Kuala Lumpur skyline at dusk — Malaysia Essentials itinerary
First-time Malaysia

Malaysia Essentials

Kuala Lumpur + Penang + Langkawi · 12 nights — city, culture and beaches in one easy journey.

12 nights · 13 days 3 nights Kuala Lumpur · 3 nights Penang · 6 nights Langkawi
Why we chose this escape

Malaysia has an incredible amount of variety – which is exactly why your first trip shouldn't be about staying in just one place. Malaysia Essentials brings together three destinations that show you three very different sides of the country.

  • Kuala Lumpur gives you the energy, skyline, food and multicultural character of modern Malaysia.
  • Penang brings heritage, colourful streets and one of Southeast Asia's great food scenes.
  • Langkawi gives you the tropical beaches, beautiful landscapes and slower pace you'll probably be ready for by the end.
  • City to culture. Street food to sandy beaches. Exploring followed by proper time to switch off.

One easy introduction to Malaysia.

Optional upgrades available.

Your escape

Day by day

Days 1–3

Kuala Lumpur

Start with some energy

Your Malaysia escape begins in Kuala Lumpur, where gleaming skyscrapers rise above temples, markets and neighbourhoods shaped by the country's Malay, Chinese and Indian influences.

Start with the unmistakable Petronas Twin Towers and explore the city around them. Wander through colourful neighbourhoods, discover temples and markets, browse everything from local stalls to enormous shopping centres and, most importantly, arrive hungry.

Because food is a big part of experiencing Kuala Lumpur.

From hawker stalls and traditional kopitiams to restaurants and rooftop dining with a view, you'll quickly discover that eating your way around the city is as important as sightseeing.

Three nights gives you enough time to experience the capital before moving on to a completely different side of Malaysia.

Why Kuala Lumpur?

Because it's much more than somewhere to fly into.

Kuala Lumpur gives you an immediate introduction to modern Malaysia and the cultures that have shaped it. It's busy, diverse and full of contrasts – exactly the right place to start before the pace changes in Penang and Langkawi.

Don't miss

Petronas Twin TowersBatu CavesBukit BintangChinatownJalan AlorMalaysian foodRooftop views
Days 4–6

Penang

Come hungry

Next, head north to Penang.

At its heart is George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage city where historic shophouses, temples, street art and colourful neighbourhoods make wandering around part of the experience.

But Penang has another very good reason to visit. The food.

Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan influences come together in one of Asia's most celebrated food destinations, from busy hawker centres to generations-old neighbourhood favourites.

Try something you've never heard of. Order what everyone else seems to be eating. Go back for another plate.

Three nights gives you time to discover both the city and its flavours before heading for the coast.

Why Penang?

Because Kuala Lumpur and Penang may both be cities, but they give you completely different experiences.

Where Kuala Lumpur feels big, contemporary and fast-moving, George Town feels more intimate and historic. Penang adds another layer of culture, character and – of course – food to your Malaysia journey.

Don't miss

George TownStreet artHistoric shophousesTemplesHawker foodPenang HillLocal markets
Days 7–12

Langkawi

Now slow everything down

After six nights of exploring, it's time to swap city streets for island life. Welcome to Langkawi.

Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, Langkawi combines beaches and tropical landscapes with enough to see and do when you feel like leaving your sun lounger.

Spend your days beside the pool or on the sand. Head out on the water. Explore the island. Take the cable car high above the rainforest. Or decide that today's plans involve little more than choosing where to have dinner.

We've given you six nights here for a reason. This isn't a couple of beach days squeezed onto the end of a busy itinerary. It's the part where you properly stop.

Why Langkawi?

Because a multi-centre holiday should still feel like a holiday.

Kuala Lumpur gives you energy. Penang gives you culture and food. Langkawi gives you space to slow down. And with six nights, there's plenty of time to enjoy the island as well as the resort.

Don't miss

Tropical beachesLangkawi SkyCabSky BridgeIsland hoppingMangrovesSunsetDoing absolutely nothing
Highlights

Don't miss

Petronas Twin TowersBatu CavesBukit BintangChinatownJalan AlorMalaysian foodRooftop viewsGeorge TownStreet artHistoric shophousesTemplesHawker foodPenang HillLocal marketsTropical beachesLangkawi SkyCabSky BridgeIsland hoppingMangrovesSunsetDoing absolutely nothing
From
£X
per person, based on two sharing

We book over the phone — no online checkout, no pressure.

Included

Your escape includes

  • Return economy flights from London, Birmingham or Manchester
  • Internal travel required within the itinerary
  • 3 nights' accommodation in Kuala Lumpur
  • 3 nights' accommodation in Penang
  • 6 nights' accommodation in Langkawi
  • Airport and hotel transfers
  • [Breakfast / selected hotel meal basis – TBC]
  • ATOL protected

Prices are per person based on two adults sharing. Subject to availability and applicable booking terms.

Make it extra special

Optional experiences

Looking for even more from your escape? Here are a few experiences you might like to consider adding to your plans.

Kuala Lumpur City Highlights

Discover some of the capital's best-known sights and get a closer look at the different cultures, neighbourhoods and landmarks that make up modern Kuala Lumpur.

Great for: First-time visitors · Culture · City sightseeing
Indicative local price: from £XX per person

Batu Caves Experience

Head outside central Kuala Lumpur to the spectacular Batu Caves, known for their enormous golden statue, colourful staircase and limestone caves.

Great for: First-time visitors · Culture · Photography · Sightseeing
Indicative local price: from £XX per person

Penang Food Experience

Discover Penang through one of the things it does best – food. Taste local favourites while learning more about the Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan influences behind the island's celebrated food culture.

Great for: Foodies · Couples · Culture · Local experiences
Indicative local price: from £XX per person

George Town Heritage Experience

Explore the historic streets, architecture, temples and cultural influences of UNESCO-listed George Town and discover some of the stories behind one of Malaysia's most characterful cities.

Great for: Culture · History · Couples · First-time visitors
Indicative local price: from £XX per person

Langkawi Island-Hopping Experience

Take to the water and discover more of Langkawi's surrounding islands, beaches and tropical scenery.

Great for: Couples · Families · Beaches · Scenery
Indicative local price: from £XX per person

Langkawi SkyCab & Sky Bridge

Head high above the island for spectacular views across Langkawi's rainforest-covered mountains and the Andaman Sea.

Great for: Views · Couples · Families · Photography
Indicative local price: from £XX per person

Langkawi Mangrove Experience

Discover another side of Langkawi among its mangrove forests, waterways and limestone landscapes.

Great for: Nature · Wildlife · Families · Something different
Indicative local price: from £XX per person

These experiences are suggestions for inspiration only and are not included in your Eastbound Escapes package or currently available to book through us. Any prices shown are indicative only to help with holiday planning and budgeting. Prices, availability and inclusions may vary locally.

Optional experiences are not included in the advertised package price unless stated. Prices, availability, inclusions and transfers will be confirmed at the time of booking.

Want a little more?

Upgrade your escape

Your itinerary is already planned, but optional upgrades are available while your trip stays just as easy.

Flights

Upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class for a more comfortable journey.

Hotels

Upgrade to a higher hotel category.

Your room

Choose an upgraded room, suite, sea view or other available room category.

Langkawi

Upgrade your final stay for an extra-special end to your Malaysia escape, subject to local operator's offers and availability.

We'll show you the available options and additional cost when you book.

Ready for Malaysia?

From Kuala Lumpur's skyline and Penang's historic streets and famous food to six nights of tropical island time in Langkawi, Malaysia Essentials brings together three completely different experiences in one carefully planned journey.

12 nights · Kuala Lumpur + Penang + Langkawi From £X per person
ATOL Protected – This flight-inclusive holiday is financially protected under Times Travel Ltd, ATOL 74904.