Episode 67 - 13 Day Malaysia Itinerary: KL, Penang + Ipoh

In episode 67 of the Global Travel Planning Podcast, Tracy and Doug share their comprehensive 13-day itinerary for Malaysia, covering Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh.

They discuss day-by-day details of the trip, including transport options, accommodation choices, top sights, local food highlights, and practical travel tips.

Discover will find out what to see and do in each destination, how to navigate Malaysia by train, and lessons learned from their independent travel experience. The episode includes recommendations for must-visit places, tips for managing money and transportation, and advice on planning your own trip to Malaysia.

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Episode 67 – What you’ll learn in this episode

📍 How to navigate a multi-city Malaysia itinerary, including travel by train and ferry.
📅 Planning strategies for balancing sightseeing, relaxation, and culinary exploration.
🚄 Insider tips on booking comfortable and efficient train journeys (plus the perks of Malaysian first-class!).
🛏️ Recommendations for well-located and comfortable accommodation in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Ipoh.
🥢 Highlights of Malaysia’s renowned food scene—from street hawker centres to quirky dessert adventures.
😲 How to adapt when things don’t go as planned (like attractions closing or unexpected monkey encounters) and why a flexible attitude makes all the difference.

Places, foods and words/concepts mentioned

Places

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s vibrant capital, famous for the Petronas Towers, buzzing food courts, and gleaming malls. We recommend staying near the towers for top-notch convenience.
Penang (George Town): A historic, foodie paradise known for its stunning street art, hawker centres, Chew Jetty, the UNESCO-listed Peranakan Mansion, lively Little India, and the colourful jetty area.
Ipoh: A lesser-known gem popular for its food scene, Concubine Lane, and unique cave temples like Sam Poh Tong, Nam Thean Tong, and Ling Sen Tong.
Batu Caves: A major religious and tourist site near Kuala Lumpur, easy to visit as a day trip.
Penang Hill: A scenic high point overlooking George Town, best paired with a visit to the Kek Lok Si Temple.
Chew Jetty: A Traditional stilt village in Penang where locals still reside, and small shops sell treats like durian ice cream.
Peranakan Mansion: A museum and heritage site in Penang showcasing Baba-Nyonya culture and architecture.
Concubine Lane (Ipoh): A Historic street with charming old shopfronts, famous for local snacks and street art.

Foods

Satay Chicken Skewers: Enjoyed in-flight on Malaysian Airways business class.
Hawker Centre Cuisine: A dizzying variety of affordable, authentic Malaysian dishes, including noodle and rice specialities, are available throughout Penang (especially at Red Garden and Jetty Hawker Centre).
Durian Ice Cream: A daring local treat sampled at Chew Jetty; best approached with an open mind (and possibly while holding your nose).
Ais Kacang: A vibrant shaved ice dessert with jelly, red beans, coconut milk, and colourful toppings, tried in Kuala Lumpur.
Cendol: An iced sweet dessert with green jelly noodles, red beans, and coconut milk, popular during hot afternoons in Ipoh.
Bean Sprout Chicken (Ipoh’s ‘Nga Choi Kai’): A deceptively simple but flavour-packed dish, enjoyed at the famous Lou Wong restaurant by the crossroads in Ipoh.
Vietnamese, Indian, and various street foods: Reflecting Malaysia’s diverse culinary landscape.

Words/Concepts

Grab: The Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber, crucial for getting around cities cheaply and stress-free.
First-Class Train (KTMB): Offers perks like the Ruby Lounge, early boarding, meals, and spacious seating on Malaysian railways.
Ferry to Penang: A short, scenic ride from Butterworth to George Town, perfect for travellers with light luggage.
‘Leave Luggage’ Strategy: Travel light by storing most bags at your starting point for side trips, which saves hassle on local transit.
Cash vs. Contactless: Not all food courts and markets accept cashless payments; always have some Malaysian Ringgit on hand, especially when eating at local hawker stalls.
Aeroline Bus: A comfortable long-distance coach service connecting Kuala Lumpur and Singapore, highly recommended for stress-free border crossing.