Many of us have a passion for exploring exotic and exciting places around the globe. However, if it’s your first time visiting somewhere, knowing where to start can be tough. I’ve put together this quick guide to our escorted wildlife tour of the enchanting country of Malaysia with a few handy hints telling you what to see and where to go. Malaysia is famous for its stunning wildlife and is perfect for nature lovers and bird watchers.
Bright Lights and Skyscrapers
All Malaysian adventures should start in the modern metropolis of Kuala Lumpur. A true melting-pot of architecture, cultures and cuisines, you’ll find classical colonial buildings rubbing shoulders with cutting edge skyscrapers and ancient temples. Take a walk around the city dusk to get a sense of the buzz here before having a delicious evening meal in China town.
Getting Started in Fraser’s Hill
Wave the city goodbye because it’s time to start your wildlife tour. We begin only a couple of hours’ drive away from Kuala Lumpur in the ornithologist’s paradise, Fraser’s Hill. Spend a few days here taking in the incredible biodiversity of the forest surrounding this former hill station. You’ll see plenty of rare and interesting birds and plants if you take advantage of one of the fascinating hikes, such as the Hemmant Trail, available.
Make sure to participate in a night walk so you can check out some unusual nocturnal species. If you take a trip to the nearby Jeriau Waterfall you’ve a good chance of seeing the wonderfully named David Bowie spider!
Delving Deeper in Taman Negara
Next on your itinerary is the ancient rainforest of Taman Negra. To reach the centre of the jungle you must travel down the river – watch out for Malayan Water Monitors – before reaching your accommodation. In terms of wildlife, Malaysia’s oldest national park has it all. From Leopard Cats and Slow Loris to butterflies and millipedes, any wildlife tour on offer in the heart of this jungle will not disappoint. You’ll feel like a real naturalist, waiting in hides to catch a glimpse of the rainforest’s inhabitants.
Don’t miss the canopy walkway here – it is the longest in the world and offers unrivalled views of Taman Negara as long as you have a good head for heights.
Relaxing in Langkawi
To round off your thrilling wildlife tour of Malaysia, head to the heavenly archipelago of Langkawi. Langkawi comprises of almost 100 islands off the east coast of Malaysia and is home to species such as Paradise Tree Snakes, Hornbills, Dusky Langurs and Flying Lemurs. If you’re a bird lover you’ll want to spend at least one day in the Kilim Karst Geopark – remember to bring your binoculars! For a truly unforgettable experience, book a night safari and head off into the dusk in search of black turtles and water snakes. After a busy couple of weeks seeing all Malaysia has to offer you’ll be happy to kick back and relax by the sparkling blue sea.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays to many destinations around the globe. Recently his well-received wildlife tour of Malaysia has been included in the holiday portfolio. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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