Day 1: Arrival & Exploring Kuala Lumpur
Touching down in Kuala Lumpur, the excitement of exploring a new country filled us with energy. Since Malaysia greeted us with light showers, we decided to ease into our adventure with a visit to Berjaya Times Square, conveniently located next to our hotel. The mall’s lively atmosphere and diverse shopping options made for a great start.
As the rain subsided, we headed to the Petronas Twin Towers, standing tall as the crown jewels of KL’s skyline. The illuminated towers against the night sky were a sight to behold, and the accompanying light and sound show added to the magic. For a cityscape view, one may ascend to the Petronas Twin Towers' Observation Deck, perched on the 86th floor, offering a panoramic view of Kuala Lumpur. The deck is open from 9 AM to 9 PM (closed on Mondays), with the last admission at 8:30 PM.
The evening ended with a slow stroll through the bustling Bukit Bintang, where the aroma of street food, live music, and neon lights made the city come alive.
Day 2: Sunway Lagoon & City Highlights
Eager for a day of fun, we set out for Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, where a single ticket granted access to five different zones—Zoo, Lost Lagoon, Water Park, and Amusement Park. The water rides were exhilarating, and the sheer variety ensured there was something for everyone. The park operates from 10 AM to 6 PM (closed on Tuesdays), and weekends tend to be crowded and slightly more expensive. A smart tip? The night park ticket (open till 11pm) lets you access 10 select attractions with minimal wait time, including two thrilling water rides.
For those who prefer cultural and historical sights over amusement parks, KL offers plenty. One can visit Aquaria KLCC, Sultan Ahmed Samad Building, and Merdeka Square, which are conveniently located opposite each other. A short drive away lies Istana Negara, the majestic palace of the Malaysian King. Some visitors also explore Batu Caves, a stunning limestone hill housing colorful Hindu temples, the towering 140-foot golden statue of Lord Murugan, and 272 steep steps leading to breathtaking cave formations. Spending a full day in KL covers these key spots beautifully.
Day 3: Off to Genting Highlands and SkyWorld Theme Park
Leaving the city behind, we embarked on a one-hour drive to Genting Highlands, a cool hill station where temperatures are 10 degrees lower than in Kuala Lumpur. Upon arrival, we checked in and then wasted no time in heading to SkyWorld Theme Park (10 AM - 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays). The high-altitude amusement park was packed with thrilling rides and breathtaking views, making it an unforgettable experience.Later, we roamed around SkyAvenue Mall, a vibrant shopping and dining hub inside the resort. Every turn led us to a new unexplored section, with countless restaurants, entertainment zones, and shopping outlets. Several hotels are located within SkyAvenue Mall, including Genting Grand, First World Hotel, Crockfords, and Theme Park Hotel, each offering a unique stay experience. Dinner at Spice Garden was the perfect way to end the day, relishing comforting Indian flavors in the middle of Malaysia.
Day 4: Genting’s Sky-high Attractions
A relaxed morning set the tone for an easygoing day. We took the Genting Cable Car, a must-do experience offering spectacular aerial views. One of its stations led us to Chin Swee Temple, a peaceful retreat surrounded by lush greenery, a small waterfall, and a mesmerizing observatory.Continuing the adventure, we reached Awana Station, home to a massive premium outlet mall that runs fantastic discounts (cable car closes at 6:30 PM).
Genting offers something for everyone: Adults can try their luck at Sky Casino (entry is free, but a passport is required to redeem winnings), while kids can enjoy Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, which offers both full park access and pay-per-ride options (open 10 AM - 10 PM). For younger children, Jungle Gym (minimum 3-hour package) and Ripley’s Believe It or Not attractions provide entertainment for hours. Later, we filled our hearts (and stomachs!) at Pizza Hut.
Day 5: Welcome to Langkawi
A short 45-minute flight transported us to the tropical paradise of Langkawi, an archipelago of 99 islands known for its stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and adventure sports. Since our resort had a private beach, we embraced the slow life—lounging by the pool, feeling the sea breeze, and soaking in the serenity.As the sun began to set, we made our way to Pantai Cenang Beach, the heartbeat of Langkawi. This bustling stretch of white sand and turquoise waters is lined with restaurants, massage parlors, and lively street performers. The highlight? A mesmerizing fire show that kept us spellbound. After some souvenir shopping, we indulged in a flavorful Indian meal at Royal India.
Day 6: Sky-high Thrills & Mystical Mangroves
The day began with an adrenaline rush as we boarded the Langkawi Cable Car (SkyCab), the longest cable car in the world.The ride offers surreal views and includes free access to SkyRex (3D ride), SkyDome (movie experience), and the 3D Art Museum, a haven for photography lovers.
A must-do here is the SkyBridge Walk, an architectural marvel and the longest curved bridge in the world, suspended between two mountain peaks. Walking on this breathtaking bridge offers a thrilling perspective of Langkawi’s lush landscapes and endless sea views. For an extra 40 Ringgit, you can step onto the Eagle Nest, a glass-floored viewing deck that gives the exhilarating experience of standing high above the forest canopy—though the views remain the same. If you prefer to skip the walk down to the bridge, opt for SkyGlide, a capsule lift that takes you effortlessly to the bridge while still offering spectacular aerial views.
In the evening, we embarked on the Night Safari Mangrove Tour at Kilim Geoforest Park, a UNESCO heritage site with mangroves dating back over 490 million years. Cruising through the still waters under a starlit sky, we experienced eagle watching, a visit to a fish farm, crocodile cave (no crocodiles here, just front of the cave that resembles to a crocodile face), and the eerie beauty of Bat Cave. As night fell, we enjoyed the delicious dinner at a floating restaurant followed by the unfolding of the most magical sight- the water glowing with bioluminescent planktons, a surreal moment that felt straight out of a fairytale.Langkawi has so much more to offer—if you're looking for a laid-back island escape, you could easily spend four days here, simply soaking in the sea and sun. The island is a paradise of endless possibilities—from jet ski tours and island hopping to sunset cruises and a visit to Underwater Langkawi, where you can even spot penguins! A trip to Eagle Square, the iconic symbol of Langkawi, is a landmark photo spot.
Since we were traveling with a child, we planned our itinerary accordingly. However, if amusement parks aren’t your thing, you could spend 3-4 days in Langkawi and then add another country to your trip—Singapore, Thailand, or Indonesia—as Malaysia offers excellent flight connections to these destinations.
Tips & Recommendations:
- Transport: Download Grab for convenient and affordable rides across Malaysia
- Online Booking via Klook and Agoda offers much cheaper rates than buying on-spot tickets/experiences
- Clothing: Pack light and breathable outfits for KL and Langkawi but keep a jacket for Genting Highlands
- No Visa required but a quick Malaysia Digital Arrival Card needs to be applied before-hand
- Many attractions are closed on Tuesdays (so check your itinerary accordingly)
- Luxury on a budget (1 Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) equivalent to 20.36 INR, amusement parks are way more cost effective than other countries)
Malaysia, with its seamless blend of modern skyscrapers, lush mountains, and tranquil beaches, stole our hearts. Every moment was a story, and every experience left us longing for more.
Until next time, Malaysia!
Love,
Shruti Sethi