Joanna James
What makes Malaysia such an ideal holiday destination is that it has something for everyone be it in cosmopolitan cities, idyllic islands, thriving national parks or verdant mountains. To get an idea of just what to expect, here are five of the best attractions to visit.
Home to amazing caves and stunning karst limestone pinnacles, the Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak is perfect for those looking for an outdoor adventure. Set amidst a rainforest, the park draws visitors from around the world eager to get a look at the massive cave system here that's also home to the largest underground chamber on the planet! A key attraction would be the Deer Cave which reaches a height of more than 122 metres; you can also look to trek to the Paku Waterfall or take on The Pinnacles Summit Trek over a course of three days.
Of course, when it comes to caves, one of the most famous attractions in this regard is the revered Batu Caves in Selangor said to be approximately 400 million years old. Located within easy reach of properties like Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya, this site features a huge gold statue of Lord Murugan at the entrance along with 272 colourful steps leading to caves; this is one of the most Instagrammable shots to capture in Malaysia too! Amongst the most well-known features here are the century-old temple and the Cathedral Cave with its shrines dedicated to Hindu deities, huge ceilings, and limestone formations.
One of the top attractions in Kuala Lumpur, the country's capital, the 452-metre-high Petronas Twin Towers will stagger you with their sheer size amidst the bustling cityscape. When in search of a serviced residence, Petaling Jaya offers an ideal base from which to easily visit the city and this site from where you can take in some awe-inspiring vistas. Prominent features include the distinctive Skybridge spanning both the 41st and 42nd floors, while for more spellbinding panoramas, head to the observation deck that offers a vantage point that's 370 metres above the ground. Once done, head down to the Suria KLCC shopping complex for some retail therapy!
Amongst the most unforgettable experiences in Malaysia is encountering orangutans in their natural habitat and learning about their conservation. Therefore, you shouldn't miss a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan where orphaned orangutans are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild amidst the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve that surrounds the site. It's an ideal place to not only witness these adorable primates having fun in the trees, but also learn more about them, get a glimpse of the nursery and watch the daily feeding sessions.
Nature lovers will be left fully enthralled as they explore the lush areas of the Cameron Highlands in Pahang, a hill station set amidst enchanting beauty and cooler climes. Amongst the main draws here are the verdant tea estates that date back to British colonial times; you can go on a tour of such estates to learn about the tea-making process and savour a refreshing cuppa too. The area is also home to scenic lavender farms and orchards, while those who like to hike can venture amidst a forest where they will come across lakes, waterfalls, and traditional villages.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
