Lago Travel

The 12 Best Eco-Tourism Hot Spots in Malaysia You Must Visit At Least Once

Fall in love with the eco-paradise Malaysia has to offer.

Malaysia is known for its rich diversity in culture, food, and flora and fauna. This country is truly blessed with lush rainforests, unique wildlife, rather pristine beaches, and beautiful islands—it’s a haven for nature lovers!

If you ever find yourself looking forward to new adventures that are not food or history, consider checking out these must-visit eco-tourism hot spots to get in touch with Zen!

1. Gunung Mulu National Park - Sarawak

Anyone who visits Sarawak for the first time will probably list Gunung Mulu National Park on their ecotourism Malaysia bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage site is where you can unleash your inner Indiana Jones!

Imagine travelling through long networks of caves along Clearwater Cave, passing through the most significant cave passage at Deer Cave, and exploring the world’s largest underground cave chamber at the Sarawak Chamber. Witness and be entranced by the spectacular Bat Exodus in the evening, whereby the 12 bats leave the cave in millions searching for food.

2. Penang National Park - Teluk Bahang, Penang

Tiny but mighty, Penang National Park is among Malaysia's most visited National Parks for several reasons. Still, the primary nature tourism attraction has to be the meromictic lake at Pantai Kerachut. You can take photos of the lake, where the seawater and the freshwater are separated and do not mix, giving you different dreamy, colourful layers of water—the perfect addition to your Instagram!

While you’re here, you can also enjoy the calming sights of the mangrove swamp at Teluk Tekun or hike your way through to Monkey Beach (tip: extend your hike up to Muka Head Lighthouse, and you’ll get a gorgeous panoramic view of the Andaman Sea!

3. Pulau Perhentian - Terengganu

If you are an avid fan of the islands, then Pulau Perhentian is a must on your Malaysia travel checklist. It comprises two groups of islands: Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. The pristine beaches are for real, with soft white sand and crystal clear waters gracing the coastline.

If you decide to dive here, you can swim with sea turtles and baby sharks and marvel at the wonderful coral reefs and other marine life. This is also one of the best destinations for getting a PADI or SSI diving licence, as the shallow waters are ideal for beginner divers.

4. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary - Pahang

This elephant sanctuary may not be the first thing that pops to mind when talking about eco-paradise, but it’s worth a visit to experience and understand firsthand the conservation efforts to protect displaced and orphaned elephants rescued in Malaysia.

You can participate in interactive activities such as feeding and bathing the elephants under the guidance of the staff here. This elephant sanctuary is an excellent place for a short family eco tour over the weekend.

5. Cameron Highlands - Pahang

Best known for its tea plantations and strawberry farms, Cameron Highlands is perfect for a short nature tourism getaway if you are looking to escape the city crowd and heat in exchange for lush greenery and a cool climate.

Rest and recharge as you sip tea at the Boh Tea Centre, stop and smell the roses at the Brinchang Rose Centre or go for nature walks along Mossy Forest, where you will discover rare flora like the carnivorous pitcher plant or special varieties of orchids. Before you leave, visit the Kea Farm Market to shop for some fresh produce home!

6. Langkawi Geopark - Kedah

Langkawi is not just about beaches and luxury resorts; it also houses the Langkawi Geopark, Malaysia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. Explore Kilim Karst Geoforest Park’s ancient caves, snap photos of the towering limestone karst formations dating over 500 million years, and hop onto a boat ride along the serene mangrove forests.

Don’t forget to check out the SkyCab, one of the world’s steepest cable car rides and the iconic Langkawi Sky Bridge for stunning views while you’re here!

7. Royal Belum State Park - Perak

Another UNESCO-recognized place in Malaysia, the Royal Belum State Park, is part of the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex, estimated to be over 130 million years old and one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Nature lovers will appreciate the authentic rainforest experience in this well-conserved area, which is home to some of the most endangered species, such as the Malayan tapir, Malayan tiger, and Asian elephant.

You should also be able to spot the bright red Rafflesias growing in the forest. This State Park is also one of the best spots for birdwatching, especially for capturing shots of the Great Hornbill.

8. Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) - Selangor

The FRIM is not just a centre for scientific research—it remains a great eco-tourism hub due to its thriving man-made forest, which grants city dwellers a quick escapade to indulge in nature’s retreat.

All you need is a half-hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur to Kepong, and you can enjoy hikes, nature trails, picnics by the Sungai Kroh waterfall, and a visit to the arboretum, which houses diverse tree species. The FRIM Forest Skywalk is also a popular place where visitors can take in panoramic forest views from varying heights of 18 to 50 meters from the ground.

9. Pulau Tioman - Pahang

A gem of an island, Pulau Tioman is another tropical paradise not to be missed! Visitors flock to this island for its crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches, which may seem reasonable (but it’s true). Dive to your heart’s content at popular dive spots like Tiger Reef, Chebeh Island, and Renggis Island, or turn on your adventurous side by snorkelling and kayaking.

Other famous spots to check out include

10. Kuala Selangor Nature Park - Selangor

Fireflies, anyone? Kuala Selangor Nature Park is best known for its magical firefly attraction, whereby you will be able to witness the firefly colonies light up the mangroves like fairy lights at dusk. You can also witness the blue tears phenomenon if you go for the blue tears tour. During the day, you can explore the mangroves and go birdwatching — overall, this nature park will provide an enchanting eco-tour experience.

11. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Danum Valley - Sabah

Conveniently located near Sandakan, the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a family-friendly nature tourism destination in Malaysia worth visiting to learn about and appreciate the ongoing wildlife conservation efforts.

Support the orangutan rehabilitation activities as you watch the orangutans in their natural habitat here at Sepilok. Pair your trip with a visit to Danum Valley to enjoy the calming tropical rainforest atmosphere, home to unique wildlife such as clouded leopards, sun bears, and pygmy elephants.

12. Kinabalu National Park - Sabah

Awarded Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, Kinabalu National Park is home to the grand Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia at 4,095 meters (13,435 feet above sea level). Every nature lover and climber dreams of scaling this mountain and being rewarded with a stunning sunrise view from the summit after an arduous two-day trek.

Mount Kinabalu aside, you can check out the nature trails and botanical gardens for rare orchids and Rafflesias. Indulge in the natural hot springs at Poring Hot Springs, famous for its therapeutic sulfur-rich waters, which are believed to help with muscle aches and improve skin health.

Which one of these eco-tourism hot spots appeals to you? Let us know in the comments!