6 Hidden Gems You Need to See in Malaysia

There’s a lot more than meets the eye in Malaysia. The western peninsular is home to cosmopolitan Kuala Lumpur and Penang, while rare wildlife and stunning scenery await on the islands of East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo). Whether you’re after a culture fix or a nature escape, this vibrant country has both. Here’s your guide to unearthing the best things to do in this diverse destination, just eight hours from Sydney.

Spend a night in an exotic jungle 

To the east of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, Tabin Wildlife Reserve sprawls over 120,000 hectares and is dedicated to the preservation of endangered wildlife including pygmy elephants, Sunda clouded leopards and the banteng. Sleep amid the jungle in one of 20 stilted chalets at Tabin Wildlife Resort. By day, trek through the forest to bathe in the serene Lipad Falls and observe the mineral-rich field-sized mud volcanoes that act as salt-licks for local wildlife; as darkness descends, head out on a night safari to spot the jungle’s nocturnal creatures.

Discover spectacular Bohey Dulang Island

Malaysia spans hundreds of islands but Bohey Dulang, a 30-minute boat ride from Semporna, is among its most spectacular. One of eight that make up Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Sabah, it’s an oasis of lush jungle and rare bird species. For non twitchers, the most incredible lookout is from the island’s highest peak, which can be reached via a winding 700-metre trail through dense forest. Join a snorkelling tour of the archipelago to explore the vivid coral cays and spot nudibranchs, turtles and eagle rays. 

Decode Kuala Lumpur’s secret foodie scene

Kuala Lumpur’s skyline is a spellbinding silhouette of minarets and spires rising around the gleaming Petronas Twin Towers. Beneath this glittering horizon, a treasure map of hawker stalls and buzzing bars awaits. Join the Cooler Lumpur by Night tour to uncover some of the best hidden gems atop a retro Vespa. Visit Sin Kiew Yee Shin Kee Beef Noodles on Petaling Street for steaming soup and seek out underground speakeasies such as Suzie Wong, where the dumplings are truffle-infused and the vibe is rustic chic. Treat yourself to top-floor fun at The Attic Bar for dazzling views of the city at sunset.

Check out an up-and-coming city

Ipoh, located in Perak’s Kinta Valley, once thrived with the spoils of its prosperous tin mines. Now, historical buildings are being refreshed and cool hotels, cafés and bars have been established. Amid the newness, the heart of old Ipoh remains. Wander past silk merchants and noodle vendors to find a kopitiam (coffee shop) serving the city’s traditional white coffee – the beans are roasted with margarine and served with evaporated milk.

Wander through an open-air gallery

A new discovery awaits around every corner in Penang’s capital George Town – a city UNESCO listed for its unique culture and architecture, including mosques, Sino-European shophouses, Hindu temples and British colonial buildings – leading it to be declared an open-air gallery. In 2012, Ernest Zacharevic, known as “Asia’s Banksy”, was invited to create works depicting local people and life for the George Town Arts & Culture Festival. His artworks remain there today.

Explore the world’s largest network of caves

Located in Sarawak, the UNESCO-listed Mulu National Park is mountainous and lush with vegetation. But it’s what lies beneath the earth that draws the most adventurous. Hollowed out with limestone tunnels and caverns, Mulu possesses the world’s largest network of caves. There are four spectacular show caves, accessible via well-lit paths; several others are open to caving expeditions involving swimming, abseiling and quite a lot of manoeuvring.