Check out these Hidden Gems in Malaysia
If you're looking for a fresh and exciting vacation destination beyond your usual JB, KL or Desaru haunts - these hidden gems in Malaysia are right up your alley. You don't have to travel far to find a brand-new adventure! From gorgeous private islands to charming old towns, we've compiled a list of underrated destinations for you to add to your quick getaway bucket list!
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1. Royal Belum State Park, Perak
Photo Credits: @caijin
This 130 million years old rainforest is just waiting to be explored. The dreamy Royal Belum State Park is a tropical paradise that's perfect for nature lovers and is considered one of the oldest, protected, undisturbed rainforests in Peninsular Malaysia.
Photo Credits: @tarapapa_
Whether you're looking for a relaxing getaway or a thrilling adventure, you'll find something for you here. Get ready to uncover the mysteries of the jungle and be surrounded by the calmness and serenity of nature. You can spend a night in a beautiful eco-resort, a tent, or even on a boat!
How to go: Fly to Ipoh (1 hour) and drive to the park from there (1 hour drive)
🚗 Road trip essential: rent a car on Klook from as low as SG$32/day! You can opt to get it picked up at the airport or anywhere in the city that's convenient for you. Take your pick from comfy compact cars to spacious SUVs and even commercial vans if you're travelling with friends and family.
2. Tasik Biru Ibam Muadzam Shah, Pahang
Photo Credit: @amzarasyraf || 📍 Tasik Biru Bukit Ibam Muadzam Shah
Located by the sea and surrounded by lush rainforests, Rompin is a district in Pahang dotted with natural gems. Plan an adventure here if you're up to explore the off-the-beaten-path, there's so much to see from gushing waterfalls to friendly orang asli villages, sandy beaches, fresh seafood, and a picturesque lake with clear blue waters in Bukit Ibam called Tasik Biru.
Popularly known as the Blue Lake, the Tasik Biru in Rompin is believed to have obtained its mysterious colour due to chemical reactions between the rocks and soil. Head over to catch a glimpse of its vivid waters with your own eyes!
How to go: Fly to Kuantan (1 hour) and drive (2 hours) or drive from Singapore (4 hours)
3. Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands
Photo Credits: @lazmanlee
Besides sweeping tea plantations and strawberry farms, Cameron Highlands is also home to a handful of hidden gems waiting to be explored. One such gem is the enchanting Mossy Forest, a strangely beautiful forest tucked in the highlands of Mount Brinchang, the second highest peak in Cameron Highlands.
Photo Credits: @victoriawey
Blanketed with mysterious mist and shrouded in a magical aura, the Mossy Forest is located at an elevated position of 2,032 metres above sea level and was ranked fifth place on Lonely Planet's list of Most Instagrammable Forests In The World.
How to go: Do a road trip (about 7 hours) or take a Singapore-Malaysia coach bus
4. Semporna, Sabah
Photo Credit: @thechelseytan
Nestled on the east coast of Sabah, Semporna is quite literally a slice of paradise on earth - this little town is the gateway and launchpad to your wildest island dreams. Semporna is perfection in the form of a collection of beautiful islands, just like its name which means "perfect" in Malay.
Photo Credits: @lynnl0107
All you have to do is catch a speedboat and you'll be on your way to islands with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and some of the most beautiful dive sites in the world.
How to go: Fly to Kota Kinabalu (2.5 hours), Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau (1 hour), Take a taxi from Tawau to Semporna
5. Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu
Photo Credits: @pijie_mhar
Tasik Kenyir is one of the largest man-made lakes in the whole of Southeast Asia. The lake is home to over 300 (mostly uninhabited) islands, waterfalls, caves, and wildlife. You can stay on a boat here and fill your day with tons of activities like kayaking, canoeing, rafting, going on jungle walks, caving, fishing, and more.
Photo Credits: @pijie_mhar
For those who wish to experience something different, we'd recommend booking your stay on a houseboat - imagine waking up to serene views, views of the tranquil rainforest, and calm waters!
How to go: Fly to Kuantan (1 hour) and drive (3 hours)
6. Kundasang, Sabah
Photo Credits: @olywer
Kundasang is lovingly known as the New Zealand or Scotland of Borneo and we promise its majestic views will take your breath away. Enjoy the crisp mountain air and explore all this quaint little town has to offer - some popular attractions here include the Sabah Tea Gardens, Kundasang Market, and the Desa Dairy Farm.
Photo Credit: @orkedmerahjambu02
There are many unique and cosy homestays located up in Kundasang, so make sure you spend a night here so you don't have to rush through your visit!
How to go: Fly to Kota Kinabalu (2.5 hours)
7. Mari-Mari Cultural Village
Photo Credit: @mmcv.official
Photo Credit: @mmcv.official
For those who love learning about different cultures, the Mari Mari Cultural Village in Sabah offers a hidden gem of an experience. Get a glimpse into the lives of Sabah's rich culture and the five major local ethnic groups at this village tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Visitors will get to take part in a variety of hands-on activities and experiences including fire-starting, blowpipe-making, and the sampling of Sabahan traditional delicacies!
8. Pulau Jerejak, Penang
Photo Credit: @hazwanhfiz
Reachable within a 10-minute ferry ride from the Penang Island Jetty, Pulau Jerejak is a little island located on the eastern coast of Penang. Pulau Jerejak has a long, eventful past and decades of turbulent history behind it but is dotted with vibrant photo spots (including a rainbow pier and romantic swings by the beach!) today.
Photo Credits: @antungyau
Make sure you stay till the evening to catch a beautiful sunset before you head back to George Town!
How to go: Fly to Penang (1.5h), take a ferry from Penang Island (10 min)
9. Astaka Morocco, Putrajaya
Photo Credits: @mr_ferzin
The Astaka Morocco is a Moroccan-inspired pavilion nestled in the Putrajaya Botanical Garden complex. Dotted with walls filled with intricate decorative carvings, beautiful mosaic tiles, and majestic pillars - you can take your time exploring this exotic space and take some nice photos while you're here!
If you haven't explored much of Putrajaya, be sure to pop by other attractions in the area including the beautiful pink mosque (Putra Mosque), Putrajaya Lake, Putra Square, and more.
How to go: Fly to KL (1 hour), take train from KL Sentral to Putrajaya (18 min)
10. Maxwell Hill, Taiping
Photo Credits: @hanis.suhaimi
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. Check out other gems in the charming old town of Taiping while you're there - the Taiping Lake Gardens, Antong Coffee Mill, and Taiping Zoo are some of our personal recommendations.
How to go: Fly to Ipoh (1 hour) and drive or take a taxi to Taiping (1 hour drive)
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