Photo: davevelocity

16 Travel Experiences to Have in Malaysia Before You Die

Malaysia Insider Guides Hiking
by Lee Wei Xin May 23, 2016

1. Hike to the top of the Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.

Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, is the tallest peak in Borneo’s Crocker Range. On average it takes a couple days to complete the hike. Hikers should apply for a climb permit at the official website prior to the trip; early booking is advisable due to limited permits issued by the Sabah Park. Important note: Mount Kinabalu is a sacred mountain in Malaysia so conduct yourselves accordingly.

2. Visit Mulu Cave in Sarawak.

Gua Mulu in Miri (on the island of Borneo) is said to be the largest cave in the world. It is situated in the Gunung Mulu National Park and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those who are interested in walking into Mulu via ‘The Headhunter’s Trail,’ a licensed tour operator must be hired to make those arrangements. For more information, visit this website.

3. Check out BASE jumping from the Kuala Lumpur Tower.


A four-day base jumping event called the “KL Tower International Jump Malaysia” is hosted by the Kuala Lumpur Tower annually in September or October. About a hundred BASE jumpers from more than 20 countries leap from the top of Meara KL. Further information can be found here.

4. Go food-hunting in Penang.


Penang has long been recognized as one of the best gastronomic destinations in the world. In 2014, Lonely Planet’s Robin Barton named Penang the #1 culinary hot spot. The dish that best represents Penang is Char Koey Teow, and the best can be found at Siam Road by the intersection of Anson Road. Aside from food hunting, rent a bike to track down all the famous murals.

5. Explore the historical canal city: Malacca.

“The Historic State” is rich with colonial landmarks due to the fact that it was once colonized by three Western powers: the Portuguese, Dutch and British. The most famous landmarks are the Red/Dutch Square, St. Paul’s Hill, and A’Famosa Fort. Some of the heritage buildings are also heavily influenced by the Peranakan culture, which is a brilliant blend of Chinese and Malay culture.

6. Fly a Wau in Kelantan.

Wau Puyuh is a gigantic traditional kite popular in the state of Kelantan. In late May or early June, the visitors to Kelantan will be “wowed” by the sky dotted by colorful Wau. The Kelantan International Wau Festival is a 5-day annual event which takes place on Gating Beach, Tumpat.

7. Explore Gua Kelam in Perlis.

Located 33 km north of the capital of Perlis, Kangar, lies one of the most distinctive limestone caves in Malaysia: Gua Kelam. The nearest small town is Kaki Bukit.

8. Go for a hike in Taman Negara, Pahang.

Taman Negara, Pahang.

A photo posted by Vivian Dominique Lee (@littlemisshappyfeet) on

For many first-time visitors, the highlight of a trip to Taman Negara in the Titiwangsa Mountains would definitely be the opportunity to walk on the world’s longest canopy walkway. It is 530m long and 40m above ground level. If you are adventurous enough, walk the jungle at night to discover nocturnal creatures roaming around in the park.

9. Go skydiving in Pulau Langkawi, Kedah.

Get EXCITED! Skydiving is in Malaysia! Book your tandem skydive now! www.skydivelangkawi.com ✌️🏾

A photo posted by Skydive Langkawi (@skydive_langkawi) on

Famed as the highest skydive in Asia, this is also the only Tandem Sky Diving experience you can get in Malaysia. All Instructors are well trained, professional, and certified by the Australian Parachute Federation. During the experience, everyone will be filmed and you will be able to watch your facial expressions afterwards. You can book your jump here.

10. Drink the best white coffee in Ipoh, Perak.

Try the original white coffee, which was adopted as our official drink at the World Expo Shanghai 2010. White coffee is not just a drink, it is part of Malaysian history. During the late Qing dynasty, Hainanese sailed to NanYang for the promised jobs at the tin mines and eventually created this foamy, smooth, sweetened white coffee. Evaporated milk is usually added to give its white look.

11. Fly over Putrajaya in a hot-air balloon.

The Putrajaya International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is an annual 3-day festival that takes place in March. The hot air balloons are inflated twice daily at 7am and 6pm.

12. Visit Batu Cave, Selangor.

Batu Caves is a very popular destination in Malaysia. Step up your game by visiting during Thaipusam (provided that you are not enochlophobic). The easiest way to reach Batu Caves is by taking a KTM Commuter from KL Sental. It will reach Batu Caves station directly in less than 20 minutes. Avoid driving at all cost due to severe road congestion.

13. Bring out the kid in you in Legoland, Johor.

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, this 76 acres of pure fun is the first-ever Legoland resort in Asia since 2012. The park is divided into theme park and water park; visitors to Legoland can save more by buying a combo ticket online.

14. Dive with giant turtles in Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu.

Hai,buat ape tu?😜

A photo posted by © nafi (@nafi_osullivan) on

There was a time when thousands of giant leatherback turtles came ashore at Rantau Abang to lay their eggs but they no longer return to the beach due to excessive harassment from visitors. Note to all divers who do meet a turtle in Terengganu: Please be aware of the sensitivity of these creatures. Dive season on the east coast usually starts from mid-March until the end of October.

15. Admire the Minangkabau Architecture in Negeri Sembilan.

The unique architecture in Negeri Sembilan is eye-opening even to fellow Malaysians, all thanks to the people from the mountainous region of west Sumatra who resettled here in the early days. Since 2009, the Astana Besar Seri Menanti is listed as one of the ten historical structures announced as a national heritage.

16. Eat fresh (and cheap) seafood in Labuan.


Labuan is a federal territory of Malaysia. It is dubbed the “Pearl of Borneo” and all for a good reason. Apart from pristine beaches, you can get excellent fresh seafood in Labuan at affordable prices. Visitors are spoiled with choices, from fresh local catches like lobster and crab to local delicacies such as Punjung, Ambuyat and Jelurut.

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