Dreaming of a first international trip with your family? So were we. That’s why, when the stars finally aligned, I packed my bags (and my parents!) and hopped on a short flight from India to Malaysia. Honestly, I couldn’t have picked a better spot for my parents’ first trip abroad.

Why We Chose Malaysia

If you’re searching for the perfect first international destination with your family, Malaysia should top your list. I took my parents here on their debut trip abroad, and we all agreed, it’s incredibly accessible, especially from India! Just a short flight later, we were diving into a mix of urban excitement, cool mountain air, and vibrant island life. The best part? Indian food was never far away, making the journey extra comfortable for my parents.

When to Visit Malaysia

We visited in August, a month that’s alive with tropical rains, lush landscapes, and manageable crowds. So, do pack your light jacket if you plan to visit the highlands, and do keep your umbrellas with you at all times.

Malaysia Visa for Indians

Indian tourists enjoy visa-free entry for short holidays, allowing them to stay in Malaysia for up to 30 days per visit until December 31, 2026. There is no need to apply for a tourist visa in advance, just carry a valid Indian passport (with at least six months’ validity), return flight tickets, proof of accommodation, and sufficient funds for your stay. All travelers have to complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before arrival. This exemption is strictly for tourism, so if your trip includes work, study, or stays longer than 30 days, you’ll need to apply for the appropriate visa before travel.

How We Got Around Malaysia

Our trip was a breeze thanks to Malaysia’s efficient public transport.

• City metros, local buses, and Grab taxis, we experienced all modes of travel.
• We took buses to travel from Kuala Lumpur to Cameron Highlands, and then from the Highlands to Penang.
• We used our Niyo debit card to withdraw cash and to make card payments. We also used Scapia credit card to make payments for bigger amounts. 
•  And got a U Mobile SIM to ensure we stayed connected while travelling around the country.

Our Malaysia Itinerary At A Glance

• Kuala Lumpur – 2 days of exploring urban city life, sky-high views, and temples.
• Cameron Highlands – 2 days of laid back vibes with amidst cool weather and lush tea plantations
• Penang – 2 days of exploring heritage streets and soaking in beach vibes

Kuala Lumpur: Skyscrapers, Markets & Spiritual Sights

Where We Stayed

We stayed in a serviced apartment in Bukit Bintang, an area that is central, bustling, and close to all the action.

What We Explored in the 2 Days

• We visited the top of KL Tower from where we could see the majestic Petronas Towers standing tall in their iconic twin glory, and the newly completed Merdeka 118 (Southeast Asia’s tallest building). It is a perfect spot to truly appreciate the views of KL. We booked our tickets in advance through Klook.
• The evening light show at Suria KLCC was beautiful. My parents absolutely loved the illuminated views of the Petronas Towers, and they couldn’t stop taking pictures.

• Batu Caves: The vibrant rainbow steps leading up to the caves, the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan standing guard at the entrance, and the peaceful atmosphere inside the ancient limestone cavern filled with Hindu shrines made it a memorable and spiritual experience that beautifully blended natural wonder with devotion.
• We also loved Thean Hou Temple, during sunset. As dusk fell, hundreds of red lanterns illuminated the entire courtyard, creating this glow against the beautiful Chinese architecture that made the temple feel like something out of a dream, with the city lights of Kuala Lumpur twinkling in the background.
• Shopping: Petaling Street in Chinatown was perfect for souvenirs and food.
• We ended the day at Jalan Alor Night Market. My parents loved the lively chaos, the street food aromas, and the glowing night lights

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Cameron Highlands: Tea Gardens, and Small Town Charm

Where We Stayed

We stayed in Heritage Hotel, in Tanah Rata, a friendly town surrounded by misty hills and café culture.

What We Explored in the 2 Days

• We spent time taking strolls through the town, local bakeries, and cafes.
• We visited Boh Tea plantation, one of the most visited places in Cameron Highlands.
• You could choose to sign up for one day/half day tours that take you to Sunrise Point, tea plantation, Mossy Forest, and other themed parks like Flora Park, Rose Valley, Lavender Garden etc. We chose to rent a car and do some of these places at our own pace. (Note: Mossy Forest might be closed during some some times of the year, so please check before planning)

If you plan to book a tour, do book it in advance, as it might be sold out during peak days.

Penang: Heritage, Culture and Beaches

What We Explored in the 2 Days

We stayed in the Jalan Tanjong area, which is close to the beaches and also had good accessibility to public transport.

• Our first stop in Penang was the Georgetown area. Walking through Georgetown’s UNESCO World Heritage streets feels like stepping into a living museum where colonial architecture stands proudly alongside vibrant street art murals, creating this incredible blend of Chinese, Malay, and British influences.
• We took the vintage funicular railway to Penang Hill, which can get really crowded, so make sure that you visit this place either early in the morning, or during sunset. It’s a great escape from the city vibes in Penang, and generally offers, cool climate along with panoramic views of the town.
• Kek Lok Si Temple is Malaysia’s largest Buddhist temple complex. The sheer grandeur of the seven-story pagoda beautifully blends Chinese, Thai, and Burmese architectural styles, and is a must visit spot.
• Batu Ferringhi beach, with its golden sands and calm waters of the Andaman Sea provide the perfect tropical escape, where we spent a lazy afternoon and watched a stunning sunset.
• Gurney Plaza is a waterfront mall which was our final stop for picking up local Penang delicacies and souvenirs.

Food & Eating Out in Malaysia

Malaysian food shines with its street stalls and food courts, and Indian restaurants are everywhere.

• Indian food was easy to find (especially in KL and Penang’s Little India).
• Local must-trys: Roti Canai, Nasi Lemak, and Penang’s famous Char Kway Teow.

How much did we spend?

We spent close to INR 1,50,000 for three people.

Flights	INR 61,000	44%
Hotels	INR 27,000	20%
Transportation	INR 16,000	12%
Food	INR 15000	11%
Experiences	INR 8500	6%
Shopping	INR 10,000	7%

Language & Culture in Malaysia

English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas, hotels, and transportation hubs. Local etiquette is friendly and welcoming, and we faced no major cultural challenges.

Next Time & Suggestions

The next time we decide to visit Malaysia, we would also like to explore Langkawi or the untouched beauty of East Malaysia (Sabah & Sarawak).