INTERESTING PLACES IN

MALAYSIA
PULAU SIPADAN ISLAND (SABAH)
Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres
(2,000 ft) from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea off the east
coast ofSabah, East Malaysia (which is on the island of Borneo). It was
formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that
took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of
the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in
the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species
have been classified in this ecosystem. Sipadan has been rated by
many dive journals as one of the top dive destinations in the world.

Hawksbill Turtle.
Frequently seen in the waters around Sipadan: green and hawksbill
turtles (which mate and nest there), enormous schools of barracuda in
tornado-like formations as well as large schools of big-eye trevally,
andbumphead parrotfish. Pelagic species such as manta rays, eagle
rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks andwhale sharks also visit Sipidan.
A turtle tomb lies underneath the column of the island, formed by an
underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that
contain many skeletal remains of turtles that become lost and drown
before finding the surface.

HISTORY
In the past, the island was at the center of a territorial
dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia. The matter was brought for
adjudication before the International Court of Justice and, at the end of
2002, the Court awarded the island along with the island of Ligitan to
Malaysia, on the basis of the "effective occupation" displayed by the
latter's predecessor (Malaysia's former colonial power, the United
Kingdom) and the absence of any other superior title.
The Philippines had applied to intervene in the proceedings on the basis
of its claim to Northern Borneo, but its request was turned down by the
Court early in 2001. On April 23, 2000, 21 people were kidnapped by
the Filipino Islamist terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. The armed terrorists
arrived by boat and forced 10 tourists and 11 resort workers at gun point
to board the vessels and brought the victims to Jolo. All victims were
eventually released.
If youre an avid diver, Im sure you have heard
ofSipadan Island, no matter where in the world you are from.
Sipadan island itself is quite small and you can even walk
around its entirety in under 30 minutes although it does house
a large bird sanctuary which is definatly worth a visit. The
underwater world around Sipadan is far more expansive with
miles of coral and sights you wont be able to see anywhere
else in the world. The diving around Sipadan is one of earths
most recent discoveries made famous by legendary diver
Jacques Cousteau. He said about Sipadan I have seen other
places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now no more. Now we
have found an untouched piece of art. And he was right.

The Malaysian Government are very proud and protective over

Sipadan so they only allow a select few people to receive dive
permits to visit Sipadans dive sites on a daily basis. No one is
allow to stay on Sipadan Island itself but people are allowed to
stay on the two beautiful neighboring islands
of Mabul andKapalai which by themselves offer fantastic
muck diving, so much so that when Wikipedia gives its
definition of muck diving they use Mabul and Kapalai islands
as examples. You can also stay on mainland Borneo in a town
called Semporna, if you are looking for cheaper alternatives for
your diving vacation. If you are after a vacation which isnt all
diving, we would really recommendMataking island. Mataking is
around 80 minutes by boat from Sipadan but is a whole top
class resort all by itself with all the usual commodities you
would expect from a resort of this standard. Have a read of
each of these locations below to see which suits your needs
best and if you have any question please contact us and we will
be happy to help you.

PULAU SIPADAN ISLAND(SABAH)

Acknowledged as one of the best diving and unique spots in
Southeast Asia, Pulau Sipadan is located off the small coastal
town of Semporna on Sabah's eastern coast. Just 15 feet from
the beach, the water turns indigo blue as the sea drops
abruptly to 2,850ft deep! It is rather awe-inspiring. Myriad of
colorful tropical fish swim in the warm water near the surface
whereas huge groupers nose about. Moreover, the water gets
so dark that one would not really know what lurks below. This
famous feature won Sipadan island a "Best Beach Dive in the
World" award in 1993.
The sea is overflowing with marine life. The main
attraction for divers is the rich and unique variety
of corals both soft and hard. Reef fish of every shape and hue
can be found in these waters. Colorful butterfly fishes, angel
fishes, damsel fishes of electric blue and bright orange colors
inhabit the coral reefs, thus adding to the splendor of the
underwater havens.
Between April and September, the Green and
Hawksbill turtles will come ashore in droves to nest
in the soft golden sands of Sipadan. When you dive
during this time, you are bound to encounter these
harmless denizens of the deep.
A beautiful white-sand beach fringes Sipadan but the real
beauty of this island is in its waters. The season for diving is
from mid-February to mid-December. Visibility ranges from 60
feet to over 200 feet. Several dive spots have even been
identified and given exotic names after the variety of corals and
marine life that are unique to these spots. There is the
"Hanging Gardens", the "Barracuda Point", and the exciting
"Turtle Cavern".

Professional diving companies operate on the island, complete

with water, electricity, food, drinks, and comfortable
accommodation for an unforgettable experience. To get there,
one can take the 45-minute boat ride from Semporna

MABUL ISLAND(SABAH)

Mabul Island is just 20 minutes by boat away from Sipadan

island and 30 minutes from Malaysian Borneos mainland. The
island is covered with tall palm trees, white sandy beaches and
the crystal clear blue waters that surround it. As soon as you
arrive at the island you will realize why so many people refer to
the area as paradise and is an ideal location for divers and nondivers alike. Mabul Island is the most common place for people
to stay when they visit Sipadan as there are many choices of
accommodation and very easy access to Sipadans dive sites.
KAPALAI ISLAND(SABAH)

Its quite difficult to refer to Kapalai island as an actually island

as its completely submersed for most of the day, its only
during low tide that the island actually breaks the waters
surface to become an island. Even so kapalai is located closer
to sipadan than Mabul and houses the beautiful Kapalai Island
dive resort and is unrivaled for its muck diving

MATAKING ISLAND(SABAH)

Mataking Island is ideal for those of you who want to dive but
also want to experience all the usual activities one might want
from a vacation. With over 30 dive sites around the island and
daily trips to Sipadan island (around 80 minutes by boat), its
definatly no slouch when it comes to diving but with activities
like mini golf, ocean kayaking, beach soccer, volleyball, karoke,
handycrafts, fishing, kite flying, childrens playground, coconut
bowling and much, much more, its definatly fun for the whole
family.
POM POM ISLAND(SABAH)

The island of Pom Pom is located around 45 minutes by boat

from the town of Semporna on the mainland in the South China
Sea. The island is covered in rich tropical vegetation and is
surrounded by white sand and turquoise waters. Pom Pom
Island is ideal for those of you who are looking for a relaxing
vacation in a paradisiac setting. You can experience many
different activities such as snorkeling, swimming, kayaking,
beach volleyball, beach soccer, bike riding and of course diving.

SEMPORNA(SABAH)

Semporna is located on the mainland

Malaysian Borneo and its the town that everyone visiting the
sipadan islands resorts would need to pass through to arrive at
their destinations. If your after a budget diving vacation then
this should be your choice. Rooms prices start around 100RM
(approx. 30USD) per night and all hotels and backpackers offer
daily diving trips to Sipadan as well as offering various PADI
dive courses to suit every level of diver.

PULAU BESAR (MERSING)

The name, Pulau Besar (formerly known as Pulau Babi Besar) is

strange to many despite its idyllic beaches and stunning
natural beauty. The island which is surrounded by Pulau Rawa,
Pulau Sibu & Pulau Tinggi is characterized by quiet, clean
beaches of powdery white sand that promises an amazingly
spectacular view.Pulau Besar is fringed by crystal-clear azure
waters that people can actually catch sight of the abundant
reefs. To preserve the unspoiled marine life, the Government
has gazetted it as a marine park to protect around 60 species
of marine life from any activities that can harm their natural
habitats within 2 nautical miles around the island.
Rich hues of wild vegetations are dappled throughout with the
lush greens of the coconut palms and tropical jungles. There
are about 7 8 small villages that are still populated by around
100 friendly dwellers who are mostly fishermen.Another myth

was about a fisherman couple who transformed into mermaids.

This legend is so popular among the local folks that they
believed at one time, a pregnant fishermans wife was craving
for a kind of seaweed, that is plentiful in the Mersing waters.
After eating, she turned into a mermaid and the heartbroken
husband became one too after eating the same seaweed. Until
today, it is claimed that mermaids floating in couples can
sometimes be spotted eating seaweed around the island.
During low tide, tourists can see nibbling marks on the island
rocks that proves the existence of the mammals.
Rising some 2,000 feet above the sea level. One of the largest
islands off the coast of Mersing. Surrounded by 15 scattered
islands. Several long streches of finest beaches with fine, soft
white sand fringe the island carefully hidden from the outside
world. A place irresistable to those who seek tranquility admidst
charm of a village setting. The area houses most exotic coral
reefs and underwater flora as well as numerous chalet and
restaurant. Besar island is accesible by boat from Mersing town
(approximately 30 minutes).
In the Mersing waters, there are at least 15 small and scattered
islands and each is unique in its own way. All the while, tourists
have only been accustomed to the popularity of Pulau Tioman
in Pahang and Pulau Pemanggil in Johor which actually are
situated within the same area.
Here, you can find many species of giant cockle that live on the
ocean floor and 6 of them can only be found around Mersing
waters. A number of the surrounding islands such as Pulau Aur,
Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Tinggi and Pulau Rawa have been
identified as new habitats for the new generation of the giant
cockles that have a lifespan of 70 years, 1-metre long shell and
can weigh as much as 200 kilograms. Tourists will be able to set
their eyes on these lovely shelled-creatures while snorkeling in
the breathtakingly picturesque underwater.
Pulau Besar is surrounded by vistas so beautiful that even a
number of foreign TV stations have flocked the island to savor

the natural wonders and treasured them in films. In fact, a short

time ago, a Hollywood film, Ocean Lifeguard, had chosen Pulau
Besar as its main shooting location.
This island got its former name, Pulau Babi Besar, (directly
translated as Big Boars Island) from the numerous wild boars
that roamed the island before man inhabited the place.
Surprisingly, there is not a single boar on the island at present
and thus, the reason for the change of name to Pulau Besar.

PORT DICKSON

More popularly known as PD, Port Dickson is synonymous with

sun and fun on the beach. Situated a mere 32km from
Seremban and 60km from Kuala Lumpur, PD has long been a
weekend retreat for many inland dwellers, especially those
from the city seeking temporary escape from the hustle and
bustle of a hectic and stressful life.
Originally a town where charcoal was made and was once
called Arang, it was later sought to be developed as a port.
While it never did develop into a full-fledged port, PD's popular
beaches attract thousands of weekend visitors from the cities.

PD's main attraction is its 18km stretch of white sandy beaches

that extend from Tanjung Gemuk in the north to Tanjung Tuan in
the south. These are carefully protected by rows upon rows of
casuarina palms, coconut trees, and elegant Bayan trees.
Located near Cape Rachado (Tanjung Tuan), Blue Lagoon is the
most famous picnic spot and is an excellent spot for the water
sport enthusiast.
PD usually comes alive in August each year during the "Pesta
Port Dickson". This annual event draws in crowds from all over
the country. This would be one great time to visit PD's beaches
as there would be several activities and cultural events relating
to the life of the locals.
Accommodation should pose no problem for the visitor as this
resort town has a place to stay for all. Accommodation can be
found in the form of government chalets, hotels, and bungalows
or even privately owned apartments that are rented out at
reasonable rates. Food stalls can also be easily found along the
beaches, as well as the town center. Being a seaside resort,
PD's specialty would naturally be seafood.
With frequent buses, commuter trains, and taxis plying
between Kuala Lumpur and the resort, Port Dickson's appeal
lies in its easy accessibility and the attractions of a beach
getaway.

CAPE RACHADO (TANJUNG TUAN)

Cape Rachado is renowned for its lighthouse that was reputedly
built by the Portuguese in the 16th Century, which guides ships
into the Straits of Malacca. This lighthouse that is built on a
hillock overlooking the straits is until today still operational! On
a clear day, one can see PD town and the outline of Sumatra
across the Straits from this vantage point. Flocks of migrating
sparrows, honey buzzards, swifts, hawks, and eagles stop over
here between the months of September and March every year.
Then there is a spot here where the legendary 15th Century
Malay warrior of the Malacca Sultanate, Hang Tuah, was
supposed to have set foot.

GENTING HIGHLAND

2,000 meters above sea level, Genting Highlands, a

magnificent city on the hilltop, is but a mere 50km from Kuala
Lumpur. It offers a cool respite from the hustle and bustle of the
city capital. Crisp invigorating mountain air complemented by
majestic scenery spreads out before your eyes. Lush green
tropical rainforest shrouded in a veil of perpetual mist makes it
hard to believe that you are just minutes away from the
sweltering equatorial heat and the ever dusty city. Here,

consistent temperatures between 16 and 23 degrees provide

natural air conditioning.
Genting Highlands Resort offers the bountiful harvest of nature
together with a staggering potpourri of international standard
facilities. Besides the cool air and scenic surroundings, this
hilltop city also houses the country's one and only casino.
However, one should not underestimate its value as this casino
has been featured in many films produced by Hong Kong,
Taiwan, and even Hollywood. Besides the casino, this hilltop
resort also has a theme park of its own and an entertainment
center.

PEDU LAKE
Pedu Golf & Lake Resort

Located approximately 5km from the Malaysian-Thai border,

Pedu Lake is an ideal vacation spot for both young and old. A
massive development plan has changed this 12km-long lake
into a premier holiday resort, which is second to none in the
world. Settled in the midst of the dense rainforest of Gunung
Fakir Terbang and surrounded by an undulating terrain, this
magnificent lake offers a serenity that is unmatched, a
landscape that is beautiful beyond words, and a refreshingly
cool environment. With its peaceful and tranquil environment,
Pedu Lake is an ideal location for unwinding even under the
midday sun. Just by reading your favorite novel under swaying
coconut palm trees in the cool breezy mountain air can bring
such simple pleasure.
Pedu Lake has the ability to bring peace and quiet in one's life.
Imagine getting away from traffic jams or air and noise
pollution. The entire world is at your feet. Furthermore, the
crystal clear waters offer an ideal venue for water sports'
lovers. One can jet ski, canoe, water-ski, or even windsurf.
Apart from water sports, one can also golf, fish, camp, watch
birds, and jungle trek.
For those interested in jungle trekking, it can
be done by going into the inner depths of the
jungle around Pedu Lake. One can discover
and admire its well-protected flora and fauna.
The lush jungle is home to a large population of wild animals,
which includes elephants, deer, wildboar, leopards, birds, bats,
flying foxes, and not forgetting the different types of insects.
The jungle is also a sanctuary for a special breed of "albino
snakes" although it takes a lot of patience and luck to come
across one. The rich wildlife in Pedu Lake's jungle has prompted
the Kedah Government to designate part of Pedu Lake and its
surrounding areas as a wildlife sanctuary. This has opened a
new dimension in eco-tourism, which is uniquely special to the
Pedu Lake region. Hides and canopy walks have also been
created to enable tourists and nature lovers to have a taste of
adventure in the wilds.

Another unique natural attraction offered is "swarm" hunting as

the jungle is home to millions of giant honeybees called "Appis
Dorsata". The honeybees have a particular tree in the jungle
called the "Tualang Tree", which happens to be their favorite
tree for setting up home. Hundreds of hives can sometimes be
found on the tree. Watching these honeybees swarming back to
their hives at sundown is a thrilling experience that is too good
to be missed. However, it would be wise to engage in the
services of special guides to go on this "swarm" hunting
adventure, as well as to see the natives in the jungle collecting
wild honey from the honeybees.
Visitors should also not limit their adventures to daytime alone.
When night falls and silence descends, one can hear the
crackling calls of jungle insects, the occasional hooting of night
owls, and the strange cries of wild animals. It is a world where
the nocturnal animals dominate. Yet the moon high above the
lake and the shimmering surface of the lake provides such
peaceful and romantic feelings.
For the more pampered tourists, there are two superb holiday
resorts to cater to their needs. Pedu Golf and Lake Resort and
the Desa Utara Pedu Lake are two international resorts, which
have laid claim to the fringes of Pedu Lake. Both provide
beautifully structured chalets for visitors' perusal. They also
provide all the modern facilities and amenities that are
normally associated with top-class international resorts,
including an 18-hole golf course. The Kedah State Economic
Planning Unit and Berjaya Pedu Lake Resort are also planning to
develop more chalets in Pedu Lake.
Pedu Lake has so much more to offer to us. Nature lovers have
the entire jungle at their disposal to discover the hidden secrets
of the tropical forests. Vacationers have the beauty all to
themselves. One can never tire of this place.

TAMAN NEGARA

Sanctuary to hundreds of species of birds, butterflies,

insects, and fish.

Spanning 4,343 sq. km and sprawled across the mountainous

interiors of Kelantan, Pahang, and Terengganu is Taman Negara,
Malaysia's premier national park. Formerly known as King
George V National Park, the area was declared a national park
by the three sultans of the above mentioned states as early as
1939 for the sole purpose of protecting and preserving the flora
and fauna indigenous to this area.
This is seen as a natural move as Taman Negara is thought to
be one of earth's oldest rain forest, with a history that stretches
back to 130 million years ago. Undisturbed for a millennia, it
maintains a natural habitat for a variety of flora and fauna,
many of which have become highly specialized and are interlinked with other species in both parasitic and symbolic ways.
Although Malaysia has promoted Taman Negara as a popular
tourist destination, the government has, over the years, taken
careful steps to ensure its continuous conservation.
Lush riverine vegetation and trees that form a giant canopy
above you plays a warm welcome to the start of a great
adventure into an unknown and mysterious world that is
reputably older than that of the Congo and Amazon.

Within this area, around the central masif of Gunung Tahan (the
Peninsula's highest peak at 2,187 meters), there are countless
limestone hills covered in thick forest, fast running streams,
and abundant wildlife. Mind you, the rain forest is not a quiet
place. In some respects it is as noisy as any big city with a
cacophony of insect noises, bird calls, and animal cries that
goes on night and day. This makes it a particularly favorable
destination for trekking as the park's biodiversity is matched by
a good network of jungle trails and the availability of expert
guides.
The Park at a Glance

Size : 4,343 sq. km.

Highest Point : Gunung Tahan (2,187 meters).
Flora Fauna : Over 10,000 species of plants, 350 species of
birds. Local mammals include mouse deer, barking deer, tapirs,
wild boars, elephants, leopards, tigers, and monkeys.
Recreation : Bird watching, cave exploration, jungle trekking,
white-water rafting, fishing, guided nature walks, mountain
climbing, and more.
Getting There
Jerantut, a town in Pahang, is the main entry point to the park.
By Road : The journey take approximately 3 - 4 hours form
Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan via private or public transport (e.g.
taxi, bus, rented cars).
By Rail : The train service run by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd
(KTMB) is available.
By Air : A 45 minute flight is available form Kuala Lumpur.
From Jerantut, the only way to the park is by river. The 3 - 3 1/2
hour ride upstream Sungai Tembeling is in itself an adventure.

Orang Asli Settlements

One such settlement is Kampong Young where visitors can get

better insight of Malaysia's friendly aboriginal people, the
"Batek", who are a shy yet gentle race. Although fully aware of
the country's fast paced developments, they continue to hunt
and survive in the wilds.
Bird Watching
Bird watchers, prepare to feast your eyes! With
over 350 species of birds, which include Kingfishers, Pheasarits,
Drongos, Malkohas, Blue-throated bee-eaters, Broadbills, and
the exotic Malayan Pied Hornbill, the park is naturally a bird
watcher's haven. Commonly seen are hornbills. Fireback
pheasants may be spotted along jungle trails while fishing
eagles and kingfishers usually feed along the riverbanks.
Sungai Tahan remains a favorite habitat of the masked finfoot.
The keen bird watcher will surely not leave the park without
spotting a few of these reputed species.
Cave Exploration
Cave exploring, also known as " spelunking", is
definitely worth a try when you visit the park.
Encounter spectacular rock formations and a great variety of
life within the mystifying interiors of the numerous caves hare.
Among the more popular caves are Gua Kepayang, Gua Daun
Menari (Dancing Leaf Cave), and Gua Telinga (Ear Cave). Gua
Telinga, being the most famous of them is carved through a
limestone outcrop by a stream, which runs through the cave.
Ancient drawings on the wall of the cave speak of a mysterious
past. You will also find giant toads and bat-eating snakes who
have lived in Malaysia's jungle since prehistoric
times.
White Water Rafting
Challenging the rapids is a must for thrill-seekers! Travel
upstream from Kuala Tahan on Sungai Tembeling and
experience 45 minutes of sheer thrill and excitement as you
and your boat-mates negotiate seven sets of swirling rapids.

Hang on tight to your seat and be prepared to get drenched for

this 9.1km ride of your life!
Angling
Land your catch. Fishing enthusiasts would find Taman Negara
an angler's haven with the many riversand streams that run
through it. Make a trip to the upper reaches of the Tahan or
Kenyam rivers. The latter is the most popular spot for fishing
while the more placid waters of the pools at the lower reaches
of the former are also known to be teeming with fishes. The
"Kelah" (Sceleropages Formosus), a fast and agile fish that
weighs as much as 20 lb., offers an irresistible challenge to
even the experience angler as it has been known to put up a
terrific fight when caught. The months of February, March, July
and August prove to be the best times to
fish.
Wild Life Observation
The myriad of wildlife at the park can be
seen and photographed from the many
observation hides that are available here. If primates are your
cup of tea, be prepared for some stiff necks as you look out for
them among tree tops. The long-tailed macaque inhabit the
riverbanks while the leaf monkey may be spotted on upper
branches of trees. Family groups of gibbons and siamang stick
to the forest canopy from which their loud chatter may be
heard. Found inhabiting the lowland are mammals, which
include the Malayan gaur or seladang, sambar deer, barking
deer, wild pigs, tapir, elephants, tigers, leopards, sun bears,
and the Sumatran rhinoceros. However, sightings of these
mammal species are quite rare due in part to the density of
vegetation and the shy nature of these animals. Observe the
wildlife as darkness descends around you. This is a nocturnal
activity well worth the effort. There are 6 hides scattered
around the park. Within the relative safety of these hides that
overlook salt licks and clearings, visitors get a chance to

observe the animals as they quench their thirst licking up water

and soil for essential salts in their body.
Jungle Trekking and Jungle Walks
Nothing beats a closer look at the 10,000 or
more species of flora that can be found in the
jungle paradise. The more active may prefer a
tougher challenge of jungle trekking along the
numerous trails in the park. Trekking along
these trails may take as long as 9 days and
require a certain level of fitness, but for some, it is a more
rewarding experience of an authentic jungle
adventure.
Alternatively, for those who prefer less excitement,
jungle walks amidst sheer tranquility may be more
advisable. Opt for leisurely walks through the lowland forest
along scenic jungle paths beautifully landscaped by Mother
Nature. Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the jungle
as you cross clear bubbling streams beneath the shades of
century old trees. A short walk of 1.5km (from the resort) brings
you to the Canopy Walkway, a suspension bridge of strong
ropes, cable, net, and wood. Installed about 30 meters high and
stretching over 400 meters, this is the world's longest canopy
walkway. From here, you get a closer look at life at the top of
the world's oldest rainforest.
Mountain Climbing
Scale the Peninsula's highest peak. Gunung
Tahan offers the heady excitement and
challenge of mountain climbing to the
adventurous. The trail leading up to the peak is
55km from the Taman Negara Rasort. The climb
is strenuous and demands sound physical and
mental fitness as the journey up and down the
mountain takes and average of 9 days. Previous jungle trekking

experience would, of course, be an added advantage although

not a prerequisite.