Months of staying at home without socialising to prevent the spread of COVID-19 can be paralysing. I am sure many have forgotten how it feels like to travel and breathe without donning their face masks. However, when the economy reopens, interstate travel is allowed and Malaysia reaches herd immunity, below are the destinations that nature lovers (like me) should head to for their fix.
1. Camping at Sungai Pertak – Pertak River Camp, Selangor
Setting up the tents for the nights under the stars Camp out at Pertak, enjoying the nature
This campsite is popular among local hikers since it is the starting point to go up Kutu Hill for splendid 360-degree views. Entrance fee per person is RM1 upon arrival and another RM5 if you were to camp at the designated area. Adventurers tend to go deeper into the site to find spots that offer more privacy. In the morning, reinvigorate by simply jumping into the cold river as early as 6:00 a.m. Switch off your phone and bring along your barbeque sets!
2. Boathouse-ing at Royal Belum, Perak
Relaxing while boating around Royal Belum lake One of the travellers experiencing kayaking near the houseboat.
There is no WiFi here, only you and the emerald green water, and stars lighting up the night sky. Renting a boathouse is the way to go as you will not be disturbed by unnecessary stress from home and work. You can chill, read, cook, fish your own meals, and even visit an Orang Asli (aboriginal tribe) village during the stay. Remember to bring your colourful buoys too for a dip in the middle of the lake! Be sure to register for permit and get your gadgets authorised before hopping into the boathouse. The price depends on the number of people in your group – the more, the merrier…. and cheaper per person.
Read more here: Answering ‘Dah ke, Belum?
3. Stepping on the highest peak in Malaysia – Akinabalu, Sabah

First, you’ll freeze your fingers off. Second, it is the best feeling in the world to be on top of the mountain with clear skies during sunrise. Your exhaustion will be rewarded once you reach the summit because the feeling is indescribable; sometimes you feel cold as the wind sweeps your body and at other times it feels otherworldly and surreal, making you forget your tiredness and muscle soreness. You need to be mentally and physically prepared if you want to summit Kinabalu.
4. Escaping at Escape, Penang

Many travellers drive to Penang just for food. But challenge yourself by going there to burn calories instead. Bring along your sports attire, outdoor shoes and swimming gear. Enjoy the adventure of climbing up to the treetop. Go through enthralling courses with wacky names like Monkey Business, Gecko Climb, Foxy Burrow, Flying Lemur; tale note that these courses can be physically demanding. Give yourself an adrenaline rush by going on the Kite Flyer too. You can always bunk at Escape, Penang if the courses wear you out.
5. Do nothing at Kapas Island, Terengganu
Chilling outside the hammock section at the beach Crystal clear water around Kapas Island
Pulau Kapas is indeed sublime. What’s not to find here are constant boats passing by, jet skis or banana boats. It’s the perfect sort of island to do nothing. The natural beauty is captivating enough that you don’t even bother searching for WiFi connectivity. When snorkelling, the reefs are close to the shore that you don’t have to go far. If you are lucky, you might bump into Nemo swimming between your feet. The best part is you won’t find boats coming to the area to dump hordes of other snorkellers, thus you can snorkel in peace and only pay attention to life unravelling underwater.
Read more here: Exploring the Land and Sea in Terengganu
Filed in: nature