As Interstate is now open for vaccinated travellers, let’s explore some hidden gems in Malaysia and enjoy the much deserving vacation with family and friends.
From private islands to charming old towns, here are some of the underrated destinations for you to add to your post-pandemic checklist.
Royal Belum State Park, Perak
Located close to the Malaysian-Thai border and at over 130 million years-old, the Belum Temengor Tropical Rainforest is one of the world’s oldest rainforests. It is a mountainous region ranging in altitude from 130m – 1,553m, stradding in the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia’s backbone. It encompasses around 300,00 hectares and at its heart is the 15,200 hectares of manmade Temengor Lake. The lake is dotted with hundreds of pristine islands including Pulau Banding with an incredible diversity of life, where you can find seclusion and be one with nature.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing getaway or a thrilling adventure, you’ll find something for you here. Get ready to uncover the mysteries of the jungle and be surrounded by the calmness and serenity of nature. You can spend a night in a beautiful eco-resort, a tent, or even on a boat.
Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands
Other than the beautiful tea plantations and strawberry farms, Cameron Highlands is also home to a handful of hidden gems waiting to be explored. One such gem is the enchanting Mossy Forest, a strangely beautiful forest tucked in the highlands of Mount Brinchang, the second highest peak in Cameron Highlands.
The mossy forest is a natural environment that grows only at the highest elevations of Cameron Highlands and other mountain ranges across Malaysia. At such heights, low-level clouds in the sky driven by winds, blanket the forests with constant mist and moisture – creating an ideal biotope for moss, ferns, lichen and orchids.
This moist tropical evergreen forest is also a rich repository for a varied set of montane creatures, encompassing insects, snakes, frogs, birds and mammals unique to this chilly atmosphere.
Blanketed with mysterious mist and shrouded in a magical aura, the Mossy Forest is located at an elevated position of 2,032 metres above sea level and was ranked fifth place on Lonely Planet’s list of Most Instagrammable Forests In The World.
Semporna, Sabah
Nestled on the east coast of Sabah, Semporna is quite literally a slice of paradise on earth. The island has breath-taking scenery with pure white sandy beaches, turquoise waters lapping over multi-coloured reefs and coconut palms swaying softly with the blowing breeze.
The Semporna Island is rich with fishes of all kinds, shells, pearls, sea cucumbers and in the more recent years have started with seaweed farming. These are the reasons how Semporna Island managed to attract many seafarers and fisher-folks to the island.
If you intend to visit the water-villages, seaweed farms, swim and snorkel, arrangements can be made to explore the islands off Semporna. It is also at Semporna where you can get the freshest and cheapest seafood.
All you have to do is catch a speedboat and you’ll be on your way to islands with the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
Gua Niah, Sarawak
Niah Cave is alive with 40,000 years of unwritten history, because it was inhabited by humans at least 40 millennia ago. The caves are the site of some of the oldest human remains discovered in Southeast Asia. You will not be the only visitor to this magnificent cave. It is the haunt of local Penan tribesmen, who make a living collecting edible birds’ nests built high in the cave walls by swiftlets.
After the Lubang Padang you enter a totally dark passage known as Moon Cave
(Gan Kira). It is essential to bring a flashlight, not only to find the way but also to admire the remarkable rock shapes and weathering effects.
Gua Niah is often ranked as the second most beautiful cave in Malaysia, behind Gua Mulu. The cave complex remains one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and the entire park consists of over 3,000 hectares of forest and limestone karst.
While it’s not easy to get here, those who enjoy an adventure will find the journey really worth it.
Maxwell Hill, Taiping
Bukit Larut, formerly known as Maxwell Hill, is a popular highland destination in Malaysia. Located at an altitude of 1,250 m above sea level approximately 10 km from Taiping town in Perak; it is the wettest area in the country which experiences the highest rainfall.
Bukit Larut is also home to the oldest hill station in Malaysia, built by William Edward Maxwell, a British Assistant Resident in Perak, in 1884 to provide a cool retreat for the colonial officials. In 1910, the hill resort was gazetted as a permanent forest reserve.
The hill is an ideal getaway destination for those looking to escape the humidity of other parts of Malaysia and is a quiet sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Check out other gems in the charming old town of Taiping while you’re there – the Taiping Lake Gardens, Antong Coffee Mill and Taiping Zoo are some of the interesting attractions to visit.
Pulau Jerajak, Penang
It’s a short 10-minute ferry ride from Penang Island but if you’ve never heard of it, you’ve probably seen it – it’s that islet you’ll pass by when you’re on Penang Bridge.
Now that Jerejak has been revamped with a rainbow jetty, romantic swings by the beach and its park have been fitted with bright LED lights, you might want to plan a visit before the crowd comes spilling in.
For those with a fear of heights can attempt to conquer this suspension bridge in Pulau Jerejak. Since it’s in the thick of the jungle, you’ll only see a canopy of leaves when you look down. The fear factor here has definitely been cranked down as opposed to other precariously perched suspension bridges at terrifying heights, so you can better enjoy your walk-through nature.
Lastly, stay till the evening to catch a beautiful sunset before you head back to George Town.
