As international borders reopen and both locals and overseas travellers begin to explore this beautiful country with renewed gusto. In conjunction with the launch of the first-ever Airbnb Travel Guide 2022: Malaysia, Airbnb reveals the hottest destinations to visit and off-the-beaten-path hidden gems unbeknownst even to most locals.
Here are 5 of the most underrated destinations that you must visit at least once in your lifetime.
1) Timba-Timba Island, Semporna
Located off the South-Eastern coast of Sabah, Semporna is home to a myriad of beautiful islands including Timba-Timba Island – a hidden gem teeming with blue ribbon eels, barracudas and snappers. Its rich and colourful marine biodiversity makes it the perfect getaway for divers and ocean lovers.
- Click here to book a 3 day 2 night stay at Semporna with an island-hopping experience.
2) Kudat, Borneo
Kudat, also known as the ‘Tip of Borneo’, is a quiet beachside town in Sabah with pristine beaches and clear blue waters. Visiting the northernmost point of Kudat makes for a truly novel experience – travellers get to stand at the very edge of Borneo and enjoy panoramic views of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea.
You can also witness the enthralling ‘Blue Tears’ phenomenon where swathes of seashores turn luminous from bioluminescent plankton in the water.
- Click here to book a day trip around Kudat and get the true local experience.
3) Sarikei, Sarawak
Situated along Malaysia’s longest river, Sungai Rajang, Sarikei’s rich and unique cultural traditions will enthrall curious travellers. Rumah Nyuka Longhouse is worth a visit, as well as Central Market where stalls aplenty hawk Sarikei’s unique dishes and delicacies.
Famed for its pineapple plantations, Sarikei hosts an annual Pineapple Festival in November-December featuring fun-filled activities dedicated to the thorny tangy fruit, including pineapple tasting and cooking competitions.
- Book your next trip to Sawarak by clicking here.
4) Belum Rainforest, Perak
Believed to be over 130 million years old, Belum Rainforest is one of the world’s oldest rainforests and home to some of the country’s most endangered species including the Malaysian Tiger, Asiatic Elephant and Malayan Tapir. Take an adrenaline-filled leap and zipline across Temenggor Lake, or spend the night living amidst the natural beauty of this forest reserve.
- Book your next stay in the renowned Belum Rainforest Resort by clicking here.
5) Sungai Lembing, Pahang
Hikers willing to make the trek through the forest in Sungai Lembing, an old tin-mining town, will be rewarded by a gorgeous sight at the end — the stunning “Rainbow Waterfall”. Bask in the early morning sunrise to this spectacular view, while taking a quick swim in cool waters if you wish.
The town itself also offers its own attractions, including a tour of the Sungai Lembing mines (one of the deepest mines in the world), hanging bridges and a museum detailing the town’s history.
- Book a stay at Sungai Lembing by clicking here.
This list was curated by Airbnb and shared on the Airbnb Travel Guide 2022: Malaysia.
- Click here for exclusive Shopee cashback vouchers and Lazada free shipping vouchers.
- Follow us on our Facebook and Instagram for more updates and the latest happenings around Malaysia
