Galaxy of stars: How and where to catch the wonders of the Milky Way in Malaysia

The season of the mysterious and magnificent galaxy is upon us once more. It’s time to get out those telescopes and cameras for a glimpse of this beauty’s biggest wonders. – Photos: EDDIE CHUA

The Milky Way season has returned and astronomy buffs, photographers and adventure seekers can take the opportunity to witness the breathtaking display of stars.

The Milky Way – a magnificent spiral of stars, dust, and gas – can be seen stretching across the sky, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of the universe.

The galaxy typically appears after Chinese New Year. However, it appeared early this year as the festival fell in late January.

By the first week of February, this luminous irregular band of light can be seen briefly in the sky before sunrise.

Photographing the Milky Way is not difficult but one has to find a dark location, free from light pollution, to capture these beautiful stars clearly.

But as the months pass, it becomes more apparent in the wee hours of the morning, just before the blue hours, and subsequently moves into the night before gradually fading at sunset in early October and going into hiding until the next cycle.

For astronomy buffs, the Milky Way season offers a unique opportunity to observe some of the galaxy’s most incredible wonders, such as star clusters, nebulae and other galaxies.

With the right equipment and a clear sky, it is possible to see these objects in stunning detail, revealing their intricate structures and colours.

For photographers, the Milky Way provides them with a canvas of endless possibilities to capture stunning night sky images.

Whether you are an experienced astrophotographer or simply someone who enjoys taking pictures, the Milky Way season is a fantastic time to experiment with different techniques and styles, creating truly unique and awe-inspiring images.

For those who have never seen the Milky Way, this magnificent band of a vast collection of stars can also be seen with the naked eye.

It is possible to see the intricate patterns of the Milky Way and its various constellations that make up the galaxy.

However, this requires finding a place away from the glaring lights of urban areas.

To experience this, one must venture outside the city or town to locations where the light pollution is minimal.

The lighthouse at Bukit Jugra in the historical town of Kuala Langat is a favourite spot for Milky Way enthusiasts.

For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Milky Way season also presents a rare opportunity to escape the city’s bright lights and immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world.

Whether camping under the stars or simply taking a nighttime hike, experiencing the Milky Way season in Malaysia is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.

There are several places in Malaysia where you can photograph or watch the Milky Way:

Kudat

Located approximately 190km from Kota Kinabalu, Kudat is one of the best places in the country to witness the dazzling display of stars.

Its remoteness and lack of development at the tip of Borneo island have helped to preserve the district from light and dust pollution, making it possible to view the home to around 400 billion stars with the naked eye.

Pulau Mawar

Pulau Mawar in Mersing, Johor, is one of the best sites in the country to watch and photograph the Milky Way.

Pulau Mawar is a rocky islet off Kampung Mawar in Mersing, Johor, and a hidden gem for stargazers and astronomy buffs.

Its secluded location, overlooking the South China Sea, and pristine dark sky provide an unobstructed view of the night sky, allowing visitors to witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of the galaxy.

The rocky terrain of this islet, complete with a stone arch, makes a beautiful foreground for Milky Way photographs.

Mount Kinabalu

Viewing the Milky Way from the peak of this mountain is breathtaking, but it’s a challenging task.

You must be fit enough to climb the mountain between April and June to catch the Milky Way before finishing the climb at the peak to watch the spectacular sunrise.

Kuala Kubu Bahru Dam

Kuala Kubu Baru is less than an hour’s drive from Kuala Lumpur and the nearest spot where city folks can watch the Milky Way.

There are two favourite spots to watch the Milky Way – one near the dam and the other on the first bridge after the dam.

You could also explore the Kuala Kubu Baru-Fraser’s Hill road to spot the stars.

Kuala Kubu Baru is the nearest place to Kuala Lumpur to see and photograph the Milky Way.

East Coast

The east coast of Malaysia has many dark, secluded and beautiful beaches where one can explore and watch the Milky Way.

They are Pantai Jambu Bongkak in Marang, Pulau Gem, Pulau Redang and Pantai Teluk Mak Nik, all in Terengganu.

Pantai Cahaya Bulan in Kelantan, Gunung Stong State Park, and the Jeli Observatory are other locations well-suited for stargazing.