10 Lesser Known Adventures In Malaysia That Will Leave You Awestruck.

Explore a rainforest aged 130 million years—the enchanting Royal Belum State Park. A haven for nature enthusiasts, it's among Peninsular Malaysia's oldest, preserved, and untouched rainforests. Whether you seek a tranquil escape or thrilling escapades, this paradise caters to all. Prepare to unveil jungle mysteries amidst serene tranquility. Nestle into an eco-resort, camp under stars, or slumber aboard a boat—an adventure awaits in this pristine wilderness!

How to reach: Belum is located northeast of Ipoh, Malaysia's third biggest city. There are many ways to get to Belum. You can travel by (rental) car, by bus and by train. Gateway to Royal Belum State Park is the small village of Pulau Bindang. Here you have a jetty point where you can take the boat to your resort.

Cost: RM 20 per person

2. Mossy Forest, Cameron Highland

Beyond the vast tea estates and strawberry fields, Cameron Highlands harbors hidden treasures worth discovering. Among them lies the captivating Mossy Forest, nestled high on Mount Brinchang—the region's second-highest peak. Cloaked in mystical mist, this enchanting forest exudes an otherworldly charm. Perched at 2,032 meters above sea level, it's earned its place as the fifth most Instagrammable forest globally, as recognized by Lonely Planet.

How to reach: To reach the Mossy Forest from Nova Highlands Hotel, hop on a Jeep without prior booking. Simply approach a driver, preferably earlier in the day, and expect to pay roughly RM15-20 per person for a round-trip journey. You'll have approximately an hour to explore—just coordinate with your driver.

Cost: Embark on a refreshing Mossy Forest adventure in Cameron Highlands at a minimal fee of RM10 for adults (for a 200m walk) and RM5 for children under 12 years old. The ideal time to explore is during the early morning hours.

3. Tasik Biru Ibam Muadzam Shah, Pahang

Rompin, nestled between the sea and lush rainforests in Pahang, is a haven of natural wonders. For the adventurous souls seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, it's a treasure trove. Explore cascading waterfalls, visit welcoming orang asli villages, stroll along sandy beaches, indulge in fresh seafood, and behold the picturesque Tasik Biru at Bukit Ibam. Famously dubbed the Blue Lake, Tasik Biru's enigmatic hue is attributed to chemical reactions between rocks and soil. Don't miss the chance to witness this vivid spectacle firsthand!

4. Pulau Sembilan, Perak

Off the Perak coast, lies the secluded Pulau Sembilan cluster, accessible only through local package tours. After years of closure due to tourism impact, there's talk of its imminent reopening—definitely one for the bucket list! This island group is famed for the ethereal blue tears phenomenon and boasts a diverse marine life featuring adolescent bamboo sharks, seahorses, butterflyfish, tuna, and vibrant coral reefs. It's a haven for unique sea creatures and promises an unforgettable experience once reopened!

How to reach: A roadtrip from Ipoh to Pulau Sembilan is 150 km. That is around 2.5 hours by road.

5. Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu

Tasik Kenyir stands as one of Southeast Asia's largest man-made lakes, hosting over 300 mostly uninhabited islands along with waterfalls, caves, and abundant wildlife. Staying on a boat here offers a day filled with diverse activities: kayaking, canoeing, rafting, jungle walks, caving, fishing, and more. For a unique experience, opt for a houseboat stay—a chance to awaken to serene rainforest vistas and tranquil waters, a truly immersive escape!

How to reach from Kuala Lumpur: The usual route from Kuala Lumpur to Lake Kenyir involves using the East Coast Expressway (ECE). This journey spans roughly 460 kilometers and typically takes 6-7 hours. Travelers have the option to drive their own vehicle, rent a car, or opt for a bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan (TBS) in Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu. From there, they can hire a taxi or rent a car to reach Lake Kenyir.

6. Semporna, Sabah

Tucked away on Sabah's east coast, Semporna epitomizes a slice of earthly paradise. This charming town serves as the gateway to your island fantasies, living up to its Malay name, meaning "perfect." A mere speedboat ride unveils a collection of stunning islands, boasting turquoise waters, sandy shores, and among the planet's most exquisite dive spots.

How to reach: Tawau International Airport lies approximately 80km from Semporna, translating to roughly an hour and a half of travel by land. Several transportation modes, including bus, taxi, minibus, or car rental, offer access to Semporna. Opting for the bus or minibus is the most economical, but the minibus departure relies on filling up, potentially causing a wait of about an hour. However, this option might not suit those prone to car sickness. For a more comfortable and prompt journey, considering a taxi or car rental is advisable, albeit slightly more expensive.

7. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Pahang

Encounters with gentle elephants are rare in Malaysia, and the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary stands as one of Peninsular Malaysia's finest spots for such experiences. Situated in the quaint village of Lanchang within Temerloh, this sanctuary, established in 1989, shelters numerous orphaned elephants. Visitors have the unique opportunity to engage closely with these magnificent creatures—feeding them bananas and even joining in for river baths.

How to reach: The sanctuary is approximately 1.5 hours from Kuala Lumpur, accessible via the Karak Expressway

8. Mari-Mari Cultural Village

Sabah harbors a hidden cultural gem for avid culture enthusiasts—a village that unveils the tapestry of the state's diverse heritage. Away from the city's commotion, this spot offers insights into the lives of Sabah's five major ethnic groups. Visitors partake in immersive experiences like fire-starting, crafting blowpipes, and savoring traditional Sabahan delicacies—a hands-on journey into the region's rich cultural tapestry.

How to reach: Mari Mari Cultural Village is reachable by using taxis and e-hailing services.

Cost: 100 RM per adult and 90 RM per child

9. Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion, Penang

Penang's famed blue mansion stands as an architectural marvel, steeped in captivating history and genuine allure. Its indigo hue and fusion of Eastern and Western design set it apart from the neighboring structures. A visit to Penang isn't complete without exploring this gem; join the daily guided tours to delve into the rich history behind this iconic masterpiece. Psst, for an extraordinary experience, consider spending a night within its storied walls!

How to reach: Situated at the junction of Leith Street and Muntri Street, Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion nestles in the heart of Penang. Just 4km away lies the Gurney Drive seafront promenade, while the Kek Lok Si Buddhist temple is approximately 9km from our location. Moreover, Chinatown and various significant heritage sites in Penang are merely a 5-minute stroll away.

10. Pulau Jerejak, Penang