Eco-Tourism
Adventure and nature lovers’ paradise.
Since ancient times, adventurers and explorers have come to Malaysian shores, attracted by its diverse natural wealth and embraced by its gentle people. Today, Malaysia is known around the world as a destination for a host of nature-based activities and ecotourism. From challenging rock climbing or cross-jungle trekking at different mountain zones to whitewater rafting in frothing rivers, or diving in calm seas to parasailing in the multihued skies – it’s all here.
More than half of Malaysia’s 127,320 square miles is covered by tropical rainforests that host a bewildering array of exotic and protected plants and animals. Unique treasures include rare species of flora and fauna found only at Mount Kinabalu, or wondrous geological formations such as the Mulu Caves. Even as one of the world’s oldest rainforests, Taman Negara, estimated at 130 million years old, can be found here.
Malaysia offers myriad experiences to satisfy the adventure and nature lovers’ quests.
There is an exciting array of activities for all ages and groups, ranging from amateurs and families to the serious enthusiasts and professionals.
The country is becoming increasingly popular as a venue for international nature-based competitions. Even international adventure-themed reality shows or films have found their perfect locations in Malaysia. Adventure and nature are all here in the tropical country of Malaysia. Come and enjoy it to the fullest.
Jungle Discoveries
With its glorious vistas, verdant undulating terrain and varied tropical landscapes, Malaysia’s beautiful rainforests offer vast possibilities for trekking and camping. The country’s many national parks and wildlife reserves are ideal for communing with nature and discovering her secrets.
From the primordial rainforest of Taman Negara to the wildlife sanctuaries at Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan floodplains, some of Asia’s well-preserved environments offer nature lovers a wealth of experiences.
While amateurs may try Malaysia’s many easily accessible recreational forests near urban centers, seasoned explorers can go for challenging weeklong treks up mountains such as Gunung Tahan, the tallest peak in Peninsular Malaysia.
The Belum Temengor Rainforest is home to vast number of unique flora and fauna. This primeval forest remains one of the largest untouched forest reserves in Peninsular Malaysia, and perhaps the world. Part of a group of forest reserves located in the State of Perak, the complex is home to over 3,000 species of flora, the best known probably being the majestic Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. 3 species of Rafflesia namely Azlanii, Kerrii and Cantley can be found in this area. There are also 64 species of ferns, one of which seems blue from one angle, then green from another, a true optical delight. Then there are the 62 species of moss which are not known to exist anywhere else in the world.
Nature explorers will certainly fall in love with the Maliau Basin located in Sabah. It is an excellent site for jungle trekking and bird watching. It contains an unusual assemblage of 12 forest types, comprising mainly of lower montane forest dominated by majestic Agathis trees, rare montane heath forest and lowland, and hill dipterocarp forest. The highlight of the adventure is to trek the majestic 7 tiers Maliau Falls.
For the uninitiated, having a trained local guide is necessary to ensure safety and for insightful information about the amazing and precious diversity of flora and fauna in the ecosystem. Tropical rainforests are dense, and the thick vegetation provides camouflage for the jungle denizens. It takes patience and a trained eye to spot them.
Treasures and Senses of The Rainforest
Malaysia’s primeval and unexplored rainforests offer intrepid trekkers great opportunities to observe tropical flora and fauna. The wilds of Malaysia overflow with fantastic plant and animal diversity that can be found in the competitive conditions of the ecosystem. Many species are exotic, rare or even endemic to the particular region and are protected animals in the country. For instance, tigers and elephants are among the protected species in Endau-Rompin.
Generally, most rainforest animals are shy or camouflage themselves to avoid predators, and also as a tactic when hunting. ‘Bumbun’ or tower hides and canopy walks, such as at Taman Negara, aid those eager to detect the inhabitants.
Take the time to spot many insects and butterflies flitting about in the forests of Peninsular Malaysia. Marvel at the pendulous nose of the proboscis monkeys found at Sukau in Sabah and Bako in Sarawak. Listen to the swooshing wing beats of colorful hornbills in the vales of Sarawak or the call of gibbons echoing at dawn in Danum Valley in Sabah.
Mountain Climbing
Climbing up mountains is a wonderful way to discover the diversity and uniqueness of Malaysia’s natural landscape, starting from the tropical rainforest in the lowlands to the mountain vegetation at higher elevations. River crossings and gushing waterfalls along the way add to the adventure.
There are mountains to tempt every level of climbers. Regardless of difficulty level, with each ascent you make, you will be rewarded with awe-inspiring sights and discoveries that will expand your mind. From easier walks in the cool comfort of Peninsular Malaysia’s Main Range to the more challenging peaks of Malaysian Borneo, like the via ferrata in Mount Kinabalu, you will not be disappointed.
Mountain Torq’s via ferrata, located at Mount Kinabalu’s Panar Laban rock face, is the first in not just Malaysia but also Asia. It begins at 3,411 meters and ends at 3,776 meters, making it the world’s highest, certified by Guinness World Records. It’s a four to six hours hike from Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Opened in December 2007, it is an alternative route to the top of Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 metres above sea level.
The via ferrata, or ‘iron road’ in Italian, is a mountain path that consists of a series of steel rungs, rails and cables embedded into the rock face, opening up routes to the average hiker that were previously only accessible to experienced rock climbers and mountaineers with specialized equipments. Mountain Torq’s via ferrata is approximately 1.2 kilometres long and traverses routes of varying difficulties, thus catering to all levels of experience, from beginners to intermediate hikers and climbers.
River Cruising
For nature lovers who wish to experience wildlife adventure as an alternative to trekking, river cruising is the perfect choice. In Malaysia, there are many rivers and mangrove areas where wildlife can be viewed from the water. Riverine and mangrove habitats are home to large amounts of indigenous flora and fauna; and animals are naturally drawn to water sources for drinking and cooling.
Whether for serious exploring or just a leisurely outing, a river cruise is the escape to another world. Glide beneath large overhanging, rustling trees and the call of birds, and keep your eyes peeled for creatures below the surface. Be rewarded with scenic hill views or spectacular limestone formations on the way, and end the cruise at a waterside stop for a meal amidst the splendor of nature.
There are navigable rivers in all parts of Malaysia as well as swampy mangroves along much of the coasts. The most suitable for wildlife exploration are those with calmer waters where the observer can look out patiently with binoculars and cameras ready.
‘Sungai’ is the Malaysian word for river, and one of the more established sites for cruising is Taman Negara in Pahang. The approximately two-hour upriver cruise from the Tembeling Jetty to Kuala Tahan offers nature lovers the opportunity to observe wildlife such as monkeys, monitor lizards, kingfishers as well as buffaloes along the banks. The park is home to more than 14,000 species of flora.
Sungai Kilim in Langkawi Island is where tree crabs, iguanas, and macaques are seen among the trees and mangroves. A thrilling highlight is watching the eagles swoop down on the feed thrown into the water.
Sungai Selangor, just two hours from Kuala Lumpur, is famous for its firefly colonies that flicker together like festival lights. A similar fireflies cruise is found in the Santubong area in Sarawak and Kampung Ibok in Terengganu.
In Sarawak, there are also riverine or coastal cruises outside Kuching where you can watch crocodiles along the riverbanks or venture a little further out of the estuaries for dolphin sightings.
The Kinabatangan River, Sabah’s longest river is home to a rich profusion of wildlife, much of it endemic, but perhaps its biggest draw is one of the largest remaining populations of orangutans.
A small boat cruise on the Kinabatangan River, where the riverbanks are thick with verdant rainforest, will offer the opportunity to see not only these but some of the rest of the spectacular wildlife in Southeast Asia.
Macaques, monitor lizards, pygmy elephants and, perhaps most famously, the proboscis monkey with his unique coloring and large nose, are just some of the wildlife that can be spotted.
Where to Explore Ancient Rainforests
Malaysia Peninsular
Taman Negara National Park, Pahang
If you love rainforests and outdoor activities, Taman Negara National Park is the perfect place for you. Formed 130 million years ago, Taman Negara is one of the oldest rainforests and has a size of 4,343 square kilometers (1,677 square miles). A must-do activity is the world’s longest suspension canopy walk, a 530 meter (1,738 feet) long bridge, suspended 40 meters (131 feet) above the rainforest ground, surrounded by lush greenery with only the tranquil sounds of nature, unperturbed by the rest of the world. Other popular activities are trekking, observing wildlife, caving, fishing, and rapid shooting. You can also visit the “Orang Asli”, also known as the “original people”, in the Aborigines village, where you can get a chance to see their lifestyle and learn their survival skills and way of life such as shooting the blow-pipe and making handicrafts.
Belum Temengor Rainforest (Royal Belum State Park), Perak
Estimated to be more than 130 million years old, Belum Temengor Rainforest, also known as the Royal Belum State Park, is even older than its counterparts in Amazon. Tour the vibrant jungle and get surrounded by wildlife animals and tropical plants. Rafflesia flowers, the world’s largest bloom that is known for its rotting flesh, is a must-see in this rainforest. The rainforest is also home to all the 10 species of hornbill found in Malaysia. While it is difficult to see large wild animals such as the Sumatran rhino, the Asian elephant, and the Malayan tiger you may witness smaller wildlife at the Sungai Papan salt licks. You can also visit the “Orang Asli”, the indigenous people, at Jahai villages. If you visit the ancient rainforest during the fruit season from August to October, you can reserve special boat trips to watch the marvelous tropical birds at their feeding grounds.
Sabah Borneo
Danum Valley, Sabah Borneo
Danum Valley in Sabah, Borneo offers a fantastic experience for wildlife enthusiasts. With more than 15,000 species of plants, 100 species of mammals, 300 species of birds, and thousands of species of insects, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is known as one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. Jungle trekking, bird watching, river tubing, and night hiking are highly recommended. You will find yourself surrounded by wild orangutans swinging between tree branches, the world’s smallest elephants, Pygmy Elephants, wandering along the river streams, rare birds flying around the rainforest, sun bears dangling around the canopies, and insects searching for food on the ground. If you’re an adventure seeker, camping at the Danum Valley Field Center will be your once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Where to Climb
Malaysia Peninsular
Mount Tahan, Pahang
Visitors can test their endurance and climb to the summit of Mount Tahan, the highest mountain in Peninsular Malaysia. This 100 million year old mountain, which is located within the Taman Negara National Park, has a lot to offer in terms of nature with its exotic wildlife, tropical flora, and beautiful rivers. Considered to be a tough trek with a mix of flat and steep sections, plenty of ridges, river crossing, and ravines, Mount Tahan isn’t a climb for beginners. There’re three trails with different levels of difficulty to choose from. Plan ahead and expect to spend at least four days to reach the peak of Mount Tahan. Don’t forget to obtain a hiking permit at the local police station before proceeding to the entrance of the trail.
Sabah Borneo
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo
Perhaps one of the most accessible 4,000+m summits for amateur climbers, Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the most popular one to climb in Southeast Asia. More than 20,000 climbers of all ages summit its peak every year. If you are a daring type you can challenge your stamina and fitness strength with rock climbing throughout the Crocker Range and very steep sections towards the peak. As you conquer the highest mountain in Malaysia, you also get a chance to admire the marvelous landscape and catch a glimpse of the ecosystem around Mount Kinabalu. Due to an enforced quota system, guided tours can fill up as far as three months in advance during the peak season. Booking ahead is highly recommended. Expect to spend at least two days reaching the summit.
Where to River Cruise
Malaysia Peninsular
Sungai Kilim, Langkawi, Kedah
Kilim Geoforest Park in Langkawi is a great place to visit for an exciting river cruise. Popular Kilim Mangrove Tour, which is a three to four hours boat ride, lets you see lush mangroves and wildlife that reside in the park, especially birds like hornbills, Brahminy kites, and giant sea eagles hunting for food. Along the way you can also visit a cave with hundreds of bats, a floating fish farm, and more. At the end of the tour, your boatman will take you to the rock cliff with the “Kilim Geoforest Park” icon. Don’t forget to take some photos of the beautiful landscape on top of the crystal-clear lagoons.
Sabah Borneo
Klias Wetlands, Sabah, Borneo
About a 90-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu, Klias Peninsula, a large coastal wetland that is home to a diverse range of birds, reptiles, mammals, and insects, is a perfect destination for river cruising. A variety of day-trip tour packages from Kota Kinabalu are available. Riding on a small open boat through the mangrove and peat swamp forest in the late afternoon, you may catch a glimpse of the endangered long nose proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, silver-leaf monkeys, otters, and even crocodiles lurking by the riverbank. A sumptuous village-style dinner by the riverside is usually included in the tour packages. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature as the sun goes down. Board the boat again for an evening cruise after sunset, you will be fascinated by the magical night scene of thousands of fireflies lighting up the riverbanks.
Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo
Sabah’s longest river is home to a rich profusion of wildlife, much of it endemic, but perhaps its biggest draw is one of the largest remaining populations of orangutans. A small boat cruise on the Kinabatangan River, where the riverbanks are thick with verdant rainforest, will offer the opportunity to see not only these but some of the rest of the spectacular wildlife in Southeast Asia. Macaques, monitor lizards, pygmy elephants, and, perhaps most famously, the proboscis monkey with his unique coloring and large nose, are just some of the wildlife that can be seen.
Where to Stay
Malaysia Peninsular
Mutiara Taman Negara Eco Park Resort, Taman Negara National Park, Pahang
Being the only resort located in Taman Negara, Mutiara Taman Negara Eco Park Resort is your choice to stay while you visit Taman Negara National Park. You can choose to stay either in a bungalow or chalet that is built between the Tembeling and Tahan rivers. Adventures begin right at your doorstep. You may spot long-tailed macaques, chestnut-breasted malkoha, porcupine, and more wildlife animals during your stay. The resort also provides different types of all-inclusive tour and accommodation explorer packages for you to choose from. You’ll be guided by a professional when you tour the mysterious jungle in Taman Negara.
Website: Mutiara Taman Negara Eco Park Resort
Submit your inquiry online: https://www.mutiaratamannegara.com/contact-us
Telephones: Resort: +6092 663 500, Reservation: +6092 663 234 / +6017 684 4286
Belum Rainforest Resort, Banding Island, Perak
Sits in the heart of the ancient rainforest on the lake island of Banding in Perak, Belum Rainforest Resort is your choice for an eco-luxe getaway. Couples can choose to stay in either a lake-view or a garden-view modern deluxe suite while bigger families can choose to stay at a chalet. At the resort, you get a chance to enjoy the best view of Temengor Lake from the rooftop, swim in the infinity pool, visit the herbal garden to learn about tropical herbs, tour the Stingless Bee Farm, and more. With private boat trips available from its private jetty to the Belum Temengor Rainforest, the resort is a convenient launching pad to explore the jungle. You can reach the ancient rainforest in 30 minutes from the jetty.
Website: Belum Rainforest Resort
Email: sales@belumresort.com
Telephone: +6057 916 800
Sabah Borneo
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo
Stay at the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge that sets along the flowing Danum River, you get a chance to enjoy 5-star service in the pristine rainforest and your exclusive famous canopy walking experience with viewing platforms 27 meters above the forest floor of Danum Valley. The lodge offers buffet with a made-to-order food station that offers authentic Malay food, such as satay cooked over charcoal fire. You can also arrange a private romantic meal that is served by your own chef on the riverbank if you’re visiting with your significant other. If you want to go a little extra, choose to stay at their premium villa and get a chance to use their Swarovski Optik crystal lens binoculars in the room along with other luxurious amenities like the infinity pool.
Website: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Email: info@borneonaturetours.com
Telephones: +6088 267 637, +6088 251 636
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan River, Sabah, Borneo
Hidden away by mist and nestled on the bank of the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, the multi-award winning and Travelife Sustainability certified lodge, is your perfect wildlife and nature destination. With multiple well-curated river safari packages for you to choose from, you and your family can enjoy a carefree all-inclusive vacation and greet by the Borneo’s Big 5, the Pygmy Elephant, Orang Utan, Proboscis Monkey, Crocodiles, and the Rhinoceros Hornbill, in the midst of the Sabah’s longest river.