed the jet lag doesn’t catch up with us in the middle of the night. Tomorrow, the real exploring begins.
Day 3 – Exploring Kuala Lumpur
Jet lag hit hard last night — we were wide awake between 3 and 6:30 a.m. before finally drifting back to sleep, only to be up again at 7. It was a rough start, but breakfast at the Shangri-La turned everything around. The buffet was incredible: a chocolate fountain, steaming bowls at the soup station, a chef cooking eggs to order, and pastries in every shape and size. Choosing what not to eat was the hardest part.
Our first adventure was the lively Chinese market, a whirlwind of sounds, scents, and bargaining. It was energetic, chaotic, and the perfect distraction from how tired we felt. From there, we wandered over to Central Market. With its air conditioning and colorful stalls, it was a welcome break from the heat and full of treasures to browse.
For lunch, I’d set my sights on Blue Boy Vegetarian, but finding it turned into quite the mission. We wandered hot streets for what felt like forever, debating whether to give up, until we finally stumbled across it. What a reward: steaming bowls of Assam Laksa, fragrant fried rice, and a variety of tofu dishes, all served with the warmest hospitality. The owner chatted with us about the food and made us feel right at home — worth every step we took to get there.
The afternoon was dedicated to rest and swimming in the outdoor pool back at the hotel. Floating in the warm water, with the moon rising above and the Kuala Lumpur Tower glowing nearby, felt almost surreal.
Dinner was at Water Lily, another vegetarian gem. We sampled everything from mock spare ribs to sweet-and-sour “pork,” crisp spring rolls, and plenty of noodles. It was delicious, but our three-year-old hit his limit — he fell fast asleep at the table, impossible to wake. With a grumpy toddler in tow, we had to skip the night market and head back to the hotel.
Even with the early bedtime, it was a wonderful introduction to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur has such an energy — vibrant, playful, and full of surprises.
Day 4 – From the Jungle Canopy to Batu Caves and Onward to Penang
Jet lag finally seems to be behind us. As the sun rose over Kuala Lumpur, we braced ourselves for the forecasted rain — but instead were greeted by another hot, sticky morning filled with sunshine.
Our first adventure of the day took us just 30 minutes outside the city to the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM). Spanning over 600 hectares of rainforest, FRIM is a blend of tropical jungle, waterfalls, botanical gardens, and winding nature trails. The big draw for us? The famous 150-meter canopy walkway suspended high among the treetops.
Getting there was no small feat. The walkway is at the end of a steep, hour-long uphill hike through the dense forest. The humidity made it grueling, but the scenery kept us going — enormous trees towering above, glimpses of the valley below, and fellow hikers encouraging us along the way.
When we finally reached the canopy, I questioned my own judgment. Heights and I have never been friends. The narrow bridges swayed slightly underfoot, and peering down from such a dizzying height was almost too much. Still, step by step, I pushed through — and we all completed the circuit. Our six-year-old, of course, had no fear whatsoever and skipped off at the end asking to do it all over again!
From FRIM, we drove to another iconic site on Kuala Lumpur’s edge: the Batu Caves. Guarded by a towering 140-foot golden statue of the Hindu god Murugan, the caves are reached by climbing 272 brightly painted steps. Cheeky monkeys lined the way, keeping the kids in fits of laughter as they snatched food and drinks from unsuspecting visitors.
Inside, the main Temple Cave took our breath away — vast, echoing, and alive with shrines, Hindu artwork, and yet more monkeys scampering across the open roof.
By afternoon, it was time to leave Kuala Lumpur behind and head north. We boarded a coach bound for Penang — a five-hour journey. To the kids’ delight, every seat came with its own screen, airplane-style, so they were happily entertained while the green forests of Malaysia streamed past our windows.
At one roadside stop, instead of the cookie-cutter service stations we’re used to back home, we found a handful of vendors selling fruit, snacks, and wonderfully fragrant roasted peanuts. A small but memorable taste of local life.
By the time we arrived in Penang, the sun was setting. The sound of waves greeted us at the Shangri-La Golden Sands, our new home for the next stretch. Exhausted but content, we fell into bed with the feeling that today had truly been a day of highs — in every sense.
Day 5 – Cooking with Pearly & Street Art in George Town
The day began at a slower pace. Our two eldest were eager to try out the kids’ club, while I enjoyed some quiet time with the youngest, strolling along the golden sands outside our hotel and relaxing by the pool. It was the perfect balance of calm before the day’s adventures.
Meanwhile, my husband had a different kind of morning planned. He joined a cooking class with the much-loved Penang chef, Pearly Kee, who is renowned for keeping the traditions of Nyonya cuisine alive. The class kicked off with a guided tour of one of Penang’s bustling markets, where Pearly introduced the group to the dizzying array of herbs, spices, and fresh produce that shape local dishes. Along the way, there were plenty of opportunities to sample street snacks — the kind of flavors that make Penang one of Asia’s food capitals.
Back at Pearly’s home-style kitchen, the group rolled up their sleeves to prepare a trio of vegetarian dishes. The air was thick with the aromas of lemongrass, chili, and coconut — and judging by the smiles when lunch was served, it was every bit as delicious as it smelled.
Later in the afternoon, after cooling off with another dip in the hotel’s inviting pools, we set out for George Town, the island’s lively capital. Our mission: to discover its famous street art. Scattered across alleyways and shopfronts, the murals are playful and interactive — the kids loved spotting them, posing with bicycles, swings, and cartoonish figures cleverly woven into the cityscape.
It turned into a mini treasure hunt, full of laughter and surprises, and gave us a wonderful introduction to the character and creativity of George Town.
Day 6 – Flying to Langkawi & Finding a Home with Cats
Our morning began gently at the Shangri-La: swimming, snacking, and plenty of laughter as the kids raced around Adventure Zone, the hotel’s colorful indoor play center. It was the perfect send-off before moving on to the next chapter of our journey.
A quick transfer to the airport and we boarded our first AirAsia flight — destination Langkawi. To call it a short hop would be an understatement: just 20 minutes in the air! Our three-year-old was thoroughly unimpressed, asking repeatedly if there’d be a movie onboard. Sadly, this flight was over before the snack trolley even rolled out.
On arrival, we decided to change tack with transport. After days of haggling over taxi fares, renting a car seemed like a no-brainer. For just £27 for four days, we became the slightly nervous custodians of a clunky little run-around. It growled, jolted, and rattled its way down the roads — but it worked. That is, until we realized the tank was nearly empty. Cue ten very tense minutes of imagining how we’d push the car along Langkawi’s winding roads, before a petrol station finally appeared like a mirage. Lesson learned.
Our new base was Temple Tree, a unique resort with a story to tell. Its owner rescues historic Malaysian houses from around the country, dismantles them piece by piece, and lovingly rebuilds them on Langkawi. We stayed in a gorgeous 1920s building that once served as a goldsmith’s shop in George Town, now filled with antiques and boasting a vast wooden bathtub in the center of the living room.
But it’s not just the houses that are saved here — cats are too. Dozens of them roam freely, curling up on verandas or darting playfully through open doors. The children were in heaven, squealing with delight as cats padded across our rooms and claimed spots on the furniture as their own.
Dinner at Temple Tree capped the day perfectly: a fragrant, flavorsome meal enjoyed outside as night fell and stars scattered across the sky. The magic was briefly interrupted by my shriek of surprise when a large toad hopped right across our path — much to the kids’ amusement.
We ended the evening with full bellies, a beautiful home-for-now, and the sense that Langkawi was already working its charms.
Day 7 – Storms, Sea Life & Sunset in Langkawi
The night began with a performance from the sky itself. Thunder cracked so loudly that our six-year-old was convinced the roof would collapse. Sheets of rain hammered down in waves, and while the noise kept us awake, there was something comforting about being cocooned inside our wooden house while the monsoon swept over us.
By morning the storm had passed, leaving the air fresh and heavy with the smell of rain. Our first stop was Underwater World, Malaysia’s largest aquarium. Inside, the kids darted excitedly from tank to tank, pointing out familiar creatures and marveling at those they’d never seen before. The exhibits were well cared for, and it made for the perfect couple of hours — a calm contrast to the wild weather of the night before.
From there, we traded rustic charm for pure luxury with a move to The Westin Langkawi Resort & Spa. The change was dramatic: vast swimming pools glistening under the sun, a wide private beach, and panoramic views stretching over the Andaman Sea. It felt like stepping into a dream.
The afternoon was spent in blissful leisure — swimming, beachcombing for shells, and then, the unexpected highlight: watching Dusky Leaf monkeys scamper across our balcony, their expressive faces peering curiously back at us. The children were enthralled, and truth be told, so were we.
As the day faded, we settled into one of the resort’s restaurants for dinner, gazing out at the horizon where the sun dipped into the sea and the distant islands turned into hazy silhouettes. It was one of those evenings that felt too perfect to be real — the kind you want to bottle up and keep forever.
Day 8 – Kayaks, Curry & Colugos in Langkawi
We woke to sweeping views of the Langkawi archipelago and began the day with a feast at The Westin’s breakfast buffet. Fresh juices, creamy yoghurts, pastries, eggs in every imaginable style — and my new favorite discovery, curry for breakfast. A surprisingly perfect way to start the day.
Our youngest dashed happily off to the kids’ club, where she spent the morning painting her very own mug. Meanwhile, the rest of us headed for the water: two of us in a kayak, two in a pedalo. Gliding across the calm sea, with nothing but the sound of paddles and waves, was the perfect reminder of just how tranquil island life can be.
Back on shore, we joined one of the hotel’s chefs for a hands-on cooking class. Together we learned to make a fragrant yellow curry and a silky coconut dessert, which we promptly devoured for lunch. To my delight, our eight-year-old couldn’t get enough of the curry — his first real “aha moment” with spicy food. Watching him tuck in with such enthusiasm made the whole experience even more memorable.
In the afternoon we ventured out to the quirky Oriental Village. It’s a curious mix — part shopping area, part theme-park vibe — with plenty of activities on offer. The star attraction is the towering cable car, which looked both thrilling and terrifying. Luckily (or perhaps disappointingly, depending on who you ask), it was closed during our visit. Instead, we enjoyed a relaxed dinner by the lake while the children gleefully fed the fish, and we browsed through the little stalls.
The highlight of the day came after dark, when we joined a guided evening walk with Dev’s Adventures. Our mission: to spot the elusive Colugo, a rare gliding mammal sometimes called the flying lemur. With patience and sharp eyes, we were rewarded — watching these extraordinary creatures launch from the trees and glide effortlessly through the night air. Our six-year-old even managed to spot one herself, a proud moment since they blend so well into the shadows.
It was the perfect mix of relaxation, food, and adventure — with a little bit of magic courtesy of Langkawi’s nighttime jungle.
Day 9 – Farewell Langkawi, Hello Penang
We began the morning with one last Roti Canai breakfast — flaky, buttery, and impossible not to love. As we ate, I couldn’t help but feel a little heavy-hearted about leaving Langkawi. Between the endless sea views, the jungle wildlife, and the calm island pace, it’s a place that gets under your skin in the best way. I know we’ll be back.
Before heading to the airport, we squeezed in a final swim, while Mr. Globalmouse treated himself to a much-needed massage at The Westin. He came back glowing, declaring it “an hour of being pummelled into bliss.” The perfect send-off.
The flight back to Penang was quick and easy, but this time we opted for the bus instead of a taxi. Big mistake. What should have been a straightforward trip stretched into two and a half long hours. By the halfway point everyone was restless, counting down the minutes until we could finally stretch our legs again.
All was forgiven the moment we arrived at the Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Fun, colorful, and buzzing with energy, it instantly lifted our spirits. The playful vibe promises just the right balance — plenty of family fun alongside the cultural adventures we still have planned for the days ahead.
Day 10 – Buddhas, Bargains & Brilliant Food in Penang
The morning began with sunshine, palm trees swaying, and our children racing down the Hard Rock Hotel’s water slides with squeals of delight. The sandy floors and laid-back vibe made it feel like a beach club tucked inside the hotel. Truth be told, it wasn’t only the kids who didn’t want to leave — we were just as reluctant to pull ourselves away.
Eventually, we traded swimsuits for shoes and took a taxi into George Town (no more buses after yesterday’s marathon journey!). Our first stop was Ee Beng, a Chinese vegetarian spot I’d read glowing reviews about. It lived up to every word. The concept is simple: grab rice, pile your plate with whatever looks tempting — tofu, pak choi, noodles, steamed buns — and the staff prices it based on what you’ve chosen. For all five of us, the bill came to under £5, and we left stuffed, smiling, and wishing Ee Beng had a branch back home. The only thing I couldn’t bring myself to try was the mock “fish head soup,” even if it was meat-free!
Next, we visited the majestic Kek Lok Si Temple, one of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temples. It was an experience that felt almost otherworldly: monks chanting, incense drifting through the air, colorful pagodas and statues at every turn. The children were fascinated, especially when our daughter began mimicking the poses of the Buddha statues — a moment that melted my heart.
Back in Batu Feringghi that evening, we tucked into a rich Curry Kapitan, bursting with flavor, before diving into the night market. The atmosphere was electric — a mix of laughter, bargaining, mock outrage at inflated prices, and plenty of handshakes sealing the deal. We left with bags full of treasures, already imagining how they’d brighten our home.
It was the perfect day in Penang: food to remember, cultural wonders that stirred the soul, and shopping that brought pure joy. Honestly, what more could you ask for?
Day 11 – Into the Rainforest: From Penang to Borneo
Our last morning at the Hard Rock Hotel Penang was spent exactly as it should be — racing down water slides, splashing in the pools, and soaking up every last bit of fun this family-friendly spot has to offer. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better base for kids.
Before checking out, we had a lively lunch at the Hard Rock Café — sizzling fajitas and crispy onion rings for us, while the children happily sipped on fruity mocktails and devoured gooey chocolate brownies. It was the perfect send-off before heading to the airport.
At Penang Airport, we wrestled our way through check-in with bags stuffed full of night market bargains and “antique” shop finds — some of which I was already second-guessing, particularly the oddly shaped ones that didn’t quite fit in the luggage. Our flight to Kuching was frustratingly delayed by an hour, so we landed long after sunset.
Thankfully, the warm welcome from our hosts at Permai Rainforest Resort quickly melted away any travel fatigue. We were whisked off to our rustic jungle hideaway, our new home for the next few days of exploring Borneo’s wild side.
As we settled into our netted cabin, the sounds of the rainforest surrounded us — a symphony of insects, frogs, and who knows what else lurking out there. Equal parts excited and nervous, I found myself making silent wishes: no scorpions, no spiders larger than a coin, and definitely no snakes. Beyond that, we’re ready for adventure.
Tomorrow, the rainforest awaits.
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Day 12 – Orangutans in the Wild & the Charm of Kuching
The alarm rang at six, and with sleepy eyes but eager hearts, we set off for the Semenggoh Nature Reserve — one of the world’s most magical places to encounter orangutans.
Seeing these incredible creatures in the wild has long been a dream of mine, though I knew it wasn’t guaranteed. The reserve provides food at 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., but whether or not the orangutans appear depends entirely on them. Many visitors leave without a sighting.
Not us.
The first sound of branches snapping sent shivers down my spine. And then, from the canopy, they emerged — swinging gracefully from tree to tree, powerful yet elegant. We watched in awe as they cracked coconuts open with their hands and feet, a reminder of both their strength and their intelligence. A mother and her baby appeared, tender and mesmerizing, followed by the king of the troop himself — an enormous, shaggy orangutan my six-year-old immediately dubbed “the big hairy one.”
It was an experience beyond words, one that will stay etched in our memories forever.
Afterward, we drove into Kuching, a town that instantly stole our hearts. We lunched in the atmospheric old courthouse, browsed artisan shops, explored the museum, strolled the lively waterfront, and treated ourselves to cake. Everywhere we went, people smiled, waved, and called out greetings. Even the local police stopped to pat our daughter’s hair, and countless strangers asked to take photos with the children. Kuching felt like the friendliest town we’d visited yet — warm, genuine, and endlessly welcoming.
That evening we returned to our rainforest hideaway. Over bowls of noodles, we listened to the waves crashing below us before making the torchlit walk back to our cabin. The rainforest came alive around us — bats swooping, frogs leaping across the path, and a chorus of unseen creatures filling the night air.
A day of wild beauty, kindness, and wonder — Borneo at its very best.
Day 13 – Trekking the Rainforest in Borneo
The rainforest showed its power last night. The monsoon rains pounded on our little jungle cabin, thunder boomed across the sky, and lightning flashed so brightly it lit up the room. The downpour woke us again and again, and by morning it was still coming down in sheets. For a while, we wondered if our long-awaited trek would be washed away.
But by mid-morning, the rain began to ease. Determined not to miss our chance, we met our guide, the wonderful Remi, whose deep knowledge of the jungle made us feel instantly reassured. He took us first to his home village of Bako, where our adventure truly began.
From there, we boarded a small boat and sped along the crocodile-infested Bako River before bursting out into the South China Sea. The ride was thrilling, the spray on our faces exhilarating — though I couldn’t help but think of those lurking sharp teeth beneath the murky water. My anxiety peaked when we reached Bako National Park and had to wade the final stretch ashore, children in our arms.
The trek itself was challenging but unforgettable. For two hours, we scrambled over tree roots and down rocky paths, rewarded at every turn by glimpses of extraordinary wildlife. We spotted Proboscis monkeys, with their long noses and soulful eyes, a golden skink basking in the sun, and a camouflaged green crested lizard that almost vanished into the leaves.
Then came the moment that had my heart racing: movement in the undergrowth. I screamed before I could stop myself — “Snake!” Remi’s eyes lit up with excitement. It turned out to be a Paradise Tree Snake, rare and mesmerizing with its shimmering scales and quick red tongue. Remi explained how it could glide from tree to tree, which was incredible… until he casually added that it was venomous. We stepped a little more carefully after that.
The trek ended with a quieter moment, collecting shells on the beach while keeping one cautious eye on the sea. It was the perfect close to a day that gave us awe, adrenaline, and unforgettable memories.
This rainforest trek was one of the absolute highlights of our trip — a chance for our children to witness the wild beauty of Borneo up close, and for us to feel the pulse of the jungle in every step.
Day 14 – Overwater Villas & the Journey’s End
Our final morning in Borneo began with a short but fascinating stop at the Sarawak Cultural Village. This open-air museum brings Malaysia’s diverse tribal traditions to life, with reconstructed longhouses, bamboo bridges, and demonstrations of local crafts. We didn’t have much time to explore, but our eight-year-old made sure we visited the display that fascinated him most — the headhunter skulls. Suspended in a cage above a firepit, the blackened skulls were a grisly but important reminder of the region’s past, sparking plenty of wide-eyed questions from the children.
From there, it was time to board our fourth AirAsia flight and return to Kuala Lumpur. Flying back felt strange — as though we had come full circle, back to where our Malaysian adventure first began. But the journey wasn’t quite over yet.
Instead of heading into the city, we drove about an hour to the Avani Sepang Resort on Malaysia’s so-called “Goldcoast.” The welcome was as refreshing as the sea breeze — cool dragonfruit mocktails served as we gazed out at rows of thatched-roof villas perched on stilts above the water.
That evening we dined on fragrant Malaysian dishes while the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sea in hues of pink and gold. The air smelled of salt and spice, and the sense of calm after two weeks of discovery was exactly what we needed.
It was the perfect way to close our family adventure: time to slow down, breathe deeply, and savor the magic of Malaysia one last time before heading home.
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