Do note that information in the article is accurate at the time of publishing.
Malaysia is blessed with an abundance of beautiful landscapes, lush national parks, majestic mountains and vibrant cityscapes that never fails to light a fire in every romantic soul. But admittedly, sometimes the tropical heat can make it a little difficult to enjoy the day - especially when you're on a date with your significant other!
Fortunately, despite the heat, there are many things you can do in Malaysia to enjoy a date with your bae without the fear of getting a heatstroke! To help you narrow down your choices, here’s a list of cool and romantic activities to beat the Malaysian heat ?
1. Waterpark date at Sunway Lagoon
Built for those who are young and young at heart, there’s no better way to cool down and have fun than by going to a waterpark! Sunway Lagoon (one of the most famous and popular waterparks in Malaysia) is a place that offers a little bit of everything for everyone. Blending in excitement, fun and exhilaration, a date at the waterpark will no doubt keep you both cool and entertained for hours on end!
Besides taking a dip in the blessedly cool water, some of the exciting couple activities you can do at Sunway Lagoon includes learning to surf, going body-boarding at FlowRider, taking on the Vuvuzela vortex water ride and sliding down the African Python water slides for some heart-pounding fun ?
2. Go on a relaxing getaway to Cameron Highlands
If you can't stand the hot weather and want to escape to somewhere a little cooler - but not freezing cold - a romantic trip to Cameron Highlands might just be your answer! Located at the north-western tip of Pahang, Cameron Highlands is known for its postcard-worthy scenery of tea plantations, lush hills, strawberry farms and Tudor-style cottages ?
There's plenty to do on this cool little mountain - from going on nature walks to exploring breath-taking waterfalls. Additionally, if you want to spend some quality time together, there is something to be said about enjoying a romantic date amidst the tea plantations and lush rollings hills - just soaking in all the splendour, romance and nostalgia that Cameron Highlands’ grand colonial heritage has to offer ?
3. Spend an afternoon in a museum
Yes, you read that right! Visiting a museum is oddly enough, a perfectly cool and romantic activity that couples can do to beat the heat - and best of all, a lot of museums in KL, like the Ilham Gallery and the Gallery Petronas have free entry! Meaning you get to spend a nice day with bae without breaking the bank! Score ?
In all seriousness though, a museum date is a great idea because it encourages awesome conversation and provides a venue to explore and learn. For starters, you can visit the National Art Gallery (Balai Seni Negara) that showcases a permanent collection of over 2,500 local and foreign works of art (including photography) by celebrated contemporary artists. From Chinese ink paintings that date back to 1964 to delicate ceramics and sculptures, it's a veritable feast for the eyes and can evoke a ton of emotions ?
4. Go ice-skating
For most people, being able to go ice skating in a country with a tropical climate will never lose its novelty. It’s just one of those perfect dates that have it all. For example, going on an ice skating date means that you’re automatically in a cool place. Plus, you can finally have an excuse to put on all those cute knitwear or awesome jackets you have lying around. Another bonus is that with ice skating, you have a perfectly valid excuse to hold hands romantically the entire time you're skating across the ice ⛸️
If you see yourselves as a fun-loving couple, then you will love being able to get a little goofy on ice; striking iconic poses (like the ones from Titanic) or snuggling up when your both feeling particularly chilly. Plus, you can also enjoy laughing your head off at your (or your significant other's) lack of ability on ice - a good way to remind yourself not to take things too seriously amidst the everyday stresses of life ?
5. Catch a show at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre
Watching theatre, dance or orchestra shows has been a treasured pastime for hundreds of years. From plays, musicals, ballets and operas, there's something for everyone to enjoy. What most people fail to realise is that Performing Art Centres are often fun, exciting and fabulous places to bring someone you love or want to impress ?
Not only are they perfect mix of glamourous and casual - giving you an excuse to dress up a bit while still being able to maintain casual conversations - but the Performing Art Centres are often times located right in the city centre; close to restaurants and cafes. You can probably squeeze in a quick, coffee date or perhaps even a romantic three-course meal pre-show. Talk about fancy ?!
6. Hike up to swim in the waterfall
If you and your partner enjoy being out and about in nature, try a hiking date up a waterfall before diving in the crystalline waters to cool down. Not only will it get those endorphins coursing through your veins - effectively boosting both your moods - but it can also help to reaffirm the fact that being active and enjoying nature is something that both you and significant other find important. Plus, it's a mostly cost-saving activity that can also help create a memorable experience for both of you ?
Some of the more popular waterfall trails in Malaysia include the Sungai Chiling Waterfall in Selangor, Kota Tinggi Waterfalls in Johor, Mahua Waterfalls in Sabah and the Ulu Chepor Waterfall in Perak. If you’d like to explore more breath-taking waterfall trails, feel free to read our post on 10 amazing waterfalls in KL & Selangor for a refreshing getaway.
7. Go snorkelling together
To compensate for the tropical heat, Malaysia is blessed with some spectacular tropical islands and beaches that are perfect for couples who love to give snorkelling a try. Dive into beautiful coral reefs, go swimming with sea turtles and be amazed by colourful schools of fishes as you and bae discover the beauty that the underwater world can provide ?
Some of the must-visit spots for couples to try this exciting activity includes Datai Bay Beach in Langkawi, Sipadan Island in Sabah, Tioman Island in Pahang and Kapas Island in Kuala Terengganu ?
8. Enjoy a romantic dinner date
One of the most tried and true date activity is no doubt the classic dinner date. What better way to unwind from a tiring, hot day than by enjoying the company of your loved one over some delicious food in a fully air-conditioned restaurant ??
Nothing spells romance quite like a delicious and gorgeously presented meal in a classically romantic setting. Alternatively, you can also opt for something a more modern and exciting - like Dining In The Dark - to help strengthen your bond with bae! For more romantic dining venues, do check out 10 romantic Muslim-friendly restaurants in KL for that perfect date out
And that concludes our list of cool and romantic activities to beat the Malaysian heat! Hope this list will inspire you to plan your own perfect, romantic outing for you and your partner. After all, you and your favourite person deserve to spend some quality time together, so might as well make it unique!