Exploring Malaysia: 20 Best Places and Most Unique Experiences for First-Timers

A Little Bit About Malaysia

Malaysia is an incredible travel destination that I have visited twice. My first trip was brief, as it was part of my three-month round-the-world trip, and I only got to experience Penang and Kuala Lumpur. The next time, I was determined to see more of this fantastic country, so I stayed in Malaysia for a month.

It's a fascinating country with vibrant cities, a blend of heritage and modern architecture, glorious sandy beaches, tea plantations, delicious food, lush jungles, and diverse wildlife.

West Malaysia contains the country's major cities (Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru and Georgetown, Penang) and is the most popular area for tourists to visit on their first trip to Malaysia.

The cities offer a glimpse into the country's past and present culture and history, and are great starting points for extended trips to Malaysia.

In East Malaysia, you will find quite a different setting, for it is here that Borneo, the world's third-largest island, has its home.

Best Cities to Discover in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia and has an international airport located about an hour's drive away.

Also fondly known as KL, the city is one of Asia's most popular destinations, whether for a few days or longer. Like its neighbouring Singapore, Malaysia is often used as a stopover destination; however, the two offer travellers very different experiences.

I have been to Kuala Lumpur twice, for two nights each time. On my first visit, I wasn't overly keen on how busy it was, but the second time around, I loved it.

I went up to the top of the Petronas Towers, which is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur. I took in the views from the KL Tower and walked back down to the city through the Forest Eco Park. It will surprise you with its natural forest setting and canopy walkways.

The newest attraction in Kuala Lumpur is the Merdeka Tower, which has Southeast Asia's highest observation deck, The View at 118. It has now become the second-highest tower in the world after Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Batu Caves is a great place to see. Hewn into the limestone, this Hindu shrine is one of the most important in the Hindu faith, with thousands of Tamils making a yearly pilgrimage to it. Climb the 272 colourful steps to see inside this incredible temple and meet the naughty monkeys who call it home.

Visiting Kuala Lumpur with teenagers is also great fun, with plenty to keep them amused, from indoor skydiving at iFly Malaysia to the thrilling amusement park at Sunway Lagoon.

Discover Chinatown

One place not to miss in KL is Chinatown. If you want a bargain, visit Petaling Street (but be prepared to barter hard; the stallholders are not friendly!). For street art lovers, head to Kwai Chai Hong, a little alleyway with beautiful murals. Afterwards, head to one of the many nearby eateries for authentic Chinese/Malay food. Or head to Brickfields in Little India to try street food.

While in KL, I stayed at The Face Suites and Ascott Star. The properties are self-contained apartments with rooftop swimming pools, perfect for city living.

Another great place to stay is Element by Westin, a 10-minute walk to the Petronas Towers. 

What was the weather like? It was hot and humid in April and July, with temperatures of 35°C.

Penang

Flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Penang is one hour, or it is 4 hours by road

On the island of Penang, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town is Malaysia's most popular tourist destination, primarily for its delicious street food and unique street art.

I ended up in Penang by chance as it was a last-minute booking. When I told people I was heading to Penang, I got a mixed response - some loved the city, but a lot didn't - what had I done? It turns out that Penang was everything I wanted it to be and more, and I ended up falling in love with it!

Gritty, friendly, and genuine, Penang retains its true identity and rich history despite being a busy tourist destination due to the famous street art in George Town.

Explore the History and Culture of Penang

I stayed in Penang for three nights on two different trips and found it fascinating. There are so many attractions in Penang that you will probably wish you had stayed longer; however, three nights is a decent amount of time to see all the main sights.

Clan temples, using artefacts and pictures, tell the story of life for Chinese communities in the 19th century, and Chew Jetty on the waterfront offers a glimpse of local life on the water. In contrast, heritage mansions such as Pinang Peranakan Mansion and Cheong Fatt Tzu Mansion show us how the wealthy lived at the turn of the 19th century. They are a great way of learning about Penang's historic Chinese and Peranakan culture.

If you want a change of scenery, head to "The Habitat" rainforest on Penang Hill. It is the perfect place to escape the city's blistering heat. Or take a morning stroll through Penang's Botanical Gardens.

Where to stay in Penang

While there are plenty of places to stay in George Town, I chose the beautiful 18th-century heritage hotel called The Blue Mansion. The hotel's interior is of an eclectic Chinese style, with a facade and interior areas painted in a distinctive indigo-blue colour.

I also spent a few nights at the Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Beach Resort in Batu Ferringhi. It is a great place to enjoy some sun, sea, and sand after the hustle and bustle of George Town.

What was the weather like? I visited in February on my first visit and in July on my second, and it was hot, sticky, and dry in George Town (in the 30s) on both occasions. It was slightly cooler (but not by much) in the coastal area of Batu Ferringhi.

Ipoh

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Ipoh takes 2 hours.

I spent two nights in Ipoh following a stay at the Pangkor Laut Island Resort. Ipoh is the largest city in Perak and is halfway between Lumut (the jumping-off point for Pangkor Island) and the Cameron Highlands, making it the perfect place to explore en route between the two.

The drive time between Lumut and Ipoh is around 75 minutes. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, the fast train to Ipoh takes around 3 hours, or you can join an organised tour.

Ipoh is small, walkable, and divided into old and new towns. Old Ipoh is the best part of town to visit because you can step inside heritage house museums, see important colonial buildings on the heritage trail and enjoy Malaysian dishes in cafes tucked away down tiny alleyways. I stayed slightly outside at the WEIL Hotel.

Discover Ipoh's Street Art

Besides those attractions, one of the best reasons to visit Ipoh is to see the fabulous street art.

Seek out the street art murals by Ernest Zacharevic (the same artist whose work is in George Town) before photographing Mural Arts Lane in the new part of town, where the artwork is more minimal.

Ipoh exudes a charming old-world ambience you can fully savour at the city's numerous quaint cafes. Don't miss the opportunity to sample the iconic Ipoh White Coffee, a sweet coffee originating here, and the delicious custard tarts similar to Portugal's pastel de nata.

A short drive from town, you can visit Ipoh's cave temples, which were formed from limestone rock and are still used as places of worship. They are adorned with statues, altars, and ornaments, and one even has a beautiful lakeside setting that is a delight to wander around. They are a must-see when you come to Ipoh.

For cave enthusiasts, Gua Tempurung is a short drive away and is the largest cave in Peninsular Malaysia. Walk inside its vast caverns or, for the more adventurous, take part in a guided pot-holing activity. If you fancy visiting a colonial, haunted castle, head to Kellie's Castle, 30 minutes from Ipoh.

What was the weather like? In July, it was very hot and humid.

Port Dickson

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Port Dickson takes 90 minutes.

While it might not feature at the top of the international traveller’s list, thousands of Malaysian locals can’t be wrong.

Considered one of the best places to escape the hustle and bustle of the country’s concrete jungles, the seaside town of Port Dickson is a favourite haunt for local Malaysian tourists looking to escape for a weekend or two. 

About a 90-minute drive from chaotic Kuala Lumpur, this budget-friendly beauty used to be a busy trading post before becoming a tourist hotspot.

Nowadays, you’ll find several high-end resorts dotting the coastline, including the most famous resort in Malaysia, Lexis Hibiscus Port Douglas, a hotel complex shaped like the national flower of Malaysia – the hibiscus. It also boasts two Guinness World Records for the most swimming pools in a resort (a startling 643) and the most overwater villas in a resort (522). 

Exploring Port Dickson

But hanging out in Port Dickson doesn’t need to be within the confines of a luxury hotel. The area is jam-packed with activities to suit any travel style.

From crazy upside-down houses and art galleries to a cowboy-themed indoor theme park and a fascinating observatory, you can keep the entire family entertained.

If natural pursuits are more your thing, Port Dickson delivers in droves.

You can hang out at the picturesque beach of the Blue Lagoon or spend hours hiking in the thickly forested surroundings of Tanjung Tuan. The 80-hectare nature reserve offers birdwatching, sandy beaches and an incredible lighthouse, the crowning glory of the reserve, which helps to steer ships into the serene Strait of Malacca.

What was the weather like? In March, the weather was lovely and quite hot.

Melaka

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Melaka takes 2 hours.

If you are looking for the best places to visit in Malaysia, you won’t want to miss out on the vibrant town of Melaka (also spelt Malacca).

Melaka is a port city only about an hour and a half south of Kuala Lumpur and is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

It’s one of the best places in Malaysia to learn more about the country's fascinating cultural history. Thanks to its strategic location for trade, Melaka was ruled at different times by the Malay, Dutch, English, and Portuguese.

It’s also a great city to explore, with most of the interesting historical attractions within walking distance of each other.

I loved exploring this place on foot, and it’s easy to come across many fascinating religious temples, old forts and museums. I also recommend a scenic 45-minute Melaka River cruise.

Exploring the City of Melaka

Melaka has lively Friday, Saturday, and Sunday night markets on Jonker Street. If you are in town over the weekend, this is where to head for dining, souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food.

Outside the centre, there is also an array of attractions, such as Taman Mini Malaysia, which offers information about the cultures of the various Malay states, including replicas of traditional homes, games, dance, and cooking.

It is easy to reach Melaka by bus or on a tour from Kuala Lumpur. There are also direct buses from Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

For a good place to lay your head, we enjoyed staying at The Majestic Melaka Hotel.

What was the weather like? Melaka is hot and humid year-round, with the most rain in April and October. 

Sekinchan

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to Sekinchan takes 1 hour and 30 minutes.

The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, might be one of the most impressive cities in Malaysia; however, after spending a few days in its insufferable noise, pollution, and crowds, we knew we had to go somewhere more peaceful.

After much research, we finally settled on Sekinchan, a small fishing village 1.5 hours away and one of Malaysia's best-kept gems.

If you don't have a car, you may want to consider renting a bicycle from one of the shops in town to explore the surrounding area.

Although Sekinchan is only a tiny fishing village, its most iconic features are the lush rice paddy fields that stretch farther than the eye can see. 

Cycling through the paddy fields

We spent the morning cycling through these picturesque paddy fields and enjoying the simple things in life. When we had had enough, we went to cool off at Pantai Redang, Sekinchan's only beach.

Not only was this beach peaceful, but we also caught glimpses of local life and discovered the Sekinchan Wishing Tree.

We couldn't leave Sekinchan without trying their seafood. We ended the night at Wan Lau Seafood, sampling some delicious oyster egg omelette and clams before returning to our hotel.

If you plan to visit Sekinchan, we recommend staying at Padi Box, as we did.

It is a unique accommodation in Sekinchan, built entirely from recycled freight containers. This place is eco-friendly, and the creative use of freight containers makes it very decorative!

What was the weather like? In March, the weather was consistently hot and humid.

Best Cities to Discover in Malaysian Borneo

Kuching

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kuching takes 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Flying to Kuching is the best way to arrive, even for those already elsewhere in Borneo.

It's the only way to Sarawak's capital from Peninsular Malaysia, and passports are necessary even though it's a domestic trip. Thankfully, the flights are short and inexpensive and, in my experience, the city is chilled.

See orangutans at Semenggoh Nature Reserve

It's very close to nature, and even when I didn't feel like spending a weekend on an orangutan trek through the jungle, I could (and did) take a detour from the airport to Semenggoh Nature Reserve to watch the feeding of the Bornean orangutan.

Beaches aren't far away either, but seeing primates scale the trees and tear fruit apart was something else altogether, even from a short distance.

The city isn't super photogenic, though there are old Chinese shophouses, temples, mosques and colonial forts along the river. However, it is cheap and easy to get around using the Grab ride-sharing app, which means more money to spend on meals.

Eating out in Kuching

You'll discover fantastic food in Kuching that rivals Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Penang, making it a haven for food lovers. Some dishes are unique to the city because of the Chinese migrants who settled there, and they incorporate local ingredients.

I stayed at the Meritin Hotel in the "Golden Triangle." I was a block away from restaurants serving delicious dishes like kolo mee (curly noodles with minced pork) and Sarawak laksa ( a spicy prawn noodle dish. Specialities like stir-fried midin (fiddleheads) and Lui cha fan (herbal tea salad with rice) were just a short ride away. I had no regrets about going home a few pounds heavier!

What was the weather like? June was hot and relatively dry, but short rain showers can still occur, and I experienced one during the trip. From April to October, there's a better chance of seeing the orangutans at the feeding stations.

Kota Kinabalu

Flying from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu takes 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of the Sabah region of Malaysian Borneo. Though it might not seem super exciting at first, I was amazed at the number of things you can do in Kota Kinabalu. I initially planned to stay for two days to check out the highlights, but I quickly extended my stay to over a week!

Kota Kinabalu has some lovely beaches, including Tanjung Aru Beach, which is a must-visit for sunset. It also has impressive mosques, including the Pink Mosque and Masjid Bandaraya, which are among the most beautiful I've seen.

A must-see is the Mari Mari Cultural Village, which showcases the lives and history of the five indigenous tribes of Borneo—think headhunters and warriors!

Jesselton Pier is the jumping-off point in Kota Kinabalu for the 20-minute ferry ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Here, you can spend the day on a beautiful beach and snorkel. The marine park has several islands to visit, including Gaya Island, home to Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa, a paradisical resort offering a luxurious stay at a reasonable price point.

Getting to Kota Kinabalu

Flying into Kota Kinabalu is easy from Kuala Lumpur and other cities in Borneo.

If you're already exploring Sabah, fly directly to Kota Kinabalu from Sandakan or take a bus from any major city. Getting here from other parts of Borneo can be a little trickier and a long day, as you may need to cross the border into Brunei, so I recommend flying instead.

There are plenty of hotels in Kota Kinabalu that suit all budgets. Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu is a good choice if you want to splash the cash, whereas DreamTel is suitable for tighter budgets.

What was the weather like? We travelled at the end of March; it was great. It's the end of the rainy season, so there were still some rainy afternoons, but they were scarce. It's a great time to visit Borneo, as you avoid the summer heat and the rainy season's heavy rains, and everything looks exceptionally lush since it's just ending.

Best Islands to Discover in Malaysia

Pangkor Island

Kuala Lumpur to Pangkor by road takes 4 hours

I think Pangkor Island is one of the best places to visit in Malaysia, as the island is still an unknown destination for foreign tourists, meaning you have the island to yourself.

A dense jungle covers most of the island, so wildlife thrives here. One day, when we returned from the beach, a family of monkeys was sitting on our bungalow roof! We also saw the hornbill, a beautiful black bird with a massive yellow beak. I loved that we could spot wildlife so quickly on this island!

Discover the delights of Pangkor Island

If you're looking for a Malaysian island to explore off the tourist trail, with beautiful beaches, thriving wildlife, and many great attractions, I would 100% recommend Pangkor!

There are many things to do on Pangkor Island. You can go to the beach, rent a kayak, go snorkelling, or rent a scooter and explore the island.

Pangkor has a beautiful mosque on the water, a quirky Chinese temple with a great viewpoint, and an old fisherman's village.

Getting to Pangkor Island

It's easy to get to Pangkor: a 4-hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur and a 5-hour ride from Penang.

You must take the bus towards Lumut, where the ferry to Pangkor Island leaves every 45 minutes.

We stayed in a bungalow at the Pangkor Sandy Beach Resort, and I cannot recommend this place enough.

It's very cheap, the bungalows are clean, and the owners are very kind. It's best to find a place to stay on the island's West side; there are many restaurants, and you will be close to the island's best beach, Coral Beach.

If you are looking for a luxurious stay, Pangkor Laut Resort is a short boat ride away. It offers overwater bungalows, hillside villas, top-rated restaurants, a pool, tennis courts, and first-class service.

What was the weather like? I visited in August, and it was lovely. There were blue skies every day except for one morning when we had a crazy thunderstorm.

Perhentian Islands

The flight from Kuala Lumpur takes 1 hour and 10 minutes, followed by a boat ride to the islands.

The Perhentian Islands, Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, are two beautiful tropical islands located about 20 km off the coast of northeast Malaysia, close to Thailand.

We loved staying on the spectacular Perhentian Kecil, a smaller island with perfect white beaches and crystal-clear water. The island offers excellent scuba diving, beachside snorkelling, and lovely hiking trails.

Both islands are beautiful, but Perhentian Kecil has a livelier vibe.

We got to Kuala Besut by bus from Thailand, but it is only an hour's flight from Kuala Lumpur, and you take a speedboat to the islands.

There are fantastic guesthouses and resorts around Petani Beach and Long Beach. We arrived early enough to enjoy the first day on the beach and snorkel!

Discover the underwater world in the Perhentian Islands

Long Beach is a beautiful sandy beach, and swimming in the warm, crystal-clear water was fantastic! From this point, we walked to Coral Bay beach on a jungle path, and there were some excellent restaurants where we could have a basic lunch.

It is a quick walk back to Long Beach to watch the sunset. There are plenty of bars on the beach, and after dark, we sat on the beach with a drink, enjoying the choreographed fire dancing and poi fire show on the sand.

The diving around the island is fantastic, with warm, clear water, beautiful corals, and a variety of fascinating marine life.

We enjoyed scuba diving in the Perhentian Islands. Our favourite dive sites were Tokong Laut, a beautiful tropical reef rich in marine life, and the sunken freighter Sugar Wreck, largely intact and lying at 20m. We had a lot of fun snorkelling and hiking on the island.

I recommend renting a kayak and snorkelling equipment, paddling between Long Beach and Coral Bay, and stopping to snorkel and observe reef sharks, barracudas, and beautiful corals and fish that thrive in these waters.

What is the weather like in the Perhentian Islands?

We have been to the Perhentian Islands more than once in July. The weather is hot and sunny, with calm seas and little rain, and the diving is good. 

June to August is peak season; the island gets very busy, especially over the weekends, and accommodation can be fully booked. 

November to March is monsoon season, and the island shuts down due to bad weather and rough seas.

Langkawi Island

Flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi is 1 hour and 10 minutes.

When I see photos of white-sand beaches, tropical rainforests, and beautiful islands, wanderlust strikes, and Langkawi triggers that feeling.

Langkawi's proximity to mainland Malaysia and Thailand makes it easily accessible, with many beautiful Langkawi hotels waiting to welcome visitors to this tropical paradise.

We spent a wonderful day on the beach, enjoying water sports. Then, we lounged on the soft sand while sipping our drinks and watching some fire-dancing shows. At dusk, the beach is lit by flaming lamps and tabletop candles, adding a romantic rustic vibe.

Ride the cable car

Langkawi is also famous for its sky cable, the Langkawi SkyCab, which lifts you above the dense canopy of the virgin rainforest.

The peak is 708m above sea level, where viewing platforms may trigger your fear of heights, especially when you step on the transparent floor.

On clear days, you can see the coastline of southern Thailand beyond the glimmering Andaman Sea.

Surrounded by turquoise waters, it features picturesque paddy fields and jungle-clad hills. Whether after a jungle adventure, spending time on the beach, or going on a shopping spree, Langkawi is one of Malaysia's best places to visit.

What was the weather like? In August, it was warm and sunny.

Kapas Island

The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Terengganu is one hour. The travel times by road are mentioned below.

Kapas Island is not as well-known as some of its neighbours and is a bit of a hidden island in Malaysia, a few kilometres off the east coast.

Due to the monsoon season, visiting Kapas Island from mid-October to March is impractical, so my stay in May was timed perfectly.

Getting from Kuala Lumpur to Kapas Island is a long day of travel. I took a bus to Kuala Terengganu (5 hours), then transferred to Merang (1 hour), where boats regularly depart from Merang Jetty for Kapas Island. Day tours can be pre-booked from Kuala Terengganu.

Upon arrival at Kapas Island, you will arrive at the sandy beach and walk to your accommodation. But you can take another boat further down the island if required, although it's only a 30-minute walk from one end to the other.

Camping on the beach

I stayed in my tent at Captain Longhouse, one of three beach campsites on the island (budget options). A few other accommodation options cater to both mid-range and luxury options.

The island is quiet during the week, but many domestic tourists visit on weekends. However, with snorkelling available across the island, you can always find peace in the water.

I loved all the coral, and while there were not many fish, I saw turtles and blacktip reef sharks daily.

If you prefer diving, plenty of scuba companies can arrange a dive. Otherwise, it's all about sticking to the beach, playing volleyball and other beach games, relaxing, and watching the sunset.

Regarding food, while camping, I brought snacks to the island and sampled the restaurants and bars. I would advise you to make any dinner reservations around lunchtime, as the restaurants usually get supplies for that night in the afternoon.

What was the weather like? I had good weather in May, which made it the perfect time to visit.

Words by Chur New Zealand.

Tioman Island

It takes 4 hours to travel by road from Kuala Lumpur to Mersing Jetty, followed by a boat ride to the island.

Tioman Island is the largest of Malaysia's 64 volcanic islands, located just off the east coast of the Malaysian Peninsula. It is an absolute paradise with incredible snorkelling and diving opportunities.

It’s one of my favourite places in Malaysia, and I’ve never seen beaches like those on Tioman Island.

Of course, you'll find other tourists here, but so far, Tioman has mainly been spared by the crowds that visit places like Langkawi or some of the nearby Thai Islands. 

Discover Paradise in the Tioman Islands

Tioman is sparsely populated, so you can always find a quiet spot. I’d highly recommend heading to Juara, a little secluded town with one of the island's best beaches and a turtle project.

The road there is very narrow, and you should be careful if you’re exploring Tioman by scooter. If you’re not highly experienced at riding a scooter, you should hire a driver instead.

Tioman is all about water sports. It's the perfect spot to learn how to surf, go snorkelling, or even try your hand at scuba diving.

Malaysia is an affordable country where you can learn to dive and get your certification, and Tioman has one of the most amazing underwater worlds. I also enjoyed seeing the island’s waterfalls, which are the perfect way to refresh yourself after a day of exploring.

Tioman Island mainly has budget accommodation, and prices are reasonable. I’d recommend the Beach Shack, which offers basic rooms but has an enviable location by the beach with fantastic sunrise views.

What was the weather like? June was pretty hot (around 30 °C constantly), with some rain but not much. It was a good time to visit!

Words by Guide Your Travel.

Best Experiences To Discover In Malaysia

Visit the Cameron Highlands

The drive from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands takes 3 hours and 30 minutes. The main road into and through the Cameron Highlands gets very busy, so expect delays and possibly additional time added to your trip.

You can also book a day tour from Kuala Lumpur to the Cameron Highlands.

Cameron Highlands is a great place to visit, with amazing landscapes and stunning panoramic views. It’s perfect if you want to explore the great outdoors and escape the heat for a few days!

Cameron Highlands is located along Malaysia's central mountain range, at an elevation of 5000 feet above sea level. This means the temperature is noticeably cooler and wetter, setting it apart from the rest of Malaysia. It can be a welcome respite from the heat and humidity experienced in other parts of the country.

With acres and acres of green rolling hills, the region almost seems plucked from an English country scene. The difference is that tea plants grow on these hills, and Boh Tea Plantation is Malaysia's biggest black tea producer. It's just one of several plantations in the Cameron Highlands and a must-visit in Malaysia.

Boh Tea Plantation was the first to be set up in the Cameron Highlands. The Russell family from Scotland arrived in 1929 and began cultivating the land and planting tea shoots. You can visit either of the Boh Tea locations: the original tea plantation, where you can go on a factory tour and enjoy a cuppa in the outdoor cafe. The second is a tasting room on a hilltop with beautiful views.

Walking through the Tea Plantations

While at Boh, you can take a stroll or a longer hike through the tea plantation. The pathways are marked so you can't get lost, and they will take you around the fields and through the jungle. On my visit, we were the only ones in the fields, and it was very tranquil. The only problem was the rain, which prevented us from walking for longer.

Another popular walking trail is in the Mossy Forest, though you will need a 4-wheel-drive vehicle and a guide to reach it. Other things to do in the Cameron Highlands include visiting one of the many strawberry farms, the butterfly and bee farm, or the Kea Farmers Market.

We stayed at the Cameron Highlands Resort, which was incredible. Golfers can also play a round on the resort's golf course.

What was the weather like? July was cool with scattered showers. The daytime temperature was around 18°c. 

Diving in Sipadan, Borneo

The flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours 35 minutes, followed by a road and boat transfer.

When Jacques Cousteau endorses a place, it must be good. It was good enough for me when I packed my dive bag and went to Sipadan, northeast of Borneo.

Sipadan is an island that resembles many other tropical islands. But people don't come here for the palm trees or the sand. Sipadan's charms lie below the surface in an area known as one of the world's best dive destinations.

From Semporna, I take a boat to Mabul Island, where I am staying with Scuba Junkie, one of the area's resorts.

I don't want to remember the boat trip — it was stormy, and our little boat almost got lost. Nevertheless, diving on Sipadan is worth every effort.

Discover the underwater world of Sipadan

Diving in Sipadan is highly restricted, and only a set number of dive permits are distributed daily to the various dive resorts.

If you stay for a few nights, you can snatch one for a day. My persistence to dive in paradise promptly gets "rewarded" with an unfriendly triggerfish encounter before I finally see turtles galore, barracuda tornadoes, and, of course, sharks.

Even diving around Mabul Island is an absolute feast for the eyes, and I discovered my love for muck-diving, thanks to a bobtail squid barely bigger than my pinkie fingernail. 

On my way back, I met Eddie, a bar owner in Semporna. He tells tales of the good old days when he met Jacques Cousteau and told him to "stay away" in no uncertain terms. I admire his candour and cannot help but think I may have done the same to protect this paradise and keep it to myself.

What was the weather like? July is usually the hottest month with the least rain; however, we encountered a bad storm! 

Words by The Very Hungry Mermaid.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Borneo

Flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Climbing Borneo's Mount Kinabalu is a big challenge. It's not for the faint of heart and requires at least two full days to complete.

Mount Kinabalu is Malaysia's tallest mountain, rising 4096m out of the jungle of Sabah. Climbing to its summit is one of the most challenging things I've ever done, but also one of the most rewarding.

At the park headquarters, all climbs are undertaken with a local guide assigned to each group.

The climb up the mountain starts at the Timpohon Gate at 1866m and continues for 6 km to the Pana Laban rest house at 2373m. It doesn't sound like much, but this part took me about five hours.

Once at Pana Laban, I rested my sore feet for the remainder of the afternoon before falling gratefully into bed as the sun went down. I was awake again at 2 a.m. to prepare for the final climb to the summit.

Sunrise on Mount Kinabalu's summit

This part of the climb was cold and dark, which, combined with the thin air, made the last section even more difficult.

Standing at the top of the mountain on my birthday and watching the sunrise above the clouds made every bit of that hard work worth it.

Mount Kinabalu is around 2 hours from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. The company organising my climb also provided transfers before and after my climb, so we stayed at the Mercure Kota Kinabalu City Centre.

What was the weather like? In February, the weather was perfect - but only the day before, it had been raining, and the poor people did the whole climb in the rain, so I am guessing it’s pretty changeable at that time of the year.

Jungle camping in the Kiulu Valley, Borneo

Flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Malaysia is a front-runner for natural beauty, and a perfect example is Kiulu Valley in the state of Sabah in Borneo, a 60km taxi ride from Kota Kinabalu, where we visited to experience our jungle trekking and camping trip.

The Kiulu River flows through this valley, and the riverbank was the perfect site for a jungle camp. We stayed in one of the basic bamboo huts along the riverbank.

Discovering Life in the Jungle

We trekked through the forest during the day, and a naturalist introduced us to the local flora, sharing traditional knowledge still widely used in Malaysia.

Our jungle camp provided us with an angling kit, and we gave fishing a try in the river. Call it beginner's luck; we managed to catch a fish, but found it was more fun to let it go. We spent the evening enjoying local music and dancing, and we enjoyed Malay food for dinner.

The highlight of our Kiulu experience was rafting on the Kiulu River, one of the world's cleanest rivers. Although there were many rapids, we rafted under the guidance of our trained instructors and stayed safe.

The clear green water splashing on us, the sinking feeling, the subsequent rise, and the resultant adrenaline rush are memories for life.

What was the weather like? In July, it was a little hot and humid during the day, but the early mornings and nights were very pleasant.

Best Wildlife Encounters In Malaysia

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Borneo

One of the top reasons to visit Borneo is to see an orangutan at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. On my month-long trip around Malaysia, this was the highlight of my time in this beautiful country.

The Sepilok Centre is there for the sole purpose of rescuing and rehabilitating orangutans from the terrible fate that is all too real—the destruction of their natural habitat and hunting of their species. Many of the orangutans that live in the forest around the rehab centre have been orphaned following swathes of what was once their home being bulldozed to make way for palm trees to be planted. These palm trees produce palm oil, which is used in many human products.

The centre aims to raise awareness about the orangutan's plight and generate funds through entrance fees, charitable donations, and adoptions. I left having adopted an orangutan for one year!

Observing these incredible emotive animals, which coincidentally share 97% of their DNA with humans, is a privilege and one that I will remember for the rest of my life.

For a more detailed review of what to expect, please read this post: Sepilok Orangutans: Ultimate Bucketlist Orangutan Experience in Borneo.

Deramakot Forest Reserve, Borneo

Flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours and 35 minutes.

Would you like a chance to spot the elusive Clouded leopard in the wild, see Borneo pygmy elephants, or see a Bornean Orangutan?

Deramakot Forest Reserve in Sabah, Malaysia, is the best place on the island to spot some of Borneo's rarest animals.

Discover the wildlife in Borneo

I visited Deramakot twice in my quest to see a Clouded leopard. Before I finally spotted the elusive feline, I saw more wildlife in Deramakot than I could have imagined.

Almost every night, Pygmy elephants caused very welcome roadblocks (and photo opportunities) as they blissfully ignored our truck and refused to move off the road.

Other times, it would be Malayan Porcupines or Sunda skunks (yes, there are skunks in Asia!).  

We saw binturongs, marbled cats, slow lorises, and flying squirrels on our night drives.

You'll be amazed at how many flying animals there are in Borneo: Flying lemurs (Colugos), flying squirrels, flying frogs, flying lizards, and even flying snakes! Of course, these animals don't fly, but they are all excellent gliders.

Another great thing about Deramakot is that it's off the tourist radar and rarely gets crowded. You can't just 'drop in' to Deramakot.

The only way to visit this remote reserve is with a licensed tour operator. Whenever I go to Borneo, I always travel with Adventure Alternative Borneo. These guys were the first commercial outfit to bring wildlife watchers to Deramakot.

Deramakot forest accommodation

The accommodation in Deramakot Forest Reserve is limited to three surprisingly comfortable cottages. But there are no shops near Deramakot to pick up food or petrol, so your expedition will include all the supplies: a 4wd truck, a driver, a cook, your guide, and a wildlife spotter. Trust me, Deramakot is one of the most adventurous places you can visit in Malaysia. 

What was the weather like? It can rain any time in October, and when it rains, it pours. It’s one of the wettest places on earth. We had several heavy downpours during that week. Temperature-wise, it’s usually in the low 30s Celsius.

Kinabatangan River, Borneo

Flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan is 2 hours and 45 minutes.

We flew into Sandakan and then headed to the Kinabatangan River area in Borneo for a wildlife adventure.

Discover the wild pygmy elephants

While we were here, we saw proboscis monkeys, orangutans, monitor lizards, macaques, and many different birds. But what made this place truly unique were the Borneo pygmy elephants – the smallest elephants in Asia.

There are only 1,500 of these distinctly different elephants left in the wild. They evolved differently from mainland elephants when the island of Borneo separated from the mainland more than 300,000 years ago. They look like babies even when they’re fully grown.

You can take a day trip from Sandakan or stay in one of the riverbank lodges – basic or luxury lodges are available to spot the Borneo wildlife right from the lodge.

There is no National Park Fee to pay here, so you’ll have more money to take boat trips and explore the area.

Early morning and evening boat trips are the best times to spot wildlife in Borneo, and a nighttime walk will also get you into the rainforest to see sights you might not usually notice!

It is fabulously peaceful here in the evening, and it is well worth spending at least one night here to wake up and experience the river at dawn.

What was the weather like? In July, the weather in Borneo was hot and sticky, with a bit of rain.

Danum Valley, Borneo

Flight time from Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours 35 minutes

One of my favourite places in Malaysia is the Danum Valley in the Sabah region of Borneo, one of the last remaining areas of primaeval rainforest on the island. It is also a fabulous place to see orangutans in the wild.

There is only one place to stay inside the designated conservation area – the all-inclusive Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

We arrived at the small airport in Lahad Datu and checked in at their air-conditioned offices before being whisked away in a comfortable car for the two-hour trip, mostly on dirt roads, to our accommodation.

Rainforest accommodation

The lodge was fantastic, with a vast open-air lounge and restaurant overlooking a river and facing a heavily jungled escarpment.

The self-contained rooms are reached by a series of wooden walkways branching out from the main lodge. 

After relaxing, we were taken on a guided walk along a nearby boardwalk. A guide accompanies all the hikes, so you don’t get lost (this is included in the price).

That night, we took another leisurely walk to see nocturnal animals, including flying frogs.  

Jungle trekking in Malaysia

We went on two long hikes the next day, starting on a canopy walkway high in the trees. We saw orangutans, red-leaf monkeys, and many birds.

Then, we took a long hike through the jungle to see the top of the escarpment. This was followed by a trip to a waterfall and a pool where fish nibbled the dead skin off our feet (freaky, but fun!).  

That night, we drove in the back of a truck with a huge spotlight to see more nocturnal animals. We saw an enormous giant flying squirrel ‘fly’ and even a glimpse of a Clouded leopard.

The food was excellent, the Bornean wildlife was incredible, and the overall experience was one of the absolute highlights of my trip to Malaysia!

What was the weather like? In May, the weather was great. Not too hot or wet.

Please Pin for Future Travel to Malaysia

HEADING TO MALAYSIA IN THE FUTURE?  CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL GUIDES ↓

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