Best Malaysia Road Trips for Different Kinds of Travellers
Going on holiday is fun and all — but don’t we all secretly dread just having to spend so much time commuting to and from the airport? Throw in a possible flight delay, and more precious vacation time goes straight out the window. What many Singaporeans don’t realise is that we actually have a fantastic travel destination on our doorstep — and it’s one that won’t even require much fuss to get to at all!
Malaysia is such a dynamic country, packing a punch with nature (the mountains!), food, sights, and scenery all in one. All you have to do is to get your car in tip-top shape, and gear up for a road trip!
Malaysia car rental
Tick one thing off your checklist with Klook’s car rental. Easily choose the type of vehicle you want from trusted companies like Hertz or Avis; and add-on car seats, different types of insurance packages, or GPS easily. Even better: most car suppliers offer free cancellations and yes, even full refunds, up to a certain time before pick-up.
You’ll even be able to pick up your car from one place, and return it at another — saving you the trouble of driving all the way back to your original destination.
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Tips for a Malaysia Road Trip
- Apply for a Vehicle Entry Permit (VEP) before you intend to drive to Malaysia.
- Vehicle insurance is mandatory! Other documents that you should have on hand include your driving license, as well as a document showing your road tax validity.
- You’ll need to pay a MYR20 (~SGD5.80) for entry into Malaysia at either Woodlands checkpoint or Tuas Second Link.
- Get a Touch N’ Go card, which handles both SGD and MYR seamlessly. Trust us, it’s a total lifesaver!
- Avoid crossing the checkpoints at peak hours — use the ‘Motorist’ app’s checkpoint feature to keep tabs on any traffic jams.
- Whilst in Malaysia, ensure that your belongings are secure. For added security, consider investing in a steering wheel lock, or a brake pedal lock. A general rule of thumb would be to never leave any valuables in the car.
- Don’t enter Malaysia without ensuring that your gas tank is three-quarters full! Any less, and you might get fined up to S$500 by Singapore Customs.
Ready to hit the road? Pick and choose from these 10 itineraries, which are perfect for different kinds of travellers.
For the Sightseers
1. Penang → Ipoh → Taiping → Gopeng
Drive duration and distance:
- Penang to Ipoh: 1 hour 36 minutes, 132 kilometres
- Ipoh to Taiping: 1 hour, 66.2 kilometres
- Taiping to Gopeng: 1 hour 14 minutes, 85.8 kilometres
Start your adventure from Penang, a city touting a glorious mix of architecture, urban art, food, and culture. Snap lots of photos with the heritage houses (our favourite is the magnificent Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion!); hunt down street art around every corner; check out Kek Lok Si, Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple; get all quirky at the Wonderfood Museum; and enjoy a panoramic view from The TOP.
#KlookTip: Want to learn more? Discover the city on an intriguing guided tour, topped off with some of the best street food you can find.
Next, Ipoh is a city that’s perched on the fringe of nature. On one hand, you have delightful heritage houses framed by hanging lanterns, on the other you’ll find a collection of intricate natural cave temples.
Located just an hour from Ipoh, Taiping is an underrated city that’s full of colonial and oriental buildings. Don’t miss out on the tranquil lake gardens and giant zoo. Jazz up your trip with this 2D1N glamping experience, complete with an ATV ride.
#KlookTip: If you have the time, drive another 30 minutes to the Bukit Merah Orang Utan Island Foundation, where you can watch the creatures roaming in the jungle.
Calling all adrenaline junkies: Gopeng has plenty up its sleeve to get your heart rate soaring. Go whitewater rafting; try river tubing or waterfall abseiling; go on a hike to hunt down the elusive Rafflesia flower; and explore the Gua Tempurung Cave. Top it all off with a meal at Gopeng Antique Kopitiam; or sip tea at HOGA, Gaharu Tea Valley.
2. Kuala Lumpur → Genting Highlands → Cameron Highlands
Drive duration and distance:
- Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands: 1 hour, 53.6 kilometres
- Genting Highlands to Cameron Highlands: 3 hours 40 minutes, 233 kilometres
Let’s admit it: Singapore’s heat and humidity can just be downright overwhelming at times. If you’re looking for some cooler respite, you’re in luck because you won’t have to venture far at all!
Cruise through the clouds with Genting Skyway. Credits: Klook
Set off from Kuala Lumpur to Genting Highlands, which is perched on the peak of Mt. Ulu Kali. Stands at a height of 1,800 metres, it enjoys cooler temperatures of 10 to 25 degrees celsius throughout the year. The main attraction is Resorts World Genting, which entices with theme parks and casinos. Not convinced? Here are 12 reasons to visit.
Take a leisurely drive to Cameron Highlands, which is reputed for its sprawling natural landscapes. The star of the show here is its rolling tea plantations, many of which offer onsite cafés and gift shops. Go hiking in the Mossy Forest or at Gunung Jasar, pick strawberries at a farm, visit a vegetable farm, visit the Sheep Sanctuary, drop by the cute Cactus Valley, and have an elegant high tea at Jim Thompson Tea Room in Cameron Highlands Resort.
For the Foodies
3. Singapore → Johor Bahru → Malacca
Drive duration and distance:
- Singapore to Johor Bahru: 30 minutes, 27.6 kilometres
- Johor Bahru to Malacca: 2 hours 40 minutes, 218 kilometres
Loosen your waistbelts, and get ready to feast! Hop over the causeway to Johor Bahru, where lots of good eats — which are easy on the pocket too! — await. Trawl the hip Mount Austin neighbourhood, home to eats like JWC The Factory 30, Basilico Restaurant, and Creamery Boutique Ice Creams. The Replacement Lodge is a hot favourite as well. Travelling for the ‘gram? These IG-worthy cafés will hit the sweet spot.
Photo credit: Original Nasi Ambeng Kampung Melayu on Facebook
And of course, what a trip to Malaysia without some local hawker/street food? Don’t miss spots like Restoran Lai Kee, Fa Ge Lok Lok, Original Nasi Ambeng Kampung Melayu, and Bukit Changar Warung Roti Canai.
Photo credit: Jonker88 on Facebook
Malacca is a foodie’s paradise as well, and is especially known for chicken rice balls — notably from Chung Wah. Sample nyonya cuisine at Makko Nyonya Restaurant; have a homely meal at Nancy’s Kitchen; and try the kueh pie tee or chendol at Jonker 88, which is part museum, part café. Don’t forget to leave some space for the putu piring from the stall at Jalan Tengkera, or rich oyster noodles from Teo Soon Loong too!
4. Singapore → Kukup → Pontian → Malacca
Drive duration and distance:
- Singapore to Kukup: 1 hour, 67.1 kilometres
- Kukup to Pontian: 24 minutes, 20.9 kilometres
- Pontian to Malacca: 2 hours 40 minutes, 205 kilometres
Photo credit: New Kukup Seafood Restaurant 龜咯食堂海鮮樓 SINCE 1965 on Facebook
A sleepy fishing village, Kukup is known to serve up scrumptious seafood feasts. Dig into a varied seafood spread at New Kukup Restaurant; or try any of the seafood restaurants at Kukup Laut, which is home to lots of houses on stilts. For dessert, take your pick from six flavours of colourful Kukup crystal jelly from Kukup Pinfen Crystal Jelly.
Photo credit: Tourism Malaysia and on Restoran Asli Mualaf Asam Pedas on Facebook
Pontian is, naturally, the birthplace of Pontian wanton noodles! Try the tomato sauce rendition at Heng Heng or Ah Chuan. Drop by the Pasar Awam Pontian market, where you can choose your fish and get it cooked at a nearby restaurant. Or, have a tasty assam pedas meal at Restoran Asli Mualaf Asam Pedas; warm up with a soothing bowl of bak kut teh from Dongxing; and finish off with a traditional black coffee from Kheng Guan Hiong.
5. Kuala Lumpur → Bentong → Kuala Lumpur → Ipoh → Penang
Drive duration and distance:
- Kuala Lumpur to Bentong (day trip): 1 hour, 66.2 kilometres
- Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh: 2 hours 28 minutes, 207 kilometres
- Ipoh to Penang: 1 hour 36 minutes, 131 kilometres
Photo credit: Back Alley Pasta on Facebook
You never know what you’ll find in Kuala Lumpur. You have classic local eats like nasi lemak from Nasi Lemak Peel Road; nasi kandar from Tg’s Nasi Kandar; claypot rice from Heun Kee; and grilled fish from Ikan Bakar Bellamy — all scattered among numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Dewakan and Anak Baba.
#KlookTip: Get your reservations in early for Back Alley Pasta, a rustic no-frills joint that has a month-long waiting list.
Photo credit: Satay Warisan Pak Chu Bentong and T.A.K. Ice Cream Corner (Bentong Pahang) on Facebook
Bentong, on the other hand, is a foodie’s gem that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. It’s an easy day trip from Kuala Lumpur, and entices with wanton noodles from Yuan Kee Kopitiam’s Hooi Ji; chee cheong fun from Ah Chong Chee Cheong Fun; ice kachang from T.A.K. Ice Cream Corner; and satay from Satay Warisan Pak Chu.
#KlookTip: Don’t forget to visit Bentong Morning Market for the famous Bentong ginger and Bentong soy sauce.
Photo Credit: @kyutogary (Instagram)
Ask anyone, and they’d say that Ipoh is synonymous with good food. Load up on the famous Ipoh hor fun from Restoran Cowan Street Ayam Tauge and Yinzo Kopi; salted chicken from Ayam Garam Aun Kheng Lim; and egg tarts (plus a cup of Ipoh white coffee!) from Nam Heong White Coffee.
Photo Credit: @fanny_ho3021 (Instagram)
Penang probably needs no introduction, having earned itself a reputation of being Malaysia’s street food capital. We just can’t get enough of the char koay teow from Siam Road Char Koay Teow; assam laksa from the Michelin-starred Penang Road Famous Laksa; and a refreshing bowl of chendol from Penang Road Famous Teochew Chendul, which has a rich history of over 80 years.
#KlookTip: Looking for a great gift? You won’t go wrong with some tau sar piah from Him Heang.
For those travelling with Kids
6. Singapore → Legoland Malaysia → Austin Heights → Port Dickson
Drive duration and distance:
- Singapore to Legoland Malaysia: 48 minutes, 45.2 kilometres
- Legoland Malaysia to Austin Heights: 34 minutes, 26.2 kilometres
- Austin Heights to Port Dickson: 3 hours 20 minutes, 291 kilometres
Sometimes, it can be a struggle to plan a holiday that the whole family can enjoy. Luckily, Malaysia has no lack of options!
Make your first stop Legoland Malaysia, which boasts eight themed areas containing over 40 rides and attractions. Make a splash at the water park, and go deep under the sea at the SEA Life Aquarium. The MINILAND Amazing Malaysia theme park also has replicas of iconic Malaysian attractions — built with a whopping 1.38 million bricks.
#KlookTip: Can’t get enough? Stay a night at the Legoland Malaysia Resort, which has various themed rooms, a treasure hunt in every room, and a daily character meet and greet session.
Picture Credits: Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park
The fun continues at Austin Heights, a daring water and adventure park. Scale a giant high elements course, which has 51 obstacles and numerous zip lines. There are also seven difficulty levels, so knock yourselves out! Afterwards, cool down at the water park, which has every kind of slide that you can imagine, a relaxing wave pool, and a large water play area called ‘Splash World’.
That’s not all: there’s even a trampoline park, a skating rink, and even a drift karting arena.
Finally, soak up the sun at Port Dickson, a tranquil coastal town. Ride an ATV or UTV, go on a banana boat ride, try your hand at fishing, plus sit back and relax on a sunset cruise. Animal-loving kids will love the Ostrich Show Farm, where they can go on an ostrich ride; Aurora Park, which has a mini petting zoo; or getting lost at PD Maze.
#KlookTip: Segar City is a great wet weather plan, comprising an indoor entertainment complex with a trick art museum, theatre, and a mini amusement park.
7. Kuala Lumpur (+ Klang Valley) → Bukit Tinggi → Genting Highlands
Drive duration and distance:
- Klang to Bukit Tinggi: 53 minutes, 52.3 kilometres
- Bukit Tinggi to Genting Highlands: 51 minutes, 36.6 kilometres
Discover unique marine life in one of the top aquariums in Asia — Aquaria! Credits: Klook
If you have kids that can’t tolerate long(er) car rides, we totally feel you. This road trip route keeps things short, with drive durations staying under an hour. Unbeknownst to many, Kuala Lumpur has plenty to entertain kids with! Think: interactive exhibits at Petrosains, the Discovery Centre; a zoo; and Aquaria KLCC, which is said to be one of Asia’s top five aquariums.
Klang Valley refers to the area surrounding Kuala Lumpur, and is home to multiple indoor playgrounds — such as this baby shark-themed one, and the Parenthood Admission. The fun never stops: go wild at Sunway Lagoon, battle it out in a game of laser tag, and whiz around on a go-kart.
#KlookTip: If the adults need a break, this Thai Odyssey Massage experience might just do the trick.
Photo Credit: @gracesarneeya (Instagram)
Also known as Berjaya Hills, Bukit Tinggi is home to Colmar Tropicale, an intriguing French village nestled up in the mountains. Wander along cobbled streets, take lots of pictures with the colourful medieval buildings, or pop in and out of shops, galleries, and cafés. You can even stay the night here! Your entrance ticket for Colmar Tropicale also includes the Botanical Gardens, Rabbit Park, and a Japanese Village.
Photo credit: @nurazlyanatazah
Genting Highlands is known for its family-friendly theme parks, and rightly so. Recently opened in 2021, the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park is a wonderland for adults and kids alike. Sporting nine themed worlds with 26 rides and attractions, the park even has worlds dedicated to the ‘Rio’, ‘Epic’, and ‘Ice Age’ movies. The Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park is a fantastic option no matter rain or shine, boasting more than 20 rides and attractions. The theme park is just next to SkyAvenue, a new lifestyle mall with lots of retail and dining options.
#KlookTip: In fact, get the best bang for your buck with the Klook Pass Genting Highlands, which will slash up to 24% off entry rates for the above two theme parks, as well as the Awana Skyway Gondola, Eagle Landing Zipline, and Ripley’s Adventure Pass.
For Nature Lovers
8. Singapore → Kota Tinggi → Kluang → Taman Negara Johor Gunung Ledang
Drive duration and distance:
- Singapore to Kota Tinggi: 1 hour 7 minutes, 64.4 kilometres
- Kota Tinggi to Kluang: 1 hour 20 minutes, 89.8 kilometres
- Kluang to Taman Negara Johor Gunung Ledang: 1 hour 33 minutes, 119 kilometres
Lace up your hiking boots, let’s go mountain climbing! Your first stop is Kota Tinggi, where you can hike up Gunung Panti. Standing at 453 metres tall, the hike will take around four to five hours return. Moderately suitable for beginners, the hike cuts through the rainforest, with the final ascent to the summit requiring a little rock climbing using ropes. Reward yourself with a dip at the famous Kota Tinggi waterfalls (it’s now temporarily closed, keep a lookout for when it reopens!), as well as a relaxing firefly river cruise.
Photo credit: Talula Hill Farm Resort on Facebook
Next, head to Kluang to climb the 510-metre-tall Gunung Lambak. Requiring around 4 hours return, the hike starts off with a gentle paved incline, before evolving into a muddy forest trail. Persevere, however, and you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views from the summit!
Spend some time at one of Kluang’s farms, such as Talula Hill Farm Resort or Zenxin Farm, which has a cute noodle-making workshop. There’s a whole line-up of street art to be found too, best hunted down with a cup of coffee in hand from Kluang Rail Coffee.
Photo credit: Tourism Johor on Facebook
End your trip at Taman Negara Johor Gunung Ledang where, if you still have the energy, you can climb Gunung Ledang (also known as Mount Ophir). Standing at 1276 metres tall, the summit takes around half a day to reach. If not, simply have a nice picnic by the river, cool off in the waterfall, go bird-watching (there are apparently 160 bird species in the park!), and soak up the surrounding nature.
9. Rembau → Batu Caves → Gopeng
Drive duration and distance:
- Rembau to Batu Caves: 1 hours 27 minutes, 107 kilometres
- Batu Caves to Gopeng: 2 hours, 183 kilometres
Located near Rembau in Negeri Sembilan, Gunung Datuk is one of our favourite hikes. Standing at 884 metres tall, it takes around four to six hours to complete. We’re not going to lie: there aren’t many flat parts, and it basically goes up, up, and up! To reach the summit, you’ll have to climb a series of ladders that go up giant boulders. Once you’re at the top, feast your eyes on magnificent 360-degree panoramic views of the Straits of Malacca.
#KlookTip: If you’re an experienced hiker, you can even start your ascent in the middle of the night — and enjoy a splendid sunrise at the summit.
📍 Batu Caves Temple | Photo Credit: @tara__samantha (Instagram)
Batu Caves were once used for farming by settlers from China back in the 1800s. In 1890, the cave was transformed into a Hindu temple, which worshipped Lord Murugan, the God of war and victory. Today, you’ll find a large golden statue of Lord Murugan besides the iconic rainbow staircase, which leads up to the entrance of the cave. In fact, this statue is the tallest statue in all of Malaysia! Take your time to meander up the stairs (all 272 of them!), and explore inside the cave itself.
Photo Credit: @hijauadventures
End your trip at the adventure town of Gopeng, where you can do all sorts of exhilarating water activities. Whitewater rafting or waterfall abseiling, anyone?
For those who want to take it slow!
10. Singapore → Desaru → Mersing → Kuantan → Cherating → Sungai Lembing → Temerloh → Bentong
Drive duration and distance:
- Singapore to Desaru: 1 hour 35 minutes, 105 kilometres
- Desaru to Mersing: 1 hour 54 minutes, 134 kilometres
- Mersing to Kuantan: 2 hours 55 minutes, 197 kilometres
- Kuantan to Cherating: 40 minutes, 43.2 kilometres
- Cherating to Sungai Lembing: 1 hour, 70 kilometres
- Sungai Lembing to Temerloh: 1 hour 49 minutes, 154 kilometres
- Temerloh to Bentong: 1 hour, 76.6 kilometres
Sit back, relax, and take your time with this itinerary. Make a beeline for Desaru, where you can take a tour of a fruit farm, do a tide pool walking tour, suntan at the beach, and indulge in some delicious seafood. Arm yourself with this comprehensive list of things to do in Desaru, and you’ll be all set!
Photo Credit: @eemay_loy
Mersing is the gateway to Tioman, a popular island getaway. A 1.5- to 2-hour ferry will bring you right to Tioman’s shores, where you can stretch out on one of its pristine beaches, go snorkelling, go on a scenic trail, go snorkelling and kayaking, or even take your PADI diving license.
Photo Credits: @hafizi__salam
We’re all about the sun, sea, and sand life! Kuantan is a city that’s characterised by Teluk Cempedak, a beautiful white sandy beach. Take a stroll on the boardwalk, where you can see both the beach in the jungle in one frame. Have a picnic at Taman Gelora seaside park, walk along the Taman Esplanade Kuantan, or take a dip at Sungai Pandan waterfall.
Cherating is the area’s most popular beach resort town, and is home to Club Med Cherating! Pamper yourself with an all-inclusive pass for the day, which includes lots of indoor and outdoor activities. From the trapeze and yoga to archery and rock climbing, there’s just so much to do. The cherry on top? The pass also lets you eat and drink all you want throughout the day!
Photo credit: Khwon on Wikimedia Commons
Travel back in time at Sungai Lembing, an old mining town that’s home to the world’s largest underground mine. Take a 45-minute trek to Lembing Rainbow Waterfall early in the morning — from around 9am to 10am, a rainbow is formed when the sun rays shine on the waterfall. If you’re up early, you can even head up Panorama Hilll for the sunrise. Another of our top favourites is the lovely cascading Berkelah Falls, where you can take a dip in its turquoise pool.
Photo credit: Deerland Park on Facebook
Make a pitstop at Temerloh for a day, where you can feed deer at Deerland Park, have a whirl at Kubang Gajah Waterpark, interact with elephants at Kuala Gandah Elephant Conservation Centre, and stuff yourself with high-quality durians during durian season.
Photo credit: eRYAbySURIA Hot Spring Bentong on Facebook
Did you know that Malaysia has public hot springs as well? A one-hour drive will bring you to Bentong, which has two hot spring pools. Rest your weary feet and, if you’d like, even spend the night at eRYAbySURIA Hot Spring. Bentong is also a great stop to refuel at the end of your trip — see itinerary #5 for more food recommendations!
