10 ‘dupe destinations’ in Malaysia to feel like you’re overseas

So pristine are the sandy beaches and clear waters of Sabah that certain islands here have been called ‘The Maldives of Malaysia’. Semporna along the southeast coast of Sabah is known to be a gateway to the best diving spots in Borneo, with Mataking Island, Mabul Island and Bohey Dulang Island among the top most sought-after destinations for travellers in search of sun, sea and serenity. 

Terengganu folks, we see you too! There’s no denying that Pulau Redang in Kuala Terengganu is another very worthy contender for the Maldives of Malaysia title. 

See also: 7 cafés in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for your coffee needs

Lord of the Rings fans know that the New Zealand town of Matamata was the backdrop of the beautiful Shire and Hobbiton village in the film, with its rolling green hills and gardens that are to this day a popular tourist attraction drawing crowds from around the world.  

But as it turns out, Malaysians may not have to go that far for a trip to the Shire. A Hobbiton-inspired attraction between Simpang Pulai, Perak and Cameron Highlands in Pahang, Hobbitoon Village opened in January 2024, drawing curious locals and tourists to admire its verdant gardens, stone streets and quaint cottages. Open daily, admission to this attraction is priced at RM40 for adults and RM20 for children between five to 12 years old.

Known as the Moroccan Pavilion Putrajaya or Astaka Morocco, this beautiful 18,000-square-foot attraction located in Putrajaya Botanical Garden features breathtaking Moorish architecture alongside fountains and pools, a lake and manicured gardens.   

Don't miss: Villa Mabrouka, Yves Saint Laurent's former home in Tangier, Morocco, is now a 12-suite hotel

Did you know that Astaka Morocco took approximately two years to build using materials imported from the North African country and crafted to emulate one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities? A highly popular wedding photography destination for couples, the Moroccan Pavilion requires an admission fee of RM3 per adult and RM1 per student.

From green pastures spotted with cows bordered by majestic mountains and mists, New Zealand is renowned for picturesque dairy farms that are pleasing to the eye. As it turns out, Kundasang in Sabah is a highland destination that many compare to New Zealand. Thanks to its rolling hills and prime views of Mt. Kinabalu, it’s no surprise why.  

The Desa Cattle Dairy Farm in particular, is famed among travellers for its storybook-like (more like milk-carton ad?) setting, while Sosodikon Hill boasts some pretty spectacular hiking trails not unlike South Island.

Just a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, Fraser’s Hill or Bukit Fraser has been understandable called the Little England of Malaysia, thanks to its windswept location in the mountains of Pahang. Similar to the picturesque scapes of Hampshire or the Cotswolds in Southwest England, part of Fraser Hill’s countryside allure comes from a variety of colonial style mansions and cottages, from Ye Olde Smokehouse Hotel (pictured above) to Green Acres, which offer Tudor-style facades, beautifully kept gardens and even a lake surrounded by mountains.  

Don’t miss: 6 colonial cottages in Malaysia for a nostalgic countryside staycation

The royal town of Kuala Kangsar is known for historic buildings, from palaces and mosques to a British-inspired boarding school on sprawling green fields known as The Malay College Kuala Kangsar. Established in 1905 as the first fully residential school in Malaysia, the Malay College Kuala Kangsar is often dubbed ‘The Eton of the East’, in reference to the historic Eton College in Berkshire, England.  

See also: Boarding Abroad: Mira Rosa Marini shares her experience of TASIS boarding school in Switzerland

Looking for Sahara desert vibes without the long-haul flight? Head to Pantai Klebang in Melaka, Malaysia. With its sweeping man-made sand dunes up to 20 metres high (said to be the result of unfinished construction and development in the area), wind-carved ridges and wide, sun-drenched skies, this coastal stretch delivers serious Middle Eastern mirage energy—no camel required. Perfect for golden-hour photo ops, it’s the ultimate budget-friendly dupe for your desert dreams.

Have you ever been to the French town of Colmar? No? In the meantime, get yourself over to Berjaya Hills in Bukit Tinggi, Pahang for a fairytale-like staycation at Colmar Tropicale Berjaya Hills. A resort that styles itself after the French architecture of 16th century Colmar, Colmar Tropicale has an allure that’s hard to ignore if you’re into wind-swept drawbridges and castles, sprawling gardens, cobblestone streets and fountains at the city square.

Just for kicks, trade your beret for your best kimono and pay a visit to the beautiful Japanese Village here, filled with serene gardens, ponds, and a quaint Japanese Tea House.

Close on your eyes on the journey to Dai Jin and you’ll think you’re in a quiet tea house in the green distrinct of Songjiang in Shanghai or even the Longjing Tea Village of Hangzhou instead of its actual location in Bandar Botanik, Klang.

Here, guests are invited to remove their footwear, walk through a serene river and wear ancient Chinese clogs, later enjoying an omakase-style dining experience in one of five dining pavilions which face inwards to the open-air courtyard, providing tranquil views of the immaculately kept gardens.

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