Joanna James
While Malaysia may be better known as a shopper's paradise, there are plenty of exciting and adrenaline-pumping things to do in the country besides bagging big bargains. Here's a rundown of some of the most daring and thrilling activities tourists can enjoy during a trip to Malaysia.
Travellers on the lookout for the most breathtaking scuba diving hotspots in Malaysia should not look further than Sipadan Island and Mabul Island in Sabah. Located just off the shores of Semporna, the islands are surrounded by waters that are not only occupied by sharks and manta rays but also massive barracudas. Accessible to divers all around the year, the diving conditions off the coast of both islands are also excellent regardless of the weather although seasoned divers prefer to head to the area between April and December.
Considered the best place to go paragliding in Malaysia, Bukit Jugra is conveniently located an hour away from the nation's capital Kuala Lumpur. Towering above the landscape at a height of 120m, the take-off venue is easy to reach and offers panoramic views of the lighthouse, Jugra town and even the Langat River once you take to the air.
For those on a beach vacation in Johor, there's an exciting opportunity to take part in a tandem skydiving tour of the region. Regardless of your skydiving background, this three-hour adventure offered by local tour companies is sure to leave you breathless. From thousands of metres above the ground, you'll soar through the air at incredible speeds, but if you're afraid of heights, this activity may not be for you.
While parasailing activities are accessible at various beaches all across Malaysia, the best venue for parasailing adventures is undoubtedly, Langkawi Island. This is the only place in the country where participants will be propelled up to 500 feet. What's more, those who go parasailing on Langkawi Island can also enjoy this activity with one or two loved ones.
Ziplining across the forest canopies is exciting enough but the joy of ziplining from one island to another is an experience that's difficult to capture in words. Travelling distances of up to 250m, the Coral Flyer Zipline tour runs between the Sapi Islands and Gaya Island. Offering breathtaking views of all of the 5 stunning isles in Sabah, ziplining is by far the best way to explore the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
Mountaineering fans, however, must head over to Mount Kinabalu to take on the tallest mountain in the country. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this 4095-metre-high mountain is a hiker's dream destination and the trekking passes at the venue are so sought after that only 185 climbing passes are granted to tourists per day.
Those based at Citadines Connect Georgetown Penang or any other hotel in Georgetown, Penang, must check out the Gravityz Obstacle Rope Course Experience. Walking on the edge of a 239-metre-high building with a rope attached, the activity is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
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.
