{"id":6766,"date":"2019-01-30T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-01-30T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/pos\/malaysia-where-tropical-rainforest-meets-urban-jungle\/"},"modified":"2022-05-24T10:27:06","modified_gmt":"2022-05-24T09:27:06","slug":"malaysia-where-tropical-rainforest-meets-urban-jungle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/journal.slh.com\/journal\/malaysia-where-tropical-rainforest-meets-urban-jungle\/","title":{"rendered":"Malaysia, where tropical rainforest meets urban jungle"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Nowhere fuses epic landscapes with larger-than-life cities quite like Malaysia. One day you’re looking up as orangutans lope languidly through trees, the next you’re letting your hair down in a skyscraper cocktail bar. Here, tea plantations offer a taste of old-world charm while luxury hotels invite you to experience new age Malaysia<\/a>. Then there are the temples, blissed out beaches, food culture\u2026 It’s impossible to do justice to the country in just one visit. But here’s a day-to-night guide to get the very best out of your trip.<\/p>\n

\"Temple\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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MALAYSIA BY DAY<\/h2>\n
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Where to see incredible wildlife<\/b><\/p>\n

With raw jungle, river treks and mangrove forests – not to mention the one and only orangutans of Borneo – you can almost hear David Attenborough narrating your journey through Malaysia. In the country’s heartland lies Taman Negara<\/strong>. This awe-inspiring rainforest is one of the oldest habitats on earth, cobwebbed with hikes and canopy-level walkways. Here, you’re likely to see vividly coloured butterflies, hornbills, bison-like gaur, buffalo and even Sun Bears on the hunt for honey. Just keep an eye out for Macaque Monkeys if you pause to eat while trekking through the rainforest – there’s no stopping them when they spot food. By contrast, the native Malayan Tapir is much friendlier.<\/p>\n

Experienced hikers can tackle the trails that twist and turn through Teluk Bahang Forest Reserve<\/strong> in Penang<\/a>. While it’s home to an array of creatures, most visitors come here to see Malaysia’s amazing flora – including the almost otherworldly, carnivorous ‘pitcher plants’.<\/p>\n

Then again, you don’t need to venture far from the city to enter the animal kingdom. Kuala Lumpur<\/a>‘s inner city KL Forest Eco Reserve is a protected area of jungle known locally as Bukit Nanas. If you’ve a head for heights, the canopy walkway puts you (practically) nose to beak with some of the country’s beautiful birdlife.<\/p>\n

\"Taman<\/p>\n

How to go waterfall chasing<\/strong><\/p>\n

East coast Kuantan<\/a> is the laid-back and lesser-visited side of Malaysia – and all the more enticing for that reason. This is waterfall country. And on a hot, humid day, nothing beats standing in the cooling spray. Sungai Pandan<\/strong> is possibly Malaysia’s most picturesque falls. Not far from here are Berkelah Waterfalls<\/strong> too, a towering, seven-tier series of cascades. Bring a picnic – and some solid shoes.<\/p>\n

While you’re on this side of the country, venture further north towards Dungun<\/a> where you can visit Air Terjun Chemerong<\/strong>, a tropical nature reserve with an incredible waterfall as its centrepiece. Leading off from the powerful falls are gentle streams and natural pools – perfect for an afternoon dip.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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MALAYSIA AT NIGHT<\/h2>\n
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What to eat – and where<\/strong><\/p>\n

The term ‘melting pot’ could easily have been coined for Malaysia. Its diverse blend of cultures makes for a delicious mix of cuisines. And the best way to sample a little of everything is through street food.<\/p>\n

When the sun goes down, more and more street food stalls pop up. In Malacca<\/a>, follow the scent of satay and chendal<\/em> to Jonker Street<\/strong> – that’s also a hotspot for hipster caf\u00e9s and bars. George Town<\/a> is a standout city for street food, particularly from the charismatic jumble of teahouses and shophouses in Chinatown where hawkers dish up some of the best assam laksa<\/em> (fragrant broth) and char koay teow<\/em> (stir-fried rice noodles) you can get your chopsticks on.<\/p>\n

\"George<\/p>\n

How to shop, Malaysian style<\/strong><\/p>\n

Forget early morning pottering. In Malaysia, the best shopping is done after dark. As well as street food, you’ll find handicrafts and Malay mementoes in pasar malam<\/em>, or night markets – from Jonker Street in Malacca to almost everywhere in Kuala Lumpur. Look past the bric-a-brac, don your haggling hat and keep your wits about you – it’s an entertaining experience.<\/p>\n

If you’re staying near Kuantan, make a beeline for Jalan Gambut<\/strong> on Saturday evenings or riverside Taman Gelora<\/strong> on Sundays. You can find a beautiful selection of batik here, with street food snacks to keep you going as you browse.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Where to stay\u2026<\/h2>\n
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Many visitors stop and stay in Kuala Lumpur. But the lesser-visited (and less bustling) east coast offers an enticing mix of wildlife and laid-back night-life. Truly tranquil Mangala Resort & Spa<\/a> lies in a beautiful conservation area, putting everything from guided wetland walks and mountain biking to paddle boating at your feet –\u00a0or oars.<\/p>\n

\"Mangala<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Nowhere fuses epic landscapes with larger-than-life cities quite like Malaysia. 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