Malaysia and Singapore Itinerary: 10 Days in Two Countries

This 10-day route covers the highlights of peninsular Malaysia before crossing into Singapore. It is designed for first-time visitors to the region who want an efficient introduction to both countries without backtracking. Transport between stops is straightforward, and the overall pace is manageable — roughly 2 nights per destination.

For a shorter Malaysia-only option, see our one week Malaysia itinerary.

Days 1–2: Kuala Lumpur

Arrive into KLIA or KLIA2 and take the ERL express to KL Sentral (28–33 minutes, RM35–55). Base yourself in Bukit Bintang, the Golden Triangle, or Chinatown — each within easy MRT or Grab distance of the main sights.

Day 1 priorities: Petronas Twin Towers observation deck (book online ahead of time), KLCC Park, and Jalan Alor for dinner.

Day 2: Batu Caves (arrive by 8am to beat the heat and crowds), Chinatown for Petaling Street and Sin Sze Si Ya Temple, Central Market for crafts and batik. Evening in Bangsar or Bukit Bintang.

Full details: Kuala Lumpur things to do

Days 3–4: Penang (Georgetown)

Getting there: AirAsia and Batik Air fly KL to Penang in 55 minutes (RM80–180). Alternatively, the Aeroline or Transnasional luxury bus runs KL to Penang in 4–4.5 hours (RM80–100, departing from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan or Pudu Sentral). The KTM ETS train to Butterworth (mainland Penang terminal) takes approximately 4 hours.

Georgetown is a UNESCO World Heritage city with a concentration of pre-war shophouses, clan jetties, and street art that makes it one of the most walkable cities in Southeast Asia. Two days gives enough time to cover the main heritage zone and eat seriously.

Day 3: Armenian Street and the clan jetties, street art spotting, Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion tour (RM17). Dinner at a hawker centre — Gurney Drive or New Lane for a reliable spread.

Day 4: Penang Hill by funicular railway (RM30 return) for views over the island, then the Kek Lok Si Temple complex (largest Buddhist temple in Malaysia). Nasi kandar for lunch at Line Clear or Nasi Kandar Pelita.

See: Penang things to do and Penang food guide

Day 5: Ipoh

Getting there: Ipoh is 2 hours south of Butterworth by bus or KTM ETS train. This day works best as a stop between Penang and KL rather than a detour.

Ipoh’s Old Town is walkable and well-preserved. The white coffee — made with palm oil-roasted beans, served at old coffee shops with condensed milk — is worth the stop alone. Taugeh ayam (poached chicken over rice with bean sprouts) is the other dish the city is known for. Sam Poh Tong, a series of interconnected cave temples south of the city, is the most distinctive sight.

Ipoh can be done in half a day if you start early from Penang and continue by train to KL or bus to JB in the afternoon.

Full guide: Ipoh city guide

Days 6–7: Johor Bahru

Getting there from KL: The KTM ETS runs KL Sentral to JB Sentral in approximately 5 hours (RM80–100, Premier class). Buses run the same route in 4–5 hours (RM35–50). Johor Bahru is the southern tip of peninsular Malaysia.

JB is often dismissed as a transit point, but it has a functioning old quarter — Jalan Dhoby and the Heritage District — with colonial-era buildings, good food, and a waterfront overlooking Singapore. The Royal Abu Bakar Museum (RM10) in the Istana Besar is well worth 2 hours.

Day 6: Arrive JB, explore the Heritage District, Restoran Hiap Joo Bakery (known for banana cake), and the JB waterfront at dusk.

Day 7: Cross into Singapore. The Causeway crossing by bus, taxi, or on foot is straightforward — allow extra time for immigration queues, particularly on weekday mornings. Settle into Singapore accommodation and explore Sentosa, Gardens by the Bay (free to walk; the Conservatories require tickets), or the nearest hawker centre (Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat near the CBD).

See: Johor Bahru guide

Days 8–10: Singapore

Singapore is compact and dense with things to do. Three days scratches the surface of the major areas.

Day 8: Marina Bay Sands observation deck (RM45, best at sunset), Marina Bay waterfront promenade, Chinatown for dinner — Maxwell Food Centre has one of Singapore’s most famous hawker dishes, the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Day 9: Little India (Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tekka Market for Indian food), Arab Street (Masjid Sultan, Haji Lane for independent shops), and the Raffles Hotel exterior if you are curious about colonial heritage. Hawker dinner at Lau Pa Sat or Old Airport Road Food Centre.

Day 10: Pulau Ubin day trip — a 10-minute bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (RM4 each way) to Singapore’s last kampung-style island. Hire a bicycle (SGD8/day) and explore the trails, mangroves, and wild boar territory. Return to Singapore, final dinner, and depart from Changi Airport.

Transport Summary

Leg	Mode	Time	Cost (approx.)
KL → Penang	Bus or train	4–4.5 hrs	RM80–100
Penang → Ipoh	Bus or train	2 hrs	RM25–45
Ipoh → KL	Bus or train	2 hrs	RM25–45
KL → Johor Bahru	ETS train	5 hrs	RM80–100
JB → Singapore	Bus / foot across Causeway	30–90 min	RM5–15

Also see: Getting around Malaysia