#1 Kota Kinabalu – Ranau

Estimated distance: 129 km

Just two hours’ drive away from Kota Kinabalu, you will be in for a treat as you reach the small town of Kundasang in Ranau.

This area is famously known for landscapes akin to New Zealand. At the Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, expect to witness picturesque sceneries with cows grazing on lush green fields along the breathtaking Kundasang Valley.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to indulge in the farm’s signature ice cream and yogurt!

Kundasang is also home to the highest peak in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, and also the Kundasang War Memorial. Other attractions at Ranau include Poring Hot Spring, Sungai Moroli Fish Massage, and Sabah Tea Garden.

#2 Kuantan – Teluk Ketapang

Estimated distance: 251 km

Teluk Ketapang is a seaside village north of Kuala Terengganu famous for its pristine beaches and crystal clear ocean. This is also the place where you can get delicious seafood and traditional fried snacks such as keropok lekor and keropok keeping.

Although there is an expressway connecting the city of Kuantan to Kuala Terengganu, for road trip purposes, we recommend going through the towns of Chukai, Marang, and Jalan Pantai. It will add a few more hours on the road but the scenic views will make for a more enjoyable ride. After all, Terengganu has the longest stretch of beaches in Malaysia.

Once you reach Kuala Terengganu, be sure to visit the famous Crystal Mosque and savour local cuisines such as Nasi Dagang, Otak-Otak, and Sata.

From the city centre, it will be only a 20-minute drive towards the scenic Teluk Ketapang.

#3 Kuala Lumpur – Fraser’s Hill (via Berjaya Hills)

Estimated distance: 144 km

If you’re in the mood for a road trip that feels like a journey overseas, you’ll be glad to know you can start right here in Kuala Lumpur. Go through a route of higher attitudes on your way to Berjaya Hills in Pahang (previously known as Bukit Tinggi).

The area of Colmar Tropicale here is a French-themed village modelled after the ones you would find in the Alsace region in France. Nearby, you will get another sample of foreign scenery in the Japanese Village. The botanical garden and rabbit park here will be relaxing spots for you to de-stress from the hustle and bustle of city life.

You can then continue your journey to Fraser’s Hill which is famous for its British imprints. Here, you can expect to engage in more nature-based activities such as archery, bird-watching, horse-riding, and hiking.

#4 Kampar – Penang

Estimated distance: 195 km

Kampar is a town in the state of Perak which was known as a tin mining area during the 1920s. In fact, there is a museum specially dedicated to the area’s booming past. The quiet town has a quaint and rustic charm to it that will make for an interesting start for your road trip.

From there, you can head to the cities of Ipoh and Taiping. The former is home to Qing Xin Ling, a park with natural limestone caves, cliffs, and lake. Also, make sure you sample some of Ipoh’s famous delicacies such as Nasi Vanggey, Nasi Ganja, Ipoh Chicken Rice, and White Coffee.

Further North is Taiping, which is home to Lake Gardens, Matang Forest Reserve, and Taiping Night Safari.

Complete your road trip by crossing over to the island of Penang. Not sure what to do once you’ve arrived? Check out Bbazaar’s blog post 10 Tourist Attractions to Visit for Free or Under RM5 in Penang.

(Images provided by Bbazaar)

For more wonderful places to visit in Malaysia, check out these affordable packages before you plan for your next trip!