5 epic places in Malaysia you must visit

Despite the hot weather and often isolated monuments, it is always worthwhile to make the effort to go out and explore the amazing natural and man-made formations all around Malaysia.

1. Sipadan Islands (Sabah)

Known as one of the best diving spots in the world, the Sipadan Islands have a lot to offer for off-shore and underwater activities. While this may make it a specific target for ocean enthusiasts, there is still fun to be had for non-scuba divers. Revel in the quietness of the sandy beaches and little forest on the island where wild birds and other wildlife live undisturbed by human influence. The nearby islands offer a little more connection to civilization, with budget plans often leading visitors to the larger land of Semporna, where life remains a quiet occurrence without hordes of travelers passing through.

2. Pantai Cahaya Bulan (Kelantan)

This quiet beachside front is known for its romantic folklore of being a place for lovers to declare their romance by moonlight, hence the name of the beach. Located in the more traditional part of Malaysia, the beach offers simple Kelantanese treats of fried seafood and kite-flying. The trip to the beach from capital city Kota Bharu is an absolute scenic delight, with many little old villages and friendly locals living peacefully on the simpler side of life. While it may not be as elaborate as some beach attractions, enjoy the tranquillity of the sea breeze and sunsets while eating a hearty bowl of signature Kelantanese crab noodles. Be mindful that some parts of the beach may be unsuitable for swimming due to high currents and that large boulders have been set up to combat the unfortunate occurrence of erosion.

3. Desa Dairy Farm (Sabah)

The beauty of a dairy farm nestled at the foot of a great mountain may be closer than you anticipated. Save a trip to Holland or New Zealand by visiting the Desa Dairy Farm in Kundasang, Sabah, where fat black and white cows graze on green grassy knolls in cool weather with some goats. The dairy farm provides an exciting insight into how fresh milk is supplied and treated before being shipped away, and how the cows live in order to produce only the freshest quality. Also to enjoy besides feeding cute calves and goat kids are milk-filled treats such as ice cream, yogurt and cheeses all locally produced and flavored with Malaysia’s favorite tastes.

4. Pulau Jerejak (Penang)

Full of old ruins deep in its thick jungle, Pulau Jerejak has a notorious history among the people of Penang for being an island full of unpleasant occurrences. During its heyday of attempted utilization by British administrators, Pulau Jerejak has been home to leprosy and tuberculosis-stricken patients, a ceremonial resting ground for navy soldiers lost to the Indian Sea, a quarantine site, and most recently – until 1993 – a jail. A resort and spa now occupies the place, but remains in low traffic due to its controversial past. Great for explorers and lovers of nature reclaiming man-made structures, this island holds many secrets for those brave enough to explore it.

Read more: The most beautiful island resorts in Southeast Asia

5. Lepoh Falls (Kuala Selangor)

This small but beautiful waterfall is hidden away on the hills of Hulu Langat, a little way off Gunung Nuang. It takes a small road trip to get here from Kuala Lumpur, and the sights of quaint Malay villages along the way are sure to delight those who appreciate watching life slow down from the hectic city to the more relaxed countryside. Lepoh Falls are known for the cool mountain water running down its tiers, two of which form an amazing natural water slide into a refreshing pool surrounded by lush greenery, through which a two-hour hike is required to reach. Visitors to the falls mostly consist of the people living around it and the occasional group; so its advisable to go a little early to get the best picnic spots. Also, remember to clean up after yourselves as the waterfall is a free area and therefore doesn’t have official caretakers.

Source theculturetrip

Visit 6 spiritual places in Laos

Laos is a majority Buddhist country with many functional temples and sacred places. It also has some of least touched natural areas in Southeast Asia. If you are looking to contemplate life and engage in a spiritual experience, consider visiting one of these most spiritual places in Laos.

That Luang

The national symbol of Laos, That Luang, is an imposing golden monument reflecting both the Buddhist religion and Laotian sovereignty. Built in 1566, the architecture of this temple is a combination of Asian pagoda architecture and the traditional Laotian temple specific to this particular region.

Other Vientiane temples such as Wat Si Saket temple, Wat Haw Pha Kaeo temple, Wat Si Muang and Wat Ong Teu temple should also be on the list to visit for anyone hoping to understand the culture and beliefs of Laotian people and to discover the collections of sacred art and superb Lao Buddhist sculptures within.

Irrawaddy Dolphins

Called Pah Kha in Laos, the one critically endangered pod of Irrawaddy dolphins in Si Phan Don lives just south of Don Sanlat. Boats can be chartered from the beach at the southwest coast of Don Khon or from the ferry pier at the southernmost tip of the island for less than US$10 per hour. Sightings are best in the early mornings or early evenings. Bring some water; many of the boats are uncovered, leaving you exposed to the sun. Then, with the engine off and a little patience, you will see dolphins, albeit from a distance. Forget trying to take photos unless you are a professional nature photographer and simply take in the sounds and sights of these majestic animals.

Pak Ou Caves

Bring your headlamp and take the slow boat up the Mekong to Ban Pak Ou. Pak means mouth and the two caves at the mouth of the Ou River are Tham Ting and Tham Theung. Hike up the long staircase to the pitch black upper cave, Tham Theung. The lower cave, Tham Ting, is smaller and less busy with some sunlight shining through. Both caves are pilgrimage locations for devout Buddhists who have been leaving carvings of the Buddha in the caves for centuries. Over 4,000 statues are located inside.

That Ing Hang

That Ing Hang is second only to Wat Phou in Champasak when it comes to ancient sacred places in Laos. Built during the mid-16th century, the Stupa is a National Treasure of Lao PDR and is located 11.5 km north of Savannakhet. Said to contain a piece of Buddha’s spine, a story that Buddha rested at the base of a Hang tree at the site inspired the construction. Women must wear a traditional Lao sin (wrap skirt) to enter the temple grounds and may not enter the promenade around the stupa. Nuns and monks bless visitors and tie their wrists with colorful strings. After your visit, try some delicious black bamboo sticky rice with coconut for sale near the temple.

Dong Ling

Buy a bunch of bananas from the monkey-proof road side stands and head to the sacred monkey forest in the Chomphone Districts of Savannakhet Province. These are most well-behaved monkeys in Southeast Asia living on three hectares near Donmeuang Temple. The monkeys are sacred to the local people, and their images can be seen on the temple. The forest itself has a walking path with a pond in the middle and two small shrines toward the back. Visit in the dry season for Hotay Piddok, an ancient Buddhist palm scroll library near the forest.

Read more: Things you need to avoid when traveling to Laos

Source Internet

The most beautiful attractions in Northern Thailand

Although Northern Thailand suffers from a dreadful lack of islands, this region is usually known as one of the worth-visiting destinations in Southeast Asia. The best places to visit in Northern Thailand are so diverse. The culture inspired by Lanna, Shan, Karen, and other indigenous ethnic groups has provided a noticeably friendlier atmosphere.

Chiang Mai

Known as the largest city in Northern Thailand and once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom, Chiang Mai is such a significant city in this region. In the Lanna language, Chiang Mai means "New City". The city offers the classic features that attract visitors: friendly locals, great food, and affordable prices. With the usual amount of frugality, you get more bang for the travel buck in Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand in general than in Bangkok or the islands.

Chiang Rai

The city of Chiang Rai is an anomaly among the places to go to Northern Thailand. The most famous of Chiang Rai attractions is the iconic Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) which was designed by Chalermchai Kositpipat. Another famous work from Chalermchai is Chiang Rai’s golden clock tower set prominently in a roundabout in the center of town. Unveiled in 2008 as a tribute to the King of Thailand, the clock tower comes alive every hour as one would expect an ornate clock tower to do.

Chiang Dao

Located around 90 minutes from north of Chiang Mai, Chiang Dao is the place to go for picturesque limestone cliffs and Thailand’s third-highest mountain, Doi Chiang Dao (7,135 feet). Although the mountain is barely a pebble when matched up against the massifs in Asia’s Himalayas, Chiang Dao is the premier place for bird watching in Thailand. Over 300 species, many of which are rare and can be spotted.

Read more: Take a day trip to Ayutthaya, Thailand

Pai

A bit less than four hours north of Chiang Mai, Pai is a much smaller, chilled-out, riverside option for getting away from concrete. Although still mostly green, Pai’s popularity and its development have grown tremendously in the last decade. So far, the charm has survived. Travelers of all budgets and nationalities cram into minivans to visit Pai. A surprising number come and decide not to leave.

Source Internet