The Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is a popular jumping off point for excursions to several other of the country’s major cities.
(Photo: vy Holidays Sdn Bhd / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
While most Malaysia visitors gravitate towards the bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur is also within reach of many other urban centres. If you’d like to venture beyond the nation’s most famous city, there are a wide range of tours available that transport you directly from Kuala Lumpur to other exciting destinations – each offering its own slice of modern Malaysian, with plenty of culture and heritage thrown into the mix too. Here are 5 of the best day tours from Kuala Lumpur.
Historical Melaka Day Tour with Lunch
This full-day tour invites visitors to step back in time and explore Malacca, Malaysia’s oldest city and an officially designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the course of the day, you’ll wander the city’s vibrant streets, where echoes of Portuguese and Dutch colonial rule blend with rich Malay heritage. You’ll see renowned landmarks like the ruins of St. Paul’s Church, Red Square and the Cheng Hoon Teng Temple before soaking up the city’s riverside charm. There’ll also be a stop for a local lunch. The tour price includes lunch and round-trip transportation. From $40 per person.
Full-Day Tour to Ipoh
(Photo: World of Travolution360 via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Colonial charm and foodie delights await guests on this immersive all-day tour to the northwestern city of Ipoh. Accompanied by a local guide, you’ll be shown around the city, which boasts a striking mix of Moorish and British architecture, from the elegant Railway Station to the Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Highlights include stop-offs at local markets, a chance to taste signature dishes like Hakka mee and white coffee, and a look at Perak Tong’s majestic golden Buddha. Hotel pick-up and drop-off, plus breakfast and lunch, are all included in the tour price. From $158 per person.
Putrajaya Tour
Set off from Kuala Lumpur for a half-day guided tour of Malaysia’s futuristic administrative capital, Putrajaya. After arriving in the city independently to meet your guide, you and your group will amble through the lush Taman Warisan Agricultural Heritage Park where you’ll get to watch a rubber-tapping demonstration. Next, you’ll stop to marvel at the rose-hued Putra Mosque and the grand Perdana Putra, Malaysia’s answer to the White House. The tour concludes with a serene cruise on Putrajaya Lake, where striking bridges and modern domes reflect in the water. All activities and entrance fees are included in the price of the tour. From $42 per person.
Private Johor Bahru Full-Day City & Shopping Tour
(Photo: Asni Tours & Travel (M) Sdn Bhd / Courtesy Viator)
For a more intimate and exclusive experience, this full-day private tour may well fit the bill. In the company of a select group of family or friends, you’ll discover the cultural and architectural highlights of Johor Bahru, the capital of the Malaysian state of Johor at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. Over the course of the day, you’ll walk through historic Jalan Tan Hoik Nee and visit Johor Zoo, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest zoos. You’ll also see the world’s first glass Hindu temple and the impressive Arch of Istana Bukit Serene, crowned with the Sultan’s royal emblem. The tour ends with a chance to indulge in some retail therapy at Johor Premium Outlets, home to top international brands at unbeatable prices. Hotel pick-up and drop-off is included. From $142 per person.
Penang Full-Day Tour
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Penang, a UNESCO city, on this private all-day tour. After a scenic drive from Kuala Lumpur, you’ll meet your local guide on Penang Island and explore Batu Ferringhi Beach and a traditional fishing village. During the day, you’ll get to watch authentic batik painting, sample exotic fruits at a hillside plantation and admire the grandeur of Kek Lok Si – Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex. You’ll also ride the funicular up Penang Hill for panoramic views and sit down to a hearty local lunch along the way. The tour price includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. From $332 per person.