Back when I was planning this trip, I knew I wanted to explore more of an underrated Asian country and stumbled across Malaysia. Since I’m more of an outdoorsy person, my focus was on experiencing Malaysia’s incredible nature. I decided to stick to the Malaysian Peninsula (sadly, no Borneo yet!) and skip popular hotspots like Penang, Langkawi, and Malacca.

Instead, I went for a mix of everything: bustling city life, lush tea plantations, an ancient rainforest, and a stunning island within a marine reserve. While these places aren’t 100% Malaysia’s hidden gems, they’re not always the first stops on a typical itinerary. If you’re looking to break away from the usual route and dive into Malaysia’s wild side, this 10-day itinerary is for you!

Quick Overview

• Day 1-3: Kuala Lumpur
• Day 3-5: Cameron Highlands
• Day 5-7: Taman Negara
• Day 7-10: Pulau Redang

Days 1-3: Kuala Lumpur

Your first stop on this journey will probably be Kuala Lumpur! You’ve landed in a city where futuristic skyscrapers stand tall next to historic temples, where street food is a religion, and where the humidity will make you question all your life choices. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with an itinerary that will make your trip unforgettable (and delicious).

Petronas Towers 

The Petronas Towers are the crown jewel of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline, soaring 452 meters high with 88 storeys, making them the world’s tallest twin towers. Get there early if you want to go up because tickets sell out fast. At night, the towers light up beautifully, making it the perfect time for an Instagram-worthy snap. The view of Kuala Lumpur is amazing, even in the rain, which was the case for me. If you see only one thing in KL, make it this.

Batu Caves

Next up: Batu Caves. This iconic Hindu temple is built into a limestone hill and requires climbing 272 steps. Sounds easy, right? Ha! Between the heat and the little monkeys trying to steal your snacks, this climb is basically a survival game. But once you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views and an impressive cave temple that feels straight out of an adventure movie. However, if you’re not a fan of monkeys, consider skipping this one! I had to wait quite a while to get back down because monkeys were fighting on the stairs. And please, don’t be that tourist trying to pet them; they’re wild animals known for stealing backpacks, phones, and even hurting visitors. Getting there by Grab is easy, but there’s not much else in the area, so this trip is purely about the caves.

Jalan Alor

After all that effort, you’ve earned a feast. Head to Jalan Alor, the ultimate food street. This place comes alive at night with endless stalls selling satay, char kway teow, and durian (if you’re feeling brave). Just follow the crowds and eat everything in sight. Trust me, your stomach will thank you.

One place you shouldn’t miss is Restoran Meng Kee Grill Fish, where you can try Carrot Cake (not the sweet kind), and the Char Kway Teow I already mentioned. Afterward, cool down with coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell which can be found throughout the market. This was one of the coolest experiences for me in KL. There were so many people, smells, and impressions that it was almost overwhelming in the best way possible. It’s super hard to choose where to eat because everything looks amazing. My best tip: take your time, check everything out, sample different stalls, and just enjoy the atmosphere.

Chinatown

No trip to KL is complete without a visit to Chinatown. This is the place to test your bargaining skills at Petaling Street Market (pro tip: always negotiate!). And when you’re done haggling, reward yourself with some dim sum or roast duck from one of the local stalls.For something unique, check out Kwai Chai Hong, an area that takes visitors on a journey back to the KL Chinatown of the 1960s with seasonal art installations, interactive murals, and (maybe too many?) Instagram spots.

If you’re into traditional pastries, stop by Fung Wong Biscuit, a Chinese bakery with over 100 years of history making amazing pastries and cookies. And for a modern twist, head to REXKL, a cultural center and art space featuring a bookstore, record shop, and cafés. Definitely a great place to relax and soak in the creative side of KL!

Days 3-5: Cameron Highlands

If Kuala Lumpur is all about skyscrapers and sweat, the Cameron Highlands is the cool, misty retreat you never knew you needed. Think rolling tea plantations, charming English-style cafés, and air so fresh it makes you feel instantly healthier. But fair warning: if you don’t like tea, this place might not be for you. This is for sure a tea lover’s haven.

BOH Tea Garden

Start your adventure at the BOH Tea Garden, where you’ll get breathtaking views of endless tea plantations. Take a factory tour, sip on a fresh cup of tea, and pretend you’re in a period drama. And don’t forget to snap those dreamy Instagram shots in the middle of the tea fields! A (not so?) fun fact: this plantation still belongs to British owners due to Malaysia’s colonial history. 

Cameron Valley Tea House

If one tea plantation isn’t enough (because let’s be real, it never is), head over to Cameron Valley Tea House. There are three locations, but they’re all basically next to each other. This plantation, owned by Malaysians, feels more authentic and less touristy. Grab a tea to go and take a peaceful walk through the tea plants—it’s the perfect way to unwind.

The Lord’s Café

After all that tea, it’s time for a classic Cameron Highlands scone experience at The Lord’s Cafe. Due to Malaysia’s British colonial history, scones and jam are a big deal here. The café itself is in a cozy two-story house, making it the perfect spot to relax and enjoy some clotted cream.

Strawberry Farms

For a fun and slightly childish activity (no shame), visit one of the many strawberry farms where you can pick your own berries. There are so many scattered throughout the area, so just pick one near your hotel. If you don’t feel like picking, grab some chocolate-covered strawberries and take a leisurely stroll through the greenhouses. It’s a small but fun experience, perfect for a sweet treat on a misty afternoon.

Days 5-7: Taman Negara National Park

If you want to embrace your inner jungle explorer, Taman Negara is the place to be. With one of the world’s oldest rainforests, wild rivers, and the kind of humidity that makes you question why you ever packed jeans, this is Malaysia’s ultimate outdoor adventure destination. If you’re lucky, you might encounter some wild elephants! And if you’re not so lucky, there are even tigers living in the rainforest, but don’t worry, you’re completely safe!

Rapid Shooting

If you like your adventures wet and wild, Rapid Shooting is a must. Hop on a boat, brace yourself, and get ready to navigate choppy river rapids while getting completely drenched. It’s basically a jungle roller coaster minus the seat belts. The 2–3 hour trip takes you through seven rapids, all while being surrounded by stunning jungle scenery. Just accept the fact that you won’t stay dry!

Visit the Orang Asli

Take a break from the adrenaline rush and visit an Orang Asli settlement to learn about Malaysia’s indigenous communities. You’ll see traditional blowpipe hunting demonstrations (don’t worry, they won’t aim at you) and gain insight into their fascinating way of life. The Orang Asli live a nomadic lifestyle, with settlements along trails or accessible by boat. I didn’t really take any pictures, as to not come off disrespectful, but it’s definitely an eye-opening experience. Don’t forget to bring some cash to buy handmade keepsakes is a great way to support the community!

Canopy Walk

This iconic walkway takes you high above the rainforest floor for a bird’s-eye view of the jungle. You can get there by trekking for 20-30 minutes or by a 10 minute boat ride. It’s not necessarily challenging, but let’s just say the canopy has probably seen better days, which makes it all the more thrilling. But don’t worry, the walkway is always under supervision of the wildlife department and gets closed down in case of danger. You can enjoy the laid-back walk from tree to tree, soaking up the amazing view of Malaysia’s flora and fauna. This is such fun way to spend an hour, just make sure to stay hydrated because the humidity is no joke.

Night Safari – By Foot or Boat

Ever wondered what the rainforest is like when the sun goes down? Join a Night Jungle Walk, where you’ll spot insects, reptiles, and (if you’re lucky) glowing fungi straight out of a fantasy movie. Our guide was amazing at explaining the intricate ecosystem of the jungle. Just don’t forget your flashlight and maybe avoid looking up too much, unless you’re cool with seeing giant spiders. We saw huntsman spiders, scorpions, ants, and countless other creepy crawlies that my mind has already repressed!

If walking in the dark isn’t your thing, a Night Boat Cruise is the next best option. Glide along the river under a starlit sky, keeping an eye out for wildlife along the riverbanks. While we only saw a few birds, a herd of elephants had been spotted just a week before so it’s really all down to luck. Even if you don’t see much, it’s an unforgettable experience to drift through the jungle in complete darkness, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

Day 7-10: Pulau Redang

If your idea of a perfect getaway involves crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and doing absolutely nothing productive, the island of Pulau Redang is calling your name. It’s a small island off the west coast of Malaysia, right next to the more famous Perhentian islands. This little slice of paradise is all about soaking up the sun, floating with turtles, and living your best island life.

Snorkelling, snorkelling, snorkelling

Pulau Redang is a snorkelling paradise, and you’d be crazy not to spend most of your time underwater. The marine life here is incredible, with colorful coral reefs, friendly fish, and crystal-clear visibility that will make you feel like you’re swimming in an aquarium. The coral reef is still mostly intact, likely due to the island’s location within a marine reserve, making it one of the best snorkelling spots around. You can even just float along with the current and watch the scenery change beneath you. Grab a mask, dive in, and prepare for an underwater adventure!

Turtle’s Bay

If you’ve ever dreamed of swimming alongside sea turtles, Turtle’s Bay is where you need to be. These gentle creatures are surprisingly chill about sharing their space, so grab your snorkel gear and get up close and personal with them. Just remember: no touching, turtles prefer social distancing! At one point, I found myself surrounded by five turtles at once, which was both magical and slightly panic-inducing as I tried to navigate away from them. It’s a popular tourist spot, so expect some crowds, but if you’re staying at the Taaras Resort, you can swim or kayak to the bay early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there are no tour groups, giving you a much more peaceful one-on-one experience with these amazing creatures.

Enjoy the beaches

After all that snorkelling (or instead of it, no judgment), the best thing to do is nothing. Redang’s white sand beaches are so soft they feel like clouds under your feet. There’s really not much to do on the island that isn’t beach or water-related, so just embrace it. Grab an ice-cold drink or fresh coconut water straight from the coconut and enjoy the blissful surroundings. Lay back, soak in the sun, and let the sound of the waves do the rest.

So what’s the verdict?

After ten days of adventure, nature, and a whole lot of good food, I can confidently say that Malaysia is one of the most underrated travel destinations out there. From the towering skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur to the misty tea fields of the Cameron Highlands, the wild rainforests of Taman Negara, and the pristine beaches of Pulau Redang, this trip had a little bit of everything. If you’re looking for a travel experience that combines adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes—without the overwhelming crowds—Malaysia should be at the top of your list. So, pack your bags, step off the beaten path, and get ready to be surprised by just how much this country has to offer. Happy travels!