Discover the Hidden Gems of Malaysia: Top 5 Places to Visit
Malaysia is a beautiful and diverse country that is famous for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. While popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Penang are definitely worth a visit, there are plenty of hidden gems to explore that offer unique experiences and breathtaking landscapes. In this article, we’ll introduce you to five of our favorite hidden gems in Malaysia that are definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary.
- Gopeng, Perak Gopeng is a small town in the state of Perak that is often overlooked by tourists. However, this charming town is home to some of the best adventure activities in Malaysia. One of the must-do activities in Gopeng is white-water rafting down the Kampar River. This exhilarating experience takes you through the stunning rainforest and offers plenty of thrills and spills. Other popular activities in Gopeng include caving, hiking, and exploring the local farms.
What to do in Gopeng:
- White-water rafting down the Kampar River
- Exploring the Gua Tempurung cave system
- Hiking in the nearby rainforest
- Visiting the local farms
Where to stay in Gopeng:
- Nomad Adventure Camp
- Gopeng Rainforest Resort
- Rumah Rehat Gopeng
- Cherating, Pahang Cherating is a small fishing village located on the east coast of Malaysia that is famous for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere. This hidden gem is the perfect destination for travelers looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a relaxing beach vacation. In addition to lounging on the beach, visitors to Cherating can also take part in a variety of water sports and activities, such as surfing, windsurfing, and kayaking.
What to do in Cherating:
- Relaxing on the beach
- Surfing or windsurfing
- Kayaking through the mangroves
- Visiting the Cherating Turtle Sanctuary
Where to stay in Cherating:
- The Kasturi
- Tanjung Inn
- Royale Chulan Cherating
- Kuala Sepetang, Perak Kuala Sepetang is a small fishing town located on the west coast of Malaysia that is famous for its mangrove forests and river cruises. Visitors to this hidden gem can take a leisurely cruise down the river and
spot the abundant wildlife, including monkeys, eagles, and otters. Kuala Sepetang is also known for its delicious seafood, particularly the fresh oysters that are farmed in the local river.
What to do in Kuala Sepetang:
- Taking a river cruise through the mangrove forests
- Spotting wildlife along the river, such as monkeys and eagles
- Visiting the local oyster farms and sampling fresh oysters
- Exploring the town’s rich history at the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve
Where to stay in Kuala Sepetang:
- Port Weld Hotel
- Bamboo River Resort
- Kuala Sepetang Homestay
- Tioman Island, Pahang Tioman Island is a stunning tropical island located off the east coast of Malaysia that is often overlooked by tourists. This hidden gem is famous for its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors to Tioman Island can enjoy a wide range of activities, such as snorkeling, diving, hiking, and sunbathing. The island is also home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, monitor lizards, and sea turtles.
What to do in Tioman Island:
- Snorkeling or diving to explore the vibrant coral reefs
- Hiking through the island’s lush rainforest
- Relaxing on the island’s beautiful beaches
- Watching sea turtles hatch at the Juara Turtle Project
Where to stay in Tioman Island:
- Japamala Resort
- Tioman Dive Resort
- Bagus Place Retreat
- Sipadan Island, Sabah Sipadan Island is a small, uninhabited island located off the coast of Sabah that is famous for its incredible diving opportunities. This hidden gem is home to some of the best dive sites in the world, including Barracuda Point and South Point. Divers can expect to see a wide range of marine life, such as sharks, turtles, and colorful tropical fish. Due to the island’s protected status, only a limited number of visitors are allowed per day, so be sure to book your trip well in advance.
What to do in Sipadan Island:
- Diving to explore the island’s incredible dive sites
- Snorkeling to spot marine life, such as turtles and colorful fish
- Relaxing on the island’s pristine beaches
Where to stay in Sipadan Island:
- Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
- Mabul Beach Resort
- Sipadan Pom Pom Resort
Malaysia is home to many hidden gems that offer unique experiences and stunning landscapes. From the adventure activities in Gopeng to the diving opportunities in Sipadan Island, these destinations are definitely worth adding to your travel itinerary. So, pack your bags and get ready to discover the hidden gems of Malaysia!