Adventures Abound In Malaysia

If your ideal getaway involves exploring the jungle like Tarzan and Jan or channeling your inner Robinson Crusoe on pristine, deserted beaches, then you need to hop on over to Malaysia.

Blessed with every sort of wonder nature has to offer, Malaysia is the perfect playground for aspiring swashbucklers.  And with Malaysia Airlines’ attractive winter airfare sale to Malaysia, you will be left with more coins in your pocket to explore the hidden treasures of Malaysia.

Here are our top five picks that will thrill even the most seasoned travelers…

Mulu Caves & The Headhunters Trail, Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Given its spectacular scenery and its biological significance, it is no surprise that Mulu National Park is a World Heritage site.  It is arguably one of Nature’s most spectacular achievements and the ‘Jewels in the Crown’ of Sarawak’s expanding network of national parks.  Spanning 544 square kilometers of primary rainforest dominated by three magnificent mountains, Mulu’s greatest treasure is hidden deep below the surface – one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world!

Mulu’s Caves are truly breathtaking and include the world’s largest cave passage (Deer Cave), the world’s largest natural chamber (Sarawak Chamber) and the longest cave in Southeast Asia (Clearwater Cave).  While over 200 kilometers of cave passages have been surveyed, this is thought to represent just 30 – 40% of the actual total!

Although Mulu is the synonymous with caves, the ‘Mulu experience’ is not limited to underground attractions.  The Headhunter’s Trail is a fascinating way of exploring Gunung Mulu National Park and follows the route taken by the traditional Kayan headhunting parties who paddled up the Melinau River to Melinau Gorge.  Tribesman would drag their longboats through the forest for 3 kilometers until they reached the banks of the Terikan River, where they would launch headhunting raids against the people of the Limbang area.  Combining upriver travel, jungle trekking and an overnight stay at an Iban longhouse, The Headhunter’s Trail is a great way to immerse yourself fully in the beauty of Mulu National Park – and Sarawak’s rich and colorful history.

For more information: http://mulupark.com

Whitewater rafting and waterfall abseiling, Perak

Would you like to get up close and personal with nature and truly experience the exotic and mystifying rainforest in Malaysia?  Head to Ipoh and glide down the Kampar River on a raft!  Only 15 minutes away from Ipoh, White Water Rafting at Kampar River is suitable for anyone who is physically fit.  From the excitement of tackling large rapids to enjoying the serene beauty of a gentle paddle through lush rainforest, it will be an invigorating day spent with nature.  If whitewater rafting is still too mild for liking, confront your fears with abseiling through a cascading waterfall – an activity that’s guaranteed to be both challenging and exciting!

For more information: http://www.riverbug.asia/perak/2015-package-rafting-kampar-and-waterfall-abseilling

Mossy Forest, Cameron Highlands

At the highest elevations of Cameron Highlands lies the magical Mossy Forest.  Low-level clouds in the sky, driven by winds, blanket the forests with constant mist and moisture – have created an ideal environment for exotic lichens, orchids, mosses, ferns and pitcher plants.  The moist for a wide variety of insects, snakes, frogs, birds and mammals unique to this chilly atmosphere.  Eco Cameron offers daily 4-hour tours, which explore the mossy forest along a 2km boardwalk to Gunung Brinchang, the highest peak in the Titiwangsa Range.  Tours are RM50 per adult and RM35 per child (www.ecocameron.com).

Those who make the ascent will be rewarded with a panoramic view over the region’s lush green hills and valleys below, to the distant plains towards the south.  The summit offers up a perfect vantage point for taking in spectacular sunrises and sunsets.  And for those who dare to venture out at night, the sight of the stars and Milky Way above on clear days, and the lights of Ipoh city far below, are exhilarating sights.

For more information: http://cameronhighlands.com/the-mossy-forest/

Sky Bridge, Langkawi

The beautiful island of Langkawi is rightly famous for its sunny weather and beautiful beaches.  But when you feel like a break from soaking up the sun, there are plenty of activities to lure you away from the beach!

The Langkawi Sky Bridge is definitely a must for the adventure seekers.  Located 2,300 feet above the sea level, is a curved pedestrian bridge stretching 410 feet around the summit of Mount Mat Cinchang, which is guaranteed to get your heart pounding and pulse racing.  Easily accessible by the Langkawi Cable Car, the journey to the top begins at the Oriental Village in the northwest of the Island, near Pantai Kok.  The Sky Walk swings right out over the landscape, offering explorers a unique spatial experience, and an insight to otherwise unattainable locations.  It was rightfully named as the “World’s Most Spectacular Pedestrian Bridges” at 2013 Traveler’s Choice Award in Trip Advisor.  Book your flight and see it for yourself!

For more information: http://www.panoramalangkawi.com/skybridge/

Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary, Pahang

For something that is sure to appeal to even the youngest nature lovers in your family, Malaysia’s Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary is a never-to-be forgotten experience.  Located in a beautiful tropical rainforest 90 minutes outside Kuala Lumpur, the Sanctuary in an ambitious elephant conservation program implemented and managed by the Malasian Wildlife Society, which offers up a rare opportunity for the whole family to get up close to endemic Malaysian elephants and learn about these displaced gentle giants.  For the brave and adventurous there, there is even a chance to ride them through the jungle with the help of an elephant guide or take them down to the river and help give thema bath!  Daily tours run from Kuala Lumpur, with package rates from RM220 per person for private tours.

For more information visit http://www.toursim.gov.my/en/us/places/states-of-malaysia/pahang/kuala-gandah-elephant-orphanage-sanctuary

With culture, cuisine, beaches, jungle, nature and accommodation to suit every budget, and with Festivals happening right across the country throughout the year, you can be sure that whatever time you visit Malaysia, there will be plenty on offer to satisfy the adventurer in you.