Eastern Malaysia holidays

The east of Malaysia receives far fewer visitors than the more wellknown destinations in the west, and a visit here allows for some interesting off-the-beaten-track adventures. Spot wildlife and visit tribal communities in the Taman Negara rainforest, or head along the coast to discover pristine beaches, colourful night markets and river boat cruises in the mangroves to see fireflies at dusk. For those seeking an island getaway, the islands of Rawa and Tioman, off the east coast near Mersing, both have superb resorts with white sandy beaches, boat excursions and snorkelling over coral reefs.

Explore Eastern Malaysia

Click on your destination of interest

Top things to do in Eastern Malaysia

Guided night walk in the Taman Negara rainforest

Follow a naturalist guide along the rainforest paths to search for nocturnal wildlife. As night falls the forest comes alive with the different sounds of the creatures that live here. Along the trails you are likely to see plenty of exotic insects including stick insects, leaf insects, praying mantis, scorpions and spiders. Visit Bumbun Tahan, a sheltered hide, from where it is possible to see animals that come to the salt lick for their mineral nutrient supplies, such as tapirs, wild boars, sambar deer and muntjacs (barking deer).

Wildlife walk in the Taman Negara rainforest

From the top of the 334-metre-high Bukit Teresek hill, reached after a steep 1-hour walk, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Gunung Tahan (the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia at 2,187 metres high) and the surrounding forest. Also from the hill is a treetop walkway that stretches 500 metres through the forest canopy at a height of 30 metres, giving visitors a rare opportunity to experience the forest from this high vantage point. It's a particularly fascinating way to spot the forest's wildlife as birds and monkeys are most active and visible in the canopy.