Off the beaten path: the treasures of Malaysia
Right in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is an adventurer’s paradise.
It’s a melting pot of rich and diverse cultures and traditions set against ancient jungles, pristine tropical beaches, and spectacular national parks that are home to some of the world’s most iconic fauna and flora.
There are enough memories to be made in Malaysia to last a lifetime.
While Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Kota Kinabalu are all fabulous first steps to experience Malaysia, there’s plenty more to see.
Whether you’re an avid explorer after a unique adventure that veers off the beaten path, or a returning visitor looking to delve a little deeper into the hidden-gems of Malaysia, here are just a few of our favourite secrets:
Redang Island, Terengganu
Located off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, Redang Island leaves you spoiled for choice when it comes to world class dive sites.
The surrounding waters of the archipelago have been protected under Marine Park status since 1985 which has seen it become one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia.
With white sand beaches and some of the most beautiful marine life and vibrant corals in the country, Redang is a tropical paradise for world-class snorkelling, scuba diving, and swimming.
While every diving spot has something special to offer, Terumbu Kili is a famous spot for night diving with its seascape of hard and soft corals spanning 15 to 20 metres, and a vast array of lifeforms from whale sharks to carpets of colourful Christmas tree worms!
And for the history buffs, Radang Island has two historic shipwrecks; the H.M.S. Prince of Wales and the H.M.S Repulse which sank at the beginning of WWII.
The resorts in Redang Island close during the North-East monsoon season between November and February, so the best time to visit is between March and October.
Taman Negara National Park, Pahang
Pahang is the largest state in Peninsular Malaysia, and with two-thirds of the state covered in exotic flora and flora, Pahang is an ecotourist’s haven.
It may span three states, but Pahang is the best lead-in to experience Taman Negara National Park – Malaysia’s premiere national park, and one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world.
Estimated to be 130 million years old, Taman Negara National Park is older than the Congo and Amazon Rainforest. It’s where rare mammals like the Malayan Tiger and Asian elephant roam free and natural freshwater lakes run wild.
From the shore to the skies, there are plenty of ways for visitors to immerse themselves in the breathtaking scenery of Taman Negara.
You can ride the seven rapids at Sungai Tembeling or brave the 40-metre high, 530-metre long Taman Negara Canopy Walkway – the world’s longest suspension bridge!
For mountaineers up for a challenge with unbeatable views, Mount Tahan is the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia, and argued to be the toughest trek in Peninsular Malaysia!
Taman Negara is also home to the aboriginal Batek and Semokberi people. Tourists can visit the village of Kampung Orang Asli and learn first-hand about their rich history and culture.
Kinabatangan River and Turtle Island, Sabah
Sabah is an enchanting tropical island celebrated for its natural wonders. Sabah is also home to 32 ethnic communities, making it a destination equally as exceptional for those on a culture quest.
Here you can find Sipadan, a dive site made famous by French underwater explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, or climb the iconic Mount Kinabalu, reputed to be one of the highest mounts in all of Southeast Asia.
An hour boat ride off Sandakan is the Turtle Islands Park which was gazetted in 1977. It is made of three islands; Selingan, Bakungan and Kecil.
While Bakungan and Kecil are more for closed conservation-efforts, the largest of the islands, Selingan, has a turtle hatchery that is welcome for tourists to experience! The best time to visit is in July and October when the sea is at its calmest.
But if there is one sight to behold in Sabah that is truly unmissable, it’s the Kinabatangan River.
The Kinabatangan River is Malaysia’s second-longest river at an astonishing length of 560km, and was gazetted as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary under the State’s Wildlife Conservation Enactment of 1997.
The Lower-Kinabatangan River upholds one of the world’s richest ecosystems and is Malaysia’s largest RAMSAR sight – a modern treaty for wetland conservation.
The best way to experience the native wildlife is with a Kinabatangan River Cruise during dawn or dusk for sightseeing the wild Bornean pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys or orangutans that call the Kinabatangan area home.
Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, Ipoh
Perak State in west Malaysia is known as the ‘The Land of Grace’, known for its plethora of enriching experiences from temples, to museums, and even night safaris!
In the south of Perak’s capital Ipoh, also known as the City of Bougainvillaea, is Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple, one of the most visited temples in Perak, which is as strikingly beautiful as it is serene.
Set in the limestone outcrops behind the picturesque Gunung Rapat area, the temple was used as a place of worship as early as 1920, until 1960 when it became an iron mining site.
Today, visitors can explore the Kek Lok Tong complex which spans 12 acres and features a central altar with bronze Buddhist statues and deities of the Chinese pantheon in the cave cavity.
One of the more unique features about the Kek Long Cave Temple is the reposeful gardenscape that’s nestled within its crystalline limestone caves. It even has a jogging path that follows its two lakes, and one of the longest reflexology footpaths in Ipoh!
So what are you waiting for?
Whether its nature, culture, history or adventure, for an awe-inspiring trip of a lifetime, Malaysia and its off-the-beaten-paths has to be next on the bucket list.
You can find out everything you need to know about Malaysia’s COVID-19 regulations here.
Feature image source: Instagram/@balukootravel
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
Discover Ipoh Kampung Orang Asli Kek Lok Tong Cave Temple Kinabatangan River Kuala Terengganu malaysia Pahang redang island sabah sea turtles snorkeling Sungai Tembeling Taman Negara Canopy Walkway Taman Negara National Park Terumbu Kili tourism malaysia turtle island turtle seasonLatest News
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
Global tour operator Collette has announced a series of special offers on selected dates across a range of tours in the peak northern hemisphere 2024 summer season. Greece The offers include ‘Greece & Its Islands’ features classics such as the Parthenon as well as the picturesque islands of Mykonos and Santorini. A saving of $700 […]
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Air India and All Nippon Airways have signed a codeshare agreement connecting their networks. The new commercial partnership will provide more travel opportunities for customers of both India’s leading global airline and the largest Japan’s largest carrier. Effective from 23rd May, the Air India and All Nippon Airways agreement will see passengers fly to their […]
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
A&K Travel Group will now provide a minimum of 18 weeks paid parental leave for both care-givers, setting a new standard for the travel industry. By providing 18 weeks of paid time off for all new parents, regardless of gender, A&K Travel Group is not only enabling parents to spend valuable time with their newborns […]
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!
Globally-renowned chefs gather for Vivid Food 2024
As a human, we agree that food is a fundamental part of the human experience. Some might say the most fundamental.
Air New Zealand returns to Hobart and Seoul
If you notice an uptick in Kiwis making their way through the Mona, you know why.
European Waterways targets multi-generational families with ‘floating villa’ deal
The jury is still out on whether spending a week on a 'floating villa' with family is a hell or a paradise.
Luxury Escapes launches ‘sail away’ sale
Rest assured, you'll be getting your 'sails' and 'sales' mixed up for the rest of the day.
Rex-owned National Jet Express adds weekly charter between Brisbane and Orange
This is for mining and civil contractors, so please, put your holiday attire away.
Let the games begin. Viking introduces eye-watering benefits for the industry’s top 10 advisors
Did someone say 'trip to Venice'? Hold my coat, this one is far too good to miss!
Best friends or frenemies? What is the REAL relationship between sales and marketing?
We can all stop fighting over the corner office because our mothers were right - we are all important in our own way.
The Walshe Group Announces Two Key Appointments
What we really want to know is whether they got joint or separate welcome parties.
FAMIL: Agents explore the delights of Mauritius on 7-day tour
Go green with envy as you read this fabulous itinerary! Time to book that second honeymoon.
Hamad International recognised as world’s best airport at 2024 Skytrax World Airport Awards
Hamad airport is so good it is almost considered a destination in itself. Ballina, up your game.