40 Hidden gems in Malaysia

Astaka Morocco, PutrajayaMerging the Moroccan ambience with contemporary landscapes, the Astaka Morocco showcases unique Moroccan and Moorish architecture.

HIDDEN GEM 1

Bukit Gasing Forest Park,Kuala LumpurA forest park right in the midst of the concrete jungle gives a panoramic view of Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur from a stunning pinnacle at 160m.

HIDDEN GEM 2

Dark Cave at Batu Caves,Kuala LumpurIf you fear the dark – you may want to turn away. Shrouded in darkness, this 100-million year old cave ecosystem is teeming with rich biodiversity and limestone formations waiting to be explored.

HIDDEN GEM 3

Endau Rompin National Parkin Rompin, JohorPopular among adventure seekers, the picturesque national park is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforests and lesser seen wildlife.

HIDDEN GEM 4

Pulau Rawa in Mersing, JohorComparable to the likes of Maldives, this small but pristine island is just a short jetty ride away from Mersing.

HIDDEN GEM 5

Air Terjun Temurunin Langkawi, KedahLocated in Datai Bay area, Temurun is a three tier waterfall with a breath-taking cumulative drop of about 200 meters.

HIDDEN GEM 6

Kilim Geoforest Park, LangkawiSpread across 100 sq. km., the scenic park is shrouded with mangrove forests, lagoons, beaches, cave islands and is home to native flora and fauna.

HIDDEN GEM 7

Gunung Stong,in Dabong, KelantanA pristine forest reserve, it was gazetted as a state park and eco-tourism site known for its interesting rock formations, colours and textures.

HIDDEN GEM 8

Pasar Besar Siti Khadijahin Kota Bahru, KelantanA focal point of Kota Bahru, this central market is a lively and colourful trading space for fruits, vegetables and textiles.

HIDDEN GEM 9

Pantai Klebang, MalaccaMany are not sure how this desert-like site appears, but some have noted that these sandy hills are a result of a land reclamation project in the Klebang area.

HIDDEN GEM 10

Air Terjun Berkelahin Maran, PahangThese cascading waterfalls are 7 tiers in total, of which the seventh and highest fall reaches an estimated 50 metres in height.

HIDDEN GEM 11

Cherating, PahangCherating is a resort town on Malaysia’s east coast, with local beaches such as Chendor Beach that is home to the leatherback and other sea turtles.

HIDDEN GEM 12

Colmar Tropicale,in Bukit Tinggi, PahangInspired by the 18th century city of Colmar in Alsace, this idyllic French-themed resort is nestled amidst 80 acres of natural rainforest in Bukit Tinggi.

HIDDEN GEM 13

Gunung Irauin Cameron Highlands, PahangThe highest mountain of Cameron Highlands, Gunung Irau attracts many hiking enthusiasts for its trail enveloped by beautiful green landscapes.

HIDDEN GEM 14

Kota Gelanggi Cavein Jerantut, PahangOn the upper reaches of the Johor River with a main black-stone fort, this cave is an archaeological site and reportedly one of the oldest kingdoms on Southeast Asia’s Malay Peninsula.

HIDDEN GEM 15

Mossy Forest,Cameron Highlands, PahangSometimes called the ‘Lord of the Rings’ forest by local tour guides, this uniquely amazing 200,000-year old moss covered forest is fascinating to explore.

HIDDEN GEM 16

Rainbow Waterfallin Sungai Lembing, Pahang Tucked away amidst the hills of Sungai Lembing, the waterfall is so called as during certain hours of the morning, a magnificent rainbow appears across the falls.

HIDDEN GEM 17

Gua Kelam Recreational Parkin Kaki Bukit, PerlisKnown as Gua Kelam or the Cave of Darkness, the distinct limestone cave runs 370 metres long and offers an enchanting walkthrough of some captivating cave formations.

HIDDEN GEM 18

Meromitic Lake,Penang National Park, PenangNestled among the pristine coastline of Pantai Keracut, the lake exhibits a natural but unique phenomenon where the different layers of water do not mix. It is a sight worth setting your eyes on.

HIDDEN GEM 19

Belum Rainforest Reservein Gerik, PerakDating back over 130 million years, Belum Temenggor is one of the world’s oldest rainforests located right within Peninsular Malaysia.

HIDDEN GEM 20

Gunung Lang Recreational Parkin Ipoh, PerakWith scenic views of a lake and limestone hills of Gunung Lang and Gunung Bilike in the backdrop, a cascading hill-top waterfall provides a stunning sight as you stroll through the park.

HIDDEN GEM 21

Hutan Lipur Lata Kekabu, PerakAlong a tranquil site near Kota Tampan, Hutun Lipur is popular for its budding flora and fauna, and a 50-meter waterfall accessed by a hanging bridge.

HIDDEN GEM 22

Kellie’s Castlein Batu Gajah, PerakInfluenced by Scottish, Moorish and Tamilvanan Indian architecture, the unfinished ruins of this rustic mansion was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie-Smith.

HIDDEN GEM 23

Lata Kinjang in Tapah, PerakAbout 18km from Tapah, the waterfall displays an impressive series of cascades winding down a 100-metre drop.

HIDDEN GEM 24

Pulau Sembilan, PerakAn archipelago of 9 islands on the West Coast of Perak, Pulau Sembilan (Malay word for nine) is under state conservation.

HIDDEN GEM 25

Perak Tong Cave Templein Ipoh, PerakA long flight of steps reveals a hill-top Buddhist temple, where the walls are adorned with impressively preserved murals and numerous statues of Buddha and other deities.

HIDDEN GEM 26

Tasik Temenggorin Hulu Perak District, Perak Located about 35 km north-east of Gerak, the 15,200 hectare stretch of water is the largest man-made lake in Perak and the second largest lake in Peninsular Malaysia.

HIDDEN GEM 27

Huffaz Lake,Kuala Kubu BaruA sight to behold, the Huffaz Lake captures a stunning reflection of the Darul Quran Mosque across its waters.

HIDDEN GEM 28

Desa Dairy Farmin Kundasang, SabahResting at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu, the green pastures overlooking the majestic ranges in backdrop have deemed it ‘The Little New Zealand’ of Sabah.

HIDDEN GEM 29

Sipadan Water Village, SabahBeautifully built with Bajau architectural design, the entire resort is built over the water on stilts. It offers a splendid experience with its appealing setting.

HIDDEN GEM 30

Tide Pools at Tanjung SimpangMengayau, Borneo, SabahTanjung Simpang Mengayau, known as the tip of Borneo, marks the meeting point of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea.

HIDDEN GEM 31

Tawau Hills, SabahEstablished in 1979 as a water catchment protection area, the hills have now blossomed into a park site with rugged volcanic landscapes, a hot spring and beautiful waterfalls.

HIDDEN GEM 32

Lambir Hills in Miri, SarawakLambir’s major attraction is its selection of forest walks, many of which are interlinked. It is an inviting and immersive way to explore lesser seen plant and animal species.

HIDDEN GEM 33

Sarawak Culture Villagein Sarawak Spread across a 17-acre site, its 7 unique traditional houses represent the culture and people of Sarawak beautifully.

HIDDEN GEM 34

Tusan Beach in Miri, SarawakCast in a magical ‘blue glow’ produced by a phenomenon known as ‘bio-luminescence’, this breath-taking hideaway is hard to reach but well worth the journey.

HIDDEN GEM 35

Bukit Keluang, in TerengganuWith some of the best coastal scenery in Malaysia, Bukit Keluang has lovely beaches, cliff-side walkways, sea caves and stunning views of the South China Sea.

HIDDEN GEM 36

Chemerong Waterfall,in Dungun, TerengganuAs part of the state’s green heritage and one of Malaysia’s highest waterfalls, the Chemerong waterfall is a good hiking spot, at 305 metres high.

HIDDEN GEM 37

Kenyir Lakein Hulu TerengganuSpanning 260,000 hectares, Tasik Kenyir is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Flooding created its interesting watery landscape of 340 man-made islands, which were once hills and highlands.

HIDDEN GEM 38

Pantai Kemasik at Kemaman,TerengganuWedged between the town of Kijal and Kerteh, it is a popular spot with thriving palm trees and some of the clearest waters in the East Coast.

HIDDEN GEM 39

Tropical Beach at Kapas Island,TerengganuAway from the hustle and bustle of the mainland, this tropical paradise is so called for its unspoiled sandy beaches, clear waters and beautiful marine life.

HIDDEN GEM 40

Rediscover Malaysia