Wild and Diverse: Malaysia's Best Nature Spots

A sweeping, panoramic view of rolling green hills covered in neatly terraced tea plantations, in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia showcasing the nature of the country. The undulating landscape forms deep valleys beneath a bright sky filled with dramatic, puffy white clouds, with distant mountains fading into a soft haze.
The impressive views of Cameron Highlands' lush tea plantations

Malaysia, one of my favourite countries, is an absolute gem for nature and wildlife. Consisting of Peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo, the country has so many incredible things to offer – it’s any nature lover’s dream. 

As I’ve only been lucky enough to explore the nature of Peninsular Malaysia so far, here I’ll share the best nature spots on the peninsula to help inspire your next adventure.

Contents

1 – Perhentian Islands

2 – Langkawi

3 – Penang National Park

4 – Taman Negara

5 – Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake)

6 – Tioman Island

7 – Cameron Highlands

8 – Bonus: Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)

9 – Map of Nature Spots

Perhentian Islands

What Is It?

A pair of breathtaking, jungle-covered islands, named Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, surrounded by protected marine life. They’re known for having some of the clearest, most vibrant turquoise waters in all of Southeast Asia. From experience, I can confirm this is true!

Where Is It?

The islands sit around 20km off the northeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the South China Sea. They’re accessed from the small mainland jetty town of Kuala Besut by a 30 minute speedboat. 

Multiple small boats anchored in clear turquoise water off the coast of a lush, jungle-covered tropical island of the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Boats on the stunning waters between the two islands of Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar

What to Do There

The islands are quiet and highly protected so there’s no crazy events or trips going on here. You can enjoy snorkelling and diving trips in the gorgeous waters with mesmerising marine life and bright coral reefs. Alternatively, explore the islands by their jungle trails which give you access to secluded beaches around the island. 

Things to Note

The islands completely close for tourists from November to February due to their severe monsoon season so visiting is limited to March through to October. The islands run mostly on cash but has no ATMs so it’s essential to pull out cash on the mainland before heading out. The island requires you to pay a Marine Park Conservation Fee. 

A serene tropical beach on the Perhentian Islands, Malaysia featuring a wide stretch of golden sand, calm turquoise ocean water, and several small wooden chalets built on stilts along the edge of a lush, forested hill. Large granite rocks sit near the shoreline, and tall coconut palm trees frame the right side of the view under a bright blue sky with scattered white clouds.
A stunning beach on Perhentian Kecil with beach huts and clear blue waters

Looking for more about the Perhentian Islands?

↓       CHECK OUT THIS POST       ↓

The Ultimate Perhentian Islands Travel Guide: Budget, Itinerary & Essential Tips

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Langkawi

What Is It?

An archipelago of islands with the impressive assignment of the UNESCO Global Geopark title. It’s known for its beautiful beaches, duty-free shopping, ancient rainforests and the Langkawi Sky Bridge. 

Where Is It?

Langkawi is located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the Andaman Sea, just south of the Thai border. It can be accessed from many places, including Thai islands like the popular Koh Lipe and Koh Lanta. The main island also has an airport to fly directly into or boats run to mainland Malaysia regularly. 

A woman at a scenic mountain overlook with a sweeping background view of tropical islands and turquoise coastal waters of Langkawi, Malaysia.
The gorgeous views over the Langkawi SkyBridge
Tourists walking on a curved, high-altitude pedestrian suspension bridge overlooking a lush green valley and the sea of Langkawi, Malaysia.
Tourists walking over the iconic Langkawi SkyBridge

What to Do There

Enjoy a boat tour of the ancient mangroves surrounded by macaques and eagles above. Take the Langkawi SkyCab up to the peak of Gunung Machinchang to enjoy the wide landscape views and the Langkawi Sky Bridge. Head over to the nearby Telaga Tujuh (Seven Wells Waterfall) and hike to the natural freshwater pools sitting inside the jungle canopy. Enjoy adventure activities like high rope courses, ATV mountain jungle tours, jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking and so much more. 

Things to Note

Even if you’re heading over to Langkawi for the incredible nature it has to offer, don’t miss the shopping. The entire island is duty-free so if you’re looking to pick up chocolates, cosmetics and alcohol then it’s the perfect place.

Two cable cars suspended in the air with a panoramic backdrop of tropical islands and a blue ocean of Langkawi, Malaysia
The cable cars heading up the mountain with an insane view over the island

Penang National Park

What Is It?

The smallest national park in Malaysia but packed with incredible biodiversity. It offers a wonderful, unique mix of dense coastal rainforest, a rare meromictic lake and beautiful beaches. 

Where Is It?

The national park is located on the northwestern edge of Penang Island. It’s easily accessible from the popular Georgetown via local bus for around RM4 (£0.70 / $0.96)  or you can take a Grab for approximately RM40 (£7.30 / $9.63). 

Two hikers walking away across a wooden suspension bridge toward a sandy path lined with tall trees and a forested hill in Penang National Park, Malaysia.
Our friends heading over a wooden suspension bridge near the start of the hike through the park
A wooden directional signpost next to a blue boat on a sandy beach looking out at the ocean in Penang National Park, Malaysia
The quiet Monkey Beach in Penang National Park where we stopped for lunch

What to Do There

Hike the jungle trails to Monkey Beach or in the other direction to Turtle Beach which hosts a small, local sea turtle conservation hatchery. Enjoy the beaches and hike back through the jungle or pre-arrange a boat ride back to the entrance for views of the national park from the water. 

Things to Note

You must register at the main office before heading into the park. There’s a conservation fee, payable at the main office by card only – RM50 (£9.10/ $12) for foreigners, RM20 (£3.65 / $4.80) for students and RM10 (£1.80 / $2.40) for Malays. The boat rides will be payable by cash only.

Coastal view of a sandy beach and a small suspension bridge nestled in thick green woods of Penang National Park, Malaysia.
Views of the national park from the boat ride we took back to the entrance after time at the beach

Taman Negara

What Is It?

At an estimated 130 million years old, Taman Negara is one of the oldest primary rainforests in the world. It’s huge and home to a completely untamed ecosystem.

Where Is It?

The rainforest is located right in the middle of Peninsular Malaysia, spread across three states. The most common base for visiting is the small village of Kuala Tahan as it sits directly across the river from the park entrance. 

A high-angle view of a thick jungle valley with a winding muddy river beneath rolling hills of Taman Negara
A far view of the rainforest whilst at an elevated point along the day hike

What to Do There

My two recommendations are the night jungle walk and the day trek with village visit and river rapid shooting. Night safaris, overnight treks and multi-day treks are also available. The rainforest is also home to the world’s longest canopy walkway. 

Things to Note

The park fees are incredibly affordable for what you get access to. It’s RM1 (£0.18 / $0.25) for entry and RM5 (£0.90 / £1.20) for a camera. You can access parts of the park without a guide but I’d highly recommend heading out with a guided group, the longer trails are not the easiest to navigate independently and the guides are experts. 

Do be aware that Orang Asil, the village stop during day treks, is home to semi-nomadic indigenous groups and while they are legit, very interesting and educational, it’s become touristy with “local souvenirs” and donation boxes.

A person wading through a clear rocky stream inside the sunlit, dense tropical rainforest of Taman Negara, Malaysia.
The trail of our day hike in Taman Negara running alongside the stream
A small boat navigating a wide brown jungle river past floating wooden docks in Taman Negara, Malaysia.
A passanger boat heading through the river in Taman Negara
A woman walking along a dirt path past thatched-roof huts in a rural jungle village in Taman Negara, Malaysia.
The remote village of Orang Asli, home to the Batek people that we visited during our hike.

Tasik Cermin (Mirror Lake)

What Is It?

An outstanding, hidden reservoir surrounded entirely by towering limestone karst mountains. The water sits so still that it creates a glass-like reflection of the rugged cliffs above.

Where Is It?

The lake sits just on the outskirts of Ipoh, Perak. Accessed by an affordable Grab ride from anywhere in Ipoh itself. 

What to Do There

Stroll through the 90-meter-long historic miner’s tunnel that runs straight through the mountain and opens up into the impressive, hidden lake. There’s a wooden viewing platform to enjoy the views from or head out on a boat ride which will take you through water caves. 

Things to Note

Tickets are well-priced at RM10 (£1.80 / $2.40) for foreigners and RM4 (£0.75 / $0.95) for Malays, with discounted children and senior tickets. The boat ride tickets are standard at RM25 (£4.55 / $6) for adults and RM18 (£3.30 / $4.30) for children.

Swimming is strictly forbidden to preserve the delicate ecosystem. The best time to visit is before 10am to avoid crowds and capture the best lighting for those “mirror” photos. 

A massive limestone cliff face reflecting in a calm, dark green lake next to a dense tropical forest.
The water reflecting the cliffs around it like a mirror
A massive limestone cliff face reflecting in a calm, dark green lake next to a dense tropical forest.
Ipoh's Mirror Lake in the sunny afternoon hours

Tioman Island

What Is It?

A rugged, volcanic island covered in dense, mountainous rainforest. Considered to be more untamed and traditional than the already quiet Perhentian Islands. 

Where Is It?

The beautiful island is located off the southeastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. It’s accessible from the mainland town of Mersing via a two-hour ferry ride. 

A wide sandy beach looking towards a dense, jungle-covered hill and a long coastal pier over a calm ocean.
One of Tioman Island's quiet beaches

What to Do There

 Enjoy snorkelling and diving to witness the incredible underwater world of marine biodiversity. Hike through the jungle to refreshing waterfalls. Head over to the eastern side of the island to visit the Juara Turtle Project – a conservation centre focused on supporting endangered sea turtles. Rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or jump on a boat tour to explore the secluded coves and beaches of the island. 

Things to Note

Tioman is a duty-free zone so like Langkawi, you can enjoy duty-free shopping. Similar to the Perhentian Islands, the island is covered in dense jungle so the only way to get around is by limited trails or water-taxis. The island requires you to pay a Marine Park Conservation Fee.

Waves crashing onto a dark sand beach on a moody, overcast day with misty jungle hills in the background.
One of Tioman Island's gorgeous beaches on a cloudy day

Cameron Highlands

What Is It?

A fun mountain station, originally developed by the British during colonisation as a cool-weather escape. The highlands are a combination of endless rolling lush green hills, misty cloud forest and rugged backcountry hiking trails. 

Where Is It?

Located along the Titiwangsa Mountain Range in the state of Pahang around 1500 meters above sea level, it’s accessible from many tourist spots across Malaysia. The main town for tourism is Tanah Rata, a 4-hour bus journey from Kuala Lumpur. 

right green terraced tea fields covering rolling hills under a dramatic, sunlit sky in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.
The stunning landscapes in Cameron Highlands showcasing the tea plantations

What to Do There

The most popular thing to do is jump in a 4×4 jeep for a day tour of the highlights. This will likely include stops at the BOH Tea Centre, the unique mossy forest, strawberry farms, and more. The highlands are also home to some wild jungle trails ready for you to enjoy.

Things to Note

The high altitude means that it’s much cooler than the rest of Malaysia so make sure you have a jumper or jacket with you. As a popular domestic getaway, it’s best to avoid the busy weekends or public holidays if possible. Some of the hiking trails are not the easiest to navigate and some have had recent property developments running through the trails so check with your accommodation or at the forestry department for advice on which trail to choose.

Behind-the-shoulder view of a woman looking out over vast green tea plantation hills in the Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.
The incredible view over the tea plantations in the highlands
Moss-covered tree trunks reaching toward a sunlit canopy in a dense highland forest called the Mossy Forest in Cameron Highlands, Malaysia.
The Mossy Forest, a popular stop on day tours

Bonus: Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)

What Is It?

Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, divided among three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. It’s wild and raw, perfect for world-class expeditions, huge cave systems and incredible mountains.

Where Is It?

Just across the South China Sea from Peninsular Malaysia, you’ll find Malaysian Borneo. Easily accessed via a short domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur into Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) or Kuching (Sarawak). 

What to Do There

Sabah offers the incredible wildlife safaris to spot wild orangutans, elephants, proboscis monkeys and so much more. In Sabah you can also enjoy trekking Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, and diving to one of the world’s best diving spots, Sipadan Island. Head to Sarawak to explore Gunung Mulu National Park, an impressive jaggiest karst landscape home to the largest (by surface area) cave chamber on Earth. 

Things to Note

Malaysian Borneo is absolutely incredible, however, it does require more time, money and logistical planning than the peninsula. Despite it being the same country, the states have separate immigration controls so keep your passport on-hand. 

A close-up profile of a unique proboscis monkey sitting on a wooden rail with a green jungle backdrop.
The unique proboscis monkeys sat casually
xA tall palm tree leaning over a calm river that reflects a dense green jungle under a blue sky.
A gorgeous landscape of the still, tranquil Borneo

Wild and Diverse

Peninsular Malaysia is a wild blend between so many diverse natural beauties. From stunning beaches to deep-jungle expeditions, you can experience so much in such a short space of time. 

If you’re considering heading to Southeast Asia and Malaysia’s incredible nature has caught your eye then check out my post about why you should add Malaysia to your Southeast Asia itinerary. 

A map of the best nature spots discussed in this post

Hi, I'm Kelly!

Welcome to The Untold Journeys, a travel blog with a focus on raw, authentic travels and finding those exciting hidden gems. 

I’m here to share my experiences and stories to give you everything you need to explore the world and head on your own adventures.

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