3 Weeks in Malaysia and Singapore Itinerary

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Some travellers might only have visited Singapore because they had a flight connection there. While it is a small country, it’s definitely something you wouldn’t expect it to be.

I’ve been to Singapore at least five times and on each visit, this country surprises me with how incredible its culture is, how impressive the technology advances, and how friendly the locals are.

While my first trip to Malaysia was an answer to a spontaneous decision, I am very happy that I went. That one visit led to a 3-week trip around Malaysia and that trip ended in Singapore. This proves how are perfect Malaysia and Singapore as a combo destination for 3 weeks in Southeast Asia.

In this post though, we’ll focus on how you can spend 3 weeks in Malaysia and Singapore featuring cities to visit, activities, tours, food, and how you can create your own itinerary for Southeast Asia.

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THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE GOING TO SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

4 images - top left is the Petronas Twin Towers. Top right is the trees at Gardens by the Bay. Bottom right is the Marina Sands building and the Merlion water fountain. Bottom left is the Mosque in Malaysia - 3 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE ITINERARY

Where is Malaysia and Singapore

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia. It is divided into two regions: Borneo’s East Malaysia and Peninsular Malaysia.

East Malaysia shares land and maritime borders with Indonesia and Brunei and maritime borders with Vietnam and the Philippines, while Peninsular Malaysia shares maritime borders with Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore and land and maritime borders with Thailand.

There is also Malaysian territory on the island of Borneo (Sabah region). It is known for its lush forests and wild animals that are unique in Southeast Asia. However, in this post, we’ll focus on mainland Malaysia. If you want to explore Borneo, check out our itinerary for 3 weeks in Borneo.

Singapore is also a country in Southeast Asia that comprises one main island and 63 satellite islands and islets. It is well-known as a melting pot of various races and cultures, hence the diverse selection of cuisines and religious establishments found all over the country.

It also has a couple of world-famous landmarks and establishments, such as Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa, among others. 

When is the best time to go to Singapore and Malaysia

Travelling to Malaysia and Singapore can be delightful, but the best times vary based on your preferences for weather and crowd levels.

Malaysia:

  • Peak Season: December to February (cooler, less rain, high tourist influx).
  • Summer Season: June to August (warm and humid, popular for festivals).
  • Rainy Season: November to March (East Coast) and April to October (West Coast).
  • Shoulder Season: March to May and September to November (less crowded, pleasant weather).

Singapore:

  • Peak Season: December to early January (holiday season, New Year celebrations).
  • Summer Season: June to August (school holidays, warm and humid).
  • Rainy Season: November to January (monsoon, frequent showers).
  • Shoulder Season: February to May and September to October (fewer tourists, comfortable weather).

Choosing shoulder seasons might offer a balance of good weather and fewer crowds, making your trip more enjoyable and relaxed.

Are 3 weeks enough for both countries

Three weeks is a good amount of time to explore both Malaysia and Singapore. In 20 days, you can comfortably visit around 5-7 cities.

You can start with Singapore, spending about 4-5 days there to cover major attractions. In Malaysia, you can visit Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, and possibly the Cameron Highlands or Kota Kinabalu.

This allows you to experience a mix of urban, cultural, and natural attractions without feeling rushed. We also have a 3 weeks in Malaysia itinerary if you prefer to focus there.

What to pack

In general, Singapore is not a super conservative country, so there’s really no dress code unless you visit a temple, pagoda, mosque, or church.

But for Malaysia, it’s a bit more expected. Because the majority of Malaysians are Muslims, it’s expected for foreign visitors to dress a bit more conservatively as a show of respect for their culture and tradition. This is even more important when visiting temples and mosques.

Both countries have hot and humid weather. This means that you don’t need to pack thick jeans but bring breathable skirts, trousers, shorts and tops.

If you’re doing some hiking, don’t forget to bring bug spray to fight against mosquitoes. The sun can be very hot, so pack hats. When you land, you can buy one of those rechargeable handheld fans to cool off while sightseeing.

How to get around

I love travelling around Singapore and Malaysia. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget or looking to do some luxury travelling, the transportation in both countries is quite good and easy to figure out.

  • Flights: Domestic flights are the quickest for long distances in Malaysia. Singapore is well-connected internationally and domestically by air.
  • Buses: In Malaysia, long-distance buses are economical and cover most cities. In Singapore, public buses are affordable and efficient.
  • Malaysia: Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas and smaller towns. Roads are good, but traffic in cities can be heavy.
  • Singapore: Not necessary due to excellent public transport and high costs.
  • Tours: Booking a tour usually means the transportation is included which makes exploring much more hassle-free.

Crossing Borders:

  • Easy: Crossing between Malaysia and Singapore is straightforward by bus, train, or car, though there might be some waiting time at customs.

City Transport:

  • Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur has an extensive train and LRT network. Ride-hailing apps like Grab are widely used.
  • Singapore: Excellent MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system and buses. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are popular.

Language

The main language in Singapore is English, and it is widely spoken and understood. It is the primary language of business, administration, and education.

The main language in Malaysia is Malay (Bahasa Malaysia). However, English is also widely spoken and understood, especially in cities and tourist areas. Most Malaysians learn English in school, and it is commonly used in business, government, and education.

In both countries, tourists can generally get around in English, as many signs, menus, and public transport information are available in English and most locals speak great English.

Currency and payment methods

The main currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). While some high-end hotels, restaurants, and shops may accept other major currencies like the US Dollar, it’s not common practice. It’s best to use SGD for most transactions.

Tourists will find it easy to pay with cards in most places, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand for smaller vendors and markets.

The main currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). Tourists generally cannot pay in other major currencies like the US Dollar or Euro, except possibly in some high-end hotels and certain tourist areas, but this is not common practice.

Payment Methods for both countries:

  • Cards: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in cities, hotels, restaurants, and larger stores. They are convenient and often used for larger transactions.
  • Cash: Essential for smaller purchases, street markets, local eateries, and rural areas where card payment might not be available.
2 images - on the left is the 3D street art in Penang. On the right is the Marina Sands building and Merlion water fountain

Average travel cost for 3 weeks in Malaysia and Singapore

What’s interesting here is that Malaysia and Singapore balance each other out when it comes to cost. Singapore is a known expensive destination. The accommodation is the most pricey which is in line with Central Europe – so expect to spend a bit more.

However, Malaysia is more affordable and more in line with its Southeast Asia neighbours where you will find accommodation for as low as $15 a night.

This means that you can plan to spend 5 days in Singapore, and expect to spend about $500, but then that same amount of money can last you at least 10 days in Singapore.

For an affordable trip, expect to spend around $1,500-$2,000 per person, covering budget accommodations, local transport, street food, and low-cost attractions.

A mid-range trip might cost $3,000-$4,500 per person, including 3-4 star hotels, a mix of public transport and occasional taxis or ride-hailing services, dining at mid-range restaurants, and entry to major attractions.

A luxury trip could range from $7,000-$10,000 per person, featuring 5-star hotels, private transfers, fine dining, and exclusive experiences like guided tours and spa treatments.

Don’t forget about your main flight and travel insurance which is not included in these calculations. You can plan to book a roundtrip to and from Singapore or fly into Singapore and fly home from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Visa

For travel to Singapore, citizens of the US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada, ASEAN, and many other countries do not need a visa for short stays (usually up to 30 or 90 days). Nationals of countries like India, China, and Russia require a visa.

For travel to Malaysia, it’s more comfortable as almost all countries in the world can visit and stay in Malaysia between 14 days to 90 days visa-free. Some countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America need to apply for an evisa which is valid for 30 days.

Other travel tips

HOTELS
VISA
CAR RENTAL
TOURS
FLIGHTS
BUS (EU/US/CA)
TRAINS EUROPE
TRAIN/BUS (ASIA)
TOUR OPTIONS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
TOURS (ASIA)
HOSTELS
BIKE RENTAL
ESIM
AIRPORT PICKUP

PINNED MAP OF MUST-SEE PLACES IN SINGAPORE AND MALAYSIA

Click the enlarge button on the top right corner. Credit: map data: Google

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3 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE ITINERARY

If you are planning on going on a Southeast Asian tour and have 3 weeks for the vacation, then this itinerary is perfect for you, as we’re going to explore what the countries Malaysia and Singapore have to offer. 

You can start your trip in Kuala Lumpur, but Singapore has more inbound and outbound flights internationally. So, I highly suggest that you make this your starting point instead. In the next paragraphs, I’ll highlight the places to visit and things to try out in these countries, so sit back, relax, and read on.

Singapore for 4 days

There’s a famous saying that the way to a person’s heart is through their stomach, so you’ll probably fall in love with Singapore because of the diverse cuisines that you can try here.

Singapore has these so-called hawker centres (food courts) where different cuisines can be found. These are my favourite spots in Singapore when it comes to easy cheap, but tasty.

Aside from hawker centres, 44 Michelin-starred restaurants can be found in this small country, so this is definitely a foodie’s haven.

This is the perfect place to start your trip because, aside from the expansive international flights available, the whole country is easily accessible because of its extensive transportation (subways, taxis, car rentals, and buses, among others).

Singapore is also very clean, and it has both family-friendly establishments and a vibrant nightlife. It is suitable for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

For adventure seekers, Singapore has numerous theme parks and nature parks where you can try activities such as ziplining, hiking, and more. You can have various day trips as well, such as a day trip to Batam Premium City, a Sidecars Heritage Tour, or even a day trip to Malaysia.

Things to do in Singapore

Accommodations in Singapore

2 images - on hte left is the trees at Gardens by the Bay. On the right is the Eagle statue in Langkawi Island

Kuala Lumpur for 4 days

The second destination for your 20 days in Malaysia and Singapore is Kuala Lumpur. It is the capital and the largest city in Malaysia. You should not skip visiting this city, as it is also a melting pot of Southeast Asia, just like Singapore.

Here, you’ll find great food, skyscrapers, and, of course, a diverse culture. It is bustling with activities from day to night.

It is known to house three of the world’s ten largest shopping malls and some of the iconic landmarks Petronas Towers, Batu Caves, and Petaling Street flea market, among others.

The distance between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur is 350 km (220 miles). The best option to travel to Kuala Lumpur is by bus, which has a travel duration of 5 hours. You can also book a private transfer for about $300 for a sedan car.

Tickets cost anywhere between $18 and $30. The fastest way to reach the city is by car, which has a travel time of almost 4 hours. You can also fly from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, but it’s expensive and not really much faster.

Flying would make sense if you’re going from Singapore to Penang or Langkawi as your next stop.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Accommodations in Kuala Lumpur

Penang for 3 days

The third location for your 3 weeks in Malaysia and Singapore itinerary is Penang. This state is located on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia and has two parts, which are Penang Island and Seberang Penai. 

Penang is known for its 3D street art, food scene, diverse culture, hiking trails, greenery, colonial architecture, and places to take a dip. 

Penang is 352.6 km (219.09 miles) from Kuala Lumpur. There are tons of ways to reach Penang, the best of which is by flying. It has a travel duration of almost 3 hours.

The cheapest option is to ride a train or bus, which costs between $10 and $20.

Things to do in Penang

Accommodations in Penang

Langkawi for 4 days

Langkawi is a duty-free island and an archipelago containing 99 islands. It has breathtaking mountain views, an emerald-green jungle presenting a beautiful contrast with the blue ocean surrounding it, affordable, sumptuous food, and friendly locals.

I loved my time in Langkawi because I rented a motorbike for a few days to explore on my own. It made my trip more enjoyable and flexible. You should be able to rent a motorbike for less than $15 a day that can fit 2 people.

It is well-known for its iconic structures, expansive parks, and overall natural landscapes. Aside from that, this is also a haven for adventure seekers because, since it is filled with natural wonders, it also offers tons of activities in these locations.

There are also boat tours that you can do which visit mangroves and nearby islands.

The distance between Penang and Langkawi is 122 km (75.81 miles). Unfortunately, the ferry service between Penang and Langkawi has stopped since the pandemic, and it is still unsure when it will be back in operation.

So you’ll be able to reach Langkawi by riding a plane, which lasts for almost an hour. Tickets cost anywhere between $20 and $80. 

Things to do in Langkawi

  • Tanjung Rhu Geoforest Park Sunset Kayak Trip
  • Langkawi Skybridge Cable Car – get on a private tour
  • Mahsuri Tomb and Museum
  • Kilim Geopark Mangrove Safari Boat Tour
  • Dayang Bunting Island jet ski tour
  • Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
  • Kilim Geopark Mangrove – check this tour or this Mangrove Safari boat tour, you can also do a Kayak tour
  • Langkawi Beach parasailing
  • Langkawi Wildlife Park and Bird Paradise
  • Tanjung Rhu Geoforest Park – get there on a sunset kayak trip
  • Pulau Payar
  • Pulau Lembu
  • Dayang Bunting Island – visit this place and the Langkawi archipelago on a jet ski tour
  • Eagle Square
  • Mahsuri Tomb and Museum / Kota Mahsuri
  • Galeria Perdana
  • Langkawi Countryside – go on a bike tour
  • Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls
  • Private island tour – visit all must-see attractions and will save you time as well
  • Langkawi Wildlife Park & Bird Paradise
  • Parasailing on Langkawi Beach

Accommodations in Langkawi

2 images - winding bridge over trees and white sand beach - 3-Weeks in Malaysia Itinerary

Perhentian Islands for 4 days

The last stop on your 3 weeks in Malaysia and Singapore itinerary is the Perhentian Islands. This group of islands consists of two main islands called Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil.

Surrounded by lush greenery and filled with white sandy beaches, these islands are Malaysia’s ultimate tropical getaway.

It is famous for being a snorkelling destination, as most of the resorts located here have their own house reefs. There are also dozens of diving schools here if you’re looking into that.

This is the perfect place to end your trip, as you’ll be able to relax here to your heart’s content because, aside from the naturally relaxing vibe of beaches, there are also almost always fewer crowds here compared to the other locations in Malaysia.

The distance between Langkawi and the Perhentian Islands is 471 km (292.67 miles), and the fastest route to reach your destination is to fly, then ride the bus, and then a ferry or a boat.

The nearest airport in the Perhentian Islands is Sultan Ismail Petra Airport which is in Kota Bharu. From there, you will have to take a bus or taxi to Besut. And from Besut, there’s a ferry and boats to Perhentian Islands.

When planning to head back home, you’ll have to go back to Kuala Lumpur for the international flights or to Langkawi.

Things to do in the Perhentian Islands

  • Terangganu Marine Park
  • Tupai Beach Bar
  • Jungle Trekking
  • Snorkeling
  • Perhentian Turtle Sanctuary Beach
  • Kayaking
  • Camping
  • Watch Fire Shows
  • Ѕсubа Dіvіng
  • Ѕnоrkеllіng
  • Јunglе Тrеkkіng
  • Тurtlе Веасh – уоu саn ѕіmрlу tаkе а lооk оr vоluntееr аt thе ѕаnсtuаrу
  • РІR Веасh
  • Аdаm аnd Еvе Веасh
  • Теrеnggаnu Маrіnе Раrk
  •  Тuраі Веасh Ваr

Accommodations in the Perhentian Islands

MUST-TRY SINGAPOREAN AND MALAYSIAN DISHES AND DRINKS

4 images of food from Malaysia and Singapore. Top left is a plate of Nasi Lemak. Top right is a plate of Pulut Inti. On the bottom right is a plate of char kway teow. Bottom left i a bowl of cendol - 3 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE ITINERARY

Singapore and Malaysia share a culinary heritage, reflecting their diverse cultural influences from Malay, Chinese, Indian, and other ethnic groups.

Street food plays a significant role, with hawker centres and night markets offering a plethora of delectable dishes. So make sure that you check out some of these local dishes during your trip:

  • Nasi Lemak – Fragrant coconut rice served with sambal, anchovies, peanuts, boiled egg, and cucumber.
  • Char Kway Teow – Stir-fried flat rice noodles with shrimp, Chinese sausage, egg, and bean sprouts in a savoury soy sauce.
  • Hainanese Chicken Rice – Poached chicken served with fragrant rice, chilli sauce, and ginger paste.
  • Laksa – Spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk base, shrimp, tofu, and bean sprouts.
  • Satay – Skewered and grilled meat served with a rich peanut sauce.
  • Roti Canai – Flaky flatbread served with curry for dipping.
  • Mee Goreng – Spicy fried noodles with a mix of vegetables, tofu, and sometimes seafood.
  • Chili Crab – Fresh crab stir-fried in a sweet, spicy tomato-based sauce.

  • Cendol – A dessert made with shaved ice, coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, and palm sugar syrup.
  • Kuih Lapis – Multi-layered steamed cake made from rice flour and coconut milk.
  • Ais Kacang – Shaved ice dessert with red beans, sweet corn, grass jelly, and various syrups.
  • Pisang Goreng – Deep-fried bananas, often served with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of ice cream.
  • Pulut Inti – Sweet glutinous rice topped with caramelized coconut.
  • Sago Gula Melaka – Sago pearls in coconut milk, sweetened with palm sugar syrup.
  • Teh Tarik – A hot milk tea beverage, known for its unique “pulling” preparation method.
  • Bandung – A rose syrup drink mixed with condensed milk, served cold.
  • Sugarcane Juice – Freshly pressed sugarcane served over ice, a popular street drink.
  • Soybean Milk – A refreshing, lightly sweetened drink made from soybeans.

SUMMARY OF 3 WEEKS IN MALAYSIA AND SINGAPORE

Singapore is a must-visit country because it also has tons of heritage sites, and the airport alone is worth checking out with its indoor waterfalls and top-tier amenities.

Aside from what is mentioned above, Singapore is suitable for groups of friends and families, as they have a vibrant nightlife and tons of festivals all year round.

For family-friendly locations, you can head over to Sentosa, where Universal Studios and Madame Tussauds, among others, are located.

Malaysia is also suitable for everyone, young and old, sun seekers, and thrill seekers. It is rich in culture, steeped in history, and filled with trendy spots, sumptuous cuisines, and natural scenery.

You’ll never run out of things to do and places to visit here. With that being said, hopefully, you’ll get to enjoy your 3 weeks in Malaysia and Singapore to the fullest.

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