There’s a lot to be said about the vibrancy, multiculturalism and mouthwatering cuisine of Malaysia’s bustling cities, but nature also has a peaceful side.
A national park of timeless natural beauty – rich in endemic species and unique natural playgrounds.
Some national parks offer wild majestic canopy views, others touch the sky with massive mountains, and some spread across many islands.
That’s why we’ve listed the top 5 national parks you can explore while in Malaysia, each of which will allow you to experience everything here.
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Covering 50 square kilometers and covering 5 islands and their surrounding reefs and oceans, this park has expansive beaches and breathtaking scenery.
Manukan Island is beautiful, with soft white sand lined with palm trees and adorable macaques. For those looking to explore the marine wildlife, snorkeling opportunities abound.
But don’t worry, you’re not stuck on a desert island full of restaurants, clubs, cabins and entertainment.
The smallest island in the park is Mamutik Island, with beautiful beaches and picturesque coral reefs.
Similar to Mamutik Island, Sulug Island is another small island that is best for travelers who like a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
Finally, there’s Sapi Island, which has one of the best beaches in the park, popular snorkeling and diving spots, and one of the longest island-to-island ziplines in the world.
Mount Mulu National Park
Located just below the equator, Gunung Mulu National Park is home to lush biodiverse jungles and some of the world’s largest explorable caves. The best way to truly experience the national park is to take the Headhunting Trail.
The name is apt, as the five-hour hike leads to the Pinnacles, a landscape of limestone peaks 45 meters above the rainforest. The site looks like an over-the-top cemetery with barbed headstones, and staring at it makes the taxing hike worth it.
Mulu is also home to the Mulu Canopy Skywalk, a 480-meter canopy bridge with 15 platforms anchored to tall trees, giving you a glimpse into rainforest life. Beneath the dense jungle, huge limestone caves stretch 300 kilometers and maintain their own diverse ecosystem.
Stop at one of the many caves in Mulu National Park, such as the Sarawak Conference Hall; the largest known cave in the world, or visit Deer Cave in the afternoon to see the outflow of an estimated 3.5 million bats.
National Park
With a total area of 4,343 square kilometers, Taman Negara is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world, more than 130 million years old.
The park is a popular ecotourism destination; attracting foreign and local nature lovers eager to discover the rich flora and fauna. It is home to some of the rarest mammals, including Malayan tigers, Asian elephants and Malayan bison, as well as birds such as hornbills, masked flippers, red junglefowl and the rare Malayan peacock pheasant.
Another activity that excites visitors is walking along the Canopy Walkway for stunning views of the lush greenery. The 40-meter-high and 530-meter-long suspension bridge is the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Not only can you stride between the treetops, you can also meet the Aboriginal people of the Orang Asli village, take a boat ride through the seven rapids of Sungai Tambeling, take stunning photos at Burke Lake, and visit the Kuala Lumpur Rape Kai (Kuala Perkai, Rincing, Rawa) throws a fishing rod and Rata said.
When it comes to accommodation, tourists have many options, from resorts to hotels. The most popular is the Mutiara Taman Negara Resort, the only resort within the boundaries of the National Park.
Kinabalu National Park
Kinabalu Park features the stunning Mount Kinabalu – the highest mountain in Malaysia.
The park is home to an estimated 4,500 plant species, including 1,500 orchids, 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu. The park also supports 289 bird species and 290 different types of butterflies.
To get the most out of the park, visitors should take a trip to Poring Hot Springs, which is about an hour’s drive from Kinabalu Park. This is a journey that takes visitors through the park in the morning and then to Poring Hot Springs after lunch.
Here you can relax in all-natural mineral-rich thermal water, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. There is also a cold pool nearby for those who prefer cold water.
But no journey through the park is complete without an immersive exploration of the treetops of Mount Kinabalu.
The Poring Treetop Canopy Walk invites visitors to witness breathtaking views of the 100-million-year-old rainforest, a 105-meter walk that hangs 30 meters above the dense jungle.
The park offers options for bird watching, guided hikes, climbing and camping to suit every need. Kinabalu Park is so rich in wildlife that every visitor will be amazed by this incredible natural beauty.
Bako National Park
Despite its small size, Bako is a nature geek’s dream.
It contains a wide variety of vegetation – swamp forests, scrub-like Patong vegetation, mangroves, dipterocarp forests, delicate cliff vegetation, and more.
Bako also has some stunning white sand beaches that provide the perfect resting place between jungle treks. All the beaches are bordered by limestone and sandstone cliffs, and the action of the sea has left some remarkable rock formations, such as the famous sea stacks.
Next to the beach is Bako’s extensive trail system, which consists of 16 color-coded jungle trails, offering a variety of walking and hiking options. Adventurous travelers can opt for a full-day bushwalking or overnight camping expedition, while those who prefer to relax can take part in a relaxing forest walk.
