15 Thill-Seeking Outdoor Activities in Malaysia
15 Thill-Seeking Outdoor Activities in Malaysia
Adrenaline junkies unite! Have you been meaning to scratch that itch for a vacation after working your usual nine-to-five? Look no further than Malaysia, where tons of exciting adventures await in the forms of outdoor activities. Granted, choosing the right outdoor activity for the right destination is not a one-size-fits-all. Some prefer jagged mountains and lush forests, others prefer sunny beaches or big cities.
Outdoor activities in Malaysia also have varying intensities, which can be a defining factor depending on your comfort level. For adrenaline-loving folks, such attractions are the exact reason why they travel. But there are also others who are simply looking to try something new — and that’s perfectly fine, too! Whichever category you fall under, here are 15 ideas for outdoor adventures in Malaysia that are guaranteed to get you out of your comfort zone.
Warning: Some activities must be carried out with a professional on-site. In such cases, do not attempt these on your own.
Also read: Few Things Travelers Should Know About Malaysia
1. Speed down a race track
Image credit: MORAC Go Kart Track 1 Utama Official Website
If you’ve always wanted to try karting racing with your friends, here’s your chance! At 1 Utama Shopping Centre — Malaysia’s largest shopping mall — you can experience one of the greatest activities in KL. Zip through a 420-metre track with MORAC Adventure Park.
Similarly enough, you can go-kart at Sunway Lagoon via the Sunway Xpark package. In Melaka, you can sign up for a session with Crazy Racing Melaka.
2. Face your fears of falling with a bungee jump
Image credits: Sunway City Official Website
Take a leap of faith (pun intended) and jump from the tallest heights, only to bounce back to where you initially started. With an elastic cord attached to your back, it could be described as you being on the precipice of crashing but not really. If that’s your kind of adrenaline fix, you can head to Sunway Lagoon, where you can try fun outdoor activities in Selangor that you’ll never forget. Alternatively, there’s the Skytrex in Melaka, where you can bungee jump through a rainforest at great heights.
3. Experience skydiving, with or without a plane
Image credit: WINDLAB Official Website
Only on Langkawi Island can you fulfil your childhood dreams of being a superhero flying in the sky as you jump from a plane. When you’re with Skydive Langkawi, you can look at the city below as the parachute blooms over your head, letting you down easy as you fall back to Earth. But if you’re scared of hitting the ground, you can experience the same thing with WINDLAB Indoor Skydiving at 1 Utama Shopping Centre.
4. Scuba dive and snorkel with the corals
Image credit: Langkawi Travel Official Website
While snorkelling and scuba diving are relatively different outdoor activities in terms of depth, they still share the same appeal to thrill-seekers. On Langkawi Island, you can snorkel in a number of locations, such as Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi Coral, and Datai Bay Beach.
In contrast, a great spot for scuba diving would be in the heart of Sarawak, specifically in the cities of Miri and Kuching. While Miri is known for its coral reefs and clear waters, Kuching holds a historical edge. There, divers can find three abandoned Japanese shipwrecks left over from World War II.
5. Climb the summits of Mount Kinabalu at Sabah and the rock faces at Sarawak’s caves
Image credit: Ling Tang
Mountain climbing in Malaysia is quite a treat for many years. In fact, climbing Mount Kinabalu has always been a bucket-list activity for adventurous travellers and thrill-seekers alike. Trekking through the mountain takes two days, and many have appreciated the reward of incredible views and mesmerising sunrises at the summit.
For the rock-climbing enthusiasts out there, you can travel to Sarawak to climb Fairy Cave. However, if you wish to stay in Kuala Lumpur, there is an equal opportunity to climb the crags of Batu Caves in Gombak.
Also read: 7 Hidden Hotspots and Gems to Explore in Sabah
6. Hike the lush green landscapes of Klang Valley
Image credit: Hendri Sabri
Sometimes, some of us prefer to stick to the rainforests and green trails if we want to reach greater heights. Hiking is a great outdoor activity to clear our heads and inhale the fresh air while we get in our exercise. There are so many hiking trails in Klang Valley to choose from, such as Broga Hill (Semenyih, Selangor), Bukit Gasing Forest Park (Petaling Jaya, Kuala Lumpur) and Kiara Hill Walk (TTDI, Kuala Lumpur).
7. Speed down a rocky river in a water raft
Image credit: Firdouss Ross
White water rafting is another epic activity that involves a fast-flowing river. With the addition of a boat and a group of people, you’re bound to have fun! Row your way down the Kampar River or Gopeng, both located in Perak.
This one of many outdoor activities in Malaysia is just as popular in Sabah. The landscape of the Kiulu River makes it a popular spot for white water rafting.
8. Zip your way down a zipline
Image credit: Sunway City Official Website
Ziplining (or “the flying fox”, as some may call it) is possibly the closest thing to pretending you have wings in Malaysia. For this outdoor adventure in Malaysia, you’re attached to a harness that runs through a zipline.
You can zipline in proper parks at Shah Alam, Selangor, and Langkawi. But if you want a kick to your experience, come to Sunway Lagoon and fly over an actual water park.
Also read: The Ultimate Guide to the Best Theme Parks in Malaysia
9. Conquer the rocks behind a waterfall with water abseiling
Image credit (L-R): Daniel Palmer; Gabriel Sai
On the outskirts of the city where the area becomes less urban, Selangor is home to many rivers and waterfalls. This kind of landscape brings a lot of outdoor activities anyone can try! Thrill-seekers can climb the rock face under the cool rush of waterfalls in hotspots like Hulu Langat.
In addition, if you want the real deal of this activity, Gopeng, Perak is the place to be. It is a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, which makes a great road trip for outdoor activities in Malaysia with friends!
10. Challenge your friends with a colourful paintball match
Image credit: MudTrekker Official Website
Thrill-seekers, time to grab your friends and your friends’ friends, because a group of just five people won’t suffice. Paintball matches are a great way to bring out your competitive side as you shoot literal paintballs, rendering everyone a colourful mess.
Shah Alam, Cyberjaya, and Petaling Jaya (all in Selangor) have paintball parks. It’s up to you to choose the perfect venue to defeat your enemies. But I will say, it’s going to bruise a little!
11. Ride a skybike in the rainforest
Image credit: Skytrex Adventure Official Facebook Page
Imagine riding a bike on a tightrope, suspended in the air with the rainforests at your head. That’s what sky biking is. This is an activity like no other, and only Melaka has it. Skytrex Melaka is famous for its sky bikes, which are a great test of limits for even the craziest of thrill-seekers!
12. Paraglide over the horizons in Terengganu
Image credit: Paragliders Malaysia Official Facebook Page
Now, here’s an outdoor activity that will let you know what it’s like to be a bird. In Kuala Lumpur, you can sail through the air (supervised, of course) at Bukit Bubus in Terengganu and Kuala Kubu Bharu in Selangor. Paragliders will be one with the sky for 10 to 15 minutes, the views of infinite treetops and land at their feet!
13. Parasail over the waters in Langkawi Island
Image credit: Seeman Watersports Official Website
It may sound the same as the previous activity, but don’t be fooled as they are different. While paragliding does not require an engine, parasailing is attached to a motorboat and involves a parachute that is designed solely for this activity. You can try this out on Langkawi Island, with glittering horizons of the sea and its matching blue skies at your fingertips.
14. Ride an underwater scooter to see the fishes
Image credit: Mitsubishi Motors Official Website
I’ve included the activity of what some may call “Scooba Do-ing”. In Kota Kinabalu, you can dive underwater with the help of a specially made sDiethelm Travel Official Websitecooter that you sit on while you travel through the waters. This is particularly perfect for those interested in scuba diving, but are too lazy to do so. Although the activity may seem ludicrous to think of, it’s actually been described as a more comfortable alternative to exploring marine life.
15. Fly a bike over the city with a friend
Image credit: Microlight/Ultralight Flying Malacca Official Facebook Page
Now, what do you get when you combine a motorcycle and parasailing? You get a microlight, which lets adrenaline junkies glide through the air for an hour. You can enjoy this with a friend at several named locations such as the Microlight/Ultralight Flying Malacca in Melaka.
While getting out of your comfort zone equates to exhilaration, always remember to prioritize your safety still. Before taking on more extreme outdoor activities in Malaysia — like rock climbing and skydiving — plan ahead and physically prepare yourself for these. Take caution against weather conditions and the risks that come with natural adventures that involve the sea or the rainforest. Most of all, rest up and have a lot of fun!
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