North through the interior

Select Month

start planning

North from Jerantut, Route 8 and the parallel Jungle Railway run around 200km to Kota Bharu, up on the east coast. Head this way if you want to spend time among the region’s abundant forests and limestone hills at Kenong Rimba State Park, or reach the alternative entrances to Taman Negara at Merapoh and Kuala Koh, or the forested waterfall trails at Gunung Stong State Park. These nature-packed detours are ideal for Malaysia trips that focus on hiking, wildlife, and rainforest escapes.

Settlements along the way – including relatively substantial Gua Musang and Kuala Lipis – are more jumping-off points for nearby sections of the wilds, rather than destinations in their own right. However, they can add useful depth to a Malaysia highlights tour.

Trip ideas for Malaysia

Crafted with by local experts

Langkawi beach
Crafted by Liz

13 days

view trip ⤍
Beautiful beach in Malaysia
Crafted by Liz

10 days

view trip ⤍
Proboscis monkey in Malaysia
Crafted by Liz

7 days

view trip ⤍
Woman and tea garden
Crafted by Liz

15 days

view trip ⤍
Mother and baby Orangutans
Crafted by Liz

7 days

view trip ⤍
Kek Lok Si temple Penang Malaysia
Crafted by Liz

4 days

view trip ⤍
Long wooden pier heading toward Bohey Dulang Island in Sabah Borneo Malaysia.
Crafted by Liz

13 days

view trip ⤍
Two unidentified couple of elderly farmers at Kota Belud, Sabah are walking on a suspension bridge on an early morning, with Mount Kinabalu as background
Crafted by Liz

3 days

view trip ⤍
Cameron Highlands plantation
Crafted by Liz

3 days

view trip ⤍
Royal Palace Istana Negara (Istana Negara), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Crafted by Liz

7 days

view trip ⤍
Landscape of Kuala Lumper
Crafted by Liz

12 days

view trip ⤍
Kinabatangan River
Crafted by Sunny

6 days

view trip ⤍
George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Crafted by Sunny

11 days

view trip ⤍
Danum Valley, Malaysia
Crafted by Sunny

5 days

view trip ⤍
Christ Church Malacca, Malaysia
Crafted by Sunny

7 days

view trip ⤍
See all Malaysia trip ideas

For over 40 years, Rough Guides has been a trusted name in travel, offering expert-curated guides, inspiring articles, and tailor-made trips. Our passionate team of writers and local travel specialists provide in-depth insights into destinations worldwide, from iconic landmarks to hidden gems. We help you travel smarter and experience the world authentically.