Malaysia is a true melting pot of cultures – where Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions blend together beautifully. Most tourists create a Malaysia travel itinerary that covers popular spots like Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang. But if you wish to discover a side of Malaysia that’s raw, rich, and real – Keep reading!
After a great self-drive trip in Sri Lanka, we felt confident about hitting the roads again – this time in East Malaysia. Our East Coast Malaysia road trip was nothing short of magical.
From the rich cultures of Terengganu & Kota Bharu to the fresh seafood feasts, from laid-back island life to the raw, unfiltered charm of local markets – East Malaysia surprised us at every turn.
In this blog, we’re sharing every bit of that experience – the route we took, the people we met, the food we loved, and the places that left a mark on us. So, if you’re dreaming of a road trip that’s full of culture, nature, and a bit of adventure – welcome aboard!
How to Rent a Car in Malaysia
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.
Here are a few things you should know if you’re planning to rent a car in Malaysia:
- You only need a valid driving licence – either in English or Malay. No need for an international licence unless your licence is in another language.
- We paid around RM 760 for 7 days, and a refundable deposit of RM 1000 (which got credited back in 14 days).
- Europcar also provided a Touch ‘n Go card, which is super handy for toll booths and parking throughout Malaysia.
- Fuel costs approx. RM 2 per litre.
- Parking rules are quite strict in Malaysia, make sure to park only in designated areas.
- Expect to spend around RM 240 on petrol, tolls and parking.
- Download the local map Waze, it will guide you with speed limit and cameras installed through the country.(Highly recommended!)
Things to Know Before Planning a East Coast Malaysia Road Trip
- The roads are in excellent condition – smooth highways, scenic coastal routes, and long, uninterrupted stretches make it a dream for self-drive lovers.
- You’ll also find plenty of rest stops, malls, fuel stations, and eateries along the way, making long drives comfortable and safe.
- East Peninsular Malaysia is generally more conservative than the western side. You’ll notice locals dressing modestly, and it’s respectful to do the same – especially when visiting villages, mosques, or even beaches.
- Malay is widely spoken here, and English is not that common compared to others parts of Malaysia. So google translator is recommended.
- Food is central to the travel experience here – from local seafood to spicy Malay curries. But be prepared: the cuisine is largely non-vegetarian, with fish, chicken, and beef being staples.
- If you’re a vegetarian like me, finding food in the East of Malaysia can be a bit tricky. So, I packed essentials like my protein powder, a few ready-to-eat meals, snacks, and oats to stay covered throughout the trip. It really helped!
Best Route for a Road Trip on the Malaysian East Coast
Day 1-2: 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 colourful buildings, peaceful vibes, buzzing with locals. By around 4 PM, we reached our cozy little apartment 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 realised 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.
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 flavourful.
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 3-4: Terengganu to Perhentian Island or 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 (or the Perhentians) 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.
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 5-6: Drive From Kuala Terengganu to Kota Bharu, Kelantan
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 colourful 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.
Post that, we headed to Pasar Siti Khadijah (open daily 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM). This bustling market is a feast for the senses with colourful stalls selling fresh fruits, traditional Malay snacks, spices, and traditional batik clothing (we got ouselves 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 flavours, and a deeper connection to Malaysia’s stunning landscapes and kind-hearted people.
If you’re considering exploring East of Peninsular Malaysia – just go for it! Have any questions, feel free to leave them below.
See you at next destination!
Also read: Malaysia in 3 Days – A Fun Weekend in Kuala Lumpur
