Exploring Malaysia: Fascinating Places for Young Learners
Malaysia offers two very distinct experiences: the peninsula and Borneo (an island shared with Indonesia and Brunei). The peninsula is a mix of Malay, Chinese and Indian flavors with the modern capital of Kuala Lumpur. Malaysian Borneo features a jungle with wild animals like orangutans, granite peaks and remote tribes. About 2 million tourists visit the area each year. Most of them are citizens from neighboring countries like Singapore and Indonesia.
These wonderful places can become even more exciting when children explore them through the Malay language. Learning words for animals, colors, and places in Malay helps kids connect with the country in a meaningful way. Platforms like Dinolingo make this possible by turning language learning into a fun adventure through videos, songs, and games.
The Cameron Highlands
First developed by the British in the 1920s, the Cameron Highlands has a population of more than 34,000 people, including Malays, Chinese, Indians, and other ethnic groups. This area is known for its cool climate and beautiful jungle trails. Visitors can explore waterfalls, tea plantations, and tea factories.
Georgetown, Penang
Named after Britain’s King George III, Georgetown is located on the northeast corner of Penang Island. Most of the population is of Chinese origin. The town is famous for its colonial-style shops and unique architecture.
Taman Negara: A National Treasure
Taman Negara means “national park” in Malay and is one of the oldest tropical rainforests in the world. It is home to endangered species such as the Asian elephant, tigers, leopards, and rhinos. Visitors may also spot birds, small deer, lizards, snakes, and even a tapir.
Tioman Island
Tioman is a small island off the east coast of Malaysia. It is surrounded by white coral reefs, making it a perfect place for scuba diving. The island is covered with forests and is most popular from November through February. At other times, it remains peaceful and less crowded.
Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Borneo, with a summit height of 4,095 meters (13,435 feet). It is known for its rich biodiversity, including over 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 types of mammals. While climbing the mountain doesn’t require special equipment, climbers must be guided.
Petronas Twin Towers
Located in Kuala Lumpur, the Petronas Twin Towers were once the tallest buildings in the world until 2004. However, they remain the tallest twin towers globally. These 88-floor towers are made of concrete with steel and glass, showcasing Islamic art and design. A sky bridge connects the two towers.
Langkawi Archipelago
Langkawi is a group of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, part of the state of Kedah near the Thai border. Pulau Langkawi is the largest island, home to around 65,000 people. Pulau Tuba is the only other inhabited island. The area features white beaches, jungle-covered hills, and mountain peaks.
Perhentian Islands
Located off northeastern Malaysia, near the Thai border, the Perhentian Islands are famous for stunning beaches and excellent diving spots. The two main islands are Perhentian Besar (“Big Perhentian”) and Perhentian Kecil (“Small Perhentian”). Both offer white sandy beaches, palm trees, and clear turquoise waters.
Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
Opened in 1964, this center helps orphaned baby orangutans rescued from logging sites, plantations, and illegal hunting. The young orangutans are trained to survive in the wild and released into a safe reserve once they are ready. Today, around 60–80 orangutans live freely in the area.
Mulu Caves
The Mulu Caves are located in Gunung Mulu National Park in Borneo. The park features caves and rock formations in a rainforest setting. The Sarawak Chamber is the largest underground cave chamber in the world—it can fit about 40 Boeing 747 airplanes without overlapping wings! Visitors can also see thousands of bats fly out at night to look for food.
By exploring these places in books, songs, and stories, children can develop a real curiosity about Malaysia. Dinolingo supports this journey by offering a complete Malay curriculum designed especially for young learners. Whether it’s learning the word for “elephant” while reading about Taman Negara or discovering colors in Malay by looking at Langkawi’s beaches, the learning becomes real, fun, and unforgettable.