The outdoors are desperately calling your name to come and play because even Mother Nature knows when was the last time you went out and did something adventurous.
If you don't know what to do or where to go, well, all you need to do is just look a little further than the buildings outside your window because who knows, there might be some hidden natural gem waiting to be explored.
We’ve compiled a few outdoor activities around Malaysia that won’t burn a hole in your pocket; in fact, they cost only under RM100. These activities may be low cost and but they pack a tonne of adrenaline rush and fun!
#1 Skytrex Adventure
Ever wondered how it would feel like swinging from tree to tree like Tarzan? Well, now you can but of course, with safety features because let’s be honest, you’re not Spiderman and you wouldn’t have the same skills as Tarzan.
Skytrex offers a unique outdoor adventure where you can enjoy nature and at the same time challenge yourself to climb trees, cross extreme obstacles, and fly from tree to tree! So, if you want to spice up your workout routine, this is the place to be.
There are three levels of circuits you can try – Little Adventure, Big Thrill, and Extreme Challenge. The higher the level, the higher the circuit is, so if you’re gayat, might as well skip the extreme one. We’ve personally tried the Big Thrill circuit, and boy did it work up a sweat! It was indeed fun and thrilling.
Location: Shah Alam, Langkawi, Melaka
Price: RM35-RM55 per person, depending on the circuit level
Contact: +6013 2769841 (Shah Alam), +6019 28056799 (Langkawi), +6018 9095679 (Melaka)
Website: www.skytrex-adventure.com
#2 Langkawi Kilim Geoforest Park
If you’re planning a trip to Langkawi soon, you need to add this park to your itinerary ASAP. This 100-square kilometer nature reserve will transport you to another magical realm that preserves the island’s natural hidden beauty. One look at this geoforest park will blow you and your Instagram feed away.
The park has been recognised as a UNESCO global geopark and has three conservation areas - Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park.
You’ll be able to see mystical limestone formations, mangrove trees, azure blue waters, pass through picturesque caves and islands, all in one trip. If you’ve been spending too much time in the concrete jungle, this is definitely a nature experience that’s calling your name.
Location: Jalan Air Hangat, Kuah, 07000 Langkawi, Kedah
Price: RM60-RM100 per person, depending on the package. You can easily engage with any local tourist guides at the Pantai Cenang area, the airport, or Kuah town.
Website: langkawigeopark.com.my
#3 Bukit Tabur
Ever wanted to go hiking but don’t know where to start? Well, why not enlist your experienced hiking buddy and ask him or her to take you on a trip to Bukit Tabur. Not many people know that beyond the highways and skyscrapers in KL is a beautiful limestone ridge where you can catch panoramic views of the city. It is also said that Bukit Tabur has the longest crystal quartz outcrop in the world!
There are five peaks at Bukit Tabur – Tabur East, Tabur West, Tabur Far East, Tabur Extreme, and Tabur Extra but the most popular ones are the east and west peaks.
The view on top is not only breathtaking, you’ll also feel like you’ve been transported hundreds of miles away from the city; when in reality, you’re actually nearby. Since some of these trails can be very steep and rocky, so it is highly advisable to hike there with a group of experienced friends. The Tabur East and Far East trails are said to be the easiest trails for first timers, so maybe you can opt to conquer these two on your first trip. Remember, safety first, view second.
Location: Bukit Tabur, Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur
Price: RM5 per person, this is a hiking permit you need to obtain from the Selangor Forestry Department
Website: www.tourismselangor.my/destinations/bukit-tabur
#4 Sungai Pisang Waterfall Abseiling
We’ve all heard of relaxing dips by the scenic waterfall surrounded by lush, green, tropical rainforest trees. But why not take that waterfall experience up a notch by going waterfall abseiling? Sounds like a suicide mission but it’s actually possible, quite safe and most importantly, fun!
One of the most popular spots for waterfall abseiling is actually located in Sungai Pisang, Gombak. Apart from abseiling, you can also opt for the waterfall flying fox activity, which will promise you a serene yet thrilling experience. Flying from one tree to another at a motivation camp is so 2000 and late, you need to get on the waterfall flying fox bandwagon now because to be honest, you'll be missing out if you don't!
You can try to engage with some outdoor groups on Facebook such as GEMA Selangor Backpackerz, Ecotrac, SJC Outdoorz and Training, and Waterfall Abseiling Malaysia to try out this activity.
Location: Gombak, next to the Karak Highway
Price: RM50-RM95 per person, depending on the package
#5 White Water Rafting
If you’re a watersport person, then white water rafting should be in your bucket list. Imagine you and your mates in a raft, battling the gushing waters of the river while trying to maintain your composure and staying afloat so that you can ultimately enjoy the surrounding beauty and reach the end point. Sounds challenging but it is indeed an unforgettable experience!
Some places might offer steep packages when it comes to white water rafting, but we found out that Natasya Riverside Resort Gopeng actually offers a fairly priced one! The resort is located next to a river so you and your buddies can stay there and explore other activities or the river.
Location: Lot 10855, Jalan Besar, Kg Jahang, Gopeng, Perak
Price: RM55-RM60 per person
Facebook: Natasya Riverside Resort Gopeng
Contact: +6017 4146669
#6 Coral Flyer Zipline, Sabah
When it comes to ziplines, the most common ones everyone would’ve heard of or experienced would be from tree to tree. But what if we told you that somewhere off the coast of Malaysia lies a zipline where you can go from island to island?
Yes, islands! Calm, crystal blue waters greet you as you cascade in style between Gaya Island and Sapi Island at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Sabah. Dubbed as the “most unique zipline in the world”, this attraction alone is enough to convince us to book our next flight to the Land Below the Wind!
Location: Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (the transfer boat to Sapi Island will pick you up here)
Price: RM68 per person
Website: www.coralflyer.com
Contact: +6011 29842023