On The Road: 7 Adventure-filled road trip destinations in Malaysia to embark on

Sarah Khan 02 Dec 2016 updated the Friday, December 2, 2016

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Kuala Lumpur – Bukit Tinggi – Fraser’s Hill
If you're stuck in the city and are feeling a little stifled, a road trip to the charming hillside town of Bukit Tinggi might just do the trick. Here, you'll find the idyllic French-themed village of Colmar Tropicale, located 2,600 feet above sea level. Inspired by the original town of Colmar in Alsace, France, you'll get to immerse in a French countryside experience, without the hours-long plane ride.

Take your road trip further by moving upwards to Fraser's Hill, where you'll get to enjoy outdoor activities like archery, horse-riding in The Paddock and trails like the Hemmant Trail to explore on foot!
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Penang – Batu Feringghi
Whichever state you're planning to drive from, Penang is always worth a trip. This part of Malaysia is world-famous for its scrumptious hawker food, like the char kway teow and Penang Assam Laksa. Head down to the popular Khoon Hiang Cafe or Air Itam Market Food Court to satiate your road trip hunger pangs. Inject a little culture and history to your trip by visiting the Camera Museum or appreciating the vibrant street murals in the UNESCO World Heritage site of George Town! (Hint: They'll make for great Instagram photos.)
Continue your road trip by venturing down to Batu Ferringhi, with its stunning ocean views and sea breezes. Time your trip such that you reach the beach about sunset for a picturesque seaside stroll that will make your entire road trip. The street food at Batu Ferringhi is also worth trying, so definitely give it a go!
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Johor Bahru – Malacca
A road trip to Malacca is the perfect weekend agenda for those living in Johor Bahru or starting their trip there. On your drive to Malacca, you'll pass by the Tropical Village Mini-World Theme Park right outside Johor. This exciting theme park contains miniature versions of famous world landmarks like the Great Wall of China, Egypt's Sphinx and the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and would no doubt inject plenty of fun and adventure to your trip.
Immerse yourself in the culturally and historically rich city and UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malacca. Take in the city's distinctive Dutch and Portuguese architectural influences as you explore the town. Of course, you cannot head to Malacca and not try its iconic dishes - the locals there would recommend visiting the Portuguese Settlement Malacca Restaurant and try the wide array of food from Jonker 88!
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Kuala Lumpur – Taman Negara
Set course for Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia's largest (and one of its oldest) national park, from Kuala Lumpur. Expect a 3.5-hour drive that includes a few of Malaysia's popular tourist destinations along the journey! Make a slight detour to visit famous the Batu Caves once you've left Kuala Lumpur. The Batu Caves is a limestone hill thought to be over 400 million years old, home to a series of caves and a Hindu temple that is of great religious significance to the Hindus in Malaysia.
Head to the Elephant Sanctuary Kuala Gandah next, a sanctuary and rehabilitation centre for over 300 Malaysian elephants. Learn about their active conservation efforts in Malaysia and also interact with these gentle creatures! Finally, make your way straight towards Taman Negara and spend the rest of your weekend trekking, taking in the park's flora and fauna, or even do a little fishing!
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Kota Kinabalu – Kundasang – Ranau
For those seeking a road trip that lets you fully immerse in Malaysia's rich nature and landscapes, we suggest driving up to Kundasang and Ranau. Kundasang, with its many cows grazing on stretches of green fields against the blue sky, is Malaysia's answer to New Zealand's lush greenery. Once you reach Ranau, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Park for a magnificent view of Mount Kinabalu. Visit the Poring Hot Spring to unwind after, and grab a bite at the area's famous Sabah Tea Garden Restaurant which serves its meals with delicious cups of tea.
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Kuala Lumpur – Ipoh – Taiping
Get ready for the delicious meals that await you as you embark on your road trip towards Ipoh! A must-try: the famous Canning Garden Chee Cheong Fun at Ipoh Central Cafe and the Nasi Vanggey from Restaurant Nasi Vanggey. While at Ipoh, visit the mysteriously alluring Kellie's Castle. This unfinished, ruined mansion was built by a Scottish planter named William Kellie Smith purportedly as a gift for his wife. Gua Tempurung, a stunning limestone cave (and one of Peninsular Malaysia's largest), is also worth visit!
After soaking in your Ipoh adventure, hit the road again and head towards Taiping. This state is home to the scenic Taiping Lake Gardens that would make for the perfect road trip photo. Don't pass up the opportunity to try their famous bowl of cendol from Ansari Famous Cendol!
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Kuala Lumpur – Belum Forest Reserve
Just 5 hours north of Kuala Lumpur is the Belum Forest Reserve - one of Malaysia's untouched virgin jungles. This natural paradise is home to an extensive array of flora and fauna and many of the world's most endangered species, like the Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malaysian Tiger, Asiatic Elephant, and more. Take a detour on the long drive up north in the milder temperatures and fresh highland air of Cameron Highlands. This popular tourist destination gives your eyes plenty to feast on and take in, from its beautiful and sprawling tea plantations, strawberry plantations and lush, rolling green hills.

Kuala Lumpur - Bukit Tinggi - Fraser's Hill

Drop everything and hit the road! Take your pick from our top 7 road trip destinations – all within Malaysia!

If you’re itching for an adventure or to travel somewhere over the weekend, set your sights closer to home and consider going on a road trip within Malaysia itself! With thirteen states rich in history, nature, and culture, Malaysia definitely does not lack options for your adventure-hungry soul. If you’re in Kuala Lumpur and feeling slightly overwhelmed by the bustling urban atmosphere, hit the roads with your family or friends and head to the idyllic, French-inspired village of Colmar Tropicale in Bukit Tinggi, only a few hours away from the city. Or if you need a dose of culture and history, embark on a road trip from Johor to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malacca, where you get to feast on Peranakan cuisine and take in the distinctive European architecture in the town as you explore the area.

If you have yet to go on a road trip, it’s high time you start planning one! Spontaneous, adventure-filled and completely friendly on the wallet, they are the perfect way to inject some adventure into your routine – all without the hours-long flight and cash spent on airline tickets. Head up to our gallery above for our 7 best recommended road trip routes to take for a weekend adventure you won’t forget.

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

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