Tag: organic food

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

AMAZING “BACK-TO-NATURE” STAYS IN MALAYSIA!

Looking to escape from the hustle and bustle in the city and relax in a quiet jungle setting or unique staycation experience? Check out our favourite “back-to-nature” hotels in some states in Malaysia, from minimalist accommodation to green villages and luxurious getaways.

With more eco-conscious travellers around the world, many hotels have incorporated numerous sustainable measures that go beyond planting a few extra trees on its compounds. A stay in a hotel with lush, solar-powered gardens is no longer a dream as many hotels transform their once ordinary common spaces into tropical wonderlands that are pleasing on both your eyes and the environment.

The Element Kuala Lumpur


Holding the title as the tallest eco-friendly hotel in Kuala Lumpur at 275 metres (902 feet), The Element has a total of 252 spacious rooms. The interior has a modern design with marble bathrooms while its facilities include an on-site restaurant, swimming pool and fitness centre. Anyone looking for comfort in the heart of Kuala Lumpur but is conscious of the environment should consider The Element.

With a Green Building Index certification and a stone’s throw from the city centre, the hotel uses environmentally friendly ways to create luxury and comfort. The hotel carries out eco-friendly practices on a day to day basis. Rain water harvesting, indoor air quality CO2 monitoring, and energy efficient LED lighting are just some of their many environmental efforts. The one that most people love most though, is their effort to reduce plastic wastage. It does not provide plastic mineral water bottles. Instead, they equipped each room with filtered drinking water that is certified by NSF International.

It is worth mentioning that this hotel is just a stone’s throw away from commercial districts, surrounded by shopping malls, trending eateries and tourist destinations. Guests can have a stunning view on iconic Petronas Twin Tower on the 39th floor where a 200 sqm indoor saline pool located.

Address: Jalan Binjai, Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, 50450, Malaysia.
Website: https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/kulel-element-kuala-lumpur/
Phone: +603 – 2771 3388

The Frangipani Langkawi Resort Spa


Overlooking the tranquil Andaman Sea and an archipelago of over 104 islands, the Frangipani Langkawi Resort Spa is located by a pristine, white sandy beach. The resort remains close to the bustling Cenang Beach, yet retains its natural charm as secluded hideaway as the two beaches lay parted by a cliff, accessible only by road.

Over the years, The Frangipani Langkawi Resort Spa has garnered a number of prestigious awards, including the ASEAN Green Hotel Award 2014, as well as Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Relaxation and Spa Hotels for Malaysia.

The Frangipani Langkawi prides itself as an eco-friendly resort and has developed over 200 green practises to promote sustainable tourism. These include numerous ways to recycle, like reusing the water from air conditioning units, collecting rain water, and reusing old bottles for art decoration. The resort heavily promotes recycling of all waste and also has its own chickens, hens and ducks to produce its own food. It also reuses old bath tubs and toilet bowls for decoration. Guests have the chance to adopt plants and have their names displayed.

Enjoy breath taking sunsets while sipping cocktails at Coco Jam Beach Bar at the resort.  Facilities include swimming pools, one salt water lap pool, outdoor jacuzzis, an anti-oxidant sauna, Frangipani spa, watersports kiosk and etc. Pamper yourself with warm Malaysian hospitality, as you lose yourself in the beauty of Langkawi, The Jewel Of Kedah.

Address: 138, Jalan Teluk Baru, Pantai Tengah, Mukim Kedawang, 07000, Langkawi, Kedah, Malaysia.
Website: http://www.frangipanilangkawi.com/
Phone: +604 – 291 3141

Terra’s Tree House

Terra’s Tree House is an indigenous-themed budget hotel hidden deep in the rainforest surroundings of Brinchang, near the farmland area of Sungai Mensun.

Getting to Terra’s Tree House requires a 4 wheel drive off-road journey for 4 km. The journey may take up to half an hour drive passing through numbers of farms and orchards, via a very narrow and bumpy trail.  Guests will need to hike on a 100-meter wood-tiled track through the forest before reaching the actual site.

Accommodation is provided in thatched huts of authentic Orang Asli (Aborigine) architecture, composed of bamboo, rattan and palm leaves. Each tree house is perched on stilts for a view of the jungle canopy, but come with lighting and attached bathroom. Finally, organic food is provided from the hotel’s farm for guests to cook themselves breakfast and dinner.

That’s why guests appreciate Terra’s Tree House even more! Not only do they practice biodynamic farming, the people who run it are actively involved in the conservation of Cameron Highlands. We learned that the owner, Ng spent a year to conceptualise the design of the place. Actual construction took another 1.5 years without the use of any heavy machinery, not even for leveling! They wanted to preserve this wonderful Mother Nature!

What you see at Terra’s Tree House is what the Orang Asli (indigenous people) built with their own hands. The kitchen is well equipped with ingredients from Terra’s bio-dynamic farm and homegrown vegetables from just 200m away.

All meals provided are vegetarian. You could bring your own food but make sure that it’s halal and preferably sans meat. Being in the jungle means that anything with meat attracts wild animals at night. Not fun. For additional food (e.g. yam or corn for BBQ), bring your own or make an early special request to the staff.

Address: Jalan Sungai Mansion, Brinchang, Pahang, 39010, Malaysia.
Website: http://www.terrafarm.com.my/
Phone: +6012-661 3299

Tabin Wildlife Resort

For a minimalistic and eco-friendly hotel in Borneo, check out Tabin Wildlife Resort located inside Tabin Wildlife Reserve. The reserve, Malaysia’s largest by area, on the eastern tip of Sabah near Lahad Datu.

The Tabin Wildlife Resort has 20 units of lodges. 10 units of river lodges and 10 units of hill lodges. Each lodge comes with a twin-bedded, double-bedded or triple bedded room with en-suite bathroom hot-water shower, air conditioner, ceiling fan and private balcony overlooking hillside forest or Lipad river.

Constructed from timber on the River Lipad’s banks, guests have the chance to stay in the middle of the rainforest. Tabin Resort offers a range of activities including tracking orangutans and hiking. One of the highlights of Tabin being the active and mineral-rich mud volcanoes, attracting frequent visits by wildlife for their mineral intake and present an ideal platform for wildlife observation and bird watching.

Created in the year 1984, Tabin has been declared a Wildlife Reserve primarily on account of the large number of animals inhabiting its forests, some of which are highly endangered. The three largest mammals of Sabah, namely Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau are all found within the reserve; nine species of primate are present, as well as three species of cats all of which are on the protected wildlife list. Of bird species, 4 families representing more than 300 species have been recorded.

Since the opening of the award-winning Tabin Wildlife Resort in 2004, Tabin Wildlife reserve has gained popularity to be one of the best places in Sabah to observe the rich bio-diversity of nature and to part-take in nature-based activities. Amongst the popular things-to-do in Tabin are jungle-trekking, night safari, night walk, wildlife-spotting, birdwatching and rainforest education.

To practice sustainable responsible tourism initiatives such as to observe wildlife and nature in their natural habitats and to reduce impact by human on wildlife, it is restricted to maximum 5 pax per guide.

Address: Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website: http://www.tabinwildlife.com.my/
Phone: +608- 826 7266

Aiman Batang Ai Resort and Retreat 


Set on the edge of the world’s most ancient rainforest on the mystical island of Borneo, Aiman Batang Ai Resort Retreat provides the ideal getaway for those seeking a one-of-a-kind escapade that is adventurous yet fully relaxing and pleasantly satisfying at the same time.

Housing 100 fully furnished Standard Rooms and Duplex Suites, the resort’s setting is inspired by Sarawak’s traditional Iban longhouse design with spectacular view of the Batang Ai lake. It offers pristine surroundings not only inhabited by the local community but also wildlife who have made Batang Ai their home.

An outdoor swimming pool next to the jungle is a highlight as well as the cocktail bar overlooking the lake. But the environment isn’t the only way Aiman Batang Ai offers an eco-friendly retreat. Motion-sensitive light bulbs reduce their energy consumption in common areas. Resort activities range from visiting tribes and longhouses to fishing, trekking and canopy walks.

Address: Empangan Batang Ai Lubok Antu, Sarawak, 95900, Malaysia
Website: https://www.aimanbatangai.com/
Phone: +6019 – 336 8033

Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Sibu and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay Product Experience

Sibu and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay Product Experience

August 11, 2018

Sibu is the gateway to central Sarawak, a town rich with culture and tradition, embraced on all sides by nature. It offers many charms, both on the outskirts of the town and within. Spanning just 129.5km², the town is located at the meeting of the Rajang and Igan rivers. The majority of the population are Chinese, mainly Fuzhou, with other ethnic groups like Melanau, Malay and Iban as well. Together, they live in harmony carrying out their cultural traditions and appreciating the traditions of one another.

During this product experience trip, the group was able to visit some traditional and organic food producers only found in Sibu, enjoy a night of breathtaking cultural dance performance at the Sibu International Dance Festival, see the historical and scenic landmarks as well as spend some time in an authentic Iban longhouse at the Rumah Nyuka homestay.

 

Day 1: Food, How It’s Made and a Dance Show

 

 TYC Goat Livestock Sdn. Bhd.

Owned by the Tang family, the TYC Goat and Livestock Farm is located 45km off the Oya Road (on the Sibu-Bintulu highway).

They first began livestock farming in 2003 on 35 hectares of land, and today they are home to goats, cows, turkeys and other livestock. Their aim is to promote awareness on loving, caring for and protecting the environment through environmentally friendly methods of rearing animals and planting crops.

Family touring the goat pen

Turkeys at the farm

Visiting families touring the farm, with a goat accompanying them
Cows at the farm

 

The farm provides opportunities for visitors to take a tour of the farms, including school trips and tourists.

The farm produces an assortment of dairy based products, especially goat milk. 70% of their sales are in fresh milk while 30% gets produced into other byproducts like soap and ice cream. They also produce coconut pudding, which is handmade and contains no preservatives, additives or coloring.

 

Goat milk ice cream

Fresh goat milk samples

Coconut pudding served inside a coconut.

Soaps derived from goat milk and other organic ingredients like sago, rosehip and charcoal

 

A display of the different soaps produced by the TYC farm

 

The Sua Longevity Noodles (Foochow mee)

Sibu is famous for its foochow dishes, and one of the most famous is the Mee Sua Longevity Noodles.

The noodles are made of wheat flour, powdered lime, salt and water, and while many of the noodles you can buy in the stores are now factory produced, there is one man who keeps the mee sua noodle traditions alive.

Located at located at 6 ½ miles, Jalan Oya, 96000 Sibu, Mr. Ting Cheng Sieng and his wife produce 25 to 30 kg of raw noodles daily, with optimum weather conditions.




Fine noodles being hung out under the sun to dry.

The preparation of the mee sua noodles.

 

These handmade noodles are in high demand throughout Sarawak, prepared in the traditional way. Demonstrations on his technique can be organized, contact Ting Cheng Sieng (012 8531701) for more details.

 

Permai Lake Garden

The lake garden was opened in 2002 with scenic lake (developed by National Landscape department) that spans 11 acres. It is located at 5th mile Oya road in housing estate of Permai.


Every year, this lake holds a remote control boat race that brings remote control boat enthusiasts together, but every other day of the week it is a serene location with good photo opportunities and scenic views.

 

Empawah fruit and vegetable Farm

The Empawah Fruit and Vegetable Farm is on the outskirts of Sibu and Greatown Travel have proposed 6-8km tours via two ferries crossing the Igan river from Sibu town to the farm.



  

Sg Merah LED Night Market

The Sungai Merah LED Night Market is a sight to behold, offering a nice location to go shopping for cheap souvenirs as well as beautiful backdrops for photos.

 





 

Sibu International Dance Festival

The Sibu International Dance Festival takes place at the Sibu Civic Centre and the Ku Tien Memorial Park in Sibu every year. Dedicated to presenting a world-class celebration of the dance arts by creating timeless and adventurous productions that stimulate arts education, foster economic growth, and unite dancer and audiences.

The festival was privately debuted in 2012 at Sibu, Malaysia. Four international dance groups has participated in the 2013 edition of the festival, attracting groups from Lithuania, Southern Thailand, Singapore and local groups. Indoor and outdoor performances will be held throughout the festival.

 




While filming and photography were not allowed in the Dance Festival, the entire event proved to be a  breathtaking experience for all in the team. It was certainly a highlight for those who appreciate performing arts.

 

Day 2: Paradom and the Rumah Nyuka Homestay

 

Jetty Paradom

Jetty Paradom is a historical landmark in Sibu, bustling with people who travel to and from Sibu by boat and ferry since 20 years ago. The shops lining the jetty was built in 1954.

You can drink coffee at the kopitiams (coffee shops) next to the river, go prawn fishing or view fireflies at night.

 




 

Homestay Rumah Nyuka

Rumah Nyuka Homestay, Lubuk Lemba in Sarikei District is located 85 KM from Sibu (17KM from Sibu – Kuching junction) and was built in 1955. It first opened its doors as a Homestay  in March 2011. Now, 19 “Bileks” of families are registered as Trained Homestay Operators.

Also known as one of the oldest longhouses in Sarikei District with about 300 people from 45 families living under one roof, the Nyuka longhouse is a unique opportunity for visitors to experience their hospitality and nature.

Among popular activities for visitors to this longhouse are trekking to the nearby waterfalls, and of course, learning the ways of life for the local Iban people.

The waterfalls are relatively easy to reach, ranging from 30 to 60 minutes, and are a great reprieve from the day heat, especially after a trek through the jungle.

  

As for experiencing the Iban lifestyle, you can join in on the fun in the ruai (the main hall of the longhouse) or see how the Iban cultivate pepper on the nearby hills and other farm products, as well as how they process it.

 

The longhouse has its own exhibit, boasting everything from the smoked heads from the bygone era of when Headhunting was still frequent, old gongs collected over the years in the longhouse, earthenware pots and household appliances, intricately woven mats and traditional costumes.

  

 

 

 

 

The longhouse people also sell an assortment of handicrafts including jungle products made from bamboo and ratan, woven products, jewelry and accessories and recycled products.

 

 

 

All in all, the journey was a memorable 2 days, spanning across Sibu and Sarikei, and offered a glimpse into the traditional ways of the people, the environmental closeness of the different races to the land, and the rich culture of the different people that can be found in central Sarawak.

Share
Categories
Tourism Malaysia

PARADISE FOR FAMILIES

HEAVEN FOR FAMILIES, HAVEN FOR NATURE

By Anis Rozalina Ramli

The Andaman, Luxury Collection Resort in Langkawi is a special place where families and nature relax blissfully in each other’s company.

image credit to @edrwright from The Andaman Instagram page.

Tucked away in a million-year-old tropical rainforest, The Andaman has the warm, clear waters of the Datai Bay at its doorstep and the Mat Cincang mountain range as its backyard. Located on one of the 99 islands collectively known as Langkawi, the entire resort is blanketed in the green jungles of Malaysia so dense that nothing of this paradise resort is visible from the sea.

With the miracles of nature right at its doorstep — along with majestic sunsets, flying lemurs, giant squirrels, colourful corals and their resident marine friends — it’s not difficult to remember who’s boss here at this resort. It’s a daily reminder of how small we are in the grand scheme of things! Definitely no airs here even though the facilities and service standards reflect the property’s Starwood Luxury Collection branding.

Family Friendly

Despite its luxury positioning, it’s heartening to know that The Andaman welcomes kids with open arms. There’s nothing as humbling as catering to the needs of the most discerning of guests — the under 12s! They are tough to please but The Andaman certainly tries very hard and they’ve got the formula down pat. Kids menu, check. Wading pool, check. Babysitter, check. Kids playroom, check. Only, they’ve gone one step further with the SPG Kids Pass which allows children 12 and under to have three meals a day for just RM60 per day, per child. All the typically popular kid-approved favourites are on the menu – fish and chips, pizza and pasta – but there are a few adult-inspired creations as well such as cheese-and-fruit skewers, a caprese salad-type sandwich, and Asian vegetable rolls. Parents with kids will definitely appreciate this one-price convenience at meal times.

kids playroom at The Andaman

flying lemurs right at your doorstop

Holidays with Purpose

But, of all the facilities available at The Andaman, it is the coral nursery programme that’s a welcome distraction – both with young and old. Believed to be the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, the coral nursery is a rehab centre, private snorkelling area and education centre all rolled into one. Tucked away at one end of The Andaman beach, the nursery is nothing more than a huge saltwater pool filled with thriving coral and marine life but its environmental purpose is one that resonates with many modern travellers who are more conscious of their travel footprint.

In the aftermath of the 2004 tsunami, a 6,000-year-old coral reef fronting the resort was badly damaged. That was the impetus for the resort’s coral conservation project encompassing coral clearing activities and taking guests on educational coral walks to learn about the fragile marine ecosystem. At first, it was just the resort staff clearing the dead corals that were rolling over and damaging live coral in the sea – all part of the day’s work. Interested guests, both children and adults, soon joined them in their bit to help the environment and it naturally took off as a regular resort activity for guests.

During spring tides when sea levels pull back to reveal a 6,000-year-old reef, the resort offers guided walks along the stretch of coral garden where abundant marine life-forms make their home. Guests who are lucky enough to be at the resort during this time get to learn about this fragile ecosystem from the resort’s resident marine biologist, Dr. Gerry Goeden. Others purposefully check with the resort to make sure their visit coincides with the spring tide dates for this experience alone.

One of the highlights of the coral nursery is the opportunity to snorkel within its natural environment under the expert guidance of the charismatic Dr. Goeden. The coral pool, thriving with all manner of colourful tropical marine fish and the rainbow-hued corals, offers a still environment and great visibility for even first-time snorkelers to appreciate the blooming beauty of the underwater marine world. Without choppy waves in the open sea to sway you, it’s easy to manoeuvre around the pool with Dr. Goeden firmly by your side narrating the aspects of the coral environment. His deep knowledge of conservation and extensive experience with the Great Barrier Reef in Australia brings a more meaningful appreciation for the ecosystem. Expect to swim among friendly razor, clown and parrot fish as well as groupers, lobsters, sea urchins and starfish. Brain coral, and other hard and soft coral flourish here, showing of their full beauty.

With 80% of coral reefs damaged due to dynamite fishing, net fishing and overfishing, the resort aims to educate children about the importance of a coral reef ecosystem.  The nursery’s programmes such as Ocean in a Bucket, Young Marine Biologist and the Artificial Reef Modules (ARMs programme) all give important insights into the environment with opportunities for old and young guests to participate in marine conservation efforts at the resort. Guests can make mini versions of the ARM out of concrete and plant live coral on it, which will be nurtured and eventually released into the sea as homes for marine life! Meanhile, the Young Marine Biologist programme for 8 to 10 year olds aspiring to work in the marine environment gives a hands-on training in managing a marine environment at the nursery which includes cleaning the pool, feeding the fish and collecting dead corals.

Adult Fun

With kids contented, the adults can rest easy, too, and enjoy the range of resort services such as spa, beach-front bars, sun-deck dining and golfing.

The Andaman has great dining facilities at its six dining areas: Tepian Laut, Beach Bar, The Restaurant, The Japanese Restaurant, Jentayu Lounge and Jala.

Dining at Jala Restaurant, with beautiful sunset views and therapeutic sand floor (go barefoot in a little black dress for best effect), is great for the fresh seafood sourced from the local community. Its exciting menu respectfully blends aspects of the east and west in palate-enticing concoctions. Fresh seafood is available daily for selection and meal preparation according to diners’ preference.

The Japanese Restaurant is said to bring authentic Japanese menu to the shores of Langkawi each evening. For sashimi with a difference, try the cuts from local fish.

The Beach Bar, meanwhile, is a fun place to hang out in the day or at sunset. Day-time temperatures determine the discounts offered on drinks during Happy Hour, so soaring temperatures in the summer mean deeper cuts in price! The bar prides itself on such signature drinks as the Radiant Maiden, a curious blend of aged rum, kaffir lime, agave nectar, lime juice and chili pepper. Or try the Perfect Balance mocktail, a refreshing combination of kiwi, rambutan and lime suitable for guests of all ages.

Fusion of Fun and Healthy

Image credit to @TheAndaman Instagram page. Watermelon salad is a perfect cooling salad on a hot day by the beach

A healthy cuisine menu has also been carefully designed by the chefs at the resort to incorporate healthy ingredients with delicious results, enticingly presented to tease the taste buds. The menu has been curated carefully to include raw desserts and  gluten-free and vegan offerings with fresh and organic ingredients that are free of pesticides, synthetic fertilisers and insecticides, with herbs and micro-greens harvested from the resort’s own herb garden. As the dishes arrive at the table, one truly feels the inspiration behind the creations that celebrate and honour sustainability, fair trade and local farms, and which are prepared with love and consciousness.

Another adult activity worth indulging while at the resort is golfing at the new Els Club Datai, designed by former number one golfing legend Ernie Els also known as The Big Easy. The 18-hole par 72 bunkerless championship course meanders its way through a 10 million year old rainforest, cascading down to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea.

Those looking for some “me” time will appreciate the resort’s V Botanical Spa village. Located at the far north of the resort, V Botanical Spa is the first spa in Southeast Asia to offer 100-percent certified organic food grade products. Perched high on a verdant hillside are four treatment villas hidden away in the rainforest. While the range of spa treatments are relaxing and therapeutic, the beautiful view of the crescent-shaped bay and the lulling sounds of the ocean are what make this special place a heaven for tired minds and knotted muscles.

The Andaman oozes of traditional Malay architecture yet fulfils all modern expectations and is further made special with its magical location near sun, sea, sand, jungle and mountain. As a family-friendly resort, it has earned its stars among families with children, but what’s most heartening is that its heart is at one with nature.

 

END

 

 

 

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

Five Malaysian eco-breaks

Five Malaysian eco-breaks

Sustainable travel, including responsible nature holidays and what has become known as eco-tourism, is on the rise in Malaysia – and with good reason. Though Malaysia has highly developed urban regions, it is also home to a rich ecology and diverse geography.

For the nature-interested traveller, this Southeast Asian nation comprises mountains and highlands; beaches and countless tropical islands; rainforests and mangrove estuaries plus much more. The well-organized tourism infrastructure and wealth of natural locations and activities help make Malaysia one of the world’s top destinations for environmentally-conscious travel. Malaysia is an exciting as well as convenient location for a dizzying choice of eco-holidays.

What follows are five general ideas for eco-breaks in Malaysia. There is naturally plenty of cross-over between and among these categories and lots of variety within each.

Orangutan observation

The sole great apes that are unique to Asia, these wondrous endangered primates are only native to Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysia has well-developed facilities for observing orangutans in the wild and in special rehabilitation centers. Visiting these reserves and centers aids in the protection of habitats which are crucial to the survival of these fascinating and gentle apes.

Places like the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Danum Valley Conservation Area and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve (all located in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo) contain different options for accommodation, ranging from basic camping in tents to comfortable, well-appointed stays at more upscale rainforest lodges.

Orangutan, Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia. Pic: Paul Mannix (Flickr CC).

Orangutan, Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia. Pic: Paul Mannix (Flickr CC).

Other wildlife observation and “volun-tourism”

Besides orangutans, Malaysia is home to a host of other amazing examples of wildlife. Some need your help! Nesting sea turtles are very vulnerable to poachers. Those who wish to combine a holiday with the chance to assist local endangered species can incorporate volunteer work like helping turtles or regrowing coral into a scuba diving vacation or other nature break.

This short description comes from an article on “Ethical turtle tourism” from The Star: “The volunteers conduct daily dinner-time briefing sessions, educating guests about turtles and the threats they face, during which they remind guests to switch off their mobile phones and avoid camera flashes on the beach at night.”

Other options include visiting elephant sanctuaries in the rainforest or even wildlife refuges for endangered wild cattle, called guar.

Ecological agricultural tourism

Those into eating and growing organic food might be interested in a bit of agricultural tourism. Visits to ecological rice, produce and seafood farms can be far more exiting than the idea sounds. These farms are often located in beautiful surroundings and visitors can incorporate jungle trekking, cycling, mountain climbing and river expeditions into their stay.

Kahang Organic Rice Farm features accommodation ranging from camping to “floating chalets” in the rice fields. Of course food is also a major part of each stay, with meals composed of a range of fresh organic fruit, vegetables, fish and rice.

National parks

Malaysia is home to several national parks, two of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. One such site is Kinabalu National Park in Malaysian Borneo, which contains the country’s tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu, and around 4,500 species of flora and fauna. The other UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia is Gunung Mulu National Park, also on the island of Borneo. Gunung Mulu National Park is the world’s most studied tropical karst area, contains a 2,377 meter-high sandstone pinnacle (from which the park gets its name) and some 295 km of explored caves. The park is also well-known for its rich variety of plant life, and its canyons, rivers and dense, rainforest-covered mountains.

Gunung Mulu pinnacles. Pic: Paul White (Flickr CC).

Gunung Mulu pinnacles. Pic: Paul White (Flickr CC).

Besides these two UNESCO sites, there are 26 other national parks plus many state parks and reserves in Malaysia, protecting most of the nation’s forest land. Nearly three quarters of Malaysia is covered in trees and natural forests. These forests are extremely biodiverse in flora and are also where fauna such as clouded leopards, Sumatran rhinos, Malaysian tigers, Asian sun bears, monitor lizards and orangutans can be found.

Malaysia’s national parks include not only forest land, but lowlands full of rivers, atolls, coral reefs and scores of islands. These parks encompass the main eco-tourism destinations in the country.

Water-based activities

Loaded with islands, rivers and coastline, Malaysia is a dream location for eco-friendly water activities like diving, snorkeling and river rafting.

White water rafting is possible at grades I-V (tame to very dangerous) in many rivers located in the country’s national parks. Popular diving and snorkeling spots include Tioman, a small island located within the Mersing Marine Park, and the 9-island archipelago of Redang inside Redang Marine Park.

Tioman Island. Pic: Le Journal de Maman (Flickr CC).

Tioman Island. Pic: Le Journal de Maman (Flickr CC).

Naturally, Malaysia’s many islands provide ample opportunity for scuba diving and snorkeling among coral reefs.

I hope this list provided you with some inspiration and ideas for an unforgettable Malaysian eco-break. For a more information on responsible tourism, volun-tourism and eco-friendly holidays in Malaysia I recommend a visit to the Wild Asia website.