One
of the spectacular caves at Mulu National Park that draws visitors from
all over the world.
IF you're hankering for a holiday
and plan to book an expensive ticket to a faraway destination, hold on
to your hat and ringgit – Malaysia's tropical climate has more than one
trick up its sleeve.
The country is home to many spectacular natural wonders, leaving
nature lovers spoilt for choice when trying to decide on their next
outdoor adventure.
Whether you feel like scaling great heights or exploring the
mysterious deep, one of these beautiful eco-tourism hotspots is sure to
tickle your fancy.
Mulu Caves National Park, Sarawak
Go big or go home - if there was an award for the biggest and the best,
then this eco-tourism destination is recipient to a whole host of
superlatives.
The Unesco World Heritage Site boasts one of the world's longest
networks of caves in the world, with the Clear Water Cave being the
longest in Southeast Asia.
The Sarawak Chamber, which is the world's largest underground
chamber, is capable of fitting 40 Boeing 747 planes in its confines –
without their wings overlapping!
London's iconic St. Paul’s Cathedral could be replicated five times
over, and still fit snugly into the world's biggest cave passage, the
Deer Cave.
Other key attractions include the Eden Valley Walk, the Medicine Plant Trail and the Paku Waterfall.
When evening falls, a sight to behold is the millions of bats - 12
species in all - departing the caves in great swarms, an event fondly
known as the Bat Exodus.
Suffice to say, no one can blame you if the urge strikes to shout "To the Batcave!".
Penang National Park, Teluk Bahang
On the flip side, the world's smallest national park proves that size
does not matter. Despite measuring only 29.6sq km, this green space was
declared seventh heaven on Agoda.com's list of highest rated parks in
Asia.
Pantai Kerachut
Tourists and locals alike flock to the prime beachfront site for its
many attractions, including the lowland mangrove swamp in Teluk Tekun
and hiking trails at the popular Monkey Beach.
Another marvel is the unique meromictic lake in Pantai Kerachut, one
of only three in Asia. There, salt water and fresh water do not mix,
resulting in differently coloured layers that host vastly different
environments.
Sunset at Pasir Pandak
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Selangor
Just 30 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur, FRIM is a firm favourite among nature lovers for its wealth of flora and fauna.
Canopy walk
Founded in 1929 for forestry research, the Kepong site was declared a
national heritage in 2012, and tens of thousands have enjoyed its
pristine, unpolluted environment spanning a 1,528ha area.
Whether you choose to pitch a tent, pack a picnic basket or tote a
pair of binoculars for a spot of bird-watching, be sure to check out
their famous canopy walkway, located at the Bukit Lagong Forest Reserve
at about 300m above sea level.
The walkway system, suspended between trees at approximately 30m
above ground level, offers visitors a panoramic view of the verdant
forest and the Kuala Lumpur area along its 150m span.
Before you visit, do check out their
opening hours as attractions are weather-dependent.
Royal Belum State Park, Perak
Recently hailed as one of Malaysia's best kept eco-tourism secrets at
Europe's largest tourism fair, the Royal Belum State Park is located
within the Belum-Temenggor rainforest reserve area.
Part of the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex
Said be over 130 million years old, the vast virgin jungle -
relatively untouched by human exploration - is older than the great
Amazon and Congo rainforests.
It hosts 10 hornbill species and over 3,000 species of flowering
plants - even the world's largest flower, the Rafflesia - and serves as a
natural habitat for 14 of the world's most threatened mammals,
including the Malayan Tiger and the Sumatran Rhinoceros.
But make prior preparations - visitors need to apply for a permit
from the Perak State Park Corporation (Perbadanan Taman Negeri Perak) in
order to enter the rainforest as it is a protected zone.
Visitors at a salt lick
At the state park, which spans an area of 1,175sq km, you can try the
overnight stay at the wildlife observation hide, give bamboo rafting a
go, or observe the natural salt licks where animals flock to for their
dose of the much-needed mineral.
Taman Negara
No local eco-tourism list is complete without this venerable elder,
reputed as the world’s oldest rainforest at more than 130 million years
of age.
Once known as the King George V National Park, it earned its new moniker after Malaysia's independence in 1957.
With a total area of 4,343sq km, it spans three states - Pahang,
Kelantan and Terengganu. Also located within the park is Gunung Tahan,
the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia.
Visitors can experience the great outdoors in many ways, including
trekking trails, river rapid shooting and rafting, overnight stays at
wildlife observation hideouts, and traversing the 530m canopy walk.
There are more than 300 species of fish in the park's many rivers,
including the famed Ikan Kelah or Malaysian Mahseer. Tourists can feed
this protected species at the Kelah Fish Sanctuary, and watch the
speedy, agile creatures chase the treats.
Fishing is allowed only in certain areas, and anglers need to ask
local guides for approved locations, lest they run the risk of a fine
after landing a catch in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Cameron Highlands, Pahang
If tropical rainforests don't do the trick for you, head to the highlands.
The hill station, which spans 712sq km, offers a wealth of
attractions with the added bonus of temperatures that dip as low as 12
degrees Celsius when night falls.
As the environment is less humid, the jungle trail hikes are
decidedly more pleasant, although mosquitoes are as much of a threat
here as they are in the lowlands.
Pick heaps of strawberries at the farms to eat with lashings of sugar
and whipped cream, and spend your morning at the Sungai Palas tea
plantation - the lush and beautifully tended green vistas are a welcome
break from the concrete jungle.
Selfies recommended at the picturesque Boh Tea Centre, though you'd
be wise to book a taxi to and fro the remote destination, lest you find
yourself pleading for a ride back - standing space only - in a crowded
bus inching along the narrow road.
And don't forget the Rose Centre! The charming spot in Brinchang
offers a rewarding hike up among flowered paths, along with weathered
art installations and unique sculptures, such as murals depicting signs
of the zodiac and a giant shoe.
Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu
If it's sun, sand and sea that you want, try the beautiful Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil islands on for size.
With their beautiful coral reefs, secluded coves and laidback
atmosphere, rarely has the phrase "tropical paradise" seen more apt use
than for these islands that fringe the edge of the Pulau Redang Marine
park.
Unfortunately, the influx of tourists sees the island struggling to
keep pace with the demands inflicted on its natural environment.
So whether you choose to visit Turtle Bay, explore private bays, get
your diving licence, snorkel in its crystal clear waters, or laze on the
beaches to do nothing at all, be sure to leave the place as you found
it.
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