You don’t need to get far to be away!

Sometimes when we think of travel, we always correlate it with distance. The more distant we go, the better the travel experience will be, but what if we tell you that you don’t even to step out of Malaysia to have a holiday of your lifetime.

▲ Photo by Brandless on Unsplash

In fact, these places that we are about to list out aren’t the cliche places that are already crowded with people from all over the country. After some research done, we’ve found out that Malaysia actually has a lot of hidden gems that are underappreciated by local people ourselves.

▲ Photo by Ankush Nath Sehgal on Unsplash

Hence, these are the five places that we think you should definitely note down in your 2020 checklist!

Templer Park Rainforest Retreat

Surrounding yourself with a 360° view of a concrete jungle wrapped inside a hilltop paradise is the perfect escape to the hullabaloos of the city. Surprisingly located only a 30-minute drive away from the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the serene and tranquil Kanching Rainforest Reserve makes the perfect place to relax, unwind, and de-stress.

Astaka Morocco

Hiding in between the beautiful gardens of Putrajaya Botanical Gardens is this Moroccan palace of wonders. Built to symbolize the diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Morocco, the exquisite pavilion is divided into three grand courtyards—each with its own ornate gate showcasing truly intricate craftsmanship and impressive architecture.

Gem Island

Pristine white beach, crystal clear water, stunning coral reefs, abundance of marine life; this tiny island is Terengganu is definitely breathtaking! And just like its name, it’s an absolute hidden gem! As it’s privately owned, the island is less crowded, which means more fantastic pictures for the Instagram.

Maxwell Hill

This oldest hill resort in Malaysia—founded back in 1884—is only about 10km away from Taiping. It has remained largely untouched and not as developed as other highlands. Those who seek zens around nature, this is the perfect spot to unwind. It has various trails to be explored and if you’re lucky, you might be able to appreciate plenty of local wildlife.

Cheong Fatt Tze’s Blue Mansion

With 38 opulent rooms and stunning features—its hundreds of windows, seven staircases, five courtyards, porches lined with lace-like cast iron detailing, and gables inlaid with bright porcelain mosaics—it’s no wonder that the Blue Mansion was even used as a filming location for ‘Crazy Rich Asians’.

After gone through our list, you must be eager to pack up your bags and get to adventure right?

Well, not so fast because Firefly Airlines and Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) are collaborating to curate a travel Fly and Rail Holiday Package combo fitting for everyone!

With 3 different FlyRail Holiday Packages, travelers can pack up for an adventurous 3 days 2 nights escapade ranging from jungle exploration, rail homestay experience and Stonghill expedition.

For further information, check out their webpage at www.fireflyz.com.my.