Terengganu

There are countless nature documentaries featuring soul-stirring, cinematic turtle hatchings, but nothing quite prepares you for the charming chaos-and occasional despair-that unfolds in person at Rantau Abang. This sleepy Malaysian coastal hamlet-once a rockstar nesting ground hosting leathery leviathans by the thousands-is nowadays more indie acoustic than main stage act, thanks to declining turtle populations. Still, between May and September, during the moody twilight hours just after dusk, you can still witness tiny warriors (adorably misdirected, confused, and vulnerable) scrambling toward destiny and open ocean with all the confidence of drunk tourists navigating cobblestones at 2 a.m. Expect swear words whispered under your breath as you silently cheer them past crab claws and seabird beaks. Reserve at least two weeks ahead, team up with a responsible conservation program to avoid accidental turtle harassment, and budget around 50-100 ringgit for organized expeditions. Don't forget insect repellent, patience, and a flashlight-preferably red-tinted, because, as your guide will sternly remind you, lights brighter than a dive bar's neon sign will disorient your hard-shelled compatriots. Despite the humidity, sand in uncomfortable places, and gnawing anxiety about existential turtle peril, it's worth every second. After all, it's not every day you cheerlead reptiles, whispering encouragement into a dark, indifferent ocean-and besides, who doesn't want a heartwarming tale that begins with, "There I was, on a moonlit Malaysian beach, emotionally invested in baby turtles..."?

If plunging face-first into an aquatic paradise populated by fish brighter than a Vegas marquee and coral reefs straight out of Jacques Cousteau's fever dreams sounds like your kind of adventure, then snorkeling at Redang Island is your ticket to underwater bliss. Nestled off Malaysia's east coast, Redang feels suspiciously like nature's way of showing off-turquoise waters so ludicrously clear you'll briefly question if you've stumbled onto a movie set. Early risers (think sunrise o'clock) will dodge the selfie-stick-wielding hordes and snag prime floating time amid parrotfish, neon-hued nudibranchs, and casually confident reef sharks that glide by with all the swagger of celebrity chefs entering their own restaurants. Plan ahead-at least a couple of weeks-to bag a coveted spot on a boat excursion, and pack a modest wad of ringgit (around RM100-150 will suffice). Don't forget sunscreen (reef-safe, please) and bring your own snorkel gear unless you relish renting equipment previously kissed by countless salty strangers. Sure, your underwater selfies might blur, your snorkel mask might fog, and your dignity might vanish the instant you encounter your first ridiculously photogenic clownfish-but you'll surface with an epic tale worth retelling endlessly, preferably with added embellishments over cold beers at sunset.