What is there to see and do in Malaysia?

Wild wonders

Experiential holidays in Malaysia tend to be based around Borneo's untouched jungles, offering the chance to visit rustic tribal villages and spot rare exotic animals. For wildlife lovers a wonderful land of adventure awaits where you can get up close to giant primates and cute little monkeys.

In Sarawak state, close to the city of Kuching is the unmissable Semonggoh wildlife sanctuary, a lush forested reserve home to wild and orphaned orangutans rehabilitated and taught how to readapt to life in the forest. You can observe these amazing primates at feeding time before they climb back into the treetops. In the north of Sarawak, outdoor adventurers will not want to miss a visit to the world heritage-listed Mulu National Park, harbouring awe-inspiring natural wonders that include the world's largest cave.

In the northern Borneo state of Sabah intrepid types can seek out orang-utans in the wilderness of the Danum Valley, thought to have the largest concentration of orang-utans in the world. The crowning glory of Sabah state is majestic Mount Kinabalu. Popular with travellers, the giant sawtooth peak caps the moist lowland jungles of the surrounding national park crisscrossed with nature and hiking trails, and rushing with refreshing waterfalls. The eco-tourism hotspot includes a botanical mountain garden, hot springs where you can bathe in relaxing rock pools, and a walkway across the jungle canopy.

Borneo's offshore islands are a haven of the natural world offering turtle-spotting and world-class diving. Selingan island is known for its nesting turtles, while off the coast of southern Sabah, the volcanic island of Pulau Sipadan is encrusted with coral reefs populated by myriad fish, turtles and octopi.

In Peninsula Malaysia the Cameron Highlands, situated half-way between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, are another eco-tourism hotspot where you'll find tracts of cloud forest and hidden waterfalls. The area is also home to south-east Asia's largest tea plantation, with scenic green terraces covering the undulating landscape. Fruit, particularly strawberries, are also grown in the highlands, and visitors can tour both the plantations and farms, staying at heritage manors along the way. To get back to nature, hiking through the cloud forests is an absolute must – with Mossy Forest and treks to tribal villages accessible on guided tours.

For a jungle adventure in central Malaysia, look no further than the Taman Negara Kuala Tahan. The ancient jungles where tigers are rumoured to roam have visitor facilities and even an eco hotel. There are hiking trails and a treetop walkway, and thrilling activities such as rafting and caving are also available in the national park.