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The first time you visit Malaysia, you might not know much about the country, so you’ll likely visit the famous landmarks. But if you’ve been there longer, you’ll want to explore hidden corners and discover experiences that not many people have tried. So, let Asia King Travel suggest some lesser-known experiences in Malaysia.
There is more to experience in hidden gems. Photo: Luxury Escapes
Unlike other crowded tourist islands, Pulau Kapas has preserved its pristine beauty. What makes it even more special is that beneath the waters surrounding Pulau Kapas lie numerous shipwrecks. These are remnants from World War II, mostly Japanese ships, resting here for nearly a century and now being a habitat for countless marine creatures.
Since the dive sites are close to the shore, it's best to go when the weather is calm for optimal visibility. As you dive deeper, you'll see rusted ship frames and debris covered in moss and seaweed. Some of the larger wrecks even have enough space for you to swim inside and explore.
Fish and coral thrive on the shipwreck in Pulau Kapas. Photo: Malay Mail / Bernama
All around, countless schools of fish swim by, and corals have started growing on the shipwrecks. It seems they have embraced the wrecks as their home, making them a part of nature. Photography enthusiasts will find plenty of stunning angles, capturing the contrast between the vibrant coral world and the mysterious sunken ships.
Don't worry if you're a beginner, Pulau Kapas has dive guides to ensure a complete experience. But if you're more experienced, you can freely explore deeper dive sites.
Tawau is the largest cacao-growing region in Malaysia. Because of the ideal climate and soil conditions, this area produces high-quality cacao beans that have been exported to many countries. If you're a chocolate lover, Tawau is your dream destination. Getting to Tawau is also quite easy, with international flights and domestic flights from major cities in Malaysia. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by the delightful smell of cocoa.
Cacao plantations always warmly welcome visitors to explore the process of growing, harvesting, and processing cacao beans. Some workshops even allow you to make handmade chocolate, where you can craft your own chocolate bar. And finally, don’t forget to indulge in some unique local flavors like durian chocolate, coconut chocolate, and almond chocolate!
Sweeten up your day in Tawau and Teck Guan Cocoa Village. Photo: Trixoli
Tawau's most notable chocolate attraction is Teck Guan Cocoa Village and its museum. This museum showcases the factory’s products over the years, as well as the history of cacao cultivation in the region. After your visit, you can relax at the café and enjoy chocolate bars made right at the factory. If you want a hands-on experience, visit the Bake With Yen Kubota Tawau workshop. It provides materials that exceed your expectations to create your own chocolate bars!
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On the outskirts of Kuala Selangor, Kampung Kuantan offers an incredibly romantic experience that has become rare in many parts of the world: the mesmerizing sight of thousands of fireflies glowing in the night. This village sits along the banks of the Selangor River, surrounded by swamps and dense forests that are the perfect habitat for fireflies.
The best time to see the fireflies is between 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM when the sky is completely dark and the fireflies are most active. Yet on bright moonlit nights, their numbers may be lower. For the best experience, you should visit during the dry season (March to October) to avoid weather disruptions. The river water is also clearer during this time, making the fireflies' reflections shimmer even more beautifully.
The blinking of lights produced by fireflies simultaneously each time for 3 blinks per second. Photo: Selangor Journal
What makes this even more special is that most fireflies here are “pteroptyx tener” species, which has the unique ability to synchronize their flashes. This means entire swarms blink in unison, creating a rhythm of light that looks like a Christmas tree adorned with twinkling fairy lights. A natural symphony of illumination.
At Kampung Kuantan's jetty, boats can be rented for these nighttime excursions. Each boat costs RM 50 and can accommodate four people. A drink and a packet of regional goodies are included with the ticket.
Bukit Keluang Hill sits right by the coast, creating a breathtaking landscape. It’s a perfect spot for both hiking and swimming and best of all, tourists do not yet overrun it. This coastal hill stands about 141 meters tall, with trekking trails leading to a stunning summit overlooking the South China Sea.
Starting from Bukit Keluang Beach, you'll follow a trail through lush greenery. Wooden stairs and rope handrails are available at steeper sections to help you hike more easily. The ascent to the summit takes about 20 to 40 minutes, so it’s quite easy for everyone. Maybe some curious monkeys run behind you.
Stunning view from the top of Bukit Keluang Hill. Photo: ainzatulnadthrah
From the top of Bukit Keluang, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the blue sea, islands, and stretches of white sandy beaches. If you arrive early in the morning, you’ll witness one of the most breathtaking sunrises in Malaysia.
After trekking, take some time to swim at this pristine and beautiful beach. At the foot of Bukit Keluang Hill, you'll find large sea caves formed by the natural erosion of rocky mountains. When the tide recedes, you walk through the seashore and experience the caves’ wild atmosphere.
Taiping is located in the northern part of Perak, about 48 kilometers from the state capital Ipoh. The town's name is made of “tai” (great) and “ping” (peace) in Chinese, meaning “eternal peace” for the town. In the 19th century, Taiping was the capital of Perak and a major tin mining hub in Malaysia. While Taiping is gradually becoming more well-known, the town still retains its peaceful and unhurried charm.
The first thing you'll notice when seeing around Taiping is the buildings showcasing 19th and 20th-century British architecture. Taiping was one of the first cities where the British developed urban infrastructure. Spend some time visiting the Perak Museum will give you a deeper understanding of the history, culture, and nature of Perak.
Relaxing in a peaceful, refreshing air at Taiping Lake Gardens. Photo: Malaysia Travel
The biggest attraction in town is Taiping Lake Gardens. Built in 1880 on a former tin mine, it is Malaysia’s oldest public park. There are about 10 man-made lakes and ponds distributed throughout the gardens. The park is most beautiful in the morning when the greenery gradually comes to life under the soft glow of sunrise. Many people visit to exercise and enjoy the refreshingly crisp air.
Within the park campus is another interesting attraction, Taiping Night Safari. The zoo isn’t just open during the day; it also provides nighttime tours to observe nocturnal animals. The zoo is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, while its Night Safari operates from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Taiping Night Safari Zoo encourages visitors to bask in the natural sights and sounds of the wildlife. Photo: Malaysia Travel
It is home to over 1,500 animals, including both daytime creatures and nocturnal species like rabbits, civets, and foxes. Each animal is showcased within their natural exhibits with special lighting, which is similar to the glimmering moonlight so visitors are able to spot the animals with ease.
With the list above, Asia King Travel hopes you have found a perfect secure spot for your next Malaysia tour. Malaysia’s hidden gems invite you to experience a different side of the country, one that is rich in authenticity and untouched beauty. Close the guidebook, and let us show you the real experience can not forget!
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