Peninsular Malaysia West Coast

The classic north–south route along Peninsular Malaysia's west coast: Melaka, Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, the Cameron Highlands, Penang and Langkawi.

Malaysia's west coast is the side of the Malay Peninsula facing the Strait of Malacca, with the country's greatest concentration of people and cities, where Malay, Chinese, Indian and Peranakan cultures blend; it is Malaysia's most developed tourist route. From south to north, you'll find: the World Heritage old city of Melaka, with the red Dutch Stadthuys, the Jonker Street night market and Nyonya cuisine; the capital Kuala Lumpur, with the Petronas Twin Towers, Merdeka Square, Batu Caves and Petaling Street; Ipoh, with its old-town murals, white coffee and limestone cave temples; the Cameron Highlands, with tea plantations, strawberry farms and mossy forest; Penang, home to the World Heritage city of George Town, known for its street murals, clan houses and street food; and, at the far north, Langkawi, a duty-free island with the Sky Bridge, mangroves and a geopark. The classic route enters at Kuala Lumpur and exits at Langkawi, taking 7–10 days. The North–South Expressway and ETS electric trains link Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh and Butterworth (across from Penang); the Cameron Highlands require a mountain-road bus, and Langkawi can be reached by boat from Penang or Kuala Kedah, or by air. It is hot all year, so take care with sun protection and hydration.

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Itineraries