The serenity and pristine beauty of Malaysia and its surrounding achipelago of mystical islands welcomes you to the world's most interesting destination.
Sprinkle your stay with some fascinating adventures in Malaysia, with its exotic flora & fauna, exhilarating rivers and rapids, challenging hiking trails, majestic mountains and with its natural surrounding untouched, is the perfect playground for bird-watchers, campers, scuba divers, trekkers, mountaineers, white-water rafters, anglers and daredevil adventurers.
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Malaysia is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, surrounded by Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines & Brunei. Just beyond them are Burma, Laos, Kampuchea & Vietnam to the north. Malaysia sits in the square created by the 100 degree & 120 degree East Longitude and 7 degree North Latitude, together with the Equator. |
A multi-racial, multi-cultural country with a total population of 18 million people, Peninsular Malaysia has a total population of about 14.65 million people while East Malaysia which consists of the states of Sabah & Sarawak has about 3.5 million people.
There are thirteen states in Malaysia, i.e., Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johor, Pahang,Terengganu, Kelantan, Sabah, Sarawak and the Federal Territory Kuala Lumpur & Labuan.
The official and national language in Malaysia is Bahasa Melayu (Malay). However, English is widely used all over the nation, especially in business, and it is a compulsory subject in all schools. Other languages include Mandarin, Tamil, Cantonese etc.
The official religion of the country is Islam. However, freedom of worship is practised in Malaysia and Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism and Christianity are among the major religions practised here. Thus, it is common to see mosques, temples and churches within the same neighbourhood.
CampingA major part of Malaysia is still covered by tropical rainforests, some of which have remained undisturbed for millions of years. Dense jungles, fast-flowing rivers, natural lakes, lush green plateau of the highlands and crytal-clear water splashing into white sandy beaches are all to be found right here in Malaysia. So fascinating and exciting is the feeling of oneness with Nature that many foreigners as well as locals go camping in order to experience first-hand this euphoric feeling.
Malaysia's seemingly endless shoreline, refreshing sea breezes and the gentles melody of lapping waves keep calling campers back year after year. Most of the beaches and its surrounding area are safe for camping. Although monsoon winds often cause powerful winds and a rough sea, recent years' observation has shown that camping is possible all year round.
Some of the more popular campsite are listed below:
| States | Sites |
|---|---|
| Perlis | Sg. Batu Pahat |
| Kedah | Perangin Sik, Lata Mengkuang, Gunung Jerai, Bukit Hijau, Sg. Teroi Forest, Pantai Merdeka, Pantai Kok & Pasir Tengkorak of Langkawi Islands & Payar Island |
| Perak | Banding Resort, Lumut, Teluk Batik, Pantai Puteri Dewi & Pangkor Island |
| Selangor | Templer Park, Morib & Pulau Ketam |
| Negeri Sembilan | Port Dickson |
| Malacca | Tanjung Bidara, Tanjung Keling, Air Keroh Recreational Forest, Durian Tunggal & Pulau Besar |
| Johor | Desaru, Kota Tinggi Waterfall, Gunung Ledang, Pulau Tengah, Pulau Sibu & Pulau Rawa |
| Pahang | Pantai Balok, Cherating, Beserah, Lake Chini, National Park & Pulau Tioman |
| Terengganu | Lata Tembakau, Kenyir Lake, Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Tenggol & Pulau Redang |
| Kelantan | Beach of Passionate Love & Beach of Whispering Breeze |
| Sabah | Tanjung Aru Beach, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park & Kinabalu Park |
| Sarawak | Santubung, Camp Permai, Santin Resort, Bako National Park, Sematan Beach & Mulu National Park |
Rainforest reserves and most green belts in Malaysia are amongst the oldest in world. Rich with all kinds of flora and fauna and rare species of insects and birds, they remain undisturbed, waiting to be explored and appreciated. Places which are recommended for such camping activities include Taman Negara, Kenong Recreation Park, Endau-Rompin, Tasik Chini, Kinabalu Park, Tawau Hills Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Niah National Park, Bako National Park and Lambir Hills National Park. Nearly all gazetted mountains and hills are also suitable for camping, such as Gunung Jerai, Gunung Tapis, Gunung Tahan, Gunung Ledang and Gunung Korbu.
Spectacular landscapes and the alluring mystique of Malaysia's virgin forest, dramatic coastline and verdant vegetation awaits enthusiastic trekkers. The thick green foliage of tropical forests, which cover nearly 70% of Peninsular Malaysia and more than 80% of the whole Sabah and Sarawak, makes jungle trekking one of the favourite activities among outdoor lovers.
Classification of jungle trekking activities is based on the obstacles, terrain and the density of the forest. For instance, there is flat terrain, undulating though semi-cultivated terrain, cultivated terrain and primary and secondary forests.
Trekking under such conditions is interesting as trekkers could encounter some rare species of tropical flora and fauna. Trekkers will also experience crossing hanging bridges, steep terrain, hilly areas and off-beaten tracks. This is a worthwhile endeavour as sooner or later you will be rewarded with cool and refreshing waterfalls, scenic river crossings and a labyrinth of large and small caves.
Trekking activities are commonly organized at most National Parks and along such famous trail as the Mat Kilau Trail in Pahang and trails around Kuala Tahan. Treks may last for a duration of only 2 hours or long as whole day, depending on the distance and terrain. Popular trails are those to Bukit Teresek, Tahan-Trenggan, Rentis, Bumbun Tabing, Sg. Telingan and Bumbun Kumbang. For the more adventurous and experienced trekkers, they may choose to trek around the Tenor trail. This will take a total of 3 days and involves 2 overnight camps.
The most popular long trek is the trail to the summit of Gunung Tahan, which normally takes 7 to 9 days. Tasik Chini, one of the world's largest natural lakes, surrounded by 150 hectares of lush tropical jungle, is an ideal site for some adventurous trekking. Trekking may also be done at the Elephant's Trail, Hunter's Trail and the Gamun track. For novice trekkers, there are several places to cater to their need. These are the Taman Bukit Cahaya Alam, Selangor; Air Keroh Recreational Forest, Malacca; Banding Resort, Perak and other interesting places.
In Sarawak, well-known trekking sites are at Mount Santubong, starting from Camp Permai; Similajau National Park, Bintulu; Niah, Mulu and Lambir National Parks, near Miri, and Bako and Kubah National Park, near Kuching.
Trekking can be very informative, with the existence of all kinds of trees, birds, unique plants and insects to be identified. Treks are also held from time to time by the Malaysian Nature Society, Government bodies, volunteers, researchers, scientists and other trekking societies to such preserved areas such as the Endau-Rompin Forest Reserve. Such expeditions are usually organized by professionals for educational and scientific purposes.
Bird watching is the latest leisure pastime to make waves here. Malaysia offers nearly 250 species of birds for bird watchers to study and appreciate. The habitat of birds have remained almost intact for thousands of years although some signs of migration of a few species from their normal habitat to other new environments are evident due to the physical development taking place. Nevertheless, a few bird sanctuaries have been identified where bird-lovers may indulge in their favourite activity.
 | Areas where large numbers of birds inhabit are within the vicinity of the national parks, namely Kuala Tembeling, Taman Negara, Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Ulu Gombak Valley, Fraser's Hill and Kinabalu National Park, Sipilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Reserve and Layang-layang Island of Sabah. It is very easy to identify birds from the highlands and lowlands. Birds from the highlands get smaller in size as the temperature gets cooler, whereas birds from the lowlands distinguish themselves with beautifully coloured plumage and can be found in greater numbers. |
For an introduction to birds of the Malaysian rainforest, a suitable spot would be the Ulu Gombak Valley. Several types of birds have been sighted here so far - the Scaly-breasted, Striped-throated, Black-crested and Ashy Bulbuls, the Black-headed, Orange-bellied, Crimson-breasted Flower Peckers and Bushy-crested Hornbills.
Most of the species found in Malaysia are common all around the world except for 2 kinds of birds, i.e. the Mountain Pheasant and the Malayan Whistlingthrush. The more common birds to be found on Fraser's Hill are the Silver Eared Mesia, Large Niltara, Mountain Fouvetta, Mountain Imperial Pigeon, Mountain Bulbul, Streaked Spiderhunter, Long Tailed Sibia and Chestnut Capped Laughingthrush.
In Kuala Selangor Nature Park, one can find birds like the Ashy Tailor, Collared Kingfisher, Common Tora, Pical Triller, Brown-throated, Golden-backed woodpeckers, Ruby-checked Wistles, and 3 mangrove specialities - Blue Flycatcher and Nitta and Olive-backed Sunbirds.
On river cruises along Kuala Tembeling, a bird watcher may spot other species, like the Stork-billed and White-throated Kingfishers, Malaysian Pied Hornbill and Straw Headed Bulbul. At Kuala Tahan, birds such as the Asian Fairy Bluebird, Litle and Large Green Pigeons, Greater and Lesser Coucals and the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo can be sighted.
In Sabah, a total of 232 species have been recorded at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Reserve and along its various trails, including endemics like the Borneon Bristlehead, Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker and Blue-headed Pitta. At the summit of Kinabalu Park, at about 8500 feet above sea level, 293 species have been recorded, comprising the Short-tailed Magpie, Indigo Flycatcher, Sunda Treepie, Scarlet Sunbird and others.
In Taman Negara alone, bird observers have recorded about 363 species along various trails. These include the Red-napped Troqons, Diard's Scarlet-rumped Great Slaty, Whiskered Treescraft, Black-throated, Grey and Buff Woodpeckers, Kingfishers, Banded Pittas, Crested Fireback Pheasant, Red Bearded Bee Eater, Helmeted Hornbill, Green Broadbill, Malaysian Paint Babler, Gould's Frogmouth, Masked Finfoot and Barred Eagle-owl.
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From deep sea fishing to fresh water angling, the promise of never ending excitement is almost guaranteed when you fish in Malaysia waters. Sport fishing off the Malaysian coast yields record catches of Barracuda near Pulau Bidong, Terengganu and Mersing and Black Marlin off Pulau Aur. Other common fishes include the Coral Cod, Silver Grunter, Red Snapper, Sharp-Toothed Bass, Silver Jewfish, Catfish and Golden Striped Snapper. |
A unique style of deep sea fishing is practised in Malaysia, utilising multiple lines with several baits instead of the conventional one-rod line. At coastal area of Marang, Terengganu, between the months of March and September, fisherman literally pluck cuttlefish from the water. Using a method known as 'candat', the fishermen utilise several hooked lines and flickering lights to entice the cuttlefish.
Most rivers in Malaysia are popular for fishing activities. However, it is advisable to go further upstream or to the rivers in the National Parks for a better catch. The unpolluted water in these rivers not only provide a wide variety of fresh water fishes but also enhances the possibility of catching bigger fish.
Popular man-made lakes, such as the Kenyir Lake, which covers an area of 38,000 hectares, is full of Malaysian Mahsa, Giant Snakehead, Sebarau and Lampan. A record catch for the Giant Snakehead stands at 8kg, while for the Malaysian Mahsa, the record is 13kg.
Certain types of fish may be found at certain areas only seasonally. Knowledgeable anglers are well aware of these seasons and local fishermen and anglers are good references to enquire for the correct timing. The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah and Sarawak face the South China Sea and will experience the monsoon season between the months of October and December. Sea conditions will be rough and only fishing from bigger ships or trawlers will be safe.
Efforts have been taken to encourage more anglers to participate in offshore fishing by producing breeding areas within a 5 mile radius from the coast using artificial reefs or 'unjangunjang'.
Several popular sites that have been identified as suitable for angling, covering both deep water and fresh water angling. These are Mimaland and Kuala Selangor in Selangor; Durian Tunggal Recreational Park and Pulau Besar in Malacca; Banding Resort, Lumut, Pangkor Island and Kuala Woh Jungle Park in Perak; Beserah, Lake Chini, Lata Berkoh and Sg. Kenyam in Pahang; and 5 islands off Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, consisting of Gaya, Sulug, Manukan, Mamutik and Sapi, and Layang-layang Island.
With a magic that has fascinated geologist and archeologist from all over the world, Malaysia's caves are huge chambers inhabited by bats and where one can witness beautifully sculpted stalagmites, stalactites and Nature's other marvels.
Caves have played a role in the story of human civilisation right from the Stone Age till today. Evidence from the past is clear depicted in most great caves, especially the ones in Sarawak, where some of the world's most interesting caves may be found.
One will gasp and stare at the awesome sight of its cavernous interior, wall paintings, archeological remains, flora and fauna and breathtaking features. Some of the more spectacular caves in Sarawak are Fairy Cave, Windy Cave and Jambusan Cave in Bau; Niah Great Cave and Niah Painted cave in Niah National Park, Miri; Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave, Green Cave, Clear Water Cave, Moon Cave, Wind Cave and Turtle Cave in Mulu National Park.
The Mulu Cave, a limestone formation, promises the ultimate challenge in cave exploring. This cave, located in Sarawak, is considered to be the longest cave chamber in the world and the longest in South-East Asia, winding as far as 52km through the hills. Every expedition carrued out produces new records and findings and there are still more passageways to be discovered in the future.
Basically, caves are divided into 2 categories - show caves and adventure caves. Caves that fall under the first category are Deer Cave, Lang Cave and Clear Water Cave. Deer Cave is regarded as the world's longest cave passage. An estimated 2 to 6 million bats call this cave 'home' and cover the floor with guano. When mixed with water, the wet guano can make movement slippery and dangerous. Lang Cave is known as to have exquisite cave formations and one of the most beautiful is the King's Room. An underground river passes through Clear Water Cave, which is also the longest cave in South-East Asia.
Good examples of adventure caves are the Drunken Forest Cave and Legan's Cave. Unique natural formations of peculiar shapes can be found in the Drunken Forest Cave while at Lagan's Cave, explorer may stumble upon the extraordinary 'blind catfish'. The numerous caves in Mulu can be segregated into common sites, namely the Southern Hills - Deer Cave, Deer Water Cave, Queen Daniels Cave and Surface Cave. Next is the area of Gunung Api - Lagan's Cave, Clear Water Cave, Leopard Cave, Solom Cave, Drunken Forest Cave, Cobra Cave, Good Luck Cave, Prediction Cave, Wonder Cave and Black Rock Cave. The locals normally strongly recommend the caves of the Benarat Cavern which consists of the Sakai's Cave, Tiger Cave, Cobweb Cave, Deception Cave, Menagerie Cave, Terikan Rising West and East Caves and Moonlight Bay Cave.
The Niah Caves, about 2 hours out of Kuching, sparks off more interesting adventures. Its wall portray unique prehistoric paintings, while most of the chambers have hundreds of luminous rock formations that have been moulded by Nature into fascinating shapes. Arrangements for cave exploring activities can be done through specialised inbound tour operators such as Alo Doda Travel, Borneo Overland Services or other travel related agencies in Kuching, Miri and Kuala Lumpur.
Cave explorer may opt for scientific expedition trails previously explored by the Royal Geographic Society, London and the State Government of Sarawak. It is advisable for cave explorers to request assistance from experienced local experts such as Mr. Nilong Man from Alo Doda. He has been involved in cave exploration for nearly 15 years and is strongly recommended by the Royal Geographic Society due to his vast experience.
In Sandakan, Sabah, Gomantong Cave is an exciting show cave housing the biggest birds' nest cave. Consisting of 2 large caverns, the cave is the home of thousands of swifts, which nest on the roofs of the caves. These birds' nests are a prized Chinese delicacy.
Peninsular Malaysia, though not as popular for cave explorations as Sarawak, may well serve as an introduction for first timers and foreigners to acclimatise themselves. In Taman Negara, 2 caves, namely Daun Menari and Luas Caves are suitable for exploration although the initial climb to the caves is slippery and challenging. Cave exploration trips can also be arranged in Perak, namely the Kundu Cave in Gopeng and the Tempurung Cave in Kampar. In Kelantan, caving activities are often organised at Ikan Cave in Kuala Krai. Within the vicinity of Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is a popular spot, with a couple of interesting limestone caves in the area. In Terengganu, Kenyir Lake holds the promise of more interesting explorations with the Taat and Bewah Caves, besides other submerged caves in the surrounding area.
Malaysia's emerald waters are rich in corals and marine life and the underwater beauty around the Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak is truly fantastic, possessing its own mystique. Where scuba diving is concerned, Malaysia's waters are among the best in the world, and the diving spots here are virtually unspoilt. Even Jacques Cousteau, the well-known scientist and underwater explorer, once remarked that Sipadan Island off Sabah was an underwater haven and rated among some of the best scuba diving spots he had ever come across.
One can scuba dive in various places, mainly Sipadan, Layang-layang, Mamutik, Manukan, Gaya, Sapi and Sulug Islands off Sabah; Perhentian, Redang and Kapas Islands off Terengganu; Sibu, Mentinggi, Besar, Hujung, Rawa and Aur Islands off Johor; Tioman Island off Pahang; and Payar, Segantang, Kala and Lembu Islands off Kedah. This list is by no means comprehensive but these sites are selected from among other sea and island resorts due to their unspoilt beauty and because they are rarely overcrowded. Most of these underwater havens are warm and clear, with visibility of between 80 and 120 feet. Scuba divers may dive to a depth of 120 feet or more.
Even from a depth of 10 to 20 feet, the glittering marine life and corals begin to show their colours. Couries, Nudibranches, Seafans and Feather Star corals are aplenty. The presence of colourful fishes also adds to the excitement of scuba diving.
Local divers would recommend Sipadan and Layang-layang Islands for the more adventurous divers. These sites are relatively unexplored and unknown. The depth at some spot can reach up to 2000 feet, although the distance from the beach is only 50 feet. Divers here would also have the opportunity to encounter various species of fish that are not commonly seen.
 | Tioman Island is another star attraction for scuba diving. Voted one of the 10 most beautiful islands in the world, the magic of its underwater world is simply breathtaking. Scuba divers will have the privilege of exploring underwater caves, rifts, passages and never ending valleys of living scenery as you wander through some of the most beautiful corals in the world. Redang Island also boasts one of the most beautiful underwater reefs. Your plunge into the blue waters may be even more satisfying if you are able to document your more memorable undersea adventures with underwater photography. |
The beaches around Langkawi Island and the coastal areas of Mersing are also suitable for snorkelling. This is because the tranquility of the deep blue sea and the mystical undersea gardens may be explored almost all year round. Divers should, however, beware of the Monsoon season, between the months of November to January, when the South China Sea can be quite rough. Diving and snorkelling in the open sea is not advisable during this period.
| All information is mainly supplied by the Tourist Development Corporation of Malaysia (TDC) |