Explore Real Nature Travel From Kuala Lumpur

Discover Malaysia's Rainforests, Islands and Wildlife

Nature Escapes is your ultimate Kuala Lumpur travel guide to rainforest romps, nature getaways and Malaysia vacations.

Whether you're a busy professional, a tourist, or a parent seeking activities for kids, this guide will get you started on fun weekend getaways, family vacation ideas and the best nature adventure in Malaysia.

Run by a passionate environmental dad, not a travel agency, Nature Escapes merges years of jungle trekking and nature experiences into a comprehensive web portal for making the right choice for your family or group.

With a special section on rainforests and conservation, Nature Escapes wants you to know more about Malaysia's fascinating wild animals and rainforest plants.

You can even read up on current environmental issues or get active with green groups.

Nature Escapes seeks to get you out of the concrete jungle of Kuala Lumpur and into the wild:

Find over 50 easy access nature getaways within four-hours from Kuala Lumpur and holiday retreats for Great Escapes.
Do you know where to go for mountain biking, jungle trekking, wildlife watching, birdwatching and other jungle action?
Get the kids outdoors for the day to explore the natural - not just the virtual - world to spark an interest in science.
Do you need to hire a nature guide or find the best destination to visit during a short business trip or family holiday in Kuala Lumpur?
Visit a wildlife rehabilitation center or volunteer to assist sea turtles, terrapins or other conservation projects.

Wild Malaysia Pictures

Where Does Your Nature Adventure Begin?

KL City Escapes, Great PM Escapes,
Borneo Escapes and Nature Getaways

Nature Escapes tries to save you time and trouble when searching for outdoor travel destinations. Using Kuala Lumpur as the departure hub, the escapes are conveniently catagorized according to geography.

KL City Escapes

Starting from the capital city, the KL City Escapes are wild excursions separated by hourly time zones based on one-way drive times. These destinations range from nearby jungle waterfalls to more remote, but reachable, parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

One-Hour Escapes: "Crack Open the Concrete Jungle"
Two-Hour Escapes: "Beyond the Clutter of Civilization"
Three-Hour Escapes: "Take a Wild Break"
Four-Hour Escapes: "Get Out and Find the Wilderness"

The KL City Escapes makes it easier to decide how far you have to travel and super convenient to plan for last minute weekend vacations or getaways with friends and family. Many of the closest locations to KL are in forest reserves and government-run forest parks with limited facilities and public access.

Most nature sites like jungle waterfalls are easy to get to from Kuala Lumpur; others are off the beaten path. And some places are especially good for kids, while others are only for experienced trekkers. The aim is for you to make the best decision for a safe, fun escape to the wilderness and avoid problems when in the jungle.

Great PM and Borneo Escapes

For longer Malaysia vacations and holidays, the Great PM Escapes recommend some of the best parks and nature destinations in Peninsula Malaysia. These jungle islands and tropical animal havens - like Langkawi Island and Taman Negara - offer special rewards for jungle trekking, diving and snorkeling, wildlife observation and rainforest relaxation.

Go to Borneo (East Malaysia) for even more jungle and island adventure. Choose one of the Borneo Escapes for fantastic options to observe endangered animals, like orangutans and pygmy elephants, or climb the very accessible Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia.

Each state in Borneo offers distinctive adventures and cultures to explore, from the spectacular diversity and scenery of Sarawak's National Parks to the wild and scenic mountain ranges, freshwater swamps and rivers and rainforest mammal sanctuaries of Sabah.

Nature Getaways

The new Nature Getaways option seeks to find special rainforest retreats, organized trekking activities, and nature-oriented resorts that provide a sense of place with the comfort provided by ecotourism operators.

Look over the first selections in the Kuala Lumpur Weekend Getaways and Thai Eco Getaways sections as we add more local and regional choices to the list throughout 2010.

Get a taste of the jungle by viewing our rainforest pictures and rainforest videos first. Or read some jungle essays and get insights from field researchers and savvy travelers. And if you need extra instruction on hiking, biking, camping or other outdoor skills, take a look at our nature books selection.

Jungle, Jungle Everywhere

Explore Nature and Find Adventure

For the last two decades, the jungle has been my refuge. As an environmental writer, I've trekked with wildlife researchers, scientists and nature enthusiasts to explore the rainforest ecosystem.

Now it's my turn to show off Malaysia's awesome biodiversity that still remains accessible and enjoyable for all ages.

It's not easy to leave the comforts and security of shopping malls and get grubby in the rainforest climate. That's the challenge.

What you're missing is the wonderment. Nothing beats what the jungle can offer:

... a sensation of discovery
... the thrill of adventure
... or the surprise of self-achievement

On The Adventure Agenda For 2010

As we progress into our third year, the focus turns to providing more services in our attempt to find the best options for getting you back to nature. In addition, an emphasis on nature education and science activities continues to be part of our goal to aid environmental awareness and spark lifelong learning.

So let's look at what's new and already in progress and what improvements are expected to be made.

Nature Getaways - Sometimes it's nice to find a special hideaway in the jungle for a KL weekend getaway or a few days relaxing at an eco-resort. For now, find a rainforest retreat nearby or venture to suggested ecotourism destinations in Thailand.

Science For Kids - It is never too early to prod an interest in science. There are a number of free online resources to check out for ideas and information and selected homeschooling materials to supplement the nature learning process.

Rainforest Store - By partnering up with Amazon.com and AllPosters.com, we can now offer a wide range of informative books, travel guides, movies and maps, together with items such as decorative wall posters, educational and plush toys and other things associated with nature that might spark an interest in the environment.

We are just beginning our journey on the web. There are more nature destinations and more outdoor activities to highlight with increased opportunities to solicit responsible nature guides and eco-oriented operators for suggested participation and services. Here are some of the improvements to be made:

Nature Escapes - Continue to add more nature destinations in each of the four Escape Time Zones from Kuala Lumpur to reach our goal of 50 or more.

Nature Action - Provide informative sections on Malaysian dive destinations to aid your island holiday plans and find birdwatching locations with opportunities for group outings.

Nature Guide Tours - Initiated last year, we are improving our Nature Guide tours to offer specific half-day and overnight packages that cater to those wanting a rainforest experience without too much hassle.

Nature World - With the aim of increasing awareness on biodiversity, dozens of new species will be added to the sections on rainforest animals and rainforest plants for learning about all the wonders of the tropical ecology.

Natural Selections

The newsletter, Natural Selections, is free for anyone who wants to explore the natural world of Malaysia, find out about jungle activities outside Kuala Lumpur or learn about green group conservation efforts. Sign up today to be eligible for the Lucky Draw book prize.

Get updates on new destinations

Learn about new travel services

Be aware of special nature events

Receive rainforest species profiles

Get local conservation news

Email

Name

Then

Your e-mail address is totally secure.
Receive nothing else but our notices and newsletter.

Subscribe To Blog

Stay up-to-date on the newest Nature Escapes additions by subscribing to the free Kuala Lumpur Nature Blog. Just click on the RSS button for details.

Follow Us on Twitter

Twitter is a fast and fun way to communicate what's happening in the Nature Escapes world.

If you live in Kuala Lumpur or plan a visit to Malaysia, then stay up-to-date on destination additions, new nature getaways and local and regional special environmental events.

Contact Us

We are always open to suggestions and appreciate your feedback or comments on nature destinations or travel services. Use the Contact NE form for questions.