As one of the cleanest and diverse countries in Southeast Asia, Malaysia has seen a steady incline in tourism over the past decade. From the booming metropolis of Kuala Lumpur to the indigenous tribes inland and along the coast, Malaysia is truly a country filled with wonder. If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, be sure to check out these five hidden gems.
Taman Negara National Park
Known as the oldest rainforest in the world, Taman Negara is home to a multitude of animals and plants. This national park is home to the world’s longest canopy walkway, which is certainly an adventure in itself. There are different tours available offering the opportunity to go climbing, trekking, caving, or fishing. If you’re up for a real adventure, stay in a hut overnight and observe animals in their natural habitat.
For an authentic cultural experience, pre-arranged tours offer the opportunity to visit an Orang Asli village. As hunter gatherers, this indigenous tribe are the oldest inhabitants of Malaysia and live off the land. If you’re looking to improve your survival skills, this might be an excellent place to learn.
Pulau Besar, Melaka
Located off the southwest coast of Malaysia, Pulau Besar was once deserted in an attempt to create a resort-style tourist destination. The residents moved to the mainland during construction, but unfortunately, the resorts never took off. For a while, Pulau Besar was an eerie reminder of broken dreams but now there are four hotels that offer the chance to enjoy the white sand beaches and crystal clear turquoise water. The island is still not very commercialized, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore the ancient tombs and nature shrines.
Sabah
Located on the island of Borneo, this region in Malaysia is widely known for its diverse natural landscapes. From world-class diving in Sipadan to hiking the tallest mountain in Malaysia to reveling in the sunshine on the untouched beaches, Sabah is a nature lover's dream come true.
Head to the wild orangutan sanctuary to spend some face to face time with the endangered species. Or, if you’re looking for a calmer experience, turtle island might be a better alternative.
For a glimpse into Malaysian culture and daily life, consider a homestay. When staying with a local family you’ll have the opportunity to try authentic Malaysian food, visit the local markets, and learn more about the way of life.
Tasik Chini
Located just three hours from Kuala Lumpur, Tasik Chini feels a world away from the bustling city. With elephants, monkeys, and reptiles wandering freely among the tropical woodlands, it’s easy to forget where you are.
Widely known for its legendary myths, Tasik Chini is named after the famous lake said to be inhabited by ghostly creatures and human-eating fish. Home to 300 species of animals, 138 plant species, and 144 fish species, this small village is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. It’s also home to the Jakun tribe who survive by foraging the local land.
Cameron Highlands
Due to the higher elevation, the Cameron Highlands district sees much cooler temperatures compared to other parts of the country. The rolling green hills are home to a myriad of tea plantations, as the climate is ideal for growing tea. Be sure to visit the Mossy Forest in the morning when the mist and fog cover the forest, resulting in undisturbed views of nature. The Boh Tea Plantation is also a must see in the area. Upon arriving, you'll be greeted with unparalleled views of greenery as far as the eye can see. Afterwards, you'll be invited to taste tea straight from its original source.
The above guest post was written by Hannah Fitzpatrick, courtesy of alltherooms.com
Hannah is a freelance writer and blogger at AllTheRooms who has a deep passion for travel, mindful living and people. Originally from Upstate New York, she’s had the opportunity to live in Arizona, Colorado, Georgia and most currently, Maryland. She recently crossed country number 16 off her bucket list and is always devising a plan to fulfill her perpetual wanderlust. When she’s not busy writing or traveling, you can find her enjoying the great outdoors with her husband and puppy, exploring her local community or honing in on her photography skills.
