3 must-visit Malaysian destinations

By MiNDFOOD

Must-visit Malaysia destinations: Langkawi island
Discover three magical Malaysia destinations; from pristine tropical waters and religious and cultural wonders to a land filled with nature's most incredible creatures and inspiring sights.

Luxury in Langkawi

Langkawi is the very definition of a tropical paradise. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters, pristine beaches and lush jungle, it’s the easiest thing in the world to relax and soak up the natural beauty of its 99 islands. 

It’s a top spot to snorkel, or you can trek, kayak or cruise around the islands. The luxurious spas are a good choice for a pampering session, or you can just laze away the days on a white sand beach under the shade of a coconut tree or beach umbrella.

When you’re done beachcombing, take the cable car to the SkyBridge –
the longest curved bridge in the world.

You can also walk through the underwater tunnel at Underwater World Langkawi – Malaysia’s largest aquarium, featuring more than 4000 fish and marine creatures. Take a dip in the water or hike the steep climb to Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls – considered by some to be the island’s best natural attraction. Then, when the sun goes down, mix with the locals at the lively beachfront bars at Pantai Cenang.

Langkawi is also a duty-free zone, making it the perfect place to shop for goodies and souvenirs.

Meet you on the beach. 

Sarawak’s natural wonders

The largest state in Malaysia, Sarawak is best known for its extraordinary landscapes, plants and animals.

Discover the delicious cuisine and colonial charm of the capital, Kuching. It is also known as the ‘City of Cats’, as the city is full of cat statues – so why not snap a selfie with your favourite feline?

Afterwards, wander through Old Chinatown, shop at the Main Bazaar and stroll along the riverfront. Visit the picturesque Fort Margherita, built in the 19th century to protect Kuching from pirates, and admire the beauty of the city’s religious buildings.

Must-visit Malaysia destinations: Malaysia Kuching
Malaysia Kuching.

Nature lovers will love seeing orangutans at Semenggoh Orangutan Centre, while monkeys and exotic birds can be spotted at Bako National Park.

Take a boat up the Batang Rejang, described as ‘the Amazon of Borneo’.

While in Sarawak, spend the afternoon at the Sarawak Cultural Village to see how the locals live. You can also witness the nightly exit of millions of bats in the Deer Cave in the picturesque Mulu National Park, and see the largest flower in the world (the rafflesia) at Gunung Gading National Park.

Your adventure awaits.

The treasures of Sabah

As the northernmost of Borneo’s two provinces, Sabah is a land filled with nature’s most bountiful treasures. Why not start by exploring the lush rainforest, crystal-clear waters and stunning mountain peaks of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital?

Sabah is also home to Mount Kinabalu, the 20th most prominent mountain in the world and a World Heritage Site. Standing at over 4,000 metres, it is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Some climb its summit; many admire its beauty in more relative comfort.

Must-visit Malaysia destinations: Orangutan Rehab Centre
Malaysia Sabah Semenggoh Orangutan Rehab Centre.

Visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan is an unforgettable experience. See the orangutans being fed, and marvel at the endangered creature known as one of mankind’s closest relatives. When you gaze into their eyes, you will feel an unmistakable kinship. Make it a day devoted to nature and see Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys at play at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary.

Legendary aquatic adventurer Jacques Cousteau once stated that Sipadan Island had some of the best diving in the world. Located off the coast of Sabah, it has been called a scuba diver’s dream, with turtles, rays and huge schools of colourful fish darting around divers from around the world.

Time to dive in. Or, discover more things to do in Malaysia.

For great holiday packages to these and other Malaysia destinations, see your local Helloworld Travel agent today, call 13 14 15 or go to helloworld.com.au.

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