18 Breathtaking Locations To Uncover In Malaysia

2. Pulau Tioman

That is usually thought to be some of the attractive islands in Malaysia! To be trustworthy, I’ve to agree, I believed it was an absolute stunner with untouched seashores, clear, shallow aquamarine waters, charming village-style buildings, jungle-covered mountains and fascinating coral reefs. It had a relaxed, laid-back vibe – it mixed nature with a splash of journey! 

Situated off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, within the South China Sea; I came upon that it grew to become a preferred vacationer vacation spot after being featured within the 1958 movie South Pacific and right now has a inhabitants of round 3,000 residents, largely residing in small villages.

I took a one hour flight Tioman Airport from Kuala Lumpur and stayed for a dreamy 4 days and toured the island on a rented bike which was an superior method to discover. I additionally relaxed on the quiet seashores of Salang and ABC Seaside, went diving and snorkeling to find the coral reefs, trekked via the jungle to see the picturesque Asah Waterfall, visited the normal villages of Tekek and Paya, and took a snorkeling boat journey to the unspoilt Renggis Island the place I noticed stingrays and black-tip reef sharks!

• Location: East coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for clear waters and excellent snorkeling and diving circumstances).
• Actions on supply: Snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, and exploring waterfalls.
• Lodging: Berjaya Tioman Resort, Japamala Resort, and finances chalets.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

• Staying at The Boathouse Pulau Tioman in one of many their dreamy picket bungalows – I beloved the way it featured domestically sourced supplies and the way they refused to used plastic! It was additionally nice to get up to the sounds of the ocean every morning, and taking part in the normal Malaysian video games and making crafts which had been on supply right here!

3. George City

I believed the capital metropolis of Penang was actually distinctive! I believed was additionally very easy-on-the-eye with excellent colonial structure, colourful avenue artwork, bustling markets and a mixture of historic temples, mosques, and church buildings. I actually appreciated that its environment had been simply as spectacular with lashings of tropical greenery, the shimmering waters of the Malacca Strait, and the scenic views of Penang Hill. 

It had an intriguing eclectic vibe with a rare combine melting pots of various cultures and religions all residing peacefully side-by-side which I truly actually admired and was actually fascinated by! 

Situated on the northeastern tip of Penang Island, I researched that it was as soon as an essential commerce heart nevertheless it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 2008 on account of being a singular architectural and cultural townscape. It’s well-known for its well-preserved colonial structure and has a present inhabitants of round 708,000.

I flew to into Penang Worldwide Airport and I took a 16 kiometer taxi experience to George City and I stayed for 3 days. I explored the fascinating and quirky avenue artwork (I particularly beloved the massive ginger cat which appeared from shuttered home windows), sampled the tasty and really numerous avenue meals at Gurney Drive, shopped for native crafts on the bustling Pinang Peranakan Mansion, visited the historic Fort Cornwallis, found the ornate Kek Lok Si Temple, relaxed within the lush Botanic Gardens, and noticed unimaginable views of the town from Penang Hill.

• Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (to discover the cultural and historic websites in cooler climate).
• Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting temples, exploring colonial structure, and having fun with native delicacies.
• Lodging: Japanese & Oriental Lodge, The Status Lodge, and heritage boutique inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Discovering all of the previous lengthy deserted crumbling colonial mansions as I walked round, a few of which had an actual spooky vibe. The Blue Mansion (aka the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) with its placing indigo-blue façade actually stood out to me – I beloved the way it had been fastidiously renovated into a stunning boutique lodge and museum!

4. Penang

I believed this vibrant state was extraordinary! I discovered a mix of pastel-colored colonial-era buildings in George City, UNESCO-listed structure, lengthy seashores with smooth sands, clear waters, and a backdrop of lush hills.

I beloved the way it was a multiracial melting pot of numerous cultures, religions, and ethnicities which additionally made an excellent foodie vacation spot too! To me, it felt energetic but relaxed on the similar time nevertheless it additionally had a really intriguing edge – I usually stumbled throughout the odd creepy long-abandoned colonial constructing.

Situated on the northwest coast, I did some analysis and located it as soon as had a strategic position in commerce, however now has a inhabitants of about 1.8 million and its capital, George City (which I discussed above) is a UNESCO World Heritage website. 

I flew into Penang Worldwide Airport and stayed for fascinating week. I explored the charming UNESCO-listed George City which was stuffed fascinating avenue artwork and structure, I visited the well-known Khoo Kongsi clan home, hiked up Penang Hill and noticed panoramic views, relaxed on the Batu Ferringhi seaside (though I needed to be careful for jellyfish!), tasted scrumptious avenue meals on the well-liked seafront promenade Gurney Drive, and hiked the paths within the picturesque Penang Nationwide Park. 

• Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (to benefit from the meals, festivals, and discover the island in nice circumstances).
• Actions on supply: Seaside actions, visiting the Butterfly Farm, taking the funicular practice to Penang Hill, and exploring meals markets.
• Lodging: Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort, Lone Pine Lodge, and seafront guesthouses.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights… 

• Attempting the native delicacies on the superior Gurney Drive Hawker Centre – I particularly beloved the very tasty fried Nasi Kandar (an fragrant curry), Pasembur a Malaysian-Indian salad with tofu and turnip and the very colourful Malaysian dessert, Ais Kacang which was often called “bean ice.”

5. The Petronas Towers

These had been a world-famous pair of skyscrapers! Once I noticed them my jaw did truly drop – they had been a pair of massively imposing and placing postmodern buildings and I additionally actually appreciated the skybridge that impressively related the dual skyscrapers. To me, they summed up the county’s ardour for each tech-innovation and their cultural heritage! 

I found them within the capital metropolis, Kuala Lumpur, and I came upon they had been the tallest buildings on the planet from 1998 to 2004, however now they’re the tallest twin towers on the planet. Designed by architect Cesar Pelli, they stood at 452 meters (1,483 toes) tall and featured a postmodern type influenced by Islamic artwork.

I took the KL Fast Transit (KLRT) and alight on the KLCC station positioned straight beneath the towers spent a late afternoon visiting the Skybridge the place I noticed unimaginable metropolis views, shopped at Suria KLCC mall, people-watched within the lush KLCC Park, relaxed by the peaceable Symphony Lake and watched the picturesque water fountain reveals.

• Customer Middle Tackle: Petronas Twin Tower, Decrease Floor (Concourse) Stage, Kuala Lumpur Metropolis Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (to take advantage of sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur’s iconic spots).
• Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting the skybridge, exploring close by parks, and procuring on the Suria KLCC mall.
• Lodging: Merchants Lodge, Mandarin Oriental, and close by luxurious inns.
• Map Location and Instructions
• Petronas Towers Web site

My private highlights… 

• Searching the Suria KLCC mall afterwards – I particularly appreciated Isetan which was a classy main Japanese division retailer and Royal Selangor which was crammed with finely crafted pewter merchandise together with super-cute tea units!

6. Pangkor Island

This was a significantly dreamy tropical island! I found a spot with nice white sandy seashores backed by a tropical forest, clear and shallow aquamarine waters, conventional Malay fishing villages and a handful of historic Dutch colonial buildings. I additionally beloved its laid-back island-life vibe the place every little thing went at its personal, very sluggish, tempo!

Situated off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia within the state of Perak, I used to be to be taught that it had an intriguing historical past – it was as soon as a refuge for fishermen, retailers, and pirates. Though right now it’s a preferred vacationer vacation spot and residential to round 25,000 folks as properly playful macaque monkeys and colourful hornbills.

I took a 40 minute ferry from Lumut on the Malaysian mainland and stayed for an extended weekend. When right here I soaked up the rays of the gorgeous Pasir Bogak Seaside, explored the historic Dutch Fort, watched hornbills at sundown close to Pangkor City, hiked the paths via the luxurious Pangkor Forest Reserve, visited the fascinating Foo Lin Kong Temple, and found the bustling Sungai Pinang Kecil fishing village.

• Location: West coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for water sports activities, snorkeling, and seaside rest).
• Actions on supply: Snorkeling, seaside actions, jungle trekking, and island-hopping.
• Lodging: Pangkor Laut Resort, finances beachfront chalets, and small boutique inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

• Snorkelling at within the ultra-clear waters of Coral Bay and seeing colourful parrotfish, a sea turtle and the intricate, geometric patterns of the gorgeous residing coral! 

7. Kota Kinabalu

The trendy capital metropolis of Sabah actually intrigued me! I’ve to be trustworthy, there have been some components the place it felt fairly plain and flat with rows of off-white buildings interspersed with giant malls however there have been additionally some significantly lovely components too! 

For starters, I actually appreciated the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Mount Kinabalu, the spectacular trendy and colonial structure, bustling markets, and pristine seashores that stretched alongside its shoreline – it was positively a really different place! 

It had a energetic, multicultural vibe with an superior mixture of modernity and conventional attraction – it was an ideal place to start out and finish my journey exploring the remainder of Sabah.

I flew straight into Kota Kinabalu Worldwide Airport and stayed for 4 days earlier than heading off. That was sufficient to climb the majestic Mount Kinabalu and snorkel the colourful coral reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

I additionally haggled on the busy Gaya Road Market, visited the Sabah State Museum and learnt concerning the metropolis’s historical past, found the spectacular waterfront Kota Kinabalu Metropolis Mosque and watched a very breathtaking sundown on the Tanjung Aru Seaside (my picture is above)! 

• Location: North a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for the perfect seaside and mountain climbing climate, and to benefit from the islands close by).
• Actions on supply: Seaside actions, snorkeling, visiting the floating mosque, and mountain climbing in close by jungles.
• Lodging: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, Gaya Island Resort, and metropolis inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favorite highlights… 

8. Malacca

I believed this UNESCO World Heritage metropolis was very characterful! I found it was additionally very enticing with an enthralling mix of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial structure, trishaws prettily adorned with flowers and lights, the picturesque riverside setting of the Melaka River and a nostalgic ambiance! 

Situated within the southern area of the Malay Peninsula, subsequent to the Strait of Malacca I researched that it was based within the 14th century, was a significant port within the spice commerce, and was successively colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British and every leaving a definite mark on its structure! It has a present inhabitants of round 870,000 folks. 

It was only a two hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and I stayed for an fascinating two days. I explored the Sixteenth-century A Famosa fort, visited the intricate Christ Church and the Stadthuys within the Pink Sq., took a leisurely cruise on the Melaka River, shopped for antiques on Jonker Road, sampled the scrumptious native Peranakan delicacies, and caught the energetic night time market that utterly remodeled Jonker Road on weekends! 

• Location: Southwest a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for exploring historic websites and markets in cooler temperatures).
• Actions on supply: Sightseeing, visiting historic websites, strolling excursions, and exploring night time markets.
• Lodging: The Majestic Malacca, Casa del Rio, and heritage boutique inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favourite highlights… 

• I actually loved the quaint, one-way, winding streets and the historic attraction of the slim, rickety buildings that added a singular old-world character to the world.

9. Cameron Highlands

I believed this was such a fascinating area and hill station! I believed it was a surprising spot with its rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms, misty forests, flower nurseries, and colonial-era bungalows. I actually loved absorbing its very tranquil vibes and funky local weather – it felt very far-off from bustling metropolis life! 

Situated within the heart of Peninsular Malaysia, I came upon from the locals that they had been found by British surveyor William Cameron in 1885 and is each now a spot for each agriculture and tourism. The realm was the main producer of tea and flowers in the entire nation.

It was a 3.5 hour journey which did contain some actually winding mountain roads however I stayed for a few days. I toured the scenic Boh Tea Plantation, picked recent strawberries at Raju’s Hill, explored the atmospheric mossy forest on Gunung Brinchang (the second highest mountain within the space), visited the charming colonial-style Cameron Highlands Resort, strolled via the fascinating Kea Farm Market, and admired the beautiful blooms on the Cameron Lavender Backyard.

• Location: Central a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Summer season (to benefit from the cool highland local weather and go to tea plantations).
• Actions on supply: Visiting tea plantations, mountain climbing, exploring flower nurseries, and visiting strawberry farms.
• Lodging: The Cameron Highlands Resort, Strawberry Park Resort, and native guesthouses.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights… 

• Searching the Kea Farm Market – I beloved the lovable stalls promoting lavender and roses, the handwoven baskets, the Batik rugs and the intricately beaded jewellery on sale.

10. Pulau Pangkor

I beloved this gorgeous, paradise-like gem! I believed this a small tropical island was significantly dreamy with its mixture of golden sandy seashores, placing turquoise waters and fascinating historic landmarks surrounded by tropical greenery together with swaying palm bushes! It had a really relaxed, slow-placed and rustic vibe that utterly sucked me in – it felt like a real island escape!

It was nestled in Perak State 1.5 km from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and lined an space of round 18 km². After researching, I discovered it that it was as soon as a refuge for fishermen and merchants, however right now it has a small inhabitants of round 25,000 residents.

I took a 30 minute ferry journey from Lumut on the Malaysian mainland and stayed for a really enjoyable three days. I kicked again on the gorgeous Pasir Bogak Seaside and Nipah Bay, explored the historic Dutch Fort, hiked to Pangkor Hill and noticed gorgeous views of the island, visited the colourful Foo Lin Kong Temple, watched the hornbills fly round at sundown, and took a snorkeling boat journey to the secluded Pulau Giam.

• Location: West coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for snorkeling, seaside actions, and exploring the island).
• Actions on supply: Snorkeling, jungle trekking, seaside actions, and wildlife recognizing.
• Lodging: Pangkor Sandy Seaside Resort, finances chalets, and beachfront resorts.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

• Enjoyable on my favourite seashores – Pasir Bogak which had shallow waters, avenue meals stalls and water sport gear leases and the very secluded and intimate Nipah Bay. 

11. Pulau Redang

This place was significantly wow-inducing! It was breathtaking with its smooth white sandy seashores, clear and shimmering turquoise waters, a dense tropical tropical rainforest masking its hilly inside and a tasteful mixture of charming beachfront resorts and picket chalets. The ambiance was simply how I anticipated to be – very laid-back with some upscale vibes too! 

I discovered it nestled round 45 km from the east coast of the mainland within the state of Terengganu. It was designated as a part of the Redang Marine Park in 1985 to guard its coral reefs, nevertheless it additionally has small native inhabitants of round 2,500 residents, who’re primarily concerned in tourism and fishing.

I took a 40 minute ferry from Merang and stayed for 4 days. I snorkeled to see the beautiful coral reefs on the Redang Marine Park, went scuba diving at Terumbu Kili, and noticed colourful coral and inexperienced turtles, relaxed on the smooth white sands of Pasir Panjang, hiked via the island’s lush jungle trails, visited the picturesque fishing village of Kampung Baru, and noticed really breathtaking sunsets from the beachfront resorts.

• Location: East coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for excellent circumstances for snorkeling and scuba diving).
• Actions on supply: Scuba diving, snorkeling, seaside actions, and marine life viewing.
• Lodging: The Taaras Seaside & Spa Resort, Laguna Redang Island Resort, and finances lodges.
• Map Location and Instructions

My favorite highlights… 

• Staying on the dreamy The Taaras Seaside & Spa Resort – I beloved my trendy luxurious suite, the ocean views and the attractive onsite spa which used native therapeutic strategies. I actually loved the Malay Urut Therapeutic massage and the turtle conservation program too!

12. Sabah, Borneo

Sabah is a Malaysian state on the northern a part of Borneo! I discovered for myself it was a extremely breathtaking area with golden sandy seashores, glowing turquoise waters, dense rainforests teeming with intriguing wildlife and a mixture of trendy cityscapes, sitting alongside conventional picket stilt villages and colonial-era buildings. I actually appreciated the way it was was laid again however nonetheless felt very adventurous.

Situated in northern Borneo, bordering Sarawak, Kalimantan (Indonesia), and the Sulu Sea, I came upon from the vacationer workplace it was traditionally a part of the Brunei Sultanate earlier than turning into a British colony, and right now has a inhabitants of round 3.5 million folks. It was additionally dwelling to unimaginable wildlife such because the orangutans in Sepilok, pygmy elephants alongside the Kinabatangan River, proboscis monkeys, civet cats, snakes, clouded leopards, sea turtles and reef sharks. 

I flew into Kota Kinabalu Worldwide Airport (BKI) and spent a really extraordinary two weeks exploring. I hiked to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, dived the clear waters of the dreamy Sipadan Island, explored the wildlife on a guided boat tour alongside the Kinabatangan River, visited the unimaginable orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok, relaxed on the pristine seashores of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and visited just a few of the fascinating indigenous villages.

• Location: North a part of the nation
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (to benefit from the seashores, wildlife, and diving alternatives).
• Actions on supply: Seaside actions, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing.
• Lodging: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, eco-lodges, and beachfront inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

• Seeing the orangutans feeding on bananas on a excessive up platform on the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – we couldn’t get very close to and needed to be very quiet, however the expertise was nonetheless very particular!

13. Gunung Mulu Nationwide Park

This was a really distinctive UNESCO World Heritage Website! I truly thought it was breathtaking with towering limestone peaks, sprawling cave techniques, historic tropical rainforest, a slow-moving river and an eco-resort, which blended seamlessly with the encompassing jungle. It felt wild and mystical however with loads of journey thrown in!

I found it positioned Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, close to the Brunei border, deep throughout the Mulu Mountains (and it was solely accessible by aircraft or boat). Established in 1974, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Website in 2000, cowl round 528 sq. kilometers and was dwelling to one of many world’s largest cave techniques.

I additionally discovered it was dwelling to thousands and thousands of Wrinkle-lipped bats, uncommon Hornbills, bearded pigs, Bornean gibbons, moon rats, and numerous distinctive bugs, amphibians, and reptiles, the truth is the place is extraordinary that its been extensively documented and filmed, together with by the BBC’s Planet Earth crew.

I took a ship journey from Miri (which took an entire day) and stayed for a really distinctive three days! I explored the large Deer Cave and witnessed the unimaginable nightly bat exodus, marveled on the towering Pinnacles limestone formations, trekked via the rainforest to the hidden Clearwater Cave, walked alongside the world’s longest cover walkway, visited the underground rivers and chambers of Lang Cave, and took a ship experience alongside the Melinau River the place I skilled the park’s distant magnificence! 

• Location: North a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for trekking and exploring caves in excellent circumstances).
• Actions on supply: Trekking, caving, wildlife viewing, and exploring limestone formations.
• Lodging: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, park lodges, and eco-friendly stays.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights… 

• Seeing the massively unimaginable sight of the bats pouring out of the cave at nightfall on the Deer Cave – I needed to stand properly again and it was additionally a bit of scary nevertheless it was additionally superior to see them kind swirling patterns within the sky as the sunshine pale.

14. Ipoh, Perak

This historic metropolis was capital of Perak! I believed it was a stunning gem, with elegant British colonial buildings, extraordinary limestone karst formations, conventional espresso outlets and breathtaking cave temples all set in opposition to a placing backdrop of tropical greenery. I beloved the way it felt relaxed however the way it additionally had an intriguing nostalgic vibe – it was a heady mixture of heritage attraction, creative avenue tradition, and an ideal foodie scene! 

I found it nestled within the Kinta Valley positioned in Perak, round 130 km south of the state of Penang. It was as soon as a booming tin mining city within the nineteenth and early twentieth century, however now it’s one of many largest cities within the nation with a inhabitants of round 800,000 folks. 

I took the ETS practice from the capital which took 2.5 hours and stayed for a really distinctive three days. I explored the gorgeous cave temples of Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave Temple, admired the colonial Ipoh Railway Station and Birch Memorial Clock Tower, wandered via Concubine Lane and noticed superior avenue artwork and heritage shophouses, tried the Ipoh white espresso at Nam Heong and relaxed on the enjoyable Misplaced World of Tambun, a sizzling spring resort and theme park surrounded by gorgeous limestone cliffs.

• Location: West a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (to discover the colonial structure and benefit from the close by cave temples).
• Actions on supply: Sightseeing, exploring cave temples, strolling excursions, and visiting historic websites.
• Lodging: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, WEIL Lodge, and boutique inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

• Visiting the heritage shophouse Kong Heng Block which was crammed with well-preserved colonial structure, however now homes a mixture of stylish cafes, boutique inns, and artwork areas. I particularly beloved the quirky cafe Burps & Giggles which served up a really tasty Nyonya laksa!

15. The Perhentians

That is paradise-like group of tropical islands! I believed they had been gorgeous with their smooth white sandy seashores, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and a mixture of rustic beachfront chalets and eco-resorts that mix harmoniously with the island’s lush tropical environment. It was one other dreamy island with a laid-back, tropical vibe, with each backpacker-friendly seaside bars and eco-resorts. 

I discovered them i the state of Terengganu nestled 19 km off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia. I came upon from locals that they had been traditionally used as a stopover for merchants and fishermen, however right now they’ve small native inhabitants of round 2,000 residents and are a preferred vacationer vacation spot. 

I took a 40 minute ferry journey from Kuala Besut Jetty and stayed for a stunning 4 days. I snorkeled with sea turtles at Turtle Level, dived the fascinating coral reefs at Shark Level, relaxed on the white sands of Lengthy Seaside and Coral Bay, kayaked across the smaller coves of Perhentian Kecil, hiked via the jungle trails to Windmill Level, and dined on native delicacies on the beachfront cafes whereas watching the attractive sundown.

• Location: East coast of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for wonderful snorkeling, diving, and seaside rest).
• Actions on supply: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and seaside actions.
• Lodging: Perhentian Island Resort, Coral View Island Resort, and finances chalets.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights… 

•  Snorkeling at Shark Level and seeing faculties of colourful tropical fish, blacktip reef sharks (which was an unimaginable expertise) and mind, staghorn and desk corals!

16. Danum Valley

I actually actually wowed by this unspoilt spot! I discovered it to be fascinating with its mist-shrouded historic rainforests, serene rivers, waterfall-laced trails, and only a handful of straightforward analysis and eco-lodges. The ambiance was fairly not like I’d ever skilled earlier than – it felt untouched however with an intriguing charisma! 

Situated in Sabah, on the island of Borneo the conservation space covers round 438 sq. kilometers and I came upon from my information it was first protected in Nineteen Eighties to maintain its distinctive and numerous ecosystem protected. It’s over 130 million years previous, making it one of many oldest rainforests on the planet. It’s dwelling to unimaginable wildlife, together with Bornean orangutans, clouded leopards, Bornean pygmy elephants, and greater than 340 fowl species.

I flew into Lahad Datu Airport in Sabah after which it was a three-hour drive on largely unpaved roads via dense rainforest. I stayed at Borneo Rainforest Lodge for a very superb three days went on guided wildlife-spotting treks via the jungle lush trails, skilled the awe-inspiring cover walkway, ventured out for night time safaris, and visited the fascinating historic Kadazandusun burial website, Coffin Cliff.

• Location: East a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for wildlife viewing and jungle trekking in good climate).
• Actions on supply: Jungle trekking, wildlife viewing, and night time safaris.
• Lodging: Borneo Rainforest Lodge and eco-friendly forest lodges.
• Map Location and Instructions

My private highlights… 

• Staying on the distinctive and award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge – I beloved waking as much as hear the jungle sounds of tropicals birds calling and the whoops and calls of gibbons. I additionally actually loved the cover walkway the place I noticed a fowl’s-eye view of the rainforest and the gushing river beneath! 

17. Alor Setar

I believed the state capital of Kedah was a singular gem! I found a sexy metropolis with a placing mix of conventional Malay structure and trendy buildings, one of many oldest mosques within the nation and a backdrop of rice paddy fields. It felt like a really relaxed metropolis however I appreciated that it additionally had a really culturally wealthy vibe too.

It took me a 6 hour practice journey to get there from Kuala Lumpur however I stayed for 2 days exploring all the perfect points of interest and sights. I found the very placing Zahir Mosque, climbed the unimaginable Alor Setar Tower and noticed sweeping metropolis views, visited the Royal Kedah Museum and learnt concerning the native historical past, wandered via Pekan Rabu and browsed the distinctive native crafts, and took a reflective stroll across the Beginning Home of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister.

• Location: Northwest a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (to discover the town’s cultural websites and close by points of interest).
• Actions on supply: Visiting historic websites, exploring limestone hills, and visiting museums.
• Lodging: Lodge Royale Signature, TH Lodge & Conference Centre, and finances metropolis inns.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights…

• Visiting the close by Gunung Keriang which was a really jagged and placing 250 million-year-old limestone hill identified for its crystal formations – it was nice to climb to the viewing platform and see the intensive rice paddies of Kedah and distant views of Alor Setar after which browse the stalls within the small market on the base which offered crystal and mineral souvenirs! 

18. Pulau Sipadan

This place is broadly thought to be the most effective diving locations on the planet! I discovered it was additionally significantly gorgeous with powdery white sand seashores, translucent turquoise waters, and thriving coral reefs. It additionally held a protected standing, which prohibited the development of everlasting buildings to protect its fragile ecosystem. It had such a distant, unspoilt and rustic really feel to the place which I actually loved – I beloved how uncommercialized it was!

I found it tucked away within the Celebes Sea, 35 kilometers (22 miles) off the east coast of Sabah, close to Semporna. It was a small island spanning round 12 hectares (30 acres), rising round 600 meters from the ocean flooring and was fashioned by coral development on an extinct volcanic cone. After it gained world-wide recognition as one of many world’s finest dive websites, it was designated a protected space in 2004. 

It was dwelling to satan rays, hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, large trevally, moray eels, cuttlefish, frogfish, pipefish, nudibranchs, and barracuda. 

I flew to Tawau Airport in Sabah and from there it was a 1.5-hour drive to Semporna, then an hour’s speedboat experience to achieve Mabul the place I stayed and visited Pulau Sipadan on a diving day journey (as in a single day stays weren’t allowed).

I dived into the legendary Barracuda Level, explored the eerie Turtle Tomb the place sea turtle skeletons rested in underwater caves, and marveled on the colourful coral gardens which had been teeming with reef sharks and manta rays!

• Location: Southeast a part of the nation.
• Finest time to go to: Dry season (for the perfect diving circumstances and clear waters).
• Actions on supply: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.
• Lodging: Day journeys solely, with stays on close by Mabul or Kapalai Islands at Sipadan Water Village Resort or finances lodges.
• Map Location and Instructions

My highlights… 

• Snorkeling at Barracuda Level and seeing the unimaginable sight of giant shoals of barracuda swirling in tornado-like formations in addition to silvery jackfish and a hawksbill turtles swimming leisurely by me!

Location of Malaysia

Malaysia is positioned in Southeast Asia with the well-known international locations of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and The Philippines. 

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