Outdoor sports abound in Malaysia for anyone eager to experience something new or simply satisfy their craving for extreme adventure. There are plenty of activities to enjoy with your friends and family between the depths of the sea and the heights of the clouds. Now that we are out of the Movement Control Order, Malaysians have started to travel out and about which makes it the perfect time to start crossing off these bucket list adventures locally. Here are 10 adventure experiences in Malaysia to satisfy your urge for an adrenaline rush.
1. Diving at Mabul and Sipadan Island
Sabah
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If you want to go scuba diving while visiting Eastern Sabah, go to Mabul or Sipadan Island off the coast of Semporna. Both islands are covered in primary jungle and contain a diverse range of fauna and aquatic life. Hundreds of gigantic barracudas, mantas, turtles, and the occasional sharks, as well as thousands of other species, can be seen.
Malaysia has several fantastic scuba diving spots, particularly in the southeastern part of Sabah on the island of Borneo. You can go diving here at any time of year, but certain spots are seasonal. Scuba diving here is best during the months of April to December.
2. Paragliding at Bukit Jugra
Selangor
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One of the many outdoor activities you should try in Malaysia is paragliding at Bukit Jugra, which is approximately an hour’s drive away from Kuala Lumpur (KL). The hill isn’t immediately evident as a take-off spot for paragliding at only 120 metres above sea level, but once you’re up in the air, you’ll be able to take in stunning views of Jugra town, its famed lighthouse, and the Langat river nestled beneath infinite canopies of green forest.
3. Tandem Skydiving at Langkawi
Kedah
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Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skydiver, soaring into the Malaysian skies will be an unforgettable experience. Langkawi Island, which is also the only place in Asia where you can skydive from a beach, is one of the best places to indulge your thirst for adrenaline.
Keep in mind that tandem skydiving, a three-hour adventure, is a seasonal activity that’s strongly reliant on the weather. Speeding down from a height of 10,000 metres at over 180 km/h is not an activity for the faint of heart. Thus, experts strongly advise that if you’re afraid of heights or have cardiac issues, you shouldn’t do this! As of January 2021, Skydive Langkawi is temporarily closed until further notice. fingers crossed they reopen soon.
4. Parasailing over Langkawi’s beaches
Kedah
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Parasailing is one of the most thrilling outdoor sports you can do in Malaysia, and it is available at various resorts throughout the country. Langkawi Island, however, is the greatest location for this watery adventure, where you’ll be lifted around 500 feet in the air.
When it comes to parasailing, it’s preferable to employ authorised tour operators rather than risking one’s life by using unauthorised operators. A single ride may accommodate two to three persons and takes about 10 minutes.
5. Ziplining island to island, Sabah
Sabah
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Have you ever ziplined between two islands at a distance of 250 metres (820 feet)? The Coral Flyer Zipline, which runs between Gaya and Sapi Islands in Sabah, offers the greatest views of the five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The zipline is the longest in Borneo, and it previously held the world record for the longest zipline between two islands.
Like other outdoor activities, this one includes a safety talk and a harness. While there is no minimum or maximum age requirement, you must weigh between 40kg to 120kg. Don’t worry, small children can also experience it as a tandem zipline with their parents. Do note that the Coral Flyer is only expected to reopen next year due to the rise in COVID-19 cases in Sabah.
6. Mountaineering at Mount Kinabalu
Sabah
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Mount Kinabalu, at a height of 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), is Malaysia’s tallest mountain and is located in Kinabalu National Park near Ranau. It’s a prominent attraction and the proud symbol of Sabah; it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The park only gives 185 climb permits per day to Sabahans, Malaysians, and international tourists, which is why hikers reserve their spots six months to a year in advance. The pathways reach a height of 4,095 metres and are made with wooden staircases and granite steps, although hikers will need to be cautious when encountering enormous rocks and slick paths.
As of 1 November 2021, Mount Kinabalu is now open for booking and welcomes all fully vaccinated adventure seekers.
7. Chasing the rapids at Ulu Slim
Perak
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If you’re a thrill-seeker and aren’t afraid of the water, then whitewater rafting might just be the ultimate activity for you. And Perak is the best whitewater rafting destination in West Malaysia!
Some of the best places to go whitewater rafting in Peninsular Malaysia, depending on your experience level, are Kampar river in Perak (for beginners), Ulu Slim river in Perak (great for first-timers), Selangor river in Kuala Kubu Bharu (medium difficulty), and Singoh river (highly difficult) in northern Perak.
A mere 70 to 90 minutes away by car from Kuala Lumpur, an adventure in Ulu Slim is a rafting journey that’ll take you through the jungle and unspoiled natural splendour. Keep your eyes peeled for a couple of monkeys if you’re not too focused on chasing the rapids.
8. Rock Climbing at Gua Damai
Selangor
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Many flock to Batu Caves during the Hindu holiday of Thaipusam to view the towering golden statue of Lord Murugan and the rainbow-hued steps (there are 272 steps to climb!). However, tucked away behind Batu Caves is an adventure playground where you can go rock climbing, abseiling, zip-lining, and more!
Gua Damai Extreme Park gives thrill-seekers an opportunity to try their hand at rock climbing at Batu Caves, which is a must-do activity. Beginners and families with children will enjoy their rock climbing package. Before you begin, you will be provided all of the appropriate climbing equipment, including a safety harness and climbing shoes. Once you’re ready, you’ll have three hours to conquer different climbs, including Damai Wall for beginners and Nyamuk Wall for the longest route among others.
9. Mountain biking through Bukit Kiara
Selangor
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The uneven landscape of Malaysia’s jungle-covered highlands attracts not only weekend hikers but also mountain bikers. Mountain biking is one way to explore a location’s outdoors but in a more frantic and adrenaline-inducing manner. Rough terrain, steep climbs, and concealed obstacles contribute to the sport’s excitement.
Bukit Kiara in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has about 30 kilometres of mountain bike routes, making it one of the most popular ones around. For inexperienced cyclists, the Putrajaya Challenge Park MTB trail is the finest option, and mountain bikes can even be rented.
10. Bungee jumping at Sunway Lagoon, Selangor
Selangor
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Sunway Lagoon Theme Park has one of the most well-known permanent bungee jumping locations in Malaysia. You can leap from a height of 22 metres above sea level, which is not particularly high, but nevertheless provides an exciting experience, particularly for first-timers. The jump itself takes only five to six seconds. It’s also suited for children aged 10 and above, so you can bring your little adrenaline enthusiasts along!
