Happy 2018! Sometimes it feels as though time goes by faster as the years go by, doesn’t it? While some might prefer to move forward without looking back, some of us get a little sentimental now and then. Then, we look for things like photos or memorabilia to remember the good times. If anything, 2017 taught us to appreciate the little things that made and make us happy. So how do these surreal photoshoot locations fit into the picture?

If you’re all aboard the photo-taking ship for the sake of memories, you probably know that the location isn’t the most important thing. But a fantastic backdrop can’t hurt. We’ve put together a list of places in Malaysia that are somewhat unconventional, and mostly beautiful. From our local version of Bolivia’s famed Salar de Uyuni, to the sandy shores of Melaka, these locations make for great and unique photo backdrops.

1. Sky Mirror, Kuala Selangor

Rejoice for we have our very own version of Salar de Uyuni! Believe it or not, the Sky Mirror is located in Kuala Selangor, a mere hour or so away from Kuala Lumpur. The special occurrence happens only every first and fifteenth of the lunar calendar each month, so make sure to call and book ahead before heading there.

Address: Sky Mirror, 15, Jalan Yu 1, Pekan Sasaran, Kuala Selangor, 45800 Selangor, Malaysia

Tel: +6019 266 6665

Website: www.tourismselangor.my

2. Klebang Beach, Melaka

Longing for a dessert backdrop but you live in Malaysia? Now all you have to do is drive down to cultural city Melaka. Klebang Beach is the new hot spot for surreal photoshoots and it’s clear why. The white sand dunes create a bizarre, peaceful scenery perfect for your next avant garde shoot.

Address: Klebang Beach (Pantai Klebang), Jalan Klebang Besar, 75200 Melaka, Malaysia

3. The Enchanted Forest, Cameron Highlands

Whether you’re looking to take romantic, other-worldly shots like the photo above, or to recreate a scene from Tarzan, this is the place for that. Just take a leisurely drive up to Cameron Highlands and look for this Enchanted Forest, also known as the Mossy Forest.

Address: 39000 Perak, Malaysia – About 2km from the peak of Gunung Brinchang.

4. Semporna, Sabah

We don’t know about you, but the dancing seaweed through the crystal clear water kinda creeps us out. And that makes it perfect for a surreal photoshoot, doesn’t it? Imagine having a photo session in or under the water, wouldn’t that be creepy yet awesome? You could head to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and ask the locals for good photoshoot locations too.

Address: Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna, Sabah, Malaysia

Tel: +608 8523 500

Website: www.sabahtourism.com

5. Tanjung Bungah, Penang

While not particularly surreal, we included this spot because it’s not your average shoot location. To get here, key in  Sea Pearl Lagoon Cafe, Tanjung Bungah into your map. The beach and rocks are just a short walk away. While you’re in the area, there’s also the Penang Avatar Secret Garden for a double dose of surreal photoshoot backdrops. Make sure to visit the garden  once the lights come on, as the sun goes down and it starts getting dark.

Address: Sea Pearl Lagoon Cafe, 338, Jalan Tokong Thai Pak Koong, Tanjong Tokong, 11200 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

6. The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat, Ipoh

There’s not much we need to say about this place, we reckon. Just look at the vibrant colours at play in this cave up in Ipoh. Other location options  for a surreal photoshoot are the hot springs pools that are all around. The hotel itself is quite the charmer, too.

Address: The Banjaran Hostprings Retreat, No. 1, Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, Sunway City Ipoh, 31150 Ipoh, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia

Tel: +605 210 7777

Website: www.thebanjaran.com

Whether you’re looking to do a wedding, family, or just a ‘for fun’ shoot, we hope you have a ball at these surreal photoshoot locations!