Introverts also dream of exploring new places beyond the confines of their favourite books and movies. If you’re a classic introvert and want to explore travel destinations and activities around Malaysia — minus the large crowds and overwhelming stimuli — check out these top 11 recommendations.
1. View Penang’s stunning coastline from Muka Head Lighthouse
Penang
Built by the British in the late 19th century and located in Penang National Park, the Muka Head Lighthouse is a 14-metre high lighthouse that promises stunning views of Penang’s coastline.
Begin your adventure by trekking to the western end of Monkey Beach or by hiring a boat to take you there. The trek is not particularly challenging, and it should take you about 30 minutes to reach the lighthouse. Aside from giving you a panoramic view of Penang’s coastline, the Muka Head Lighthouse also attracts fewer tourists. You’ll enjoy solitude and peace of mind as you hike the 227 metres to your destination.
2. Bring a camera and explore George Town on foot
Penang
Judging by the sheer number of travel blog posts and YouTube videos, Georgetown in Penang has become quite popular with tourists. Consider visiting during the first half of the year or before the December holiday season to avoid large tourist groups and peak season rates.
George Town’s historic city centre is a great place to go on a walking tour. Don’t forget to document your adventure with a vlogging camera, DSLR, or smartphone. You’ll be rewarded with picturesque murals, temples, pre-war shops, and some great coffee shops, restaurants, and unique boutiques.
3. Go on a scenic bike trail
Klang Valley
If you’re an avid cyclist and reside in the Klang Valley, you’ll never run out of interesting and challenging bike trails to explore on your own. You can start with the “River of Life Cycling Trails,” which snake along the Klang and Gombak Rivers. Both loops begin at Dataran Merdeka — with one exploring Brickfields and the other loop veering into Chow Kit.
Other biking trails to explore include Mid-Valley City, the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, Kampung Kemensah, and Bukit Kiara. Fortunately, there are many locations in the Klang Valley where you can get your bike serviced while enjoying a snack or a cup of coffee.
4. Visit the Thean Hou Temple at night
Kuala Lumpur
Perched atop Robson Heights along Lorong Bellamy, the Thean Hou Temple was built during the 1980s and is dedicated to worshipping numerous Chinese deities. The temple has a prayer hall dedicated to Mazu, Guan Yin, and other goddesses. Other features include a herbal garden, pavilions, mythological statues, a wishing well, and a tortoise pond.
A great time to visit the Thean Hou Temple is at night when the hundreds of lamps covering the temple are lit, creating a remarkable visual spectacle.
5. Watch a Wayang Kulit performance
Kuala Lumpur
While Wayang Kulit is undoubtedly an important part of Malaysia’s heritage, this art form is in danger of disappearing due to a lack of patronage and government bans. Reverse this trend by patronising a Wayang Kulit performance or supporting a local troop.
Modern productions include Fusion Wayang Kulit, which merges this ancient art form with modern cultural tropes, including Star Wars and DC Superheroes. Alternatively, you could monitor upcoming performances around Malaysia and attend a performance near you. Like watching a movie in a dimly-lit cinema, Wayang Kulit is best savoured alone, allowing you to focus on the performance and engage all of your senses.
6. Explore the Hindu-Buddhist treasures at the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum
Kedah
Are you interested in exploring Malaysia’s Hindu-Buddhist past? Aside from watching Wayang Kulit performances, you could also visit the Bujang Valley Archaeological Museum in Kedah. The museum and its grounds house Hindu-Buddhist temple ruins and artefacts dating from the Late Antique and Medieval periods.
Artefacts on display include inscribed stone caskets and tablets, statues of gods and bodhisattvas, ceramics and pottery, and metal ornaments. More than 50 pagoda temples, known as candi, have also been discovered on the site, the most impressive of which is located in Pengkalan Bujang.
While the museum and its ruins cannot compare to Borobudur or Angkor Wat, it offers thoughtful tourists a glimpse of Malaysia’s rich pre-Islamic history. As a bonus, admission to the museum is free, and it’s rarely packed with tourists.
7. Go island hopping in Langkawi
Kedah
Langkawi boasts at least 100 islands scattered around the Andaman Sea, which means you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to island hopping without the tourist surges.
More secluded spots include Pulau Bumbon, a 10-minute ride from the Kuah jetty. There’s also Pulau Payar Marine Park, which is ideal for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. If you want to visit a wildlife sanctuary, drop by Pulau Singa Besar, which boasts monkeys, deer, and exotic birds. If you’re looking for overnight accommodations, consider Pulau Tuba, which offers jungle trekking and bird watching activities.
8. Watch a play by yourself at The Actor’s Studio
Kuala Lumpur
Watching plays is another solitary pursuit that requires your cognitive attention. The Actor’s Studio has been a KL cultural institution since it was founded in 1989. The theatre has witnessed many great performances from the country’s most respected thespians, with more than 600 productions and a million attendees having passed through the theatre’s doors.
Check out the website to stay abreast of upcoming productions. Consider having a meal, a cup of coffee, or an early round of drinks before watching a performance at Lot 10, the current home of The Actor’s Studio.
9. Visit the BOH Tea Plantation and Mardi’s Agro Technology Park at Cameron Highlands
Pahang
Pahang’s Cameron Highlands has a long history of tea growing, and it’s still a thriving industry. Major attractions include verdant slopes bursting with tea plantations, fragrant lavender and strawberry farms, herbal gardens and nurseries, and the famed Mossy Forest boardwalk, allowing travellers to explore a seemingly enchanted forest.
Solo travellers can explore the BOH Tea Plantation, the largest tea producer in Malaysia. Other attractions include tours of the tea-making process, a gift shop, and walkways that cut through the plantation. Another major attraction for solo travellers is Mardi’s Agro Technology Park, where travellers can enjoy fruit orchard tours and overnight camping.
10. Go solo snorkelling at Redang Island
Terengganu
Located in the Kuala Nerus District in Terengganu, Redang Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters, untouched wildlife, sandy beaches, and warm weather. All resorts in Redang Island offer snorkelling trips and snorkelling equipment rentals.
Underwater attractions include Tanjung Tengah (the Shark Bay), where you can spot the baby black-tip sharks between April and August. Meanwhile, the Marine Park Centre leads to an expansive barrier reef bursting with vibrant marine life, while more experienced snorkellers should consider venturing to Tanjung Mak Cantik. Just remember to snorkel responsibly and avoid damaging or polluting the reefs.
11. Visit the L45 Kurau Community Library
Kuala Lumpur
Bookstores, cafes, and libraries are the stereotypical haunts of introverts. If you’re looking for a great hangout, consider visiting the L45 Kurau Community Library. Located along Lorong Kurau in Bangsar, you can find the library in a building dedicated to student housing. The library boasts a collection of over 35,000 books, and patrons can read on bean bags while exploring the pages of their latest literary discoveries.
