15 Unique Places to Visit in Malaysia, You Didn't Know Existed!

Hidden Gems in Malaysia

Kek Lok Si Temple, Belum Rainforest, Semporna, Chemorong Forest Reserve, Sasaran Sky Mirror, Kundasang, Sekinchan, and many more.

Home to an interesting blend of traditions, cultures and people, there are many unique places to visit in Malaysia, which make it one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. This is one country in SouthEast Asia, which has a lot to offer to tourists, from beautiful islands and tranquil beaches, to quaint hamlets, ancient monuments, heritage sites as well as modern structures. Whether it is the lush and verdant Belum Rainforest, or the unique Rainbow Waterfall, you are sure to be mesmerised at every turn you take in this serene country.

In addition to enjoying the adventure activities, visits to tropical islands and exploring the coral reefs, make sure that you explore some of the most offbeat places to visit in Malaysia. These places are guaranteed to enhance your holiday experience, while also offering you an in-depth insight into this country. Some of these must-visit places include the Kek Lok Si Temple, Chemorong Forest Reserve, Gunung Mulu National Park and Kuala Selangor, among others.

Here is the list of unique places to visit in Malaysia:

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01

Kek Lok Si Temple

The Kek Lok Si Temple is one of the most unique places to visit in Malaysia. Said to be amongst the largest and most beautiful temples in all of Southeast Asia, this temple is known for the intricate carvings in its interiors, and is home to opulent temple halls, pagodas as well as stunning archways.

The temple also has sculptures and murals that portray the teachings of Buddhism, in addition to Chinese cultures and traditions. Kek Lok Si temple is also considered as one of the treasured heritage structures of Mahayana Buddhism, and dates back to as early as the 1890s.

Location: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

Timings: 08:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

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02

Belum Rainforest

Looking for Offbeat Places to Visit in Malaysia? Head to the exuberant Belum Rainforest during your Malaysian holiday. Said to have existed for over 130 million years, the Belum Rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the whole world. Also it is one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia..

Located next to the pristine Temenggor Lake, this protected rainforest is the abode of some of the most exotic species of flora, fauna as well as indigenous people. In addition to exploring the nature trails within the rainforest, you can also enjoy boating in the lake, or spend some time camping at the campsites here. You can also indulge in several adventure activities like high rope and ziplining, or enjoy bird watching within the dense forested area.

Location: Pulau Banding, 33200 Gerik, Perak, Malaysia

Timings: 09:00 a.m. to 03:00 p.m.

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03

Semporna

Located in the Semporna Archipelago, this beautiful city of the same name is one of the most tranquil, beautiful and unique places to visit in Malaysia. Attracting tourists from all over the world, Semporna retains the old-world charm of a small city, with busy roads, vibrant markets and friendly locals.

One of the major attractions here is the main mosque, which is beautifully painted in white and green colours and has a golden dome. It is here where you can learn about the daily life of the Bajau people, in addition to enjoying visits to the local markets and jetty.

Location: Borneo, Sabah, Malaysia

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04

Chemorong Forest Reserve

Located in Terengganu, the Chemorong Forest Reserve is one of the most beautiful natural attractions and one of the hidden gems in Malaysia. Quite unexplored and unspoilt, the forest reserve is home to stunning pools as well as crystal clear rivers, along with lush greenery and a serene ambience.

Accessible by a 1.5-hour hike, the forest also has several beautiful waterfalls that you can explore. You can also enjoy picnics in different zones of the reserve, or camp by the serene rivers that pass through the forest, adding to its beauty. You can also take relaxing dips at the Jeram Lesung and Bangan River pools.

Location: Forest Chemerong, Terengganu, Malaysia

Timings: 08:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m.

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05

Sasaran Sky Mirror

Another one of the unique places to visit in Malaysia is the Sasaran Sky Mirror. Also known as Salar de Uyuni, the Sky Mirror is located off the coast of the Jeram Fishing Village. One can enjoy the perfect views at the Sasaran Sky Mirror twice a month, during the new moon and full moon.

Accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from the Jeram Fishing Village, the sandy banks of the island, along with the crystal-clear waters almost end up giving you a mirror reflection of yourself. Great to indulge in nature photography, or simply soak in the picturesque views, the Sasaran Sky Mirror is sure to hypnotise you with its beauty.

Location: Jalan Sultan Mahmud, 45000 Kuala Selangor, Selangor, Malaysia

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06

Kundasang

Of all the hidden gems in Malaysia, the quaint little town of Kundasang deserves a proper mention in this list. Situated behind Mount Kinabalu, this town exudes immense natural beauty, and is home to several tourist attractions.

From exploring the beautiful valley and meadows, to enjoying views of Mount Kinabalu, or even visiting the Desa Dairy Farm to see cattle grazing, learning about the production of dairy food and drinks, the little town has a lot to offer to visitors. One of the main attractions here is the Kundasang War Memorial, where you can learn about the region’s history and take a relaxing stroll at the beautiful garden.

Location: Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia

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07

Sekinchan

Located an hour’s drive from the famous tourist destination of Kuala Lumpur, Sekinchan is one of the unique places to visit in Malaysia if you wish to explore the lush countryside of Malaysia. This fishing village is sure to transport you back to the times gone by, and offer you a relaxing experience, away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of the city.

It is here where you can enjoy the scenic views of the lush rice paddies, or head to the Wishing Tree to make a wish. You can also stop by at one of the cafes to tuck into delicious local food while watching the paddy fields. You can also visit the Bagan Fishing Village to learn more about the daily lives of the fishermen.

Location: Sekinchan, 45400, Selangor, Malaysia

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08

Kenyir Lake

Known as the largest man-made lake in all of SouthEast Asia, the Kenyir Lake is also one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia. Surrounding over 300 stunning islands, the lake connects around 30 rivers and 25 waterfalls, and is home to almost 25 different species of fishes.

Located near dense rainforests and majestic limestone caves, one of which is the famous Taman Negara, the Kenyir Lake is also a great place to indulge in photography, enjoy birdwatching, boating and canoeing.

You can also hike to the hilltops and highlands to soak in breathtaking views of the surrounding natural landscapes. For a more thrilling experience, you can also admire the gorgeous Lasir Waterfall and the rainforest canopy during your visit to the lake.

Location: Terengganu, Malaysia

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09

Rainbow Waterfall

One of the most Offbeat Places to Visit in Malaysia is the Rainbow Waterfall, located in the old mining town of Sungai Lembing on the country’s east coast. Said to be amongst the most magnificent waterfalls, the Rainbow Waterfall has a unique charm of its own.

It is said that every day, between 9 and 10 in the morning, the rays of the sun hit the base of the waterfall, in such a way that it creates a beautiful rainbow, which gives it the name. People from all over Malaysia and the rest of the world take an exciting 1.5-hour hike to reach the waterfall during the early hours of the morning, just to see this phenomenon.

Location: Pahang, Malaysia

Timings: 06:30 a.m. to 01:00 p.m.

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10

Tiga Island

Located off the western coast of Sabah in the Kimanis Bay, Tiga Island, also known as Pulau Tiga, is a group of small uninhabited islands in Malaysia. Dating back to 1897, the islands were formed due to a volcanic eruption near Borneo. And this is one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia.

Accessible by a 40-minute boat ride from the Kuala Penyu Jetty, the islands gained fame from the reality TV series Survivor, wherein the participants were sent to this island, also known as the Survivor Island in the show.

Home to a wide array of vibrant flora, fauna and marine life, Tiga Island is a great place to enjoy snorkelling, volcanic mud baths and hiking. You can also explore the forests on the island and catch sights of wild monkeys.

Location: Sabah, Malaysia

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11

Jerejak Island

Another one of the unique places to visit in Malaysia, the Jerejak Island is also often called the Alcatraz of Malaysia, since it served as a prison and quarantine centre for immigrants and criminals, in addition to patients suffering from leprosy and tuberculosis from the late 1700s to as early as 1993.

As of now, the island is a great place to learn about the land’s rich history, along with exploring the natural sights and wonders here. Adrenaline seekers can also indulge in several adventure activities here, including rock climbing, jungle trekking, mountain biking and more. If you are lucky, you can also head over to some of the ancient prisons and spend some time getting spooked there.

Location: Pulau Jerejak, Penang, Malaysia

Timings: 05:30 a.m. to 05:30 p.m.

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12

Gunung Mulu National Park

Also recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Gunung Mulu National Park is one of the best hidden gems in Malaysia. Located in Sarawak, on the island of Borneo, this national park is home to Mount Mulu, which is the second tallest mountain in the region.

It is here where you can soak in some of the most scintillating natural vistas, in addition to enjoying an educational experience while learning about the wide array of flora and fauna. You can also explore ancient limestone carved caves here, or roam around the dense rainforests while witnessing sights of rare and endangered animal species. You can also indulge in canopy walks, trekking, boating and waterfall explorations here.

Location: Sarawak, Malaysia

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13

Kuala Selangor

One of the most unique places to visit in Malaysia, Kuala Selangor is a tranquil fishing village in Kampung Kuantan. The village is home to one of Malaysia’s best kept secrets, the firefly park resort, which is the abode of the largest firefly colony in the whole world.

It is here where you can witness millions of fireflies light up around the trees once dusk settles in. If you are lucky, you can even see thousands of fireflies blink in perfect unison at the same time, sometimes for hours.

This phenomenon is popularly known as synchronicity, and is nothing short of magical. When visiting the village, head to the Bagan Krian and Tanjung Piai mangrove regions or the shorelines of Cherating and Kemaman to see the fireflies.

Location: Kuala Selangor, Bestari Jaya, 45600 Malaysia

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14

Banjaran Hot Springs

The Banjaran Hot Springs are amongst the top unique places to visit in Malaysia. Located a short distance from Ipoh, these hot springs are tucked amidst magnificent limestone hills that are over 250 million years old, pristine waterfalls and verdant tropical rainforests.

Doubling as a luxurious, rejuvenating wellness retreat, the hot springs have deep plunge pools, rainfall showers as well as geothermal springs where you can take a relaxing dip in. Over 3 million litres of water are heated naturally here, and boast of having therapeutic minerals that can heal many skin issues, pain and lethargy.

Location: 1, Persiaran Lagoon, Sunway 3, 31150 Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia

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15

Cameron Highlands

Known as some of the best hidden gems in Malaysia, the Cameron Highlands are one of the oldest tourist attractions in the country. Dating back to the 1930s, this hill station is home to beautiful tea estates, gushing waterfalls, orchards as well as strawberry farms.

In addition to that, the hill station also has several lush jungles which are great for hiking, nature trails and camping, among other things. Named after British explorer and geologist William Cameron, the Cameron Highlands boast of having more than 700 species of plants, one of which is the famous Rafflesia Arnoldii, said to be the largest flowering plant in the world.

Location: Pahang, Malaysia

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Legoland

Situated in the city center of Iskander Puteri in Johor, Legoland Malaysia is the first-ever international theme park in Malaysia. Ranked as the top sixth theme park on the planet, this park offers a plethora of exciting rides, amazing shows, and a bunch of other attractions. The LEGO theme park, water park, and stunning sea life experience are some of the best places to explore on your visit to Legoland Malaysia.All the rides of the attraction keep visitors happy all day long by allowing the children to go on a thrilling expedition in specialized LEGO adventures. You can even float in the wave pool, splash water in the DUPLO pool, or climb and slide down a plethora of other slides in the Legoland Water Park.SEA LIFE Aquarium in Legoland Malaysia is the latest addition to the park that lets visitors witness the sea creatures in their natural habitat. It is home to over 13000 marine animals of 120 different species. You can also enjoy dining options at this aquarium while enjoying the glimpse of marine animals flowing over you in the glass frame. Therefore, Legoland Malaysia is the ultimate package of thrill, excitement, and adventure for all adventure enthusiasts.Click Here to Book: LEGOLAND Malaysia TicketsAlso Checkout: Malaysia Tour Packages 5 Days

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Malaysia Reviews

Satyen Chattopadhyay Malaysia Tour Package From Bangalore

Excellent

I am reflecting on the wonderful trip that I had to Malaysia. I would especially like to thank Thrillophilia. I would also like to thank all the hotels who provided so many amenities.

Sachin Naik Cheap Malaysia Tour Package

Excellent

I went to Malaysia with my family and we enjoyed a lot there. It was fun exploring the beautiful places in the city, Sunway Lagoon theme park was the best part of the trip, we had so much fun there, the rides were so amazing and thrilling. we even tried the local food there, it was so delicious. The facilities provided on the trip like- stay, meals, transport, everything was really nice. Thanks for the wonderful experience.

26 February 2020

Raj saraiya Aquaria KLCC Tickets

Excellent

Amazing place tourist should visit once worth money. Plus I would like to thank thrillophilia for providing me the cheapest tickets and assisting me with each and every enquiry within 5 mins. You guys deserve an applaud. Loved your service in every manner weather it comes to ticket prices or after service all top knotch. Would love to book all the events from you guys from now. Thank you for serving me with such a great services.

13 February 2020

Suma Kaniyar Kl City of Lights Tour with Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Excellent

The bus ride made me feel that I was on the top of the world. I was so much enjoying seeing the crowds and places. Nothing can be better than this experience. Grateful to Thrillophilia for making my trip this smooth and wonderful.

13 February 2020

Gopee Iyer Kl City of Lights Tour with Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Excellent

Saw many places like central market and little India and we could not stop taking countless pictures in the different spots.Must say, I was worried about the language thing, but the guide was so fluent in English, he explained everything to us in detail and we faced no trouble during our KL city of lights tour

Chakravartee Butt Malaysia Tour Package From Chennai

Excellent

I still can’t believe that I am back home. It was a great week in Malaysia. Got very good service from the people at Thrillophilia. I highly recommend them for your International trips

Trilochan Varrier Malaysia Tour Package With Airfare

Excellent

Had great holiday tour, all thanks to Thrillophilia, great service and support, looking forward to book my next tour with you soon

Chandrabhaga Nair Delhi To Malaysia Package

Excellent

Thrillophilia orgainised everything! Our hotels, the guides, the driver and an air conditioned car. Everything was amazing and was on time. A big thumbs up to the team for such arrangements.

Sanjay Mehrotra Malaysia Tour Package From Kochi

Excellent

We had a trip of a lifetime. Thrillophilia was very accommodating and the team made sure everything was perfect. We can’t say enough about our Drivers – they kept us safe and comfortable and were sure to point out and stop at sites

Aryan Menon Malaysia Tour Package From Mumbai

Excellent

I want to express my thanks to Thrilloohilia for an excellent trip to Malaysia. I found your presentations and organisation over the period very thorough, informative, exciting and enjoyable