Ecotourism In Malaysia - The Tropic Track

Home to an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna, Malaysia is one of the twelve mega-biologically diverse countries in the world.

Under its forest canopy, one can find a kaleidoscope of wildlife including some which have not been discovered. This nature’s haven, a million years in the making, provides a phantasmagorical stage for exciting and memorable eco adventures.

Whether it is high-impact activities in the midst of the jungle or just taking a leisurely hike whilst appreciating nature’s gift, the jungles and natural parks in Malaysia will cater to every whim and want of any discerning individual. For extreme activities junkies, you can book yourself into one of the challenging sports such as white water rafting, rock climbing, caving and hiking - all within
the lush embrace of the Malaysian rainforest.

For those who prefer to take in the alluring beauty of this tropical wonder in a more leisurely manner, jungle trekking, bird watching, diving and river cruising would be the preferred choice of activities. Whether your interests lie on land or under the seas, your curiosity would be sated thoroughly as there are at least 15,000 species of flowering plants, 286 species of mammals, 150,000 species of invertebrates and 4,000 species of fish in addition to the wonderful coral life that beckons you.

Malaysia's seas are home to various marine creatures and life forms that rely on the delicate balance of a pristine underwater ecosystem. Turtles from the other side of the world make pilgrimages over thousands of miles to nest on Malaysian shores. It goes without saying that this pilgrimage by the turtles ‘unwittingly’ also attracts a congregation of a different species of creatures
called tourists, from four corners of the world, who would make their yearly visit to Malaysia’s beaches simply to witness this wonderful miracle.

For more concentrated eco knowledge, there are also ecotourism-based events organised by various agencies and companies to create awareness on the importance of conservation of the country's natural and cultural assets.

Such events include the Tabin Wildlife Conservation Conquest in Sabah, Fraser's Hill International Bird Race and the Taman Negara Eco-Challenge.

Malaysia's reputation as one of the best ecotourism destinations in the region is further strengthened by the inclusion of the Mulu National Park in Sarawak and Kinabalu Park in Sabah into the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites List.

The gem of an island off Peninsula Malaysia’s West coast, Langkawi, has also been recognised by UNESCO as a Geopark, a title given only to outstanding geological landscapes around the world. The island is the only UNESCO designated Geopark in Southeast Asia and one of only 50 sites around the world.

Listed here are the eco-parks in Malaysia:


Peninsular Malaysia
National Park, Pahang
Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary, Pahang
Kenong Rimba Park, Pahang
Sungai Chilling Waterfall, Kuala Selangor, Selangor
Royal Belum Forest Reserve, Perak
Gua Tempurung, Perak
Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, Perak
Penang National Heritage Park, Penang
Kilim Geopark, Langkawi Island
Rantau Abang Turtle Hatchery, Terengganu
Redang Island, Perhentian Island, Gemia Island, Terengganu


Sarawak
Bako National Park
Mulu National Park
Niah National Park
Batang Ai National Park
Lampir Hill National Park


Sabah
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary
Kinabalu National Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Danum Valley
Maliau Basin
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Kinabatangan Floodplain, Sukau
Turtle Island
Gua Gomantong, Kinabatangan, Sabah
-Tourism Malaysia.