DESTINATION: MALAYSIA’S INSTA-WORTHY SPOTS OF BEAUTY AND WONDER
BY HIRANMAYII MOHANAN
Located in the equatorial region, Malaysia is laden with nature’s bounty of rainforests, mountain ranges, highlands, lowlands, coastal region and not forgetting the delectable cuisines. It’s truly a paradise. There’s much to do in Malaysia and in this issue, we have rounded up some of the most Insta-worthy destinations Malaysia has to offer.
Pulau Rawa, Johor
Along the Straits of Johor lies Pulau Rawa, a beautiful coral island you can escape to to ease a frazzled urban soul. One side of the island is a beach covered with white sand, while the other side has a rocky vertical cliff. Something that is hard to avoid upon your arrival at Pulau Rawa is the bright-orange giant slide that flows out to the ocean and is where you can unleash your inner child. While conventional resorts are available here, the adventurous can opt to camp out under the stars after a BBQ dinner.
The Blue Mansion, Penang
Steeped in history and boasting beautiful architecture, a stroll around The Blue Mansion reveals a deep mastery in the artistry and craftsmanship of the building. With its roots dating 3,000 years back to the Su Chow Dynasty, the Mansion embodies a confluence of Hakka and Teochew styles along with intrinsic Southern Chinese typologies and materials. The Blue Mansion’s mélange of diverse influences and motifs may appear incongruous at first, but a closer look unearths an arresting architectural mosaic of Scottish cast-iron balusters contrasted with Cantonese timber lattices; English Art Nouveau stained glass with Hokkien cut and paste porcelain of Chien Nien works; and Chinese calligraphy against trompe l’oeil timber beams. It is in The Blue Mansion where you’ll find various cultures and aesthetics coalesce gracefully and elegantly. The Blue Mansion, which has its own sense of scale, proportion and space, can be divided into two main components: the main house, distinguished by the gables of the main roof, and two elegant side wings.
The Pinnacles, Gunung Mulu National Park
The tall stone spikes known as the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu are stark karst formations that were created as the soft limestone eroded away across millennia. Hidden so far up the mountain, the formations are relatively untouched by humankind. The climb to the Pinnacles of Gunung Mulu is gruelling and dangerous, so much so that the national park is sometimes used by the Malaysian Army for training. However, those who are daring enough to make the trek to the top of the mountain will be rewarded with one of the most unique and stunning vistas in the world.
Sungai Pandan Waterfall
While many associate Pahang with the Rainbow Waterfall at Sungai Lembing, there are others that deserve equal if not more recognition, such as the Sungai Pandan Waterfall in Kuantan. The place is easily accessible by road and good for families with children. Visitors often come here for the unique geological features. However, the place tends to be a little crowded on weekends. Sungai Pandan waterfall is the largest multi-tiered waterfall in Peninsular Malaysia. It’s a picture-taking haven and also serves as an opportunity to be one with nature.
Sky Mirror, Kuala Selangor
You’ve probably heard of the Salar de Uyuni or the Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia. Did you know that Malaysia has its very own Sky Mirror in two places —one in Kuala Selangor and the other in Desaru, Johor. This phenomenon of a glassy, mirror-like surface is typically offered by salt flats and takes place during low tide and perfect weather conditions. To get an Insta-worthy photo that will make others eat their hearts out, all you need is creativity.