32 Destinations to Visit for a Day Trip & Short Trip in Kuala Lumpur

From temples to beaches, explore the beautiful destinations that can be visited from Kuala Lumpur for a short trip or a day trip!
Traveloka MY
18 Sep 2023 - 10 min read

If you are busy with city life, you can get rid of fatigue with a short trip from Kuala Lumpur. Looking for a quick getaway from the city? There are plenty of day trip ideas within easy reach. This article will share ideas and recommendations for a day trip and a short trip from Kuala Lumpur. Check them out!

Destinations for Day Trip & Short Trip in Kuala Lumpur

1. Batu Caves

Visit Batu Caves in Selangor, home to a legendary temple in a cave. Find a golden statue of Lord Murugan, charismatic and revered by Hindus. Come during the commemoration of Thaipusam Day to see the exciting attractions of celebrations.

Malaysia

Batu Caves + Genting Highland - 1 Day Trip

9.1/10

KL Sentral

RM 160

2. Mulu Caves National Park

Find other beautiful caves in Mulu Caves National Park and See the world's longest crypt, Sarawak Chamber. There are beautiful caves separated by rivers, namely Deer Cave and Cave of The Winds. These two caves are home to thousands of bats with stretching nests and stalagmites.

Mulu Show Caves - 2D1N Tour

See Price

3. Genting Highlands

See a different side of Malaysia from a height by riding the Awana Skyway Gondola at Genting Highland. You can also track in the fashion forest and still update on social media because of wifi access.

Malaysia

Genting Highlands Premium Outlets Cable Car Tickets

9.4/10

Gohtong Jaya

RM 11

4. Cameron Highlands

See the famous Iskandar Waterfall or visit the Boh tea plantation and see how they operate the tea industry. You can also see other cultivation centers, such as beekeeping, butterfly, and strawberry gardens.

5. Langkawi

See the beauty of Langkawi from a height of 709 meters by taking a Cable Car with a glass floor. You can find other exciting activities at Langkawi Crocodile Farm, home to crocodile holidays.

6. Serendah

Despite being only an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, Serendah has yet to become a popular destination. However, it offers a unique experience of staying in the jungle while still in some villas in the middle of the city. Additionally, tourists can visit attractions such as the Kanching rainforest waterfall and the Genting Skyway cable.

7. Tanjung Sepat

By visiting a fishing village, you can see coastal life that appreciates the sea. Fishermen who bring home their catch will then be sold at local markets where bidding is permitted in transactions.

8. Kuala Selangor

For city people, seeing fireflies is a rare moment that is very difficult to get. Feel the unique experience of seeing the beauty of fireflies at Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park. You can also visit the Kuala Selangor Natural Park to see bird activity through bird-watching activities.

9. Sabak Bernam

For bird lovers, Sabak Bernam can be the best destination for bird-watching activities. Visit the Hornbill Observer Center to see the rare birds, including the Buceros rhinoceros, Anthracoceros, Anorrhinus Galeritus, and others. Close the day by seeing the sunset at Bagan Nakhoda Omar Beach or Batu 23 Beach.

10. Port Dickson

Port Dickson is known for its beautiful beach resorts with complete facilities suitable for many activities. Take a tour with a professional guide to try thrilling water activities, including banana boat and jet ski.

Malaysia

Port Dickson Sunset Yacht Cruise

9.8/10

Kampung Si Rusa

RM 99

11. Melaka

Melaka historic city was once the seat of the government of Malaysia and has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Melaka Sultanate Palace, the Chinese Temple of Cheng Hoon Teng, and the Church of St. Paul. See a different side of Malacca by taking a river tour and enjoying the nightlife at Jonker Street Night Market.

12. Ipoh

Visit the Ipoh night market to try delicious food in a vibrant nightlife. You can try laksa, chicken rice, and street food from many stalls. You can also do a historical tour by following the Heritage Walk, including Poh Railway Station and the Town Hall.

13. Penang Nature

Visit Penang National Park from September to April to see rare migrating birds. Apart from flora and fauna, see the beauty of mangrove forests and calm natural lakes. Many tourist tours include Teluk Bahang or visiting turtle hatcheries at Kerachut and Kampi Beaches.

14. Tioman Island

Tioman Island has many beaches with different attractions, including Salang, which is perfect for relaxing. If you want to snorkel or dive, visit Coral Island or Batu Malang, famous for its underwater beauty. Or interact with monkeys at Monkey Bay or see turtles at Kampung Juara.

15. Perhentian Islands

Hopping Island and snorkeling tours are popular on Perhetian Islands, with various choices of spots to be passed. If you want to relax, you can visit Coral Bay or Long Beach and taste seafood on the beach.

16. Redang Island

Redang Island holds the beauty of an underwater paradise that will amaze anyone who dives into the sea. Many hotels near the beach provide complete facilities for snorkeling and diving, so there is no need to bring it from home.

17. Kuantan

Kuantan is located on the east coast of the Malaysian peninsula, so it's no wonder there are many beaches. You can sunbathe on Teluk Cempedak Beach or feel the freshness of Sungai Pandan Waterfall. Find it in the Kuantan National Park and Bird Park, or witness the calm and alluring river.

18. Dayang Bunting Island

This unique island resembles a pregnant woman lying down, so it is called "Dayang Bunting'' in Malay. Relax in the sparkling green water of Lake Dayang Bunting, or rent a paddle boat to go around. This lake, surrounded by the ocean, still has fresh water, so that adds.

19. Pahang

Visit the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary located in Temerloh, Pahang, to interact with elephants. You can feed and bathe elephants and see some exciting attractions. Even though it has been established since 1989, this family tour takes good care of elephants.

Malaysia

Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary - 1 Day Tour

7.3/10

Temerloh

RM 200

20. Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang

The temple, also called the Temple of Supreme Bliss, is a pagoda with seven floors. One of the largest Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, it blends Chinese, Burmese, and Thai cultures.

Malaysia

Penang Hill and Kek Lok Si Temple Tour

Air Itam

RM 227

RM 209

21. Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island has Teluk Nipah Beach, perfect for sunbathing and relaxing during the holidays. Several other small islands include Pulau Sembilan, which has a blue tear phenomenon. Historic buildings such as the Fu Lin Kong Temple and Dutch Fort can also be found.

Malaysia

Pangkor Island Join In Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur

Manjung

See Price

22. Cherating

The best destinations in Cherating are the beautiful beaches perfect for sunbathing. Visit a turtle sanctuary to see how turtles are reared adequately before being released on the beach. Spend the afternoon exploring the exhibitions at Limbong Art and spend a quiet evening on the Cherating River.

Malaysia

The Courtyard Cherating

Kuantan

See Price

23. Kuala Terengganu

Join various tours for fun activities in Kuala Terengganu such as banana boat tours, hiking, waterfall trekking, and river kayaking. You can also join local entrepreneurs harvesting shellfish in Beting Lintang to see how shellfish are cultivated.

Malaysia

Terengganu Instagram Boat Tour

Losong

See Price

24. Kota Bharu

Explore the passage of time with historical tours in historic buildings and various museums in Kota Bharu. Among them are the Museum of Kampung Kraftangan, the Museum of Jahar Palace Customs, the War Museum, and others.

25. Gurney Drive, Penang

Discover the best variety of cuisine in Penang, which is famous for its delicious street food. You can try Malaysian specialties from Bak Kuk Teh (a rich spiced rib and pork soup) to Penang Laksa.

Malaysia

Gurney Bay Hotel, A PARKROYAL Partner Hotel

8.7/10

Gurney Drive

RM 375

RM 281

26. Flea Market Amcorp Mall

This antiques enthusiast's paradise is in Petaling Jaya, which has been open since 1997. You can find "treasures" in the form of analog cameras, copper irons, ancient pottery, and more

27. Pulau Ketam

On this island, you can see the life of coastal communities that live in stilt houses. They live above the mangrove swamps, where only 20% of the island is inhabited, and the rest is mangrove forest.

28. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre

This unique construction-free tourist spot allows you to see the making of a craft called pewter. Skills made from the white and black tin mixture are synonymous with Malaysia as a tin producer.

Malaysia

The Foundry Workshop in Royal Selangor Visitor Centre at Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur

See Price

29. Pulau Mabul

Isolating yourself on a beautiful desert island will be very interesting and calming. This island on the edge of Sabah has an exotic atmosphere, and you can enjoy it by sitting in wooden huts.

30. Taman Saujana Hijau

Relax in Taman Saujana Hijau in the Putrajaya area by enjoying the beauty of flowers. This park combines the concepts of Bustan Europe, Bustan English, and Bustan Oriental, which blend harmoniously.

31. Danga Bay

Danga Bay is a famous bay not far from downtown Johor making it very accessible. Spend the afternoon here enjoying a variety of local culinary delights while looking at the bay's beauty.

32. Lankayan Island

You don't have to go to the Maldives to see the charm of the island with neat coral. Sabah has Lankayan Island, and you can stay at resorts to enjoy the beach with a complete package.

With all the recommended destinations above, you can momentarily isolate yourself from the bustle of study or work by enjoying the short trip. Maximize your short vacation by staying at the best accommodation so your body can be in good condition.

Malaysia

Lankayan Island Dive Resort

See Price

Find many references for the best accommodation only on Traveloka by looking at the facilities and location of each accommodation. Not only that but on Traveloka, you can also find reviews from previous visitors to get honest advice.

If you want to book accommodation, flight tickets, and travel activities you can get the best price from Traveloka.

Discover flight with Traveloka

Mon, 19 May 2025

Malaysia Airlines

Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from RM 141.81

Mon, 26 May 2025

AirAsia Indonesia

Surabaya (SUB) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from RM 250.94

Wed, 14 May 2025

Malaysia Airlines

Kuching (KCH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)

Start from RM 97.59

Discover additional insights and details about Malaysia:

In This Article

• Destinations for Day Trip & Short Trip in Kuala Lumpur
• 1. Batu Caves
• 2. Mulu Caves National Park
• 3. Genting Highlands
• 4. Cameron Highlands
• 5. Langkawi
• 6. Serendah
• 7. Tanjung Sepat
• 8. Kuala Selangor
• 9. Sabak Bernam
• 10. Port Dickson
• 11. Melaka
• 12. Ipoh
• 13. Penang Nature
• 14. Tioman Island
• 15. Perhentian Islands
• 16. Redang Island
• 17. Kuantan
• 18. Dayang Bunting Island
• 19. Pahang
• 20. Kek Lok Si Temple, Penang
• 21. Pangkor Island
• 22. Cherating
• 23. Kuala Terengganu
• 24. Kota Bharu
• 25. Gurney Drive, Penang
• 26. Flea Market Amcorp Mall
• 27. Pulau Ketam
• 28. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
• 29. Pulau Mabul
• 30. Taman Saujana Hijau
• 31. Danga Bay
• 32. Lankayan Island

Flights Featured in This Article

Mon, 19 May 2025
Malaysia Airlines
Kota Kinabalu (BKI) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 141.81
Book Now
Mon, 26 May 2025
AirAsia Indonesia
Surabaya (SUB) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 250.94
Book Now
Wed, 14 May 2025
Malaysia Airlines
Kuching (KCH) to Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Start from RM 97.59
Book Now
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