As millennials, we all love to travel and explore new places but did you know that we don’t have to go far to get that perfect Instagram shot? In fact, you’ll be surprised by the amount of Instagrammable places that Malaysia has to offer! So, before you start planning that overseas trip, perhaps you should consider visiting these places that are closer to home. I know I’m definitely planning a local trip now!
1. The Pinnacles, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
Source: Instagram
Mother Nature always loves to surprise us with awesome creations and a good example of this is the magnificent razor-sharp limestone formations that are located halfway up the slopes of Gunung Api. However, getting a good view of these 45-metre structures is not for the faint-hearted because the trek up the mountain is rather challenging.
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Don’t worry, you can book tours to get to these stunning spots but be warned, it involves parts where the terrain is nearly vertical, so come prepared with the right equipment! Other than a good camera to capture that gorgeous view, of course!
2. Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Kundasang, Sabah
Source: Instagram
This fully-functioning dairy farm boasts lush green pastures set against the lofty backdrop of mountains and healthy Friesian cows lazily grazing on the grass. You’ll be forgiven into thinking that you have accidentally travelled to New Zealand!
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Located 2,000 metres above sea level, this farm provides the perfect spot for enviable Instagram photos, especially with the iconic Mount Kinabalu visible at the back. After getting all your travel photos, you can indulge in some mouthwatering ice creams and cheese that are freshly produced from the cows you have just seen.
3. Putrajaya
Source: Kuala Lumpur
Now, we know that the administrative centre is full of government buildings but who says that such buildings are not worthy of an Instagram shot? In fact, Putrajaya was planned by the government to be both functional and pretty, which is why you can spot many couples taking their wedding shots here.
Source: Holiday Gogogo
Source: Instagram
Besides the gorgeous architecture, the Putrajaya Botanical Gardens and its surrounding open spaces provide plenty of photo opportunities to choose from.
4. Sky Mirror, Sasaran Beach, Kuala Selangor
Source: Instagram
Have you seen the incredible photos of the salt flats in Bolivia that produces the most amazing reflections and wished that you could go there? Well, now you don’t have to travel so far to capture such breathtaking photos because we have a similar (albeit smaller) one in Malaysia that’s just as wonderful. Maybe even more so because now you don’t have to shell out a huge amount to fly to Bolivia!
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
You have to sit a boat out with the tour guide to get to this mysterious beach where you can have the time of your life taking endless shots of the clear blue sky reflected against the sea. The half day tour to this beach needs to be booked in advance though as it only appears four days before and after the 1st and 15th of the lunar month. That’s because the tides have to be aligned!
5. Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
Source: Instagram
Situated right in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this massive recreational park was established in 1888 and was initially named Lake Gardens or Taman Tasik Perdana. The park encompasses a huge variety of flora and fauna, and houses several different types of gardens.
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Entering this cool green lung will make you forget that you are right in the middle of a bustling city and is the perfect spot if you want to laze around while having a picnic surrounded by nature. Remember to bring your camera so that you won’t miss out on any picturesque moments!
6. The Blue Mansion, Penang
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We all know that Penang is a historical state that is chock-full of heritage but aside from the usual places we visit, there’s this grand blue mansion that also looks superb in photos. Also known as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion, the old residential home of the esteemed merchant is now a hotel and a restaurant, and they also provide guided tours in English.
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Head over here and relive the bygone eras in this stately mansion that has been featured in several award-winning films. The beautifully-restored architecture provides a myriad of opportunities to snap that Insta-worthy shot. #nofilter needed.
7. Wat Machimmaram, Kedah
Source: Instagram
Since Malaysia is a melting pot of cultures, it is not surprising that one of the Instagrammable spots is a religious place of worship. This temple proudly displays a huge sitting Buddha statue that measures 30 metres high and is similarly sized to the famous Buddha statue in Hong Kong’s Lantau Island. No need to go so far, Malaysia also got!
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
The temple is filled with Thai and Chinese influences, where it took 10 years for workers to complete this magnificent structure.
8. Crystal Mosque, Terengganu
Source: Instagram
More than 90 per cent of Terengganu’s population are Muslims, therefore it is not surprising that they have an Islamic Heritage Park, which is where the Crystal Mosque is located. The imposing mosque is thought to be one of the most beautiful mosques in the world, and is so named because it is made predominantly from glass and steel. What a beauty!
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
Tip: When the sunlight reflects on the mosque’s exterior surfaces, that’s one of the best shots you can take for your Instagram feed. Better yet, you could time your arrival there when night falls ’cause that’s when the colourful lights surrounding the mosque breathes life into the building, and turns it into a spectacular display.
9. Tebrau Glass Temple, Johor
Source: Instagram
Another splendid place of worship that you can visit for your wanderlust photos is the Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman temple, which has earned a place of honour in the Malaysia Book of Records in May 2010 as the first and only glass temple! The inspiration to renovate the temple came after its guru was struck by the beauty of a Thai temple that used glass as well.
Source: Instagram
Source: Instagram
The sparkling walls and ceilings inside the temple is indeed a sight to behold and definitely deserves a spot in anybody’s Instagram account.
Time to pack my bags and Cuti-Cuti Malaysia!
Also read: 6 Malaysian Instagrammers That Will Give You Absolute Wanderlust for Malaysia
