Activity

Sabah tourism

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 9 Nov 2008 01:00:00 -0800

adventures and sports
cultural experiences
diving
golfing
jungle trekking
rest & relax
shopping
sight seeing
weddings and honeymoon
wellness and spa

KINARUT ISLAND ESCAPES

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 9 Nov 2008 00:11:00 -0800

At Langkah Syabas' Beach Resort we are able to arrange a wide variety of activities, allowing our guests to truly maximize the potential of a holiday in Sabah. If you would like to receive more information on any of the following outings, please let us know.

KINARUT ISLAND ESCAPES

We offer the following excursions on our 40 ft motor cruiser complete with canopy, ice box, safety rail, driver and waiting staff on board to cater to your every need.

Dinawan Bay and Lagoon:
Peaceful and secluded, Dinawan Island offers the perfect retreat for family fun, picnics, snorkeling, BBQ's or a bottle of fine wine on the beach.

Sunset Cruise:
2 hour cruise around picturesque Dinawan Island and Mantukud Island. Snacks and personal selection of drinks available on board.

Fishing Trips:
We are fully equipped to offer a day of fishing and fun on the water.

Picnic Island Tour:
A delicious Picnic Lunch

Police Beach Charters:
The ideal way to experience the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and to enjoy a great day with family and friends.

Island Transfers:

Return trip
Charters:
Guests can hire our motor cruiser by the hour to travel as far and as wide as they please. Champagne breakfast, birthday cruises and more are available on request.
Snorkel & Mask available for hire at the office

TOURS AND DAY TRIPS
Kota Kinabalu by night:
4 hours
City tour:
2 - 3 hours
Kampung Tour:
3 hours
Kota Belud Market:
Traditional Bajau - Malay market (Sundays)
Gaya Street Market:
Bustling Sunday morning street market
Rafflesia Sanctuary:
See the world's largest flower
Horse Riding:
Lessons and various scenic rides available from a riding school in Kinarut
Light Aircraft Joy Rides:
Pleasure flights and aircraft charter available
Mt. Kinabalu & Poring Hot Springs:
Full day trip to view the majestic Mt. Kinabalu and surroundings. Nature walks, hot springs and tree top canopy walk.
White Water Rafting:
Including a scenic trip on Borneo's only train and a sumptuous BBQ lunch, White Water Rafting is the most popular and exhilarating way to experience the beauty of the mighty Padas River.

OTHER TOURS THAT ARE OFFERED:
Scuba Diving
Mountain Climbing
Tenom Orchid Farm
Danum Valley Golfing Package
Our golfing packages are designed with flexibility and easy
organization in mind. Inclusive of American Breakfast, this economical
package aims to encourage golfers to experience some of Sabah's most
attractive and enjoyable courses, including:
Sabah Golf and Country Club, Borneo Golf and Beach Resort and Mt.
Kinabalu Golf Club, Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club, Dalit Bay Golf and Country Club and Karambunai Resort Golf Club.
Rates for accommodation are as follows:
Setting
Normal Tariff
Promotion Rates
Twin Share
RM99.00 nett p.person/night
RM77.50 nett p.person/night
Single
RM170.00 nett p.person/night
RM132.50 nett p.person/night
Triple Share
RM82.00 nett p.person/night
RM65.00 nett p.person/night
Double
RM198.00 nett p.couple/night
RM155.00 nett p.couple/night
Multi Share (4 or more)
RM52.50 nett p.person/night
RM52.50 nett p.person/night
Promotion rates available up to 15th December 2001
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Four Wheel Drives

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:58:00 -0800

Malaysia’s rugged undulating terrain and dense rainforests, crossed by rapid rivers, make it an irresistible destination for four-wheel drive (4WD) expeditions. The heat, mud, rolling hills and rainstorms adds to the challenge in the grueling yet exhilarating pursuit of off-road driving.

With over half the country still under jungle cover, Malaysia’s natural landscape brings out the best in man (or woman!) and his machine by testing his skills and endurance in this natural playground. Yet, sweet rewards await, with stunning landscapes or a first-hand look at wildlife, and waterfalls to cool off after an exhausting day of doing battle with the elements.

International 4x4 expeditions and other off-road events held in Malaysia are usually held annually in October and November. The expeditions include Trans-Borneo International Rally, the National Challenge and the Rainforest International Challenge of Malaysia.

Amateurs may not be cut out for world-class events like the year-end Camel Trophy or the Rainforest Challenge, but nothing should stop those who live for adventure and challenge.

White Water Rafting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:56:00 -0800

Rivers have long been the life-blood of the indigenous people of Malaysia. They have served as a means of transport, food source and, more recently, a resource for eco-tourism.

The native groups of the Malaysian interior have been using rafts for thousands of years, but white water rafting has only been popularized since the 1980s.

White Water Rafting Sites

Sabah has two main rivers for rafting, the Padas and Kiulu rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade 2, respectively. Under normal weather conditions, the two rivers are relatively constant in depth and speed. However, heavy rains can cause them to increase to an unsafe Grade 4 and above within just a few hours. During this period, rafting activities are called off temporarily.

Peninsula Malaysia also has its fair share of good rafting sites. These include Sungai Sungkai in Perak and Sungai Selangor in Kuala Kubu Baru, where the river source comes from Fraser’s Hill. Sungai Endau, Jeram Besu and Sungai Lipis in Pahang and Sungai Tembeling in Taman Negara are also popular rafting sites.

Since this sport has become popular, there are rafting operators for all the popular sites that provide the necessary equipment, transport and training.

In Sabah, rafting operators will arrange transport from Kota Kinabalu to Padas Gorge, where the Padas River flows. If you would like to experience the full deal, travel by train from the Pangi Railway Station, where the antique train will take you on a scenic journey to up the winding Padas Gorge.

Then you’re in for a thrilling ride downstream over rapids named The Headhunter, Adrenaline Flow and Merry Go-Round. Successful rafters at Padas will be presented with a certificate of accomplishment at the end of their adventure.

In Peninsular Malaysia, the rafting sites are easily accessible by local transportation. The Selangor River can be reached through Kuala Kubu Bharu town, which is approximately 90km north of Kuala Lumpur A single rafting trip on the Selangor River will take about half a day.

The Telom River in Cameron Highlands and the Tembeling River in Taman Negara, Pahang will take about four hours from Kuala Lumpur. More time is needed to raft the Grade 5 Telom River in Pahang as it is much more challenging.

Wedding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:55:00 -0800

Whatever exquisite Malaysia location you are looking to have your wedding at, rest assured there are many wedding coordinators and industry professionals on hand to provide you with a customized package. Right from the details of your accommodation to the wedding itself (and the much-anticipated honeymoon!), an experienced industry professional will ensure your arrangements get off to a flying start. Many top Malaysian hotels offer wedding packages that include everything from airport transfers and niceties such as flowers, welcome drinks, a basket of fruits and cold towels on arrival, to a luxurious honeymoon suite, breakfast in bed, an extravagant spa session and romantic candlelight dinner for two. Some hotels will even throw in a Master of Ceremonies, photography services, wedding cake, wedding album and a hair-and-makeup session for the bride. Whatever your choice, your Malaysian-styled wedding will be the one photo album you will want to flaunt. Be it a traditional wedding ceremony amidst a rustic village setting, or an avant-garde blast in progressive Kuala Lumpur, this land will fulfil your heart’s desires for that dream wedding.

Team Building

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:49:00 -0800

Team-building is a process in which a work group examines how it is currently operating, identifies how it could improve its effectiveness, and implements the procedures and processes that enable it to get the job done in the best possible way. In this course, the participants will focus on how teamwork can impact positively on accomplishing tasks and on conflict resolution in work teams.They will define their roles in improving the quality of services/products that your company provides, and they will build teamwork skills. We have the experience of creating, facilitating and running a host of truly creative team challenges. We can offer you an effective solution if you are looking to:

You are looking to :

• Liven up boring meetings
• Encourage creative thinking and imagination
• Raise sagging morale in a department
• Create a conference breakout session
• Improve communication
• Revitalize a one team philosophy
• Have fun within the work group
• Encourage members to work together and explore the dimensions of teamwork Objective
• Have Fun
• Develop Trust and Support
• Overcome Fear
• Improve Communication
• Reinforce Problem Solving
• Boost Productivity
• Strengthen Camaraderie
• Improve Health

Do you need to :

• Identify your teams strengths and weaknesses?
• Increase productivity and efficiency?
• Improve the way your team members interact?
• Improve their ability to solve problems?
• Improve morale?
• Improve your managerial and leadership skills?
• Clearly define objective and goals?
• Improve support and trust levels among employees?
• Develop healthy inter-group relations?
• Reduce unhealthy conflict?
• Reduce stress in your workplace?
An exercise to improve motivation, cohesiveness and productivity in your group.
• Tap into the hidden potential of your people
• Find the barriers that thwart creativity
• Achieve goal congruence
• Improve processes, procedures and humanize control systems
• Get your people to work TOGETHER!
• Get to the root problem holding back team development in your organization now.
• Improve organizational productivity.
• Improve job security

Spooks Experience

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:45:00 -0800

Journey to 'the other side' with the Asian Spooks Experience. Discover quirky Asian superstitions and beliefs on this paranormal tour. Explore Kuala Lumpur's most famous haunted sites including the Seputeh Cemetery, Pudu Prison, the old Railway Station and the Pontianak Den. A definite must for the creepiest experience of a lifetime!

Scuba Diving

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:34:00 -0800

Malaysia is fast becoming one of the leading dive destinations of the world with one of the richest marine environments in the Indo-Pacific Basin. The incredible bio-diversity of marine life, coupled with beautiful islands, white sandy beaches and clear warm waters, keeps divers coming back for more.

From schooling Hammerhead Sharks, to huge schools of barracudas and various species of turtles to the bizarre Frogfish and Ghost Pipefish, there is always something to fascinate the diver.

In Malaysia, the coral reef eco-system supports more that 50 generas of coral and more that 200 species of fish. It is not an exaggeration to say that almost every time a marine bio-diversity survey is conducted in Malaysia's tropical seas, the species list increases!

Dive centers in Malaysia are well equipped and are certified by all the internationally recognized dive agencies like PADI, SSI and SSAC for maintaining their standards of safety and professionalism. Naturally, all scuba diving courses in Malaysian waters are also endorsed by these certifying agencies.

Comprising Peninsular Malaysia in the west and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia, Malaysia rests on the continental shelf of South-east Asia, the two halves separated by the South China Sea. The west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is separated from Indonesia's island of Sumatra by the Straits of Malacca. Along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the diversity of marine life around the waters of Pulau Pangkor and Pulau Payar are quite different from those off the eastern coast of the Peninsular Malaysia, in the South China Sea. Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Lang Tengah, Pulau Redang, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Tioman all lie a short boat ride off the Peninsula's coast in the South China Sea and feature good coral growth and abundant fish life.

Surrounded by the nutrient-rich South China Sea and the Sulawesi Sea, the state of Sabah plums to true oceanic depths of 600m-1000m, different from the shallower waters of Peninsular Malaysia's islands.

Located some 300km from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital, Layang-Layang Island is blessed with the best water visibility, from 20m-50m.

The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Islands, just off Sabah's capital of Kota Kinabalu, are popular for training and easy dives. On the other end of the spectrum, you should be an advanced diver to fully savor Sipadan Island Lankayan, Mabul and Kapalai are famous for their ‘muck dives' (diving in the coral rubble and sandy patches looking for macro animals).

Pulau Talang and Turtle Rock off Sarawak feature reef diving, and further away from the mainland, divers can do some very good wreck diving on the Katori Maru (a World War II Japanese troop carrier).

Mountain Climbing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:24:00 -0800

Mountain Climbing is a wonderful way to discover the diversity and uniqueness of Malaysia's natural landscape. From the dense tropical rainforests to the montane vegetation in the highlands, and even from easy walks in the cool comfort of the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia to the more challenging mountains of Sabah and Sarawak, there are mountains to tempt for everyone, regardless of their climbing ability.

Beginners can start with the well-marked trails in Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Gunung Korbu in Perak and Gunung Angsi in Negeri Sembilan. For those with greater climbing skills, they can attempt rainforest-clad mountain ridges like Gunung Gagau or Gunung Tahan in Taman Negara, the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. Of course, mountain climbing aficionados cannot miss Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah, which is one of the highest mountains in South-east Asia.

Mountains in Peninsular Malaysia

The Peninsula has a range of accessible, scenic yet surprisingly steep mountains.

But for starters, there are less arduous climbs with well-marked trails at popular sites such as the legendary Gunung Ledang in Johor, Gunung Jerai in Kedah or Gunung Angsi in Negeri Sembilan. These climbs are genereally day-hikes and a guide is not necessary. If the idea of sweeping views of tea and vegetable plantations is your, well, cup of tea, then Gunung Berembun and Gunung Brinchang in Cameron Highlands, Pahang will be the ideal destination.

Those who want a more invigorating journey through the wilderness, Gunung Gagau in Taman Negara can be just that. All it takes is a day’s climb, but you’ll have to traverse lakes, rivers, jungles and pass through a cave or two before reaching the peak that will reward you with a scenic view of three states.

For the ultimate challenge, head to Gunung Tahan, the highest point in the Peninsula. The 130km return journey takes up to eight days and will take you through rainforests, across tricky rivers and up steep mountain ridges in the unspoilt heart of Taman Negara. An experienced guide is a must.

Mountains in Sabah & Sarawak

Some of the world’s most unique mountain environments can be found in Malaysia’s part of Borneo.

Gunung Kinabalu, (Gunung means ‘mountain’ in Malay) one of the highest peaks in South-east Asia, is located in the World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Park, Sabah. Accessible to all trekkers, the Summit Trail leading to Low’s Peak has clear paths and ropes at steep rocky sections. You will stumble upon exotic plants found only in the area, such as the Necklace Orchid.

Gunung Trusmadi is the more adventurous week-long trail where you’ll endure mossy forests, steep hills and rain-swollen rivers. The summit will reward you with one of the best views of Gunung Kinabalu and a chance to see the remarkably large and rare pitcher plants found only on the ridges of Trusmadi.

In Sarawak, Gunung Santubong is one of the most popular mountains as it comes with a spectacular view of Kuching. Guides are required to lead the tough trek up another of Sarawak’s famous peaks, Gunung Penrissen, but the 1329m vertical scramble to the top can be completed within a day or two.

The long uphill trek to the sandstone summit of famed Gunung Mulu takes four days and passes through primary jungle, with swampy patches and huge clumps of colorful rhododendrons before the wispy clouds disperse to reveal the massive limestone outcropping of Gunung Api.

Golfing

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 23:19:00 -0800

For a country with a total land area of only 330,000sq.km., Malaysia has an overwhelming number of almost 200 golf courses – an indication perhaps of the number of golf enthusiasts there are in the country, and also a boon for similarly inclined visitors. Many of these international-class courses have been designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent-Jones, Max Wexler, Ted Parslow and other golfing greats. Most of these courses are situated in the vicinity of major cities or located at or next to holiday resorts.

Cave Exploring

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 22:59:00 -0800

Cave exploring

Caving has a good following in Malaysia. The country is endowed with vast numbers of limestone caves, including a World Heritage Site. Malaysia’s caves are home to amazing wildlife such as Fruit Bats and birds with edible nests as well as having other natural attractions like massive, attractive stalagmites and stalactites. Although major expeditions have been carried out, many caves have yet to be fully explored, proving alluring to explorers who are up for an adventure. People who have visited caves before, especially ones in the tropics, are always in awe of how a cave can change its form (mud, water level) in just a few months, a factor that is influenced by the wet weather. Caves come with various levels of accessibility. Some caves have walkways for tours, while others require visitors to rough it out and crawl on all fours.

Caves in Malaysia

In the Malay language, ‘cave’ is gua. An interesting oddity about Malaysia’s mostly limestone caves is that most of them can be found above ground. Caves can be divided into two categories: adventure and show caves. Adventure caves such as Drunken Forest Cave and Legan’s Cave in Sarawak remains close to their natural state.

Show caves such as Deer, Lang and Clear Water Caves in the National Park of Mulu are tourist-friendly, where they are equipped with lights as well as clearly marked paths and explanatory notes.

In the Peninsula, the list features Gua Kelam in Perlis, Gua Tempurung and Kundu in Perak, scattered historic caves around Lake Kenyir in Terengganu and Gua Ikan in Kelantan. Famous caves in Sarawak include Niah, Mulu, and Fairy Cave at Bau. The most famous cave in Sabah is Gua Gomantong, where bird’s nests are collected and sold to retailers as a Chinese delicacy.

Underwater, or river caves, can be found in Kinta Valley, but make up less than 10% of local caves.

Perak is famous for its cave temples, the most well known are Perak Tong and Sam Poh Tong, which house many Buddhist statues and religious cave murals. The Hindu cave temple in Batu Caves has shrines to the Hindu deities and is the site of the colorful religious festival of Thaipusam.

The Painted Cave in Gua Niah in Sarawak displays unique prehistoric paintings on its walls including boats that point to early man’s local civilization. Its chambers have hundreds of fascinating formations.

The Mulu caves in Sarawak have some of the biggest and longest networks of caves in the world. Although 195km of cave passages have been explored, this represents only 30% of the estimated total.

However, Sarawak’s biggest cave holds a lot of records. The Sarawak Chamber, 600m by 415m and 80m high, is the largest known cave chamber in the world. The Deer Cave, measuring 120 to 150m in diameter, is the world’s largest cave passage, while the Clearwater Cave, at 108km, is the longest cave in Asia.

List of Malaysian Caves

• Gua Kelam, Perlis

• Gua Tempurung, Kampar, Perak

• Gua Kundu, Gopeng, Perak

• Gua Harimau, Perak

• Batu Caves, Selangor

• Gua Ikan, Kuala Krai, Kelantan

• Gua Taat, Gua Bewah at Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu

• Gua Telinga, Gua Daun Menari, Gua Luas, Taman Negara , Pahang

• Gua Gomantong, Sandakan, Sabah

• Fairy Cave, Wind Cave, Jambusan Cave, Bau, Sarawak

• Great Cave, Painted Cave, Niah National Park, Sarawak

• Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave, Green Cave, Clear Water Cave, Moon Cave, Turtle Cave, Mulu National Park, Sarawak

Bird watching

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 22:39:00 -0800

From muddy mangroves to misty mountain ranges, Malaysia’s diverse tropical landscape teems with hundreds of resident bird species. The country’s location on the Australasian cross-migratory paths also makes it a host to 120 or so migratory birds. With over 600 species to be seen in the Peninsula and about 580 species in Malaysian Borneo, Malaysia has emerged as a bird watching haven. Half of Malaysia’s land mass is covered in rainforests, or at least plantations. With the diversity of habitats, there are many places having abundant bird life to choose from. As the various bird-watching and nature sites around the country are easily accessible, it is easy to understand why bird-lovers are drawn to Malaysia.

Avian Habitats

Many birds are common in the Peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak but some species, known as endemics, are unique to a certain location, such as the Malayan Whistling Thrush in the Peninsula. Borneo sees over 30 endemics including the Borneo Blue Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker.

The Malaysian rainforests are generally divided into three distinctive habitat types – coastal mangroves, lowland rainforests and mountain forests.

Swampy mangrove forest eco-systems where salt and freshwater meet on the coastline fringe are home to birds such as the Common Kingfisher. Lowland rainforests, including freshwater swamp, peat and hill dipterocarp forest, remains the most extensive habitat for over 200 birds. This habitat is crucial for Storm’s Stork and Green Imperial Pigeon.

Mountain forests generally occur above an elevation of 900m, where species such as the Mountain Peacock-Pheasant and Mountain Blackeye thrive in the cool, damp climates and stunted trees of these high altitude regions.

While each habitat provides an excellent concentrated birding experience, it is not difficult to visit several sites in different ecological zones to enjoy the variation in birdlife.

Bird Watching Sites

• Bukit Larut (Maxwell Hill), Perak, (Mountain forest)

• Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, Perak, (Mangrove forest)

• Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Selangor (Mangrove forest)

• Cameron Highlands, Pahang (Mangrove forest)

• Genting Highlands, Pahang (Mangrove forest)

• Taman Negara, Pahang (Low rainforest)

• Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, (Mountain forest)

• Kinabalu Park, Sabah, (Mountain forest)

• Kota Belud Bird Sanctuary, Sabah (Lowland rainforest)

• Bako National Park, Sarawak (Lowland rainforest)

• Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak (Mangrove forest)

Angling

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 21:39:00 -0800

Malaysia is a prime tropical paradise and a top game fishing destination. Endowed with a wide variety of marine and inland angling locations, Malaysia hosts a plethora of fish species in both environments. The tropical seas surrounding Malaysia sustain most tropical game fish species including the king of the seas - the black and the blue marlin. Yellowfin, bigeye and dogtooth are found in the deep water areas, and there are many more fish to catch including the wahoo, giant trevally, cobia, narrowbarred mackarel, dorado, barracuda, escolar, rainbow runner, greater amberjack and sharks. The rivers and lakes in Malaysia, surrounded by beautiful tropical rainforest, provide an angling backdrop that is breathtaking. These pristine rainforest waterways will test any anglers’ skills to the limit. The Malaysian Red Mahseer, the ferocious Giant Snakehead and the Hampala Barb all have superb fighting qualities.

Places for tour in Malaysia

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 8 Nov 2008 19:58:00 -0800

After hosting the 1998 Commonwealth Games, for which Malaysia invested over £300 million, sports facilities have been greatly improved throughout the country. The authorities’ initiative to present Malaysia as an international sports venue continued with an unusual bid for the 2008 Olympic Games and the construction of a £44 million Formula One racing circuit in Sepang (located adjacent to Kuala Lumpur International Airport). However, it is Malaysia’s beaches and rainforests which endure as the main attraction for activity holidays. A comprehensive list of tour operators offering tailor-made package holidays is available from Tourism Malaysia.

Adventure sports
Sabah, located in northern Borneo, is Malaysia’s premier destination for outdoor adventure sports and there is a wide range of sporting and activity events held in the region throughout the year. .

Scuba diving
The tropical waters off peninsular Malaysia and Borneo offer ideal conditions for scuba-diving. Water visibility is often greater than 30m (100ft). The selection below gives a brief overview of some of Malaysia’s best dive sites:

Layang Layang: Located northwest of Kota Kinabulu, off the coast of Sabah and accessible by air, this coral atoll consists of 13 coral reefs linked together. Underwater sights include an amazing array of corals, marine life and cliffs that plunge 2000m to the ocean bed.

Miri: Located north of Kuching, off the coast of Sarawak, Borneo. Popular dive sites include ‘Sea Fan Garden’, ‘Atago Maru’, a Japanese World War II shipwreck and ‘Scubasa Reef’, a shallow reef which provides refuge for migrating turtles during August each year.

Pulau Redang: Home to Malaysia’s first protected marine park, the Terengganu Marine Park, located north of Kuala Terengganu. The Pulau Redang archipelago contains nine islands. Popular sites include the ‘Mini Mount’ (good for both day and night dives), the ‘Picture Wall’ (dotted with sea fans and corals) and ‘Cathedral Arches’ (canyon network with huge arches). ‘Turtle Bay’, known for its sea turtles, is at the northern end of the island.

Pulau Sipadan: Located off the northeastern coast of Borneo, Pulau Sipadan is Malaysia’s only oceanic island. It is renowned for its wide range of rare marine species.

Pulau Tioman: Located within the Pahang Marine Parks, consisting of eight islands. One of the best dive sites is Tiger Reef, which has a particularly high number of sea fans; divers should note that currents can be very strong.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park: Close to Kota Kinabulu (15 minutes by boat). One of the most popular sites in this area is Mamutik.

Pulau Tenggol: Popular weekend getaway for Malaysians, located south of Terengganu, accessible by air. The waters are protected by marine park status.

Pulau Paya Marine Park: Located on Peninsular Malaysia, in the south of Langkawi Island (a busy tourist resort) in the north of the Malacca Straits.

Pulau Perhentian: Eastern Malaysia’s northernmost island group consisting of Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil, located in the South China Sea, off the coast of Kelantan. Can be reached on a fishing-boat trip from Kuala Besut, a small fishing village on the mainland. It is rich in coral and marine life and is possibly one of the finest tropical islands in Malaysia. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches and has a tropical interor, filled with wildlife, such as monkeys, lizards, flying squirrels and butterflies. A fairly isolated region, praised by divers for the giant soft corals, large schools of pelagic fish and nocturnal shellfish.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park: Located in Borneo, easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu. Local marine life includes manta rays, lion fish and whale sharks (from December to April).

Labuan Island: Popular wreck-diving destination. Two wrecks from ships sunk in World War II, and one recent Malaysian wreck.

Trekking and Caving

Nearly 75 per cent of Malaysia is covered in forests, of which the rainforest is reputedly the world’s oldest (130 million years). There are seven national parks and many wildlife reserves and protected areas. Many of the parks offer excellent trails for jungle trekking, particularly at Taman Negara National Park (peninsular Malaysia). The best time to visit is between February and September (dry season). There are many clearly marked trails including a canopy walkway. Expert guides should be hired from the Wildlife Department at the Taman Negara Resort at Kuala Tahan, the park’s headquarters. Tour packages lasting from one to three days are available. Kuala Tahan is reached by a three-hour riverboat trip from Kuala Tembeling, but there is also a daily shuttle bus from Kuala Lumpur. Treks up Gunung Tahan mountain (2187m/7174ft) are also possible; a guide is compulsory and the trip takes several days. In East Malaysia, the best treks are in Sarawak, Borneo and Gunung Mulu National Park, which is renowned amongst caving enthusiasts. The recently discovered Sarawak Chamber and the 51km- (32 mile-) long Clearwater Cave (accessible by boat only) are favorite destinations. Permits for Gunung Mulu National Park must be obtained in Miri, reached either by a short flight or a couple of three-hour boat trips. Adventurous trekkers may wish to explore the Kelabit Highlands around nearby Bario, but these are quite demanding and should only be undertaken in the company of a local guide. Another famous trekking destination is the Kinabalu National Park, located in the state of Sabah, whose centerpiece, Mount Kinabulu (4101m/13,452ft), is South-East Asia’s highest peak. Despite its size, Kinabulu is very easy to climb. No skills are required, but a guide and a climbing permit (which can be bought on location) are still compulsory. The climb involves an overnight stay in one of the resthouses along the route. Due to the altitude, people with high blood pressure or heart problems should not attempt the climb.

Golf
Malaysia has over 200 golf courses. The locations vary from coast to tropical rainforest or the mountainous highlands. The Malaysian Open Golf Championships, held on the 16-19 February 2006, attract top professionals. For further information, contact Tourism Malaysia.

Karate
More than 150 karate training centers offer regular training sessions under black-belt instructors six days a week. Visitors are welcome to receive free karate training for one week in any of the centers. A list can be obtained from the Chief Instructor, Karate Budokan International, Jalan Jubilee, Kuala Lumpur.

Traditional sports
Malaysia has many unusual sports, including Gasing-top spinning (called Main Gasing), which uses tops fashioned from hardwood and delicately balanced with lead. Wau-kite flying is a traditional pastime. Sepak Takraw is a game like volleyball, played with a ball made of rattan strips. Players may use their heads, knees and feet but not their hands.

Longhouse visits
Malaysian longhouses, which are common along the rivers in Sarawak and Sabah, are really entire villages housed under one single roof, inhabited by native communities. For some years now, Tourism Malaysia has been promoting these characteristic habitations to tourists who are welcome to stay free of charge (although small gifts as a sign of appreciation are recommended). Visitors should be accompanied by a local guide who can also take them on a jungle walk.

Jungle railway
Malaysia’s central railway travels largely through areas of dense jungle. It commences near Kota Bahru and continues via Kuala Krai, Gua Musang, Kuala Lipis and Jerantut to meet the Singapore-KL railway line at Gemas. Owing to extensive road building, this itinerary may change, and travelers are advised to check with Tourism Malaysia.

Welcome!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 6 Nov 2008 01:28:00 -0800

Welcome to my blog. In this blog u can post anything about activity.