Malaysia’s lush jungles, beautiful islands, stunning beaches, and various ecosystems make it a dream destination for adventurers. From trekking deep jungles to exploring vivid coral reefs underwater, this Southeast Asian gem offers an endless list of fascinating activities for those with a spirit of adventure. Let’s take a look at Malaysian adventure tourism, where intrepid travellers can enjoy trekking, diving, and other activities.
Hiking & Trekking in Malaysia
In Malaysia, hiking & trekking is one of the most popular activities because of the stunning landscape, expansive vistas, and perfect weather that allows you to explore the many islands in peace. Here are some of the top hiking destinations:
1. Mountain Kinabalu - Sabah
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Are you seeking a challenging trekking experience? Head to Gunung Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, standing at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) above sea level. Mount Kinabalu is well-known among climbing enthusiasts. It perfectly represents the beauty of Borneo Island. With various trails catering to both novice and experienced climbers, Gunung Kinabalu promises an unforgettable adventure for all who dare to conquer its summit.
Note
It normally takes 2 days and 1 night (2D1N) to complete a Mount Kinabalu climb.
Price
Malaysian climber (RM/Person)
Adult (18 years old and above) – From RM50 to RM100
Child (17 years old and below) – From RM30 to RM 50
International climber (RM/Person)
Adult (18 years old and above) – From RM200 to RM400
Child (17 years old and below) – From 80 to RM 200
2. Taman Negara National Rainforest - Pahang
Trekking to Gunung Tahan is one of the most challenging and adventurous activities in Taman Negara. This activity is suitable for mentally and physically fit people.
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One of the most renowned destinations for trekking enthusiasts is Taman Negara, Malaysia’s oldest national park. Spanning over 4,000 square kilometres, Taman Negara is a haven for wildlife and offers a range of trekking trails catering to different skill levels. Adventurers can embark on multi-day expeditions through dense jungle terrain, crossing rivers, spotting exotic wildlife, and camping under the canopy of ancient trees.
Price
The price varies according to the path:
Sungai Relau – Gunung Tahan – Sungai Relau: From 225.00/pax.
Sungai Relau – Gunung Tahan – Kuala Tahan: From 235.00/pax.
3. Gunung Lambak - Kluang, Johor
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If you enjoy trekking but don’t have enough time, simply visit Gunung Lambak in Kluang Town, Johar. This hill is only 510m high, but it provides a pleasant atmosphere. This hill does not appear to be an ideal hiking destination; rather, it appears to be a picnic spot with large visitors, particularly on weekends.
Note
It only takes one hour to reach the top of this hill, and it is easily accessible from Singapore within two hours.
Price
Free
4. Broga Hill - Kuala Lumpur
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Broga Hill also known as “Bukit Lalang” is named after the local species of grass which grows in the area. Broga Hill is well known for its panoramic views at dawn. It only takes 30 to 45 minutes to reach the summit, but the climb is steep in places and will get your heart rate up.
Price
Free
5. Cameron Highlands Trails - Pahang
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If you want to see some amazing landscapes while hiking, Cameron Highlands Trails is the place to go. It offers some of the best trekking paths in the world thanks to its warm environment and plenty of flora. Cameron Highlands is filled with strawberry farms and tea plantations along its walking paths, giving opportunities for tourists to stop and take stunning photographs. It takes about 2 hours to finish this trekking route.
Note
The best time to come here is in December and January.
Price
Mount Brinchang may be visited with a trekking guide for approximately RM120.
6. Bohey Dulang Hike - Sabah
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Are you searching to go trekking while admiring a spectacular ocean view? Head to Bohey Dulang, an island in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Bohey Dulang is well known for its trekking trail.
Price
Kindly prepare around RM50.
Diving places in Malaysia
Beyond its terrestrial wonders, Malaysia boasts an underwater paradise that beckons diving enthusiasts to explore its vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Here are some of the top diving destinations:
1. Sipadan Island - Sabah
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Sipadan Island is a small but renowned island located off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo in the Celebes Sea. This gorgeous island holds the unrivalled spot for the best scuba diving in Malaysia and is also considered one of the top diving destinations in the world.
Key features of Sipadan Island include:
Marine Biodiversity: Sipadan is home to an incredibly diverse array of marine life, including over 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species. Divers can encounter everything from large pelagic species like sharks, barracudas, and turtles to vibrant reef fish and macro critters.
Natural Beauty: Beyond its underwater wonders, Sipadan is also renowned for its natural beauty above the waterline. The island features white sandy beaches, lush tropical vegetation, coral walls, caves, coral gardens and stunning views of the surrounding turquoise waters.
World-Class Dive Sites: Sipadan boasts several world-class dive sites, including Barracuda Point, Turtle Cavern, and South Point. Barracuda Point is particularly famous for its swirling tornadoes of barracuda and other pelagic species, while Turtle Cavern offers the unique experience of diving into an underwater cave system.
2. Mabul Island - Sabah
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Mabul Island is another island that is famous worldwide among scuba divers. Mabul Island is the best spot for Muck Diving because you can spot macro species and be amazed to discover all the rare species such as blue-ringed octopus, nudibranch, and cuttlefish.
Key features of Sipadan Island include:
Diving and Snorkeling: Mabul Island is renowned for its excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities. The surrounding waters are home to a rich variety of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, small reef fish, sea turtles, and macro critters such as flamboyant cuttlefish and pygmy seahorses. The shallow waters around the island are ideal for snorkelers, while deeper dive sites cater to experienced divers.
Macro Diving: Mabul Island is particularly famous among divers for its fantastic macro diving. The sandy seabed and coral rubble are home to an array of small and often elusive marine creatures, making it a paradise for underwater photographers and macro enthusiasts.
Location: Mabul Island is situated near several other popular dive destinations, including Sipadan Island, Kapalai Island, and Mataking Island. It serves as a convenient base for divers looking to explore these nearby sites.
3. Redang Island - Terengganu
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Redang Island is a picturesque island located off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, in the state of Terengganu. It is part of the protected Terengganu Marine Park and is known for its stunning white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life, making it a popular destination for beach holidays and snorkelling or diving adventures.
Here are some key features and information about Redang Island:
Beaches: Redang Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia, with powdery white sand and clear turquoise waters. Long Beach (Pasir Panjang) is one of the most famous stretches of sand on the island, offering ideal conditions for sunbathing, swimming, and beach sports.
Marine Life: The waters surrounding Redang Island are teeming with marine biodiversity, making it a paradise for snorkelers and divers. Colourful coral reefs, inhabited by a diverse array of fish species, can be easily explored just off the shore. Visitors may encounter reef sharks, sea turtles, rays, and various reef fish during their underwater adventures.
4. Mataking Island - Sabah
Both amateurs and experienced divers will also enjoy diving on Mataking Island. Mataking Island is also one of the best diving spots in Malaysia, with higher chances of spotting rare critters such as eagle rays, manta rays, grey reef sharks and huge turtles.
Here are some key features and information about Mataking Island:
Natural Beauty: Mataking Island is known for its pristine beauty, with powdery white sand beaches, crystal clear water, swaying palm trees, and lush tropical vegetation. The crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and various water sports.
Diving and Snorkelling: Mataking Island offers exceptional diving and snorkelling experiences, with vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. The island is surrounded by several dive sites, including Mataking Reef, Coral Garden, and the famous House Reef. Divers can encounter a diverse array of marine species, including colourful reef fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, and even the elusive whale shark.
Water Activities: In addition to diving and snorkelling, Mataking Island offers a range of other water-based activities, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and boat tours to nearby islands. Visitors can explore the island’s coastline, hidden coves, and underwater treasures while enjoying the tranquillity of the surrounding marine environment.
5. Tioman Island - Pahang
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Both amateurs and experienced divers will find Tioman Island to be hugely rewarding and satisfying. Tioman Island is the third largest island in Malaysia and is blessed with crystal clear waters, stunning coral reefs, and 25 exciting diving sites, making it a popular destination for those seeking a scuba diving adventure.
Here are some key features and information about Tioman Island:
Beaches: Tioman Island boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Malaysia, with soft white sand, crystal clear water, and lush greenery. Popular beaches include Long Beach (also known as Teluk Nipah), Juara Beach, and Salang Beach, each offering a unique atmosphere and activities such as swimming, sunbathing, and beach sports.
Marine Life: The waters surrounding Tioman Island are home to a rich diversity of marine life, including colourful coral reefs, reef fish, sea turtles, rays, and occasionally even whale sharks.
Diving and Snorkeling: Tioman Island is renowned for its excellent diving and snorkelling sites, catering to both beginners and experienced enthusiasts. Popular dive sites include Coral Island, Renggis Island, and Tiger Reef, where divers can encounter a variety of marine species and explore underwater caves, swim-throughs, and coral formations.
Paragliding in Malaysia
Are you up for a more extreme adventure? Malaysia provides amazing paragliding opportunities with a stunning landscape for adrenaline junkies like you. Here are some of the top paragliding spots in Malaysia:
1. Ranau - Sabah
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- Ranau, located in Sabah, offers unique paragliding opportunities with its stunning landscapes and favourable wind conditions.
- The site provides panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, as well as the surrounding valleys and forests.
- Paragliding in Ranau offers a combination of ridge-soaring and thermal experiences, with pilots able to enjoy extended flights over picturesque terrain.
- Pilots can take off from designated launch sites in Ranau and enjoy smooth landings in spacious landing zones, ensuring a safe and enjoyable flying experience.
Duration of flight
20 Minutes
The best time to visit
April – August
Price
RM 190 for Malaysians and RM 250 for non-Malaysians
2. Bukit Kokol - Sabah
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- Situated in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Bukit Kokol offers stunning views of the city skyline, the South China Sea, and nearby islands.
- The site is known for its scenic beauty, with lush greenery and rolling hills providing a picturesque backdrop for paragliding.
- Pilots can experience smooth takeoffs and landings, with ample space for manoeuvring in the air.
- Bukit Kokol is a popular spot among both local and international paragliding enthusiasts, attracting visitors seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures.
Duration of flight
15 to 20 Minutes
The best time to visit
November to February
Price
RM 250 for Malaysians and RM 350 for non-Malaysians
3. Bukit Jugra - Selangor
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- Bukit Jugra is located near the town of Banting in Selangor, approximately 1.5 hours’drive from Kuala Lumpur.
- The site offers favourable conditions for paragliding, including reliable thermals and consistent winds, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced pilots.
- Pilots can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including coastal areas, forests, and nearby towns.
- The launch site is easily accessible by road, and there are designated landing zones for safe landings.
Duration of flight
30 Minutes
The best time to visit
November to February
Price
RM 240
4. Bukit Bubus - Terengganu
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- Bukit Bubus in Terengganu offers paragliding enthusiasts another fantastic spot to enjoy this thrilling sport.
- Paragliders can enjoy smooth takeoffs and landings, thanks to the favourable wind conditions and well-prepared launch sites.
- The site is known for its picturesque beauty, with lush greenery and pristine beaches providing a breathtaking backdrop for flying.
- Pilots can soar high above the landscape, taking in panoramic views of the ocean and nearby islands.
- Bukit Bubus is a popular destination for both local and international paragliding enthusiasts, offering an unforgettable flying experience.
Duration of flight
15 to 20 Minutes
The best time to visit
May to September
Price
RM 160
Rafting in Malaysia
Are you up for a more extreme adventure? Malaysia provides amazing paragliding opportunities with a stunning landscape for adrenaline junkies like you. Here are some of the top paragliding spots in Malaysia:
1. Kuala Kubu Bharu - Selangor
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Located just a few hours from Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Kubu Bharu offers thrilling white-water rafting experiences on the Selangor River. The river is suitable for both beginners and experienced rafters, with rapids ranging from Class I to Class III.
2. Kiulu River - Sabah
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In the northern part of Malaysian Borneo, the Kiulu River provides a picturesque setting for rafting. The river flows through the scenic countryside of Sabah, offering a mix of gentle rapids and calm stretches ideal for families and beginners.
Camping in Malaysia
1. Cameron Highlands - Pahang
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Known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes, Cameron Highlands is another excellent camping destination in Malaysia. You can camp amidst tea plantations or in one of the many campsites nestled within the hills. The area offers plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and strawberry farms to explore during the day.
2. Hounon Ridge Farmstay & Camping - Sabah
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Hounon Ridge Farmstay is located in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. While camping on the mountain itself is not allowed, there are designated campsites along the trekking trails leading up to the summit. Camping here offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and it’s a great way to experience the unique ecosystem of Mount Kinabalu.
3. Taman Negara - Pahang
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Known for its cool climate and scenic landscapes, Cameron Highlands is another excellent camping destination in Malaysia. You can camp amidst tea plantations or in one of the many campsites nestled within the hills. The area offers plenty of hiking trails, waterfalls, and strawberry farms to explore during the day.
What are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure that awaits you! Contact us and plan your next trip with us.
