Over 15,000 types of plants, flowers and trees grow inside 130-million-year-old rainforests. Almost extinct Sumatran rhinos and critically endangered orangutans live inside the protected jungles.

Endless fields of corals thrive in marine parks where millions of tropical fish call home.

Green and Hawksbill turtles nest along parts of Malaysia’s thousands of kilometers of coastline.

Ecosystems thrive in environments from primary rainforest to mangrove swamp to mountaintop habitats.

Malaysia is a haven for ecotourists in Southeast Asia.

The Crazy Tourist uncovers the 25 best ecotourism experiences in Malaysia for wildlife, trekking and diving.

1. Get hot and sweaty in search of wildlife on jungle trails (Malaysia)

Source: Nokuro / shutterstock

Primary rainforest covers vast areas on both Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.

Marked trails lead through parts of the jungle. This gives trekkers the chance to get face-to-face with this biodiversity melting pot.

Some parts of the forest are reachable within minutes of the city center. Kuala Lumpur’s Eco-Forest Park, Penang National Park and Kuching’s Bako National Park are examples.

Others are more remote taking hours, if not days, to reach like Danum Valley and Maliau Basin in Borneo.

2. Spend a day off-the-grid in Malaysia’s national parks (Malaysia)

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Malaysia has more than 25 national parks, forest reserves and nature reserves.

The protected areas house millions of species of plants, animals and marine life.

Escape civilization and embrace a few hours without Wi-Fi and phone signals. Look for rare species such as orangutans and pygmy elephants in their natural habitats.

If you’re in Peninsular Malaysia, head to Taman Negara, Matang and Royal Belum State Park.

Check out Kinabalu Park and Gunung Gading National Park in Borneo.

3. Look for Malaysia’s most famous flower (Malaysia)

Source: Norli Sidek / shutterstock

Orchids are Malaysia’s most characteristic flowers.

The tropical flowers form a sea of color against a patchwork of green jungle.

Keep your eyes peeled for the 800 species of orchids growing in Peninsular Malaysia’s rainforests. A whopping 2500 are found in Borneo.

Follow almost any jungle trail and you’ll spot these colorful flowers. Guides will point out orchids in various stages of bloom.

Purple bamboo orchids blossom along the streets in some of Malaysia’s cities too.

4. Seize the chance to island-hop Malaysia’s 900 or so islands (Malaysia)

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Malaysia has more than 900 islands scattered around the coasts in both Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo.

Some cater more towards tourism like Langkawi and Penang Island.

Others are protected such as Sabah’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Sipadan Island.

Travelers can choose between having the home comforts. Or getting off-the-grid for a few days on a desert island.

Most of Malaysia’s islands have their own mini-ecosystems.

Sapi Island near Kota Kinabalu has dozens of enormous monitor lizards roaming along the shores. Pulau Tiga in Sabah provides a nesting ground for thousands of sea snakes.

5. Embrace Malaysia’s mega-diverse status (Malaysia)

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Mega-diverse refers to a region with a vast number of endemic species and a big chunk of Earth’s plant and animal species.

Malaysia belongs to this classification with 16 other countries.

The nation has diverse landscapes from primary jungle to marine habitats to freshwater ecosystems. Malaysia’s coastline stretches for thousands of kilometers. Several mountains soar over 2000 meters (6562 feet).

Travelers can go island hopping, jungle trekking and caving.

Or hike in murky forests and cooler climates in Cameron Highlands.

Biodiversity oozes from every corner of the country.

Make the most of it.

6. Find Malaysia’s carnivorous flower that eats insects (Malaysia)

Source: The beauty of the world / shutterstock

Plants consuming bugs and small animals isn’t something out of science fiction.

Malaysia’s alien-like pitcher plants really are meat-eating plants.

Pitchers look like an enormous upside-down bell. They hang from trees and release a sweet odor.

This scent attracts insects. When the bug enter, the pitcher plant’s sticky interior traps and ultimately digests them.

Some of the larger ones in Borneo are known to consume small mice.

Borneo has more than 50 species of pitcher.

You can see these weird species in Kinabalu National Park, Gunung Mulu and Danum Valley.

7. Photograph a majestic hornbill (Malaysia)

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Hornbills are some of Earth’s quirkiest tropical birds.

From a distance, they look like they’re out of a cartoon with their huge eyes and characteristic double-decker beak.

Out of the world’s 54 types of hornbill, ten species live in Malaysia.

Eight of these are in Sarawak. The rhinoceros hornbill thrives inside Sarawak’s jungles and features on their state emblem.

Travelers can see these majestic birds flying above the canopy or perched on tree branches across Malaysia.

For a more personal encounter, The Crazy Tourist recommends a trip to Pangkor Island. The owner of Sunset View Chalet feeds dozens of Oriental Pied hornbills every evening at 6:00pm.

And you can too.

8. Swim with endangered sea turtles (Malaysia)

Source: Richard Whitcombe / shutterstock

Both green and hawksbill turtles live in the warm tropical waters of Malaysia.

Some turtles nest on certain beaches as others swim openly in the sea.

Malaysia offers a high probability of meeting these sea turtles.

Nothing beats watching these endangered marine critters break out of their shell and make their life-or-death dash towards the sea.

Check out Turtle Island Park in Sabah, Tioman Island in Pahang and Sarawak’s Talang Satang National Park.

Nesting usually takes place at specific times of the year. If you don’t see the baby turtles, you might still be able to watch adults swimming in the water.

9. Watch the fireflies dance above the river (Malaysia)

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Malaysia provides the chance to watch fireflies dance in the inky darkness.

Boats take passengers out to areas where these mysterious bugs thrive.

Sit on the boat and watch in amazement as thousands light up the sky.

Several places offer this type of ecotourism experience in Malaysia.

The Crazy Tourist recommends visiting Matang Mangroves near Taiping in Peninsular Malaysia. Or head to Kota Belud in Sabah.

10. Speed along jungle rapids on the Kampar River (Perak)

Source: Lano Lan / shutterstock

Rafting through Malaysia’s verdant landscapes is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Travelers can follow a series of rapids along the Kampar River in Perak.

Instructors guide beginners over level one rapids. The more experienced can take their pick from half a dozen level two and three rapids.

Jungle surrounds both sides of the meandering river.

Monkeys often sit in the trees while sambar deer root around the undergrowth.

Keep your eyes open – Spotting wildlife is almost guaranteed.

11. Navigate the maze-like mangroves at Matang (Perak)

Source: LY Chou / shutterstock

Mangroves are Earth’s most underrated biome.

The sprawling forests play a crucial role in local ecosystems.

Nothing showcases Malaysia’s mangroves better than Matang Forest Reserve in Perak.

Matang is Peninsular Malaysia’s longest stretch of intact mangrove. The swampy environment sprawls almost 400 square kilometers and houses up to 80,000 migratory birds.

River cruises navigate the maze-like channels of these spooky mangrove forests. Guides point out primates, local habitats and different species of birds.

12. Explore Redang Island’s underwater wonderland (Terengganu)

Source: Hamizan Yusof / shutterstock

Redang Island in Terengganu combines sugary beaches and luxury accommodation with almost perfect diving conditions.

Aspiring divers can get PADI-certified and learn the basics in Redang’s paradise-like environment. The experienced will submerge into a magical marine world filled with fish of all shapes, sizes and colors.

Book a few nights in the beachside bungalows and join a tour to the handful of sites surrounding the island.

Or grab a snorkel and swim around the shallows near your bedroom window.

Fly to Kuala Terengganu and take the 90-minute ferry to Redang Island.

The islands close between October and March during the monsoon season.

13. Explore West Malaysia’s highest mountain’s diverse habitats (Pahang)

Source: Afiq Tannasir / shutterstock

Mount Tahan stands at 2187 meters (7175 feet) in Pahang State.

Mountain trails lead through ever-changing landscapes and habitats. The path starts in primary rainforest. Hikers meet primates, tropical flowers and billions of supersized insects.

Trek higher and pass rivers and mountain ridges.

Watch as the sights, smells and sounds slowly transform around you.

Stand at the peak as clouds roll like a gentle sea below.

Mount Tahan isn’t for the light-hearted. The fittest of hikers take at least four days to get there and back.

14. Explore different habitats in Cameron Highlands (Pahang)

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Tourists associate Malaysia with steamy tropical jungles.

But Cameron Highlands in Pahang provides a very different type of forest.

Rather than the sticky jungle, Cameron Highlands has hiking trails in a much cooler climate.

With an altitude falling between 800 meters (2625 feet) and 1600 meters (5249 feet), the ecology and wildlife up here are different from the lowlands.

Peacock pheasants root around the foliage. White-throated fantails sing in the trees. Endangered Sumatran serows are occasionally spotted near the trails.

White and purple orchids add color to the spookier parts of the forests.

15. Swimming monkeys, eagles and mangroves in Langkawi (Kedah)

Source: H-AB Photography / shutterstock

Langkawi attracts millions of tourists looking for a beach holiday.

But only a handful seize the chance to visit the sprawling mangrove system in its northeast corner.

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park contains a vast network of mangroves, hidden lagoons and caves.

The region covers approximately 10% of Langkawi Island with swimming macaques, circling eagles and countless fish.

Tours leave from Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach) daily.

Boats first head out into the sea before passing through the mangrove maze. Next, you’ll visit caves, a fishery and eagle feeding sites.

16. Go diving at Borneo’s version of the Galapagos Islands (Sabah)

Source: Alex Rush / shutterstock

Sipadan Island consistently ranks among the planet’s best diving sites.

Get out into the crystal clear water and find a marine world unmatched in Southeast Asia.

Thousands of tropical fish including mantas, sharks and Barracudas that are bigger than you swim around the waters.

On the surface, endangered green and hawksbill turtles float towards the horizon.

Sipadan Island issues 120 permits per day. Activities that interfere with the ecosystem are restricted.

Getting to the islands takes time.

But it’s worth it for the interaction with such diverse marine life.

Fly to Tawau in East Sabah and take the bus to Semporna. Ferries go to Mabul Island where most divers stay.

A 20-minute ferry connects Mabul and Sipadan.

17. Climb Borneo’s sacred mountain (Sabah)

Source: Alen thien / shutterstock

Mount Kinabalu is the tallest point between Papua New Guinea and the Himalayas.

At 4095 meters (13,435 feet), it’s a mountaineering paradise.

Trails start in Timpohon and rise to Laban Rata where hikers spend the night. Trekking starts again at 2:00am to reach the summit in time for sunrise.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu isn’t just about getting out into nature and taking on the challenge.

The mountain provides a window into Sabah’s ancient pagans.

For centuries, Sabah’s indigenous believed Kinabalu was the final resting place of their ancestors. The mountain is still sacred today.

Explore the changing habitats as you rise up this granite beast.

18. Search for orchids, Rafflesia and primates in Kinabalu Park (Sabah)

Source: Zuhairi Ahmad / shutterstock

Kinabalu Park surrounds Mount Kinabalu.

The UNESCO-listed national park showcases Borneo’s world-famous biodiversity.

Orchids and Rafflesia (the world’s largest and smelliest flower) grow inside Kinabalu Park.

Almost 5,000 different species of birds, mammals and reptiles live inside the protected forest.

What sets this area apart is how primeval and prehistoric it feels.

Within minutes of entering, you feel completely isolated.

Get a guide who can point out flora and fauna.

The Crazy Tourist recommends combining a trip to Kinabalu Park with Mount Kinabalu.

Spend the night in nearby Ranau.

19. Fly over the jungle and sea from one island to the next (Sabah)

Source: FedaHK / shutterstock

Coral Flyer Zipline combines an ecotourism treat with adrenaline pumping fun.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park near Kota Kinabalu has Borneo’s longest zipline

Starting in Gaya Island the flying fox stretches for more than 250 meters (820 feet) to neighboring Sapi Island.

This is the world’s furthest island-to-island line.

Strap yourself in and marvel at the stunning archipelago below in the azure sea. Listen to the howling monkeys cheering you on as you take the plunge and speed towards Sapi.

Get your camera or GoPro ready -Hundreds of gigantic monitor lizards call Sapi Island’s beaches home.

20. Speed through Borneo’s jungle on a raft (Sabah)

Source: Lano Lan / shutterstock

Sabah has dozens of rivers and streams creating jungle mazes.

Getting out onto the water leads you closer to the troupes of monkeys and other wildlife.

Rafting is the easiest (and funniest) way to get into these more secluded parts.

Kiulu River in Tamparuli near Kota Kinabalu has a series of easy-to-medium difficulty rapids.

Beginners can join a tour which meanders 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) along the river. The rapids split between level one and level two.

Sit back, relax and watch the jungle pass by.

More experienced rafters can head to Padas River in Beaufort which promises a higher level of thrill-seeking fun.

21. Find rare mud volcanoes on a desert island (Sabah)

Source: Nokuro / shutterstock

Mud volcanoes spew freezing mud from beneath the earth.

These mysterious natural phenomena are found in only a few places including Azerbaijan, Taiwan and Malaysia.

Sabah’s Pulau Tiga formed after a mud volcanic eruption. The island is more known for hosting the first Survivor series.

Venture into the heart of Tiga Island and stand next to the bubbling mud spewing into ever taller towers.

Explore the empty beaches, spend the night in a luxury bungalow or see nesting snakes on Snake Island.

22. Look for new species in Sabah’s Lost World (Sabah)

Source: JK Sanis / shutterstock

Maliau Basin is about as remote as it gets.

The primary forest in central Sabah covers an area that’s almost the same size as Singapore. But only half of the forest has been mapped.

More than 70 kilometers (43 miles) of paths pass through the bowl-like basin.

Travelers can climb Mount Lotung and spend the night in a mountaintop hostel. Watch out for curious civets stopping by in the night.

Follow the trails to waterfalls, natural pools and rivers.

Scientists believe Maliau Basin contains several types of wildlife that have never been recorded.

The strange looking bug or sweet-smelling flower next to the trail may not have a name.

23. Meet an Orangutan (Sabah and Sarawak)

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Orangutan numbers are rapidly declining in both Borneo and Sumatra.

Only one-tenth of the population remains compared to 100 years ago.

Borneo has large numbers of orangutans who either live in the wild or inside semi-wild rehabilitation centers.

Coming face-to-face with these orange-haired primates is something you’ll never forget.

Visiting a rehabilitation center is the easiest way to meet one. Head to either Sepilok in eastern Sabah or Semenggoh in Sarawak.

Danum Valley, one of Borneo’s most remote reserves, has the world’s highest concentration of wild orangutans. Sometimes a family swings in the trees as you eat breakfast.

24. Climb with the monkeys into secret bat-filled caves (Sarawak)

Source: Stephane Bidouze / shutterstock

Sarawak has hundreds of caves.

Most visitors go to either Niah or Gunung Mulu National Park.

For a more rugged experience, check out Bau near Kuching.

Fairy Caves located near Bau village has some of Malaysia’s best rock climbing. Hoist yourself over the limestone shelves and relish in the jungle surroundings.

Explore the endless passageways and admire the geological wonders decorating the caves.

Millions of squeaking bats lurk in the inky darkness.

Rhinoceros hornbills glide high above the rocks and rainforest canopies.

25. Meet a proboscis monkey (Sabah and Sarawak)

Source: Sergey Uryadnikov / shutterstock

Proboscis monkeys are among the planet’s most endangered primates.

Estimates suggest only 7000 remain.

The monkeys endemic to Borneo have unusually long noses and round stomachs. Typically they hang around in small groups spread-eagled between tree branches.

Take advantage of seeing these rare creatures in their natural habitat.

Head to Labuk National Park, Kinabatangan River or Beaufort in Sabah. Or check out the small community living near Bako National Park HQ in Sarawak.

The post 25 Best Ecotourism Experiences in Malaysia appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

Pre-historic jungle sprawls for hundreds of kilometers along the Malay Peninsular and Malaysian Borneo.

Millions of animals, birds and insects thrive inside the never-ending rainforests.

Orangutans and pot-bellied proboscis monkeys swing from the trees. Civets and flying fox hide in the undergrowth as hornbills soar overheard.

Plants of all shapes, sizes and smells create an impenetrable wall of green surrounding the enormous trees. Hundreds of species remain undocumented and new to science.

But Malaysia’s ecological melting pot isn’t restricted to the land.

Several marine parks give rise to Southeast Asia’s most beautiful coral reefs, turtle nesting sites and diving oases.

The Crazy Tourist rounds up the 25 best national parks in Malaysia for the ecotourist along with a handful of conservation centers and nature reserves.

1. Pygmy elephants and Orangutans in Danum Valley (Sabah)

Source: Richard Parsons / shutterstock

With an area of 438 square kilometers, Danum Valley houses almost half of the world’s flora and fauna. This includes orangutans, pygmy elephants and flesh-eating pitcher plants.

Travelers can go jungle trekking, wildlife spotting and test their nerve on canopy walks.

Don’t forget to take advantage of their world-class conservation research facilities.

Accommodation includes either a bed in a budget-friendly hostel. Or stay in the luxurious jungle chalets, the same ones as Prince William and Kate Middleton.

Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu. The 130-million-year-old rainforest is approximately two hours from the airport along logging trails.

Make reservations and plan your trip weeks beforehand.

2. East Malaysia’s tallest mountain and Rafflesia in Kinabalu National Park (Sabah)

Source: Alen thien / shutterstock

Mount Kinabalu dominates Kinabalu National Park near Sabah’s capital.

At 4095 meters (13,435 feet), it’s Malaysia’s highest peak.

Aside from mountaineering, the national park is a biodiversity hotspot. Thousands of species of flowers including the notorious rotting flesh Rafflesia and orchids grow in the forests.

More than 4500 types of animals and birds nestle in the thick undergrowth too.

Kinabalu National Park retains a pristine and relatively undisturbed environment.

Combine a trip to Kinabalu National Park and nearby Ranau.

3. Coral reefs and jungle trekking at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Sabah)

Source: Fhaizal Mazlan / shutterstock

Five islands form Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Kota Kinabalu.

Dazzling white sand beaches border crystal clear azure waters. Head to Manukan or Mamutik for snorkeling with thousands of fish above the vibrant coral reefs.

Visit Gaya, the largest island, and go trekking along jungle trails.

Speedboats connect Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu.

The Crazy Tourist recommends organizing an island-hopping tour. You can rent snorkeling equipment on the islands.

4. Mud volcanoes on the original Survivor Island (Sabah)

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Pulau Tiga, the original Survivor Island, received its protected status in 1933.

Mud volcanoes formed Pulau Tiga (literally ‘three islands’) at the turn on the 19th-century giving birth to Malaysia’s youngest islands.

The 158 square kilometers of protected area includes its vast marine ecosystems.

Dense vegetation covers Tiga Island, the most visited in the small chain. Explore the set of Survivor, watch alien-like mud volcanoes bubble and take advantage of the almost-perfect snorkeling conditions.

Kalampunian Besar Island, an eroded sandbank, has sugar-like white sand. Poisonous sea snakes nest on Kalampunian Damit Island.

5. Orangutans at Sepilok Rehabilitation Center (Sabah)

Source: Nathan Stafford / shutterstock

Sepilok nature reserve adopts, nurtures and cares for orphaned orangutans in East Sabah.

The endangered primates lose their habitats from Borneo’s widespread deforestation.

Rather than fending for themselves where the chances of survival are slim, young orangutans live inside Sepilok’s semi-wild enclosure.

Highly trained staff teach them skills so that they can eventually return to the wild.

Visit during feeding time at either 10:00am or 3:00pm. Travelers sometimes see up to 80 of our orange cousins.

6. Endangered turtles nesting on Turtle Islands (Sabah)

Source: Eddie Embau / shutterstock

Turtle Islands serve as a vital breeding ground for critically endangered hawksbill and endangered green turtles.

Countless giants nest on the island’s sandy coastline almost every night of the year, which virtually guarantees a sighting.

Their most prolific period runs between July and September.

Three islands form Turtle Island Marine Park including Pulau Bakungan, Pulisan and Selingan.

Travelers first need to get to Sandakan in East Sabah. Ferries travel the 40 kilometers (25 miles) across the Sulu Sea to Turtle Islands.

7. Borneo’s Lost World at Maliau Basin (Sabah)

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Maliau Basin is part of Borneo’s least explored section of rainforest.

Covering an area that’s about the same size as Singapore, only half has been explored and mapped.

Countless types of plants and animals live in the bowl-like basin.

Over 80 species of orchids, six types of meat-eating pitcher plants and the enormous Rafflesia grow inside Maliau Basin.

Travels can hike along 70 kilometers (43 miles) of jungle trails. Lake Linumunsut, Sabah’s only freshwater lake, is inside to national park too.

8. Critically endangered proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay (Sabah)

Source: Kjersti Joergensen / shutterstock

Borneo’s endemic proboscis monkeys are some of Malaysia’s most endangered species.

Estimates suggest only 7000 of these floppy-nosed, pot-bellied primates remain.

Sabah’s Labuk Bay near Sandakan houses about 60 of these monkeys in a semi-wild environment. Deforestation forces the communities into protected areas.

Few places have such a large population of these rare species.

Labuk Bay almost guarantees a sighting and can be reached within 45 minutes from Sandakan.

9. Proboscis monkeys, beaches and mangroves at Bako National Park (Sarawak)

Source: Fabio Lamanna / shutterstock

Bako National Park is both Sarawak’s oldest and most accessible national park.

Sprawling across the Muara Tebas Peninsular, Bako lies 23 kilometers (14.3 miles) north of Kuching.

Travelers need to take a short ferry into to enter Bako National Park.

A troupe of proboscis monkeys live near Park HQ, which consistently excites visitors.

A total of 16 colour-coded trails snake their way through the rainforest and jungle habitats. Some lead to beaches, others to waterfalls.

River cruises weave through the mangrove swamps.

Watch out for curious kingfishers on the branches and wild boars shuffling in the undergrowth.

A trip to Bako provides a taste of the jungle within an hour from Kuching.

10. Sarawak’s most accessible caves at Niah National Park (Sarawak)

Source: Lillian Tveit / shutterstock

Sarawak has an internationally recognized reputation for their spectacular caves.

Nothing showcases these geological wonders better than Niah Caves.

Niah National Park combines stunning rock formations and caves with Borneo’s melting pot of biodiversity.

Join a guided tour through the cave systems where millions of squeaking bats hang overhead.

Embrace the contrast from the steamy life-filled jungle to the cool, musty caves.

Discover Niah Cave’s role in early human migration around Borneo. Prehistoric cave paintings and Malaysia’s oldest human skeleton at 40,000 years old were discovered inside.

Visiting Niah is the easiest way to see Sarawak’s caves within one hour of Miri.

11. Gunung Mulu’s mysterious landscapes (Sarawak)

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Strolling through Gunung Mulu National Park feels like teleporting to another planet.

Jagged mountains pierce low hanging clouds. Razor-sharp pinnacles shoot from the ground slicing through the thick foliage.

Step beyond the almost-hidden threshold into a mysterious subterranean world.

Gunung Mulu has countless cave passageways, geological formations and biodiversity.

Sarawak Chamber has a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the most voluminous known cave chamber.

Because of its remoteness, getting to this national park requires a short flight from Miri.

Otherwise, expect a multi-day trek through the jungle.

12. Peace and serenity at Lambir Hills National Park (Sarawak)

Source: Fabio Lamanna / shutterstock

Lambir Hills is among Sarawak’s smallest and least visited national parks.

Despite its size, this protected zone packs a punch.

Follow the color-coded trails through the jungle to waterfalls, natural pools and thriving ecological areas.

Primates sit in the branches while a menagerie of tropical birds flutter above the canopy.

But what sets Lambir Hills apart from Borneo’s other national parks is the promise of seclusion.

Only a handful of travelers make the surprisingly short journey from Miri.

The jungle, wildlife and serenity will be all yours within 40 minutes.

13. Crocodiles, beaches and rainforest in little-known Similajau National Park (Sarawak)

Source: Wright Out There / shutterstock

Sarawak’s Similajau National Park combines beaches, jungles and wildlife.

Only a few tourists visit the national park that’s less than 30 minutes by car from Bintulu.

Join a tour through different ecosystems and habitats. Guides will point out the wildlife and various types of plants.

Or find a spot on the South China Sea’s dazzling shoreline where you’ll probably be alone.

Travelers have access to a range of activities.

Marked trails lead through the dense rainforests. Crystal clear waters create stunning snorkeling conditions.

After nightfall, boats drift along the murky waters in search for crocodiles.

14. Smell the World’s Smelliest Flower at Gunung Gading National Park (Sarawak)

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The highlight of Sarawak’s Gunung Gading National Park is their resident Rafflesia.

Rafflesia has the unenviable title as the world’s smelliest flower. The huge plant releases an odor which smells like rotting flesh to attract insects, the bugs then spread its pollen throughout the forest.

Aside from its ecological appeal, this national park is a haven for hikers.

Follow the Waterfall Trail for an easy trek to spectacular scenery and natural pools.

Or test your fitness climbing to the summit of Mount Gading at 906 meters (2972 feet). This involves some difficult terrain and takes eight hours there and back.

Gunung Gading is approximately two hours from Kuching in southwest Sarawak.

15. Orangutans and Iban Longhouses at Batang Ai National Park (Sarawak)

Source: Abang Faizul / shutterstock

Batang Ai is one of Sarawak’s most inaccessible and fascinating national parks.

Travelers willing to make the 250-kilometer (155 miles) journey east of Kuching will find an ecological treat.

Orangutans, hornbills and white-front langurs live inside Batang Ai.

Traditional Iban longhouses line the riverbanks.

Visitors need to travel for several hours and take a boat to enter Batang Ai. When inside, follow jungle trails to a lake and fast flowing rivers.

Getting here isn’t easy. But it’s worth it to stand in the middle of such a remote environment.

16. Gibbons, waterfalls and a challenging climb in Kubah  (Sarawak)

Source: Sean van Schouten / shutterstock

Located near Sarawak’s capital, Kubah National Park provides an easy-to-reach section of the Borneo’s jungle.

Travelers can find themselves surrounded by the towering dipterocarp trees within 45 minutes of Kuching.

Marked trails lead through the forest. Howling gibbons echo through the canopy.

Trek to waterfalls and natural pools before indulging in a refreshing dip.

Or climb to the peak of Mount Serapi, which takes around six-hour return.

Combine a trip to Kubah National Park with the nearby Matang Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.

17. A tiny national park amongst the skyscrapers (Kuala Lumpur)

Source: Sallehudin Ahmad / shutterstock

When people hear the name Kuala Lumpur, they think of the Petronas Towers, shopping malls and a metropolitan capital.

Hidden inside the concrete jungle is the tiny KL Forest Eco Park.

Lush green scenery provides a green haven in the heart of Kuala Lumpur near KL Tower.

Follow the light trails over the boardwalks and get a flavor of the jungle without travelling out of the city.

Or sit under the shady trees and watch the birds and monkeys.

Buy entrance tickets near KL Tower.

18. Taman Negara: Malaysia’s oldest national park (Pahang)

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Taman Negara, not-so-creatively translated as ‘National Park’ in English, is more than 130-million-years old.

The 4343 square-kilometer protected area has jungle treks, canopy walks and caves. Gunung Tahan (Mount Tahan), West Malaysia’s tallest peak, is inside Taman Negara too.

Get a guide and head deep into the rainforest in search of primates, slow loris and the occasional flying fox.

Spend the night and take a night safari to witness the explosion of nocturnal life in the jungle.

19. Climbing Mount Ophir in Gunung Ledang National Park (Johor)

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Mount Ophir soars 1276 meters (4186 feet) in Johor State. Gunung Ledang National Park surrounds the peak.

Trails pass through the steamy canopies and snake their way up the steep mountain. Others lead to waterfalls including Puteri Waterfall.

Rainforest suddenly opens to vantage points that offer panoramic views of the ancient jungle below.

Tropical birds of all sizes flutter above.

The Crazy Tourist recommends hiking to the summit and soaking in the waterfalls to cool down later.

20. Feel the remoteness of Endau-Rompin National Park (Johor)

Source: shaifulzamri / shutterstock

The prehistoric rainforest in Endau-Rompin National Park looks the same as it did millions of years ago.

Lowland forest sprawls over 870 square kilometers in both Pahang and Johor State.

The Endau and Rompin Rivers converge inside creating waterfalls, natural pools and spectacular scenery.

Trails lead through the Jurassic Park-like environment.

But what really makes Endau-Rompin worthwhile is the chance to explore its untouched jungle. Follow the trails deep into the heart of the forest and stand where few humans have stood before.

Civets, wild boar and hornbills sometimes make an appearance.

Endau-Rompin closes during the monsoon season between November and March.

21. Migratory birds and mangroves in Matang (Perak)

Source: Kwang Chun Gan / shutterstock

Mangroves play an essential role in Malaysia’s diverse ecosystems.

The swampy areas both protect coastlines and form habitats for thousands of birds and mammals.

Matang Mangrove near Taiping provides an opportunity to explore this little-visited environment.

Take a boat trip through the mangrove trees, the ones that wouldn’t look out of place in a horror film.

Unleash your inner twitter and search for the 80,000 or so migratory birds that make the region their short-term home.

River dolphins sometimes swim into Matang’s mangroves too.

Aside from an ecological experience, learn about the region’s status as a Southeast Asian powerhouse for charcoal production.

22. Sumatran Rhinos and Asian Elephants at Royal Belum State Park (Perak)

Source: BlackCat Imaging / shutterstock

Perak is known for limestone cliffs, caves and rainforests.

Royal Belum State Park showcases the best of West Malaysia’s biodiversity.

Thick jungle creates habitats for millions of insects, thousands of birds and a handful of endangered mammals.

Asian elephants and Malayan tigers live inside the jungle.

Scientists believe a tiny community of the almost extinct Sumatran Rhinos are inside too. But these are so rare that they haven’t been spotted in years.

Hike along marked trails and look for sun bears, tapirs and white-handed gibbons.

Travelers can visit Malaysia’s second largest lake, Lake Temenggor, and hike to waterfalls too.

23. Swimming macaques and soaring eagles at Kilim Geoforest Park (Kedah)

Source: drshahrinmdayob / shutterstock

Langkawi usually attracts beach-lovers and backpackers.

But a short drive from the postcard-perfect coast reveals an enormous national park.

Boats speed along the gentle waters to hidden caves and eagle nesting sites.

Macaques dive into the river and swim towards the boats.

Caves filled with millions of bats penetrate the almost-vertical limestone cliffs.

Travelers can join an affordable tour from the popular Pantai Cenang to Kilim Geoforest.

The Crazy Tourist recommends joining the daily tours because of the high chance of seeing wildlife.

24. Protected coral reef and two-meter fish at Pulau Payar Marine Park (Kedah)

Source: Marius Dobilas / shutterstock

Pulau Payer Marine Park holds a special place in the hearts of divers and snorkelers.

The four island marine park covers two nautical miles with an ecosystem free of humans.

Tight regulations prevent fishing, pollution and anything that could disturb the delicate ecology.

Snorkel over Coral Garden where thousands of corals of all shapes and sizes flourish in the sheltered waters.

Watch as grouper fish that are bigger than you pass by. Keep your eyes open for clownfish, black-tipped reef sharks and eels.

Pulau Payer Marine Park is halfway between Langkawi and Penang.

From Langkawi, take a 45-minute ferry to the uninhabited islands from Kuah.

25. A taste of the jungle near George Town at Penang National Park (Penang Island)

Source: Ilya Sviridenko / shutterstock

Penang Island has a reputation for British colonial architecture, shopping and food.

But step outside of George Town and you’ll find Malaysia’s smallest and newest national park.

The protected area has rainforests, beaches and decent-length hiking trails.

Take a day trip to almost empty beaches such as Monkey Beach and Kerachut Beach.

Embrace the chance to get a feel for Penang’s rainforests without traveling too far from the island’s home comforts.

The post 25 Best National Parks in Malaysia appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

Most visitors consist of off-shore businesses and local bargain hunters.

Only a handful of travelers make it to this island. But they’re in for a treat.

Diving to shipwrecks, pristine beaches and World War II military attractions make Labuan among Borneo’s most underrated destinations.

A trip to Labuan promises an adventure and a convenient stop between Sabah and Brunei.

The Crazy Tourist identifies the 15 best things to do in Labuan including where to go diving, which museums to visit and the island’s most famous World War II attractions.

1. Diving to four shipwrecks

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Labuan Island allures thrill-seeking divers to explore its four shipwrecks.

As experienced divers know, this is a rare indulgence.

Join a tour and explore one or all four shipwrecks including Cement, Australian, Blue Water and American Wrecks.

Nothing beats the thrill of swimming with thousands of fish through the submerged compartments.

Discover each wreck’s story and how they met their fate to rest for eternity off Labuan’s coast.

Both newly qualified divers and the experienced can visit the wrecks.

Arrange your tour before arriving in Labuan.

2. Search for a bargain in the duty-free shops

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Because of its tax-free status, Labuan allures bargain hunters from mainland Borneo.

Both Malaysians and Indonesians from Borneo regularly make the trip to stock up on goods.

Shopping malls have everything from the latest fashion to designer handbags to perfumes.

The Crazy Tourist recommends Financial Park Shopping Mall for clothes, shoes and electronics. If you need to replace your phone or camera, Labuan is the place to do it.

Check out Bazar Labuan for handicraft, pearls and homemade jewelry.

3. Spend the day on a secret beach

Source: Daimasala Abdullah / shutterstock

Labuan doesn’t have the same reputation as neighboring Sabah for postcard-perfect beaches.

But drive ten minutes from Labuan Port and you’ll find several unspoiled stretches of sand.

The undeveloped beaches along Labuan’s western and northern coastline are practically empty.

A handful of local families sit under the shady palm trees. Two or three kids play in the sand and splash around the gentle waters.

You won’t see anyone else.

Hardly any non-Malaysians have stepped foot on the sugar-like sand.

The Crazy Tourist recommends Layang-Layangan Beach and Surrender Point along the western coast. Check out Pohon Batu and Pancur Hitam Beach to the north.

4. A slice of serenity in the Botanical Gardens

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Labuan’s Botanical Gardens is a tropical paradise within minutes of Labuan Town.

The public park has hundreds of plants, colorful flowers and shady spots.

Back in the middle of the 19th-century, the British Government House stood inside the grounds. It was completely destroyed during World War 2.

Follow the paths around the park and discover mini-gardens, rare species of palm and the ruins of Government House.

Keep your eyes open for Labuan’s oldest graveyard, which dates to 1847.

5. Discover Labuan’s seafaring past at the Marine Museum

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

Labuan’s history is closely related to the sea.

The Marine Museum east of Labuan Town showcases a small part of their rich maritime past.

Exhibits include a fascinating array of artifacts rescued from Labuan’s four shipwrecks.

Other sections include an aquarium with starfish, corals and sea cucumbers.

The museum itself is inside the International Sea Sports Complex.

The Crazy Tourist recommends scuba divers to stop by the Marine Museum before diving to the wrecks.

6. See jungle birds at Labuan Bird Park

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

Labuan Bird Park houses more than 580 birds inside semi-wild enclosures.

Step inside and meet dozens of species including hornbills, kingfishers and cockatoos.

Ostriches, eagles and mynas live in other sections of the Bird Park.

Learn about the millions of birds that live inside Borneo’s ancient jungles.

Most travelers spend between one to two hours inside one of Labuan’s most family-friendly attractions.

Both Labuan Bird Park and the Chimney Museum are close to each other on the northern coast.

Visit both on a half-day trip.

7. Try to solve Labuan’s biggest mystery

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As far as mysteries go, Labuan’s Chimney is among the more bizarre ones you’ll encounter.

But this adds to the quirkiness of the attraction.

Standing at 32 meters (105 feet), the Chimney uses more than 23,000 red bricks shipped over from England.

Despite its imposing stature nobody knows why it was built or what it was used for.

Some suggest the Chimney belonged to a demolished factory. Others say it served as a ventilation shaft for the coal mines.

Nobody agrees.

A small museum offers insight into this strange chimney’s construction and the current theories about its origin and function.

8. Discover how Labuan evolved into a thriving financial center

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

Labuan Museum presents the island’s long history, traditions and culture.

Meet Labuan’s earliest inhabitants who thrived on the island thousands of years ago. Read about how the British colonialists used Labuan to expand their influence into Borneo.

Other displays explain Labuan’s crucial role in World War II.

Permanent exhibitions explore Labuan’s role in the coal mining industry as well as a room dedicated to ethnographic displays.

Take the time to admire the colonial building housing Labuan Museum.

The trees in the small square outside were planted in honor of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain’s 1953 coronation.

9. Gurdwara Sahib: Labuan’s most majestic Sikh temple

Source: hkhtt hj / shutterstock

Labuan’s Sikh community moved to the island in the 1860s.

The British encouraged migration from India to work in the coal mines and security forces among other professions.

Gurdwara Sahib is the best example of Sikh architecture in Labuan, if not Borneo. Covering two stories, the white-washed structure is the island’s largest temple.

Four golden domes top each corner.

The best place to snap a photograph of this majestic building is near Botanical Gardens.

10. Appreciate Labuan’s role in World War II at the largest war memorial in Malaysia

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A total of 3,908 men rest inside Labuan Island’s World War II Memorial.

Labuan and Borneo suffered under the brief Japanese occupation. Thousands of Allied soldiers lost their lives defending the island or later as Prisoners of War.

The Memorial is a few kilometers north of Labuan Town and contains rows of immaculate graves stretching endlessly in all directions.

Spare a thought to the thousands of Australian, British, Malaysian, Indian and New Zealand troops who died.

Military services take place to remember the fallen heroes every November.

11. Spend the night in a water village

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Floating villages rising precariously above the water are a common site in Borneo.

Wooden stilts stand in the water supporting a village with shops, mosques and schools. A matrix of rickety wooden walkways connect one part to the next.

Labuan has two floating villages, which give an insight into this enigmatic lifestyle. Kampung Patau-Patau is near Labuan Town. Kampung Bebuloh sits further to the west.

Ferries connect each village with the mainland.

Descendants of Labuan’s early fishermen, sailors and traders live here today.

Travelers can stay at a homestay in Patau-Patau to experience life in Borneo’s famous overwater cities.

12. The grandest clock tower in Labuan

Source: hkhtt hj / shutterstock

Labuan Clock Tower opened in 1906.

After irreparable damage during World War II, it was demolished. Today’s stately clock tower replaced the original in 2002.

The white-washed structure blends different architectural styles over its three tiers. Each section has its own design.

The clock face sits under a pyramidal-shaped roof.

Capture the grand structure’s elegance in front of the orange-red canvas in the sky during sunset.

The Clock tower is near the city beach.

13. Labuan’s most historic site

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

Ramsey Point might not appear like much on first glance. The unassuming beach lacks Labuan’s paradise-like environment along the northern coastline.

But Ramsey Point played two critical roles in Labuan’s history.

In 1846, the Sultan of Brunei ceded Labuan to Captain RN Mundy of Great Britain. The British slowly expanded their influence to areas in North Borneo (today’s Sabah).

Allied forces landed on Ramsey Point in 1945 and liberated the island from Japanese occupation.

Stand on the coastline and spare a thought for the role this beach played in two significant events in Labuan’s history.

14. Serenity and sunsets in Peace Park

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Peace Park in Layang-Layangan symbolizes peace after World War II.

The landscaped gardens stretch along Labuan’s western coast next to the beach.

Japanese authorities commissioned Peace Park in 1982 to honor those who sacrificed their lives during the war.

A stone plaque acts as a memorial to the atrocities and suffering. The House of Culture and Art Gallery sits inside the park too.

Peace Park is among Labuan’s most visited attractions.

The Crazy Tourist recommends combining a trip with Surrender Point in the late afternoon.

Watch the Bornean sunset from the beach.

15. Stand where World War II ended in Labuan

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Surrender Point next to Peace Park marks the spot where World War II ended in Southeast Asia.

Australian troops received the official surrender notice from the Japanese Army on September 10^th, 1945.

The area has since transformed into a memorial and mini-museum. Outdoor displays show old photographs depicting Labuan during the war.

Information displays provide insight into how the war played out and the events leading to the official surrender.

The post  15 Best Things to Do in Labuan (Malaysia) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

Celebrity-standard resorts, world-class diving and metropolitan city centers allure tourists. Others are uninhabited with long stretches of empty coastline.

Travelers usually include both Langkawi Island and Penang Island on their Malaysian itineraries.

The adventurous go to the dozens along Peninsula Malaysia’s east coast. Fewer still explore Sabah’s tropical islands and islets in Borneo.

Crazy Tourist rounds up the 25 best islands in Malaysia including beach retreats, diving and spending the night on a desert island.

1. Langkawi: ‘The Jewel of Kedah’ (Kedah)

Source: Leonid Sorokin / shutterstock

Glistening coastline borders sandy beaches encapsulating jungle-covered mountains on Malaysia’s most visited island.

The first stop in duty-free Langkawi is usually the stunning Pantai Cenang (Cenang Beach). Gentle waves lap against the white shore. Tropical islands poke out of the sea near the horizon.

Beachside shacks sell Malaysia’s cheapest beer and sunset cocktails.

Join a tour to Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting). From a distance the island looks like a pregnant women lying on her back. Snap photographs of the postcard-perfect pier and swim in its central freshwater lake.

Get a motorbike or rent a car. Explore the perimeter of the island to Langkawi’s tallest peak (Gunung, or Mount, Raya), Black Sand Beach and through sleepy Malay villages.

2. Kedah’s secret diving oasis (Kedah)

Source: Marius Dobilas / shutterstock

Payar Island (Pulau Payar) is Kedah’s hidden oasis in the Straits of Melaka.

Payar Island Marine Park consists of a handful of uninhabited islands between Langkawi and mainland Kedah.

There are no resorts or beachfront villas here.

Instead, virgin snorkeling and diving sites surround the little- known island chain.

Supersized tropical fish beneath the waves have probably never seen a human before. Snorkelers and divers probably won’t see another soul with the water to themselves.

Tour groups take passengers to shark nesting areas to feed baby sharks.

Payar showcases the best of West Malaysia’s marine world within easy reach of both Langkawi and Penang.

You can only visit on a tour.

3. Malaysia’s most cosmopolitan island (Penang)

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Penang Island is Malaysia’s British colonial jewel.

Located in the Straits of Melaka, the island’s capital George Town allures every type of traveler.

Some come for the colonial flair manifested in its stately architecture. Others embrace Malaysia’s food capital tasting the nation’s most delicious dishes.

Buddhist temples stand next to Mosques and Hindu temples in a celebration of religious diversity.

Traditional shophouses extend along the narrow streets bursting with colors and intricacies.

Penang’s status on Malaysia’s tourist trail is firmly established and the island rarely disappoints.

4. Hornbills and empty beaches on Pangkor Island (Perak)

Source: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock

Pangkor Island is on Peninsula Malaysia’s western coast in Perak.

The tiny island has tourist-free beaches, jungle covered hills and hundreds of hornbills.

Book a few nights in the budget-friendly guesthouses along Pangkor’s western coast. Spend your time on the beaches, in vibrant Chinatown and exploring what remains of a 350-year-old Dutch fort.

Meet the ‘Hornbill Man’ at Sunset View Chalet who feeds dozens of hornbills without fail every evening. Watch the hypnotic sunset on Coral Beach.

5. Rock-bottom diving courses and luxury retreats (Terengganu)

Source: H-AB Photography / shutterstock

The Perhentian Islands in Terengganu are West Malaysia’s island paradise.

Backpackers, beach-lovers and snorkelers flock to Besar (Big) and Kecil (Small) Perhentians.

Kecil attracts a younger crowd and diving enthusiasts. Most stay near the budget-friendly Long Beach. Several diving schools line the azure coasts. These provide some of Southeast Asia’s most affordable PADI courses.

Visibility is more than 20 meters (65.6 feet) in the crystal clear waters.

Besar caters towards Malaysian holidaymakers who spend their days in classy resorts next to the isolated shores.

There are no roads in the Perhentian Islands. Visitors hike along jungle trails from one beach to the next. Water taxis ferry tourists across longer distances.

6. Ultra-luxurious beach holidays on Redang Island (Terengganu)

Source: Francesca Cerretani / shutterstock

The Perhentian Islands draws backpackers, divers and holidaymakers. Nearby Redang appeals to those looking for an upscale vacation.

Redang Island’s resorts rank among Malaysia’s most luxurious.

Guests are practically guaranteed an exclusive escape.

Until featuring in Summer Holiday, a hit Hong Kong movie in 2000, hardly anyone knew about Redang.

Day-trippers come to walk in the footsteps of their favorite stars. Honeymooners spend thousands of dollars for a couple of nights in their celebrity-standard resorts.

7. West Malaysia’s most beautiful island (Terengganu)

Source: Mohd Fuad Rahim / shutterstock

Tenggol is among Malaysia’s most beautiful providing everything luxury holidaymakers could desire.

Beachside bungalows offer a slice of paradise opening straight onto the soft sandy beaches. Crystal clear waters create perfect snorkeling and diving conditions within meters of shores.

Getting to Tenggol is a challenge, but it’s worth it for the exclusivity and high-standards.

Tenggol Island is to the south of Terengganu’s island chain. Visitors need to get a domestic flight into Terengganu State before driving two hours to the port. Water taxis then ferry passengers to the island.

8. Get off the grid in Kapas Island (Terengganu)

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Kapas is a hotspot for beach-lovers looking to escape the world for a few days.

The island sits in the South China Sea in Terengganu State.

Backpackers make up the crowds who typically stay in the guesthouses lining the beach.

Follow trails through the forested interior to see the island’s biodiversity. Or grab a towel and lounge around an empty beach all day.

Kapas’s biggest appeal is its simplicity.

Wi-Fi is almost non-existent giving travelers the chance to have a break.

Kapas Island provides the peaceful realities of a tropical island.

9. Embrace the remoteness on Lang Tengah Island (Terengganu)

Source: Mohd Fuad Rahim / shutterstock

Only a handful of determined travelers reach Terengganu’s privately-owned Lang Tengah Island.

The island’s few visitors appreciate its remoteness, seclusion and raw beauty.

Protected waters surrounding Lang Tengah host a thriving marine ecosystem. Swim out from the shore and submerge into an underwater aquarium.

This island only has a few hotels, which tend to fill up weeks, if not months, in advance.

Speedboats are the only way to travel the 40 kilometers (25 miles) between Kuala Terengganu and Lang Tengah.

10. Time Magazine’s most beautiful island (Pahang)

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Back in the 1970s Tioman was voted by Time’s Magazine as one of the planet’s most beautiful islands. And it’s safe to say it still retains this title in the 21st-century.

Tioman has everything the imagination can conjure when dreaming of a tropical paradise.

Bendy palm trees, never-ending coastlines and bungalows that appear as if they’re floating above the shallow waters.

But this beauty comes at a price.

Since featuring in Time’s Magazine, Tioman Island in Pahang has become embedded on the Malaysian tourist trail. Unlike some of the other islands, travelers will need to share this photogenic environment.

11. A secret island in Johor (Johor)

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Johor in southern Malaysia rarely gets any tourist attention. Even Malaysians wouldn’t connect the state with picturesque islands.

But the enigmatic Rawa, some 16 kilometers (10 miles) east of the mainland, is an exception.

The private island allures Malaysia’s and Singapore’s rich and famous. Apart from a handful of overwater bungalows in two resorts, there’s nothing much else.

Palm trees border glittering soft white sand which hugs the shoreline. Rocks penetrate the gentle azure waters on the west coast creating postcard-perfect photographs.

Away from the beach, holidaymakers can hike along jungle trails into the heart of Rawa Island. Here you’ll meet primates, tropical birds and supersized insects.

Other vacationers spend their afternoons sea kayaking.

Take the ferry from Mersing Port to Rawa Island.

Plan your trip several months in advance.

12. Exclusivity on Sibu Island (Johor)

Source: Takumi Fujiwara / shutterstock

Sibu consists of a small chain of four islands in the South China Sea.

With only two resorts, the island promotes the ultimate exclusivity among Malaysia’s hundreds of islands.

Tourists from both Malaysia and Singapore usually occupy the luxurious rooms.

Activities on Sibu focus around relaxation. Spend the day on the beach and afternoon in the spas.

Arrange a boat trip to hidden diving sites and snorkel on the surface near the resort. Or take a boat out at sea and fish for monsters.

13. Sea fishing, diving and isolation on Aur Island (Johor)

Source: Munirah Sulaiman / shutterstock

Johor’s Aur Island is far from mainland Malaysia.

Located 76 kilometers (47 miles) east of Mersing Port in the South China Sea, isolation is guaranteed.

The resorts mostly cater to experienced divers and passionate anglers.

Aur and its four nearby sisters belong to Johor Marine Park.

Flamboyant corals scattered around the seabed form habitats for hundreds of fish. Snorkelers and scuba divers can swim with manta rays, sharks and barracuda.

Fishing enthusiasts can reel in some of the biggest fish of their lives.

Other activities include exploring the rugged landscapes, photographing lagoons and island hopping.

14. Labuan Island: The ‘Pearl of Borneo’ (Labuan)

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Labuan is a thriving port near Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei Darussalam in the South China Sea

Malaysia transformed little-known Labuan into a thriving financial center. Thousands of offshore companies have their headquarters here to take advantage of free trade.

But the duty-free island isn’t just about business and finance.

Labuan has dozens of diving spots including four shipwrecks and isolated beaches.

Travelers can visit the War Cemetery, the final resting place for almost 4,000 Allied soldiers who lost their lives in WW2.

15. Floating fishing villages on Bruit Island (Sarawak)

Rather than sandy beaches and luxurious bungalows, Bruit Island consists of traditional fishing villages.

Malay families earn their living out of the South China Sea in the same way as their ancestors.

Little has changed in centuries, which is reflected in the architecture and way of life.

Bruit is among the largest islands in the Rejang Delta near Sibu.

Take the ferry and explore a world of rickety floating villages and discover the rural lifestyle.

16. Search for bearded pigs on Gaya Island (Sabah)

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Gaya Island is the largest in Sabah’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Unlike its sisters, the appeal of Gaya lies in its jungle-filled interior and Filipino floating village.

Take a speedboat from Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu and spend the day hiking in the jungle. The island’s highest peak stands at 300 meters (984 feet) with a stunning panoramic over of the mini-archipelago.

With its 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of hiking trails, Gaya has some of Sabah’s most accessible jungle treks. Watch out for the bearded pigs nestling in the undergrowth.

A zipline operated by Coral Flyer stretches 235 meters (771 feet) from Gaya to Sapi Island. This is the world’s longest island-to-island zipline.

17. Zipline into Sapi Island (Sabah)

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Sapi Island, the Marine Park’s second smallest, is opposite Gaya.

Unlike its neighbor Manukan, this island is free from commercialization and mass tourism.

Speedboats regularly pass between Kota Kinabalu and Sapi.

The island’s crowd usually consists of adrenaline junkies. The world’s longest island-to-island zipline passes from Gaya to Sapi.

Monitor lizards the size of cars scurry across the beaches into the jungle undergrowth.

Snorkel through the relatively empty coral garden and picnic on the rocks overlooking the coast.

Combine a trip to Sapi with Gaya Island.

18. A day at the beach on Manukan Island (Sabah)

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Manukan Island has Kota Kinabalu’s most stunning coastline.

The island belongs to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and gets thousands of visitors each day.

Ferries from Jesselton Point take just 15 minutes to reach Manukan. Sabahans and hundreds of tourists regularly head over for a day on the beach.

Rent snorkeling equipment and witness the sprawling coral reef. Some resemble a brain through a magnifying glass. Others have branches reaching out like ancient trees in winter.

Watch out for macaques lurking on the beach – they’ll snatch your camera.

19. Pulau Tiga: Borneo’s ‘Survivor Island’ (Sabah)

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Pulau Tiga in Sabah is the original Survivor Island.

After hosting the first season of the successful reality TV series, the island-chain near Kota Kinabalu has experienced an explosion of tourism.

Tour companies take visitors day trips to Pulau Tiga (literally ‘Three Islands’) from Kota Kinabalu.

Relax on empty coastlines and hike to mysterious mud volcanoes.

Or spend the night and have your own desert island experience. But rather than roughing it on the beach, you’ll get spas and swimming pools.

20. Easy to reach diving spots in Mantanani Island (Sabah)

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Scuba divers with limited time in Sabah head to Mantanani Islands.

The chain of islands in the South China Sea is near Kota Belud, approximately one and a half hours from Kota Kinabalu.

Tour companies visit more than 20 diving sites as part of their day trip. Lucky tourists might snorkel with seahorses and stingrays. Certified divers can explore three shipwrecks.

Other companies take divers to virgin spots where only a handful of people have explored before.

As an alternative, spend the night on either Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Lungisan or Mantanani Kecil. Watch the Bornean sunset from a boat.

Spend the next day kayaking or island hopping.

21. Layang Layang: A biodiverse powerhouse in the South China Sea (Sabah)

Source: 22August / shutterstock

The former military base located 300 kilometers (186 miles) from Kota Kinabalu lacks beaches, resorts and palm trees.

But the isolated region in the South China Sea also lacks human interference. No commercialization, no tourists and it’s too far for even the hardiest of local fishers.

This creates a flourishing marine environment found nowhere else in Malaysia.

Layang Layang has 12 diving sites bursting with lifeforms that have never interacted with humans before. Expect enormous colorful fish, giant manta rays and tiny pygmy seahorses.

Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and bottlenose dolphins migrate through at certain times of the year.

The only way to Layang Layang is to fly from Kota Kinabalu.

22. Sabah’s diving paradise on Sipadan Island (Sabah)

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Sabah’s Sipadan Island consistently ranks among the planet’s best diving sites.

Diving enthusiasts around the globe descend on this tiny island near Semporna.

Unlike its neighbors, there aren’t any resorts or restaurants. Only 120 people with a special permit can visit the protected zone each day.

Those who do witness an incredible array of marine life. Swim with schools of barracuda or embrace the rich biodiversity.

Lucky tourists might spot giant turtles swimming near the horizon.

23. Sea Kayaking and Sea Nomads on Mabul Island (Sabah)

Source: Yusnizam Yusof / shutterstock

Mabul is 15 minutes from Sipadan and a favorite with divers.

The oval-shaped island has accommodation catering toward both budget-travelers and more upscale holidaymakers.

Explore the surrounding waters and swim with cuttlefish and octopus. Because Sipadan lacks accommodation, divers usually stay on Mabul.

Apart from day trips and diving, travelers can go sea kayaking, explore ‘Sea Nomad’ floating villages and gaze at the millions of stars after nightfall.

Regatta Lepa, a water festival celebrating Bajau culture and traditions, takes place in April.

24. See rare turtles nesting in Pom Pom Island (Sabah)

Source: Rich Carey / shutterstock

Pom Pom Island combines a luxury getaway with ecotourism in East Sabah’s Semporna Archipelago.

With a handful of resorts, the tiny island promises a private retreat in Borneo.

Sit on the beach and marvel at the turquoise water that seems almost frozen in time. Grab a pair of goggles and swim out into the shallow water to witness the life in the coral reefs.

Watch the orange and purples light up the sky as dawn breaks from inside your overwater bungalow.

Watch out for the rare green and hawksbill turtles either in the sea, nesting on the sand or at the hatchery.

25. Overwater bungalows in Lankayan Island (Sabah)

Source: Kjersti Joergensen / shutterstock

Lankayan Island in east Sabah is Borneo’s version of the Maldives.

The calm Sulu Sea surrounds the tropical island which bursts with corals and marine life.

Wooden overwater bungalows provide a stunning spot to spend a few nights.

Soak up the views from the beachfront balcony in the morning. Join a tour and snorkel in the unexplored world under the waves later in the day.

Lankayan is as a favorite local holiday destination, but is a challenge to reach. Travelers first need to get to Sandakan before boarding a 90-minute ferry.

The post 25 Best Islands in Malaysia (Malaysia) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

The small island in the Straits of Melaka is less than 200 kilometers (124 miles) northwest of Kuala Lumpur.

Pangkor remains under the radar, and visitors feel like they have the place to themselves. And it’s close enough for a side trip from the capital.

Expect empty coastlines, a colorful Chinatown and a traditional lifestyle.

Crazy Tourist uncovers the 15 best things to do in Pangkor Island including the top beaches, where to go snorkeling and how to feed hornbills.

1. Ruins of a 17th-century Dutch colonial fort

Source: Sallehudin Ahmad / shutterstock

The ruins of Dutch Fort stand as a testament to Perak’s rich colonial heritage.

The fort is among the oldest in Malaysia dating to 1670.

Back then, the Dutch mined tin in Perak. They stored their supplies in the fort.

Rooftop cannons kept the invaders away. Those who dared to approach had a hail of bullets fired through the slit-like windows.

Today, the fortress almost looks like it was made using Lego. Worn bricks crumble to ruin.

Dutch Fort sits on the southeastern coastline.

Information boards explain the fort’s story and provide insight into 183 years of Dutch colonial influence in Malaysia.

2. Feed the Hornbills at Sunset View Chalet

Source: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock

Hornbills are Malaysia’s quirkiest species.

The stout-legged creatures have a double-decker beak and look more like an animation than a bird.

Hundreds of these oversized creatures live in Pangkor Island’s jungle. Dozens fly down to Sunset View Chalet every single evening at about 6:30pm.

The owners of the guesthouse feed the hornbills chunks of bananas in the same way for years.

Head down around 6:00pm. Countless Oriental Pied Hornbills and Lesser Hornbills sit in anticipation on the electricity wires.

Watch as the birds swoop down and perform acrobatics to get their dinner.

3. Spend the afternoon on an empty beach

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Pangkor Island has dozens of kilometers of coastline and a handful of deserted beaches.

Along the west coast, the pristine stretches of golden sand are only broken by the occasional hotel and guesthouse. Sunbathers can lie on the sand watching the gentle waves of the emerald sea roll in.

Head to Pasir Bogak Beach on the southern coast. Follow the road through the hills to Teluk Ketapang (Turtle Bay) and Teluk Nipah (Nipah Bay) on the west.

Pangkor Island is conservative. Leave the speedos and bikinis in the hotel.

4. Hypnotic sunsets on Coral Beach

Source: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock

Coral Beach is along the western coast separated from Nipah Bay by a rocky outcrop.

The sugar-like sand stretches around the golden coastline next to the palms.

Hammocks hang lazily between the trees.

Around 7:00pm, the sun dips towards the horizon. Either sit on the sand and watch the spectacular event alone.

Or grab an iced drink and sit on the terrace in any nearby café.

Bring a torch. Inky darkness descends within minutes along the poorly lit streets.

5. Colorful communities in Chinatown

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Neat terraced houses line both sides of the red blocked-paved streets in Pangkor Island’s Chinatown.

Red lanterns hang from the roofs of the two-storied homes. The atmosphere feels utterly different from the rest of Malay dominated Pangkor.

Wander through immaculate block pathed streets. Photograph the lively colors and traditional decorations.

Head to the family-owned restaurants offering Chinese-style street food. Sit and eat on plastic tables in their backyard.

Chinatown shows a different side of Pangkor.

Either walk from Pangkor Town or stop by while exploring the whole island.

6. Pangkor Island’s largest Taoist temple (and a Great Wall replica)

Source: Dolly MJ / shutterstock

A huge blue and red archway mark the entrance to the Foo Lin Kong Temple.

The Taoist temple stands in the heart of Chinatown. Dozens of bronze Buddha statues, spiritual artifacts and Taoist relics decorate the inside.

But what sets Foo Lin Kong apart from other temples in Malaysia is the stunning gardens.

Follow the steps on the right and find a replica of the Great Wall. Snap photographs of the mysterious ‘Rock of Fate’.

The highlight is the turtle pond located halfway up the steps on the right-hand side.

7. Scale Pangkor Hill: The Island’s highest point

Source: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock

Hilly terrain and thick forests cover most of Pangkor’s interior.

A path near Pasir Bogak leads to the summit of Pangkor Hill, the island’s highest point. The peak rises slightly higher than 350 meters (1,148 feet).

Marked trails lead through the lush jungle vegetation to the background sound of cicadas and buzzing insects. Howling macaques swing above as giant hornbills glide overhead.

Expect a moderate level of difficulty. Most hikers take about one hour to reach the top.

Bring water. Reward yourself with a picnic overlooking sweeping views of Pangkor Island.

8. Explore the island from a kayak

Source: Anna Ewa Bieniek / shutterstock

Nipah Bay on the western shoreline is a water sports haven.

Locals rent everything from jet skis to canoes to kayaks.

The most memorable way to see Pangkor’s striking beauty is from the sea in a kayak.

Start by exploring the shallow waters in Nipah Bay. Kayak to Coral Beach through the gentle waters. Then head further north towards the steeper hills and discover hidden coves.

Several companies rent kayaks. Ask around and find the best offer before accepting.

Rent snorkeling equipment and bring it with you. Northern Pangkor hosts the island’s most active marine life.

9. Photograph traditional sampans floating in the jetty

Source: ZACXPLORE / shutterstock

On first glance, Pangkor’s pier might not seem like the most attractive part of the island.

But looks are often deceiving.

Peer down and find fishing boats, ferries and flat-bottomed sampans moored in the jetty.

The islanders have lived off the sea for centuries. Visitors can stand near the jetty and watch the fishermen arrive with their catch.

Keep your eyes open for the sampans bobbing up and down.

Pangkor Kopitiam (a Malaysian-style café) overlooks this hub of activity around Pangkor jetty.

Grab a coffee and watch the world of a Malay fishing community unfold.

10. Discover a thriving marine world on a snorkeling trip

Source: Chainarong Phrammanee / shutterstock

Pangkor Island has some of Malaysia’s calmest and clearest waters.

Nearby Sumatera takes the full force of the Indian Ocean. The waves reduce to a gentle roll when they reach Pangkor.

This allows coral reefs to flourish, which act as a breeding ground for countless species of tropical fish.

Green and pink parrotfish swim above the colorful and geometric coral.

Rent snorkeling equipment in Nipah Bay.

Head out solo into the gentle waters along the western and northern shores. Or splurge on a tour and discover secret sites.

11. Ride a boat to Pangkor’s most elegant restaurant

Source: Reuben Teo / shutterstock

Pangkor Island gets only a handful of tourists. Pangkor Laut Island, its baby sister, gets even fewer.

Rather than guesthouses and a beach lifestyle, Pangkor Laut has a more elegant atmosphere.

Fisherman’s Cove is the go-to place. The restaurant/bar has coastal views like those in the Maldives.

Expect fresh seafood, sumptuous desserts and a romantic ambience.

Take a speedboat from Nipah Bay.

But leave the sandals and flip-flops. Fisherman’s Cove enforces a strict smart-casual dress code.

12. See a different side of the island from the sea

Source: Amirul Syaidi / shutterstock

What’s a better way to get a perspective of Pangkor Island than from a boat?

Boat trips start near Nipah Bay on the west coast. Some sail for 30 minutes around the shoreline; others ferry passengers to and from Pangkor Laut.

Longer cruises explore further afield taking passengers to hidden inlets and secret bays.

Boats offer a convenient vantage point for watching wildlife.

Monkeys are visible in the trees while the world below the waves bursts with life and activity.

Boats moor on the sand near Nipah Bay. Bargain hard to get the best price.

13. The color and charisma of Pangkor Town

Source: Sallehudin Ahmad / shutterstock

Pangkor Town consists of a single street with a handful of cafés and restaurants.

Wander through the shophouses and search for souvenirs or snacks. Or check out the antique stores with forgotten relics from previous generations.

Watch the day-to-day life of the islanders.

Head north to tiny fishing villages. Admire the colorful houses and their slower pace of life.

Look towards the rickety stilted villages as fishing boats sail in and out.

14. Diversity, scenery and culture on a road trip

Source: ra66 / shutterstock

A road leads around Pangkor Island past beaches, mountains and sleepy villages.

Start at your guesthouse and choose a direction: left or right. Follow the road and you’ll loop back to your starting point.

This gives you the chance to appreciate the scenery, environment and habitats.

Some travelers rent a motorbike and ride around the island. Others take the challenge of cycling or walking.

Get ready for steep hills. Watch out for speeding taxis taking up both sides of the road.

15. Dive in Pulau Sembilan: Pangkor’s secret diving oasis

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Pulau Sembilan, translating to Nine Islands, are a mini-archipelago south of Pangkor.

The uninhabited islands host some of Malaysia’s best diving and snorkeling areas.

Boat trips start in Nipah Bay before bouncing over gentle waves for 20 kilometers (12.4 miles).

Snorkelers will encounter a series of hard corals and barracudas.

Divers head to White Rock where hundreds of parrotfish swarm in the depths.

Armies of micro-organisms sometimes transform the sea into a glowing mass of color. But you need to be here at the right time to witness this rare natural event.

Pulau Sembilan isn’t open all year. Diving typically takes place between November and March.

If you want to go diving, it’s often better to arrange a tour from a company in Kuala Lumpur.

The post 15 Best Things to Do in Pangkor Island (Malaysia) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

More than 15,000 species of plants live in the 130-million-year-old rainforests. Hundreds of mammals including both orangutans and proboscis monkeys thrive in the dense jungles.

Add dozens of tropical islands, thousands of kilometers of beaches and Malaysia’s tallest mountain.

Borneo splits between three countries.

Malaysian Sabah and Sarawak covers approximately one-quarter. Indonesian Kalimantan spreads across most of the rest. Brunei Darussalam, one of the world’s least visited countries, is sandwiched between Sarawak.

Crazy Tourist identifies the 25 best things to do in Borneo for jungles, mountain climbing and scuba diving.

1. Scale Borneo’s tallest mountain (Sabah)

Source: Alen thien / shutterstock

Mount Kinabalu is the highest point between New Guinea and the Himalayas.

At 4,095 meters (13,435 feet), the granite giant dominates Sabah’s skyline.

Scaling this mountain usually features on travel itineraries to Malaysian Borneo. Hikers complete a two-day expedition to the summit and stay overnight in a mountainside hostel.

Next morning, hikers wake at 2:00am and climb to the top in time for the sunrise.

Only a limited number of travelers can hike each day and places usually fill up months in advance.

Mount Kinabalu offers more than just the challenge and spectacular views.

Sabah’s indigenous peoples have deep cultural ties to this mountain. Kadazan-Dusun communities once believed their ancestors rest on Kinabalu after death.

2. Danum Valley: Borneo’s biodiversity hotspot (Sabah)

Source: Richard Parsons / shutterstock

The name Borneo elicits images of rainforests, wildlife and biodiversity.

Nothing meets these expectations more than Danum Valley in eastern Sabah.

The 130-million-year-old jungle has changed little in its long lifetime.

Flourishing environments provide habitats for almost half the world’s animals and plants. This includes orangutans, pygmy elephants and meat-eating pitcher plants.

Danum Valley is two hours along logging roads from the nearest town.

The center combines a cutting-edge research facility with an ecotourism destination.

Travelers can go jungle trekking with some of Borneo’s most experienced guides. Or search for wildlife on a night safari.

3. Proboscis monkeys on the Kinabatangan River (Sabah)

Source: Dave Primov / shutterstock

The Kinabatangan River meanders 560 kilometers (348 miles) through the jungle in eastern Sabah.

Millions of animals and plants live in the verdant landscapes surrounding the muddy flow of water.

Small communities of endemic proboscis monkeys live in certain channels. Estimates suggest only 7,000 of the pot-bellied and long-nosed primates remain on the planet.

The most convenient way to reach the Kinabatangan River is from Sandakan. Spend the night in the riverside bungalows.

River cruises take passengers to see primates, crocodiles and tropical birds.

4. Island hopping in Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)

Source: Sharif Putra / shutterstock

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, shares its coastline with five tropical islands.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is a favorite day trip.

Most of the hundreds of daily tourists head to Manukan for its beaches and crystal clear water.

More adventurous ones travel to Gaya, the marine park’s largest island. Visitors can explore a floating village, hike along trails and climb hills for panoramic views of the mini-archipelago.

Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug offer empty beaches, clear water for snorkeling and fewer people.

Regular ferries leave Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Point to each island. Or go island-hopping and visit all five in a single day.

5. Spend the night on an (almost) desert island (Sabah)

Source: Haris McHorror / shutterstock

Sabah’s Pulau Tiga, translating to Three Islands, hosted Season One of reality TV show Survivor.

Flash forward from 2000 to the present.

Rather than a deserted island fit only for survivalists, Pulau Tiga has embraced its global fame.

Day-trippers visit from nearby Kota Kinabalu. Tourists can explore the beaches featured on Survivor and discover rare mud volcanoes.

Almost every tourist disappears in the late afternoon leaving only a handful of people on the island.

This is when the real magic begins. You really feel like you’re on a desert island.

Splash out and spend the night in the ultra-luxurious Pulau Tiga Resort.

Ferries leave from Jesselton Point.

6. Sepilok’s Baby Orangutans (Sabah)

Source: WayneImage / shutterstock

Sabah’s lucrative timber industry leads to widespread deforestation. Orangutans lose their habitats.

Malicious business owners view these critically endangered primates as pests and actively hunt them.

This leaves the young and vulnerable without their parents or the skills to survive alone.

Sepilok rehabilitation center adopts and cares for orphaned orangutans.

Approximately 80 live inside the semi-wild enclosure.

Visit during feeding time (10:00am and 3:00pm) and watch the little orange haired monkeys swing in the branches.

Sepilok invests all its funds to caring for the orangutans.

7. Sabah’s metropolitan capital on the sea (Sabah)

Source: Nokuro / shutterstock

Kota Kinabalu, or KK for short, sits on the South China Sea in west Sabah.

KK provides convenient access to Mount Kinabalu, tropical islands and Sabah’s highlands.

The city itself is microscopic compared to Kuala Lumpur. Nature surrounds the open spaces a few minutes from the city center.

Likas Bay’s Floating Mosque is the capital’s most majestic attraction. An artificial lagoon surrounds the blue and white structure giving the illusion that it’s floating.

Tanjung Aru, the city’s best beach, is a prime spot to watch the famous Bornean sunset.

Head to Gaya Street for food and entertainment.

8. Borneo’s best diving on Sipidan Island (Sabah)

Source: Nokuro / shutterstock

Diving enthusiasts around the globe know about Sabah’s Sipidan Island.

The limestone pinnacle off the eastern coast ranks as one of the planet’s best places for diving.

PADI-certified scubas submerge into a marine world unlike any other in Southeast Asia.

Sprawling coral reefs thrive in the unpolluted and undisturbed waters. Schools of barracuda swarm while curious parrotfish swim nearby.

Turtles swim on the surface while basking in the warm tropical waters.

Sipadan issues 120 diving permits per day, which usually sell out several months before the allocated time.

Take the ferry (one hour) from Semporna in East Sabah to Sipadan Island.

9. Sabah’s secret lagoon (Sabah)

Source: sydeen / shutterstock

According to tourists, Bohey Dulang is among the most spectacular parts of Borneo.

A prehistoric volcanic eruption formed the mountainous island in east Sabah’s Celebes Sea. This created the spectacular lagoon known as Bohey Dulang.

Cross the small channel separating the lagoon from Bodgaya Island.

Follow the trails to the peak at 353 meters (1,158) feet. Marvel at the sapphire-blue lagoon below.

Other paths lead to natural pools, waterfalls and pristine stretches of coastline.

Bajau Laut, often called the Sea Nomads, live in the nearby stilted village.

10. Borneo’s most mysterious national park (Sarawak)

Source: Filip Baumruk / shutterstock

Gunung Mulu (Mount Mulu) has Sarawak’s most unusual (and spooky) landscapes.

Jagged limestone pinnacles point skywards next to towering mountains. Eerie trees tangle and intertwine to guard entrances into deep caves.

Gunung Mulu National Park ticks all the criteria for the adventurous ecotourist.

Jungle trails lead towards the mountaintops. Or follow the paths through the never-ending cave systems. Photographers revel in the contrasts.

Inside the caves, Sarawak Chamber is the world’s largest known cavity.

The protected region is far from civilization and human interference.

Travelers need to take a short chartered flight from nearby Miri. Otherwise the journey takes two days through the forest and along rivers.

Accommodation is available at Gunung Mulu.

11. Sarawak’s most accessible caves (Sarawak)

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Sarawak has a nationwide reputation for caves.

The state has thousands of kilometers of passageways which traverse through the limestone cliffs.

Niah Caves near Miri is both the most accessible and tourist-friendly ones to visit in Sarawak.

Check out both Moon Cave and Great Cave. Guided tours will take you to both.

Or see some of Malaysia’s oldest cave paintings inside the not-so-creatively named Painted Cave.

Malaysia’s oldest human skeleton (40,000 years old) was discovered here too.

Spend the night in Miri. Rent a car and drive 85 kilometers (53 miles) south of Miri. Or join an organized tour.

12. Unusual rock formations at Tusan Cliff (Sarawak)

Source: james wk / shutterstock

Tusan Cliff Beach sits along the South China Sea. A magnificent stretch of (almost) empty coastline is a canvas for the weird rock formations in the distance.

Sugar-like golden sand stretches against the almost vertical yellow sandstone cliffs. Gentle waves roll in from the azure-blue sea.

Gaze down the coast and (with a bit of imagination) you’ll see the ‘horse’s head’. This rock looks like a horse drinking from the sea.

The beach is about 39 kilometers (24.2 miles) to the south of Miri.

13. Proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park (Sarawak)

Source: gualtiero boffi / shutterstock

Bako National Park showcases the best of Sarawak’s jungle.

The relatively small protected area is approximately one hour north of capital Kuching.

Apart from countless hiking trails, Bako has beaches, cliffs and waterfalls.

Mangroves creep inland between the sea and lush rainforests. Boat tours cruises through these eerie labyrinths.

A small population of Proboscis monkeys live in the forest near Park HQ. Travelers have a high chance of seeing these rare and unusual primates.

Bako National Park is Sarawak’s most accessible rainforest.

14. Kuching: The colonial city of cats (Sarawak)

Source: Anna ART / shutterstock

Capital Kuching in western Sarawak has an uncanny affiliation with felines.

The name itself phonetically resembles the Malay word for cat (Kucing). Dozens of cat statues and tabby-friendly cafés fill the city.

Aside from this quirky connection, Kuching is Sarawak’s colonial gem.

The exotic-sounding White Rajahs, a British dynasty lasting just over 100 years, made Kuching their capital.

This legacy manifests in the Astana (Palace) and Fort Margherita.

Stroll along the Sarawak River, visit colorful Buddhist Temples and explore floating villages.

15. Mount Santubong: Sarawak’s Sacred Mountain (Sarawak)

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Mount Santubong is Sarawak’s version of Mount Kinabalu.

Located in western Sarawak near Kuching, Santubong soars 810 meters (2,657 feet) above sea level.

The mountain dominates the coastline and forms the backdrop to the classy Damai Beach Resort.

Several habitats and ecological zones cover the mountain including mangroves and rainforests.

Irrawaddy dolphins live in the muddy coastal waters. Lucky travelers often report sightings.

The Rainforest Music Festival held every July takes place at the foothills of Santubong’s in Sarawak Cultural Village too.

16. Discover the enigmatic Sea Nomads (Sabah)

Source: Yusnizam Yusof / shutterstock

Borneo’s Bajau are often called ‘Sea Nomads’ or ‘Sea Gypsies’

After centuries of a seafaring lifestyle, today’s Bajau live in stilted villages above the sea. Some in western Sabah have developed horse-riding skills and now live on the land.

Travelers can discover these mysterious people and their ancient traditions. This includes their ability to dive for 13 minutes without equipment.

Semporna in east Sabah has one of Borneo’s largest Bajau floating villages.

17. Learn about Borneo’s indigenous (Borneo)

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

Borneo has more than 200 ethnic groups who have lived in the jungle, coastal regions and along the rivers for millennia.

Dayak is the umbrella term used to refer to the diverse indigenous peoples living in Borneo.

A century ago, Sabah and Sarawak were notorious for their fierce headhunters.

Monsopiad Cultural Village near Kota Kinabalu presents Sabah’s headhunting past. Or discover Sarawak’s heritage at Sarawak Cultural Village.

Kaamatan, Sabah’s Harvest Festival in May, showcases the best of the state’s ethnic diversity. Gawai is Sarawak’s Harvest Festival.

In Brunei, Malay Technology Museum is the nation’s most extensive ethnographic museum. This is a short drive from capital Bandar Seri Begawan.

18. Diving in duty-free Labuan (Labuan)

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Labuan Island sits between Brunei and Sabah.

Labuan itself consists of seven islands, some more developed than others.

Malaysia’s government transformed the once unknown island into a financial center. Today it hosts thousands of off-shore companies and has a duty free status.

Despite its reputation for business, Labuan is a haven for diving.

Dozens of little-explored sites lie a few kilometers from the coast. Scuba-enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to visit four shipwrecks.

Labuan is also a gateway to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei.

19. Celebrate Borneo’s religious diversity (Borneo)

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

Borneo is a Southeast Asian multicultural melting pot.

Almost every religion is represented in Malaysian Borneo, Brunei and Kalimantan.

Discover Asia’s most stunning mosques in Brunei. Or embrace the colorful atmosphere inside grand Buddhist temples.

Before mainstream religion, many of Borneo’s inhabitants were pagans. Some of the older residents in Malaysian Borneo can still remember their parents performing these mysterious pagan rituals.

Relics of this bygone era still exist in the more rural communities.

20. The world’s largest floating village (Brunei)

Source: Milosz Maslanka / shutterstock

Almost every resident in Brunei’s capital Bandar Seri Begawan once lived in Kampong Ayer.

The stilted village stands above the Brunei River like it has for centuries.

Approximately 13,000 people still live in their traditional houses.

Rather than roads and cars, water taxis take residents from one place to the next. Rickety boardwalks replace sidewalks connecting 42 mini-neighborhoods.

Take a water taxi from the Waterfront and discover this world above the river.

Kampong Ayer is practically self-sufficient with schools, mosques and shops.

21. Green Jewel of Brunei (Brunei)

Source: Jennifer Wan / shutterstock

Ulu Temburong National Park in Brunei is a prime example of state-sponsored conservation.

Unlike their neighbors, Brunei doesn’t suffer from rampant deforestation for logging or palm oil plantations.

Brunei’s oil has directly contributed to the jungle’s conservation. Ulu Temburong has received an enormous state investment.

Both scientists and conservationists study the rare ecological habitats. Several types of new species, such as an unusual exploding ant, are regularly discovered inside the national park.

Travelers can visit this spectacular primary rainforest from Bandar Seri Begawan.

The journey to reach this remote region involves two boat trips and a long drive along dirt roads.

Inside, you’ll find hiking trails, waterfalls and Brunei’s best examples of biodiversity.

You need to join a tour to visit.

22. Brunei’s largest lake (Brunei)

Source: Bernard Spragg / Flickr

Lake Merimbum, Brunei’s largest lake, is in central Brunei.

From above with a smattering of imagination, the lake looks like the letter ‘S’.

Bright green lilies float on its deep blue surface surrounded by lush forests. Wooden bridges pass over the water to viewing platforms.

Travelers can follow the boardwalks to most parts of the lake. Boats offer short trips out onto the water.

Lake Merimbun is about one hour from Bandar Seri Begawan by car.

23. Outdoor adventures in Tapin Bini (Kalimantan)

Source: Lano Lan / shutterstock

Tapin Bini has challenging hikes, river rafting and countless indigenous communities.

Apart from a few Indonesian tourists, the area in Central Kalimantan is far off the tourist trail. Only a handful of international travelers have ever set foot here.

Hike up Bukit Bolau (Bolau Hill) along impossibly steep trails. Or make the most of the river – go white water rafting, swimming or simply relax on the banks.

After a day of adventure activities, travelers can have a cultural experience with a local family in a homestay.

24. Borneo’s most biodiverse lake (Kalimantan)

Source: Widhibek / shutterstock

Lake Sentarum National Park is among the planet’s most biodiverse lakes.

More than 200 species of fish and birds call the environment home. So do 150 types of mammals including both orangutans and proboscis monkeys.

The national park covers a mind-blowing 1,329 square kilometers in northern Kalimantan.

Kalimantan’s indigenous people live inside remote villages. Isolated Malay fishing villages line the coast.

But this remoteness is both a blessing and hindrance.

Getting to Lake Sentarum is a challenge. Travelers first need to reach West Kalimantan’s capital Pontianak. From here, it’s seven hours by boat to the lake.

25. Kalimantan’s most beautiful islands (Kalimantan)

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A total of 31 tropical islands make up the Derawan Archipelago in Eastern Kalimantan.

The islands have picture-perfect beaches, gorgeous coastlines and overwater bungalows.

Travelers either come for a luxurious island break. Or embrace the marine wonderland beneath the waves.

Over 460 types of coral thrive along their coastline in the Sulawesi Sea. Almost 900 species of fish live in the corals including protected sea turtles.

Sangalaki, Kakaban and Derawan are the most accessible islands in the archipelago.

The post 25 Best Things to Do in Borneo appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

The protected rainforest sprawls 438 square kilometers in eastern Sabah. Danum Valley Field Center sits in the heart of this jungle with a world-class research facility.

Picture waking to the buzz of activity in the thick jungle air. Or imagine watching the orange equatorial sunrise over the ancient valley.

Danum Valley remains free of human interference.

Apart from a handful of pagan tribesmen roaming the forests centuries ago, the jungle is like it was millions of years ago.

Crazy Tourist uncovers the top 15 things to do in Danum Valley including where to go hiking, see wildlife and making the most of its research facilities.

1. Jungle trekking in an ancient rainforest

Source: Nokuro / shutterstock

Danum Valley lies inside a 130-million-year-old rainforest. Today’s jungle habitats look the same as they did when dinosaurs roamed.

Hiking is the best way to see and experience this mysterious and primeval rainforest.

Follow the Orchid and Nature Trail around the Field Center. Travelers can hike through these short and easy routes without a guide.

Keep your eyes open for gibbons and red leaf monkeys swinging in the tree branches.

2. Explore the jungle with an expert

Source: Craig Ansibin / shutterstock

Danum Valley’s rangers have decades of experience and can take visitors on longer hikes through the jungle.

Some trails pass through the dense primary forest to waterfalls. Others lead to vantage points and canopy walks.

Guided tours usually last between two and seven hours depending on the trail.

Arrange your trek with the ranger the day before.

Embrace their wisdom and knowledge to gain a deeper insight into the rainforest, ecology and conservation.

Bring leech socks to defend against the ever-present blood-sucking menaces.

3. Test your nerves in the treetop canopy walks

Source: Jeremy Red / shutterstock

Canopy Walks are rope bridges suspended high in the treetops with observation platforms.

The vantage points give views of the surrounding forest and are ideal for spying on the wildlife, in particular, birds.

Danum Valley has a handful of canopy walks located near the Field Center.

Guides take visitors along jungle trails to the giant dipterocarp trees where the ropeway hangs above.

But they’re not for the faint-hearted or those with a fear of heights.

The only way is by climbing 30 meters (98 feet) up a ladder attached to a tree.

Keep your eyes open for monkeys and colorful tropical birds. Rangers will show you where to look.

Canopy Walks are among the best places to see wildlife at Danum Valley.

4. Spy on rare and endangered birds

Source: feathercollector / shutterstock

Danum Valley’s protected rainforest houses hundreds of types of birds. Scientists regularly discover new species.

Aspiring or experienced twitters embrace the chance to identify these tropical birds.

Look up and watch the occasional hornbill soar overhead. Or inspect the tree branches searching for the rare blue-headed pitta.

Grab a book from the Field Center’s library. Rangers can take you to the regions where the birds nest.

Otherwise, sit in the canteen’s terrace overlooking the rainforest and watch dozens of birds flutter by.

5. Relish one of Earth’s most biodiverse areas

Source: Yusnizam Yusof / shutterstock

The jungle houses more than 100 species of mammals, 300 types of known birds and thousands of insects.

Primates howl as families of orangutans swing between the branches. Sambar deer poke their head through the foliage while small sun bears hang lazily in the treetops.

Luckier visitors might see a herd of pygmy elephants (the world’s smallest elephants) roaming near the river.

Look on the ground and see supersized insects patrolling like an army of disciplined soldiers.

Few places on the planet offer such biodiversity. Make the most of it at Danum Valley.

6. Search for wildlife in the dark

Source: feathercollector / shutterstock

When the sun sets, the jungle burst with life and buzzes in a cacophony of noise.

Most of the millions of inhabitants come out to play when it’s dark. Night safaris provide a chance to see some of this nocturnal wildlife.

Rangers take tourists out in a 4×4 jeep to cruise along the logging roads near Danum Valley Field Center.

On a good night, you’ll see civets, sambar deer and the occasional flying fox. Otherwise, you might only see an owl and thousands of insects (including tarantulas).

It’s not a zoo. Not everyone sees animals.

Instead, focus on savoring the experience of being in the heart of the jungle at night.

7. Feel mesmerized by the sunrise over a prehistoric jungle

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Few activities compare to watching the sunrise in a mystical environment.

At Danum Valley, tourists can watch a spectacular and vibrant sunrise over the equatorial jungle.

Rangers make the short drive to a vantage point near the Field Center in the fresh morning air.

The real magic starts during the transition from darkness to dawn as the jungle springs to life.

Insects buzz with increasing intensity. Birds open their eyes and sing their morning songs.

The occasional orangutan sits in the nearby trees too.

8. Soak and revitalize in natural pools

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Waterfalls cascading into natural rock pools are along some jungle trails.

Taking a dip in these pools is about as refreshing as it gets after a few hours in the hot, sticky jungle.

Either sit on the rocks and dip your feet into the water as tiny fish swarm around them. Or dive in and cool down under the falling water.

Rangers will take you to either Serpent Waterfall or Jacuzzi Pools.

Be aware of leeches when you’re in and around the water.

9. A refreshing swim in the river

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The Danum River splits the jungle into two.

On dry days, visitors can go for a dip in the slow-moving river near the Field Center.

Swim out to the shallow middle and cool down after a sweaty few hours of hiking. Or capture photos of the meandering body through the bordering verdant landscapes.

You can only go swimming with a guide. Never underestimate the slow current. It can easily carry you into deeper waters.

10. Understand Borneo’s ecology and conservation

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Danum Valley Field Center is primarily a conservation research facility.

International scientists come to research conversation, ecology and endangered wildlife. Travelers have access to this wealth of knowledge in their library.

Pick up a book and discover the full extent of the rainforest’s biodiversity. Or learn the cutting-edge techniques used to protect Danum Valley’s flora and fauna.

Take the chance to enrich yourself with all the knowledge and expertise at your disposal.

11. Rub shoulders with leading experts in global conservation

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World-renowned scientists, post-graduate students and experienced rangers stay at Danum Valley.

Travelers who sign up to their meal plan will eat with researchers in the canteen. This gives a perfect opportunity to strike a conversation over breakfast.

Those looking to gain a deeper appreciation of rainforest ecology and habitats will jump at the chance to interact with leading experts.

Take the chance to get first-hand accounts and explanations from those at the pinnacle of the Borneo’s research.

12. Hike to mystical pagan graveyards

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Before mainstream religion, many of Borneo’s indigenous were pagans.

The Orang Sungai (translating to ‘People of the River’ in English) once lived inside today’s protected zone.

A handful of their burial sites remain.

The pagan graveyard is about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) along a light trail from Danum Valley Field Centre.

The deceased were buried in decorated wooden coffins and placed on natural shelves along the rock face. Mysterious ceramic burial jars lie nearby.

Rangers will explain more about the ancient people who roamed the forests centuries ago.

13. Look for the alien-like carnivorous pitcher plants

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Pitcher plants are both elegant and deadly.

The inverted bell-shaped green plants live in certain parts of Danum Valley’s rainforest. But unlike other flowers who use insects for reproduction, these eat them.

Pitcher plants release a sticky substance enticing armies of bugs from the forest floor.

They become trapped after marching inside the sweet smelling interior. Pitcher plants slowly digest its victims in the same way as a venus flytrap.

The bigger ones have been known to consume tarantulas and even mice.

Carnivorous plants are rare. See them in their natural habitat at Danum Valley.

14. Stay at a jungle lodge fit for a king

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In 1996, Sweden’s King Gustav and Queen Silvia visited Danum Valley.

Prince William and Kate Middleton followed in their footsteps in 2012.

On both occasions, the European royalty stayed at the ultra-luxurious rainforest lodge.

And you can too.

The spacious bungalows have all the home comforts of a five-star resort, but in the middle of the rainforest.

Guests fall asleep to the constant background hum of the jungle. And then watch it burst into life again from their bedroom at dawn.

15. Hike where few have hiked before in Maliau Basin

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First-time visitors to Danum Valley instantly recognize how wild and remote it feels.

Maliau Basin takes this isolation to the next level.

Covering an area similar in size to Singapore, the UNESCO-listed forest to this day remains mostly unmapped.

Few people have hiked to the summit of the basin. Even fewer have walked through the dense foliage.

Privileged travelers can arrange a trip to this lost world from Danum Valley.

The post 15 Best Things to Do in Danum Valley (Malaysia) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

During British colonial days, the region was a tin mining powerhouse. The legacy of this boom period remains in Ipoh and Taiping’s stunning architecture.

Beach-lovers relish at the chance for a night on Pangkor Island. Wake to coastlines void of tourists and gentle waters next to the soft sand.

Throw in forest reserves, white water rafting and Malaysia’s own version of the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Welcome to Perak: Malaysia’s most serendipitous state.

Crazy Tourist identifies the 25 best things to do in Perak for the best architecture, cave temples and adrenaline-pumping activities.

1. Colonial architecture in Perak’s cities (Perak)

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Perak boomed during the colonial era.

The state’s tin reserves enticed entrepreneurs who soon made their fortunes.

Both Ipoh and Taiping, two little-visited cities in Malaysia, are a testament to this prosperous era.

State capital Ipoh has several grand structures. This includes the Railway Station, Birch Memorial Clock Tower and the High Court. Travelers can follow the Ipoh Heritage Trail which leads around 24 colonial-era buildings and monuments.

Former capital Taiping has a British-inspired center, Lake Gardens and Maxwell Hill.

2. Malaysia’s most underrated island (Pangkor Island)

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Pangkor Island in the Straits of Melaka has empty coastlines, mountainous jungles and hundreds of hornbills.

Perak state government aims to transform this sleepy island into a tourist haven. But at the moment, Pangkor remains relatively unknown.

This means tourists can enjoy spectacular sunsets, snorkeling and kayaking without the crowds. Find a spot on the beach and you might not see another soul all day.

A handful of guesthouses line Pangkor’s western coast near both Nipah Bay and Coral Beach. More upscale resorts are along the southern coast.

Crazy Tourist recommends visiting the crumbling Dutch Fort, photographing Pangkor Town’s colorful houses and feeding wild hornbills at Sunset View Chalet.

3. A spooky, half-finished mansion hidden in the jungle (Batu Gajah)

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Kellie’s Castle is an eerie and allegedly haunted colonial mansion near Ipoh.

An eccentric Scotsman migrated to British Malaya in the early 20th-century becoming wealthy from his rubber plantations. William Kellie Smith commissioned this mansion in Batu Gajah located 21 kilometers (13 miles) from Ipoh.

The colonial structure blends Moorish, Roman and British Indian architectural styles.

Smith suddenly died. His family returned to Britain. The half-finished mansion remained unfinished. Before long, the jungle swallowed it.

Visitors can walk through the multi-storied structure and stand on the rooftop tennis court. Rumors suggest ghosts roam the abandoned hallways. Or the house has undiscovered secret passageways.

Take a cab or Grab Car from Ipoh. Negotiate a price to wait for one hour.

4. The mysterious Perak Temple (Ipoh)

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Perak’s cave temples are among the most mystical attractions in Malaysia.

Perak Temple near Ipoh is the most visited.

Religious icons and bronze statues fill the limestone caverns. Murals and calligraphy decorate the cave walls.

Explore the different rooms inside the almost magical environment.

Climb 400 steps to a viewing platform which provides 360-degree panaramic views of Ipoh.

Admission is free. Dress appropriately before entering Perak Temple.

Take Grab Car or a taxi from Ipoh.

5. Perak’s largest cave temple (Ipoh)

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Sam Poh Tong is the largest of Ipoh’s three cave temples.

Several passageways and cavernous rooms penetrate the limestone walls. Each room has Buddhist relics on display.

Incense wafts through the damp air. This blends with the colors, statues and chanting creating a hypnotic atmosphere.

Follow the 246 steps to a viewing platform.

Local legends tell of a fascinating story about Sam Poh Tong’s discovery.

A Chinese monk found the cave in the late 19th-century. After establishing a temple, he mediated continuously for two decades until his death.

6. Kek Lok Tong’s manicured gardens and turtle pond (Ipoh)

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Kek Lok Tong combines an enchanting spiritual cave temple with tranquil gardens.

If you’ve visited Perak and Sam Poh Tong, you’ll notice the similarities: Bronze statues, religious relics and endless streams on incense.

But what sets Kek Lok apart lies in its award-winning garden. The landscaped area has a pond filled with koi and turtles, tropical flowers and shady areas.

Stroll along the paths to quiet zones used for silent reflection. Find the best vantage points to photograph the temple set inside the green limestone cliffs.

7. Tin, tea and tiny cars in Ipoh’s museums (Ipoh)

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Ipoh is Perak’s cultural hub.

The city has several museums covering everything from the history of Perak’s tin to a tea museum.

Taking the time to discover more about the state’s past will give an insight into the city and region today.

Head to the Han Chin Pet Soo, housed inside a former Hakka Miner’s Club, to learn about Perak’s tin mining. Check out Han Yan Hor dedicated entirely to tea.

Miniature Wonders Art Gallery uses miniature figurines to depict scenes from Ancient China. The owner used dough to handmake every single model.

Crazy Tourist recommends the Geological Museum, Dream Big (model cars) and an art gallery devoted to film director Yasmin Ahmad.

8. Street Food in Malaysia’s unofficial food capital (Ipoh)

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Hundreds of restaurants line the streets in both old and new Ipoh serving Chinese, Indian and Malay food.

Ipoh’s culinary scene is on par with the best of Penang or Kuala Lumpur.

Check out Dai Shu Geok for Hakka Chinese food. Or have a Perak-style breakfast inside a Kopitiam (Malaysian-style café).

Try curry noodles at Yee Fatt Dry where the family has used the same recipe for more than 40 years.

Central Point Food Court near Parkson Ipoh Parade shopping mall has a huge selection of street food too.

A meal for one costs a few dollars.

9. Perak’s most controversial building (Ipoh)

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Birch Memorial Clock Tower is shrouded in controversy, which 99% of visitors aren’t aware of.

The origin of this story starts at the turn of the 20th-century.

British colonialists mined tin in Perak leading to disputes with local chiefs. Rising tensions culminated with Dato Maharajalela assassinating First British Resident of Perak, James Birch.

The Birch Memorial Clock Tower opened in 1909 to commemorate the colonial hero’s sacrifice.

But this didn’t go down too well. Malay villagers saw Birch as the enemy and Dato Maharajalela as a freedom fighter.

Flash to the present. Perak’s authorities in defiance named the streets next to the memorial after Birch’s murderers, their national heroes.

The three-tiered white-washed structure is both splendid and a controversial topic.

Birch Memorial Clock Tower is near Ipoh State Mosque.

10. Ipoh State Mosque: Perak’s largest mosque (Ipoh)

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Perak’s state mosque stands elegantly outside Ipoh Railway Station.

The two-floored white-washed building opened in 1968. With a total of 44 domes and a minaret soaring to 38 meters (125 feet), it’s an imposing sight in old Ipoh.

Look out for the intricate mosaic patterns decorating the exterior façade.

The Sultan Idris Shah II Mosque has a function room, wedding facilities and a library inside.

Crazy Tourist recommends visiting the mosque as part of a self-guided walking tour on the Ipoh Heritage Trail.

11. Photograph Perak’s spaceship-like tower (Ipoh)

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On first appearance, Ipoh Square (Dataran Ipoh) might not appear much to look at.

Government buildings surround the green manicured space. A giant Malaysian flag flies in the center.

But aside from its stately appearance, the park houses the unusual MBI Clock Tower.

The three-legged tower stands like a tripod and looks like something out of an old sci-fi movie.

After dark, the area lights up and transforms into a favorite hangout spot for young locals.

12. Rugged landscapes in Gunung Lang Recreational Park (Ipoh)

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Mount Lang (Gunung Lang) Recreational Park a few kilometers north of old Ipoh showcases the best of Perak’s nature.

A patchwork of green blankets the limestones cliffs surrounding the central turquoise lake. Rocky outcrops point haphazardly towards the sky in the distance.

Follow the boardwalks to a cascading waterfall, lookout towers and swampy habitats. Watch out for tropical birds, flying foxes and macaques.

The recreational park provides a slice of nature within reach of the cosmopolitan city.

13. Neolithic cave painting in Tambun Cave (Ipoh)

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Tambun Cave near Ipoh has approximately 600 cave paintings.

Archeologists date the crude pictures of humans and animals to the Neolithic era. This means they’re somewhere between 2,500 and 4,000 years old.

It was only in the mid-19th century when a British soldier stumbled upon these ancient images. They became a National Heritage in 1986.

Follow the road towards Tambun and stop at the Caltex Petrol Station. Walk along the lane that leads to the field in the distance. Cross the bridge and you’ll find signposts marking the way.

Sadly, some of the lower paintings have been vandalized. The ones on the upper rock face remain as they were thousands of years ago.

14. Aerobics in Malaysia’s oldest public park (Taiping)

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Taiping Lake Gardens is a sprawling 160-acre park in central Taiping.

The British turned the former mining pit into a public park in 1880 creating Malaysia’s first public garden.

Today it has a total of 10 man-made lakes, a lotus pond and several bridges.

Rain trees believed to be more than 100 years old arch over the path on one side of the lake. The trees, hills and often overcast weather teleports visitors to England for a few brief moments.

Follow the jogging path around the lake. Or head to the nationwide famous Taiping Zoo.

Regular events take place in Taiping Lake Gardens including free aerobic classes.

15. Explore Perak’s finest collection of colonial architecture (Taiping)

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Taiping rarely features on Malaysian travel itineraries.

But the former capital of Perak has a rich history closely tied to the region’s lucrative tin mining industries.

Taiping was among the first British towns in Malaya (the old name for Malaysia). Many of the early colonial architecture remains.

Taiping Heritage Trail covers approximately 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) taking tourists on a journey through the town’s past.

Stop by West Malaysia’s first modern railway (Taiping Railway Station). Head to Malaysia’s oldest museum (Perak Museum). Discover the ’33 firsts in Taiping’.

Each monument has a detailed information board providing context in English.

16. Malaysia’s oldest museum (Taiping)

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Perak Museum opened in 1883 becoming Malaysia’s first museum.

The museum in Taiping has thousands of exhibits and collections. Some of the natural history displays feature specimens collected more than 100 years ago.

Others are more geared towards ethnography and Perak’s ethnic communities.

Orang Asli, Malaysia’s aboriginals, are well-represented inside the museum. Malaysia’s Orang Asli have lived in West Malaysia for more than 40,000 years.

Perak Museum is an architectural masterpiece. Admire its eclectic blend of Moorish, Victorian and Neo-classical styles in its façade.

17. Colonial bungalows in Malaysia’s first resort (Taiping)

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Maxwell Hill (known locally as Bukit Larut) is Malaysia’s oldest resort.

The British established Maxwell Hill as a hill station back in 1884. With an altitude of 1,036 meters (3,399 feet) and Taiping’s damp weather, it resembled England’s summertime temperatures and climate.

A handful of Taiping’s residents still live in the dozens of colonial-like bungalows. Cooler temperatures and vegetable gardens show a different side of Malaysia.

Maxwell Hill is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) northwest of central Taiping.

Hire a 4×4 jeep to take you to the top. Cars aren’t allowed on the road.

Hiking usually takes more than four hours.

18. Explore the eerie mangroves (Matang)

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Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve sprawls across a vast area along Perak’s west coast.

Stretching for more than 50 kilometers (31 miles) from top to bottom, its Malaysia’s largest mangrove reserve.

Mangrove trees are used to make charcoal, which takes place in approximately three-quarters of the reserve. Strict regulations control its biodiversity and ecosystems.

River cruises navigate the narrow tunnels through spooky environments. After nightfall, fireflies glow and dance in the inky black sky.

Boardwalks pass around the reserve to viewing platforms. Look out for migratory birds including herons and stalks.

19. Malaysia’s Leaning Tower (Teluk Intan)

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Italy has the Leaning Tower of Pisa; Perak has The Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan.

Standing at 25.5 meters (84 feet) in Teluk Intan, the tower is a statewide monument.

The pagoda-like tower opened in 1885 as a water tank. Over time, its weight caused one side to sink into the soft ground.

Today it has a slight leftwards tilt and serves as a clock tower.

Leaning Tower of Teluk Intan is just under 90 kilometers (56 miles) south of Ipoh.

Stop by while traveling to or from Kuala Lumpur.

20. Ipoh’s Kinta River waterfront (Ipoh)

Perak’s Kinta River meanders through the craggy limestone landscapes for more than 100 kilometers (62.1 miles).

Kinta, a major branch of the Perak River, divides Ipoh into two. Old Ipoh stands on the one side while the more modern city dominates the other.

Stroll along Ipoh’s Kinta riverfront and watch the muddy water tumble past. LED lights decorate the waterfront after dark.

Snap photographs of Ipoh’s Guan Yin Temple with the Kinta River in the foreground.

21. Perak’s birdwatching paradise (Batu Gajah)

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Kinta Nature Park in Batu Gajah covers 9 square kilometers of protected habitats.

Following years of restoration and renovation, the park has reopened. But this time it has public facilities including boardwalks and observation decks.

The 14 former tin mines have become serene lily-filled ponds.

What makes Kinta Nature Park special are its birds. Over 150 species live inside the protected area. Swampy marshlands provide habitats for different types of egrets and herons too.

Kinta Nature Park and Kellie’s Castle are near each other in Batu Gajah.

22. Trek in Perak’s ancient rainforest (Ipoh)

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Located 17 kilometers (10.6 miles) from Ipoh, Ulu Kinta Forest Reserve gives a taste of the jungle within 30 minutes of the city.

Towering dipterocarp trees surround well-maintained boardwalks which lead through the dense forest.

Some paths lead to mangrove habitats. Others towards prime picnicking spots and waterfalls.

Follow the path to Tanjung Rambutan Waterfall and watch the white water tumble down the rocks.

Viewing platforms provide postcard-perfect images of Perak’s landscapes.

Expect to spend up to four hours in the forest reserve.

23. Have an adventure in one of West Malaysia’s largest caves (Gopeng)

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Where there are limestone cliffs, there are usually caves.

Tempurung Cave extends for approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 miles) making it one of West Malaysia’s largest.

Unearthly stalagmite and stalactite formations fill five vast chambers. Millions of bats squeak somewhere above in the blackness.

Travelers can choose between two types of guided tours.

‘Dry tours’ navigate the easier routes pass through the chambers. ‘Wet tours’ are more like an obstacle course with gaps, waist-deep water and sliding down walls.

Book your tour before turning up.

Tempurung Cave is about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Ipoh.

24. White water rafting surrounded by jungle (Gopeng)

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Perak’s Kampar River is West Malaysia’s thrill-seeking center.

The cascading river has a total of 14 rapids varying from Class I to Class III. Meandering through the lush jungle, it’s among Malaysia’s most scenic regions.

Beginners can learn with an instructor who guides them over the gentler stretches. The experienced can crash down the roaring rapids.

Typical sessions start in either the morning (9:00am) or afternoon (1:00pm) lasting for three hours.

The Kampar River lies approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Ipoh.

25. Scale one of West Malaysia’s toughest peaks (Perak)

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Standing at 2,180 meters (7,152 feet), Mount Yong Belar dominates eastern Perak’s skyline.

West Malaysia’s third largest peak in the Titiwangsa Mountains demands the highest level of fitness.

Hikers need to navigate tough terrain. Most spend the night near the summit. Expect lots of mud, steep trails and stifling temperatures.

But it’s a rewarding challenge for those who can.

The trail starts in Kampong Raya located 69 kilometers (43 miles) from central Ipoh.

Those who aren’t up for the trek can still take a day trip to see the majestic beast rising above Malaysia’s jungle.

The post 25  Best Things to Do in Perak (Malaysia) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

British and Chinese miners extracted vast amounts of tin. Many became overnight millionaires transforming Taiping into a boom town.

Increased wealth led to increased investment. The legacy is Taiping’s collection of British colonial buildings.

But despite active tourist campaigns by Perak’s state government, the city remains under the radar.

Only a few travelers find out Taiping’s ‘33 claims to fame’ in Malaysia. Even fewer appreciate the region’s role as a Southeast Asian powerhouse for charcoal.

Crazy Tourist uncovers the 25 best things to do in Taiping including its architectural masterpieces, where to go hiking and Malaysia’s oldest museum.

1. A former mine turned into Malaysia’s first public park

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Taiping Lake Gardens opened in 1880 becoming Malaysia’s first park.

Since opening, the park has been maintained at immaculate standards for almost one hundred and fifty years.

The former tin mine has ten artificial lakes, a jogging track and houses Taiping Zoo. Mist-covered hills dominate the horizon.

Follow the paths to bridges, Lotus ponds and viewing points. Embrace the colors, sweet aromas and shady areas to sit. Feel the resemblance (minus the heat) to the English countryside.

Taiping Lake Gardens is about halfway between Taiping Zoo and the city center.

2. Taiping’s oldest and strangest trees

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The gigantic Rain Trees, or Pukul Lima trees, stand in the southern part of Taiping Lake Gardens.

Branches curve over the street towards the water. From a distance, they appear to be bending to drink from the lake.

A British officer planted the trees in 1898. Today the trunks have colossal circumferences.

The Rain Trees are a favorite site for wedding photographs in Taiping.

Head down in the cooler evening and watch local families and lovebirds relax while rollerbladers speed by.

3. Night safaris in Malaysia’s most ecofriendly zoo

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Taiping Zoo is among Taiping’s most well-known attractions.

After opening in 1961, the zoo grew to house more than 1,200 animals.

Orangutans, crocodiles and rhinos are among the 140 species.

Unlike other zoos in Southeast Asia, Taiping’s doubles up as a conservation and research center.

Tremendous efforts are made to increase the populations of their endangered species including our orange-haired primate cousins.

Streams, ponds and the flowers recreate the animal’s natural habitat.

Taiping Zoo reopens again after dark allowing visitors to observe nocturnal animals. This is Malaysia’s only zoo that offers a night safari.

4. See dinosaurs inside Taiping’s Rock Garden

A series of artificial rocks form Taiping Lake Garden’s sculpture park.

The small garden opened in the 1970s to entice children with replicas of dinosaurs.

Despite the small size, it provides several quirky photo opportunities. Most tourists spend 20 minutes in the Rock Garden while exploring the Lake Gardens.

Wander through the mysterious sculpture park and feel like you’re back in prehistoric times.

Continue along the path through the Centuries-old Trees and turn left into the Rock Garden.

5. Taiping’s colonial clock tower

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Taiping Clock Tower looks out of place in front of the modern apartment blocks.

The white-washed British colonial structure almost looks like a Far East church.

The original opened in 1881 built entirely from timber. A decade later bricks replaced the high maintenance wooden monument.

Throughout its long life, the tower served as a timekeeper, police station and fire station. Today it’s a tourist information center with maps and leaflets on the city.

Taiping has some of Malaysia’s best examples of British colonial architecture. The Clock Tower is among the city’s most beautiful structures.

6. Explore Taiping’s Chinese and Buddhist Temples

Because of Taiping’s Chinese community, the city has dozens of Buddhist temples.

Crazy Tourist recommends a trip to both Chinese Pagoda and Hosian Temple.

Chinese Pagoda showcases traditional Chinese architecture. Colorful interior rooms mix with a stream of wafting incense. Local Buddhists believe newlyweds should walk past the pagoda for good luck and success in their marriage.

The 19th-century Hosian Temple is among Taiping’s oldest. Chinese artisans crafted today’s temple after replacing the older timber one. Two monks and eight guardians manage the temple.

Look on Google Maps and plot a walking tour of some of the city’s other spiritual buildings.

7. Taiping Municipal’s British-Indian architecture

Covering two floors, the Municipal Building represents Taiping’s most elegant example of British-Indian inspired architecture.

The timber and brick building remains almost the same as it did when it opened in 1891.

Marvel at the artistry and designs on the upper floor.

Today the building houses the Sanitation Board on Jalan Stesen.

Street lamps imported from Britain stand outside the building. A green vintage train is on display nearby too.

Taiping Municipal Gallery is part of the Taiping Heritage Trail.

8. Malaysia’s first railway station

Source: Chongkian / Wikimedia

Malaysia’s first railway route connected Taiping and Kuala Lumpur in 1885.

British tin mine owners needed an efficient way to transport their goods to the rest of Malaya (old name for Malaysia).

The original stood near King Edward VII School.

Discover its timeless interior and the old machinery on display. Walls that once burst with colors during Taiping’s boom period now fade.

Taiping Railway Station has a gallery explaining the 33 things that happened first in Taiping. Other parts of the station are cozy cafés.

Trains arrive and depart from the new station next door which opened in 2014.

9. Photograph the Hokkien Association at sunset

The second half of the 19th-century saw a massive influx of Chinese immigrants into British Malaya.

Most newcomers migrated from Fujian province to work in the ever-growing tin industry.

Hokkien Association Building established itself in 1862 to protect the wellbeing of these Chinese workers.

The two-tiered structure uses pillars and arches to create an air of elegance in its intricate façade. Red borders line the shapes giving it a colorful and attractive appearance.

As the sun dips behind, the horizons explodes with color creating magical views of the Hokkien Association.

10. Perak’s oldest church

All Saint’s Church along Taming Sari Street is Perak’s oldest church.

The historical monument opened in 1887 and became a National Heritage Building in 2012.

Both the wooden façade and intricately stained glass windows survived World War Two. The gothic-inspired design contrasts with the rest of Taiping’s grand architecture.

Apart from a few minor restorations, All Saint’s looks the same as it did over a century ago.

The onsite cemetery marks the final resting place of British residents.

Services take place on Sundays.

11. Discover Taiping’s proud ‘33 firsts’

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Outside of Malaysia, few have heard of Taiping.

But the former tin mining town played a crucial role in the early history of modern Malaysia.

Taiping proudly proclaims 33 things that first took place in their city.

This includes Malaysia’s first railway station, magistrate’s court and prison. British officials commissioned these when Taiping was their capital.

Perak Museum opened in 1883 becoming the first museum. Taiping Clock Tower was the country’s first of dozens of clock towers.

Maxwell Hill was the first hill station which later inspired the likes of Penang Hill and Cameron Highlands.

Others include the first post office, public park and both Malay and English language newspapers.

Discover the legacy of this little-known city in a galley inside the Taiping Railway Station.

12. The best of Taiping on the self-guided Taiping Heritage Trail

Source: Wan Fahmy Redzuan / shutterstock

Taiping Heritage Trail covers 11.5 kilometers (7.1 miles) around 40 of Taiping’s historical attractions.

This includes colonial buildings, historical monuments and architectural diversity. When combined, the trail showcases the best of Taiping’s heritage.

Check out Taiping Clock Tower, Anglo-Indian-style Peking Hotel and Taiping Market.

Admire the colonial architecture on King Edward VII School. Discover religious diversity in both Buddhist and Hindu temples, churches and mosques.

Information boards explain each monument in depth.

Break the heritage trail down into two or three smaller walking tours. Get a map and suggestions from the tourist information office inside Taiping Clock Tower.

13. Malaysia’s first hill station

Source: Kwang Chun Gan / shutterstock

Maxwell Hill is both Malaysia’s oldest and smallest hill station.

Located at 1,036 meters (3,399 feet) above sea level, the mountaintop resort provides a refreshing escape from the stifling tropical heat below.

The British established a small village at the top in 1884. Colonial-style bungalows and a distinct English flair remain.

Back then, the Brits craved the cooler temperatures. The hill station gave them this and an environment similar to English summertime.

Maxwell Hill, or Bukit Larut, is approximately 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from Taiping.

Cars aren’t allowed on the road. Most travelers hire a 4×4 jeep which takes them to the top.

14. Trek through the jungle to Taiping’s highest peak

Source: rizal zawawi / shutterstock

Hiking to the top of Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill) offers a rewarding challenge in Taiping.

Rather than using a jeep to reach the summit, hikers can follow the Gunung Hijau Trail. The route covers about 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) and takes the average hiker five hours to complete.

Several tropical flowers including a variety of orchids grow along some parts of the path.

Bring water and food.

Bukit Larut holds the unenviable title as Malaysia’s wettest place and it rains almost every day. Chances are, you’re going to get wet and muddy.

Almost every hiker will take a jeep back down to the start of the trail.

15. Perak Museum: Malaysia’s first museum

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Perak Museum is a significant part of Taiping’s 33 firsts.

The museum opened in 1883 becoming the first museum in Malaysia.

Several galleries have collections ranging from zoological specimens to natural history. Many of the objects on display are more than 100 years old.

Check out the natural history sections and discover Malaysia’s aboriginals (Orang Asli). Admire rare ceramic collections and ethnographic displays.

Architects used a mixture of Neoclassical and Victorian styles to create the outside façade. Moorish elements give it an exotic twist. Photograph the building from the gardens before entering the museum.

16. Taiping’s second (almost secret) version of Lake Gardens

Source: Wohin Auswandern / Wikimedia

Kamunting Lake Gardens lies approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of Taiping.

The public gardens aren’t as big as Taiping Lake Gardens. But fewer visitors make the park feel like you have the place to yourself.

Paths circumvent the 31-acre park passing gazebos, public fitness equipment and open lawns.

Families bring their children to the playground after school. Others exercise in the cooler air.

A trip to this park gives travelers’ an opportunity to see how locals spend their free time.

Take a cab from Taiping to Kamunting.

17. Feel the energy after sunset in Warisan Square

Government buildings surround the 3,500 square meter Warisan Square. A towering 44 meter (144 feet) marks the center.

Taiping’s main square is both stately and elegant during the day.

After sunset, the area thrives with activity.

Families hang around in the early evening as young children speed around in mini-vehicles.

Cross Street Bazaar Night Market transforms the square into a hive of energy on weekends.

Warisan Square is the venue for several public events and performances throughout the year. Search online to find out what’s happening when you’re in Taiping.

18. Taiping’s energetic weekend night market

Taiping’s Cross Street Bazaar is a relatively new addition to Malaysia’s famous night market scene.

After starting in 2014, the market exploded in size and popularity.

Every weekend (Friday to Sunday) at 8:00pm more than 60 stalls open with souvenirs, handicraft and street food.

The night market stretches for more than 300 meters (984 feet) along Alang Ahmad Street.

Join the swarms of people and soak up Taiping’s buzzing atmosphere. Search for bargains and find that perfect memento.

Crazy Tourist recommends trying Taiping satay (kebabs skewered on bamboo) and Malaysian sweets.

19. Discover Perak’s sprawling mangroves

Source: Abd. Halim Hadi / shutterstock

Matang Mangrove Eco-Educational Center opened in 1992 to educate Malaysians on the critically important mangrove ecology.

Over the years, the center evolved into a major ecotourism attraction within 20 minutes of Taiping.

A network of boardwalks zig-zag through the swampy environment to viewing platforms. Various species of birds live in the reserve including rare migratory birds.

Information boards explain the nearby flora and fauna.

Boat trips take visitors through the narrow channels next to the alien-like trees dominating the mangroves.

20. The unusual experience of visiting a prison gift shop

Prisons rarely feature on travel itineraries. Nor do they typically have a gift shop open to the public.

But Taiping Prison is unique in these respects.

The prison opened in 1879 becoming Malaysia’s first detention center. The façade remains virtually unchanged.

Architecture aside, the prison practices an innovative skill certification program. Inmates use their time making handicraft and woodwork.

Visit the Taiping Prison Gallery to see (or buy) some of their handicraft.

Taiping Prison is part of the Heritage Trail near Perak Museum.

21. Take a dip in the natural Burmese pools

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Burmese Pool is a natural pool near central Taiping.

According to locals, Burmese soldiers discovered the pools in the jungle. A light jungle trail leads to the area near Batu Teguh River.

Local families make up the crowds at Burmese Pools. Many relax with picnics and barbeques.

Relax and savour the peacefulness of the rainforest.

Take a dip in the refreshing water after sweating in the muggy tropical air.

Crazy Tourist recommends visiting in the morning to avoid the crowds.

22. Spare a thought for those who died defending Malaysia

Source: Crystal Image / shutterstock

The invading Japanese army devastated British Malaya during World War 2.

Thousands died in a futile attempt to stop the invasion.

Taiping War Memorial on the outskirts of the city sits in front of the hills. More than 850 men rest inside the pristine cemetery.

Over half have never been identified.

Stroll around the graves and spare a thought to the horrors of World War in Southeast Asia.

The war memorial is approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) northeast of Taiping.

23. Rejuvenate in Trong Hot Springs

Taiping’s first public hot springs consists of five mineral-rich pools. Trong offers a budget-friendly natural spa to Perak’s residents.

Soak in the herbal baths and let the goodness infuse and realivalize your body. Or sit on the edge and rest your feet after a strenuous hike up Maxwell Hill.

Changing rooms, a lounge area and spa facilities are available.

Visit during weekdays – Malaysians flock on weekends making it feel overcrowded.

Trong is approximately 25 minutes south of Taiping in Batu 9.

24. Find out about Perak’s little-known charcoal industry

Source: Hafiz Soyuz / shutterstock

Charcoal is an essential commodity used for cooking, medicine and countless other things.

Despite its availability and usage, few know anything about its production.

Kuala Sepetang near Matang Mangroves has a continent-wide reputation for its charcoal.

More than 140 manufacturers use 300 kilns in Sepetang to create charcoal from mangrove trees.

Take a day trip from Taiping and find out how charcoal is made. Discover the ins and outs of this little-known industry and why the area upholds a global reputation.

Combine a trip to the charcoal kilns with Matang Mangroves.

25. See fireflies dance above the river

Fireflies often live along certain parts of Malaysia’s rivers and mangroves. Watching the tiny insects dance is both hypnotic and magical.

Travelers can have this unforgettable experience within 30 minutes of Taiping in Kampung Dew. Because of its proximity, this is among Malaysia’s most accessible places to see fireflies.

Boats take passengers out onto the river just after sunset.

Stick around and taste their famous crab mee (crab noodles) in the nearby restaurant.

Visitors typically spend up to three hours at Kampung Dew.

The post 25 Best Things to Do in Taiping (Malaysia) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.

In the early 20th-century, geologists struck oil in Miri. The town boomed attracting migrant workers from China. Malaysia’s black gold fuels much of the economy today.

But this small oil-rich city on the South China Sea isn’t just about petroleum.

It has a thriving Chinese community, Sarawak’s oldest Buddhist temple and a handicraft market selling all kinds of locally produced goods.

Miri acts as a gateway to four surrounding national parks, beaches and occasionally hosts the enchanting Blue Tears too.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Miri:

1. Panoramic views from Canada Hill

Source: james wk / shutterstock

Canada Hill, sometimes called Miri Hill, towers behind the city center.

The limestone hill reaches a height of 150 meters (492 feet). A network of easy trails leads to its summit for the city’s best views.

An army of taxis awaits those looking for a quick way up.

Marvel at the panoramic over the small city and the South China Sea in the distance.

Canada Hill (Bukit Minyak in Bahasa) is a favorite place to see both the sunrise and sunset.

2. The Grand Old Lady: Malaysia’s first oil well

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

The Grand Old Lady on Canada Hill marks the spot where Shell first drilled oil in Miri back in 1910.

Standing at 30 meters (98 feet), the monument is a replica of Malaysia’s first oil well. The landmark offers a window into the importance of the industry which revolutionized Malaysia.

While the monument itself isn’t much to look at, travelers usually combine the experience with hiking Canada Hill.

Snap photographs and consider how the oil discovered in this spot fueled the nation’s development and paid for Kuala Lumpur’s Petronas Towers.

3. Learn about the crucial role of Miri at the Petroleum Museum

Source: Abang Faizul / shutterstock

The Petroleum Museum on Canada Hill tells the story of oil in Miri.

Before its discovery in 1910, Miri was a relatively small fishing village. Locals lived in wooden houses. They made their living from the South China Sea.

Miri transformed in a few decades. Wealthy magnates moved to the area. Chinese migrant workers changed the demographics.

The Petroleum Museum covers this story while giving snippets on oil extraction methods.

If you want to gain a deeper appreciation of Miri’s direct influence on modern-day Malaysia, spend a few hours here.

4. San Ching Tian: Miri’s most extravagant temple

Source: Puachengmien / Wikimedia

The grand San Ching Tian is among Southeast Asia’s largest Taoist temples.

Set inside a tranquil garden, the temple has an elegant entrance and a two-tiered orange roof. Intricate dragons decorate the exterior while bronze statues of religious icons fill the inside shelves.

Since opening in 2000, San Ching Tian has become one of the most visited places of worship in Miri.

The temple is approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles) northeast of the city center.

5. The oldest Buddhist temple in Miri

Source: Uwe Aranas / shutterstock

Tua Pek Kong holds the title as Miri’s oldest temple.

Chinese immigrants enticed by the booming oil industry built this temple in 1913. They dedicated it to their deity who protects all overseas Chinese.

Tua Pek Kong is next to the river in Miri’s old town. The temple exhibits a colorful exterior decorated with dragons.

Visitors need to remove their shoes to enter. Take care to follow the local customs. Limit the number of photographs when monks are inside.

During Chinese New Year, the temple and its neighbourhood transform into a street-wide celebration. This lively festival bursts with color, noise and energy.

6. Search for local craft at the Handicraft Center

Source: Rizd / shutterstock

Local artisans sell their handicraft at the Miri Handicraft Center.

The small center along Jalan Brooke has dozens of stalls where vendors showcase their handmade products.

Some sell traditional weaved objects, which includes mats made by the indigenous Penan peoples. Others have textiles, handbags and traditional clothes.

Stroll through the passageways and meet Sarawak’s indigenous communities who fall under the umbrella term ‘Dayak’.

Marvel at the colors, craftsmanship and detail. Wave to the smiling elderly women sat next to their stalls.

Miri Handicraft Center is the most recommended place in Miri to buy souvenirs.

The center opens daily between 9:00am and 6:00pm. Cultural shows sometimes take place in the evening.

7. Gardens, promenades and a musical fountain in Miri City Fan

Source: EV Photo / shutterstock

From above, Miri City Fan resembles the shape of a traditional handheld fan.

On the ground, it sprawls 26 acres separated into ten thematic zones. The park’s centerpiece is an amphitheater surrounded by a koi pond, maintained Islamic gardens and a promenade.

Sit beneath the trees and watch the musical fountain. Or head to Miri Library to brush up on local culture inside the spacious air-conditioned reading room.

After opening in the 1990s, Miri City Fan has been a hit with residents.

Joggers speed along the paths in the cooler morning and evening air.

8. Sunset cocktails at Miri Sky Bar

Source: Andrei Mayatnik / shutterstock

Meritz Hotel’s 17th floor Sky Bar provides unobstructed views of Miri and the South China Sea.

Tables fill the outdoor terrace in dry weather. Customers unwind outside admiring the views in the early evening.

Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available.

Sit outside with a glass of imported wine or a cocktail watching Borneo’s famous sunset. Or choose from their selection of coffee, smoothies and soft drinks.

Miri Sky Bar doubles up as a classy restaurant.

Locals usually go for the set-price steamboat. Steamboat uses a flavored boiling soup to cook meat, tofu and vegetables.

Check out their website for regular drink promotions. The sky bar opens between 6:00pm and 10:00pm daily.

9. Miri’s street food at Saberkas Weekend Market

Source: Huey Min / shutterstock

Located approximately 3 kilometers (1.2 miles) northeast of the city center, Saberkas Weekend Market is a favorite with locals.

Rows of stalls have everything from fresh produce and tropical fruits to handicraft. Vendors sell street food at rock bottom prices including satay (Malaysian kebabs) and barbequed chicken.

According to Miri’s residents, Saberkas is among Sarawak’s friendliest and most colorful markets. Head down for dinner and see how the local’s go about their daily business.

The wet market, outside Saberkas Commercial Center, opens in the evenings from Thursday to Sunday.

10. A national park from another planet

Source: Juhku / shutterstock

Gunung Mulu National Park is like a scene from a sci-fi movie.

Limestone pinnacles rise into razor-sharp points guarding the entrance to dozens of almost hidden caves. Soaring mountains surround 17 vegetation zones inside the UNESCO-listed national park.

Guided tours pass through both Clearwater and Deer Cave before exploring canyons, waterfalls and otherworldly landscapes.

Keep your eyes open for primates, deer and billions of squeaking bats.

Getting to Gunung Mulu is almost as challenging as visiting another planet. Travelers need to either take a 30-minute flight from Miri or embark on a multi-day expedition through the jungle.

Most visitors usually stay the night in the park’s accommodation.

11. Sarawak’s best caves systems

Source: ThamKC / shutterstock

Niah National Park has a reputation for its sprawling network of caves.

Located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) to the south of Miri, Niah is more accessible than Gunung Mulu.

After arriving at the national park, guides take tourists through the limestone caverns. Look out for the geological wonders including the patterns of stalagmites and stalactites.

Other parts of Niah have ancient cave painting and pagan burial sites.

Archeologists discovered the oldest human skeleton in Malaysia at Niah National Park too.

Most travelers spend the full day at the national park. Because of its size, find out what you want to do before visiting to get the most out of your trip.

12. Jungle trekking in Lambir Hills National Park

Source: steph photographies / shutterstock

Lambir Hills provides visitors with the chance to go jungle trekking near Miri.

Dozens of marked trails penetrate the rainforest. Some pass through differing ecosystems to waterfalls. Others rise to vantage points and natural pools.

Having a guide is essential.

Listen to their expertise as they identify the howls of distance gibbons and point to the occasional sun bear camouflaged against the tree trunks.

The most popular trails lead to both Pantu Waterfall and Latak Waterfall.

Pack plenty of water. Bring leech socks.

13. An equatorial sunset on Brighton Beach

Source: Kelvin Yam / shutterstock

Miri’s Brighton Beach is a highlight of the city.

Known locally as Tanjung Lobang, the beach with its two characteristic piers stretches along the South China Sea.

Local families play in the sand and swim in the warm, gentle waters. The wafting smell of barbeques hangs in the evening air.

But the real magic happens around 6:00pm when the equatorial sun dips towards the horizon. A mirage of oranges, purples and reds spread across the distant sky.

After sunset, stroll along the promenade and pick up some fresh seafood in the many beachside restaurants.

14. Empty beaches and strange rock formations on Tusan Beach

Source: EV Photo / shutterstock

Tusan Beach is just far enough from Miri to keep the visitor numbers at bay. But close enough to reach within 30 minutes by car.

The beach itself has a long sandy coastline and gentle waters. Vertical sandstone cliffs tower against Tusan’s sandy shore.

Come down in the afternoon with your towel and enjoy the privacy of an empty beach for a few hours.

Or bring the camera and capture the strange rock formations caused by decades of erosion.

15. Witness the rare and hypnotic Blue Tears

Source: Shubhashish Chakrabarty / shutterstock

The ocean and sea bursts with life so small that we need a microscope to see them.

Some of these micro-organisms are called dinoflagellates. Dinoflagellates have an uncanny ability to generate light under certain conditions.

Tusan Beach, when everything is just right, transforms into a glowing blue mass.

Tiny organisms glow neon blue which spreads across the sea as the waves roll in.

This natural phenomenon is known as the ‘Blue Tears’ in Sarawak and sometimes takes place at Tusan.

Witnessing this natural spectacle is both enthralling and awe-inspiring.

But it doesn’t happen every night, and you’ll need a big dose of luck to see it.

The post 15 Best Things to Do in Miri (Malaysia) appeared first on The Crazy Tourist.