18 Breathtaking Places To Discover In Malaysia

From beaches to lounge on, rainforests to trek (and sweat!) through, exotic wildlife to seek out, unbeatable cuisine, deep-seated traditions, and rich cultural history, I loved the Malaysia had it all! From my time traveling around this intriguing country, here are my favorite places…

1. Langkawi

I fell completely in love with this stunning archipelago! I thought it was a really stunning spot with travel-magazine perfect beaches dotted with palm trees, charming Malay-style buildings, ancient rainforests, and dramatic limestone formations. Even though it had a lively tourism scene attracting everyone from honeymooners to backpackers, I loved that it still retained its very laid back vibe! 

I did my research on the archipelago before I went and I found out it was a duty-free haven and and home to 99 islands located around 30km off the northwest coast of the mainland. It was part of Kedah state, and today has a population of around 100,000 people as well as monkeys, monitor lizards, flying foxes, eagles, and sea turtles.

It once had a important role in trade but now is a popular tourist destination – I discovered that the main island (also called Langkawi) was the largest and most developed, while the smaller surrounding islands had a more nature-focused vibe.

I flew into Langkawi International Airport and spent an idyllic week here. I kicked back on the stunning beaches of Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu, rode the Langkawi Sky Bridge and saw really breathtaking views, went on a guided hike through the lush rainforests of Gunung Mat Cincang, took the awesome 1,700-meter SkyCab up to Machinchang Mountain, sampled tasty street food at the roaming Langkawi Night Market, took a scenic boat tour through the atmospheric mangroves of Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, and indulged in lots of duty-free shopping!

• Location: Northwest part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (to enjoy the beaches and outdoor activities in pleasant weather).
• Activities on offer: Beach activities, cable car rides, skybridge walks, jungle trekking, and island-hopping.
• Accommodation: The Datai Langkawi, The Andaman, and budget beachfront guesthouses.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights…

• Staying at the dreamy 4-star Ombak Villa Langkawi – I loved the gorgeous location along the Andaman Sea, elegant Malay-inspired architecture, the onsite spa and the Insta-worthy infinity pool!
• Discovering my favorite beaches which were the extraordinary Black Sand Beach (which was filled with both black and white sands), the quiet and secluded Pantai Tengah, the luxurious resort-filled Datai Bay and Pantai Cenang which was filled with backpackers going jet skiing, parasailing, and fun banana boat rides.

2. Pulau Tioman

This is often regarded as one of the most gorgeous islands in Malaysia! To be honest, I have to agree, I thought it was an absolute stunner with untouched beaches, clear, shallow aquamarine waters, charming village-style buildings, jungle-covered mountains and interesting coral reefs. It had a relaxed, laid-back vibe – it combined nature with a dash of adventure! 

Located off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea; I found out that it became a popular tourist destination after being featured in the 1958 film South Pacific and today has a population of around 3,000 residents, mostly living in small villages.

I took a one hour flight Tioman Airport from Kuala Lumpur and stayed for a dreamy four days and toured the island on a rented motorbike which was an awesome way to explore. I also relaxed on the quiet beaches of Salang and ABC Beach, went diving and snorkeling to discover the coral reefs, trekked through the jungle to see the picturesque Asah Waterfall, visited the traditional villages of Tekek and Paya, and took a snorkeling boat trip to the unspoilt Renggis Island where I saw stingrays and black-tip reef sharks!

• Location: East coast of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for clear waters and ideal snorkeling and diving conditions).
• Activities on offer: Snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, and exploring waterfalls.
• Accommodation: Berjaya Tioman Resort, Japamala Resort, and budget chalets.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at The Boathouse Pulau Tioman in one of the their dreamy wooden bungalows – I loved how it featured locally sourced materials and how they refused to used plastic! It was also great to wake up to the sounds of the ocean each morning, and playing the traditional Malaysian games and making crafts which were on offer here!

3. George Town

I thought the capital city of Penang was really unique! I thought was also very easy-on-the-eye with superb colonial architecture, colorful street art, bustling markets and a mix of historic temples, mosques, and churches. I really liked that its surroundings were just as impressive 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 an extraordinary mix melting pots of different cultures and religions all living peacefully side-by-side which I actually really admired and was really fascinated by! 

Located on the northeastern tip of Penang Island, I researched that it was once an important trade center but it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008 due to being a unique architectural and cultural townscape. It’s famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture and has a current population of around 708,000.

I flew to into Penang International Airport and I took a 16 kiometer taxi ride to George Town and I stayed for three days. I explored the interesting and quirky street art (I especially loved the huge ginger cat which appeared from shuttered windows), sampled the tasty and very diverse street food at Gurney Drive, shopped for local crafts at the bustling Pinang Peranakan Mansion, visited the historic Fort Cornwallis, discovered the ornate Kek Lok Si Temple, relaxed in the lush Botanic Gardens, and saw incredible views of the city from Penang Hill.

• Location: Northwest part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (to explore the cultural and historical sites in cooler weather).
• Activities on offer: Sightseeing, visiting temples, exploring colonial architecture, and enjoying local cuisine.
• Accommodation: Eastern & Oriental Hotel, The Prestige Hotel, and heritage boutique hotels.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Discovering all the old long abandoned crumbling colonial mansions as I walked around, some of which had a real spooky vibe. The Blue Mansion (aka the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion) with its striking indigo-blue façade really stood out to me – I loved how it had been carefully renovated into a gorgeous boutique hotel and museum!

4. Penang

I thought this vibrant state was extraordinary! I found a blend of pastel-colored colonial-era buildings in George Town, UNESCO-listed architecture, long beaches with soft sands, clear waters, and a backdrop of lush hills.

I loved how it was a multiracial melting pot of diverse cultures, religions, and ethnicities which also made a superb foodie destination too! To me, it felt lively yet relaxed at the same time but it also had a very intriguing edge – I often stumbled across the odd creepy long-abandoned colonial building.

Located on the northwest coast, I did some research and found it once had a strategic role in trade, but now has a population of about 1.8 million and its capital, George Town (which I mentioned above) is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

I flew into Penang International Airport and stayed for interesting week. I explored the charming UNESCO-listed George Town which was filled interesting street art and architecture, I visited the famous Khoo Kongsi clan house, hiked up Penang Hill and saw panoramic views, relaxed on the Batu Ferringhi beach (although I had to watch out for jellyfish!), tasted delicious street food at the popular seafront promenade Gurney Drive, and hiked the trails in the picturesque Penang National Park. 

• Location: Northwest part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (to enjoy the food, festivals, and explore the island in pleasant conditions).
• Activities on offer: Beach activities, visiting the Butterfly Farm, taking the funicular train to Penang Hill, and exploring food markets.
• Accommodation: Shangri-La’s Rasa Sayang Resort, Lone Pine Hotel, and seafront guesthouses.
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights… 

• Trying the local delicacies at the awesome Gurney Drive Hawker Centre – I especially loved the very tasty fried Nasi Kandar (an aromatic curry), Pasembur a Malaysian-Indian salad with tofu and turnip and the very colorful Malaysian dessert, Ais Kacang which was known as “bean ice.”

5. The Petronas Towers

These were a world-famous pair of skyscrapers! When I saw them my jaw did actually drop – they were a pair of hugely imposing and striking postmodern buildings and I also really liked the skybridge that impressively connected the twin skyscrapers. To me, they summed up the county’s passion for both tech-innovation and their cultural heritage! 

I discovered them in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, and I found out they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004, but now they are the tallest twin towers on the planet. Designed by architect Cesar Pelli, they stood at 452 meters (1,483 feet) tall and featured a postmodern style influenced by Islamic art.

I took the KL Rapid Transit (KLRT) and alight at the KLCC station located directly beneath the towers spent a late afternoon visiting the Skybridge where I saw incredible city views, shopped at Suria KLCC mall, people-watched in the lush KLCC Park, relaxed by the peaceful Symphony Lake and watched the picturesque water fountain shows.

• Visitor Center Address: Petronas Twin Tower, Lower Ground (Concourse) Level, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (to make the most of sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur’s iconic spots).
• Activities on offer: Sightseeing, visiting the skybridge, exploring nearby parks, and shopping at the Suria KLCC mall.
• Accommodation: Traders Hotel, Mandarin Oriental, and nearby luxury hotels.
• Map Location and Directions
• Petronas Towers Website

My personal highlights… 

• Browsing the Suria KLCC mall afterwards – I especially liked Isetan which was a chic major Japanese department store and Royal Selangor which was filled with finely crafted pewter products including super-cute tea sets!

6. Pangkor Island

This was a seriously dreamy tropical island! I discovered a place with fine white sandy beaches backed by a tropical forest, clear and shallow aquamarine waters, traditional Malay fishing villages and a handful of historic Dutch colonial buildings. I also loved its laid-back island-life vibe where everything went at its own, very slow, pace!

Located off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Perak, I was interested to learn that it had an intriguing history – it was once a refuge for fishermen, merchants, and pirates. Although today it’s a popular tourist destination and home to around 25,000 people as well playful macaque monkeys and colorful hornbills.

I took a 40 minute ferry from Lumut on the Malaysian mainland and stayed for a long weekend. When here I soaked up the rays of the stunning Pasir Bogak Beach, explored the historic Dutch Fort, watched hornbills at sunset near Pangkor Town, hiked the trails through the lush Pangkor Forest Reserve, visited the interesting Foo Lin Kong Temple, and discovered the bustling Sungai Pinang Kecil fishing village.

• Location: West coast of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for water sports, snorkeling, and beach relaxation).
• Activities on offer: Snorkeling, beach activities, jungle trekking, and island-hopping.
• Accommodation: Pangkor Laut Resort, budget beachfront chalets, and small boutique hotels.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Snorkelling at in the ultra-clear waters of Coral Bay and seeing colorful parrotfish, a sea turtle and the intricate, geometric patterns of the stunning living coral! 

7. Kota Kinabalu

The modern capital city of Sabah really intrigued me! I have to be honest, there were some parts where it felt quite plain and flat with rows of off-white buildings interspersed with large malls but there were also some seriously beautiful parts too! 

For starters, I really liked the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Mount Kinabalu, the impressive modern and colonial architecture, bustling markets, and pristine beaches that stretched along its coastline – it was definitely a very varied place! 

It had a lively, multicultural vibe with an awesome mix of modernity and traditional charm – it was a great place to start and end my journey exploring the rest of Sabah.

I flew directly into Kota Kinabalu International Airport and stayed for four days before heading off. That was enough to climb the majestic Mount Kinabalu and snorkel the colorful coral reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

I also haggled at the busy Gaya Street Market, visited the Sabah State Museum and learnt about the city’s history, discovered the impressive waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque and watched a truly breathtaking sunset at the Tanjung Aru Beach (my photo is above)! 

• Location: North part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for the best beach and hiking weather, and to enjoy the islands nearby).
• Activities on offer: Beach activities, snorkeling, visiting the floating mosque, and hiking in nearby jungles.
• Accommodation: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, Gaya Island Resort, and city hotels.
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

8. Malacca

I thought this UNESCO World Heritage city was very characterful! I discovered it was also very attractive with a charming blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial architecture, trishaws prettily decorated with flowers and lights, the picturesque riverside setting of the Melaka River and a nostalgic atmosphere! 

Located in the southern region of the Malay Peninsula, next to the Strait of Malacca I researched that it was founded in the 14th century, was a major port in the spice trade, and was successively colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British and each leaving a distinct mark on its architecture! It has a current population of around 870,000 people. 

It was just a two hour drive from Kuala Lumpur and I stayed for an interesting two days. I explored the 16th-century A Famosa fort, visited the intricate Christ Church and the Stadthuys in the Red Square, took a leisurely cruise on the Melaka River, shopped for antiques on Jonker Street, sampled the delicious local Peranakan cuisine, and caught the lively night market that completely transformed Jonker Street on weekends! 

• Location: Southwest part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for exploring historical sites and markets in cooler temperatures).
• Activities on offer: Sightseeing, visiting historical sites, walking tours, and exploring night markets.
• Accommodation: The Majestic Malacca, Casa del Rio, and heritage boutique hotels.
• Map Location and Directions

My favorite highlights… 

• I really enjoyed the quaint, one-way, winding streets and the historic charm of the narrow, rickety buildings that added a unique old-world character to the area.

9. Cameron Highlands

I thought this was such an enchanting region and hill station! I thought it was a stunning spot with its rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms, misty forests, flower nurseries, and colonial-era bungalows. I really enjoyed soaking up its very tranquil vibes and cool climate – it felt very far away from bustling city life! 

Located in the center of Peninsular Malaysia, I found out from the locals that they were discovered by British surveyor William Cameron in 1885 and is both now a spot for both agriculture and tourism. The area was the leading producer of tea and flowers in the whole country.

It was a 3.5 hour journey which did involve some really winding mountain roads but I stayed for a couple of days. I toured the scenic Boh Tea Plantation, picked fresh strawberries at Raju’s Hill, explored the atmospheric mossy forest on Gunung Brinchang (the second highest mountain in the area), visited the charming colonial-style Cameron Highlands Resort, strolled through the interesting Kea Farm Market, and admired the pretty blooms at the Cameron Lavender Garden.

• Location: Central part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Summer (to enjoy the cool highland climate and visit tea plantations).
• Activities on offer: Visiting tea plantations, hiking, exploring flower nurseries, and visiting strawberry farms.
• Accommodation: The Cameron Highlands Resort, Strawberry Park Resort, and local guesthouses.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Browsing the Kea Farm Market – I loved the cute stalls selling lavender and roses, the handwoven baskets, the Batik rugs and the intricately beaded jewelry on sale.

10. Pulau Pangkor

I loved this stunning, paradise-like gem! I thought this a small tropical island was seriously dreamy with its mix of golden sandy beaches, striking turquoise waters and interesting historic landmarks surrounded by tropical greenery including swaying palm trees! It had a very relaxed, slow-placed and rustic vibe that completely sucked me in – it felt like a true island escape!

It was nestled in Perak State 1.5 km from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and covered an area of around 18 km². After researching, I found it that it was once a refuge for fishermen and traders, but today it has a small population of around 25,000 residents.

I took a 30 minute ferry journey from Lumut on the Malaysian mainland and stayed for a very relaxing three days. I kicked back on the stunning Pasir Bogak Beach and Nipah Bay, explored the historic Dutch Fort, hiked to Pangkor Hill and saw stunning views of the island, visited the colorful Foo Lin Kong Temple, watched the hornbills fly around at sunset, and took a snorkeling boat trip to the secluded Pulau Giam.

• Location: West coast of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for snorkeling, beach activities, and exploring the island).
• Activities on offer: Snorkeling, jungle trekking, beach activities, and wildlife spotting.
• Accommodation: Pangkor Sandy Beach Resort, budget chalets, and beachfront resorts.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Relaxing on my favorite beaches – Pasir Bogak which had shallow waters, street food stalls and water sport equipment rentals and the very secluded and intimate Nipah Bay. 

11. Pulau Redang

This place was seriously wow-inducing! It was breathtaking with its soft white sandy beaches, clear and shimmering turquoise waters, a dense tropical tropical rainforest covering its hilly interior and a tasteful mix of charming beachfront resorts and wooden chalets. The atmosphere was just how I expected to be – very laid-back with some upscale vibes too! 

I found it nestled around 45 km from the east coast of the mainland in the state of Terengganu. It was designated as part of the Redang Marine Park in 1985 to protect its coral reefs, but it also has small local population of around 2,500 residents, who are mainly involved in tourism and fishing.

I took a 40 minute ferry from Merang and stayed for four days. I snorkeled to see the pretty coral reefs at the Redang Marine Park, went scuba diving at Terumbu Kili, and saw colorful coral and green turtles, relaxed on the soft white sands of Pasir Panjang, hiked through the island’s lush jungle trails, visited the picturesque fishing village of Kampung Baru, and saw truly breathtaking sunsets from the beachfront resorts.

• Location: East coast of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for ideal conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving).
• Activities on offer: Scuba diving, snorkeling, beach activities, and marine life viewing.
• Accommodation: The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort, Laguna Redang Island Resort, and budget lodges.
• Map Location and Directions

My favourite highlights… 

• Staying at the dreamy The Taaras Beach & Spa Resort – I loved my modern luxurious suite, the ocean views and the gorgeous onsite spa which used native healing methods. I really enjoyed the Malay Urut Massage and the turtle conservation program too!

12. Sabah, Borneo

Sabah is a Malaysian state on the northern part of Borneo! I found for myself it was a really breathtaking region with golden sandy beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, dense rainforests teeming with intriguing wildlife and a mix of modern cityscapes, sitting alongside traditional wooden stilt villages and colonial-era buildings. I really liked how it was was laid back but still felt very adventurous.

Located in northern Borneo, bordering Sarawak, Kalimantan (Indonesia), and the Sulu Sea, I found out from the tourist office it was historically part of the Brunei Sultanate before becoming a British colony, and today has a population of around 3.5 million people. It was also home to incredible wildlife such as the orangutans in Sepilok, pygmy elephants along the Kinabatangan River, proboscis monkeys, civet cats, snakes, clouded leopards, sea turtles and reef sharks. 

I flew into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and spent a very 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 along the Kinabatangan River, visited the incredible orangutan sanctuary at Sepilok, relaxed on the pristine beaches of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and visited a few of the interesting indigenous villages.

• Location: North part of the country
• Best time to visit: Dry season (to enjoy the beaches, wildlife, and diving opportunities).
• Activities on offer: Beach activities, snorkeling, diving, and wildlife viewing.
• Accommodation: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort, eco-lodges, and beachfront hotels.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Seeing the orangutans feeding on bananas on a high up platform at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – we couldn’t get very near and had to be very quiet, but the experience was still very special!

13. Gunung Mulu National Park

This was a very unique UNESCO World Heritage Site! I actually thought it was breathtaking with towering limestone peaks, sprawling cave systems, ancient tropical rainforest, a slow-moving river and an eco-resort, which blended seamlessly with the surrounding jungle. It felt wild and mystical but with plenty of adventure thrown in!

I discovered it located Malaysian state of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, near the Brunei border, deep within the Mulu Mountains (and it was only accessible by plane or boat). Established in 1974, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, cover around 528 square kilometers and was home to one of the world’s largest cave systems.

I also found it was home to millions of Wrinkle-lipped bats, rare Hornbills, bearded pigs, Bornean gibbons, moon rats, and countless unique insects, amphibians, and reptiles, in fact the place is extraordinary that its been extensively documented and filmed, including by the BBC’s Planet Earth team.

I took a boat journey from Miri (which took a whole day) and stayed for a very unique three days! I explored the massive Deer Cave and witnessed the incredible nightly bat exodus, marveled at the towering Pinnacles limestone formations, trekked through the rainforest to the hidden Clearwater Cave, walked along the world’s longest canopy walkway, visited the underground rivers and chambers of Lang Cave, and took a boat ride along the Melinau River where I experienced the park’s remote beauty! 

• Location: North part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for trekking and exploring caves in ideal conditions).
• Activities on offer: Trekking, caving, wildlife viewing, and exploring limestone formations.
• Accommodation: Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, park lodges, and eco-friendly stays.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Seeing the hugely incredible sight of the bats pouring out of the cave at dusk at the Deer Cave – I had to stand well back and it was also a little scary but it was also awesome to see them form swirling patterns in the sky as the light faded.

14. Ipoh, Perak

This historic city was capital of Perak! I thought it was a gorgeous gem, with elegant British colonial buildings, extraordinary limestone karst formations, traditional coffee shops and breathtaking cave temples all set against a striking backdrop of tropical greenery. I loved how it felt relaxed but how it also had an intriguing nostalgic vibe – it was a heady mix of heritage charm, artistic street culture, and a great foodie scene! 

I discovered it nestled in the Kinta Valley located in Perak, around 130 km south of the state of Penang. It was once a booming tin mining town in the 19th and early 20th century, but now it’s one of the largest cities in the country with a population of around 800,000 people. 

I took the ETS train from the capital which took 2.5 hours and stayed for a very unique three days. I explored the stunning cave temples of Kek Lok Tong and Perak Cave Temple, admired the colonial Ipoh Railway Station and Birch Memorial Clock Tower, wandered through Concubine Lane and saw awesome street art and heritage shophouses, tried the Ipoh white coffee at Nam Heong and relaxed at the fun Lost World of Tambun, a hot spring resort and theme park surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs.

• Location: West part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (to explore the colonial architecture and enjoy the nearby cave temples).
• Activities on offer: Sightseeing, exploring cave temples, walking tours, and visiting historical sites.
• Accommodation: The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, WEIL Hotel, and boutique hotels.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Visiting the heritage shophouse Kong Heng Block which was filled with well-preserved colonial architecture, but now houses a mix of trendy cafes, boutique hotels, and art spaces. I especially loved the quirky cafe Burps & Giggles which served up a very tasty Nyonya laksa!

15. The Perhentians

This is paradise-like group of tropical islands! I thought they were stunning with their soft white sandy beaches, turquoise waters teeming with marine life, and a mix of rustic beachfront chalets and eco-resorts that blend harmoniously with the island’s lush tropical surroundings. It was another dreamy island with a laid-back, tropical vibe, with both backpacker-friendly beach bars and eco-resorts. 

I found them i the state of Terengganu nestled 19 km off the northeast coast of Peninsular Malaysia. I found out from locals that they were historically used as a stopover for traders and fishermen, but today they have small local population of around 2,000 residents and are a popular tourist destination. 

I took a 40 minute ferry journey from Kuala Besut Jetty and stayed for a gorgeous four days. I snorkeled with sea turtles at Turtle Point, dived the interesting coral reefs at Shark Point, relaxed on the white sands of Long Beach and Coral Bay, kayaked around the smaller coves of Perhentian Kecil, hiked through the jungle trails to Windmill Point, and dined on local cuisine at the beachfront cafes while watching the gorgeous sunset.

• Location: East coast of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for excellent snorkeling, diving, and beach relaxation).
• Activities on offer: Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, and beach activities.
• Accommodation: Perhentian Island Resort, Coral View Island Resort, and budget chalets.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

•  Snorkeling at Shark Point and seeing schools of colorful tropical fish, blacktip reef sharks (which was an incredible experience) and brain, staghorn and table corals!

16. Danum Valley

I really really wowed by this unspoilt spot! I found it to be captivating with its mist-shrouded ancient rainforests, serene rivers, waterfall-laced trails, and just a handful of simple research and eco-lodges. The atmosphere was quite unlike I’d ever experienced before – it felt untouched but with an intriguing air of mystery! 

Located in Sabah, on the island of Borneo the conservation area covers around 438 square kilometers and I found out from my guide it was first protected in 1980s to keep its unique and diverse ecosystem safe. It’s over 130 million years old, making it one of the oldest rainforests on the planet. It’s home to incredible wildlife, including Bornean orangutans, clouded leopards, Bornean pygmy elephants, and more than 340 bird species.

I flew into Lahad Datu Airport in Sabah and then it was a three-hour drive on mostly unpaved roads through dense rainforest. I stayed at Borneo Rainforest Lodge for a truly amazing three days went on guided wildlife-spotting treks through the jungle lush trails, experienced the awe-inspiring canopy walkway, ventured out for night safaris, and visited the interesting ancient Kadazandusun burial site, Coffin Cliff.

• Location: East part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for wildlife viewing and jungle trekking in good weather).
• Activities on offer: Jungle trekking, wildlife viewing, and night safaris.
• Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge and eco-friendly forest lodges.
• Map Location and Directions

My personal highlights… 

• Staying at the unique and award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge – I loved waking up to hear the jungle sounds of tropicals birds calling and the whoops and calls of gibbons. I also really enjoyed the canopy walkway where I saw a bird’s-eye view of the rainforest and the gushing river below! 

17. Alor Setar

I thought the state capital of Kedah was a unique gem! I discovered an attractive city with a striking blend of traditional Malay architecture and modern structures, one of the oldest mosques in the country and a backdrop of rice paddy fields. It felt like a very relaxed city but I liked that it also had a very culturally rich vibe too.

It took me a 6 hour train journey to get there from Kuala Lumpur but I stayed for two days exploring all the best attractions and sights. I discovered the very striking Zahir Mosque, climbed the incredible Alor Setar Tower and saw sweeping city views, visited the Royal Kedah Museum and learnt about the local history, wandered through Pekan Rabu and browsed the unique local crafts, and took a reflective stroll around the Birth House of Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, Malaysia’s longest-serving Prime Minister.

• Location: Northwest part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (to explore the city’s cultural sites and nearby attractions).
• Activities on offer: Visiting historical sites, exploring limestone hills, and visiting museums.
• Accommodation: Hotel Royale Signature, TH Hotel & Convention Centre, and budget city hotels.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights…

• Visiting the nearby Gunung Keriang which was a very jagged and striking 250 million-year-old limestone hill known for its crystal formations – it was great to climb to the viewing platform and see the extensive rice paddies of Kedah and distant views of Alor Setar and then browse the stalls in the small market at the base which sold crystal and mineral souvenirs! 

18. Pulau Sipadan

This place is widely regarded as one of the best diving destinations in the world! I found it was also seriously stunning with powdery white sand beaches, translucent turquoise waters, and thriving coral reefs. It also held a protected status, which prohibited the construction of permanent buildings to preserve its fragile ecosystem. It had such a remote, unspoilt and rustic feel to the place which I really enjoyed – I loved how uncommercialized it was!

I discovered it tucked away in the Celebes Sea, 35 kilometers (22 miles) off the east coast of Sabah, near Semporna. It was a small island spanning around 12 hectares (30 acres), rising around 600 meters from the ocean floor and was formed by coral growth on an extinct volcanic cone. After it gained world-wide recognition as one of the world’s best dive sites, it was designated a protected area in 2004. 

It was home to devil rays, hammerhead sharks, dogtooth tuna, eagle rays, bumphead parrotfish, Napoleon wrasse, giant 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 ride to reach Mabul where I stayed and visited Pulau Sipadan on a diving day trip (as overnight stays were not allowed).

I dived into the legendary Barracuda Point, explored the eerie Turtle Tomb where sea turtle skeletons rested in underwater caves, and marveled at the colorful coral gardens which were teeming with reef sharks and manta rays!

• Location: Southeast part of the country.
• Best time to visit: Dry season (for the best diving conditions and clear waters).
• Activities on offer: Scuba diving, snorkeling, and marine life viewing.
• Accommodation: Day trips only, with stays on nearby Mabul or Kapalai Islands at Sipadan Water Village Resort or budget lodges.
• Map Location and Directions

My highlights… 

• Snorkeling at Barracuda Point and seeing the incredible sight of huge shoals of barracuda swirling in tornado-like formations as well as silvery jackfish and a hawksbill turtles swimming leisurely by me!

Location of Malaysia

Malaysia is located in Southeast Asia with the famous countries of Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia, Singapore and The Philippines. 

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