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How Many Days to Spend for a Malaysia Indonesia Itinerary?
Choosing the right length for your Malaysia and Indonesia adventure depends heavily on your travel style and how many islands you wish to cover. The general consensus among travelers ranges from 2 to 4 weeks (14 to 28 days), but we have tailored options for specific durations.
Here is a quick guide to determine the best duration for your journey:
| Duration | Traveler Style | Primary Focus | Itinerary Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 - 14 Days | Time-Limited / First Timer | Highlights: KL, Malacca, and Bali's coastal and cultural centers. | Recommended Minimum. (See 10-Day Plan) |
| 15 - 21 Days | Balanced / Culture Seeker | Depth: Peninsular Malaysia (KL, Penang) + Java (Yogyakarta/Temples) + Bali. | Recommended Ideal. (See 15-Day Plan) |
| 28+ Days | Deep Dive / Slow Traveler | Extended time for Borneo, Lombok, or volcanic East Java explorations. | Maximum Depth. |
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Travel Flow and Connections for a Trip to Malaysia and Indonesia
Before we dive into the Malaysia and Indonesia itinerary, let's talk about the logistics of moving between Malaysia and Indonesia.
Recommended Starting Point: KLIA is Usually Cheaper to Fly into
Since Kuala Lumpur (KL) is one of the biggest and most efficient travel hubs in Southeast Asia, I almost always recommend starting there.
It provides cost-effective and frequent connections to Indonesia. For example, there are 10+ nonstop flights from Kuala Lumpur (Kuala Lumpur International Airport) to Bali (I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport) daily.
That's why we build the itinerary from Malaysia to Indonesia!
Key Hubs & Connecting Routes
The vast majority of your international travel time will be spent flying, which is quick and comfortable. Here are the core connections used in our Malaysia and Indonesia itineraries:
| Route | Mode of Transport | Estimated Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Denpasar (Bali) | International Flight | ~3 - 3.5 hours |
| Kuala Lumpur (KL) to Penang | Domestic Flight | ~1 hour |
| Penang to Jakarta | International Flight | ~2.5 hours |
| Jakarta to Yogyakarta | High-Speed Train | ~6 hours |
| Yogyakarta to Denpasar (Bali) | Domestic Flight | ~1.5 hours |
Knowing that the distance is covered in just a few hours of flight time should ease any worries about logistics! Now let's look at the options...
#1. 10-Day Option: The Classic Malaysia and Bali Itinerary (KL - Malacca - Bali)
This is my recommended Malaysia and Indonesia itinerary for first-timers or time-limited travelers who still want a blend of culture and tropical beaches. It hits all the iconic must-sees without feeling rushed in 10 days.
What to expect from this journey?
✔ Style: General sightseeing, relaxation, famous landmarks.
✔ Pace: Comfortable and Balanced. We take our time and enjoy the moments.
✔ Connections: 1 International Flight (Kuala Lumpur to Bali).
Key Destinations for the 10-Day Itinerary
To maximize your 10-day trip, we break down your time into highly focused cultural and relaxation blocks across KL, Malacca and four regions of Bali. Here is the detailed overview:
| Country | Destination | Duration | Must-Sees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 2 Days | City Walking, Art & Shopping, Batu Caves, Petronas Twin Towers (Outside view) |
| Malacca | 1 Day | Dutch Square, St. Paul's Hill & Church, Porta de Santiago, Jonker Walk, Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, Malacca River Cruise | |
| Indonesia | Denpasar (Bali) | 2 Days | Kuta Beach |
| Ubud (Bali) | 2 Days | Tanah Lot Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market, Tirta Empul Temple, Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Tukad Cepung Waterfall | |
| Uluwatu (Bali) | 1 Day | Scenic Cliffside Roads, Uluwatu Cliff, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance, Jimbaran Beach | |
| Sanur (Bali) | 2 Days | Sanur Beach Free Time or Optional Nusa Penida Tours |
Kuala Lumpur: The Modern Gateway (Days 1–2)
Your adventure begins in KL, Malaysia's capital, with frequent international connections from China, Singapore, Japan, Australia, the UK and the US.
Day 1 is dedicated to your smooth arrival, airport pick-up and hotel check-in. Upon arrival, take your time to relax, settle in, and perhaps grab dinner in the bustling Bukit Bintang area.
Day 2 is packed with cultural and modern highlights.
In the morning, we focus on the historical center (Merdeka Square, Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Jamek Mosque, Central Market, and Petaling Street) and essential cultural institutions (National Museum, Islamic Arts Museum).
We cap the day with Petronas Twin Towers and a trip to the massive Batu Caves.
Malacca: A Dose of Heritage History (Day 3)
We'll have a full day trip here. Malacca is a UNESCO gem, rich with history.
First, stroll through the iconic Dutch Square, hike up St. Paul's Hill to see the church ruins and the remnants of Porta de Santiago.
Then, shop and eat along Jonker Walk. Don't forget to visit the Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum for a taste of unique Peranakan culture.
Spend your evening to take the tranquil Malacca River Cruise to see the city lights.
After that, we drive back to KL downtown.
Denpasar (Kuta): The Big Transition (Day 4)
This is the big transition. You'll take that quick 3-hour flight from KL to Denpasar (Bali's Ngurah Rai International Airport, DPS).
The rest of Day 4 is your free time! Kuta Beach is perfect for your first taste of Balinese sand, sun, and surfing culture.
This location allows quick access to the airport and is an easy place to start your island adventure before heading inland.
Ubud: The Cultural Heart (Days 5–6)
The next two days see you head inland to Ubud, the heart of Balinese art and spirituality, offering a complete contrast to the coast.
We start Day 5 with the iconic Tanah Lot Temple on the coast, ideally timed as part of your transfer.
Once settled, prepare for a playful afternoon at the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, a critical spiritual and ecological center. Conclude the day by exploring the regal beauty of the Ubud Palace and hunting for crafts at the sprawling Ubud Market.
On Day 6, we begin at Tirta Empul Temple, where you can observe the famous purification ritual. Next, journey north to the breathtaking Tegalalang Rice Terraces, where you can walk among the vibrant green fields.
Finally, finish the day discovering the hidden gem of Tukad Cepung Waterfall, which cascades beautifully inside a rocky cave, offering incredible photo opportunities.
Uluwatu: Clifftop Drama (Day 7)
This single day provides one of Bali's most memorable sunsets!
Drive along the Scenic Cliffside Roads down to the dramatic southern tip. The highlight is the Uluwatu Temple, perched high on a cliff, where you'll watch the traditional Kecak Dance performed as the sun dips into the ocean.
End the day with a relaxing seafood feast on Jimbaran Beach.
Sanur & Denpasar: Free Time and Final Farewell (Days 8–10)
For your final days, retreat to the peaceful, eastern coastal town of Sanur.
You have two full days (Days 8 & 9) to enjoy free time on Sanur Beach or, if you're up for one last adventure, take an Optional Nusa Penida Tour to see those world-famous sea cliffs (like Kelingking Beach).
Day 10 is your final departure day, which includes the necessary transfer from Sanur back to Denpasar Airport (DPS) for your flight home.
#2. 15 Days: The Offbeat Malaysia and Indonesia Itinerary (KL - Malacca - Penang - Jakarta - Yogyakarta - Bali)
If you're a seasoned traveler, a history buff, or someone who loves to hunt down authentic, local experiences, this is the route for you. We spend 15 days digging into the heritage of Malaysia and take a deep, cultural breath in Java before hitting the beaches.
What's unique about this adventure?
✔ Style: Deep culture, history heritages, varied landscapes.
✔ Pace: Active and Dynamic. We move quickly during the cultural leg, but finish with relaxation.
✔ Connections: 3 Flights and 1 Long-Distance Train Ride (The train across Java is essential!).
Key Destinations for the 15-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to give you a full spectrum of experiences, from the colonial history of Penang and the bustling capital of Jakarta to the ancient wonders of Java and the tropical relaxation of Bali.
| Country | Destination | Duration | Must-Sees |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malaysia | Kuala Lumpur | 2 Days | City Walking, Art & Shopping, Batu Caves, Petronas Twin Towers (Outside view) |
| Malacca | 1 Day | Dutch Square, St. Paul's Hill & Church, Porta de Santiago, Jonker Walk, Baba & Nyonya Heritage Museum, Malacca River Cruise | |
| Penang | 2 Days | George Town Heritage Walking, Penang Hill | |
| Indonesia | Jakarta | 2 Days | Airport pick-up & hotel check-in. Kota Tua (Jakarta Old Town), Cathedral, Mosque |
| Yogyakarta | 2 Days | Borobudur, Kraton Palace, Taman Sari Water Castle, Prambanan | |
| Denpasar (Bali) | 2 Days | Airport Transfers | |
| Ubud (Bali) | 1 Day | Tanah Lot Temple, Sacred Monkey Forest, Ubud Palace, Ubud Market | |
| Uluwatu (Bali) | 1 Day | Scenic Cliffside Roads, Uluwatu Cliff, Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance | |
| Sanur (Bali) | 2 Days | Sanur Beach Free Time or Optional Nusa Penida Tours |
Kuala Lumpur & Malacca: Heritage and Metropolis (Days 1–3)
Days 1–3 follow the exact schedule as the 10-Day Itinerary detailed above, focusing on the cultural and historical highlights of Malaysia.
Days 1 & 2 (Kuala Lumpur): Focus on city arrival, cultural landmarks (Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum), the historical center (Merdeka Square), and modern icons (Petronas Twin Towers, Batu Caves).
Day 3 (Malacca): A full-day trip to this UNESCO city, exploring the Dutch Square, St. Paul's Hill, and the vibrant food and culture of Jonker Walk.
Penang: Colonial Charm and Culinary Capital (Days 4–5)
On Day 4, we'll start with a short flight from KL to Penang.
Penang is the undisputed culinary capital of Malaysia, and this is the perfect introduction. If interested, you can join in an optional Night Market Food Tour.
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Day 5 is split. Start with a Morning George Town Heritage Walking tour, hitting key sites like the street art murals, Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, and diverse religious sites.
The late afternoon is reserved for a scenic cable car ride up Penang Hill for incredible views over the island, timed perfectly for a cooler experience and potential sunset views.
Jakarta: The Indonesian Capital (Days 6–7)
On Day 6, we transfer from Penang from Jakarta by flight.
Upon arrival, you'll be met by your private transfer and checked into your hotel. Use the evening to relax and prepare for the Java culture ahead.
The second day in Jakarta (Day 7) explores the bustling capital's history and religious landmarks.
We start by heading to Kota Tua (Jakarta Old Town), the former center of colonial Batavia, for a step back in time.
Next, you will witness the unique proximity of two major places of worship that symbolize religious tolerance in Indonesia: the grand Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral Jakarta and the impressive Masjid Istiqlal, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia.
Yogyakarta: The Heart of Java's Culture (Days 8–9)
Time for one of the most scenic travel days! On Day 8, we'll take the High-Speed Train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, enjoying the beautiful Javanese countryside.
It's a 6-hour train ride! After that, check into your hotel in Yogya (as the locals call it) and prepare for the next day.
Day 9 is fully dedicated to the ancient wonders.
Rise early for sunrise at Borobudur Temple, the world's largest Buddhist temple, followed by a visit to the Sultan's residence at Kraton Palace and the stunning ruins of Taman Sari Water Castle.
Conclude the cultural immersion with the majestic Hindu temple complex of Prambanan.
Denpasar: Transition to Bali (Days 10)
Day 10 marks the major transition from Java to Bali. You will take a short, domestic flight from Yogyakarta to Denpasar, Bali (DPS).
Upon arrival, you will be met by your private transfer and drive directly inland (approx. 1-1.5 hours) to Ubud, the island's cultural and spiritual center.
Ubud, Uluwatu & Sanur: Island of Gods Exploration (Days 11–14)
The first full day in Bali is dedicated to Ubud's highlights. On Day 11, start with the iconic sea temple Tanah Lot Temple (time permitting for the drive).
This is followed by a visit to the playful Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, the historical Ubud Palace (Puri Saren Agung), and navigating the bustling Ubud Market for local crafts before returning to your Ubud base.
We check out of Ubud and travel south towards the dramatic coastline on Day 12. Today is about stunning scenery as we drive along the Scenic Cliffside Roads.
The grand finale is the Uluwatu Cliff, home to the stunning Uluwatu Temple, where you will witness the exhilarating Kecak Dance performed as the tropical sun dips below the horizon.
Day 13 involves a short transfer from the Uluwatu area to the tranquil coastal town of Sanur.
After checking in, the next two days are reserved for relaxation and optional adventure.
You can spend the time indulging in pure relaxation along the Sanur boardwalk. Alternatively, you have the option to take 2 incredible day trips to the neighboring island of Nusa Penida.
You could explore the dramatic cliffs and iconic spots like Kelingking Beach (West Coast) on one day, and the beautiful beaches like Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach (East Coast) on the other.
Bali Denpasar Departure (Day 15)
Enjoy one final, leisurely Balinese breakfast.
With your heart full of temples, towers, and tropical memories, you'll check out of your hotel and take your private airport see-off transfer from Sanur back to Denpasar Airport (DPS) for your flight home. Until next time!
Money Matters! Cost for Your Indonesia Malaysia Itinerary
Budgeting for your Indonesia Malaysia itinerary is relatively simple. Malaysia is generally a little pricier than Indonesia (outside of the high-end Baliresorts).
Here is a quick breakdown of potential daily budget costs (per person, not including international flights):
| Budget Level | Typical Daily Spending (USD) | Accommodation Type | Food Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpacker / Low | $40 – $60 | Hostels / Guesthouses | Street food (hawker stalls) |
| Comfort / Mid-Range | $100 – $150 | Boutique Hotels / Mid-Range Airbnbs | Mix of local dining and casual restaurants |
| Luxury / High-End | $250+ | 4-5 Star Resorts / Private Villas | Fine dining and exclusive tours |
Note: Prices are for reference only; actual charges may vary.
Asia Trip Cost: How Much Does a Trip to Asia Cost?
Best Time to Go for a Malaysia and Indonesia Itinerary
The perfect window to cover both places is usually May to September.
This is the sweet spot: it's the dry season for Bali, which means maximum sunshine for temples and beaches, and West Malaysia also enjoys the best weather.
Best Time to Travel in Asia: East, SE & Central Asia Guide
Travel with Asia Odyssey Travel, Tailor Your Malaysia Indonesia Itinerary
As you finally pick your Malaysia Indonesia itinerary, remember that Asia Odyssey Travel is here to guide you every step of the way.
We pride ourselves on local knowledge, operating directly from our Malaysia office at 37A, Jalan Dato Haji Harun, Taman Taynton View, Cheras, 56000 Kuala Lumpur (with our Indonesia office coming soon!).
Our expertise extends far beyond standard tours, covering everything from thrilling Malaysia Borneo Tours to popular Bali Tours and specialized Indonesia Tours beyond Bali.
We welcome travelers globally—including you planning your Bali trip from the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Nepal, India, Australia, Canada and the USA.
Contact us! Your odyssey starts now!
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