5 peaceful spots in Malaysia for stargazing

I may not be an astronomer or a psychologist, but I believe there’s something about stargazing that is good for the soul. City-dwellers in particular will appreciate the fleeting beauty of the stars on a clear night when you know the right places to visit that are least affected by light pollution. 

This week, astronomy buffs and stargazers alike in Malaysia were abuzz with the news of the Perseids meteor shower that was reported to take place on August 12, Monday, from nighttime till the early hours of Tuesday morning. Despite rainy weather, stargazing enthusiasts flocked to ‘dark sky’ locations like Lundu in Sarawak and others to catch a better glimpse of the meteor showers. Dark skies or dark sites refer to areas where the night sky is unobstructed by light pollution that typically comes from cities or highly developed areas, making them ideal locations for seeing the stars and celestial events such as meteor showers.

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In light of this (first and last pun of the day, I promise), we look at five remote and luxurious destinations in Malaysia with wide open spaces and clear skies to enjoy the stars while in lush surroundings.  

Tatler Tip: Keep in mind that the stars aren’t guaranteed to be visible at all spots at all times due to weather circumstances, ideal seasons, and other factors. Look out for platforms such as Dark Sky Malaysia, the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa), the Stargazer Society and others to learn more about responsible stargazing.