6 Best Outdoor Activities in Malaysia

Malaysia is known to be a melting pot of cultures due to the various ethnicities of the locals. Tourism here usually centres around food, shopping, and cultural biodiversity. However, if you know where to look, you’ll be rewarded with the range of outdoor adventure activities that are available throughout the country. Here are six of our favourites.

1. ATV RIDING

ATV adventures are the most fun with friends!

All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs, also known as a quad or quadricycle, is a vehicle that travels on low-pressure tires. It is designed to handle a wider variety of terrains than most other vehicles. In some countries, the ATV is recognised as a street-legal vehicle, but for most parts of the world, you can only experience ATV riding off-road. If you are craving for an off-road adventure, you do not have to go far. Only a short half an hour drive away from the heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, lies stunning lush rainforests and hills that are perfect for an outdoor adventure. Very few adventure activities in Malaysia rate as exciting as riding a 4x4 through the muddy jungles and waterfalls. Since ATV riding is such a versatile activity, you will be able to find this offered in places all over the country, including the tourist favourite Pulau Langkawi, and the lesser popular Johor. During these rides, you will usually go through dense rainforests, as well as scenic riversides. ATV riding will give you that perfect balance of relaxation and adrenaline rush. It also requires very little skill, meaning you will be able to pick it up almost immediately, especially with the help of a guide, making this activity beginner-friendly yet exciting enough to keep bringing adrenaline junkies back.

Keen to check out ATV riding for yourself? Check out the following tours we offer:

2. HIKING & TREKKING

Hiking at Broga Hill

If you are an adventurer who loves being out in nature, then hiking or trekking might just be your cup of tea. However, it is important to understand that while the two activities share a number of similarities, they’re also quite different. Understanding the difference between a hike and a trek is crucial for making sure you choose an adventure that’s right for you. In simple terms, hiking is the outdoor leisure activity of walking on well-marked, man-made trails or roads. Hikes range in difficulty levels but typically aren’t too strenuous compared to trekking.  Hiking is perfect for travellers searching for an adventure that gets their blood pumping without pushing their physical limits too far. A trek is everything a hike is but much longer and more difficult. In fact, some treks can be weeks in length. Because of this, they require more physical and mental capability. Trekking is ideal for a traveller who is trying to push themselves, while still experiencing an adventure. Hiking and trekking in Malaysia give you the opportunity to experience some of the magnificent views of the natural trails. On Peninsular Malaysia, hikers love going to Bukit Tabur where you can be rewarded with some of the most spectacular sunset and sunrise views. Or you could head east, challenge yourself and hike up Gunung Kinabalu, the third highest mountain in South East Asia.

Ready to start your adventure? Check out some of our popular hiking and trekking tours: 

3. PARAGLIDING & FLYING FOX

Paragliding gives you a bird's eye view of the scenery!

Paragliding is growing as one of Malaysia’s favourite adventure activity. This thrilling adventure allows you to experience the magnificent sights with a bird’s eye view. Despite not using an engine, paraglider flights can last many hours and cover many hundreds of kilometres, though flights of one to two hours and covering some tens of kilometres are more the norm. By skilful exploitation of sources of lift, the pilot may gain height, often climbing to altitudes of a few thousand metres. Meanwhile, flying fox or zip lining consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, allowing you to be propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom. This is considered a baby step for many before trying out paragliding. Popular spots for paragliding and flying fox adventures in Malaysia include Mount Jerai, Langkawi, Bukit Tinggi, as well as Broga Hill.

Can’t wait to take off? Check out our paragliding and flying fox adventure tours: 

4. WHITEWATER RAFTING
Malaysia has some of the most exciting whitewater rafting spots!

Rafting and whitewater rafting are both recreational outdoor activities which use an inflatable raft to navigate a river or other body of water. Dealing with risk and the need for teamwork is often a part of the experience. This adventure sport has been popular since the 1950s. You can find rapids ranging in difficulty from Level One to Level Three all over the country. But the real thrill comes from rafting through the river to the sights and sounds of the jungle, accompanied by the likes of monkeys. You can try rafting at Kiulu River, Padas River, Slim River, Gopeng, Pulau Langkawi, Muara Bay, and the list goes on.

Are you ready to get wet and wild? Check out these whitewater rafting tours: 

5. DIVING
Malaysia has some spectacular diving sites!

Recreational diving is a great way to witness sea life around Malaysia. We have got some interesting aquatic creatures as well as coral reefs, and even some shipwrecks. West Malaysia features a few diving spots of the same magnitude as those found at Terengganu’s Redang Island. Located in northeast Malaysia, the small island in the South China Sea has more than 20 dive sites and two shipwrecks. Expect endless corals, tropical beaches, and unparalleled diving experiences. Prepare to be marvelled at the crystal clear waters and make friends with the turtles. There are dive sites all over West Malaysia and East Malaysia, the popular ones being Pulau Langkawi, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, Sapi Island, Mabul Island, and Pulau Sipadan just to name a few. Even if you don’t have a diving license, there are tours and guides to help you out. 

Ready to swim with the fishies? Check out our diving tours:

6. CAVING
Exploring caves can prove to be a thrilling and learning experience!

Cave exploring, or simply caving is an outdoor adventure activity that lets you channel your inner Indiana Jones. Traditionally known as spelunking, caving involves exploring cave systems. The challenges involved in caving vary according to each cave, but be ready for the absence of light, negotiating tight spots, and the presence of water in the form of mini waterfalls. Many caving skills overlap with those involved in canyoning, mining, and urban exploration. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re adventurous, you’ll get a thrill out of it. Aside from the sheer adrenaline rush of moving through the cave, diving through cavers, and squeezing through narrow holes, you will also have the pleasure of meeting various life forms that make their homes in the caves; namely various species of bats, lizards, spiders, and even some amphibians. Some amazing caves in Malaysia to explore are Gua Kelam, Gunung Reng, Gua Niah, and Gua Tempurung just to name a few. 

Ready for some spelunking action? Check out some of our popular caving adventures: