Many travelers treat Jakarta simply as a stopover spot on their way to Bali’s island paradise. But this metropolitan capital to Indonesia certainly deserves more than a day or two,especially if you’re wanting to try all of the delightful eateries that add glam, glitz and style to the Big Durian. Sampled here are some of the capital’s best gourmet offerings, from international to local delights alike!

Social House

This laid-back lounge style restaurant/bar is proving hugely popular. It is the latest addition to a long list of successes by the Ismaya group, who also runs the ever popular Blowfish, Dragonfly and Sushi Groove. Social House, or SoHo, as it is affectionately known, boasts huge windows and a panoramic view of the iconic Hotel Indonesia Kempinski and its surrounding.

The Apartment

The Apartment lives up to its name in spectacular fashion. The interior of the restaurant is uniquely designed as an apartment complex. Diners can choose to be seated in the kitchen, living room, bedroom or even the bathroom! The decor plays right into the delightful food served by Chef Andry Winata, who specializes in modern European cuisine with Italian influence.

Not far from Jakarta is the hilly town of Bandung, a perfect spot for a weekend-getaway. There, you can enjoy a refreshing bath at the thermal hot pools in Ciater!

Dapur Babah

For excellent Indonesian food with Javanese and Peranakan Chinese influences, head to Dapur Babah at Jl Veteran 1, near Merdeka Square. This restaurant reeks of colonial charms. It’s filled with various objects and items that look like they belong in a museum instead of a restaurant. Dapur Babah is more than just a restaurant. It is a living museum that will transport you to the Batavia of old. The cuisine on offer is similarly nostalgic, featuring some of the best renditions of traditional local delights you’ll ever taste in town.

PEPeNERO

This well known restaurant has a branch in Jakarta and Bali. Its wholesome, authentic, homemade pasta is filled with creamy goodness. A homey and friendly spot where good times and good food reign, this simple Italian trattoria restaurant is well known to lovers of Italian food city-wide. The two storey restaurant is a great place for business lunches and brunches. It also serves as a comfy hangout for group dinners.

If you’re visiting Jakarta, don’t forget to also head to Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands), a group of small islands located approximately 2 hours north of Jakarta. A weekend getaway would be perfect to destress and get away from the hectic urban living in Jakarta!

Immigrant

The recently opened new wing at Plaza Indonesia plays host to Immigrant as its crowning jewel. Located on the sixth floor, this flashy new restaurant-lounge is set to attract the city’s glam and glitzy crowd for the foreseeable future. Just like SoHo, Immigrant features an open air balcony offering diners a fantastic view of the city skyline. The people behind Immigrant are also responsible for the celebrated Rustic restaurant, so you can be sure the steak here is up to par.

Le Seminyak

Balinese food is much under-represented here in the nation’s capital, but Le Seminyak, an intimate restaurant located on Pacific Place’s fifth floor, is a welcome addition to the short list of Balinese restaurants in town. The restaurant is a breath of fresh air, with mellow earthy tones and wooden decor completing the Balinese experience. Unfortunately, the restaurant does not serve Bali’s famed pork dishes, as they are a halal restaurant.

Looking for a quick fuss-free itinerary? We’ve got just the thing for you in this issue 01 of Unearthing Asia magazine. In it we shine our spotlight on Jakarta and share with you a quick 24-hour itinerary, complete with local tips and suggestions!

Cinnamon

After a two-year layoff for renovation, the Mandarin Oriental Jakarta is now open for business. Cinnamon, and all day dining and buffet restaurant, is located on the hotel’s ground floor. The restaurant features all kinds of Asian food, as well as a selection of familiar international dishes. A relic from the Mandarin Hotel of old, however, is the cake shop, which has now been revived as Cinnamon’s dessert counter.

TeSaTe

Located in the newly expanded Plaza Senayan, TeSate is a classy modern restaurant where you can try out local favorites transformed into gourmet offerings. Try out the satay, nasi goreng (fried rice) and the ever popular sop buntut (oxtail soup), reinterpreted and redesigned for your enjoyment.

Bibliotheque

Behind the pillars of Sampoerna Strategic Square’s South Tower Entrance stands Bibliotheque, arguably the hippest restaurant bar in Jakarta at the moment. In a city constantly crying out for innovation, Bibliotheque stands out with its low-key and effortless concept, that of an old-school library with books and wooden panels. The food is a mix of Middle Eastern and Western cuisines.

There’s more to the Las Vegas of the East than the thrill of beating the dealer at blackjack, or the sound of the coins falling out as you hit the jackpot. This Southern Chinese city is home to a handful of world class restaurants ready to whet your appetite. For a trip of gastronomic indulgence, be sure to check the following top tables in Macau.

MacauSoul

This informal bar and restaurant is run by a British expatriates couple who embraced the Macanese lifestyle. David and Jacky Higgins are wine-aficionados to very heart, and the varied selection of light bites to go with MacauSoul’s range of wine reflected that personality to the fullest. The menu reflects on Macau’s influences, with Mediterranean-tinged offerings like hummus and olives, as well as various fusion food such as the char siew salad. The restaurant is very popular with the young, local crowd, with an eclectic playlist of jazz, blues, folk and even classical adding to the ambience and lively atmosphere.

Photo credit - scaredykat

Galera a Robuchon

Since 2001, the Galera a Robuchon has set new standards for fine dining in the region. Executive chef Joel Robuchon has won many prestigious awards, and the restaurant has earned a magnificent three-star rating from the Michelin, the only restaurant to do so in Macau. Chef Robuchon travels frequently to Macau to maintain his impeccably high standards, with a team of chefs that has had rigorous training at other three-star Michelin restaurants in France.

La Poloma

This delightful restaurant mixes modern dining with a touch of Old World traditional setting and decor. Set in the Pousada De Sao Tiago Hotel in Macau, the Spanish restaurant uses only the finest ingredients, impeccably balancing between textures, flavors and beautiful presentation. Be sure to try the Iberian Parma ham, the world’, seafood paella, pork sirloin, and garoupa. A beautiful view of the Macau Harbour adds to the rustic ambiance and classical charm of this renowned restaurant.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, gourmet lovers would also enjoy the more budget-friendly cuisines of Macau, be sure to try out all of the items on this Foodie’s Guide to Macau!

Photo credit - Dennis Wong

Lei Garden

In the third-floor indoor canals of the vast Venetian Macao Resort Hotel is Lei Garden, one of the most respected Chinese restaurants in Macau. They are famed for their fusion of traditional Cantonese servings, with inventive twists from other regions of China. The restaurant is a new addition to Macau, having only been established in 2007. It’s rise to fame however, is second to none and the restaurant quickly became a hit with hotel and casino visitors from all over the world.

Photo credit - to-mo-ro

Il Teatro

With a name that means “The Theater” in Italian, one would expect the meal to be a grandiose showcase fit for the kings. Il Teatro at the Wynn Macao delivers exactly that, with the chefs putting a dazzling show for the diners with the stunning views of Performance Lake adding to the spectacle. At night, the lake hosts musically choreographed displays of dramatic water, light, color and fire effects, an attraction unto its own. But truly, the main star of the show is the genuine Italian cuisine made with the freshest ingredients flown in from around the world, making Il Teatro one of the world’s top restaurants.

Unearthing Asia now offers travel packages throughout the region of Asia. Check out our promotional offers of Luxury Private Villas in Bali, perfect for Honeymooners or those looking for a little romance. We also have great offers for hotels in Singapore, resorts in Phuket and many more.

Like most cosmopolitan hubs around the world, the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur is studded with extravagant shopping malls, colorful local markets and atmospheric side streets filled with quaint boutiques and great buys. This is the go-to place in the Malaya Peninsula for designer names and high-end fashion brands, with swanky new malls lined with international boutiques as well as up and coming local brands. Kuala Lumpur is where you can find the latest fashion and trends, a staggering variety of shops as well as some of the best bargains in the region.

Starhill Gallery. Photo credit - RonnieLiew.

Bukit Bintang

Located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, the Bukit Bintang area is the Malaysian equivalent to New York’s Fifth Avenue and Tokyo’s Ginza district. Pavilion is a popular mall in the area, offering a boulevard-style shopping experience with street-front duplex stores facing Jalan Bukit Bintang. It boasts 7 floors of up-market boutiques selling everything from fashion to beauty to luxury goods. Located just opposite that is Starhill Gallery, a luxury powerhouse that is home to the world’s top luxury brands – from Van Cleef and Arpels to Lanvin and Louis Vuitton.

Photo credit - zzclef

Sungei Wang

For a more down-to-earth retail therapy, head over to Sungei Wang Plaza, located just a five-minute walk away. It is one of the older malls in the area, but it remains tremendously popular, with a labyrinth of shops and alleyways where you can hunt for surprising gems at an affordable price. Plenty of boutiques here strut products created by famous Malaysian designers, such as Jonathan Cheng, Melinda Looi and Williem Liew.

Other than shopping, the capital of Malaysia also provides plenty of attractions be it art, culture, history or even adventure. Check out Kuala Lumpur’s new buzz for our latest tips on what to do in this lively metropolis!

Photo credit – miusam

KLCC

Another key shopping area in Kuala Lumpur is the KLCC area, which is just five minutes’ drive away from Bukit Bintang. Suria KLCC Mall, located at the foot of the world-famous Petronas Twin Towers, is one of the capital’s swankiest shopping hotspots, housing major international designer fashion labels as well as mid market brands. There is something here for everybody!

Photo credit - khalzuri

Central Market

Just a few minutes away from Chinatown is the Central Market, built in 1888 as a wet market. The art-deco inspired architecture is now classified as a Heritage Site, a one-stop shopping destination for uniquely Malaysian products such as handicrafts, traditional and contemporary artworks, kebayas, songkets, batik and wood-carvings, among others.

Photo credit - mylifestory

Bangsar Telawi

Formerly known for its happening nightlife, Bangsar Telawi is better known these days for its trendy shops catering to budget-conscious fashionistas. Many independent boutiques lining in the rows of shop-houses carry various local designs, from dresses, shoes, accessories and more. The very unique Thirtyfour, open to the public only by appointment, is an interdisciplinary design studio that also doubles up as a boutique with its range of hand-made leather bags and accessories. Near by, Baci store is filled with unique styles sourced from all around Asia, all at an affordable price. Alternatively, you can also head over to Bangsar Village Shopping Centre, which hosts upmarket labels in air-conditioned comfort.

While you enjoy the various shopping destinations in Kuala Lumpur, don’t forget to also try out the various must-try Malaysian food – the various cultural influences make for an array of treats for your enjoyment! And on top of that, Malaysia is also home to some of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Be sure to check them out through this list of 8 Great Malaysian Adventures.

Photo credit - wizan

Buy Malaysian – Songket & Pewter

The Malay Songket and Pewter Ware are both unique local handicraft items that serves as great gifts. The Songket is an exquisite fabric created with an intricate supplementary weft technique where gold threads are woven in between silk threads of the background cloth. The resulting fabric is an ethereal textile that can take months to hand-make. Pewter Ware is another product unique to the country, and you can take up various tours into the factory to witness first-hand the making of these exquisite items.

Unearthing Asia now offers travel packages throughout the region of Asia. Check out our promotional offers of Luxury Private Villas in Bali, perfect for Honeymooners or those looking for a little romance. We also have great offers for hotels in Singapore, resorts in Phuket and many more.

Feel-good therapies and natural healing are the lifestyle mantras of the new millennium. Thailand leads the way in this regard, reviving many of its ancient techniques and treatments that have been handed down from one generation of women to the next.

Thai massage and meditation are amongst some of the best in the world, with a full range of services from full beauty treatments, facials, relaxing baths and scrubs, healthy tonics and much more. Plenty of the following Thai Spa traditions have been incorporated into various therapeutic services throughout the world. Their roots can be traced back to the ancient medical knowledge that made their way from India through Buddhist monks.?

Herbal Steam Treatments

Thai Herbal Steam is one of the best known of the traditional therapies, tracing its roots back to ancient times. Different healers have formulated specialized treatments to cure various health conditions, but one common after-effect is the fantastic therapeutic effects on your body. Step into a dreamy, misty room and simply lie back and let the steam vapors do their job. For total indulgence combine your herbal steam with a massage – the heat from the steam relaxes your muscles in preparation for a thorough stretch by the masseur!

The folks at the popular Tamarind Retreat Steam Bath on the island of Koh Samui claim that their steam treatment aids respiration, relieves sinusitis, bronchial asthma and stimulates circulation. Guests can enjoy alternating bouts of warmth in the steam room and cooling dips in their plunge pool. Tamarind leaves are one of the key ingredients in their herbal steam, with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, beach morning glory and many other ingredients completing the set.

Herbal Heat Compress

The origins of the Thai Herbal heat compress are obscure, but they are known to be popular since 200 years ago, and can also be found in neighboring Burma, Cambodia and Laos. The round cotton bundles contains herbal mixtures that vary from region to region, each with their local plants and herbs. These herbal compresses are now packaged and sold commercially in Bangkok, or you can simply create your own with various combinations of herbs.

Called prakopin Thai, the herbal compress has made their way into modern spa treatments all over the world, with varying combinations of ingredients. Generally, there are several standard ingredients that can be found inside these herbal compresses, each with their own medical benefits – lemongrass helps clear up the skin; turmeric helps soothe and cleanse irritated skin; prai ginger is a natural moisturizer; and kaffir lime help to tone the skin. These herbal compresses are excellent to soothe sore and aching muscles.

To enjoy these refreshing spa treatments to the fullest, you need to find an appropriate setting, one of peace, quiet and relaxation. While it is true that many places in southern Thailand are overcrowded, it is still possible to find a secluded hideaway for some rest and relaxation – check out our top tips for peace and quiet in South Thailand!

Body Wraps

Thai herbal practitioners have long recognized that the application of heat on the skin enhances the healing effects of herbs. Hence, modern day spas have adapted this concept to create the Thai herbal body wrap. As the body lies in herbal wrap, the combination of heat and herbs takes effect. The heat helps open the pores, allowing for better absorption of the ingredients into the skin, and the herbal wrap works to detoxify, moisturize and soften the skin.

Just like other traditional treatments, various herbs combination are used for differing therapeutic benefits. Some of the more common ingredients are – Thai white mud, to help draw out impurities and heal wounds; mint, as antiseptic and antibacterial; tamarind, which contains vitamin C and calcium; honey, to heal and moisturize the skin; and milk, to soften the skin.

Thai Floral Fragrances

The tradition of using floral garlands is deeply rooted in Thai culture, a delicate art that has been passed down throughout the generations. Part of every Thai girl’s education consisted of patiently stripping petals from bunches of freshly cut flowers and learning how to make an exquisite garland from them. Jasmine is the main flower used in garlands, with champak, red roses and purple orchids added for visual effects as well as layers of subtle aroma. These favored flowers of Thailand are often used in contemporary spa treatments to add layers of relaxation for the guests.

Unearthing Asia now offers travel packages throughout the region of Asia. Check out our promotional offers of Luxury Private Villas in Bali, perfect for Honeymooners or those looking for a little romance. We also have great offers for hotels in Singapore, resorts in Phuket and many more.

Mesmerizing Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island, one of the world’s most famous dream destinations. This Island Lovers Budget Package includes a private airport transport, a boat tour cruising the Phi Phi Island, and your choice of 3 nights stay at the Arimana Hotel or Phuvaree Resort.

For more information or booking inquiries, call us at +62 21 3221 9988 or email us at info@unearthingasia.com. Alternatively, you can also fill out the booking form provided.

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Explore the dynamic city-state of Singapore and enjoy a day of fun in the newly opened Universal Studio Singapore. This quick get-away package includes 2 Adult tickets to Universal Studio Singapore, and your choice of 2 nights stay at the newly opened Grand Chancellor Hotel or Hotel RE! @Pearl’s Hill.

For more information or booking inquiries, call us at +62 21 3221 9988 or email us at info@unearthingasia.com. Alternatively, you can also fill out the booking form provided.

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I know it sounds crazy, but the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong is actually a great backdrop for hiking. Hong Kong Island has lots of hills and trails, and if you’re ready to walk off last night’s round of drinks and dim sum, then check out any of these excellent hiking trails.

Photo credit – Rob Young

Wisdom Path

This is one of my personal favourites. It’s a trail on Lantau Island (so not technically on HK Island, but close enough), which starts just behind the Big Buddha. Look for the signs (last time I was there, there was lots of construction so keep an eye out) as the trail is right there but easy to overlook. It’s about a 10 minute walk along a quiet trail before you reach the Wisdom Path, which is a circle of 38 wooden timbers with Chinese sayings carved in them, and of course some excellent views. The path goes on from here, which is part of the 70km Lantau Trail.

Photo credit - tboothhk

Hong Kong Trail

Another fantastic trail is simply Dubbed the Hong Kong Trail, and it’s one of the city’s major routes, so it’s well marked throughout. That’s a good thing because the trail winds around a 50km stretch of land, starting up on Victoria Peak and ending in Big Wave Bay. You start with great city views, with some parts of the trails right on the cliff – not for those with a fear of heights! As you go you’ll run into scenic rivers and reservoirs, and near the end the views of hidden beaches and coastal shores is unbeatable.

Check out as well our list of 10 Things to do in Hong Kong other than the Frenzied Shopping for more traveling tips and inspirations!

Photo credit - KarenDotCom127

Dragon’s Back

Time Asia called the Dragon’s Back the best urban walking trail in Asia. This 5km trail runs from the edges of Hong Kong itself to a great island hang out, Shek O. The trail is named after the ridge that you cross midway, inside Shek O Country Park. From here you get fantastic views of Stanley Peninsula, Clear Water Bay Peninsula, and of course the sea. Shek O is also a great place to hang out – try one of the fresh seafood restaurants after you walk, where you can eat outside and soak up the fresh sea air.

Photo credit – Marcel Lekkel

Violet Hill Path

Another calm and relaxing walk is along the Violet Hill Path. It starts at the Wong Nai Chung reservoir and then heads around Violet Hill itself. The views just never stop – Brick Hill, Deep Water Bay, and Wong Chuck Hang, and Repulse bay, just to name a few. It’s a bit of a rocky path, so while it’s not terribly difficult, you do need to watch your footing. The trail ends at Tai Tam Tuk Reservoir, and you’ll know you are close when you start to see all those beautiful streams and creeks. The entire route is approximately 7km.

Hong Kong is a megapolitan city of many facets. Explore a different side of HK, the Kowloon Side, with Andy Hayes at Unearthing Asia.

Photo credit - tboothhk

Eastern Nature Trail

This 9km trail is great not only for the scenery but for a bit of nature and historical sightseeing too. Be sure to note the signs along the way explaining flora and fauna that you’ll encounter. Heading out of Quarry Bay, the route heads up into the Quarry Bay Complex. The red brick house building here is a former sugar factory, now a nature center. If you head down along the Quarry Bay Tree Walk you’ll find some large outdoor stoves that were built during WWII. You’ll also find Sir Cecil’s Ride nearby, where Japanese invaders once landed. The route carries on through Tai Tam Country Park to the Tai Tam reservoir.

Photo credit - Ming Hong

Lung Fu Shan Fitness Trail

Warning: only those who want to get fit need to hit this trail, the last of our six recommendations. It is only 1km long, which may seem an unlikely candidate for a fitness regime, but in fact there are twelve fitness stations along the way to make sure you get a full body workout. There are great views, naturally, as you head up from the gorgeous gardens of Pinewood Battery and head straight up. The Hong Kong Medical Association actually helped contribute to the signage and layout of this path, so it’s definitely a great choice for hangover cute or to work up an appetite for lunch.

India is another country with mesmerizing mountain attractions. Check out our 10 Stunning Mountain Attractions in India.

Health & Safety Warning

It is worth noting Hong Kong is the only place in the world I’ve visited where I’ve had a hard time with the pollution. It can be a very thick haze, and you’ll feel it when you’re out and about. Ok, so wearing one of those face masks looks absurd, but is it really not worth it if it saves your lungs?

Also, be sure to grab a map from any tourist office, so that you know where you’re going. Often the best routes start and end in different places, so you should be aware of what public transport options will take you back to your accommodation.

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Mesmerizing Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island, one of the world’s most famous dream destinations. This Island Lovers package includes a private airport transport, a boat tour cruising the Phi Phi Island, another day tour exploring the Phang Nga Bay, and your choice of 3 nights stay at the Patong Resort or at Avista Resort.

For more information or booking inquiries, call us at +62 21 3221 9988 or email us at info@unearthingasia.com. Alternatively, you can also fill out the booking form provided.

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Explore the dynamic city-state of Singapore and enjoy a day of fun in the newly opened Universal Studio Singapore. This quick get-away package includes 4 way transport, a ticket to Universal Studio Singapore, and your choice of 2 nights stay at the M Hotel Singapore or at the Rendezvous Hotel.

For more information or booking inquiries, call us at +62 21 3221 9988 or email us at info@unearthingasia.com. Alternatively, you can also fill out the booking form provided.

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The South East Asian country of Malaysia is a mix of two halves, separated by the South China Sea. The peninsula boasts the modern city of Kuala Lumpur, with its sprawling suburbs and adjacent towns, while the Borneo is renowned for their breathtaking, untamed landscapes, wildlife, spectacular diving sites and diverse cultural heritage. From timeless tropical rain-forest and national parks to rugged mountain terrains, there is much to explore and experience in this melting pot of world’s cultures. Here are the top 8 Malaysian adventures for nature and adrenaline lovers alike.

Photo credit – Stephane Enten

Mount Kinabalu

For those who felt they do not have the physical abilities to climb up one of South East Asia’s highest mountain, it’s time to put Mount Kinabalu back on your list of attractions to visit. There is now a 1.2 km long Via Ferrata in Mount Kinabalu, which covers routes of varying difficulties catering to all hikers, from beginners to seasoned. The Mount Torq Via Ferrata is basically a mountain path created out of steel rungs, rails and cables embedded into the rock face. Using this, hikers can go on routes previously only accessible to more experienced rock climbers.

The Via Ferrata starts at a whopping 3,411 m and takes you all the way up to 3,776 m, making it one of the world’s highest iron roads. Those after an exhilarating, adrenalin-charged experience can opt for the challenging four-hour hike up to Low’s Peak, Mount Kinabalu’s highest point at 4,095 m, which offers some truly awe-inspiring views and hidden corners of the mountain plateau as well as a traipse across a 22 m footbridge suspended at 3,600 m above sea level!

Photo credit - hkmadi

Klias Wetlands

Located about 120 km south from Sabah’s capital city Kota Kinabalu, the Klias Wetlands is a haven of natural paradise. With its lush mangrove forests that are home to a myriad of birds, reptiles, mammals and insects, the wetlands is a must visit for nature and animal lovers alike. A deep river winds through it all, and the best way to experience the Klias Wetlands is through a guided tour down the river.

Make sure that you have an experienced tour guide who can introduce you to the great, diverse wildlife that include the long tail macaque and the elusive proboscis monkey, and endangered species. The Klias river cruise typically starts at 3 pm and continues into the evening. Come nightfall, the forest comes alive with the song of nocturnal animals and insects but the highlight of the evening cruise has to be the breathtaking sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the riverbanks, a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Other than adventure, check out as well our list of 8 Must-Try Malaysian Food to whet your appetite!

Photo credit – Christian Haugen

Redang Marine Park

Located 45 km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu in the South China Sea, Redang Marine Park is a world-class dive site that will satisfy even the most jaded diver. With turquoise blue waters and an abundance of spectacular marine life, this little jewel is a popular destination for both diving enthusiasts and beginners. The Marine Park covers all 9 islands in the Redang Archipelago, but the most popular destinations are Redang Island and Perhentian Islands. In contrast to the backpacker theme of Perhentian Island, Redang has a more up-market image, with the island featuring more than half a dozen or so resorts. Snorkeling and diving are the more popular activities here, and rightly so as the coral reefs can be quite spectacular. Redang is a popular place to complete the beginner’s diving course, but some of the sites further out can have strong currents, and are more suitable for experienced divers. Redang is also the site of two historic shipwrecks, which were sunk at the beginning of World War II.

Photo credit - prilfish

Labuan Island

Labuan is a group of one large and six smaller islands off Sabah in East Malaysia. The waters surrounding these seven idyllic islands are home to some of Malaysia’s richest coral and fishing grounds, which makes this another attractive site to marine lovers and scuba-diving enthusiasts. Apart from the colorful underwater coral reefs and a dazzling variety of marine life, Labuan is also the site of four wrecks, including two from World War II. The four wrecks, locally known as the Australian Wreck, the American Wreck, the Blue Water Wreck and the Cement Wreck, are some of the best wreck diving sites in Asia, ranging from novice to serious wreck diving with penetrations into the hulls. Local dive schools provide various introduction and basic wreck diving training courses leading to a PADI Wreck Diver Specialty rating and TDI Advanced Wreck Diving course.

Diver’s, be sure to also visit nearby Indonesia for some of the best diving in the region. Check out our photographic journey through the Diving’s Holy Grail of Raja Ampat.

Photo credit – Azman Jumat

Sipadan Island

The Sipadan Island claims to be the world’s best dive site. While this is a big claim, the diving here is certainly world class, with more than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species that have been classified in the ecosystem. In 2002, resorts around the island have been closed to protect the environment, so visitors will need to stay on nearby islands, such as Mabul or Semporna, and take a boat into Sipadan to dive. Because Sipadan is now a protected site, only 120 dives are allowed daily, so it’s best to dive as early as possible to beat the crowds and increase your chances of getting on the dive roster. Be sure to check with your dive operator that the dives are done with permits, as some companies have been caught diving without permits. Sipadan is surrounded by very rich reef life with sea turtles and white tip reef sharks seen on almost every dive with visibility ranging from 10m to 30m and above.

Photo credit - Paul Mannix

Kota Kinabalu National Park

Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site is Kinabalu National Park, which ranks amongst the most popular tourist spots in the whole of Malaysia. Established in 1964, this national park is home to faune and flora spread over four climate zones, making it one of the most important biological sites in the world. Apart from many carnivorous plants, the park is also home to many endemic animal species, including the Kinabalu giant red leech and giant earthworm.

The national park is located on the west coast of Sabah and covers some 754 sq km surrounding Mount Kinabalu. The park headquarters is the main point of entry for most visitors and is easily accessible from the rest of Sabah via highways and roads. Leisure travelers will enjoy exploring the park as it requires little endurance and you can enjoy trekking at your own pace. Accommodations are available in the park near the park headquarters.

Marine lovers would also enjoy this write up on Diving in the 3 Pearls of Indonesia only here in Unearthing Asia.

Photo credit - showmeone

Gunung Mulu National Park

A must-visit for the intrepid traveler, the Mulu Caves National Park is where you’ll find one of the longest networks of limestone caves in the world, hidden beneath forested slopes. Lubang Nasib Bagus (Good Luck Cave) is one of the biggest caves here, containing the world’s largest underground cavity known as the Sarawak Chamber, as well as the Deer Cave, the world’s largest cave passage. The Clearwater Cave, meanwhile, contains an extensive river system that winds its way underground over 30 miles. Those who prefer their activities above ground can test their endurance by conquering the Pinnacles, the serrated limestone peaks dominating the park’s high country. Climbers require stamina and several days of rigorous trekking to make their way to the top.

Photo credit - hyqphotos

Taman Negara National Park

The Taman Negara National Park is Malaysia’s largest, a truly national and natural wonder which crosses the state boundaries of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu. It is home to one of the world’s oldest tropical rain-forest blessed with a stunningly diverse ecosystem. There is plenty to see and do in Taman Negara, from white-water rafting, to trekking the various trails within the park, with the latter an obvious choice to experience jungle life. The Teresek trail will lead right up to the world-famous Taman Negara canopy walkways that are 510 m long and suspended some 45 m above ground, giving trekkers a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of the jungle. Try and spot the gigantic Mengkundur tree, or the various wildlife, such as elephants, wild boars and monkeys, among others.

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