Top Adventure Travel Ideas for Kuala Lumpur and Penang

Beach Scene in Penang Beach Scene in Penang

Top Adventure Travel Ideas for Kuala Lumpur and Penang

 

Craving for an adrenaline-pumping vacation in Malaysia? Look no further than Kuala Lumpur or Penang for your next travel adventure. 

Beyond their cultural charms, stunning coastal landscapes, and delectable cuisine, these cities offer thrilling activities that adventure seekers would delight in.

If action-packed activities are what you seek, the teams at PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur and  PARKROYAL Penang Resort recommend this list of top 10 adventures you can embark on in Kuala Lumpur (KL) and Penang.

 

Where to Stay on an Adventure-packed Trip to Kuala Lumpur

One Bedroom Premier Suite One Bedroom Premier Suite

 

Make PARKROYAL Serviced Suites Kuala Lumpur your travel adventure base, and check into the comforts of our One Bedroom Premier Suite. A light-filled room with separate spaces for living, dining and relaxing, it is an ideal sanctuary for you and your travel partners after an activity-packed day out. 

 

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Swim with the Sharks in KLCC

Closeup of a Shark Closeup of a Shark

 

Start your Adventure in KL with a splash by plunging into shark-filled waters! Get up close and personal with five different shark species and other ocean wildlife in the 2.5 million-litre oceanarium tank at Aquaria KLCC. A scuba-diving licence is required for this experience. Not certified yet? There is always the Cage with Shark option where you will be lowered into the oceanarium in an underwater cage to come face to face with these fearsome yet fascinating creatures of the deep.   

 

Get directions to KLCC

 

Hike up a Hill to Catch the Sunrise (or Sunset)

Sunrise at Broga Hill Sunrise at Broga Hill

 

Work up a sweat with a hike up Broga Hill in Semenyih Town—less than an hour’s drive from KL. The grassy hill isn’t anything to shout about; the view at the top makes the trip and hike worthwhile. At 400m (1300ft) above sea level, the hill offers a gorgeous sunrise or sunset view of the city. 

 

Get directions to Broga Hill

 

Spend Half a Day Rock Climbing at Batu Caves

 Cliffs beside Batu Caves  Cliffs beside Batu Caves

 

Batu Caves are known for their spectacular caverns that house the sacred Hindu Shrines. But did you know that this magnificent limestone monolith is also a popular rock climbing site? Just under half an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur, the caves are suitable for beginner and experienced climbers. You can also visit the temple caves after your climb to see the deities for yourself. 

 

Get directions to Batu Caves

 

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Experience White Water Rafting on a Jungle River

Whitewater Rafting Whitewater Rafting

 

If you have more time on your hands, why not negotiate with rushing waters at the old mining town of Kuala Kubu Bharu? Just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, this seven-kilometre stretch of river and rapids brings you deep into the tropical jungle of Peninsula Malaysia. Under the expertise of the skilful whitewater rafting guide, you will be taken on an exhilarating experience through rough waters, while admiring spectacular views of nature along the riverbanks. 

 

Get directions to Kuala Kubu Bharu

 

Go on a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the City

Hot air balloon ride over Sultan Mizan Abidin Mosque Hot air balloon ride over Sultan Mizan Abidin Mosque

 

Wind down your action-packed Kuala Lumpur trip by soaring to the skies on a tranquil hot air balloon ride. Appreciate the city’s skyline and admire its urban landscapes as you soar above KL’s bustling traffic in the peace and quiet of your hot air balloon ride—the perfect way to end your Kuala Lumpur travel adventure. 

 

Where to Stay for an Adventurous Vacation in Penang

Premier Seaview Room Premier Seaview Room

 

Prefer to have your travel adventure on Penang Island? Check into our spacious Premier Seaview Room at the beachfront PARKROYAL Penang Resort to enjoy majestic views of the Straits of Malacca. The room comes with a private balcony overlooking a lush garden—ideal for relaxation after a long action-packed day out. 

 

Savour a Breathtaking Hilltop View

 Panoramic view of Penang from Penang Hill  Panoramic view of Penang from Penang Hill

 

Start your adventure in Penang with a trip up Penang Hill to experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Elevated 821 metres above Georgetown, the recommended way up is by the Penang Hill Funicular through a 78-metre (258 feet) long tunnel, believed to be the steepest in the world. The highest viewing point of Penang Island is at The Habitat—here, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree perspective of Penang surrounded by its ancient 130-million-year-old rainforest. 

 

Get directions to Penang Hill

 

Get Lost in Nature at Penang National Park

jungle walk in Penang National Park jungle walk in Penang National Park

 

Continue your journey of discovering Penang’s natural treasures at the Penang National Park, home to more than 500 species of tropical flora and fauna. Trekking and fishing are popular activities to do here. And if that isn’t enough, head to the nearby Monkey Beach to get sand between your toes, seaspray on your face, or wind in your hair with activities like jet skiing.

 

Get directions to Penang National Park

 

Hike up the Luxuriant Rainforest at Bukit Hijau

Bukit Hijau Waterfall Bukit Hijau Waterfall

 

Can’t get enough of sweeping views of the city? Hike up to Bukit Hijau (307 metres), a lesser-known hill frequented by local hikers. The Cangkat Tembaga Hiking Trail takes you through a 4.2-kilometre journey through lush tropical rainforest to the top, where you can reward yourself with an eagle eye’s view of Penang Hill and the stunning Bukit Hijau waterfall. 

 

Get directions to Bukit Hijau

 

Experience Extreme Thrills and Spills at ESCAPE Penang Theme Park

 

Ramp up your Penang adventure by hurtling through the jungle or getting shot into the air by a giant slingshot. Nestled in lush greenery is the ESCAPE Penang Theme Park—a popular adventure park home to the world’s longest tube water slide (spanning 1,111 metres). Be spoilt for choice with over 30 adrenaline-rushing activities, including zip-lining, rope courses, twisting water slides and challenging rock climbing courses. 

 

Get directions to ESCAPE Penang Theme Park

 

Spend A Day at the Beach

Horseback riding on a beach Horseback riding on a beach

 

End your Penang adventure with a stroll along the Batu Ferringhi Beach, located right in front of the PARKROYAL Penang Resort. From water skiing, para-sailing to quad biking, there are plenty of water and beachside activities to choose from. Among them is one that you have to do—horseback riding. There is nothing quite like trotting down the long stretch of Penang’s famous golden beaches on a horse, with the sea breeze in your hair, and the sound of gentle waves lapping on the shore. 

 

Need more recommendations? Check out our Destination Insights for more ideas for your adventure travel in KL and Penang, or get in touch with us. We look forward to hosting you soon.

 

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