Eco-Adventures in Malaysia
Today Malaysia is known around the world as a destination for a host of nature-based activities and eco-tourism. Be it from challenging rock climbing or cross-jungle trekking to wild rafting in frothing rivers, diving in calm seas to parasailing in the multi-hued skies — it’s all here.
o From the primordial rainforest in Taman Negara to the wildlife sanctuaries at Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan floodplains in Sabah, Malaysia’s ancient forests offer vast possibilities for trekking and camping.
o Mountain and rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy conquering Malaysia’s steep mountains, rock faces and cliffs.
The most popular rock climbing sites are near or around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state, namely the famous Batu Caves and Bukit Takun to the city’s north.
o Caving enjoys a good following in Malaysia. The country is endowed with a vast number of limestone caves including the famous Deer, Lang and Clear Water Caves in Mulu National Park, a World Heritage Site in Sarawak.
o Those looking for thrills can try white-water rafting as Malaysia has its share of good rafting sites. These include Sungai Sungkai in Perak and Sungai Selangor in Kuala Kubu Baru. Sungai Endau, Jeram Besu and Sungai Lipis in Pahang and Sungai Tembeling in Taman Negara are also popular rafting sites.
Malaysia’s rugged undulating terrain, dense rainforests crossed by rapid rivers make it an irresistible destination for four wheel drive (4WD) expeditions. The heat, mud, rolling hills and rainstorms add to the challenge in the grueling yet exhilarating sport of off-road driving.
Another popular sport in Malaysia is mountain biking. Malaysia is also renowned for its popular birding sites. With over 600 species in the peninsula and about 580 species in Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia has emerged as a bird watching haven. Several excellent bird watching sites include Fraser’s Hill, the Kuala Selangor Nature Park and Taman Negara. Over in Sabah, visit the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, a feeding ground for many species of resident birds and several migratory species from Northern Asia. Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage Site with its own endemics is just two hours away.
