East Coast Malaysia Road Trip: Our 7-Day Itinerary
Most travelers visiting Malaysia stick to Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi and Melaka. But on our trip, we wanted to see a very different side of the country – the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia.
So we rented a car in Kuala Lumpur and set off on a 7-day East Coast Malaysia road trip through Terengganu and Kelantan, with an island escape to Redang along the way.
From driving through quiet coastal roads and eating our way through local markets to discovering Kuala Terengganu, Kota Bharu and the turquoise waters of Redang, this was one of those road trips that kept surprising us.
If you're planning an East Coast Malaysia road trip, this guide covers our exact route, 7-day itinerary, car rental experience, driving tips, costs, food and the places we discovered along the way.
East Coast Malaysia Road Trip Route
We followed this route over 7 days, combining a self-drive road trip through the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia with a few slower days on the islands.
7-Day East Coast Malaysia Itinerary
Day 1: Drive From Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu
We kicked off our East Malaysia road trip around 8 AM from Kuala Lumpur, driving towards Kuala Terengganu. The drive was beautiful, about 5-6 hours on smooth national highways, surrounded by lush greenery and wide-open skies. What made it even better? Impressive lane discipline by local drivers.
We weren’t expecting this little coastal town to steal our hearts! Terengganu welcomed us with colorful buildings, peaceful vibes, buzzing with locals. By around 4 PM, we reached our Airbnb in Kuala Terengganu. After settling in we stepped out just in time for sunset.
Our first stop was – The Floating Mosque (Masjid Tengku Tengah Zaharah) – a stunning white mosque that appears to float on the water. We met some amazing people and realized many of them are from India or have been to India recently.
After dinner we went for a long, aimless drive through Terengganu. We made a quick stop at the Terengganu Drawbridge, an impressive landmark that lights up beautifully at night. We saw locals, just parked by the roadside, sitting under the stars, chatting, laughing, and simply enjoying the evening. It was such a simple yet heartwarming sight –people truly living in the moment, no rush, no noise.
Day 2: Exploring Kuala Terengganu
The next morning, we started our day early at Pasar Payang (usually opens from 9am to 5pm), the vibrant local market at the heart of Terengganu. It’s a wonderful spot to watch daily life unfold, grab some fresh tropical fruits, or pick up souvenirs.
Reserve your evening for one of Terengganu’s crown jewels: the Crystal Mosque (Masjid Kristal), located along the Terengganu River. This stunning mosque, with its shimmering glass and steel structure, looked magical during sunset. Take your time to walk around, soaking in the architecture and chatting with friendly locals about their lives, beliefs, and what makes Terengganu special to them. You can also enjoy the view from a boat ride.
Where to Eat in Terengganu
We had the chance to chat with a few locals, who were kind enough to share their go-to food spots with us:
Sue Rasa Restaurant, famous among locals for its authentic flavors. We tried Nasi Kerabu, a beautiful blue rice dish served with herbs, fried fish or chicken, and a mix of spicy sambals. Also try their Teh Hijau Jebok, The Peng Jebok, traditional tea, yummy!
Medan Ikan Bakar Kuala Ibai, a beautifully located restaurant right under the bridge and beside the river. Animesh ordered Sotong Celup Tepung (deep-fried squid) and Tom Yum soup – and let’s just say, he was grinning through every bite.
Warung Dalam Kenangan, a beach side restaurant, Animesh had Nasi Goreng Udang Berumbu (prawns), which was flavorful.
Roti Canai is a popular breakfast in Malaysia, you’ll find everywhere in Terengganu. For desserts, Cendol is quite famous especially in Malaysia and Singapore.
Day 3 : Kuala Terengganu to the Redang Island
It was time to leave the mainland behind and head to the remote, postcard-perfect islands off Kuala Terengganu’s coast. This region is famous for its unique islands, and after some research, we decided on Pulau Redang – a paradise known for crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands, and colorful marine life.
The only way to get to Redang Island is by boat from a jetty, which you can book online in advance, along with convenient car parking options. We left our apartment and drove to Merang Jetty, which is the closest jetty to Redang Island. It is one-hour drive and from there, we hopped onto the ferry which took 45 minutes to reach.
Quick Tip: We highly recommend choosing a small boat if you’re up for a bit of adventure – the ride is bumpy but a lot of fun! However, if you’re traveling with kids, elders, or prefer a more comfortable ride, opt for a big boat which is more stable.
Day 4: Exploring Redang Island
Redang is a tiny island with limited hotel options, from luxury stays like [Taaras Beach & Spa Resort], to budget-friendly picks such as [Redang Island Resort], which offers dated rooms.
Spending time at Redang will give you a glimpse of authentic malay life. Rent a scooter and explore the island, it’s little market, experience how people live here, and chat with lovely kids.
You can’t leave Redang without exploring its underwater world. Join a snorkelling tour to spots like Tanjung Tengah or the Marine Park Centre (you can book this at the jetty or hotel itself).
And of course, you have to try the fresh seafood. Grilled fish, squid, prawns – everything’s straight from the ocean and tastes amazing, especially at the little beachside cafés. We enjoyed Redang fried rice and calamari paprika at Pink Café, and Butter milk prawn and rice at Babalich restaurant.
For more quiet, laid-back vibes, head to Long beach, swim in South China Sea and if you are into massages, try a Serai traditional massage, it’s so relaxing.
Our last night on Redang was unforgettable – we were lucky enough to see a sky full of stars. It was so breathtaking that I literally cried.
Day 5: Redang Island to Kuala Terengganu to Kota Bharu
After a short island trip the next morning, we took the boat back to the port, picked up our car, and started driving towards Kota Bharu, the cultural heart of Malaysia.
The drive itself was a highlight – it’s about two hours from Kuala Terengganu to Kota Bharu, we passed cute wooden houses, tall palm trees swaying in the breeze, and endless stretches of road flanked by rivers and glimpses of the sea.
The vibe was raw, authentic countryside – you’ll see plenty of roadside fruit vendors, especially selling giant, juicy watermelons (highly recommend stopping for one!).
Because it had rained the day before (and again that day), the greenery along the route looked extra lush and vibrant. If you’re craving a snack or a drink, you’ll also spot 7-Eleven stores along the way.
We also took a detour to TerraPuri Heritage Village, for looking into traditional Malay architecture and lifestyle. For a more raw experience, you can even stay here.
Upon reaching, we checked into our apartment in Kota Bharu, took rest, and set out in the evening to explore the city. This city of Kelantan was perfect for wandering aimlessly and soaking it all in. We started with a stroll through streets lined with colorful murals, and along the way, we chatted with friendly locals, who shared stories about the city and their lives.
For dinner, we found a cozy place serving Indian food, where we devoured plates of rice, curry, and vegetables – honestly some of the yummiest comfort food of the trip (for Urvi). We loved it so much we went back to Deepa Curry House the next morning for breakfast of idlis and thosai (dosa) that made us feel right at home.
Day 6: Exploring Kota Bharu
Early morning we headed to Pasar Siti Khadijah (open daily 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM). This bustling market is a feast for the senses with colorful stalls selling fresh fruits, traditional Malay snacks, spices, and traditional batik clothing (we got ourselves some Litchis and Mangoes 😋).
If you wish to know about Royal traditions and customs of Kelantan, consider visiting Istana Jahar museum.
Because Kota Bharu is close to the Thailand border, you’ll notice a strong Thai influence in the culture, food, and architecture. We made time to visit a few of the city’s iconic Buddhist temples, including: Wat Phothivihan – home to the impressive Sleeping Buddha, Wat Phikulthong and Wat Machimmaram.
If you’re a foodie like us, don’t skip the Waqaf Che Yeh – Kota Bharu’s lively night market. Animesh spent the evening trying all sorts of local Savory skewers.
Day-7: Drive Back from Kota Bharu to Kuala Lumpur
The next morning, it was time to wrap up our adventure and start the drive back to Kuala Lumpur. It’s a long but scenic journey, about 6 to 7 hours. We made sure to take breaks, soak in those last glimpses of the Malaysian countryside.
Once we reached Kuala Lumpur, we returned the car at the rental office – the process was quick. From there, we headed straight to our stay near the airport, ready to rest up before our flight the next day.
To be honest, when we started this trip, we didn’t have very high hopes – but now, we can confidently say – this road trip gave us incredible memories, mouthwatering flavors, and a deeper connection to Malaysia’s stunning landscapes and kind-hearted people.
How to Rent a Car in Malaysia ?
After our earlier self-drive experience in Sri Lanka, we were pretty comfortable with the idea of exploring Malaysia by road.
Here are a few things we learned from renting a car for our East Coast Malaysia road trip:
What You Need to Rent a Car in Malaysia
You only need a valid driving license – either in English or Malay. No need for an international license unless your license is in another language.
How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Malaysia?
For our 7-day rental, we paid around RM760 and a refundable deposit of RM 1000 (which got credited back in 14 days).
Apart from the rental, we spent approximately RM240 on fuel (RM 2 per liter), tolls and parking during our road trip.
Which Car Should You Rent?
After a lot of research, we chose to rent a Perodua Bezza from Europcar, and it turned out to be a great choice.
The Bezza is fuel-efficient, compact enough to navigate through narrow roads, and comfortable for long drives. The overall condition of the car was good, and the rental process was smooth and straightforward.
Do You Need a Touch 'n Go Card?
Our rental service also provided a Touch ‘n Go card, which is super handy for toll booths and parking throughout Malaysia.
Navigation While Driving in Malaysia
We used Waze during our road trip. Apart from navigating between destinations, checking routes, it also guided us with speed limit and cameras installed through the country.
Parking rules are quite strict in Malaysia, make sure to park only in designated areas.
Things to Know Before Your East Coast Malaysia Road Trip
Is Driving in East Coast Malaysia Easy?
Yes. The roads are in excellent condition – smooth highways, scenic coastal routes, and long, uninterrupted stretches make it a dream for self-drive lovers. We found plenty of rest stops, malls, fuel stations, and eateries along the way, making our long drives comfortable and safe.
Language and Communication on Malaysia's East Coast
Malay is widely spoken here, and English is not that common compared to others parts of Malaysia. So I'd recommend downloading a translator before hand.
When Is the Best Time to Visit East Coast Malaysia?
For a road trip that combines Kuala Terengganu, coastal drives, Redang and Kota Bharu, we'd plan around the drier part of the year, particularly if the islands are an important part of your trip.
We visited the East Coast in June, and honestly, the weather worked beautifully for us. It was pleasant throughout our trip, with only occasional showers – perhaps once or twice during our entire stay.
We'd still recommend checking the forecast closer to your travel dates.
What to Know About Local Culture on Malaysia's East Coast
East Coast Peninsular Malaysia is generally more conservative than the western side. We noticed locals dressing modestly, and respectfully did the same – especially when visiting villages, mosques, or even beaches. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and knees.
Is East Coast Malaysia vegetarian-friendly?
Food was a big part of our East Coast Malaysia road trip.
From local seafood to spicy Malay curries and roadside snacks, there was always something tempting to try. But I’m vegetarian (but I do eat eggs), while Animesh eats everything, so our food experiences were quite different.
Fish, chicken and beef are common across the region, and vegetarian options weren't always easy to spot, especially when we were driving through smaller towns or stopping at local eateries.
What we packed?
I packed a few essentials from home, including:
oats,
Easy breakfast options which came in handy during our road trip.
If you’re considering exploring East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia – just go for it! Have any questions, feel free to leave them below.
See you at next destination!
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