If you’ve always wanted to explore the outdoors, we have picked out just the right activities for you. What’s better is that it’s just an hour flight away! Amuse your senses with a variety of nature escapades the next time you visit Malaysia! A dose of nature is always good for the mind, body and soul. Now who’s excited?
Credit: giphy
1. Climb to the Peak of Mount Kinabalu
Beat the hour-long hike to reach the peak of Mount Kinabalu
Credit: Global Expedition Club
The journey to the peak of Mount Kinabalu isn’t made for the weak. The strenuous yet scenic trails may challenge your gathered stamina and endurance, but never let it demotivate you. Just picture the pride and achievement that rushes through your veins when you step foot onto the peak of Malaysia’s highest mountain. Exhilaration is an understatement because you will leave this place with a renewed fighting spirit and that will create a better you.
The view that awaits the hikers of Mount Kinabalu
Credit: Lipstiq Malaysia
Address: Mount Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Sabah.
Website: http://www.mountkinabalu.com
Admission: Depending on climbing tour packages (starting from RM1,120)
2. Meet the Friendly Orang Utans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
Say hello to the friendly residents of Sepilok
Credit: Avasi Borneo
Dedicating themselves to the orphaned, injured and displaced orang utans since 1964, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre’s mission has remained the same: returning these great apes to their new home in the virgin forest of Kabili-Sepilok. Before they’re set free, these orang utans undergo a health examination and a quarantine period, as well as lessons on food hunting, nest building and tree climbing. You won’t be able to hold them dearly, but you can definitely watch these orang utans up close during feeding time.
Address: Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah Wildlife Department, W.D.T. 200, Sandakan, Jalan Sepilok, Sandakan, Sabah.
Website: http://www.wildlife.sabah.gov.my/?q=en/content/sepilok-orangutan-rehabilitation-centre
Admission:
Adult (Malaysian above 18 years) – RM5
Child (Malaysian below 18 years) – RM2
Adult (International above 18 years) – RM30
Child (International below 18 years) – RM15
Opening hours:
Sat – Thu: 9am – 12pm; 2pm – 4pm
Fri: 9am – 11am; 2pm – 4pm
3. Brave Yourself and Go Caving at the Mulu National Park
A World Heritage Site status that is well-earned
Credit: Chris Howes
Filled with geological history and natural beauty, it comes to no surprise that Mulu National Park is listed as a World Heritage Site. There are plenty of outdoor and nature activities to keep you busy such as exploring the Clearwater Cave and Cave of the Winds; canopy walking in the rainforest; admiring the lush greenery at Mulu Botanical Heritage Trail and more.
Imagine experiencing this nature splendour in person
Credit: Sarawak Tourism Board
Address: Sungai Melinau, Mulu, Sarawak.
Contact: +608 5792 300
Website: http://mulupark.com
Admission:
Mulu World Heritage 5 Day Pass (without Caving fees)
Adult (MyKad) – RM15
Senior (MyKad) – RM7
Child (MyKad) – RM5
Adult (Non-MyKad) – RM30
Child (Non-MyKad) – RM10
4. Hang Out with the Locals at the Sarawak Cultural Village
Make new friends at the Sarawak Cultural Village
Credit: Hong Kong Airlines
Familiarise yourself with the cultures and lifestyles of ethnic groups in Sarawak, namely the Iban, Bidayuh, Melanau, Orang Ulu and Penan, at the Sarawak Cultural Village. Dubbed as a ‘living museum’, the village consists of longhouses, jungle settlements and traditional town houses where these ethnic groups perform their daily routine in traditional costumes. You can even channel your curiosity through questions and they’ll be more than happy to enlighten you with interesting facts.
#HHWT Tip: Keep a look out for their multi-cultural dance performance that happens at 11am and 4pm!
Address: Pantai Damai, Santubong, Sarawak.
Contact: +608 284 6108
Website: http://www.facebook.com/SarawakCulturalVillageOFFICIAL
Admission:
Adult – RM60
Child (6-12 years) – RM30
Child (below 6 years) – Free
Opening hours: Mon – Sun, 9am – 4.45pm
5. Seek Tranquility in these Secret Exotic Islands
Swim with tropical fishes at Pulau Sibu
Credit: ohmygod
Planning an island getaway in Malaysia is easy with the wealth of scenic beaches and exotic islands to explore. Sunny destinations such as Langkawi, Redang and Pangkor Islands are popular vacation spots, but if you’re here for Malaysia’s best-kept secrets, come closer.
Snorkelling at Pulau Sibu is one of the many things the locals won’t stop raving about because the pristine waters are home to bright corals, sting rays and tropical fishes. Haven’t heard of Rawa Island? Well, the serene seascape and huge water slide is waiting for your big splash! Also, has anyone told you about Lankayan Island where you can scuba dive to catch a glimpse of whale sharks? Boy, you’re missing out on a lot of secret islands here!
Make a big splash at Pulau Rawa
Credit: monkeygoplaces
Address: Pulau Sibu, Mersing, Johor.
6. Explore the Virgin Rainforest at Taman Negara National Park
The canopy walk is a treat for nature escapists
Credit: travelmoodz
Ask anyone about the best nature escapade in Malaysia and you’re likely to hear Taman Negara as the answer. Surrounded by a 130 million years old virgin rainforest, there are many activities that will amplify your appreciation for oxygen-rich sceneries here, such as canopy walk, jungle trekking, night jungle walk, aborigine settlement visit, animal observation and boat cruise along Sungai Tahan.
Address: Taman Negara, 27000 Jerantut, Pahang.
Website: http://www.tamannegara.asia/
Admission: Depending on tour package rates
7. Savour Scones and Highland Tea at Cameron Highlands
This is where your next tea party should be
Credit: Carlos
Picture a day when you savour freshly baked scones and warm highland tea while overlooking this picturesque view of the BOH tea plantation. Beautiful, isn’t it? Beyond the guaranteed visual treat, the tea centre also hosts visits to the BOH tea factory where you can learn the traditional processing methods. Don’t forget to drop by at their tea shop and pack a few Cameronian Blend teas for family and friends back home.
Address: BOH Tea Plantation, Sungei Palas Tea Centre, Jalan Gunung Brinchang, Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang.
Contact: +605 496 2096
Website: http://www.boh.com.my
Admission: Free
Opening hours:
Tue – Sun: 9am – 4.30pm
Closed on Monday
8. Take the Skyway Cable Car at Genting Highlands
Colourful cable cars that overlook a century-old tropical rainforest
Credit: Roger Deligero
A trip to Genting Highlands would be incomplete without a ride on Southeast Asia’s longest and fastest cable car. Named the Genting Skyway, hop into an eight-seater gondola and just enjoy the steady ride that overlooks a lush green landscape of a century-old tropical rainforest. The ride begins from the base station at Gohtong Jaya to Resorts World Genting where you can experience crisp and cool air.
Address: Genting Highlands, Gohtong Jaya, Selangor.
Website: http://www.rwgenting.com
Admission:
One-way – RM6.40 per person
One-way (express) – RM31.80
Two-way (return) – RM12.80 per person
Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 7.30am – 12am
9. Seek for Adrenaline Rush in these Outdoor Adventures
Seek a rush of adrenaline through Gopeng’s famous white water rafting
Credit: Fong KL
If you crave for a thrilling adventure rushing through your veins, an outdoor adventure is your answer and Malaysia has it all. Staying close to nature has its own surprises such as the widely popular white water rafting at Gopeng in Perak, or an equally fun alternative at Padas River in Sabah.
Rock climbing is more of your thing? Test your upper body strength on the jagged limestone walls of Batu Caves. Been there, done that? Then, feel the breeze in your hair when you zipline at the world’s longest island zipline at Pulau Sapi or Southeast Asia’s longest at Bukit Tinggi! Prefer to take a leap of faith? Bungee jumping and flying fox at Sunway Extreme Park are definitely up to your speed. Of course, you can perform the mother of all outdoor adventures, skydiving, with the help of Kuala Lumpur Skydiving Association at Segamat in Johor or Taiping in Perak.
Climb the natural limestone walls of Batu Caves
Credit: Sri Sutra Travel
Address: Jalan Sungai Itek, Gopeng, Perak
Website: http://www.riverbug.asia/perak/whitewater-rafting-kampar-river
Rates: Package starts from RM135
So you see, you don’t have to travel far to enjoy the outdoors! Malaysia has almost everything when it comes to nature activities. Go and seek for a sunny escapade in best-kept exotic islands. Unleash your bravery through skydiving and white water rafting. Even more exciting when it’s your first!