off the beaten track in malaysia

hi everyone

my friend and I are keen on taking a backpacking trip around malaysia. anyone has any places in malaysia(west) recommended? thinking of going to taman negara and beaches. okay, to be precise, trekking and beaches, but not tough trekking because both of us are not physically quite fit and we might not survive! Also cheap and tranquil places to stay like log cabin or something instead of the usual hotels. thankx for the info.

I'd reccommend the Cameron Highlands. Its very lovely up there and a slightly bit cooler. The bus trip up is quite a ride though, I got travel sick, but I wasn't feeling well anyway, but its worth it. Lovely walks and treks, tea plantations, etc...

Hi there,
This is summary by the Independent UK. Give you some ideas on what to do & expect while you 're in Malaysia.

#2, that's not very independent, is it?

hi there #1, yeah cameron was very nice when i visited 15 years ago. we'll definitely consider it. thanks.

we have visited some parts of malaysia 5 years ago, namely the touristy ones, KL, Malacca, Penang, Perhentians, Tioman and many places too insignificant to remember. This time round, we want to rough it out with some trekking and beaches that are not so touristy. we're intending to visit the Orang Asli at Taman Negara, Rawa island and Gunung ledang(Mt Ophir), anyone has any idea on these, or other similiar(better) places?

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>#2, that's not very independent, is it?<hr></blockquote>

What do you mean?

hye ! malaysia have many interesting places to visit.check it out at malaysia truly asia blog

OP, going non-touristy, good for you.

Gunung Ledang is quite tough. It's nothing like Mt.Kinabalu where dirt paths, steps, dorm and porters ease your climb. It's just you and what you can carry. In certain parts, ropes are used and water is sourced from streams. Guides are available at foothill but speak very little English. The view at the peak is rewarding though.

If you have interest in Orang Asli, the outskirts of Cameron Highlands are slewed with tribal villages. You can see different tribes too - Temiar, Semai, Jahai, Senoi .. etc. Three years ago, I rough it out in a Semai bamboo hut near Teja basin and it was eye opening. Bath in the waterfall and went for night jungle-treks. Our English-speaking guide covered our rear and help us blend into local life. We even helped put up a hut for a young couple. Once you've stayed in the jungle fringe, no 5 star hotel will come close. You'll love it.

#6, that's really interesting! so how do I get to the Semai Bamboo hut? I'd like to get an English-speaking guide too and blend into local life!

I'll appreciate if you let me know how much it'll cost and how do I contact the person. Thanks!

OP, check your PM for guide contact.

Bear in mind, it is a very low impact excursion and hence, no touristy amenities. You blend in, bath in the river, eat food cooked by Semai, no phones, no internet, sleep on the ground (the dorm floor is raised up though to avoid snakes, predators and nightime creeps) .... purely back to nature. Take heart, the jungle trails, night hike to see wildlife, stick insects .. etc (90% of rainforest wildlife is nocturnal) is going to impress you. The Semai and English-speaking naturalist took good care of us; we are no spring chicken. And oh, by the way, we learned how to use the blowpipe too! In one morning trek, we saw an entire forest floor peppered with rare Brooke Birdwing butterflies. Prepare to travel deep, strictly 4x4 for 2 hrs one way and cut off from civilization for 2 days. The aboriginal ground is hidden and first discovered in early 2000. Its rainforest is earmarked for conservation by United Nations Development Program (UNDP) last year as natural heritage. Permits are needed for entrance. At night, we were serenaded by the soundtrack of nightlife. The guides were professional, easy-going and took care of everything. My wife had a lady Semai escort to assist her. It was hard to prise ourselves away when the trip was over.