Malaysia is a nation characterised by intriguing contrasts. It is a complex combination of various cultures, diverse landscapes and architectural styles. Chinese joss houses, Hindu temples and gold-domed mosques exist alongside state-of-the-art skyscrapers and contemporary business complexes. The land itself is divided into two parts by the South China Sea. Peninsula Malaysia (West Malaysia) boasts vast bustling cities, stately colonial architecture, misty tea plantations and tranquil islands. Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia) features lush jungles brimming with exotic animal and plant life, towering granite peaks and even some remote indigenous tribes. Outdoor enthusiasts can indulge in a range of adventurous activities including hiking through some of the world’s oldest tropical rainforests, scuba diving in some of the world’s most renowned dive sites, or white water rafting in one of the nation’s numerous exquisite national parks. Alternatively spend your days exploring the supercharged capital, Kuala Lumpur, with its pockets of rainforest interspersed between towering high rise buildings or simply relax under palm tree-lined beached.
The capital city of Sarawak state offers a pleasant stop for travellers looking for an urban fix between exploring the natural gems of Malaysian Borneo. Kuching is situated on the banks of the Sarawak River, which meanders through the town, lending itself a laid back atmosphere. A stroll along Kuching waterfront (nicknamed ‘The People Place’) offers visitors a diverse mix of cultural attractions and entertainment options, including views of the city’s most intricate architectural gem, Dewan Undangan Negeri – the Sarawak State Assembly complex. A contemporary highlight of the town is a series of offbeat and loveable orangutan wall murals by Lithuanian street artist Ernest Zacharevic, while those in need of R&R can indulge in a peaceful afternoon at the lovely Sarawak Orchid Garden. The annual Kuching Food Fair takes place every August, with over 200 different street stalls serving up a smorgasbord of local and international cuisine.
Located in the Malaysian state of Sarawak, on the large rugged island of Borneo, the Batang Ai National Park features an impressive 24-square-kilometre expanse of lush tropical rainforest containing an extraordinary array of rare and protected wildlife. The park lies at the headwaters of the Batang Ai and the Lubang Baya river and is accessible only by chartering boats which travel up the river, through thick jungle, and across the magnificent Batang Ai Lake. Visitors can look forward to exhilarating mountain treks, spotting orangutans, gibbons, hornbills and other exotic wildlife; and interacting with the local indigenous people, many of whom continue to live in traditional communal dwellings known as longhouses.
A lush wilderness of equatorial rainforest and striking karst formations, Gunung Mulu National Park is a go-to destination for travellers who like to step off the beaten path. This world heritage site is situated on the northern tip of Malaysian Borneo and is renowned for its karst landscape, characterised by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems. The Sarawak Chamber is the largest known cave chamber in the world. Travellers can dedicate their time to exploring the ancient inner caverns of Gunung Mulu’s caves, trekking to the park’s famous 45 metre-high limestone pinnacles or waiting for the bats to emerge in their hordes daily as dusk falls.
Set in the Malaysian state of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu’s now-sleepy little sister, Sandakan, was the capital of British North Borneo until 1946. Today, the town functions as one of the main ports for oil, tobacco, coffee, sago and timber exports. During a visit, travellers can explore the elaborate Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple on the hill and, just out of town, the fishing village of Buli Sim Sim, where residents live on stilt houses perched above the water. Further afield is the Sandakan Memorial Park, which is situated on the original site of a notorious WWII prisoner-of-war camp. With its small museum and leafy surroundings, it is a must for history buffs and nature lovers.
An impressive landmark on the map of Malaysian Borneo, Kinabatanagan River meanders for 560 kilometres from its source in southwestern Sabah in the soaring Crocker Range to its vast river mouth at the Sulu Sea. It is the longest river in the incredibly scenic state of Sabah and provides a rich ecosystem for a host of wildlife. A boat cruise down the river is the best way to explore the region’s lush rainforests, sparkling lakes, and abundant wildlife, with both day trips and overnight water-based safaris offered to visitors. Regularly sighted wildlife includes proboscis monkeys, orangutans, crocodiles, macaques hornbills, Irrawaddy dolphins, owls, civets and if you’re lucky – the endangered Borneo pygmy elephant.
Spanning over 438 square kilometres of relatively undisturbed landscapes, Danum Valley Conservation Area is extraordinarily rich in both wildlife and plant life. Dubbed the the130-million-year-old rainforest, Danum Valley's low-lying wilderness of virgin rainforest is recognised as one of the planet's hubs of biodiversity. Its vast canopies shelter some 300 bird species and over 100 mammals - including the clouded leopard, Malayan sun bear, Bornean orangutan and the rare Bornean pygmy elephant - and a profusion of vividly coloured butterflies. This exceptional ecosystem is a popular research destination among natural scientists, and it is possible to attend talks by resident environmental experts at the Danum Valley Field Centre. A network of trails wind through the surrounding jungle, passing viewing platforms tucked amidst the treetops, a suspension bridge over the Segama River, cascading waterfalls and even several ancient burial sites.
In the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, lies the picturesque Gaya Island. This sizable Malaysian island has been protected as a reserve since the early 1920s and is home to a legendary beach at Police Bay. A 400-meter stretch of pristine white sand slopes out gently to the sea forming an ideal spot for swimming in the crystal clear turquoise waters. There is also a 20 kilometer long hiking path as well as plenty of coral reefs along the entire coast making Gaya a dream destination for snorkelers, scuba divers and nature lovers alike. Visitors can choose between two luxury resorts, namely: Gayana Eco Resort and Bunya Raya Island Resort..
