7 days in Malaysia Itinerary

An unusual blend of a developing nation and the modern world, Malaysia ranks as one of the richest countries in Southeast Asia, its prosperity largely resting on thriving high-tech industries. Malaysia vacations remain a more affordable alternative to the expensive tourism in some neighboring countries. Take a trip to Malaysia to explore busy cities filled with colonial-era architecture, tranquil tea plantations supporting a large portion of the local population, and dozens of scattered islands happily evading the worst aspects of mass tourism. While there may be fewer visitors, there's no shortage of fine beaches, mangrove estuaries, and verdant rainforests filled with exotic wildlife.

Pahang, the largest state on Peninsular Malaysia, encompasses the Pahang River basin. The highland area of the state features rolling hills of agricultural land, along with temperate retreats, which were established during the colonial era with luxury hotels and amusements. The rainforest region hosts many rare and endangered animals, such as tigers, elephants, and tapir. The coastal areas offer flatter terrain along limestone cliffs that descend down to fine, sandy beaches. Out at sea, a set of islands provides great dive spots with coral formations.

Highly industrialized and urbanized, the island of Penang sits off the western coastline of Peninsular Malaysia and boasts a rich cultural heritage blending Chinese, Indian, and European influences. Although most visitors come for the beaches and fishing villages, no tour of Penang is complete without a stop in World Heritage-listed George Town. This cosmopolitan island capital boasts a diverse architectural heritage, its oldest sections packed with 19th-century mosques, churches, temples, and colonial buildings. Another highlight of Penang tourism are the many festivals, showcasing cultural diversity and offering foreign visitors a chance to soak up the atmosphere of the "Pearl of the Orient."

With its own distinct culture, charmingly traditional rural landscape, and a wealth of ancient history, a cultural trip to Kelantan offers plenty of attractions for tourists. The Tittiwangsa Mountains kept the state virtually isolated from its surrounds for centuries, with visitors having to hike for weeks to make it there. As such, it developed its own arts, cuisine, and a dialect that is unintelligible even to many Malay speakers. To bypass the mountains, travelers to and from the state took to the seas, which bred a maritime culture that often came under attack from piracy. High peaks, coastal regions, and fertile rice fields make for a diverse geography that's a delight to explore.

An area of impressive coastal settlements and natural abundance, Terengganu is part of northeastern Peninsular Malaysia. The state possesses a predominantly Malay culture (thanks to a limited history of migration), with mosques, traditional arts centers, and regal architecture providing the focal points of urban area. The region features waterfalls, wetlands, and forests in a state known for the tranquility of its rural areas. Along the coast, beaches are renowned for their calm atmosphere and offer prime snorkeling and diving sites.