Escape the heat at these chilly destinations in Malaysia!
Travelling overseas for autumn and winter may be a bit of a stretch on the wallet, but that doesn't mean there's no way to escape the humidity and heat in Malaysia. Check out our list of places close to home where you can head to for some fresh air and a refreshing, chilly climate - time to pack your sweaters and get ready for a sweat-less adventure!
Chilly destinations around Malaysia:
- Cameron Highlands
- Genting Highlands
- Fraser's Hill
- Bukit Tinggi
- Janda Baik
- Bukit Larut
- Penang Hill
- Kundasang
- Tambunan
- Kelabit Highlands
10 places for a cold getaway in Malaysia
1. Cameron Highlands
Cameron Highlands needs no extra introduction! With ample fresh air, rolling tea plantations, pretty flower fields, and strawberry farms, it has been a popular weekend getaway destination for decades. Some of our favourite things to do here include having a hearty steamboat for dinner (nothing beats hot soup on a chilly night) and picking juicy strawberries with our own hands.
In case you didn't know, Cameron Highlands is also home to a mysterious, strangely beautiful Mossy Forest that looks straight out of a movie scene. Tucked away in the highlands of Gunung Brinchang, this enchanting hidden gem is ranked fifth place on Lonely Planet's list of Most Instagrammable Forests In The World.
2. Genting Highlands
Genting Highlands is another perfect, easily-accessible chilly getaway spot. Since the revamp of Resorts World Genting a while back, good old Genting has changed massively, with the addition of brand-new attractions and lots of new things to do.
Have fun on exciting rides at Genting SkyWorlds or Genting Skytropolis, shop to your heart's content at the Genting Premium Outlets, or sip on a cup of coffee at a unique Starbucks outlet surrounded by mountains and dreamy mist. Don't forget to hop on the Awana SkyWay Cable Car, the most convenient way to get to the top of the mountain, paired with stunning views!
Book your Genting essentials on Klook:
3. Fraser's Hill
Fraser's Hill is yet another chilly gem nestled among the mountains of Pahang. With a collection of Tudor-style buildings, it still retains much of its olden day colonial charm, resembling an old English village stuck in time.
Nature lovers will find it fun to explore Fraser's Hill, the destination offers a variety of outdoor fun from bird-watching to jungle trekking (family-friendly trails where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views at the end!) and horseback riding. Otherwise, simply book a cosy stay and spend some relaxing quality time with your loved ones.
4. Colmar Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi
Nestled 2,700 feet above sea level in the heart of a natural rainforest, Colmar Tropicale is a picturesque French-themed resort modelled after the lovely 18th-century city of Colmar in France!
Stroll through cobbled streets lined with quaint French cafes, art galleries, and charming boutique shops for a feel of France without having to take a 13-hour flight. Don't forget to pay a visit to the tranquil Japanese village located in the vicinity, as well as get some fresh pastries from the French bakery.
5. Janda Baik
Located just an easy 45-minute drive from KL (and very close to Bukit Tinggi!), Janda Baik is a getaway spot surrounded by unspoiled nature. You can spend a night in a cosy private villa or a campsite surrounded by trees and fruit-laden orchards.
There are a handful of accommodation options in the area, but we'll highly recommend a romantic staycation at Tiarasa Escapes, a dreamy glamping spot perfect for a secluded weekend getaway. This luxury glamping spot comes with fresh air, safari-style tents, rooftop villas, and a beautiful outdoor pool!
6. Bukit Larut, Perak
Bukit Larut (formerly known as Maxwell Hill) is located at an altitude of 1,250 m above sea level and is blessed with a cool climate and splendid views overlooking the town of Taiping. 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.
Klook Tip: Bukit Larut is located just an hour's drive from Ipoh! Head to the charming Ipoh town for some tau fu fah, chicken rice, and a dip in the Lost World of Tambun hot spring.
7. Penang Hill, Penang
Set 821m above Penang's capital, Penang Hill was the first colonial hill station built in Peninsular Malaysia! Also known as Bukit Bendera, you can hop aboard an old-school Swiss-designed funicular (built in 1923 and known as one of the world's oldest funicular systems!) to get to the top.
The temperature at the top of Penang Hill is generally 5 - 10 degrees colder than in Georgetown, offering a chilly climate and breath of cool, unpolluted air. You can even catch a glimpse of the mountains of Langkawi and Kedah on a clear day, and breathtaking views of a lit-up Georgetown at night.
Don't forget to pay a visit to The Habitat Penang Hill for an educational nature fun walk and take in panoramic views of Penang Island from the popular 230m Canopy Walk. We even have Klook-Exclusive packages that come with a fun zipline course for an additional adrenaline rush.
8. Kundasang, Sabah
Lovingly known as the New Zealand or Scotland of Borneo, Kundasang in Sabah promises majestic views that will take your breath away. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and explore all this quaint little town has to offer from fine teas at the Sabah Tea Gardens to fresh gelato at the Desa Dairy Farm and rejuvenating soaks at the hot springs. Temperatures here can dip to a low of 13 degrees at night!
9. Tambunan, Sabah
Tambunan is an off-the-beaten-track town in Sabah filled with pretty terraced rice paddy fields, lush forests, and a majestic Mahua waterfall that's nearly 17 metres tall! Located just over an hour from Kota Kinabalu, Tambunan is a perfect day trip spot from the city.
We would however recommend spending a night in this quaint town for so you'll get more time to explore all it has to offer. Don't forget to get some local rice wine as souvenirs to bring home!
10. Kelabit Highlands, Sarawak
Sandwiched between the Gunung Mul National Park and East Kalimantan in Sarawak's remote northeastern corner, the Kelabit Highlands is a haven for adventurers. The valleys in the region are dotted with cottage-like home where the locals live in as well as paddy fields and majestic peaks including Sarawak's highest mountain - Gunung Murud. Temperatures at the Kelabit Highlands can drop to a refreshing 15 degrees at night.
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