Hidden Gems of Malaysia
by Felicia
Having access to all parts of the world through pictures and flights, we often forget what our own backyard has to offer. Now that we have Instagram and the ability to share a single photo to a wide audience, we treasure the little nooks and cranny that we can find in our own little town. So we hold on to it a little closer, by taking masses of photos.
Now, don’t be hasty with the decision of leaving town just so you can see something amazing overseas. We have some here, as well.
1. Pantai Klebang, Malacca
The famous beach in Malacca, with its huge stretch of beach, obvious tyre tracks, and hills after hills of sand — it could appear as though photo takers are vacationing in the Sahara dessert. This Malaysian Sahara dessert is located near Tanjung Kling in Malacca.
Apart from the physical look of the beach itself, Pantai Klebang has a unique hotel nearby called Bustel. Bustel, located at Dataran 1 Malaysia, is made from old-used buses in Malacca, turned into a typical room found in a hotel. A night’s stay at Bustel can cost from RM80 to Rm120 depending on working days or weekends.
Pantai Klebang also has a Submarine Museum — the first and only one available in Malaysia. Visitors can have the feel of being in a submarine for only RM1.
2. Bukit Tinggi, Pahang
Surrounded by the thick forest of Pahang, Bukit Tinggi is well-known for it’s French-styled Colmare Tropicale — a resort that looks like it was inspired by the Disney movie town in Beauty and the Beast.
Besides the European architecture, there’s also a Japanese Village nearby, where you can experience a traditional Japanese lifestyle of Kimonos and replicas of Japanese houses for just RM20. Other attractions available are Botanical Garden, Rabbit park and Horse trail.
Focused on bringing different cultural flavours from abroad into Malaysia, Bukit Tinggi is only an hour drive from Kuala Lumpur.
3. Semporna, Sabah
Beautiful scenery of clear blue water, white sands, picturesque chalets on water? These are only made possible in Semporna, Sabah. Semporna is a district consisting of various islands such as Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, and Kapalai Island to name a few.
Semporna is located in East Malaysia, the local wonder is a closer alternative to Maldives with it’s blue water and white sands. Not forgetting its rich and diverse marine life and corals that is comparable to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.
Apart from the great scenery, Semporna has many water sports and activities to accompany it. Visitors can scuba dive, snorkel, and go on a boat cruise.
4. Tusan Beach, Miri
Hidden behind cliffs, the breathtaking secluded beach features a natural rock arch and caves. The water isn’t blue but it’s clear, and the area makes a good spot for hiking that allows for a beautiful scenery of sunset.
Despite not being of the same stature of rock arches in Australia, Thailand or the likes, one thing that makes Tusan Beach special is that the arch is in the shape of a horse head. Needless to say, it's majestic.
Just 40KM away from Miri, it’s a great spot to have a picnic and just lounge around with company.
