Honeymooner before or newlywed couples often chose to celebrate in the Caribbean or in some grand castle in Europe but the trends have changed in so many ways. Today’s couples are more adventurous and more open minded when it comes to choosing their honeymoon destinations.

They have come to realize that there are plenty of places worth discovering aside from the usual tourist spots. Today’s couples have open minds and adventure loving spirits. Regardless if you’re an outdoor person or not there are several honeymoon spots in Malaysia that you can go to. Let me give you the top ten honeymoon destinations.

1. Pulau Tioman, Pahang – Tioman Island has spectacular landscape. It is a volcanic area which was chosen as one of the best ten desert islands by Time magazine in 1970. It has white-sand beaches, rich flora and fauna in the jungle and of course several amazing waterfalls like the Mukut Waterfall which cascades down to a granite peak. The Nenek Si Mukut and Batu Sirau mountains also are exceptional. If you want to go trekking then there are numerous trails that lead from the main area called Tekek and northward to Salang and southward to Genting.

2. Redang Island, Terengganu – If you’re an avid fan of golf then this place is for you. It is a tropical paradise complete with an 18-hole golf course. This place has been awarded the “Best Tourist Attraction” prize twice, once in 1994 and in 1995. You can see the wrecks of H.M.S. Prince of Wales as well as H.M.S. Repulse, which are both World War II ships. Couples can lie under the sun on Pasir Panjang Beach. If you want to go snorkeling then you can try the islets of Pulau Pinang and Pulau Ekor Tebu.

3. Pulau Pangkor Laut, Perak – This place is just pure paradise. If you’re into diving then go to Coral Beach. Its beautiful coral reefs will satisfy your eyes. If you are a wind surfing enthusiast then go to Royal Bay. The place also does not disappoint in architecture and design. Most facilities there have Balinese and Malay origins but all were made with the couple’s relaxation and pampering in mind as the ultimate goal. A forty minute boat ride from the town of Lumut in Perak state will take you to the island of Pangkor Laut. If you’re one of the lucky few who have more than enough money then its best that you charter a plane and then take a fifteen minute boat ride.

4. Cameron Highlands, Pahang – This is the perfect place for couples who love the outdoors and for couples who are adventurous. Cameron Highlands is Malaysia’s number one hill resort. It is located between 4,900 to 5,900 meters above sea level on the Titiwangsa Range. It is complete with lots of romantic places which honeymooners can go to. You can walk through rose gardens and nurseries, eat fresh strawberries and even go bird watching. You can stay in lavishly designed Tudor cottages while admiring the beauty of nature right outside your room. Cameron Highlands is an hour’s drive away from Tapah.

5. Pulau Langkawi, Kedah – This island is a very famous place for lovers. The two most famous spots are the Dantai Bay which is located in the northwest of Langkawi as well as Tanjung Rhu also called Casuarina Bay is nestled by a promontory. Tanjung Rhu is twenty kilometers away from Danati Bay. Dantai Bay has two high priced resorts where special guests can go out of their balcony and see for themselves the crystal clear waters that lead to Thailand. Couples can walk hand in hand on Pulau Gasing and Pulsu Pasir. There are also mangrove swamps in the area where both you and your loved one can see eagles and even feed them by hand. Do not also forget to go to Kuah for your souvenirs and bargain shopping.

6. Genting Highlands, Pahang – Located on the misty Ulu Kali Mountains, the Genting Highlands greets clients with a Las Vegas/Disneyland type of entertainment. If you want to try your luck then drop by the casino and play. You can enjoy various, amazing rides on the outdoor theme park but don’t forget to save some money for shopping. After all honeymoons is the time to forget about your worries and just relax with your better half. During evening you can either go to the disco or you can watch an international stage show. You can also try horse riding at Awana Horse Ranch. Genting Highlands is only 45 minutes away from Kuala Lumpur.

7. Cherating Pahang – You will also share with your loved one the unforgettable sight of turtles coming to shore to lay their eggs from July to September. Club Mediterranee is the most popular hotel but there are many others that you can choose from. Cherating is just 30 km away from Kuantan, capital of Pahang State.

Are you planning to visit Borneo?

Borneo, Malaysia is the third largest island in the world known as the tourists’ haven for leisure and amusement through its breathtaking scenery and wildlife adventures that the island offers. You will find in Borneo some endangered and exotic creatures like orangutans, tarsiers, proboscis monkeys, and many others.

Malaysian Borneo or also known as East Malaysia has two states, Sarawak and Sabah. You can go here through the two key cities, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching. You will find here several beautiful parks and sanctuaries which are homes of many endangered species and various wildlife that rarely seen anywhere in the world.

Sabah Borneo

Come and experience Malaysia’s best nature of wildlife adventure with a ride on the Kinabatangan River. This enjoyable floating safari provides the opportunity to have a close encounter with kingfishers, hornbills, long-nosed proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants.

Another great place to visit in Sabah is the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. This main forest is home to Malaysia’s large animals like orangutans, rhinos, and elephants. If you love bird watching, you can find in the swamp lands and jungle some species and birds such as eagles, owls, and hornbills. You might as well take the chance to visit the mud volcano and immerse yourself in muddy pools during the day.

Experience close encounter with orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. You can stroll on the footpath through tall tropical trees to watch these fascinating endangered mammals. Sepilok is the right place to witness rare animals that you would not see anywhere else in the world.

If you love to venture underwater then you should not miss to visit one of the world’s top diving destination the Sipadan Island. Endless live scenes of various marine life that showcase everything from reef basking green turtles to schools of barracuda. This beautiful underwater world is filled with different coral formations and colorful scenes of angelfish, sea fans, anemones, triggerfish, and many more.

Witness and be amazed of the Hawksbill and Green turtles returning ashore to lay their eggs at Turtle Island Park. Know how these ancient creatures survived and the way how the locals conserve and save these rare turtles from extinction.

Feel the thrill being in the midst of the jungle and enjoy the forest trails at Danum Valley Conservation Area. Do trekking while bird watching, taking pictures, and observing wildlife.

Sarawak, Borneo

Do not miss to visit here the magnificent coastal reserve, the Bako National Park, just a few hours away from Kuching. Enjoy nature abundant of sand stone cliffs, mangrove swamps, and seaside forest loaded with bountiful living creatures like the flying lemurs, pit vipers, proboscis monkeys, and many others.

If you love to explore caves, go to Gunung Mulu National Park and explore the unique limestone structures covered by thick tropical forest. Witness bats in millions as they come out from the cave chambers at dusk. Trek through the midst of the jungle towards the mountains to see the stunning, dagger like, one-of-a-kind blade sharp Pinnacles.

Bats go out at night to hunt for insects from the large caves of Niah National Park. Jungle pathways follow through hill and lowland rainforest to showcase various wild animals like hornbills, flying lizards, monitor lizards, monkeys, and many more.

A hydroelectric dam formed a lake reservoir that has become sanctuary of wildlife situated in the midst of the jungle and they call it Batang Ai National Park. You will see here rare rainforest animals like hornbills, gibbons, and orangutans. You can go with an Iban guide and learn the tradition lifestyle of the Iban as you spend time in a longhouse.

Malaysia boasts its beautiful islands and beaches. But there is still more, the hill and highlands resorts can as well offer similar features. These resorts have become the refuge for many tourists and the locals during hot tropical climate. You will find this place relaxing and refreshing with its flourishing green sceneries. You can also enjoy different amusements that hill resorts can offer.

Penang Hill

Penang Hill is just 20 minutes away from Georgetown, Penang Malaysia. It is a great place to spend with friends and family. Also popularly known as Bukit Bandara, this resort offers many amazing panoramic views. Tourists and the locals usually indulge in bird watching and trekking in the jungle of Penang Hill. Experience the thrill of 30-minute cable ride on the hill resort.

Fraser’s Hill

Fraser’s Hill is just a few hours away from the Capital – Kuala Lumpur. This hill is composed of a group of seven hills. Fraser’s Hill is a popular refuge for both the locals and tourists during weekends because of its cool climate all throughout the year. You can enjoy having a walk in the midst of its beautiful nature. You can also enjoy lots of activities like horse riding, mountain biking, archery, whitewater rafting, fishing, boating, golfing, and bird watching.

Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands is developed intended for the tourists. It is situated just 50 kms off Kuala Lumpur, which makes it easily accessible. This fascinating place is popularly known for its entertainment, luxurious resorts, and exotic nightlife. Discos, golf resorts, dinner shows, and casinos offer tourists’ entertainment satisfaction.

There are two theme parks here. Outdoor Theme Park introduces rides and other outdoor amusements. Indoor Theme park presents modern recreation gadgets.

Gunung Jerai

Gunung Jerai is the highest mountain in Kedah State. Also referred to as Kedah Peak; the hill looks impressive when viewed at from the sea. You can find this place great for picnicking because of its lush green forest. You can see flowering plants, ferns, and herbs in Sungai Teroi Recreational Forest. The coastline is clearly visible on this hill especially on sunny day.

Cameron Highlands

Cameron Highlands is the most popular hill in Malaysia. Known for its lush ripples of hills, it is situated in Pahang province of Malaysia at an altitude of 1,829 meters. It has earned the name Green Bowl because of its abundant production of strawberries, tea, and vegetables. You will enjoy its cool climate for the entire year which makes Cameron Highlands a must visit place.

The Robertson Rose Garden, Rose Valley, and Rose Centre are some of the famous centers. If you love cactus, Cactus Valley presents various types of cactus. A walk in the aromatic tea plantations is one way to refresh in Cameron Highlands. Another two popular locations in the hill resort are the Butterfly Garden and Butter Farm.

Bukit Resort

This is known to be the oldest hill resort in Malaysia. Situated 10 km off Taiping of Perak province, Bukit Resort is also known as Maxwell Hill. It has successfully retained its colonial nature until now. You will find there various painstakingly designed gardens and modest colonial houses. The travel along the road to the resort is a great experience in itself.

Images by tk_yeoh, Tsien Loong, teddy-rised, @l@in

Along the eastern part of Malaysia you can find its largest state of Sarawak. It is situated on the northwest coast area of Borneo, the world’s third largest island. When wildlife adventurers come to Malaysia, Sarawak is their best option. You will find forests in this state as its valuable asset and the main theme for Sarawak National Parks such as Bako, Lambir Hills, Similajau, Talang Satang, Niah, and Gunung Mulu.

Bako National Park

From the provincial capital of Kuching, Bako can be easily reached in just 45 minutes away. It boasts as the best of all parks in Sarawak. You will have the closest opportunities to watch the wildlife and take photos. Visiting particularly at dawn or dusk is the best time to have full wildlife encounter. Trekkers can find great trails here as well. As the most popular parks in Sarawak, you will also find a variety of interesting activities.

Talang Satang National Park

Talang Satang is one of the first national park in Sarawak  that having unique marine landscape developed for turtle conservation. You will find here several marine wonders of its inhabitants. The islands of Pulau Talang-Talang Kecil, Pulau Satang Kecil, Pulau Satang Besar, Pulau Talang-Talang Besar comprised the park.

Lambir Hills National Park

You can reach Lambir by traveling 30 km from Miri town. This park possesses valuable assets for educational and recreational adventures. Experience the park’s beautiful waterfalls, high tree tower and the primary, secondary and tertiary trails.

Niah National Park

What make Niah National Park distinct are its archeological assets. This large cave is the home of human remains for 30,000 to 40,000 years. As a matter of fact, the Southeast Asia’s  oldest human remains were discovered here. The Painted Cave is also a featured unique attraction adorned by early human inhabitants. The Malaysian government has granted both caves the prestige being the National Historical Monuments.

Similajau National Park

The unique coastal region of Similajau is famous of its rich scenery. Its strategic location can be easily reached from the town of Bintulu. You will found several amazing tourist havens like Sebubong Pool, Golden Beach, Batu Anchau, View Point, Turtle Beach, Selunsur Rapid, Batu Mandi, and the trails.

Gunung Mulu National Park

Tourists are lured by the clear forest streams, rainforests, and the variety of wildlife that can be found in the most popular among Sarawak parks, the Gunung Mulu National Park. Its huge limestone caves pose marvelous attractions and the best in Gunung Mulu. The park features several caves such as the Deer Cave, the worlds largest cave passage; Clearwater Cave, the Southeast Asia’s longest cave; and Sarawak Chamber, the largest natural chamber in the world.

Image by duke88, canorus, Alan Cressler, Edgar Thissen, Manuel Beers