5 weird and wonderful Malaysian adventures

Unusual ways to pass the time.

StarHub Blogger, 12 March 2018

Divided into two regions by the South China Sea, Malaysia offers an incredible variety of attractions - from colonial tea plantations and remote beaches on the peninsula, to wild jungle and remote tribes in Malaysian Borneo. In amongst all this there are some real surprises to be found, if you know where to look. And what better to explore these wonderful nooks and crannies than with StarHub's new roaming plan, DataTravel? Without further ado, here’re 5 inspiring ideas for Malaysia...

Stay in a time capsule.

Tucked in the middle of a forest reserve in small-town Malaysia is Time Capsule Retreat, a family-run reserve that offers unique lodgings. You can stay in hobbit-like concrete pipes that have been decked out as double bedrooms, or glass boxes with floor-to-ceiling views of the forest. It's a short walk from quaint tin mining town Sungai Lembing, in the heart of mountainous Pahang, and boasts Panorama Hill and Rainbow Waterfall on its doorstep too if you want to make the most of the rural landscape.

Be a rice farmer for a day.

Experience life as a Malaysian rice farmer at Kahang Organic Rice Eco Farm in rural Johor. You’ll get stuck into the farm's daily farming routine - weeding, rice seedling planting, harvesting or winnowing - and then enjoy the fruits of your labour with some home-cooked Malay rice dishes and fresh-caught fish in the lakeside restaurant. You can also arrange trips along the Madek River, and do some jungle trekking or bamboo rafting while you’re there.

Enjoy tea and scones.

A meander through the winding Cameron Highlands is like stepping back in time to merry England. The hill station's colonial heritage is still evident in its rolling tea plantations, strawberry farms and quaint bungalows peppering the district. After a morning exploring the interesting temples and waterfall-strewn countryside, take some time out for a traditional afternoon tea: the Jim Thompson Tea Room is an iconic spot for freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches and pastries served up on dainty china.

Visit the house of skulls.

Learn about the legend of fearsome headhunter warrior Monsopiad at the living museum in his memory in Sabah. The Monsopiad Cultural Village is run by the warrior's direct descendants, who are keen to pass on the traditions of the Kadazan ethnic tribe with dance and music sessions as well as cultural tours and traditional handicrafts. Of real note is Siou Do Mohoing - the "House of Skulls" - that displays the trophies of 42 of Monsopiad's rival warriors. Creepy.

Eat sago worms.

Known as the butod, the sago worm is a nutritious delicacy of Sabah. So named after the Sago palm trees it feeds off, the fat grub is rich in protein - and a hot ticket item at Borneo's wet markets. For a really immersive experience, head to the annual Sago Festival in Kuala Penyu in August for a celebration of the sago palm and the butod. Beware: it's often eaten alive - although you'll find lots of tasty cooked varieties too!

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