Malaysia is an up and coming favourite for travellers from all around the world, with beautiful, natural landscapes that are often overlooked and cultural experiences that people have yet to understand and explore. Here, we’ve sieved out some must-see and must-visits of Malaysia, from fun for active kids to some of the most studied karst rainforests in the world.
1. Mulu World Heritage Area, Sarawak
The Mulu World Heritage Area in the Eastern state of Sarawak is the most studied tropical karst area in the world, dominated by the towering Gunung Mulu’s pinnacle, which stands at an intimidating 2,377 m high. Here, experience cave tours of all sorts and night walks, where you’ll get to meet millions of cave swiftlets and bats. Afraid you won’t be able to explore the area as much as you want in one trip? Not to worry- there are accommodation options in the park itself. The park headquarters provide five types of rooms, and the 5-star Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is just 5 minutes away from the park.
Mulu World Heritage Area
Address: Sarawak, Malaysia
Price: from 6.74 USD
Access: Local community provides reliable shuttle services to and from Mulu Airport
Contact: + (+60 85) 792 300
Website: Mulu World Heritage Area
2. The Jungle trail through the east coast states
When you read about Malaysia in the papers, you don’t hear much about the east coast states in its mainland and the natural greenery and stretches of forest it brings. The Jungle train through these states allows you to experience all that from the comfort of a train carriage. The train’s route starts from Gemas and passes through Jerantut, Tembeling, Gua Musang, Kota Bahru and Tumpat.
Malaysian Jungle Trail
Address: Starts from Gemas
Price: from 4.21 USD
Website: Bus Online Ticket
3. Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan, Pahang
While you’re on the route within the east coast states, if you want to go deeper into the forest, stop by Jerantut, the base camp for Taman Negara, which literally translates to ‘National Park’. It protects the oldest rainforest in the world, and here, you can observe wildlife, trek through the jungle while learning and studying the beauties of this 130 million-year-old landscape. Exciting obstacles you’ll come across include the world’s longest canopy walkway, which is 530 m long and 40 m off the ground.
Taman Negara
Address: 27000 Kuala Tahan, Pahang, Malaysia
Price: from 1.12 USD
Opening Hours: 8am- 4pm
Contact: +60 19-958 6861
Website: Taman Negara
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4. Georgetown, Penang
If you’re not that interested in forests, exotic insects and bats and would prefer a coffee in a quaint place - Georgetown, Penang is your haven. It’s the hipster city of Malaysia, with tons of galleries, concept cafes, museums and street art. One place to check out is the eclectic labyrinth of Chinatown- a cafe/bar which serves up delightful fusion cuisine and amazing desserts at great prices. What’s priceless, however, is the chill cultural remix sanctuary vibe this place has. If you want to check out the heritage of the area, head down to the enchanting Peranakan museum, which is home to thousands of old local items.
Read more about the things you can do in Georgetown here.
ChinaHouse
Address: 153 & 155 Beach Street, 183B Victoria Street, 10300 George Town, Penang
Opening Hours: 9am - midnight on Sundays to Thursdays, 9am - 1am on Fridays and Saturdays
Website: ChinaHouse
5. The crystal mosque, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu
An Islamic themed park might sound unusual, but it’s certainly a beautiful one. Its main attraction is the Crystal Mosque, which is made from modern materials like steel and glass in a traditional architectural style. It’s especially worth visiting at night as it lights up in technicolours.
Masjid Kristal
Address: Pulau Wan Man, 21000 Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
Contact: +60 9-627 1111
Website: Masjid Kristal
6. Perhentian Islands, Terengganu
The Perhentian Islands are some of Malaysia’s best-kept secrets. Pulau Perhentian Kechil (Smaller Perhentian island,) and Perhentian Besar (Large Perhentian Island) hold a dreamy, beach vacation for you to enjoy, with opportunities to snorkel and scuba dive in crystal blue, coral-fringed waters. Lots of chalet stay options accommodate for travellers on both ends of the spectrum- Pulau Perhentian Kecil is suited for the backpacker scene with cheaper hostel options and Pulau Perhentian Besar is better for families with its luxury resort facilities.
Perhentian Islands
Address: Perhentian Islands, Terengganu, Malaysia
Access: Boat service from Kuala Besut
Website: Perhentian Islands
7. Desa cattle dairy farm, Kundasang, Sabah
What about a sight you wouldn’t expect to see in Malaysia of all places? Head down to Kundasang, Sabah, to hang out with some cattle near the mountains at the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm. Often used as a wedding photograph spot, take in the calming, natural scenery and interact with cute cows, which will certainly be a hit with the kids.
Desa Cattle Dairy Farm
Address: 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia
Price: from 1.12 USD
Contact: +60 88-889 562
Website: Sabah Tourism
8. Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, Kuala Lumpur, Selangor
Speaking of places that’ll be a hit with the kids, one cannot forget the famous Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, which occupies several levels of the huge Berjaya Times Square. Your theme park experience will never have to get dampened by the often erratic weather of Malaysia while you’re here. One of the rides here is a roller coaster that loops through the floors that the Theme Park occupies, and there’s even a haunted house attraction inside the compound.
Berjaya Times Square
Address: 1, Jalan Imbi, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Opening Hours: 1, Jalan Imbi, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Contact: +603 2117 3118
Website: Berjaya Times Square
9. Saloma’s Village Stay, Kampung Sadir, Siburan, Sarawak
If you want to experience a welcoming, authentic homestay experience, Saloma’s Village Stay is the epitome of Bidayuh hospitality. Rich, delicious home cooked meals, jungle treks, handicraft activities and longhouse visits pepper your visit with unique, hands-on learning experiences about the indigenous culture of Sarawak. And while this is in the midst of nature, don’t mistake this for a sticky, humid jungle stay. Everything here is resort-level comfortable.
Saloma's Village Stay
Address: No. 75 Kampung Sadir, Jalan Puncak Borneo, Kampung Sadir, 94200 Siburan, Sarawak, Malaysia
Price: from 50 USD
Contact: +60 16-868 2525
Website: Saloma’s Village Stay
10. Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Last but not least, come down to the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia’s largest hill resort. Get your mountainside relaxation in an aroma-teaque environment, as the landscapes surrounding you are made up of tea plantations and plush strawberry farms. Explore serene mossy forests and take lots of pictures on cool misty mornings.
Cameron Highlands
Address: Cameron Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia
Website: Cameron Highlands
More than what you’d expect
The image of Malaysia’s busy roads and copious amounts of delicious street foods is familiar to many all over the world. But Malaysia can also provide a scenery of mountainside serenity, breathtaking canopy walkways and indie cafe charm. We hope this list has provided you with more options to explore on your next trip to this culturally and rainforest rich country.
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