Blog · 26 October 2026
Malaysia from India: Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi, and what a trip costs
Malaysia gives you a lot for the money. Indians can enter visa-free, there are direct flights to Kuala Lumpur from most big Indian cities, and Indian food is everywhere thanks to the large Malaysian Indian community. A trip can mix a modern city, a food island with old streets, and quiet beaches, all within a short train or flight of each other.
How many days do you need?
Plan on six to eight days. Three days in Kuala Lumpur covers the Petronas Towers, Batu Caves and a day trip up to Genting Highlands. From there, take the fast ETS train to Penang (about four and a half hours) for two days of street art and hawker food in George Town, then a short flight or ferry to Langkawi for two or three beach days. You can fly home from Penang, so there is no need to go back to Kuala Lumpur. With only four or five days, do Kuala Lumpur and one of Penang or Langkawi. Malaysia also pairs well with Singapore, about five hours away by road.
What a trip costs
For a couple flying from Delhi and staying in a midrange hotel, a 4-day Malaysia trip in December comes to about ₹1,32,600, or ₹66,300 per person. That covers return flights, the train, flight or ferry between places, the hotel, food, local transport, the attractions we pick for you, travel insurance and a 10% buffer. There is no visa fee, and food is cheap, so flights and hotels make up most of the total. Langkawi hotels cost more than the rest of the country.
You can change the dates, travellers, hotel, places and attractions on our Malaysia trip cost page and see every line update.
Attractions worth paying for
Typical adult prices:
- Petronas Towers skybridge and observation deck: about ₹1,911. Book a time slot online, as walk-in tickets often sell out.
- Genting SkyWorlds theme park in the hills: about ₹3,413, with the Awana Skyway cable car up for about ₹585.
- Aquaria KLCC, next to the towers: about ₹1,463, a good pick with children.
- Penang Hill funicular for views over George Town: about ₹585.
- SkyCab cable car and Sky Bridge in Langkawi: about ₹1,658.
- Kilim mangrove boat tour in Langkawi, with eagles and sea caves: about ₹3,900, or an island hopping tour for about ₹780.
Free and cheap things to do
Batu Caves, the huge Murugan statue and cave temple just outside Kuala Lumpur, is free; wear clothes that cover your knees. Watch the evening fountain show at KLCC Park below the Petronas Towers, and eat at Jalan Alor food street. In Penang, walk George Town's street art and the clan jetties, then have dinner at the Gurney Drive hawker stalls. In Langkawi, spend the afternoon on Pantai Cenang beach and visit the Cenang night market.
When to go
Malaysia is warm all year, around 30 to 33°C, with afternoon showers in most months. December to March is the driest time for Penang and Langkawi. October is the wettest month on that side of the country. The east coast islands, such as the Perhentians, close or slow down from November to February. Prices are highest in Indian summer holidays (May and June) and in December. Thaipusam at Batu Caves, in January or February, draws huge crowds and is worth seeing if your dates fit.
Visa for Indians
Indian passport holders can visit Malaysia without a visa for up to 30 days, under a scheme that currently runs until the end of 2026. You need to fill in the free Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days before you arrive. If you are travelling in 2027, check the rule again before booking.
Tips that save money
- Take the ETS train between Kuala Lumpur and Penang; it's comfortable and usually cheaper than flying once you count airport transfers.
- Use Grab for taxis so you pay the shown price.
- Eat at mamak stalls and hawker centres; South Indian food is easy to find and cheap.
- Book an open-jaw ticket, into Kuala Lumpur and home from Penang, so you don't backtrack.
Want the numbers for your own dates and group? Plan your Malaysia trip and send it to us for live flight and hotel prices.