Discover everything you need to know about travel, shopping, upcoming events, and more in Malaysia.
Discover everything you need to know about travel, shopping, upcoming events, and more in Malaysia.
The worldwide spread of the coronavirus has taken the delight out of travel. Even though we happily put all our vacation plans on hold, there is really no clear sign of when we can pack our bags safely and go on our next adventure. Malaysians must take this opportunity to discover Malaysia, the hidden treasures they skipped in the years before they had the opportunity of traveling abroad. Just a look at this wondrous country is enough to see why so many choose to travel here, whether they come to the green reaches of the tea-scented Cameron Highlands, the sparkly waters of Sipadan, the capital's raucous markets, Malacca's historic relics, the list goes on_
Gunung Mulu National Park's weathered hoodoos and ancient ridges infrequently fail to capture the imagination. The park on its own (another UNESCO site) represents one of those last untrodden land enclaves and is one of the most difficult reserves to reach all of Borneo – you have to take a heart-thumping plane ride down to the asphalt of small Mulu Airport, or a 12-hour riverboat among snake-infested forests. The Award? Mossy rainforests where helmed hornbills shout their cry; dark and dank cave systems rife with unusual bats; trekking over swinging canopy bridges; Mount Api's mighty grykes and caverns – the list goes on.
Location: Sarawak, Malaysia
The Perhentian Islands get all the natural beauty and sun-kissed beauties that you would expect from an archipelago set at the Thai Gulf entrance. They are usually accessed by boat from Kuala Besut, encircled by dazzling dashes of coral reef. The location on Malaya's east coast makes them free of the same bustling crowds that converge on Penang, which is perfect if you're kicking-back between Turtle Beach and Coral Bay after long and lazy days. But it isn't. There are loads of scuba diving, with famous locations such as Pinnacle and Sugar Wreck providing excellent visibility. There are forest hiking trails, where you'll have the company of oversized lizards and snakes. And that evening there are some fantastic fish fries to boot!
Location: Malaysia
For several visitors, Kuching is going to be the first taste of East Malaysia and Borneo. And where good to start? This 200-year-old city is the state capital of Sarawak and has a history of British colonialism and the sultanate reign. You can see this in buildings such as the whitewashed Astana, and in the Jamek Mosque's bustling worshipping halls. Kuching is also identified for its diversity – the Chinese markets throb here with five spices; the Indian kitchens mix out paneer fries and bhajis there. Yes, and that doesn't even consider the city's beautiful proximity to wonders like Bako National Park and the Semenggoh orangutan Reserve.
Location: Kuching, officially the City of Kuching, is the capital as well as the most populous city in the State of Sarawak, Malaysia.
Just a stone’s throw away from the border with Brunei, Lambir Hills National Park is one of the tiniest in Malaysia. Nevertheless, the length doesn't seem to make much difference here, because visitors still flock to wonder about the gushing waterfalls and old-growth rainforest that are filled into the nooks and crevices of the valleys. Wooden bridges, twisty stairs cut into the rock and preserved boardwalks, all of which make it a better place to pull on the hiking shoes. Deep within the reserve are the families of rare primates and the paradisiacal cataracts of the Lambir Hills Waterfall – only wait until it is revealed.
Location: 1-76, Bintulu - Miri Rd, 98000 Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
Soaring at an altitude of more than 1,000 meters above the lower reaches of the Malay Peninsula, the hill station recognized as Cameron Highlands seldom takes away the wind. It sweeps around the plateaus of the mighty Main Range, midway within Penang and KL, rolling out as it goes into verdant rainforest pockets and emerald-green tea fields. The unusual climate conditions and cool temperatures that control the highlands make the area the ideal incubator for exotic plant and animal life, while oodles of worn hiking trails promise breathtaking views of Batu Brinchang and the ramshackle tea villages, and even cultural confrontations with local aborigines of Orang Asli.
Location: The Cameron Highlands is a district in Pahang, Malaysia
Semporna is a county in the Tawau District on the southeastern coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah. In Malay, Semporna signifies "perfect." Offshore island Mabul Island is among Sabah's most popular tourist destinations. Here, the waters are as still and beautiful as in Eden's Garden. The pine-green seawater is so transparent to the bottom that you can see through. Popularly regarded as a paradise for scuba divers, Sipadan attracts diving lovers from all over the world to trip here. So, if you're a diver, you're likely to find one of the best offers that will not only span your whole diving experience but also provide you with a taste of what the islands have to offer. But when you're thinking about Semporna, you 're not only thinking about the island's rich marine biodiversity, but also the Semporna’s Islands.
Location: Sabah, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu of Sabah is certainly one of your must-do activities if you step on an exciting Malaysian expedition as this mountain is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and the 20th most popular mountains in the world. Therefore, climbing Mount Kinabalu will surely be an incredible experience for you throughout your life! Mount Kinabalu is part of the Kinabalu National Park, one of Malaysia 's renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site. Because of Mount Kinabalu 's distinctive weather and atmosphere, it has become a rich biodiversity hold with over 5000 plant species, 300 avian species, and more than 100 mammals, the most unique one you'd be able to witness is Rafflesia plants and orangutans. When you get to the mountain top, you can enjoy the incredible natural viewpoint. With thick clouds covering the scenery, it may even seem like a cold cover spans the full area. If you want to spend a night in the mountain hovels, you can still get a summit-climbing license along with a convenience package.
Location: West Coast Division, Sabah, Malaysia
Borneo features remote beauty of the forest, tropical exploration and tribal cultures, and is residence to half the world 's known plant and animal species. If this isn't enough to get you to book your first flight out there, here are plenty more good reasons to respond to the wild's call. Borneo is not exactly one of the gastronomic capitals of the world. But it is never dull, with its Indian, Malay, and Chinese impacts. Locals like seasoning their food with rainforest spices, presenting flavors that you've never tasted before. Find your favorite hawker Nasi Lemak, and let him introduce you to his favorite spice from the forest. Other favorites also provide Sarawak's, Kolo Mee. As one of the 'mega-diversity' regions of the world with more than 150 species of frogs alone, it is a matter of making your choice. Take a quick ride up the Kinabatangan River and eventually, you will come face-to-face with pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and maybe even crocodiles of saltwater.
Location: Southeast Asia
Penang – a world-famous tropical vacation destination – was once known as Pulau Pinang or the "Betel Nut Island." This virgin paradise, listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2008, has no lack of cultural sights and natural sceneries. Called the Pearl of the Orient, Penang is known for its smooth sandy beaches and is fondly considered Malaysia 's food city. Some of the most popular attractions in Penang include the sandy beaches of Tanjung Bungah, the landscape of the summit of Penang Hill as well as the vipers of the Snake Temple. The charming nooks and crannies of Georgetown and the Tropical Spice Garden – only one spice garden in South East Asia – and the many flea markets of Penang, Passer Malams, KOMTAR, and the new shopping centers are also worth a visit.
Location: Penang is a Malaysian state situated on the northwest coast of the Malaysian Peninsula, on the Malacca Strait.
Langkawi's greatest attractions make the most of the natural scenery, vast parks, and iconic buildings that no first-time traveler can miss along with their travel plan. As one of Malaysia 's top-known and most popular beach destinations, the island is home to historical sites, great food, good diving opportunities, thrilling nightlife, and dirt-cheap shopping. Langkawi Sky Bridge is a 125 meter long, curved pedestrian bridge offering a thrilling (and often terrifying) sight of the verdant Gunung Mat Cincang, Telaja Tujuh waterfalls, and many islets surrounding Langkawi. Langkawi is pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes, while Kuala Lumpur is busy with city life and iconic constructions! Mix the two and you'll have an unforgettable travel experience where you can bask in the capital 's modern vibe and ease in Langkawi's island escape.
Location: Malaysia
Malaysians who would like to fly overseas will have to wait a little longer as the borders of the country are still shut in the pandemic of Covid-19. Under the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), though, people are permitted to travel across states while promoting domestic tourism is fantastic. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore these beautiful places in the country. Malaysia offers a lot of beauty, diversity, and thrill, as all these tempting top destinations highlights.