1.Kuala Selangor – to witness the dance of the fireflies
The charming coastal town of Kuala Selangor is less than two hours from the main city, and the perfect place for a day filled with activities rooted in its natural beauty. Hop on to a boat to explore the quiet beach and unique sky mirror that appears during low tide – and don’t worry, your boatmen will know how to take the best photos of these near perfect reflections on water (it’s a tiny bit of trickery, but great fun, we assure you).
The mangrove forest of Kuala Selangor Nature Park teems with aquatic birds and smaller animals like silver leaf monkeys and longtail macaques, and can be explored through a relaxed stroll on the one-km long (mobility friendly) boardwalk extending over the swampy mangroves – plus a few minor trails to explore on your own or with a local guide.
And just after sunset, go on another boat ride to see the fireflies light up the water near Kampung Kuantan, and if you are lucky, you will also get to witness the brilliant bioluminescence spread like a blue blanket over the water, fancifully called “Blue Tears!”
Pick from one our recommended ways explore this natural wonder!
2.Janda Baik – to walk in the hills
The small settlement of Janda Baik is ideal for those seeking a quick and cool getaway from the bustle of the big city. Nestled in the Pahang hills, Janda Baik is filled with forest trails, some leading to secret waterfalls to take a cooling dip in after the hike, with others ending up at panoramic viewpoints from which to take in the beauty of the emerald green countryside. If you want to make a weekend break out of the trip, then there are also plenty of homestays and ecoresorts in which to curl up with a book or just watch the fiery sunset.
Our recommendations for eco stays in the hills!
3.Genting Highlands – to shop till you drop
There’s excitement in the air at Genting Highlands – think high stakes casinos and high value shopping malls at 1800 metres above sea level. Ignore the crowded theme parks and head to the Genting Premium Outlet Mall for great bargains on luxury brands, offered up with a side of world class dining options.
For those seeking some peace and quiet, there is the Chin Swee Temple located even further up the hills, with the multiple shrines offering a glimpse into local Chinese Buddhist culture and the open terrace offering 360 degree views of the forested hills and snaking roads – there’s even a small restaurant at the lower level where you can sample great vegetarian Chinese temple food.
Don’t miss a ride on the Awana Skyway Cable Car, a glass gondola that whisks you up and down from one attraction to the other in minutes.
Recommended trips from our partners for you to explore at your own pace!
4.Malacca – to step back in time
The UNESCO world heritage town of Malacca, or Melaka to locals, is where time seems to stand still, taking visitors back to an era where nothing and nobody is in a hurry. The Portuguese, Dutch, British and Perankan merchants visited, traded and left their mark over this once-significant port founded way back in 1400 CE.
To this day, influences from these multiple intermingling cultures remain on the streets of Malacca – a Dutch church here, a Chinese antiques market there’ the ruins of a Portuguese fort hill up on a hill, a fascinating Baba Nyonya heritage museum that showcases the region’s rich history – there is plenty to see and do in this small town.
And then, of course, there is the glorious local food that has perfectly absorbed and showcased the best of Chinese, Indian and Malay flavours.
Here are our picks to explore this historical city in exciting ways!
5.Port Dickson – to simply chill by the sea
Sometimes you just need a beach day – let’s call it a dose of Vitamin Sea. Then look no further than Port Dickson, with its miles of sandy shore and calm waters. You can choose to have an active day with a spot of swimming and jet-skiing or just decide to sunbathe and tuck into fresh seafood served up with fresh sea air.
This coastal town is known for its laidback vibe, with a few tourist spots like the Army Museum and the Cape Rachado Lighthouse – but we recommend kicking back and letting the sun and sea work their quiet magic!