Malaysian is known for its beaches, tropical rainforests, even for its shopping. While we may hardly see any stars in our cities due to air pollution, you can actually hit up a good handful of spots within Malaysia itself for stargazing.
Here’s a list for you astrophotographers and astronomy enthusiasts:
1. Kudat, Sabah
To get to this place, you need to get to the tip of Borneo, which is roughly 190km away from Kota Kinabalu. Kudat is known for its gorgeous beaches and fresh seafood with a coastal town with little to no pollution. It’ll offer you a dazzling view of the Milky Way from mid-February till early October. The view will leave everyone in awe, visible to the naked eye. If you’re an amateur astronomer or into astrophotography, this place is perfect for you.
2. Kuala Kubu Bharu, Selangor
Better known as KKB to all of us, this hilltop town has a traditional appeal from the colonial era, with adorable shop-houses, temples, and monuments. The town was destroyed by a massive flood in 1883 and today, it is a quaint little town, great for stargazing and an ideal stress-free getaway location for city dwellers. You should also drop by its dam to see some pretty impressive views.
3. Pantai Jambu Bongkak, Terengganu
This undiscovered gem is an unfamiliar place, even to its locals. Located in Marang, a fishing village surrounded by coconut trees, you can expect it to be crowd free (at least for now). Since it’s fairly dark at night, the stargazing experience is just breath-taking with perfectly placed coconut trees and abandoned fishing boats to frame your picture.
4. Pulau Gem, Terengganu
This little gem of an island is located right off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Also known as Pulau Gemia, this secluded island can be reached by ferry from the Marang Jetty in Dungun. Although getting there is a bit difficult, it’s worth looking at the sparkling sky above whilst relaxing on the beach at night. And when the stars aren’t all alight, you can do other activities such as snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, island excursion trips, kayaking, and many more.
5. Tawau Hill Park, Sabah
Another great spot for stargazing at East Malaysia, Tawau Hill Park is also known as Taman Bukit Tawau or No. 4 Gudang. Though many opt for camping around the outdoor picnic areas, you can also stay at the park’s well-managed chalets. But camping there can be a lot more fun, as the verdancy there is truly alluring. Most campers get the most popular kerosene lantern in the region, as is the tradition, and explore the woods at night. Other than romantic stargazing, you can also check out the volcanic landscape, sulphur hot spring, as well as a few deep-water pools and waterfalls such as Air Terjun Bukit Gelas or Table Waterfall.
6. Fraser’s Hill, Pahang
Malaysia’s ‘Little England’ a.k.a Fraser’s Hill, is quite a popular spot for those from KL who doesn’t want to go too far, but at the same time enjoy the cold and starry night’s sky. Other than stargazing, you can also walk through its breath-taking hiking trails and enjoy its perfect spring weather. And if you love bird-watching, it shouldn’t come as a surprise for you that this is the perfect place for bird-watching, located thousands of feet above sea level. There’s also a tonne of resorts that allow star enthusiasts to catch a glimpse of the Milky Way in the comfort of their cozy accommodations.
7. Penang National Park, Penang
This park was also known as Pantai Acheh Forest Research and is the smallest national park in the world, found in Teluk Bahang, a small town in the north-western point of Penang Island. Since this remote park is far away from the city, it’s the perfect spot for astronomy lovers. It is also home to many gorgeous beaches as well as numerous flora and faunas.
8. Padang Pasir Klebang, Melaka
Ever wanted to stargaze on a desert but realize there are no deserts in Malaysia? This spot in Melaka is the perfect place for you. It is also known as ‘the white desert’ by many and a lot of it is actually reclaimed by Melaka developers. It’s also just 20-minutes drive away from the state’s city centre and is now quite a spot for tourists. It is also said that the perfect time to visit the spot is from 5am to 6am, where you can watch the stars and the beautiful sunrise.
9. Perhentian Islands, Terengganu
Perhentian is known for its pristine beaches, and great diving and snorkeling spots. But what many don’t know about these coral-fringed islands is that it’s also really great for stargazing. This stargazing paradise will leave any aspiring astronomer in awe. Fun fact! The name ‘Perhentian’ was given because the island was an assembly point used by merchants who were travelling from Malaysia to Bangkok.
10. Canada Hill, Sarawak
Did you know that this spot was Shell’s first oil well? It has also now been declared a national monument and is a well-known tourist spot that features magnificent views of Miri and the sea. And though the trails might be difficult to hike, it’s worh the amazing view of the night’s sky. Don’t forget to visit the Old Lady and the Petroleum museum too when you’re at the top of Canada Hill!
