Backpacking throughout Malaysia should be a rite of passage for us Malaysians. Our country is rich in culture, history and wonders of nature that every Malaysian should see at least once in their lives. 

Why backpacking? Because what's life without a little adventure! If you've always wanted to backpack across Malaysia as all the Europeans do, here's your sign to take a couple of weeks off work, pack your backpack with all your essentials and hit the road!

Here are 3 itineraries tailor-made to cater to your various interests:

1. A Cultural Experience (approx. 10 Days) 

Malaysia is a melting pot of races, religions and also cultures. If you'd like to discover the cultural side of Malaysia and learn about how the history and culture of our beautiful and unique country are intertwined, then this is the best trip for you:

Kuala Lumpur -> Malacca -> Cameron Highlands -> Penang

The city is the best place to start your backpacking trip because while it is modern and advanced, the cultural side of things was not forgotten. Among the skyscrapers and traffic jams, there are temples and historical sites that will remind you of where we started and learn how our country managed to get where we are today. 

Some of the places that you must visit are:

- Batu Caves

- National Mosque

- Merdeka Square

- Central Market

- Petaling Street

- Botanical Gardens

- National Museum

- Thean Hou Temple

- Petronas Twin Towers

- Istana Malaysia

- China Town

- Eco-Forest Park

- Petronas Towers

Continue on your cultural adventure to Malacca to visit the state that was found by Parameswara and see all the stories in your history textbook come to life. 

Here's are some of the spots you must stop at:

- River Cruise

- Christ Church

- Jonker Street

- The Stadthuys

- St. Paul's Church

- A'Famosa

- St. Pauls Church

After days of travelling around from one cultural site to another, it is time for an escape to the highlands. 

Some must-visit spots in Cameron Highlands are:

- Boh Tea Plantation

- Strawberry Farm

- Mossy Forest 

- Mount Brinchang

- Lavender Gardens

- Butterfly Farm

End your trip by going to Malaysia's food heaven, Penang Island. Not only do you get to enjoy some of the best food in Malaysia here but you also get to experience our country's culture and heritage. 

Make sure you visit these spots: 

- Clan Jetties

- Little India

- Kek Lok Si Temple

- Penang Hill

- Batu Ferringhi Beach

- Penang War Museum

- Penang National Park

- Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion

- Dhammikarama Burmese Temple

- Pinang Peranakan Mansion

- Goddess of Mercy Temple

- Penang Snake Temple

- Penang Floating Mosque

2. Best For Nature Lovers (approx. 2 Weeks)

Malaysia has more than enough wonders of nature to satisfy every nature lover. From old jungles to beautiful cascading waterfalls to enchantingly beautiful mossy forests. Here are the main stops you should go to:

Kuala Lumpur/Selangor -> Taman Negara, Pahang -> Cameron Highlands -> Bukit Merah -> Penang -> Langkawi 

Don't underestimate KL just because it's a city, that doesn't mean it isn't home to some nature hotspots. Here are some spots you must visit:

- Botanical Gardens

- Bukit Saga 

- BMC Blue Lake

- Kuala Selangor Fireflies

- Kuala Kubu Bharu - Chilling Waterfall

After leaving KL, you can head to Malaysia's largest and oldest National Park where you can take part in multiple activities like boat rides, hikes, canopy walkways, visiting the Orang Asli village and much more. 

After a tiring few days of challenging yourself at the National Park, it's time for you to relax at Cameron Highlands. Refer to the previous itinerary to see some of the must-visit spots here.

On your way to Penang be sure to stop at Bukit Merah which is a town surrounded by a huge lake. Besides the water park, Bukit Merah is also known for its eco-park and more importantly, its Orang Utan island which is basically an island dedicated to the rehabilitation of Orang Utans. 

In Penang, you can visit the spots mentioned in the previous itinerary before taking a ferry or a flight to Langkawi Island. 

Here are some of the must-visit spots for nature lovers in Langkawi:

- Kilim Geopark and Mangroves

- Pulau Payar Marine Park

- Gunung Raya

- Mount Mat Cincang (Pantai Kok)

- Gua Landak (Porcupine Cave)

- Mardi Agro Technology Park (Lubuk Semilang)

- Dayang Bunting Island

- Laman Padi Rice Garden & Museum

- Darulaman Sanctuary Jungle Walk

- Pulau Dangli

3. Exploring East Malaysia (approx. 3 Weeks)

East Malaysia, Malaysia's most undeveloped region is honestly the best place for those who want to get far off the beaten path. Here are the best spots to visit in Borneo: 

Kuching -> Bako National Park -> Batang Ai National Park -> Gunung Mulu National Park -> Miri National Park -> Niah National Park -> Bario -> Kota Kinabalu

If you have time, money and stamina, you should definitely summit Malaysia's toughest climb, Mount Kinabalu. That will be a perfect end to your adventure through East Malaysia. 

Have you ever backpacked across Malaysia? What was it like and what route did you take? Share your experience with us in the comments section! We'd love to hear all about it.