In the hustle and bustle of our city, sometimes it is challenging to get clear views of the sunset with all those skyscrapers.
Of course, there are some places in Singapore that definitely show the allure of the sunset. But if you want to expand your list of sunset spots, you can certainly count on our friendly neighbour, Malaysia, to come through with some absolutely gorgeous places just a few hours drive from the checkpoint and further into Malaysia!
Here are some places that you can visit for the sunset and while you’re at it, don’t miss out on the golden hour shots!
1. Danga Beach, Johor Bahru
Just 10 minutes away from City Square Mall, Danga Bay Beach lies along the coast on the Western part of Johor Bahru, granting beautiful scenes of the sunset — because the sun rises in the East and sets in the West.
Despite being surrounded by condominiums and private housing, this beach is still pretty cosy and private, so if you prefer a more lowkey and quiet setting for sunset views then Danga Beach is up your alley.
While you’re there, don’t forget to stop by the theme park at Danga Bay. But if you’re not up for the intense roller coasters , you can also take a leisurely stroll along the harbour too!
2. Desaru Beach Coast, Johor
Malaysia has an array of underrated beach resorts that might surprise you and if you have not heard of Desaru Coast yet, I bet you’ll love this!
With a 17 kilometre long beachfront, Desaru is only an hour away from Woodlands Checkpoint, so it’s relatively easy for you to reach! And if you want to avoid the jam, there is a 30 minute ferry straight to Desaru Coast Ferry Terminal.
Situated right by the ocean, Desaru Beach Coast will have exquisite views of golden sunsets against a backdrop of clouds, alongside a promising view of the South China sea. If you have extra time to kill, consider adding the firefly park and ostrich farm to your itinerary!
3. Cameron Highlands, Pahang
When making a list of sunset spots in Malaysia, of course I’m going to include the famous Cameron Highlands!
Sure it might be known for its strawberry-picking and cold weather, but its famous tea plantations are a gold mine for — you guessed it! — golden sunsets.
For those who have seen the sloping plateaus of Cameron Highlands’ tea plantations, you would be familiar with how photogenic that area is!
My personal favourite spot is among the tea plantations. Not only does the field make for a perfect backdrop against the sunset, you also get to soak in the fragrance of the tea leaves — simply ethereal.
10/10 would go again!
4. Klebang Sand Dunes, Melaka
When I first saw pictures of the Klebang Sand Dunes, I was quite surprised to see such a sight in Melaka. I mean, you don’t really see a lot of actual dunes and desert areas in this part of the world.
Although the sand dunes are man-made, its photogenic landscape has caused a sensation not only to the locals but to foreigners as well, making it a must-see!
Getting to Klebang Sand Dunes might be a little challenging but the views that await you at the end will be worth all the effort! It’s a two hours drive from Johor Bahru, followed by a short 20 to 30 minutes hike over a two kilometre distance each way from the carpark just to reach the sand dunes.
The views of the horizon and the desert-feel will be so worth it. If you continue your hike further in, you’ll eventually reach a sunset spot that offers unobstructed views over the Malacca Straits.
5. Dataran Lang, Langkawi
With its iconic standing eagle poised to fly, Dataran Lang in the northern island of Langkawi is the next spot on our list of spots to catch the gorgeous sunset in Malaysia.
Besides being well known for its duty-free shopping that attracts tourists to this island, Langkawi has fantastic spots all over the island for sunsets (and sunrises too!). But Dataran Lang has one of the best views alongside its surrounding mountains.
Just imagine getting front row tickets to the sunset stretching across the sky illuminating behind the clouds in pinkish-gold streaks, that is how the view at Dataran Lang will look like!
6. Heli Lounge Bar, Kuala Lumpur
If you’re a city dweller, fret not because we have found one of the best spots for not only sunsets, but also a grand view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline.
Yes, it is none other than Heli Lounge Bar and dining on a helipad that transforms into a rooftop bar with live DJs in the evening!
36 floors up, you are able to soak in the 360 views of KL as well as get front row seats to the sunset! Your golden hour selfies are never gonna look better, that’s for sure.
7. Lexis Hibiscus Resort @ Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan
Port Dickson is one of the more underrated places in Malaysia. Situated in the quieter regions of Negeri Sembilan, this quaint little town has its own unique flair and a glorious spot for viewing the sunset.
Lexis Hibiscus Resort is famous for its room forming the shape of a flower from the top view. Due to the unique design of this hotel and how it slopes further into the ocean, you are definitely able to catch exclusive views of the sunset and the sunrise right in the middle of the sea.
Forget the Palm Islands in Dubai, Lexis Hibiscus Resort is where it’s at and the best part? It’s much nearer than a seven hour flight!
8. Pantai Keracut, Penang
Penang might sound far to some since it is in northern Malaysia, but perhaps Pantai Keracut may change your mind on this one.
Pantai Keracut is one of the more remote beaches in Malaysia, and one of the reasons why it is such a hidden spot is due to its 70 minute long hiking journey — ain’t nobody got time for that.
Despite its long walk, you will be rewarded with gorgeous views of the horizon and wide expanse of the ocean. Green turtles are also known to visit this beach on April and August so keep a lookout for those adorable creatures.
It took me a while before I decided to include this beach in this list but I have decided not to gatekeep good stuff. New year new me, after all!
9. Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
Don’t worry East Malaysia, we love you too much to leave you out!
Sabah has always been a place close to my heart, and the iconic Mount Kinabalu — being Southeast Asia’s highest peak — is definitely one of the must-see spots for a sunset.
Being a mountain, do take note that there should be some safety practices while hiking up Mount Kinabalu but the views make it all worth it. If you are planning to hike up the mountain, do take note to visit their official website to learn more!
10. Sarawak River, Sarawak
Well-known as one of the natural beauties in Malaysia and an important source of water to Sarawak, the Sarawak River is a gorgeous meandering waterbody that has many spots to catch a good sunset.
If you wanna see the sunset up close, you can also hop on a cruise down the Sarawak River for better photos of the sunset. While you’re on the cruise, enjoy some performances by indigenous groups as well as some refreshments!
I don’t know about you but food and live performances have already captured my attention.
And there you have it, here are ten spots in Malaysia that you can catch the golden hour sunsets at. So when you find yourself at these places the next time, don’t forget to capture some shots!
Which is your favourite sunset spot?
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