Welcome to my chronicle of Malaysia's outdoor wonders! As a seasoned traveler with a penchant for excitement, I've scoured the Southeast Asian gem to compile a firsthand account of the best outdoor activities it has to offer. Get ready to taste the essence of Malaysia's landscapes, where jungles, beaches, and untamed wilderness become the backdrop for unforgettable adventures. In this blog, I’ll guide you through adrenaline-pumping experiences, from heart-pounding jungle treks to thrilling water escapades. Join me as we delve into the exhilarating outdoor marvels that make Malaysia a true paradise for thrill-seekers. Let's dive in and uncover the pulse of Malaysia's beauty!
1. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
From the blue waters of Sarawak's marine park that guards endangered turtles, to the East Coast's hidden gems like Pulau Tenggol, a haven for whale sharks, Malaysia has no shortage of underwater adventure activities. The Perhentian Islands, though touristy, offer budget-friendly scuba certifications. Venturing to Mersing reveals lesser-known paradises like Tioman Island's Juara Beach, promising exhilarating encounters with big fish. Pulau Besar has tons of resorts and is a spot for popular travel shows, while Pulau Sibu's coral walls create a secluded haven. For the avid swimmer, Pulau Aur's clear lagoons are perfect, and if you’re looking for a day full of snorkeling after a hike, check out Pulau Tinggi.
📍 Locations:
Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Redang Island, Kapalai Island, Layang – Layang Island, Leng Tengah Island, Pom Island, Sibuan Island, Tioman Island, Perhentian Island, and Mataking Island.
💸 Price:
Between RM 300 - RM 400 per day for diving.
Between RM 80 to RM 150 for snorkeling.
2. Kayaking
In the calm waters of Malaysia, kayaking becomes a therapeutic blend of physical exertion and relaxation, offering a unique perspective on the country's diverse landscapes. Glide through the UNESCO Global Geopark of Langkawi's Kubang Badak River, where mangrove forests and limestone formations all around you. Venture to Kuching's Semadang River, revealing hidden caves and limestone wonders. Kelly Bay unfolds a cultural tapestry as you paddle through a mangrove forest, sharing space with playful monkeys and twinkling fireflies. Tioman Island and the East Coast, with spots like Sungai Terengganu and Lake Kenyir, offer tropical paradises for both novice and seasoned kayakers.
📍 Locations:
Langkawi, Semadang River, Kuching, Kelly Bay, Sabah, Tioman, Pahang and Terengganu.
💸 Price:
Between RM 50 to RM 250
3. Hiking
Malaysia’s diverse landscapes offer a ton of options for both novice and seasoned hikers. Venture to the peaks of Bukit Tabur for a thrilling climb, but be cautious—some trails can be steep and rocky, so if you’re a beginner, make sure you have a guide with you. If you’re short on time, Gunung Lambak in Kluang Town, Johor, at a modest 510 meters, provides a quick yet invigorating hike. For climbing enthusiasts, the iconic Mount Kinabalu beckons with the unmatched beauty of Borneo Island. Just a few hours from Singapore, Gunung Belumut stands tall as a famed hiking destination. And if you’re seeking stunning scenery, Cameron Highlands Trails delivers a perfect blend of pleasant climate and verdant landscapes, with some of the world's finest trekking experiences.
📍 Locations:
Cameron Highlands, Bukit Tabur, Gunung Kinabalu, Broga, Mount Kinabalu, Penang National Park (good if you’re with kids), and Gunung Jerai
💸 Price:
Varies depending on the trail and the tour guide.
4. Caving
Venturing into the depths of Malaysia's limestone caves has been one of the most exhilarating experiences in my Southeast Asian escapades. As a seasoned adventurer, caving or spelunking here is an absolute thrill. The country's rich tapestry of caves, some shrouded in mystery and surrounded by legends, offers an enthralling adventure for nature enthusiasts.
From easily accessible caves with walkways to those where you'll be crawling on all fours, the variety is immense. Exploring these age-old cave systems comes with its challenges – the absence of light, tight spots, and unexpected water passages. Malaysia, a true spelunker's paradise, unfolds its wonders, especially in Sarawak. The Deer Cave in Mulu National Park, the second-largest in the world, is mind-blowing with a chamber big enough for 40 Boeing 747 airplanes. And the Niah Caves in Miri reveal ancient human remains and captivating rupestrian art. Malaysia's caves are a mesmerizing blend of nature's marvels and ancient secrets.
📍 Locations:
Logan Cave, Batu Caves in Selangor, Gua Kelam in Perlis, Gua Kelawar in Langkawi, Gua Niah in Sarawak, Clearwater Cave in Sarawak, Perak Cave in Perak, Gua Nasib Bagus in Sarawak and Gua Tempurung in Perak.
💸 Price:
Between RM 70 and RM 120
5. White Water Rafting
I couldn't resist the siren call of white water rafting in this tropical haven. The rush of the Kampar River in Gopeng, just south of Ipoh, offers a thrilling Grade 1 to 3 experience. Malaysia's diverse topography ensures that whether you're chilling in Kuala Lumpur or exploring the outskirts of Petaling Jaya, a white water rafting escapade is just a stone's throw away. From the adrenaline-packed rapids of Sungai Selangor to the untamed beauty of Sungai Padas, the options are as varied as the landscapes. What makes it even better? Malaysia's tropical climate ensures that the thrill of white water rafting is a year-round affair. So, if you're seeking an unforgettable mix of adventure and nature, Malaysia's rivers are calling, and the rapids are ready to dance with your daring spirit!
📍 Locations:
Sungai Sedim, Kiulu River Rafting, Sungai Geroh, Sungai Sedim, Jeram Besu and Sungai Padas.
💸 Price:
Varies depending on the package chosen.
6. Waterfall Abseiling
Picture a lush jungle, a gushing waterfall, and the thrill of descending a 15m vertical cliff with ropes—welcome to the heart-pounding world of waterfall abseiling in Malaysia. I can vouch for the exhilaration this activity brings. It's not just a leisurely waterfall visit; it's a full-blown jungle trek infused with adrenaline-pumping abseiling action. This experience promises chilling water splashes, crystal-clear pools, and the rush of conquering nature's vertical challenges. Whether you're a commando at heart or a novice seeking a daring plunge, waterfall abseiling turns nature's wonders into a canvas for your adventurous spirit. Pro tip: Safety first! Book with a licensed guide for the ultimate waterfall descent without worries.
📍 Locations:
Lata Rimau Waterfall, Ulu Geruntum Waterfall, Lepoh Waterfall, Pisang Waterfall and Ulu Kionsom Waterfall.
💸 Price:
Between RM 50 to RM 200 depending on the package chosen.
7. Skydiving
Buckle up for a gravity-defying adventure! Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned thrill-seeker, the Malaysian skies offer an adrenaline-packed playground. My favorite one was the Tandem skydiving on Langkawi Island, the only beachfront drop zone in all of Asia.
Equipped with top-notch providers, you'll get all the gear you need, plus a video to replay the soaring spectacle. But here's the catch – it's a seasonal gig, riding the whims of weather. Summoning the courage to free fall at 200 km/h demands some serious backbone, and once you leap, there's no looking back. Malaysia, with its world-class facilities, emerges as a skydiving haven. From static line progression for beginners to heart-pounding tandem jumps and advanced freefalls, the country caters to all adrenaline junkies.
📍 Locations:
Langkawi, Johore and Kuala Kubu Bharu. You can also experience indoor skydiving in Selangor.
💸 Price:
Between RM 2000 to RM 3000
8. Paragliding
Paragliding in Malaysia is an absolute game-changer for any adventure junkie. The feeling of gliding through the air, with no engine noise, just the wind beneath your wings, and the stunning landscapes of Bukit Jugra, Gunung Jerai, and more stretching out below is unreal! The thrill of spending hours in the air, covering hundreds of kilometers, is an experience like no other. Malaysia's paragliding scene is booming, offering not just adventure in the sky but also a fantastic journey to these sites.
📍 Locations:
Bukit Kokol, Kuala Kubu Bharu, Gunung Jerai, Bukit Jugra, Bukit Bubus, and Pedas.
💸 Price:
Between RM 250 to RM 1300
9. Jet skiing
Jet skiing in Malaysia is absolutely perfect! You cruise on a state-of-the-art jet ski through the islands of Langkawi, surrounded by the Andaman Sea. It's more like a front-row seat to Langkawi's natural wonders – a real-life "Jewel of Kedah." As you jet ski across crystal-clear waters, the lush forests of the islands unfold before you, a view that earned Langkawi the title of Southeast Asia's only UNESCO Geopark. The adrenaline rush is perfectly complemented by the rich cultural tapestry and the distinction of being home to one of Southeast Asia's oldest mountain formations and a time-honored rainforest.
📍 Locations:
Pantai Cenang beach, Pantai Tengah beach, Tanjung Bungah Public Beach, and Pantai Batu Feringghi beach.
💸 Price:
Between RM 200 to RM 2500 depending on the duration and location
10. Helicopter tours
Going on a helicopter tour in Langkawi was like stepping into a dreamy adventure postcard. The excitement when you finally take off and go up high is unparalleled! Match that with Langkawi’s beauty, and you’ve got one of the most unforgettable moments in your life right there!
The private helicopter tour offered an exclusive ticket to behold the archipelago's gems. From the expansive stretches of Cenang and Tengah beaches to the Dayang Bunting and Singa Besar Island, each moment was a visual feast. Trust me, this is an experience you wouldn't want to miss – a sky-high escapade revealing the very soul of Malaysia's outdoor marvels.
📍 Locations:
Langkawi
💸 Price:
Between RM 498 to RM 3498 depending on the duration of your tour
