Have A Honeymoon in… Malaysia

Don’t you just hate it when the only thing between you and that dream honeymoon destination is last month’s credit card bill? But hey, who says you can only have a good time in Belize or Bora-bora? According to United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), Malaysia was ranked 9^th in the world in international tourist arrivals last year, a whopping 23.6 million! Wondering where to go? Consider these tourist hotspots if you’re:

A Beach Bum

Imagine yourself basking in the sun with a Daiquiri in one hand and a book in another. Then, take a romantic stroll along the silky soft beach with your loved one and with your toes dipped in sand, enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset. Tun Sakaran Marine Park (top) is a host to world-class dive sites and glorious coral reefs. Located 20 kilometers off the Semporna mainland, The Tun Sakaran Marine Park is the largest marine park in Sabah. A permit is needed for entry into the Park, and for all activities. It’s a touch arduous, but definitely well worth the effort.

For a livelier atmosphere, head to Sipadan (bottom right) and be entranced by its collection of bigger fish and abundance of turtles, sharks, and other marine life. Spend a few pampered nights in Sipadan Water Village, a luxury resort overlooking the Celebes Sea on the island of Mabu. If you’d like to rough it out, Perhentian Island, Terengganu (bottom left) is the way to go. The best time to visit the place would be from June to August, when the sea is calm and weather is good. Do call the chalets or hotels in advance as these three months are their busiest.

An Adrenaline Junkie

If a challenge is what you’re seeking, climb the highest peak in South-East Asia, Mount Kinabalu (left). Mind you, mountain climbing is not for the faint-hearted. Do explore the risks thoroughly and make sure your fitness is in check. Visit this site to find out everything there is to know about climbing Mount Kinabalu. Another option is to visit Sarawak’s top attraction site, Gunung Mulu National Park (right). Lonely Planet says, “It can be enjoyed simply for its beauty, or tackled as a challenge that even experienced outdoors enthusiasts will relish.” This unspoiled wilderness offers wildlife-viewing, trekking, and caving.

A Nature Lover

Fraser’s Hill (top right) is a lovely place to visit all-year round. Named after a Scottish pioneer, James Fraser, this is the idyllic place for one to rest and to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. While you’re there, visit nearby Cameron Highlands (bottom right) for some pleasurable activities. Nothing says therapeutic better than a good tea or strawberry-picking session. Some of the more popular places to stay in Cameron Highlands include the 5-star Cameron Highlands Resort and Century Pines Resort.

In Sandakan, there is a great place to get up and close with our fuzzy friend the orang-utan, called the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. Although touching is strongly discouraged, there is a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the orang-utans are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Definitely not a sight to be missed!

Excited yet? Now what’s left to do is to get packing!