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Malaysia Travel Guide

Bizarre wildlife found in the jungles of exotic Borneo

Ask any Malaysian what is the first thing that comes to mind when they think of Sarawak and we bet most of them would give you the same answer: Magnificent mountains, wildlife, age-old rainforests, beautiful beaches and colossal caves.

This natural landscape allows for extraordinary biodiversity to exist while nurturing some of the world’s best-kept secrets… Or should we say, creatures? Most people have heard stories about the ubiquitous Hornbill that’s emblemetic to Sarawak but what’s out there that maybe you haven’t heard about?

Read on and learn about some of the most exotic and adorable, (OK sometimes!) animals that call our beautiful jungle home. We’ll even tell you where you can find them so you can play your own fun game of “Where’s Waldo?” Malaysian Wildlife edition! Believe us, there is #MoreSarawak than you know!

Horsfield’s Tarsier

These adorable little critters look eerily similar to a particular character from Star Wars. If you’re guessing Yoda, you’re right! Except that they don’t talk in riddles or read your minds – their superpower lies in their excellent leaping and climbing skills.

They are nocturnal, but thankfully, their big eyes to help them manoeuvre in the dark. Interesting fact, the size of one eyeball of the Horsfield’s Tarsier is the same as their brain. This makes them the largest-eyed mammal in the world relative to their body size!

Tarsier clinging to a branch

Photo by Christine Wehrmeier on Unsplash

Don’t be fooled by their cute demeanour, though! They are the only living carnivorous primate species. They feed on insects and small invertebrates, using their sharp sense of hearing and their nifty hands to detect and ensnare their prey.

Where to find them: Mulu National Park

Sun Bear

Even though they’re small, they can be very aggressive so if you see one, don’t mistake it for a cuddly teddy bear! The sun bear is arboreal, so you’ll need to keep your eyes on the trees if you want to see one and you can only see them in our rain forests in Southeast Asia.

They are essential to our ecosystem because they help disperse seeds while also keeping pesky termites in check, which means there is less destruction of our tropical trees which in turn means our atmosphere is clean enough for us to live healthily.

When they do come down from the trees, they also dig for invertebrates in the soil, enhancing the forest’s nutrient cycle through the mixing of rich and poor soil. Unfortunately, their global population has declined 30% over the last few years, making them the second rarest bear species next to the Giant Panda.

wildlife in Borneo - sun bear

iStock: wrangel

Their tongues are up to 25 cm long and help them to satiate their voracious appetite for honey. Because of this, they are also sometimes known as “honey bears”. You can tell the Sun Bear apart from other bear species from the horseshoe marks on their chest. Fun fact: No two markings are the same!

Where to see them: Matang Wildlife Centre

Microhyla Nepenthicola

If that’s too much of a mouthful, you can call it the “Matang narrow-mouthed frog”. That’s only the easy part. Spotting one of these rare creatures in the wild is, well rare! This newly discovered species is the second smallest frog in the world, around the size of a pea, and they make their homes around pitcher plants. They can only be found near Mount Serapi which is located in Kubah National Park.

wildlife in Borneo - second smallest frog in the world

Source: Reuters

They were discovered after scientists tracked the unique and powerful croaks of the males. Talk about a little body with a big voice! Because they were only discovered recently, not much is known about them. However, if you are lucky enough to spot one, make sure you are wearing ear plugs!

Where to find them: Kubah National Park

Sambar Deer

Did you know that the heaviest recorded Sambar Deer weighed an eye watering 550kg?! That’s slightly more than half a ton! So if you do go looking for the Sambar deer, make sure you are wearing running shoes!

sambar deer at matang wildlife center

Source: Matang Widlife Center

Despite their relatively large stature, these animals are pretty elusive; They are only really active at dusk and at night. When disturbed, their first instinct is to freeze before responding to predators with loud barks and foot stomping.

If that isn’t enough to frighten anyone or anything, their mane will rise in a confrontational manner! Imagine this half-a-ton of muscle and jungle survivor towering over you! Like I said, make sure you are wearing running shoes.

Where to find them: Mulu National Park and Matang Wildlife Center

Lesser Mouse Deer

Don’t be fooled by its name! Even though they look like a combination of a mouse and a cute deer, the mouse deer is neither a mouse nor a deer! Confusing I know but you can’t blame us for its name!

These shy, mysterious little critters are less than 50cm long and can be found on forest floors feeding on leaves, shoots, fruits and sometimes even fungi. With round bodies and spindly legs, they look almost like plush toys!

lesser mouse deer

Source: critterfacts.com

But while they may look like toys, peek inside a Mouse Deer’s mouth (we don’t recommend you do so), and you’ll find long fangs that give Dracula a run for his money!

Despite being land mammals, they can also hold their breath for up to four minutes and to escape prey, they’ll often leap into water and actually scurry across river beds to avoid getting caught! Yes, they can even hold their breath for 4 minutes underwater!

Due to their small size, they are commonly preyed upon by other animals, so they have to live quiet and secluded lives. However, a male will angrily beat his hooves when agitated or to ward off predators and warn other Mouse Deer of danger.

Where to find them: Lambir Hills National Park

Hornbill

There are so many things to be said about our state mascot. Sporting majestic beaks, Hornbills have impressive neck muscles (to support the weight of their regal bills) and are incredibly loyal to their families. They mate for life and will bond to defend each other against predators!

These beautiful feathered creatures also have their own ‘language’ – They speak to each other in a sort of morse code! It’s been said that the noise resembles that of a steam engine. This form of ‘communication’ is especially important and it’s how a male Hornbill sends messages to his mate through the barricade she makes during her nesting period.

rhinocerous hornbill

Source: Casper1774 Studio/Shutterstock

Hornbills have a great significance in Dayak culture. For them, Hornbills signify the spirit of God, and they have to be treated with respect. It is said that if a Hornbill is sighted flying over their residences, good luck will be granted to the whole community!

Altogether there are 54 species of Hornbills in the world, 8 of which are found in Sarawak! No wonder Sarawak is known as the “Land of the Hornbills”.

Where to find them: Piasau Nature Reserve, Mulu National Park, Tanjung Datu National Park and Batang Ai National Park

Slow Loris

Tiny, cute, big eyes… But not cuddly! Although they look adorable, these nocturnal creatures are one of the few venomous mammals in the world.

slow lorris clinging to tree branch

Source: wordatlas.com

Surf the internet long enough and you might recall watching a video of a Slow Loris getting tickled. What many people don’t know is that the pose of the Slow Loris of its arms raised is a defensive pose and not one of enjoyment.

Unfortunately, not many people knew this, and when this video gained traction, many people wanted to own Slow Lorises as pets because of how ‘cute’ it looked.

As slow lorises are venomous with a potentially deadly bite, their sharp pointed teeth are often clipped with nail cutters without anaesthesia for the pet trade.

This makes the pet trade one of the greatest threats to the survival of this species, which places them as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. Here in Sarawak we’re protecting all our Slow Loris as best we can. Have fun looking for them but don’t try and tickle them!

Where to find them: Bako National Park

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Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

MasterChef Ping Coombes Finds Inspiration for her Malaysian Recipes

sarawak local and ethnic food for masterchef

WHEN Malaysian-born Ping Coombes came out with a cookery book, Malaysia, after winning MasterChef UK in 2014, a fan remarked that she should include East Malaysian cuisines of Sabah and Sarawak to complete her repertoire of Malaysian recipes.

Point taken, she makes it her mission to embark on a culinary adventure to Sabah and Sarawak.

Read more at Borneo Post Online

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Categories
Malaysia Travel Guide

Sarawak’s rich river gateway

Darul Hana Bridge spanning the Sarawak river

‘From a Kiwi perspective, it’s still an under-the-radar destination. Sarawak’s gateway city of Kuching is a quick hop from Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, loaded with heritage, culture and culinary discovery, as Mike Yardley writes.

It’s easy to fast become enamoured with Kuching, sweeping you up in its warm, hospitable and clingy tropical embrace.’

Read more at Otago Daily Times Online News 

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Categories
Tourism Malaysia

20 Destinations in Malaysia for the Eco-Traveler

Eco-Traveler.

Who, and what exactly. is the
Eco-traveller?

According to the International Ecotourism
Society, eco-travel  is
“responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment,
sustains the well-beings and involves interpretation and education”

It basically begs the question of how we can travel greener? Yes, be that
person who is conscious of their natural surroundings, and strive to minimize the
impact of their presence to the environment.

How can we be ‘greener’?

First of all, educate yourself. Learn about the natural resources and attractions of the area. See how you can create as minimal an impact as possible, keeping the destination or attraction as pure as possible for future visitors.

Canopy Walk in Taman Negara

One very good way to learn is by volunteering. There are many
ways a person can participate in volunteerism,
and this way, the benefits are two-thronged – both parties gain a little from
the experience.

Another way is by incorporating good, ‘green’ habits in your
daily life – reduce use of plastic (drinking straws, disposable
containers),  recycle and reuse as much
as possible, and aim for zero-waste, especially food.

Lush green rainforests cover a large area of West Malaysia and regions in Malaysia Borneo, and Malaysia too is home to an impressive diverse marine life. Love the beach? We have that too, in abundance! All of these places welcome visitors. Responsible visitors, more so! Read on!!

Fancy the Jungle?

Some wildlife within the National Park
  1. Sg
    Yu Forest Reserve, Pahang

Located on the edge of Taman Negara Pahang, Sg Yu Forest reserve is a large forest reserve under the Permanent Forest Estate (PFE) of Peninsular Malaysia that is a mixture of secondary and primary forest. The area is home to a number of wildlife, including elephants, tapir, a few species of deer, as well as a variety of hornbills.

If you feel up to it, you could also opt for a guide to visit some ‘Orang Asli’ Settlement which can be found along the river throughout the Park.

2. Royal Belum State Park, Perak

The huge Royal Belum State Park is located in the northern parts of Peninsular Malaysia, and is part of the much larger Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex which is shared with Thailand. Together with Taman Negara Pahang, they form the oldest rainforest in the world at over 130 million years old! Belum has the huge potential of becoming one of Malaysia’s premier eco-tourism destination choice.

The tree tops of the rainforests

There’s much to see and do around Belum State Park. As many of the attractions are located along Lake Temenggor, exploring by boat would be the best option. There are trails to hike, falls and ponds to dip in and cool off, and wildlife to look out for. Boars, tapirs, the white-handed gibbon and the Malaysian sunbear roam free in these jungles, as well as the elusive Malayan tiger. If you’re in luck, you may even stumble across a rafflesia. And don’t forget to look up, in search of the various hornbills within the area.

The small rapids and gushing falls… hard to resist!

3. Kilim Geopark, Langkawi

Part of the UNESCO network of global geoparks, the Langkawi Geopark Forest is first of its kind in the South East Asia Region. It covers 100 square kilometres of nature reserve and countless nature wonders, including flora and fauna.

The beautiful diverse natural geological, biological and cultural resources makes Kilim unique, especially the co-existence of coastal karst and mangrove ecosystems. One recommended way to surround yourself, and embrace the spectrum of geological and natural heritage, is by taking a kayak tour, with an experienced guide of course!

Kilim Geopark – Kayak Adventure

Apart from the rich mangrove flora and geological wonders, look out also for the Pit Viper, whose natural habitat lays within this mangrove.

4. Mulu National Park, Sarawak

If you refer to Gunung Mulu National
Park’s official website, you will learn that “to qualify for world heritage status a property must meet
one of the four following criteria:”

  • Be an
    outstanding example of the world’ geological history (Caves and cave deposits)
  • Be and
    outstanding representative example of on-going evolutionary processes (current research
    programmes)
  • Be of
    exceptional beauty!
  • Contain
    significant natural habitat for in-situ conservation of biological diversity
    and the protection of threatened species (wide range of cave and forest
    habitats).

And amazingly, Mulu meets all four criteria!

The Pinnacles, Mulu National Park

Needless to say, you will be enthralled with all that Mulu National Park has to offer!

5. Penang National Park, Teluk Bahang Penang

While
you can hike to the National Park, it is advisable to take a boat so that you
can cover more area, and experience the different nature attractions within the
Park. Within the park is a rare meromictic lake, a lake of two separate layers
of salt and fresh water do not mix. Pick the time and season you visit very
carefully because the wrong timing will see the lake rather dry!

Further along the beach, you will find the Penang Turtle Sanctuary. Here, Green Turtles and Olive Ridley Turtles are the two most common species that come to lay their eggs.

Turtle Hatcheries

Perhaps experience a jungle within a
city?

If you are in a rush, and can only squeeze in a quick visit, and yet still wish enjoy a bit of nature, then consider the following in-the-city rendezvous places.

6. National Botanical Park, Shah Alam Selangor

The National Botanical Park in Shah Alam covers and impressive 72 hectares, and is among the favourite destinations for locals to experience a bit of nature and provide some fun education for their kids. There are farm animals, an aviary, and some other common small mammals for the kids to enjoy and interact with.

The National Botanical Park

7. FRIM, Selangor

FRIM, or the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, is one of the leading institutions in tropical forestry research. An introduction in its official website states that 545-ha site “was gazetted as a Natural Heritage Site on 10 February 2009 under the National Heritage Act 2005, and officially declared as a National Heritage on 10 May 2012. FRIM is working towards attaining the recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.”

Visitors are welcome to picnic, trek or even camp within their grounds, limited to the visitor guidelines issued by the Institute. Bird watching is another encouraged activity within FRIM’s grounds.

8. Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur

Recently renamed KL Forest Eco-Park, the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is a small patch of rainforest located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, at the base of the KL Tower, one of the tallest telecommunications structures in the world. This small patch of greenery within the bustling city preserves many species and features of the original rainforest that covered Kuala Lumpur a long time ago.

Nature Vs Technology

There are several trails that run through the reserve, but are mainly to one side of the hill. The main entrance is located near Jalan Raja Chulan but it is most convenient to take the KL LRT and proceed on foot from the Dang Wangi LRT Station.

Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, Kuala Lumpur

Fancy a bit of diving? Or just snorkeling?

Sandy beaches, clear waters

9. Pulau Perhentian, Terengganu

Located just off the edge of Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian, which means ‘stopover island’, should not be missed. The island consists of two islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar (literally Big Island) and Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Island). Of the two, the Small Island is preferred due to less development and the absence of huge resorts.

Covered largely by unspoilt jungle, gentle swaying palms, sparkling white powdery beaches and the enticing sapphire gleaming waters, Pulau Perhentian is a sanctuary for fishermen, migratory birds and of course, the discerning holiday-makers. The excellent seascape offers endless opportunity for diving and snorkeling, with gentle turtles and fleeting fishes surrounding you.

10. Pulau Lang Tengah, Terengganu

Located between Redang and Perhentian Islands, Lang Tengah is a precious gem, very low key and not as heavily visited. The clear tropical waters surrounding the island, which is also a designated marine park, are teeming with corals and sea life which occasionally include sharks and rays. Green turtles commonly come to nest during the season which starts from April to October, and the hawksbill turtle makes an occasional appearance as well. The island is also covered with primary forest, and has a wide variety of birds, lizards, frogs and insects.

11. Pulau Tiga, Sabah

Gained ‘popularity’, thanks to the Survivor Series, Pulau Tiga is surrounded by the pristine South China Sea. Once there, you can opt to hike in the jungle, visit the nearby Snake Island to spot some wildlife, or choose to camp in the wilderness. Mud pools are also available for that beauty therapy you’ve been wanting to get!

Leave nothing but footprints!

12. Lankayan Island, Sabah

Slightly differing from all the above, Lankayan is a private luxury island, but would still be much appreciated by the discerning eco-traveller who wouldn’t mind splurging once in a while. They offer luxurious beachfront, as well as over-the-water chalets, for that unique holiday experience.

One of the many islands off Sabah waters

There are 4 dive wrecks to choose from if you fancy a bit of underwater activity, and located along what is known as the ‘Sea Turtle Corridor’ you will not be disappointed!

13. Talang Satang National Marine Park, Sarawak

The Talang Satang National Park is a national
park in Kuching Division, Sarawak, Malaysia. It is Sarawak’s first marine
protected area, and covers the four islands Pulau Talang-Talang Besar, Pulau
Talang-Talang Kecil, Pulau Satang Besar and Pulau Satang Kecil and surrounding
coral reefs.

The Park is mainly set up as a turtle sanctuary,
of which three of the islands are known as Sarawak’s “Turtle Islands”.

Or maybe wildlife are more your thing?

14. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Pahang

The Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary,
which lies within the Krau Wildlife Reserve, is the only one of its kind in
Malaysia. The centre’s main objective is to relocate elephants which natural habitats
have been encroached for development, to a safer, more suitable, permanent area
such as the Taman Negara. Orphaned elephants are also raised and given shelter
here.

The centre welcomes visitors, and is open throughout the year, and conducts various public awareness activities. There is no entrance fees, but donations are welcome. For those interested, there are also volunteer programs available.

15. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Set up in 1964, its main purpose was to
rehabilitate orphaned and displaced orangutans before sending them back into
the forest.

Today, the centre also provides medical care and shelter for other species of wildlife as well, including sun bears, gibbons, Sumatran rhinos and occasionally, elephants.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Visitors are treated to witnessing the feeding of the orangutans twice a day, from a designated platform and viewing gallery which is accessible via a boardwalk through the forest. Here, visitors aren’t allowed any physical contact with the orangutans to help and keep diseases at bay. Sepilok also had a volunteer program, as well as ‘adopt an orangutan’ program for those who are interested.

16. Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is considered the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia, comprising an area of approximately 300,000 acres! Tabin was declared a Wildlife Reserve mainly due to the large number of animals inhabiting the forests, some of which are highly endangered. Three of Sabah’s largest mammals are found in Tabin, and they are the Sumatran Rhino, Pygmy Elephant and Tembadau, and many other species of wildlife that are protected.

17. Turtle Island, Sabah

Selingan Island, or more commonly referred to as Turtle Island, is
the second largest of the three islands with an area of 8 hectares and is also
the first turtle hatchery in Malaysia.

The number of visitors who can stay overnight on the island is restricted, and you will need to apply for permits to visit the island. Basic accommodation is available, as the best time to see the turtles lay eggs are after dusk, and there is also a visitor centre where you can learn more about the conservation efforts carried out by the centre all these years.

A turtle laying eggs; leave her tracks behind; park rangers place the eggs in hatcheries

Both Green and Hawksbill Turtles come to shore throughout the year to lay their eggs. However, the peak season for the Greens turtles is between July to October while the peak season for the Hawksbill turtles is between February to April.

18. Semenggoh Nature Reserve, Sarawak

Situated
just a short distance away from the city of Kuching in Sarawak, The Semenggoh Nature
Reserve serves as a mostly-temporary home the gentle Orangutans.  Established in 1975, it initially became a
centre for injured and captured orangutans, and has now developed into a place
where visitors can learn about other rare and endemic species as well. The
orangutans are trained to get back to the centre during their feeding times,
but when it is fruiting season and they can forage for food themselves, they
sometimes do not appear.

Rare
flora and fauna can also be found here, and you will appreciate the sounds of
the jungle when you drop by for a visit.

You may also opt for the cooler highlands…

19. Cameron Highlands, Pahang

Cameron
Highlands is easily the most popular highland retreats in Malaysia, offering a
moderate climate ranging between18 to 25 degrees Celcius.

However, this moderate weather also serves as a ‘curse’ to the destination as the environment makes it an ideal location for growing various produce, both for local consumption as well as for export.

Tea Plantation

During
the Colonial era, the British grew tea on the fertile mountain slopes, and
these plantations exist till today. More suited as a family getaway, places
like Cameron Highlands can offer a pleasant surprise to the discerning eco-tourist.
 

Hiking trails and breathtaking views await you!

20. Fraser’s Hill, Pahang

Fraser’s Hill is one of the
oldest, but less popular, highland resort destination located among the mountains
of Pahang. Only 2 hours away from Kuala Lumpur, this cooling retreat offers
nature activities which include jungle trekking

The iconic Fraser’s Hill clock tower sits in the middle of the quaint village town, always a popular photo spot.

Fraser’s Hill Clock Tower

Fraser’s Hill is also hosts the International Bird Race, which has
been  an annual event since 1988. The
main objectives of the bird race is to encourage the preservation of nature,
considering there are over 250 species of birds within the area, as well as to
promote Fraser’s Hill as a bird sanctuary.

Categories
Tourism Malaysia

12 LUXURY LOVE NESTS FOR SNUGGLING WITH YOUR PARTNER IN MALAYSIA

There’s nothing like a nice, romantic holiday to celebrate those relationship goals. If you are looking for dreamy getaways with your partner — whether for a holiday, a honeymoon or a romantic tryst — then look no further than Malaysia. We share with you here some of the romantic “love nests” that’s perfect for enjoying each other’s company with lots of cuddles, hugs and kisses, along with the opportunity to experience more of this tropical country!

Scenic by the Sea
Besides gazing into your lover’s eyes, these two seaside retreats are also quite soothing to the eyes with great expanses of sun, sea and surf to enjoy!

Four Seasons Resort, Langkawi Island, Kedah

The Four Seasons Resort, featured in the film, Crazy Rich Asians, offers luxurious villas in a Malay-style village setting. Its beautiful white beach with a view of the Andaman Sea and unique rock formations is the perfect lazing spot for two.

 

Japamala, Tioman Island, Pahang

On Tioman Island in the east coast of Malaysia, JapaMala has created a niche for itself as a jungle-luxe boutique resort situated amid the lush green surroundings of Malaysia’s forests. With only about a dozen villas with stunning sea views all around, lovers will think it’s heaven on earth just for two.

 

A Little Bit of Culture
How about injecting a bit of local culture into your love life? Malaysia’s diverse population is a chance to immerse yourself in unique cultures and traditions.

The Majestic Malacca, Melaka

A stay at this 54-room 90-year-old mansion with its beautiful teakwood fittings, porcelain flooring and European roof tiles and exquisite service quality, will easily bring to life the elegance of Melaka past. Immerse yourself in therich Melaka heritage with a cooking class with a local chef or walking tours to the surrounding UNESCO heritage areas.

 

 

Terrapuri Heritage Village, Terengganu

Experience what it’s like to live in a century-old classic Malay home, set in a resort that’s inspired by the 17th century Terengganu Palace and its courtyards. These architectural beauties recognize the genius of yesteryear architects and each house has a stunning story to tell! If you and your partner are a fan of built-design and local aesthetics, then you will fall in love with Terrapuri, too.

 

Seven Terraces

Roam about the UNESCO Heritage City of George Town from the opulent setting of the Seven Terraces Hotel. Dripping in traditional Chinese architecture and the romance and splendor of the Peranakan era, the hotel is a restful oasis to relive the elegance of the past.

 

Healthy Retreats
Keep the romance healthy by spending time with each other in these wellness resorts where the focus is on physical, mental, spiritual and emotional health through tailor-made programmes covering healthy eating and fitness, set within the natural landscapes of Malaysia.

Orchard Wellness, Melaka

Here, guests can enjoy nature, space and tranquility while indulging in treatments that follow wellness and medical concepts specifically designed for individual guests. It is set in a tropical fruit farm where guests can go fruit-picking for durian, mangosteen and rambutan while getting their chakras aligned!

 

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Perak

This spa-type resort is just the place to relax and unwind with your loved one for a healthily-ever-after! Surrounded by beautiful natural limestones, guests can dip into geothermal hotspring pools, meditate in 280-year-old natural caves, improve a stagnant chi or revitalize a tired chakra at the Spa and Wellness Centre.

 

Adventures in Love
If you and your partner want to get up to some thrilling adventures, then let us suggest something smack in nature!

Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Whether you consider yourself a bird lover, a herpetologist or a casual nature lover, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest in the country, has plenty of adventures to keep you occupied and amazed. And after you tire of your adventures at the end of the day, cuddle up in their cozy lodges before taking on the next day’s explorations.

 

Belum Rainforest Resort, Perak

Enjoy the beauty of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest literally at your doorstep when you choose to stay at Belum Rainforest Resort. You and your lover can enjoy many thrilling adventures such as jungle trekking into the 130-million year old rainforest, kayaking on the vast Temengor Lake and more!

 

Love in the City
Want to spend some intimate moments without being too far from the conveniences of the city? Check out our romantic city retreats.

23Love Lane Hotel, George Town, Penang

With a name like this, surely it would be perfect for lovers! 23Love Lane is a charming 10-room hotel restored to retain its heritage quality, with a garden courtyard located in a quiet lane within Penang’s UNESCO Heritage City. Enjoy the still and cozy atmosphere just steps away from lively George Town where you can easily explore the mélange of cultures.

 

The Ruma, Kuala Lumpur

Nestled in the very heart of Kuala Lumpur’s Golden Triangle and just steps away from the Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC, The RuMa has created an elegant and serene sanctuary right in the middle of the city. It captures the intimacy of a home run by an accomplished host who will take care of all the things that need taken care of, so you can focus on showering much love to your lover.

 

The Village House, Kuching, Sarawak

This idyllic hideaway is just a few minutes’ away from the hustle and bustle of Kuching city, yet it offers an oasis of calm for couples wanting to reconnect. This adults-only sanctuary (they only accept guests aged over 12 years) is one of the best places to marvel at the magnificent Borneo sunset in total privacy.