Kelabit Highlands
In the Malaysian state of Sarawak, there is a highland plateau called the Kelabit Highlands. Several major rivers flow through the region, which means that it is ideal for agriculture. Most visitors come to the Kelabit Highlands to hike and to explore some of the smaller villages, many of which are built up around rice paddies. Bario-Pa Umor is the most popular hiking trail, and you can cover it in about an hour. For the serious hikers, you can set off on an epic multi-day trek before submitting Gunung Murud, the highest peak in all of Sarawak.
Semenggoh Nature Reserve
Since it is just 20 km (12 miles) from Kuching, this makes for a great day trip. The main attraction is the Semenggoh Wildlife Center, which accepts orphaned and injured animals from the wild for rehabilitation. On a visit, you’ll get a chance to see orangutans, and you can actually watch the twice-daily feedings of this intelligent animals. There are also guided tours of the nature reserve where you can learn more about indigenous animals and how they are cared for, fed and reintroduced to the wild.
Manukan Island
Manukan Island is found within the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, where it is the second largest of the islands. It’s just off the Sabah coast, and most people access Manukan Island via a ferry from Kota Kinabalu. Manukan is the most developed isle in the marine park, but the main attraction is still the beach. Snorkeling is very popular, and you can also set off on a brief hike from the beach up into the jungle. Many visitors come for a day trip and pack a picnic, but there is also a popular barbecue buffet right on the beach. Some accommodation is available, but these options have to be booked in advance.
Kuching
The city of Kuching is a major destination within East Malaysia, and it has a lot to offer. The architecture is incredibly diverse, meaning that you can see a Muslim mosque, the Chinese Tua Pek Kong Temple and the British palace called Astana within a single afternoon. Kuching is also known as cat city, for a variety of reasons, and visiting the Cat Museum can be a fun way to explore the origins of that nickname. Kuching’s big weekly market starts on Saturday afternoon and ends at noon on Sunday, and it is a great place to buy fresh produce, local baked goods and even a few souvenirs.