Malaysia

Many travellers come through Kota Kinabalu as it’s the entry point for Sabah’s many treasures.

From Kota Kinabalu, you can climb up the beautiful UNESCO site of Mt. Kinabalu, trek through the oldest and most untouched rainforest Maliau Basin, take a jeep through the unpredictable and wild Deramakot Forest Reserve, or retreat into a 130M-year-old rainforest Danum Valley.

You'll reconnect with nature and feel a deeper appreciation for the beauty around us after visiting.

Fly into Tawau to get to the best dive sites in Sabah.

Semporna is just an hour's drive away from Tawau Airport, and divers from all around the world make this trip to get a chance to dive in Sipadan, famous for its reef sharks, whale sharks, hammerheads, and turtle sightings. Just adjacent to Sipadan lies Mabul island, another popular (& more affordable) site for diving and snorkelling. Try both dive sites out while you are there!

The city of Kuching is a place for discovery and learning about Sarawak's rich history and traditions. Experience the life of the Bidayuh tribe through a village homestay, as your host takes you to their favourite secret spots in the jungle; or stay in one of the longhouses that houses up to 100 families. You'll get to experience the hospitality of the tribesmen as they share their lives with you in an intimate setting.

From Kuching, you can even trek across borders from Indonesia into Malaysia, a definite must-do when you are there!

Mulu's remote location makes visiting it still very much the explorer's expedition. Take a trip to Mulu National Park, Malaysia's first ever UNESCO site. Here, you can witness the tall, jagged limestone formations of Mt. Api, and explore huge bat-filled caves. Do plan your travel route well as there are only flights four times a week into Mulu from Kota Kinabalu and Kuching respectively.

Sandakan is a popular spot for wildlife lovers. Take a trip to Kinabatangan River, one of the best places to see wildlife in Malaysia. Here you can try to spot long-nosed proboscis monkeys, elephants and orangutans. Many will also visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a rehab centre for orphaned orangutans, and the Sunbear Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a rehab centre for the adorable sunbear.

Sandakan is also a short bus ride from Kota Kinabalu so take a trip to Mt. Kinabalu too, the highest mountain in Malaysia.

Many head to Kuala Lumpur for a taste of a modern city of shopping and gastronomic delights. However, Kuala Lumpur also provides access to some of the most idyllic retreats — head to the Berembun Forest Reserve, a 4,000 acres protected rainforest, for a quick getaway and hike in search of a WW2 plane wreck; spend a weekend in Janda Baik, the quintessential Malaysian countryside experience of cycling and lush greenery; refresh yourself with a eco-glamping trip deep in Selangor Jungle — whoever said you can't explore nature from a city?

Many flock to Penang, an rustic old town termed as the 'Food Capital' of Malaysia, for a taste of its old town charm. For those who enjoy mixing up their city trips with a bit of nature, consider spending a few days in Balik Pulau, staying in a durian farm or retreating into an exclusive jungle villa.

Malaysian Getaways