10 Undiscovered Gems In And Around Malaysia For Year End School Holiday

The school holiday is just around the corner, it’s time to pack your bags for another year-end trip with the family! Instead of going to famous places like Langkawi, Phuket or Bali, why not spice up your travels with hidden gems in Malaysia and those nearby the country? Venture the road less travelled and check out these amazing destinations that are not too far off the beaten track.

Malaysia is known for their remote beaches and oh so cantik islands. Yes, we’ve heard Redang Island, Perhentian or Pangkor, but have you heard about Mabul Water Bungalows in Sabah? The resort is located on an island in the Southeastern Part of the state, and the kicker? The resort is a literal water bungalow, sitting just on top of crystal blue waters and white sand. Why go to the Maldives when you can go here?

Signature Office, KK Times Square, Off Coastal Highway, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

088-230 006

Pulau Tenggol is one of the many on this list that features Malaysia’s natural marine eco-diversity. Pulau Tenggol could very well be one of the most beautiful beaches in the country. The island is not far from Pulau Redang and Perhentian but not as famous. While the island was originally uninhabited, hotels and resorts from all sorts of price ranges are now available on the island.

Make sure to bring your swimming goggles and snorkels because Pulau Tenggol is awesome underwater as it is above it! Capture this hidden gem from Terengganu with the Samsung Galaxy A9. Not only does it have one, two, but four camera sensors and 4,000mAh of battery life that can last the whole day!

Terengganu, Malaysia

Image courtesy of Flickr

Who says you need to travel far to explore Malaysia’s hidden gem? If you’re in the mood for short trips during the year-end school holidays, a drive to Kuala Kubu Bharu would definitely be worth it. Besides their famous Loh Mee, Kuala Kubu Bharu is home to Sungai Chilling Waterfall as well as Sungai Selangor Dam which supplies most of Klang Valley with water. If you plan to stay overnight, you can pitch a tent at designated areas near the hutan or stay at local hotels, Airbnb, and cottages.

Selangor, Malaysia

Image courtesy of Flickr

Image courtesy of Flickr

Perak is never short of exciting new destinations for the entire family. If you’re in the mood for a staycation nearby a 130-million-year-old forest, go night hiking or fishing, and retire comfortably for the night complete with modern comforts, then this is the place you’re looking for.

It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life while bonding with friends and family. Oppo Malaysia has a wide selection of affordable phones that would allow you to capture amazing scenery from this hidden gem in Perak!

Perak, Malaysia

Terengganu boasts a lot of island destinations but nothing is as underrated as Pulau Gemia. This small island north of Kapas Island in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is home to Gem Island Resort and Spa. Like most of the islands in Terengganu, Pulau Gemia has a lot to offer in terms of ecological biodiversity which means it’s a great spot for snorkelling and scuba diving. After a day of sun and sand, you can relax at the spa and get your fill of the local cuisine at the restaurant. Pulau Gemia is an adventure just waiting to happen!

Pulau Gemia, Mukim Rusila, Daerah Marang Terengganu, 21600 Kuala Trengganu, Terengganu Darul Iman, Malaysia.

+(6)09  612 5110

Image courtesy of Flickr

Image courtesy of Flickr

Thailand may be known for Phuket, Koh Lipe, and Krabi but there is another hidden gem that’s definitely worth the visit. Koh Kradan is located on the west coast of Thailand further south from Krabi. This hidden gem is lined with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, so be sure to bring some powerful sunscreen because Koh Kradan will definitely give you the sun you need for the year-end holiday. With regards to accommodation, Koh Kradan has a number of BnBs, resorts, and homestays from different price ranges so you can stay here for a number of days during the year-end school holiday with the fam.

Indonesia has its fair share of amazing tourist destinations like Bali and Lombok but a hidden gem like Cukang Taneuh is something out of this world. Cukang Taneuh is a river canyon known for emerald green waters and breathtaking rock formations. The entrance of the canyon looks more like a cave but widens further down the road revealing walls of different layers of rock.

Vietnam may be known for Ha Long Bay and cafes at Ho Chi Minh but Đảo Bé in Lý Sơn District, Quang Ngai, Vietnam is home to scenic beach-side views never seen before. The combination of white sand beaches, black island rocks, and clear blue seas make it a stunning destination for your #IslandAesthetic.

Image courtesy of Flickr

Image courtesy of Flickr

You have probably heard of Boracay and El Nido from the Philippines but there’s a new destination in the country that would fulfill your island vibes. La Union is a coastal town in the western coast of Luzon, 3 hours away from the capital of Manila. La Union has a lot of historical destinations but what this town is famous for are the waves.

While Bali is definitely the sure destination in Southeast Asia, People from in and out of the country come here to surf regardless of whether you’re a beginner or a pro. If you’re up for a challenge, ride the waves at La Union in the Philippines! For destinations like these, don’t you wish you have a waterproof phone? Thankfully, the iPhone XS Max has an IP68 rating that allows you to take it in half-meter deep water for 30 minutes!

Image courtesy of Flickr

Besides the country’s temples and museums, Cambodia is also rich in ecological biodiversity thanks to its dense tropical forests. A noteworthy interest point is the Cardamom Mountains which extend from the Koh Kong Province of Cambodia to the Chanthaburi Province in Thailand. If you love to hike and embark on nature tripping, the Cambodian range of the mountains provides regular wildlife feeding, deep jungle raids, trekking, and a whole lot more activities suited for novice and hardcore adventurers.  

Year-end school holidays are great opportunities to travel with the family. Don’t forget, you don’t have to spend a lot to plan the perfect getaway. Which of these destinations is your favourite? Let us know on the comments section and tag your travel buddy now!