Malaysia’s Ranau
Malaysia's Ranau is certainly one of the most underrated travel gems in the world. A beautiful, charming and mysterious town tucked away between the mountains, green forests and valleys of the breathtaking Malaysian countryside, Ranau is the perfect place to experience the natural beauty of this Southeast Asian country. Ranau offers great opportunities for adventure-seekers, with activities like jungle trekking, hot springs exploring, and tree top walks. The local culture and history will certainly leave you in awe, and local cuisine will tantalize even the most discerning foodie. This hidden gem of Malaysia is sure to take your breath away with its stunning views, welcoming locals, and great natural beauty.
Before you go
When planning your trip to Ranau, remember to pack lightweight, breathable clothing as the region has a tropical rainforest climate. Due to its proximity to Mount Kinabalu, the weather can be cooler at higher altitudes, so it's advisable to bring warmer clothing. Don't forget essentials like insect repellent, sunscreen, binoculars for birdwatching and comfortable hiking shoes if you plan to explore the lush rainforests and ascend the mountain. While in Ranau, be sure to savor the local cuisine, including fresh seafood and Sabah's famous tea. To make the most of your trip, consider hiring a local guide to discover hidden gems and learn about the rich cultural heritage of the area. You should also visit the Kinabalu Park Botanical Garden to see a diverse range of plant species, including many orchids and pitcher plants native to the region. Check for any travel advisories or entry requirements, including visas, before your journey to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to this captivating region of Malaysia.
![Kuala Lumpur is the national capital and most populous city in Malaysia. The city covers an area of 243 km2 and has an estimated population of 1.6 million as of 2010. Greater Kuala Lumpur, covering similar area as the Klang Valley, is an urban agglomeration of 7.5 million people as of 2012. It is among the fastest growing metropolitan regions in South-East Asia, in terms of population and economy.
Kuala Lumpur is the seat of the Parliament of Malaysia. The city was once home to the executive and judicial branches of the federal government, but they were moved to Putrajaya in early 1999. Some sections of the judiciary still remain in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. The official residence of the Malaysian King, the Istana Negara, is also situated in Kuala Lumpur. Rated as an alpha world city, Kuala Lumpur is the cultural, financial and economic centre of Malaysia due to its position as the capital as well as being a key city. Kuala Lumpur was ranked 48th among global cities by Foreign Policy's 2010 Global Cities Index and was ranked 67th among global cities for economic and social innovation by the 2thinknow Innovation Cities Index in 2010.
Since the 1990s, the city has played host to many international sporting, political and cultural events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the Formula One Grand Prix. In addition, Kuala Lumpur is home to the tallest twin buildings in the world, the Petronas Twin Towers, which have become an iconic symbol of Malaysia's futuristic development [Wikipedia.org] | Johor Bahru in Malaysia](https://humbo.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/place-photo/5ffa2ff19ed1ddb22d235d13/6xc_BMxB-z_thumb.jpeg)
