Malaysia
Big cities, mountains, rainforest and tropical islands
Malaysia is one of the easiest countries in Southeast Asia to backpack, but its appeal is different from Thailand or Indonesia.
It combines excellent food and multicultural cities with cool mountain landscapes, ancient rainforest and affordable tropical islands.
Particularly good for travellers who want variety, good infrastructure and a mix of culture, nature and beaches without constantly dealing with long or difficult journeys.
short
10-14 days
Kuala Lumpur → Cameron Highlands → George Town → Perhentian Islands
The essential Malaysia route moves from the country's modern capital into the highlands and food culture of Penang before finishing on tropical islands with diving and snorkelling.
Best for: a first Malaysia trip that gives you the country's biggest mix of city, culture, nature and island life.
classic
The classic route adds Malaysia's historic towns, Langkawi and one of the world's oldest rainforests before finishing on the Perhentian Islands.
Best for: travellers who want a broader Malaysia experience without heading to Borneo.
Kuala Lumpur → Malacca → Cameron Highlands → George Town → Langkawi → Taman Negara → Perhentian Islands
14-21 days
Long
The classic route adds Battambang's slower, more local side and Kep's quiet coast before finishing on the islands.
Best for: travellers with three to four weeks who want to see more of Cambodia beyond the main tourist stops and travel at a slower pace.
Kuala Lumpur → Malacca → Cameron Highlands → George Town → Langkawi → Taman Negara → Perhentian Islands → Kota Kinabalu → Sepilok