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Kuala Lumpur to Penang: Route Guide
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This drive eats its way up the peninsula: Kuala Lumpur's towers, tea plantations wrapped in Cameron Highlands mist, Ipoh's cave temples and white coffee, then George Town; where the hawker stalls alone justify the flight.
Kuala Lumpur to Penang is a 470 km one-way journey (self-drive). It works best as 5–6 days; the plan below is the 6-day version for July, built from 622 verified places, with real road-routed transit times, opening hours and daylight checked.
5–6
days
470km
distance
4
Stops
622
curated stops
Plan your own version → 5-day plan · 6-day plan · best time to go
The route
Kuala Lumpur→ 200 kmCameron Highlands→ 90 kmIpoh→ 180 kmGeorge Town (Penang)
What you'll see
National Museum
Explore Malaysia's rich cultural and historic artifacts.
Kuala Lumpur
Boh Tea Centre and Sg Palas Plantation
Savor the views of rolling tea plantations and enjoy a cafe ambiance.
Cameron Highlands
Kellie's Castle
Feel the eerie atmosphere of this haunted Scottish mansion with hidden passages.
Ipoh
Kek Lok Si
You will see towering pagodas and intricate carvings at this grand Buddhist temple.
George Town (Penang)
Islamic Arts Museum
Discover exquisite Islamic art and Malaysia's Islamic heritage.
Kuala Lumpur
Time Tunnel – The Local Museum
Explore a gallery of memorabilia showcasing post-Japanese occupation Malaysia.
Cameron Highlands
Sam Poh Tong
Ascend through smoky joss sticks to mountain-top temple views.
Ipoh
Kapitan Keling Mosque
Marvel at the elegant dome-shaped minaret echoing Moorish charm.
George Town (Penang)
Choose your length
5-day plan6.2 stops/day · 2.8 h transit/daySee the full plan →6-day plan6.3 stops/day · 2.7 h transit/daySee the full plan →
When to go
Best months: June, July, August
The west coast's drier stretch — clear tea-country mornings and George Town food crawls unbothered by rain.
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