Malaysia - Places to visit

 

Malaysia is a beautiful country offering exquisite treasure of beaches, ocean, and natural beauties. It’s a popular vacation destination for all types of vacations. Entire Malaysia is beautiful, yet there are several sites/places that can be regarded as the precious gems of the country. Here are seven valuable jewels of Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Often dubbed as “Garden City of Lights,” the capital city is one of the most valuable jewels of Malaysia. One of the most beautiful cities of the world, pretty popular among tourists, KL is widely known for the finest shopping malls, skyscrapers, restaurants, nightlife, and the world's cheapest five-star hotels. KL is also known for “the Golden Triangle,” the commercial hub of the city. Major Attractions of Kuala Lumpur include Petronas Twin Towers, Aquaria KLCC, Petrosains, KL Tower, Merdeka Square (Dataran Merdeka), Jamek Mosque (Masjid Jamek), Chan She Shu Yuen Clan Association, Sri Mahamariamman Temple,  National Monument (Tugu Negara), Muzium Negara (National Museum), Muzium Kesenian Islam (Islamic Arts Museum), Masjid Negara (National Mosque), The National Planetarium, Istana Negara (National Palace), and Batu Caves.

Ipoh: The capital of the state of Perak, Ipoh is another gem city on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. Often nicknamed as “Bougainvillea City,” is one of the most beautiful cities of Malaysia. Famous for tin mines, Limestone Mountains caves and Chinese food, the city is home to a number of finest restaurants and bars. Major attractions of the city include Muzium Darul Ridzuan (historical museum of Perak), St. Michael's Institution (architectural wonder), Mari Amman Temple, Kellie's Castle, Sam Poh Tong, Kek Lok Tong, and Perak Tong.

Malacca: The historical city of Malacca is the capital of the state of Malacca on the west coast of peninsular Malaysia. The city is full of interesting place and fascinating views. The “must visit” city of Malaysia, Malacca is famous for its historical architecture and fine food. Major attractions of Malacca include Stadhuys (historical museum), Christ Church, Red Square, Porta de Santiago, St Paul's Church, Muzium Budaya, Portuguese Settlement, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Poh San Teng Temple, Kampung Morten, Bukit China(Chinese Cemetery), Recreational Forest Ayer Keroh, Baba and Nonya Peranakan Musuem, and Melaka Zoo.

Kota Kinabalu: The capital of the state of Sabah (Borneo Island), Kota Kinabalu is the largest city in East Malaysia. It is pretty poplar resort destination due to its proximity to tropical islands, lush rainforest and Mount Kinabalu. The city is named after Mount Kinabalu. Major Attractions of the city include Atkinson Clock Tower, Ethno Botanic Garden, Gaya Street Sunday Market, Karamunsing Complex, Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), Monsopiad Cultural Village (Kampung Monsopiad), Kinabalu National Park, Sabah Museum, State Mosque, Signal Hill Observatory, Stilt Villages, Tun Mustapha Tower, Tanjung Aru Beach, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Rafflesia Forest Reserve, Crocker Range National Park, Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club, and Karambunai.

Penang: Former British colony, Penang is a beautiful island off the northern part of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Often known as the "Pearl of the Orient," Penang is one of Malaysia's main tourist draws. The bustling island city is widely known for its excellent cuisine. Georgetown, the capital of Penang, is a favourite spot for tourists. Penang's popular pubs and restaurants are located in Georgetown. Batu Ferringhi, located on the north coast, is famous for its white sandy beaches, luxurious hotels & restaurants. Major attractions of Penang include Botanical Gardens, Penang Hill, Bukit Jambul Orchid, Hisbiscus & Reptile Garden, Fisheries Department Research Institute Aquarium, Kek Lok Si, Penang Bridge, Pulau Jerejak Resort, Snake Temple, and War Museum.

Redang: About 45 km off the coast of Terengganu state in Malaysia, Redang Island is very popular destination for scuba divers. The Island is famous for its crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches. Offering mesmerizing views of ocean, Redang is a perfect placid place for beach vacation.

Perhentian Islands: Glittering gems off the East Coast, the Perhentian Islands are a small group of captivating coral-fringed islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu. The Islands are one of the most beautiful places on the earth, but unexplored by mass tourism yet. Activities on the islands are limited to scuba diving, snorkeling and sunbathing. The islands are ideal for peaceful vacations.
Other important islands of Malaysia include Labuan, Langkawi, Pangkor, Sipadan Island, Tenggol Island, Tioman Island, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

Scuba Diving Malaysia Adventures

The opportunities for divers to go diving in Malaysia are excellent. There is a number of distinct, impressive scuba diving locations to choose from when planning your vacation or diving excursion! Scuba diving Malaysia destinations include dive spots in Borneo, Johor, Langkawi Island, Layang Layang Island, Pahang, Perak, Perhentian Island, Sarawok, Terengganu, Tioman Island, and Turtle Island. All of the latter scuba diving destinations are perfect for any diver’s next diving excursion.
Imagine diving in the waters that surround Borneo; this Malaysian scuba diving destination has more than ninety three fascinating dive sites to explore. There are specifically 79 diving destinations in Sabah and an additional 14 scuba diving Malaysia diving spots in Sangalaki. When visiting Sabah in the northernmost region of Borneo, the best sites await the diver in places like the Labuan Federal Territory, Kapalai Island, the Lankayan Island, Mabul Island, Mantabuan, Mataking Island, Pulau Tiga, the Semporna Marine Park, the Si Amil Island, the Sibuan Island, the Sipadan Island, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the Turtle Islands Park. Just a short distance away from Sabah, divers can travel to Sangalaki too, where even more beautiful underwater experiences await. Manta rays, jelly fish, turtles, and other water life can be viewed in places like Caro’s Cutto, the Channel Entrance, Coral Gardens, Cowtail Reef, Eel Ridge, Jellyfish Lake, Lighthouse Reefs, Manta Avenue, Manta Parades, the Sandy Ridge, Sherwood Forest, the Cleaning Station, the Lighthouse, and Turtle Town.
Among the outstanding scuba diving Malaysia locations you can explore are fifty one spots in Terengganu too; diving sites throughout Terengganu can be enjoyed in places around Lang Tehgah Island, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Redang, and Tenggol Island. While visiting Malaysia, you might take a dive at the Blue Corals diving site situated off of Lang Tehgah Island: a site that is accessible by boat. In the latter destination you can explore waters that are 25 meters deep and that are home to butterfly fish, groupers, parrot fish, nurse sharks, trevally, and a whole host of other fascinating underwater life.
Alternatively, you can head to the Japanese Landing Craft Wreck in Pulau Kapas: this exciting scuba diving site in Malaysia is accessible just after a thirty minute boat ride. The Japanese Landing Craft wreck is situated north of Pulau Kapas, and the wreck is twenty five meters down. Coral have now made the wreck their home, and schools of fish can be enjoyed during your underwater experience at this intensely popular underwater scuba diving Malaysia spot.
The number of Malaysian scuba diving destinations that you can choose from are vast; this makes the location a hot spot for divers looking to experience the beauty and surrealism that only an underwater adventure can offer. Destinations are available for the novice and inexperienced, for the skilled and intermediate diver, and for the advanced diver seeking an underwater challenge and adventure. For your next dive, give serious consideration to heading to Malaysia: a destination filled to the brim with superior scuba diving Malaysia destinations for you to experience and explore.

World’s Best Kept Secret Beach: Lang Tengah

How often it has happened that you have planned your holidays at a very exotic beach resort with your loved one. Thinking, once and for all just for few days at least you will be resting in peace away from chaos and bustle of the city, no boss breathing down your neck, no deadlines and no quarrelsome neighbors. You think graciously about spending some wonderful time under the cool shade of coconut tree, sipping cool drinks and watching the sun set from the horizon into the ocean.

But when you reach your holiday destination, your dream gets tailored by few or even more people. You don’t find good location where you can be able to see sunset, sea shore is always flooded by the other tourists and their children. And then unsatisfied you would return to the city’s commotion.

But no worries! Here is the world’s kept secret beach and divers’ paradise, the island of Lang Tengah in Malaysia. It’s a very small island situated between Perhentian Island and Redang Island. You can go there through a boat ride from Merang jetty which is twenty four kilometers away and just within half an hour you will reach here. The adventurous fellows will enjoy the boat ride because continuously waves hit the boat whereas people who get seasick for them it is advisable to take some pills to avoid nausea on the ride.

The meaning of the island’s name is very interesting. According to the people living here, in Malay language ‘Lang’ means ‘eagle’ and ‘Tengah’ means ‘middle’. Therefore Lang Tengah means “Eagle Resting on the Middle Island”.

As the island is small, the island trip by speed boat only takes ten minutes. Even though the island is narrow and land is inadequate, still it’s the most vibrant and exotic place you ever want to be. It is the perfect holiday destination for the people who want to be alone in the mother-nature’s lap.

The greenery and the marine life surrounding the island allure the visitors. The whole place is so beautiful that it feels like a portrait painted with magic colors by Almighty himself. And one feels happy to be part of such creation.

The best time to visit this place is recommended between March and October but still try to be informed properly about the weather before leaving for there. As the monsoon weather is very bad here the resorts stay closed during rest of the month. There are only four resorts on the entire island.

But things to do here are lot. You can stretch out lazily on the beach enjoying the dazzling white sand and pristine, crystal clear water in front of you, interspersed with coconut trees and jungle around you. But don’t forget to take your goggles in case you feel like taking a swim.

You can’t miss out the swimming just at a distance from the shore. You will see many corals and island’s little jewels- fishes. The colors of the fishes looks so beautiful against the colors of the corals, the whole picture is just breathtaking. The fish here don’t run away, so you get an opportunity to swim with such little jewels and out of this world underwater view.

If this is not enough for you, then you should go for scuba diving. The resort’s staff do arrange the trip if you ask them to. This island has at least twelve diving spots. While scuba diving you might see whale sharks and manta rays. If not whale sharks and manta rays but definitely you will see turtles and Barracudas. If you are lucky enough then you can come across leopard sharks too.

The rock-strewn seashore is good for snorkeling. The rocky shoreline is a known site for snorkeling. A good number of the reefs are still undamaged due to the isle stony characteristic making this island as one of the top spot in Malaysia. You will mostly find Small blue and yellow damsel fishes among the coral branches and colonies.

Except for the marine life, the island also promise lush of greenery tropical forest. To get a fantastic view of early sunrise, just take a trek through the forest to Batu Kuching. The whole trek takes around an hour. The sunrise looks so stunning from the hill. The trek can be organized by the hotel staffs.

Away from the crowd and commotion of the people, the island promises peace and tranquility united with dazzling crystal blue water, white, soft sand and tropical forest around.

Malaysia. Pulau Perhentian (Perhentian Island)

Magical Malaysia

Malaysia, land of contrasts.  You just get used to one sight when another elbows its way in.

Different cultures, religions, nationalities, clothes, food and language jostle with each other on the street.  From sari to mini skirt, from purdah to fashion labels, this, mostly, Muslim country has it all.

If you time your journey for the early months of any year, you will be rewarded with a feast of festivals, each very different. This year Hari Raya was first, followed by Thaipusam and then the Chinese New Year; all celebrated with public holidays in this seemingly tolerant country.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is the event that follows the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadam and is marked by new clothes and feasting as well as gifts to the underprivileged.  If you like shopping, this is also the time of sales!

Thaipusam is the seemingly masochistic event during which Hindu devotees pierce their bodies with hooks and skewers before walking barefoot to the Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur) or the Waterfall Temple in Georgetown (Penang)

And finally the Chinese New Year, celebrated with all the colours and noise of Asia.  Drums, cymbals, street theatre and opera as well as lion and dragon dances.

After all these, have a vacation from your holiday on an east coast island.  Mid to late February the monsoons have usually finished and I can recommend Pulau Perhentian Kecil, an island amongst the Perhentian group (a marine reserve near the Thai border).  At the Moonlight Chalets on Long Beach clichés come alive.  Think of a quiet tropical island and you will have the picture.  Palm trees, white sand, blue skies, sun, warm seas, fish, coral, butterflies, birds.  Add good food, charming hosts, who remember your name from the time you arrive, add a chalet right on the beach for less than NZ $10, no roads, vehicles or jet-skis and paradise is complete.  If you are looking for sophistication, this is not the place for you: simple, lazy and as the locals say ‘tiada masala’ – no problems.

Arriving is just the beginning of the adventure.  Two hours on a fishing boat from Kuala Besut and you will be transferred to a speedboat for the exhilarating, frightening for some, race for the shore, the final metres surfing.  Make sure valuables are in plastic.  Bags are unloaded and then the decision of which place to stay.  Along with Moonlight, names such as Symfony, Shake Shak and Tooty Frooty (no spelling mistakes by the author) invite you to come stay or eat.  If you’re lucky you may hear tales of pirates, caves, buried treasure and even a ghost or two.

Along with a resplendent resident rooster, iguanas will wander or hurry past you, geckos calls loudly during the night, palm squirrels with bottle-brush tails chase each other up and down palm trees, monkeys swing, play and call from the trees, and mid year the turtles lay their eggs followed by the hatching some 45 days later.

This year I witnessed the final monsoon storm!  48 hours of torrential rain, thunder and lightening, the beach rearranged, little creeks flood, gentle slopes and pathways become waterfalls and rivers.  The generator fails.  Palm trees sway, looking like umbrellas on a windy Wellington street.  A green wheelbarrow, a large blue plastic drum, palm tree trunks and a two-metre iguana were all swept along in the violent rush.  And then the sun returns, and island life begins again.  Snorkelling, jungle walks, reading, beach-combing, swimming, sleeping and for many guests, a necklace ’so you’ll never forget this island.’

This is the island my mind goes to when mediating to relax!

Mohsin Chalet Perhentian Islands

The Mohsin Chalet and Tummy Rumbles Restaurant are located on the Southwestern part of Perhentian Island in a hilly area called long beach. This 25 bedrooms chalet, 1 unit of dormitory and one restaurant overlooks the white sandy beaches and blue lagoon that is abundant with fish and living coral and offers a prime location from which to witness the islands stunning sunrise. Long beach is only a 5 minute walk from the chalet. Located in the hub of diving in Perhentian Island and only 21 km from Kuala Besut jetty and well known with its blue roof from the seaside view. 25 ROOMS AVAILABLE WITH TWIN BEDS QUEEN BEDS BEACH VIEW C1Q STANDARD FAN ROOM. POWER PRESSURE SHOWER, SIDE TABLE, 4 TIER DRAWER, 2 CHAIRS, FAN C2T STANDARD AC ROOM. POWER PRESSURE SHOWER, SIDE TABLE, 4 TIER DRAWER, 2 CHAIRS, AIR CONDITIONING

perhentian island

Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island Malaysia, is indeed a “trap” for the visitors who need to get away from it all. There is no escape… the blissful enjoyment and complete freedom of relaxation makes one feel entrapped… in Paradise!

Pulau Perhentian

Located off the coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Pulau Perhentian is an island of crystal clear blue waters and white-lined shores. Actually it is comprised of two islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil, both of which take pride on impressive palm-fringed powdery white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue sea.
The Twin Islands
Both the islands are virtual paradise. One could snorkel or dive to heart's content in transparent water or just relax on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop. The twin islands have lush vegetation. Contoured by sandy beaches, they are typical tropical islands. You could enjoy trekking on the hill trails or just have beach activities. Could you think of any better way to have your vacations?
Diving and Snorkeling
Beaches in Perhentian are more suitable to swimmers and snorkelers than the divers. The water is shallow with plenty of rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. Divers could head to northwest Perhentian Kecil where a group of small rocky islets are always ready to welcome them. One would find here multi-colored soft tree colors and get to enjoy king-size barrel sponges with Alabaster sea cucumbers.
Jungle Trekking
Jungle trekking is the best way to enjoy interior regions of Perhentian. Move quietly and you may just meet a few of the islands' creatures along the way. Monitor lizards are abundant on Perhentian, as are numerous species of insects and birds. And if luck is on your side, you may even spot a group of long-tailed macaques.
More Activities
Artificial reefs are also laid down here to help corals grow. Apart from diving and snorkeling, one could also enjoy activities like fishing, jungle trekking, camping, canoering.
Reaching Perhentian
As all islands, Pulau Perhentian could also be reached by boats which depart from mainland coast from Tok Bali and Kuala Besut jetties. Fast boats take just half an hour to reach Perhentian. If you are coming from Kuala Lumpur, take a flight for Kuala Terengganu or Kota Bharu and then hire a vehicle for the jetties. Luxury buses depart daily from Kuala Lumpur for Kuala Terengganu.
Accommodation
As for accommodation, most of it is on Perhentian Besar, the larger island. Hotels and banana boat riding. Turtle and shark-watching are also favored activities here. The best beach in Perhentian is arguably Pasir Panjang. here are predominantly aimed at budget travelers.

Perhentian Island (Pulau Perhentian)

The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world…a virtual paradise for snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop.

Perhentian Islands is located in the South China Sea 25 km from the coast of Kuala Besut. It consists of two islands, Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed sandy beaches andcrystal-clear turquoise-blue sea. A trip to this lush and exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating and canoeing.

All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched - so far

diving spot

A good spot for diving to start the project for the beginner to intermediate level is the island of Tioman and Perhentian Island. Both places are filled with tropical reef has spectacular marine wildlife both large and small.

The best vacation ideas

There is a lot of place you can go for a vacation anywhere in the world. For me one of the best location spot for vacation is Malaysia. If you looking for relaxing on the beach and not too crowded with people Malaysia is the place you looking for. Malaysia has been known for a variety of beautiful island in the world. Here I will list down and tell a bit information about several of the most visited island by tourist in Malaysia.

Sipadan Island
SIpadan Island is located in Sabah, Malaysia. This island is known as one of the best diving and unique spot in South East Asia. It has a beautiful white sandy beach and one of the world most beautiful coral reef site. Sipadan Island was also had been awarded as the best beach dive in the world in 1993.

Tioman Island
Tioman Island is located at Pahang, Malaysia. It has been known as the biggest island in East Coast. This island also known for it beautiful Palm Beach. It also have a tropical forest and habitat for many kind of floral and fauna. For those who like spend time on the beach and love to walk in the forest this is suitable place for you. In 70’s time magazine selected Tioman Island as one of the most beautiful island.

Perhentian Island
Pehentian Island is located in Terengganu, Malaysia. This island has two main island (Perhentian Kecil Island and Perhentian Besar Island). Perhentian in english is mean one stop.
-Perhentian Besar Island : This island is covered by virgin tropical jungle an it also very suitable for tracking and hiking. It also has a several luxury resort for those who like luxury vacation. The are several activities you can do here beside relaxing on the beach and go hiking in the jungle. You can choose activities like scuba diving, snorkeling, boating, canoeing and wind surfing.
-Perhentian Kecil Island: This island is just beside Perhentian Besar Island. Tourist who came here rate this island to be the best gateway beach in the world. This island also have a long an beautiful beach, crystal clear water and the most special thing about this island is it has a calm water and you can swim just like you were swimming in the swimming pool.

Redang Island
This island is also located in Terengganu, Malaysia. Redang Island is a very special island because besaide the main island there also have 8 more island surrounding it. The name of these island is Pinang island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Lima Island, Paku Kecil Island, Paku Besar Island, Ling Island and the last one is Ekor Tebu Island. Like other island in Malaysia, Redang also have a beautiful beach, crystal clear water and beautiful coral reef. It also known as a marvelous marine fishes and turtle. You also can scuba diving and snorkeling activities here.

These are a few attraction and tourist spot in Malaysia. Malaysian is known as one of the most popular place for tourist. Hope this information can guide you. For my last word I would like to say Visit Malaysia 2009.

Perhentian Island

Pulau Perhentian is located in the South China Sea 21 km from the coast of Kuala Besut, Terengganut. For hundred of years ago vessel sailing from the south coast of Peninsular Malaysia to Bangkok will stop-by for a rest and shelter at the Island. They all an ancient merchant carrying food, jewelry, vast and etc. As the activities of merchants, sailors and traders from the South of Chinese Sea have taken place, the island is getting popular for their 'one stop station', these Islands were named as 'Once Stop Island' so called 'Pulau Perhentian' in Malay language.
It comprises of two islands; Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil. Both islands are surrounded by beautiful palm-fringed powdery white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise-blue sea.
The two Perhentian Islands are rated as some of the most beautiful islands in the world; a virtual paradise for snorkelling and diving in crystal-clear water or just for lazing on one of the white sandy beaches waiting for the coconuts to drop …
The two main islands are heavily forested and ringed with sandy beaches, typical of tropical islands. Accomodation for visitors are predominantly aimed at budget travellers and is mostly on the larger Pulau Perhentian Besar, which not only has wonderful beaches but also forest trails over the hills.
Both islands are separated by a very narrow sound but with strong current. The significant different between the two islands is, Perhentian Besar is more for a vocational island while the small one is an island with the mixture of vacation mood and reality life due to the fishing village, Kampung Pasir Hantu which is resided with more than 2000 villagers and completed with basic facilities apart from resorts and guesthouses.
All manner of aquatic life is visible both near and far from the beach such as turtles, sharks, coral and thousands of tropical fish. The interior is covered by jungle with a wide variety of species. You can watch monitor lizards, monkeys, geckos, flying squirrels, butterflies and many other types - sometimes right in front of your chalet. There are no roads and not many paths, so the islands are mainly peaceful and untouched - so far

Malaysia - Top 7 Beaches To Die For

Perhentian Islands: You could argue that when Leonardo Di Caprio chose to shoot his movie “The Beach” in Thailand, he was not familiar with the stunning Perhentian Islands! Just off the east coast of Malaysia in North East Terengganu are two islands which are known as Perhentian Islands. They are a massive hit with tourists now due to their silver sandy beaches and their crystal clear blue waters. Perhentian Islands is arguably one of the most beautiful places on this earth.

Redang Island: Not far from Perhentian Islands is that of Redang. In total it comprises nine smaller islands. Among the east coast islands this is the largest and arguably the most developed too. Designated as a marine park it’s a fantastic place for divers and snorkelers to enjoy the collection of coral reefs and various marine life.

Langkawi Island: If you have heard about Malaysia as a tourist then you will also have heard about Langkawi. Langkawi Island is actually made up of ninety nine smaller islands and is host to some of the most luxurious hotels in all Malaysia. UNESCO recently awarded Langkawi Island with “geopark” status. For the tourist to Kuala Lumpur its only around forty minutes traveling distance so there is no excuse not to visit!

Pangkor Laut Island : Off the coast of Perak State, north of Selangor , lies a cluster of fabulous islands with unquestionably some of the best coves and beaches on the western coast of peninsular Malaysia. Among them, two islands predominate in terms of accessibility, infrastructure and development - the largest island, Pangkor and her sister Pangkor Laut. Upon the island of Pangkor Laut is the Pangkor Laut Resort which is renowned as one of the best hotels in Malaysia, if not the world. It has won a number of awards over the past decade and for this alone the islands are well worth a visit!

Tioman Island: This place is popular for its beautiful soft and sandy beaches, where a great collection of underwater creatures and coral reefs can be found. It is a magnificent location to go snorkeling and even hiking, and while you are there you can stay at the Japamala Resort.

Rawa Island: Only a few miles from Tioman Island and offering similar luxuries is that of Rawa Island. This is privately owned and there is only one hotel on the island which may seem very limiting. However, its very exclusive and somewhat untouched.

Sipadan Island: Rated as one of the top five diving spots in the world, Sipadan Island is situated just off the coast of Sabah, Borneo - Malaysia’s eastern island, and previously known as North Borneo. The island did have a reputation as being a hunting ground for pirates but now its known not for its piracy but for its wonderful and luxurious beauty.

Perhentian Island

Located at the north-eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. About 21 km off shores the remote town of Kuala Besut. There are two lovely unspoiled island lie amidst exquisitely clear waters. Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian) and Perhentian Besar (Big Perhentian) comprise the Perhentian Island, aptly named after henti (stop) as fishermen from mainland Kelantan and Terengganu have, for centuries, stopped over at the island for a rest or to shelter during a major storm. A rocky virgin jungle provides hour of adventures for trekkers who may chance upon flying fox, long-tailed macaques and monitor lizards, while the underneath marine life shows off a splendid garden of coral

10 Top Scuba Diving Destinations – All In Malaysia

The abundance of marine life in the waters of Malaysia has made it one of the prime diving destinations in the world.

Take the Island of Borneo for instance, this popular scuba diving destination, alone, has more than ninety-three diving spots that most experienced divers long to explore. Terengganu is another notable scuba diving destination since Palau Kapas, Palau Redang, Lang Tehgah Island and Tenggol Island is located within this place.

The Island of Borneo alone has more than 90 diving spots that are fantastic for anyone with an interest in scuba diving.

Ten of the best diving areas of Malaysia are

Sabah – otherwise known as North Borneo, Sabah offers the diver many wonderful experiences. Witness hammerhead sharks and whale sharks just as an example.

Redang Kalong Resort – Redang Resort on Redang Island is a wonderful place for diving beginners and snorkeling too.

Tioman Island – the world renowned Tioman Island is a superb place to spend time scuba diving and snorkeling. The shores host a beautiful array of colorful marine life that just has to be seen

Sabah is another very magnificent destination where divers can have the privilege of witnessing the likes of hammerhead and whale sharks.

Palau Kapas – located just off the coast from the town of Marang. Great for scuba diving learners and more experienced alike. Palau Kapas is famed for crystal clear waters and silver sand beaches.

Tioman Island, on the other hand, is a very tranquil place where very colorful marine creatures can be seen. The collection of very unusual marine creatures, are quite vast and because of this it has become one of the very notable scuba destinations in the world.

Redang Kalong Resort is a marine park that is consisting of nine different islands located at the north eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia. This resort is an ideal location for experienced divers, as well as for those who want to learn, because the resort offers scuba lessons.

Lankayan Island, harboring a total of forty dive spots, is located in the Sulu Sea, in the north eastern portion of Sabah. It is a tropical paradise untouched by human occupation until recently. A Macroworld paradise of hard and soft corals and colorful species of marine creatures, it has become on of the most important dive spots in Malaysia.

Mabul – just off the coastline of Sipadan Island is Mabul Island. This island offers its own coral reefs and marine life that it should not be missed if you are to visit Sipadan.

Lankayan Island – situated off the north east coast of Sabah, towards the Philippines and in the Sulu Sea is Lankayan Island. This island offers 40 different diving sites alone so it’s a great spot for any keen diver.

Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands are a small group of beautiful, coral-fringed islands off the coast of northeastern Malaysia in the state of Terengganu, not far from the Thai border.

Perhentian Island Resort

Perhentian Island Resort

Perhentian Island Resort is an ideal beach resort for a leisurely family vacation in Malaysia. Surrounded by lush greenery, facing white sandy beaches and a warm blue sea, Perhentian Island is a holiday paradise not to be missed.

Perhentian Island, or Pulau Perhentian as the locals call it, is well known as a marine paradise and forms a parts of the National Marine Park of Malaysia.

In the surrounding areas of Perhentian Island Resort, you will find many things to see and do. Take a jungle trek up the hills under a canopy of large trees, and you might see wild magpies, giant fruit bats or the Nicobar pigeon. Perhentian Island lies along the flight path of this migratory bird. You might also see the harmless monitor lizard or even a mousedeer or two.
The nearest jungle trail is just a hundred metres from the Resort.

Or gather your family and head to the inviting sea for a swim. For those who enjoy snorkelling or scuba diving, the Resort is strategically located, fronting a coral-rich bay. The marine ecosystem of this area is well documented and held in high regard by snorkellers and scuba divers.
If you come between June and late August, you might even see giant green turtles laying eggs along the beach, at about a 20 minutes boat ride.
Enjoy your next family holiday at this Beach Resort, where reality is like a dream.

There really are many things that make Perhentian Island Resort the ideal location for a family vacation. Consider the following:

Swimming pool.

Facilities for games.

A jungle trekking trail is close by.

A wonderful place to view the sunset.

Conveniently located for turtle watching.

Snorkelling area is within walking distance.

Own private beach that is ideal for swimming.

Located on the flight path of the Nicobar pigeon.

Lies within the National Marine Park of Malaysia, with its dazzling sea life and tremendous biodiversity.

Perhentian Islands

Perhentian Islands

North East Terengganu of East Coast Malaysia is sublime. Pristine white sandy beaches and crystal clear blue waters that would make Leo (di Caprio) rethink twice of filming The Beach in Thailand. Seriously unrivalled diving in the region, the two islands are dotted with rustic beach huts and has become the number one destination for beach lovers and backpackers around the world. The location is so amazing you’ll forgive for the lack of luxury hotels. Just suck it up and dive into paradise.

PERHENTIAN ISLAND CHALLENGE 2009

 

On 8 October, 2009, the Perhentian Island Challenge 2009 Race was launched by YB Wan Abdul Hakim bin Tan Sri Wan Mokhtar, Deputy Chairman of the State Tourism, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee, and YBhg. Dato' Mirza Mohammad Taiyab, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, at the Malaysia Tourism Centre in Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.

Perhentian Island Challenge (PIC) is an annual adventure race open to the public and staged on the beautiful islands of Perhentian by PIC Adventures Sdn Bhd.

Perhentian Island Challenge 2009 is scheduled from 9th to11th October 2009. This year's event will comprise of various challenges in two categories - Elite and Novice, which will include Running, Swimming, Obstacle Course, Orienteering and various fun and games. This year's event will be different in terms of race format as from last and previous years and the Elite category will be more demanding physically and is expected to attract many serious athletes.

All finishers will be given a certificate of completion with winners and 9 runners up in each category will receive cash and consolation prizes worth in total of RM50,000! As an added gesture to encourage environmental concerns, the race organizers will organize beach clean up sessions with all participants and volunteers of PIC 2009 and the local island community.
PIC was first held in the year 2004 with only 103 registered participants. The participants have since increased greatly to over 400 in 2008. Being more than just an adventure race, PIC introduces participants and visitors to the paradise we know as Perhentian Islands with its pristine beaches and crystal waters, its vast marine life, marine activities and of course local culture and cuisine of the villagers. For the locals, PIC is an annual kampong celebration bringing together the local community with the tourism industry.

Perhentian Island Challenge has grown to such an extent for a small island that this year, the number of participants has been limited to 500. This decision is also conducive to the island's continuing conservation efforts.

For PIC 2009, sponsors include Rip Curl, the Ultimate Surfing Company, as the official sponsor for participants' race T shirts. Beverage giants such as Red Bull, Spritzer Mineral Water, 100 Plus and Sofresh have also once again shown their support in energising, hydrating and quenching our athletes. Not to mention continuous support from PowerBar for their high powered nutrition, Brooks for their super performance footwear, and the UFL team for Suunto and their precision sporting instruments, Coleman for quality outdoor equipment, and Deuter for durable backpacks. It is believed that PIC 2009 will be as successful as ever before.

Perhentian Island Challenge will keep on achieving its most important objectives of promoting the Perhentian Islands as a tourist destination and increase awareness of and promote conservation efforts on the island. Together with the support of the State Tourism authorities and Tourism Malaysia, Perhentian Island is becoming ever more popular for both local and foreign tourists. In addition, the local Government authorities have contributed tremendously ensuring the facilitation of various tourism infrastructures. All these efforts have effectively promoted Perhentian Island as is evident with the ever increasing number of new and repeat tourists.

For more information and previous years' archives please log on to www.perhentianislandchallenge.com