![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Tanjung-Aru-Beach-in-Kota-Kinabalu-in-Sabah-taken-in-November-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Gaya-Island-in-Sabah-taken-on-November-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Kinabatangan-River-taken-in-November-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Sepilok-Orangutan-Rehabilitation-Centre-taken-in-November-2024.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
This northern Borneo paradise felt almost unreal \u2014 soft white beaches, turquoise water, and rainforest alive with wildlife, yet with just enough buzz from stilt villages, colonial streets, and modern cities to keep things exciting.<\/p>\n
I flew into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) and spent two packed weeks summiting misty Mount Kinabalu at sunrise, diving with barracuda at Sipadan Island, and spotting wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys on a Kinabatangan River boat tour.<\/p>\n
I stayed a dreamy week in an over-water bungalow at Gayana Marine Resort<\/a> on coral-fringed Gaya Island, lounged on Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park<\/a>\u2019s Insta-worthy<\/a> beaches, saw orangutans feasting on guava at the uplifting Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary<\/a>, and explored fascinating indigenous villages before moving on.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I completely fell for this dreamy 99-island archipelago \u2014 it looked like a travel magazine come to life with palm-fringed beaches, Malay-style villages, ancient rainforest, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Even with honeymooners and backpackers around, it still felt blissfully laid-back and untamed.<\/p>\n I flew into Langkawi International Airport and spent a magical week hopping between powdery beaches like Pantai Cenang and Tanjung Rhu, hiking lush Gunung Mat Cincang, and braving the dizzying SkyCab<\/a> and soaring Langkawi Sky Bridge where I saw jaw-dropping views.<\/p>\n I cruised through the cinematic mangroves of Kilim Geoforest Park<\/a>, sampled sizzling street food at the night markets, discovered the Insta-worthy beaches from the striking volcanic Black Sand Beach,<\/em> to the lively Pantai Cenang <\/em>and ended each day with duty-free shopping sprees and sunset cocktails.<\/p>\n My personal highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n These islands completely blew me away \u2014 powdery white beaches, turquoise waters teeming with sea life, and rustic chalets and eco-resorts tucked into the jungle made it feel like pure tropical bliss. I loved the chilled beach bars, easygoing vibe, and the fun crowd of fellow travelers that made it so hard to leave.<\/p>\n I hopped on the 40-minute ferry from Kuala Besut Jetty and spent five unforgettable days snorkeling with sea turtles at Turtle Point, diving with reef sharks at Shark Point, and lazing on Long Beach and Coral Bay (my photo above says it all!).<\/p>\n I kayaked to hidden coves, hiked the jungle trails to Windmill Point and saw stunning views, and ended every night barefoot at a beachfront caf\u00e9, tucking into spicy local dishes while watching those unreal, fiery sunsets.<\/p>\n My highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n George Town completely captivated me \u2014 a UNESCO World Heritage Site with colorful colonial facades, bold street art, buzzing markets, and a fascinating mix of temples, mosques, and churches that gave it a true cultural melting pot feel. The gorgeous greenery, sparkling coast, and breezy Penang Hill views made it even more magical.<\/p>\n I flew into Penang International Airport, made the quick 16 km trip into town, and stayed three nights at the historic 4-star Noordin Mews<\/a>. I spent my days hunting for famous murals (the giant ginger cat in the shuttered windows was my favorite!), feasting on Gurney Drive street food, and exploring the ornate Pinang Peranakan Mansion, Fort Cornwallis, and the spectacular Kek Lok Si Temple.<\/p>\n I also strolled the shady Botanic Gardens and rode the funicular up Penang Hill for those incredible city views and a much-needed break from the tropical heat.<\/p>\n My highlights…<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Wandering past eerie, crumbling colonial mansions with a ghost-town vibe, the beautifully restored indigo-blue Blue Mansion Hotel<\/a> stood out as it’s now a stunning 4-star boutique hotel and museum!<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n I thought Penang was extraordinary \u2014 pastel-hued colonial buildings in George Town, UNESCO-listed architecture, long soft-sand beaches with clear waters, and lush green hills as the backdrop made it a feast for the eyes.<\/p>\n I loved its melting pot of cultures and religions, which also made it one of the best foodie destinations I\u2019ve ever visited! It felt lively yet laid-back, with just enough intrigue from the occasional eerie, abandoned colonial building I stumbled across.<\/p>\n I flew into Penang International Airport, explored charming George Town, and spent a dreamy week at the lush Bao Sheng Durian Farm<\/a>. I toured the ornate Khoo Kongsi clan house<\/a>, lounged on Batu Ferringhi Beach (watching out for pesky jellyfish!), devoured street food at Gurney Drive, and hiked the scenic trails of Penang National Park.<\/p>\n My favorite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Kota Kinabalu really intrigued me \u2014 some parts felt plain with rows of off-white buildings and big malls, but its backdrop of Mount Kinabalu, mix of colonial and modern architecture, lively markets, and long beaches made it surprisingly beautiful. I loved its buzzing, multicultural vibe and found it the perfect base to start and end my Sabah trip.<\/p>\n I flew into Kota Kinabalu International Airport and spent four days climbing Mount Kinabalu, snorkeling colorful reefs in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park<\/a>, haggling at Gaya Street Market, and exploring the Sabah State Museum. I also admired the waterfront City Mosque and watched a breathtaking sunset at Tanjung Aru Beach (my photo above says it all!).<\/p>\n My favourite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Staying at the trendy boutique 4-star LUMA Hotel<\/a> – I loved incredibly attentive staff, and the handcrafted coffee served at its Flow Caf\u00e9, the Coffee Mojito Mocktail was my go-to! <\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n Often called one of Malaysia\u2019s most beautiful islands, Tioman absolutely lived up to the hype \u2014 I found untouched beaches, shallow aquamarine waters, coral reefs teeming with life, and jungle-covered mountains that gave it a wild, adventurous edge. Despite all that, it still felt wonderfully laid-back.<\/p>\n I flew from Kuala Lumpur to Tioman Airport and spent four dreamy days exploring by rented motorbike \u2014 the perfect way to take it all in. I lazed on quiet Salang and ABC Beach, dived and snorkeled over vibrant reefs, took a snorkeling boat trip to unspoilt Renggis Island, trekked through the jungle to the pretty Asah Waterfall, and wandered through the traditional villages of Tekek and Paya.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Seeing the Petronas Towers in person was incredible \u2014 two gleaming skyscrapers joined by a skybridge, blending high-tech design with Islamic-inspired geometry. At 452 meters (1,483 feet), they were the tallest buildings in the world from 1998 to 2004 and are still the tallest twin towers on Earth \u2014 a fact I loved learning about architect C\u00e9sar Pelli! <\/p>\n While staying at the 4-star Scarletz Suites KLCC by MyKey<\/a>, I took the KLRT to KLCC station beneath the towers, rode up to the Skybridge for sweeping city views, browsed Suria KLCC, strolled the park, and watched the fountain shows glow at dusk.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This island felt like a postcard come to life \u2014 soft white sand, calm aquamarine waters, forested hills, and a mix of traditional Malay life and Dutch colonial ruins. I loved its wonderfully slow, no-rush vibe that made everything feel extra relaxing.<\/p>\n After a quick 40-minute ferry from Lumut, I checked into the dreamy over-water Pangkor Laut Resort<\/a> and spent a few blissful days sunbathing on Pasir Bogak Beach, exploring the old Dutch Fort, and spotting hornbills swooping across fiery sunset skies near Pangkor Town.<\/p>\n I hiked the lush Pangkor Forest Reserve, visited the quirky Foo Lin Kong Temple with its mini Great Wall, and wandered Sungai Pinang Kecil\u2019s fishing village to see a more authentic, working side of the island.<\/p>\n My personal highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n I thought this UNESCO World Heritage city was bursting with character \u2014 pretty colonial facades, fairy-lit flower-covered trishaws, and a serene riverside along the Melaka River gave it a nostalgic, old-world charm I loved.<\/p>\n Just two hours from Kuala Lumpur, I spent two action-packed days based at the historic boutique Majestic Malacca Hotel<\/a>. I explored the ruins of A Famosa, admired the striking red Christ Church and Stadthuys, cruised the Melaka River, browsed quirky antiques on Jonker Street, feasted on rich Peranakan dishes, and joined the lively weekend night market that completely transformed the city after dark.<\/p>\n My favorite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This hill station felt like a peaceful escape \u2014 rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms, misty forests, and colonial bungalows made it wonderfully serene and far from city chaos. I loved the cool mountain air and slow pace.<\/p>\n After a twisty 3.5-hour drive, I spent two dreamy days taking in Boh Tea Plantation<\/a>\u2019s sweeping views, picking strawberries at Raju\u2019s Hill, and exploring the misty mossy forest on Gunung Brinchang. I stayed at the colonial-style Cameron Highlands Resort,<\/a> browsed Kea Farm Market, and admired the vibrant Lavender Garden \u2014 every stop added to its old-world charm.<\/p>\n My highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This island was seriously wow-inducing \u2014 soft white sand, shimmering turquoise water, a lush jungle interior, and a mix of chic resorts and wooden chalets gave it a perfect laid-back yet upscale vibe.<\/p>\n After a 40-minute ferry from Merang, I spent four dreamy days snorkeling the vibrant reefs at Redang Marine Park, scuba diving Terumbu Kili with green turtles and colorful coral, and lazing on Pasir Panjang\u2019s powdery beach. I hiked the jungle trails, wandered the fishing village of Kampung Baru, and watched unforgettable sunsets from the beachfront resorts.<\/p>\n My favourite highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n This UNESCO World Heritage Site took my breath away \u2014 soaring limestone peaks, vast cave systems, ancient rainforest, a winding river, and an eco-resort blending seamlessly into the jungle made it feel wild, mystical, and packed with adventure. It\u2019s so extraordinary it\u2019s been extensively studied and even featured by the BBC\u2019s Planet Earth<\/em> team.<\/p>\n After a full-day boat trip from Miri, I spent three unforgettable days exploring: I wandered Deer Cave just in time for the epic evening bat exodus, climbed to the dramatic Pinnacles, trekked to hidden Clearwater Cave, crossed the world\u2019s longest canopy walkway, explored Lang Cave\u2019s underground rivers, and glided down the Melinau River.<\/p>\n My highlights… <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n
\n
2. Langkawi<\/h2>\n
![\"Langkawi](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Langkawi-Malaysia.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Langkawi](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Langkawi-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Langkawi](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Langkawi.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n\n
\n
3. The Perhentian Islands<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-my-trip-to-the-Perhentian-Islands-taken-on-November-2024.webp "\\"My")
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-Perhentian-Islands-taken-on-November-2024.jpeg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1\" "\\"My")
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/My-photo-of-me-lazing-around-on-the-Perhentian-Islands-taken-on-November-2024.webp "\\"My")
<\/picture>\n
\n
4. George Town<\/h2>\n
![\"Kek](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Kek-Lok-Si-Temple-in-George-Town.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"George](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/George-Town-Penang.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-George-Town-in-Penang-taken-on-November-2024.webp)
<\/picture>\n
\n
5. Penang<\/h2>\n
![\"Pulau](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pulau-Pinang-1.jpg?resize=1000%2C614&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Penang](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Penang-Malaysia.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
6. Kota Kinabalu<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-the-sunset-at-Tanjung-Aru-Beach-in-Kota-Kinabalu-taken-November-2024.webp)
<\/picture>![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-Kota-Kinabalu-City-Mosque-taken-November-2024.webp)
<\/picture>\n
\n
7. Pulau Tioman<\/h2>\n
![\"Pulau](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pulau-Tioman.jpg?resize=1000%2C562&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Pulau](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Pulau-Tioman-Beach.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n\n
\n
8. The Petronas Towers<\/h2>\n
![\"My](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/My-photo-of-the-Petronas-Twin-Towers-in-Kuala-Lumpur-taken-in-November-2024.webp)
<\/picture>\n
\n
9. Pangkor Island<\/h2>\n
![\"Pangkor](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pangkor-Island.jpg?resize=1000%2C726&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Emerald](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Emerald-Bay-in-Pangkor-Island.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n\n
\n
10. Malacca<\/h2>\n
![\"Malacca](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Malacca-City.jpg?resize=1000%2C750&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"Malacca](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Malacca-Malaysia.jpg?resize=1000%2C624&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
11. Cameron Highlands<\/h2>\n
![\"Most](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Most-beautiful-places-to-visit-in-Malaysia.jpg?resize=1000%2C668&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n![\"The](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/The-Cameron-Highlands.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
12. Pulau Redang<\/h2>\n
![\"Pulau](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Pulau-Redang.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Pulau](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Pulau-Redang.jpg?resize=1000%2C667&ssl=1\" "\\"\\"")
<\/p>\n\n
\n
13. Gunung Mulu National Park<\/h2>\n
![\"Gunung](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Gunung-Mulu-National-Park-River-scaled.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n![\"Gunung](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/globalgrasshopper.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Gunung-Mulu-Natonal-Park.webp)
<\/picture><\/p>\n\n
\n
14. Ipoh, Perak<\/h2>\n