Located in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is an adventurer’s paradise.
It’s a melting pot of rich and diverse cultures and traditions set against ancient bushland, pristine tropical beaches and spectacular national parks that are home to some of the world’s most iconic flora and fauna.
There are enough memories in Malaysia to last a lifetime.
although Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu It is a wonderful first step to experience Malaysia, There is much more to see.
Whether you’re an avid explorer after a unique adventure like no other, or a returning visitor looking to delve deeper into Malaysia’s hidden gems, here are just some of our favorite secrets:
redang island, Terengganu
Located off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, redang island Feast your eyes when it comes to world-class dive sites.
The waters surrounding the archipelago have been protected by a marine park since 1985, making it one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia.
Redang Island has white sand beaches and some of the most beautiful marine life and vibrant coral in the country A tropical paradise for world-class snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming.
Although each dive site is special, Trembugley A famous night dive site with 15 to 20m seascapes of hard and soft corals, and life-forms ranging from whale sharks to colorful Christmas tree worm carpets!
For history buffs, Ladang Island is home to two historic shipwrecks; the Prince of Wales and the Shallow, which sank in the early days of World War II.
Redang’s resorts are closed during the northeast monsoon season from November to February, so the best time to visit is March and October.
National Park National Park, Pahang
Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia and two-thirds of the state is full of exotic flora, Pahang is an ecotourist’s paradise.
It may span three states but Pahang is the best experience National Park – Malaysia’s premier national park and one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
Taman Negara National Park is estimated to be 130 million years old, older than the Congo and the Amazon rainforest. Rare mammals such as Malayan tigers and Asian elephants roam freely here, and natural freshwater lakes rage here.
From coast to sky, there are many ways for visitors to soak up the breathtaking views of Taman Negara.
You can ride Seven Rapids Sungai Demblin Or brave the 40m high and 530m long Canopy Walkway Negara State Park – The longest suspension bridge in the world!
For climbers challenging unparalleled views, Mount Tahan is the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia and is considered the toughest trek in Peninsular Malaysia!
Taman Negara is also home to the Orang Asli Batek and Semokberi people.Tourists can visit the village aboriginal village And learn first-hand about their rich history and culture.
Sabah Kinabatangan River and Koh Tao
Sabah is an enchanting tropical island known for its natural wonders. Sabah is also home to 32 ethnic communities and is equally an extraordinary destination for those in pursuit of culture.
Here you can find Sipadan, a dive site made famous by French underwater explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, or climb the iconic Mount Kinabalu ), the mountain is known as one of the highest peaks in the whole of Southeast Asia.
An hour by boat from Sandakan is Turtle Islands Park Gazetteed in 1977. It consists of three islands; Selingan, Bakungan and Kecil.
Although Bakungan and Kecil prefer closed conservation work, they are the largest islands, Interlude, there is a turtle hatchery, visitors are welcome to experience it! The best time to visit is July and October, when the sea is at its calmest.
However, if there is one attraction in Sabah that is truly not to be missed, it is kinabatangan river.
The Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia with a total length of 560 kilometers and is listed as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary under the National Wildlife Conservation Act 1997.
Home to one of the richest ecosystems in the world, the Lower Kinabatangan River is the largest RAMSAR attraction in Malaysia – a modern treaty for wetland conservation.
The best way to experience native wildlife is to take a Kinabatangan River Cruise at dawn or dusk to see the wild Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys or orangutans that call the Kinabatangan area home.
Ipoh Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple
The state of Perak in western Malaysia is known as the “Land of Grace”, kKnown for its abundance of experiences, from temples to museums and even night hunting!
South of the state capital of Perak Ipohalso known as Bougainvillea City, is Kek Lok Tong Grotto Templeone of the most popular temples in Perak, it is both beautiful and peaceful.
Nestled in a limestone outcrop behind the picturesque Gunung Rapat area, the temple was used as a place of worship as early as 1920 until it became an iron mining site in 1960.
Today, visitors can explore the 12-acre Kek Lok Tang complex, which houses a central altar within the cave that enshrines bronze Buddha statues and the deities of the Chinese Pantheon.
One of the most unique features of Kek Long Cave Temple is the peaceful garden landscape set within a crystal clear limestone cave. It even has a jogging trail along two lakes, and one of the longest foot reflexology trails in Ipoh!
So what are you waiting for?
Whether it’s nature, culture, history or adventure, Malaysia and its off the beaten path must be next on the bucket list for the amazing trip of a lifetime.
You can find everything you need to know about Malaysia’s COVID-19 regulations here.
Featured Image Credit: Instagram/@balukootravel
