When it comes to tourism, Malaysia has some wonderful sights to offer. But if you’re looking for unconventional attractions that still provide a quintessentially Malaysian experience, we’ve rounded up a list of a few underrated charms in the country.
Whether you’re looking for a weekend agenda, a day trip, or a dinner spot, trust you’ll find something on this list that will suit your interests.
1. A Little Farm On The Hill, Pahang
Gardening classes, cooking classes, a gourmet restaurant, yoga retreats, theatrical performances, an event venue, and small concerts––indeed, all those things cannot exist in one place, and yet somehow they do. A Little Farm On The Hill was started by Pete Teo, a musician and filmmaker, and his wife, Lisa Ngan, an architect.
A simple desire and love for the land birthed a dream we now get to enjoy as a farm-to-table restaurant, amongst other things. A Little Farm On The Hill finds a way to ebb and flow between all these different activities while remaining true to their identity.
Reservations are required to dine and participate in one of their many classes or events hosted all year round.
Address: Lot 161 Tanarimba, Persiaran Enderong, Kampung Janda Baik, 28750 Bentong, Pahang
Contact: +609 233 0194
2. Pizza Hills, Langkawi
The island of Langkawi is known for its tourist attractions, beautiful hotels and stunning beaches. In recent years, several food gems have found their way to the island, making it a great place for epicures all over.
Pizza Hills is a mere 10-minute drive from Kuah Town, and its appeal is in the name. It is a pizza spot perched on the top of a hill. The drive up is steep but entirely worth it.
An open kitchen showcases Chef Lance U’ren and two cooks at work, crafting gourmet pizzas with the freshest ingredients cooked in an outdoor oven, all within view from your table. Advanced bookings are required.
Address: 6 Kampung Buluh Penyumpit, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Contact: +6017 528 8539
3. Kebun Kebun Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur
An urban community farm-cum-work and play space located in KL, Kebun Kebun Bangsar is a delightful look into the future of community-based spaces in the city and what they can offer.
This family-friendly farm is a great place for kids and adults looking for a way to relax and reconnect with nature. Entry into the farm is free. Volunteers tend to the vegetables, flower gardens, and free-range farm animals, which will surely be a hit with your little ones. The crops are often donated to soup kitchens and underprivileged communities in the city.
While being an idyllic escape within the bustling metropolis, they also run workshops, host charity bazaars and set up a farmer’s market selling fresh produce from the farm on the weekends.
Address: Lorong Bukit Pantai, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 414 1620
4. Lit Books, Petaling Jaya
If you live and breathe books, you won’t want to miss visiting this independent bookstore in Petaling Jaya. Run by a couple, Fong Min Hun and Elaine Lau, who are big readers themselves, the books are curated across fiction and non-fiction genres.
There are also plenty of selections in children’s books, classic novels, collector’s editions, and literary merchandise. The great thing about walking into a bookstore you know is owned and run by book lovers is that you can trust the store owners to guide you when picking out a book.
Lit Books also often hosts book readings by authors, jazz nights, panel discussions, talks, and more.
Address: P-1-11 Tropicana Avenue, 12, Persiaran Tropicana, 47410 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 7886 6988
5. Durian Tasting Tour, Penang
Drive up to the island of Penang and spend the day doing what must be a truly underrated Malaysian experience – Durian picking! Green Acres Orchard in Balik Pulau is home to 500 mature durian trees.
Book a tour and spend the day picking, tasting and eating durians, as well as other tropical fruits from the orchard. The chemical-free orchard is an excellent place for families and friend groups keen to learn how to smell, observe and choose the best pick of the crop on an experiential walk in the orchard.
Enjoy the actual fruits of your labour at the end of the tour as you crack into the durian back at the “durian hut” as you take in the view of the orchard and hills of Balik Pulau.
Address: 96FW+Q7, 11000 Balik Pulau, Pulau Pinang
Contact: greenacrespenang@gmail.com
6. Terumi Bar, Petaling Jaya
It’s a man’s world until a woman walks in. Terumi Bar is a women-owned and operated cocktail bar in Taman Paramount, Petaling Jaya. Led by Shirmy Chan, owner and bartender, the latest drinks menu offers four categories – Highball/Fizz, Daisy, Foam, and Stirred.
Each illustrates a flavour palette that is unique and intriguing. Locals who frequent the bar say there is no wrong choice one can make as each drink is made to absolute perfection. So pick your poison and ease into the evening.
Address: 9a, Jalan 20/16, Taman Paramount, 46300 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6011 5915 0308
7. Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sabah
Visit the Malayan Sun Bear in Sabah’s Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), a research centre designed to rehabilitate and improve the welfare of this gentle animal. Opened in 2014, the centre cares for rescued sun bears while raising public awareness of their struggle in the wild.
43 formerly captive sun bears have been rescued and reside in the centre until they are ready to be released into the wild. These bears are the smallest bear species in the world. Did we also mention that they are adorable?
The work done by the BSBCC team is important and should be discussed and experienced in person. Take a trip with the family there; it’s hard to regret spending a day with these lovely creatures.
Address: PPM 219, Elopura, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah
Contact: +6089 534 491
8. Arkateori, Petaling Jaya
We know you’ve probably been to a Sip & Paint workshop in the city, but have you tried 3D texture art? Indulge in a session of self-expression through creating shapes and forms.
Made using construction materials, this guided workshop, founded by siblings Catherine and Sean Ong, provides visitors an opportunity to be creative, playful and imaginative while creating a personal art piece for their home.
Address: S-03-18 Emporis, Persiaran Surian, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +6012 643 9793
