Do you find yourself unable to choose between going to scuba diving spots and tropical beaches, going on hikes across mountains, or touring high-end city centers? It is no longer need to deliberate since Malaysia offers an incredible variety of activities for you to choose from.
This country in Southeast Asia is home to a staggeringly diverse range of landscapes, civilizations, and culinary traditions. Skyscrapers from the space era coexist alongside religious buildings like as minarets, mandirs, and Chinese temples in the urban areas. Rainforests, mountains, and vibrant beaches may be found outside the hustle and bustle of the city.
Traditional arts, crafts, and cuisines continue to be practiced over the whole of Peninsular Malaysia and the island of Borneo, despite the fact that municipalities are rapidly adopting the most recent architectural and culinary trends. These are the top 15 experiences that you just must miss in Malaysia.
Try Cameron Highlands tea from its source.
There was a period when the sweating British colonialists who were living in Malaysia retreated to higher land and established hill stations. These hill stations provided them with a place to escape the heat and begin a tea business. The most well-known are located in the Cameron Highlands, and the majority of visitors nowadays are tourists from Malaysia and other countries who are looking for a place to escape the oppressive heat of the lowlands.
Along with strawberry fields and souvenir kiosks where you may spend a few ringgit, these heights range from 1300 meters to 1829 meters (4265 feet to 6000 feet) and provide a wide variety of hiking opportunities. Nevertheless, the experience that best exemplifies Cameron is undoubtedly the act of having a cup of tea with a bronze tone while gazing out over the undulating carpet of tea plantations.
Tip for planning: Boh Sungei Palas not only offers the most instructive exhibits on tea-making, but it also boasts green slopes that are beautiful to look upon. An other alternative is the Boh Tea Garden, which is located farther away and provides guided tours. Cameron Valley Tea House is a magnificent tea house that overlooks the estate, while Boh Tea Garden is another choice.
Find amazing apes at Sepilok, Borneo.
How about paying these long-lost cousins a visit? We share nearly 97% of our DNA with orangutans, so why not check in with them? During your time in Sepilok, you will have the opportunity to see shaggy apes swinging into view at the 43 square kilometer (17 square mile) Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In order to educate young primates about the ways of the jungle before releasing them into the wild, the facility couples them with more experienced companions.
After that, make your way to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, which is located around a half an hour away by car. Pay attention to the rumbling sound that they make as they sprint over the wooden boardwalk when it is time for them to eat. Their squishy noses and pot bellies exude a certain dignity, which is just the same as that of people.
A visit to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is responsible for the rescue of members of the smallest bear family in Southeast Asia, will allow you to have a third mammalian encounter. In all, there are 43 of these adorable cuties that are sucking on honey.
Reach the magnificent Batu Caves via climb.
The cliffs are made of limestone and are quite steep. There is a stairway that has 272 steps in front of you. A regal statue of the Hindu deity Lord Murugan, adorned with gold, is standing right in front of you, staring you in the face.
If you are a newcomer to Malaysia, you will not forget your first dizzying climb to Batu Caves, nor will you forget the cheeky macaques that were surrounding you on all sides. But this well-liked day excursion from Kuala Lumpur, which is just 13 kilometers or 8 miles away and can be reached by rail with ease, also attracts a large number of return tourists. People from all walks of life, including tourists, pilgrims, and locals, are eager to see this natural marvel and spiritual extravaganza.
Enchanting temples may be found inside this series of limestone tunnels, each of which has dioramas depicting episodes from mythology. Since 1890, the central Temple Cave has served as a place of worship for Hindus. After exploring the two yawning chambers within the cave, you may take a side mission to the Ramayana Cave, which is located over a small bridge. within the cave, you will find dioramas that represent the Sanskrit epic poem of duty and virtue that has the same name.
Tip for planning: If you are not intimidated by the typical crowds, you should try to arrange your visit to coincide with the Thaipusam Festival, which takes place in late January or early February. During this time, large groups of devotees descend upon the caverns, some of whom participate in ritual piercings. This is an experience that is both immersive and memorable.
Bats fly in creepy Mulu Caves.
The island of Borneo is a veritable paradise, with its lush jungles and coral reefs housing a diverse array of animal life. Although it is difficult to zero in on a single natural phenomenon in the midst of all this natural riches, Gunung Mulu remains the most impressive of all the mountains.
Pinnacles made of toothy limestone provide a dramatic touch to the scenery of this national park, which is comprised of rainforests that are sixty million years old, winding streams, and deep grottoes. Observing the sky get dark and bats streaming out of the entrance of Deer Cave is the most significant experience that one can have. It is estimated that up to three million bats are found in these damp chambers, and the acrobatics that they do in the air are enough to confuse hawks that are waiting for a mammalian meal.
A helpful hint for those who are planning: tours will take you into Deer Cave and among the spiraling stalactites of Lang Cave, which is located close, before you go outside to enjoy the aerial extravaganza beginning at around 5 o’clock.
Eat in George Town, Penang’s best food markets.
The city of Penang, which serves as the capital of the island, is awash with street art, filled with structures that date back to the time of the British Raj, and packed with stores that offer arts and crafts. It is important to pay attention to your stomach rumbling before you visit these sites in George Town. In Penang, the most enjoyable activities concentrate around eating and drinking, and the state capital is home to the largest banquet in the whole state.
The only problem that arises in a city that is teeming with food markets, sophisticated cafés, and everything in between is the question of where to start. Our ideal dinner would include chicken curry at the well-known Indian restaurant Hameediyah, Hokkien mee (noodles) at Lorong Baru Hawker Stalls, and grilled satay skewers and spicy-sweet rojak salad at Anjung Gurney Night Market. All of these dishes would be created by following our noses. The hot and fishy Penang laksa and the char kway teow, which consists of rice noodles sizzling with enormous prawns, are two more meals that you absolutely must taste. Kafe Heng Huat is where you will find some of the greatest examples of these dishes.
A helpful hint for planning: you should make sure to leave space for dessert (or two!). While glittering displays of kuih nyonya (colorful rice and coconut cakes) demand to be grabbed up from the marketplaces, gateaux are some of the things that are worth lingering over at China House.
Enjoy a private rainforest island in Royal Belum State Park.
Simply put, in this day and age of cellphones, what does it mean to be alone? You may find out by going cold turkey on a private island in Royal Belum State Park, which is located in the Belum-Temenggor Rainforest, which is located in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia.
You will be able to put your vibrating phone to sleep while you go to the resort on the longboat. A swim off the island jetty, a night spent sleeping in an A-frame tent, and waking up to look for all ten species of hornbills flying above are all great ways to replace the continual overstimulus. It is possible to go on guided excursions into the forest in search of enormous rafflesia flowers, and you should also keep an eye out for elephant tracks in the mud.
Turtle-dive at Sipadan Island
There are a few marine paradises in Malaysia, but Sipadan is one of the most distant and wild places in the country. On the island, which is a volcanic cone that no longer exists, coral reefs thrive, and palm trees provide very little shade on beaches that are otherwise completely white. While you are out on a dive, you will have the opportunity to see big-eye trevallies, hammerhead sharks, and two different types of turtles, namely green and hawksbill. These waters are a runway of superstars. Because of their high population density, it is not uncommon to come across a dozen turtles during a single dive.
After arriving on Malaysian Borneo, you will either connect to Tawau or bus continue to Semporna, from whence you may day go to the island (or stay elsewhere on the archipelago; Sipadan itself does not allow overnight stays). The route to Sipadan requires effort, therefore it is important to plan accordingly.
Kuala Kangsar has a stunning mosque.
A number of gorgeous mosques can be found across Malaysia, ranging from Mughal-era wonders to utilitarian contemporary buildings. However, there is one mosque that stands out due to its sheer magnificence, and that is the Masjid Ubudiah, which is located in the mountainous area of Perak. In addition to being a visual feast, the enormous gold domes and Italian marble that make up the mosque were designed by the renowned architect AB Hubback. Not only is it the sole showcase in town, but you can also get an additional dose of architectural grandeur by taking a tour of the Muzium Diraja Kuala Kangsar and the Galeri Sultan Azlan Shah.
Diving or snorkeling in the beautiful Perhentian Islands
As for culture, sure. Food is a given. Not only is Malaysia a great place to spend your honeymoon, but the Perhentian Islands, with their crystal blue seas and golden beaches, are among the top honeymoon locations in Asia.
Nevertheless, you shouldn’t go to sleep on your beach lounger just yet. The underwater world of Pulau Perhentian is much more enchanted than the surface. Both Teluk Pauh and Shark Point, which are located on the larger island, are great places for snorkelers to see coral reefs that are within easy reach of the beach. Even better, wrap yourself in a wetsuit and dive among colorful reef-dwelling creatures such as yellow boxfish, green sea turtles, and barracuda to get the whole experience.
Before putting your abilities to the test among the local nurse sharks, who are completely harmless, the Perhentians are an excellent location to take a PADI course since they are one of the most tranquil places in the world and quite inexpensive. Excursions to the MV Union Star are available for divers with more expertise to participate in. The “Sugar Wreck” is the name given to this sunken ship because of the cargo that it carried before it met its rusty end. Today, the wreck is filled with stingrays and scorpionfish.
Learn to cook in Kuala Lumpur.
A diverse range of cuisines may be found in Malaysia. You may taste Penang laksa, Ipoh chicken beansprouts, and every variation of cendol (an iced, coconut milk refreshment) that you can find. There are flourishing scenes for Malay, Peranakan, Indian, and Chinese cuisine, all of which are always prepared with distinctively local and regional twists. Colonial influences that are waning, such as Dutch, British, and Portuguese cuisine, have also contributed their recipes to this cornucopia of sizzling food.
By enrolling in a cooking class, you will be able to take a few recipes home with you, but there are certain tastes that will remain a glimmer in the eye of the chef forever. Kuala Lumpur is a wonderful city to visit since it provides a wide variety of alternatives, including culinary creations such as prawn fritters, nasi lemak (coconut rice with all the trimmings), and the well-known beef rendang. Skilled chefs will take you through these dishes.
LaZat Malaysian Home Cooking has been in business since 2007, and it provides a menu that is constantly updated. Some of the dishes that are available on the menu include the traditional rice noodle dish known as char kway teow, aromatic kapitan chicken, and sago pudding.
Reach Mt Kinabalu’s majestic peak.
The Gunung Kinabalu mountain range, which is the tallest peak in Borneo, is the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia. This cloud-spearing top, which is 4095 meters (13,435 feet) in elevation, is a spectacular sight to see when viewed from below. It is an outlying peak that rises far higher than its neighbors in the Crocker mountain range. However, when seen from the peak, Mount Kinabalu is much more incredible than it already is.
Does this heavenly vantage point require you to make a sacrifice? Each way, the rise is about 8.7 kilometers (5.4 miles) in length. Additionally, each stage of the trek, which is spread out over the course of two days, reveals a new natural marvel. You will go past lunar rockfaces, high-alpine meadows, and tangled carpets of ferns, rhododendrons, and bamboo as you make your way over the steep stairs and rocky walkways that drive you higher and higher above the tree line. At Panalaban, which is located at an elevation of 3272 meters (10,735 feet), you will spend the night at a hostel. At the very least, you will be up for a few sleepless hours because you will have to get up early in order to climb the rocky granite peak at dawn.
A helpful hint for planning: the dry season for climbing is from March to August. There are only a limited number of climbing permits available each day, and you are required to climb with a guide.
Tour ancient Malacca via trishaw.
Trishaws are a method of transportation that are three-wheeled as well as bone-rattling and traffic-dodging. Some people find them to be a source of pleasure, while others see them as a potential threat. Trishaws, on the other hand, are out of this planet in Malacca City, which is also referred to as Melaka.
There are some of the most ostentatious trishaws in the world in this ancient port city. These trishaws are decked out with Hello Kitty neons, the Frozen insignia, and lighting rigs that are so bright that they could nearly bring lost ships to the beach. There are around 300 extravagant trishaws that are in operation in Malacca, and some of them give tours of the city’s history. These trishaws are decked out with flowers, tinsel, and fake logos.
It is possible that you will be able to make your way past the Sultanate Palace and the spiky silhouette of the replica Flor de la Mar while riding a trishaw. You are able to make your way via Dutch Square, which is surrounded by pinkish structures such as Christ Church. And as the sun sinks below the horizon, your tricycle will start to sparkle with fairy lights, lanterns, and neon signs; it will be difficult to resist taking a photo with it.
See bearded pigs at Bako National Park.
The deep forest, playful monkeys, slinky water monitors, and orchids that peek out from the ground are just some of the Bornean fauna that can be seen at Bako National Park, which is packed with a large number of native species. Bako, the oldest national park in Sarawak, is home to more than 190 different types of birds that may be seen flying, flying, and talking.
Therefore, what is it that sets it apart? The sea stacks, which have been carved by the force of water, are the first thing that gives it a dramatic silhouette. You may enjoy them from the beach at Pandan Kecil. In addition, there is the possibility of coming across bearded pigs, who are characterized by their shaggy snouts and fluffy bodies, which might make for a grumpy but endearing meeting.
As a piece of advice for planning, staying overnight is the most effective approach to increase the likelihood of seeing anything. Experience the thrill of a nighttime stroll with a knowledgeable guide who will show you the way.
Walk in Taman Negara.
In spite of the natural beauty that Malaysia has, the nation is confronted with significant environmental concerns, such as the expansion of palm plantations into areas that were formerly covered in forest. Because of these dangers, areas of nature that have not been ruined, such as Taman Negara, are even more valuable.
Taman Negara, which literally translates to “National Park,” is a protected land section that spans the states of Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu and has a total area of 4343 square kilometers (1676 square miles). Its rainforest, which is 130 million years old, is among the oldest in the world (although Daintree, which is located in Australia, is the oldest in the world), and as you walk along its paths, you are surrounded by the deafening cacophony of jungle life.
The forest is filled with macaques babbling in the branches, hornbills clacking their beaks from above, and katydids that are the size of fairies whirling through the trees. If you are fortunate, you may be able to get a glimpse of a gaur, which is a kind of Asian bison that has a bowl-shaped cut. On the off chance that you are really fortunate, you could get a glimpse of a tiger, an elephant, or the extremely uncommon Malayan peacock-pheasant.
Regardless of how successful you are at finding animals, you should not pass up the opportunity to stroll the 45-meter-high (148-foot-high) canopy walkway, ride a firefly boat, or participate in an after-dark trek in order to observe creatures that go bump (or squeak, or scuttle) in the night.
