7 Cool Hidden Gems You Should Check Out On Your Next Road Trip In Malaysia

One of the best ways to explore Malaysia is with a road trip! The journey itself is sure to be fun one and maybe you'll even discover a whole new side to our country that you never knew before :)

Whether you're looking for the perfect backdrop to take stunning photos, on the hunt for the next yummy food trend, or just wanting an escape from city life, Malaysia has all kinds of amazing places worth driving to.

Escape from the concrete jungle to a hilltop paradise where you'll be surrounded by 360 degree views of the lush Kanching Rainforest Reserve. Surprisingly located only a 30-minute drive away from the center of KL, the serene and tranquil natural environment makes for the perfect place to relax, unwind, and de-stress from the hustle and bustle of your daily life.

Location: 22, Jalan 3/2, Templer Heights, Templer Park, 48000 Rawang, Selangor

Hiding amongst the beautiful landscaped gardens of the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens, is this Moroccan palace of wonders. Built to symbolise the strong diplomatic ties between Malaysia and Morocco, the exquisite pavillion is divided into three grand courtyards, each with its own ornate gate, and showcases some truly intricate craftsmanship and impressive architecture.

Location: Persiaran Sultan Sallahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, Presint 1, 62000 Putrajaya, Wilayah Persekutuan Putrajaya

With pristine white sandy beaches, crystal clear blue waters, stunning coral reefs, and abundance of marine life, this little island in Terengganu is absolutely breathtaking and definitely lives up to its name. As it's privately owned, it's much less crowded than other more popular islands nearby like Pulau Redang. There's legit only one resort on the whole island!

Location: Gem Island Resort and Spa, Lot 2804, Pulia Gemia, Mukim Risula, Dearah Marang, 21600 Gemia Island, Terengganu

About 10km away from Taiping, you'll find this oldest hill resort in Malaysia which was founded back in 1884. It has remained largely untouched and not as developed as the likes of Genting and Cameron Highlands, so it's managed to retain a quaint colonial style over the years. It's perfect for animal and nature lovers as it has various trails to explore and is home to plenty of local wildlife.

Location: Taiping, Perak

Once the private home of one of China's most legendary tycoons, the Blue Mansion is now a 2-in-1 hybrid museum/heritage boutique hotel. Not only can you spend a night in the gorgeous UNESCO recognized mansion, but you can also go on guided historical tours.

With 38 opulent rooms and stunning features including 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'.

Location: Ground Floor, 14, Leith Street, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang

Whether you want to spend a chill afternoon flying kites or getting an adrenaline rush from sand boarding, there's no better place than the sprawling sand dunes of Pantai Klebang. It's also a great spot for photographers as it makes for a really unique backdrop for photoshoots. Don't forget to treat yourself to a delicious Klebang Original Coconut Shake while you're there!

Location: Klebang, Melaka

Talk about a hidden gem - you'll only discover this waterfall after trekking through a jungle, but the reward is more than worth it. This waterfall is aptly named for the cool phenomenon that takes place there every morning. At about 9am, rays of sunlight hit the base of the waterfall just right, resulting in a beautiful rainbow! You'll have to be quick to catch it though, as it usually disappears by about 10am.

Location: Sungai Lembing, Pahang