The most beautiful natural sites to discover Malaysia

A miniature rainforest has been recreated in the Taman Rama Rama Park(rama means "butterfly"), with all the necessary moisture produced by a network of streams and waterfalls. There are 6,000 butterflies of 150 different species, some impressive in size and color, which happily stamp their feet, drunk on the juices of the 15,000 plants available to them. An enchanting experience, although the permanent exhibition area that follows the garden, with vivariums and information panels, could use a little refresher.

Welcome to the largest aviary in the world! It reproduces the natural habitat of birds in a huge park. More than 3,000 birds, including 200 endemic species, live here in a space of 85,000 m². Two shows are performed every day at 12:30 and 15:30. Among the birds in semi-liberty, the rhinoceros toucan, one of the largest toucans in the world, is honored. The photo-souvenir with parakeets, eagles or multicolored macaws is part of the visit. And for the romantics, don't miss the Love aviary and its inseparable birds.

This beautiful 320-hectare park of mangrove and scrubland is a renowned bird reserve: 300,000 migratory birds of 30 different species stop off here every year on specially created artificial lakes. 130 species of birds live here permanently. You can also see monkeys and all the species of the mangrove. There are trails to explore the park. You can pick up a map at reception. You can also rent a cottage for the night.

Gunung Kajang. Paya Beach is the classic starting point for the ascent of Gunung Kajang, the highest point on the island. It takes a full day of hiking to climb the 1,031 metres of altitude difference. The trail winds through the jungle, and sometimes you have to climb big rocks across the slippery path. You may have the chance to see buckshot or snakes during the 5 hours of ascent. The presence of a guide is mandatory.

Waterfall. The shortest and easiest path leads to several waterfalls where you can cool off. Allow 1 hour's walk to the last waterfall (cascade 7).

Gunung Gading. This hike requires a good level of fitness. Allow 3.5 hours' walk to the summit and at least 2 hours' descent.

Batu Berkubu. About 2 hours' walk from the summit of Gunung Gading is the former Communist guerrilla base camp. Bring water accordingly.

They are home to picturesque waterfalls. Most of them are located near Pasir Puteh, about 35 km from Kota Bharu. The most popular, Jeram Pasu, is on the road in Kampung Pak Amat. Jeram Lenang is another waterfall appreciated for its tranquility by the locals despite its small size (12 m). But one of the jewels of the region is undoubtedly Lata Beringi. From the top of its 120 m, it is also one of the largest waterfalls in Malaysia and its lush jungle setting makes it one of the most popular camping sites.

This is the lake's most spectacular waterfall, 150 m high. It's also a tranquil picnic spot and, if you're brave enough, you can walk up the waterfall to the natural pools that make superb swimming spots. The site is off the beaten track, amid orchids, tropical trees and lush green mosses. It takes half an hour by boat from the Pengkalan Gawi jetty.

Apart from Lasir, other waterfalls are well worth a visit: Saok is increasingly popular, with its sandbar (15-minute boat ride). Tembat, on the other hand, is a wild and tumultuous waterfall with several levels, ideal for campers and for the magnificent views from the path that runs alongside it (allow an hour by boat). Other waterfalls include Petang, Leban, Terenggan, Lata Terap and Petuang.

The hilly areas around the lake are covered in primeval forests. Mount Cherbau dominates the Bongsu, Tembat, Raung, Kachang, Gagau and Gajah Terom mountains. The Bewah and Taat hills are rich in legends handed down from generation to generation by the locals. Often shrouded in mist, these hills are so fascinating that research has been undertaken to unravel the mysteries surrounding these two caves, famous for their magnificent stalactites and stalagmites.

Call on Ping Anchorage to organize an excursion to discover these sites.

At the north-western end of the island, 1,126 hectares of tropical forest await you. It is very pleasant to walk along well marked trails. There are several hiking trails ranging from 1 to 6 hours of walking, which can be done alone or with a guide. Check with the park office for more information. Don't miss Monkey Beach and Turtle Beach, two beaches renowned for their beauty and their inhabitants, monkeys and turtles respectively. It will take you almost two hours to get there, and prepare water supplies.

A pleasant place to take the air, with hiking trails or mountain biking trails. You can even camp it: contact Campground & (06) 232 8401 - Fax (06) 529 41 76.

200 species of butterflies, with rare species such as Raja de Borneo.

You must contact this official office before entering the park. A guide is required for your trip. You can find one at Kampung Peta's headquarters. Furthermore, an entry permit is also required, plus other permits if you wish to fish in the park waters or prolong your stay.

Called the Cave of Legends, it displays verses from the Koran engraved on its walls. But the most famous legend tells that Garuda (the winged phoenix) prevented the marriage between the prince of Rome and the princess of China, so that the union of these two superpowers would not harm the small kingdoms of the world. So he kidnapped the princess to keep her in that cave. The proof is in the rock that looks like a sleeping princess. Accessible only by sea, the agencies that offer a tour in the mangroves of Langkawi stop here.

This 91-metre high waterfall is one of Langkawi's attractions. A large car park lined with shops testifies to this. From there, just go up the asphalt road and turn left into the forest following a prepared path to reach the foot of the waterfall. You can admire the stone wall and its seven natural pools filled with spring water from Mount Cincang. To reach the top of the waterfall, simply climb the 638 steps from the parking lot. Be careful, during the monsoon season, steps and rocks can be very slippery.

This is where the Alor Setar bazaar is held, in a huge hall with numerous stores. You'll find absolutely everything on several floors. On the first floor, you'll find edible goods, including spices, dried fruit and a few hawkers. As you climb the upper floors, you'll find bargains to be had in handicrafts (beautiful woven baskets) and textiles(batiks at attractive prices). As Alor Setar is not a very touristy town, prices are reasonable, but don't hesitate to negotiate.

The «Seven Lagoons Beach» is also the Rendez-vous of the International Kites Festival (Pesta Wau), which is held in June. This beach is located on the border of Thailand and Kelantan. 

The "beach with the whispering breeze", shaded by casuarinas, is a relaxing spot. Although it's quite a distance from Kota Bharu, it's still possible to spend the day there. It lies on the border with the state of Terangganu. From the main terminal, take bus 3 to Pasir Puteh. Then take bus 96 to Kuala Besut. The long, sandy beach, fringed with coconut palms and pine trees, is renowned for its refreshing breeze. Deserted, especially on weekdays, it's easy to feel like Robinson Crusoe disembarking on his island.

Also called "the melodic beach", it is the most beautiful beach on the coast and is very much appreciated by picnics and campers. 

Its original name was Pantai Cinta Berahi, meaning "the beach of passionate love". This didn't please the Sultan, who renamed it Pantai Cahaya Bulan ("the moonlit beach"), so it's still PCB. It's a long beach where you can sunbathe and relax in good cottages, preferably during the week. One drawback, however, is that it can be dirty, especially where the bungalows are concentrated. It's advisable not to undress too much on the beach, or you risk attracting attention. Beware of the waves, which can be very strong.

Once the climb is over, hikers often decide to relax in these hot springs. Although these are not natural pools but artificial ones, it's good to pamper your muscles in the soothing sulphurous waters, surrounded by lush vegetation after hours of walking. The complex also includes a beautiful garden and a suspended walkway above the canopy, both of which are well worth a visit. A mini-waterpark is also available for the younger guests.

A little further away from the main diving spots, Paya Beach is ideal for beginners and snorkelers. There are fewer sites to explore, but they're still just as spectacular. It's also a good option for exploring the few sites to the south of the island, which are much less frequented. Aman Tioman Dive Centre and Divers Cove Asia (at Paya Beach Resort) are the most serious PADI-certified diving centers.

Tumuk. The islet can be easily swum to from the north of the bay, making it a snorkeler's paradise. You'll come across hawksbill turtles and barracudas.

Pulau Labas. A 20-minute boat ride northwest of Paya, the island's drop-off is packed with caves and passages to explore. The north of the island, with its shallow waters, is ideal for inexperienced divers looking for a thrill. With a little more experience, you can descend to 20 meters through narrow passages lined with fan-shaped coral. A great place for macro divers.

Golden Reef. This submerged reef of large boulders is another paradise for coral lovers. Located not far from the popular Tiger Reef (see diving at Tekek), you can enjoy the same wealth of pelagic life without the risk of getting hit by flippers.

Pulau Sepoi. This islet is the furthest west of Tioman. Its large rocks are among the most spectacular formations in the region. The shallow waters (15 meters max.) make it a very good spot for inexperienced divers.