Pulau Sipadan

The island looks pretty much like any other island found in our waters but the only difference is that, millions of years ago, Sipadan was formed by an undersea volcano, which means that it is a deepwater oceanic island. In fact, it's the only one of its kind in Malaysia. Dropping to a depth of 600m or 2,000ft to seabed, it can be daunting for new divers. A narrow shelf, lining the island and then a sudden drop into darkness, is not for all divers.

Just below the surface is an alien world, a bizarre backdrop for a wondrous dream. The coral reef skirts Sipadan just below the surface and as far as 164feet down, providing one of the best wall dive experience.

  

Sipadan is located some 35km(22miles) south of Semporna, on the southeastern side of Sabah in Borneo. It was first gazetted a bird sanctuary in 1933 and was left pretty much alone until the late 70's when recreational divers rediscovered this new dive eden. Only a handful of the privileged were allowed into this secret garden. 

Its geographic location puts the island within the Indo-Pacific basin, the richest marine bio-diversity area in the world. Some experts believe that the Indo-Pacific basin was earth's marine incubator. Nowhere in the world can we find such diversity and researchers are still discovering new species as new places and depths are discovered. 

In 1989, Jacques Cousteau and his crew anchored his research vessel,'Calypso'. Cousteau was so taken by its virgin beauty , ' I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now no more. Now we have found an untouched piece of art', he quipped.

But perhaps that one statement, that one documentary has changed the serenity and beauty of Sipadan forever. 

Today, Sipadan is on a slow but hopefully progressive road to recovery. In just 15years what was a dream destination for divers was going to the dumps. By 2005, the Sabah Marine Parks closed the island off to resorts. There were several resorts stationed on the tiny island itself and as many as 80 to 120 divers were on the island at any one time. This caused a toll on many of the more frequented dive spots like barracuda point and south point. Divers , rumours had it, were diving as many as 10dives a day!!! 

Water Chalets at Kapalai

Having now closed the island off to overnight stays, divers now stay at resorts on nearby islands such as Pulau Mabul, Kapalai and Mataking Island. Staying on these islands, divers can dive either in the morning or after lunch or opt to stay the entire day on Sipadan but sign up at your respective dive centres for separate dive groups. for the morning and the afternoon session. This will indicate to the dive masters that you wish to stay on the island for both dive times. However not all resorts have boats going to and fro Sipadan twice a day especially during low seasons. The boat rides can take from 25mins (from Mabul), 18mins (from Kapalai), and 80mins (from Mataking). One thing about the boat rides - slap on lots on sunblock as its gonna be a ride in hot sun and clear blue skies. well most times anyway. 

Since the closing of the island, guests are not allowed to wander too far from the jetty. The jetty is the converging point and rest area for all guests. Sabah parks have stationed personnel on the island to safeguard the area. A few of the abandoned resorts are used by the guards as posts. The rest are left to the jungle..

Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian

After less than an hour on a boat from the east coast of Malaysia, the laid-back atmosphere and the natural beauty of the Perhentian islands immediately transport you to a different world. The white sand is dotted with sun-worshipping holiday makers, some retreating to the shade for a glass of freshly squeezed juice. 

 

A group of scuba divers are boarding a boat to venture out into the turquoise waters and submerge themselves in the underwater wonderland. Later, as the sun sets, a quiet buzz of music and chatter fills the air, together with the thin wisp of smoke from the barbeque fire.

 

The Perhentian Islands are two islands named Pulau Perhentian Kecil (Small Perhentian Island) and Pulau Perhentian Besar (Large Perhentian Island). The Malay name Perhentian is translated as “place to stop” and this is exactly what these two islands were for traders travelling between Malaysia and Bangkok in years gone by. These islands are still a gorgeous place to stop and rest today, albeit for tourists disconnecting from the stress and routine of everyday life and not for weary seafaring traders. 

 

 

The islands remain relatively untouched and the only permanent inhabitants live in a small fishing village on Perhentian Kecil. Apart from footpaths that cut through the jungle, there are no roads on the islands. The only way to get around is by walking through the jungle or taking a sea taxi. If you tread carefully, you may even encounter some of the islands’ shy wildlife on the way, such as monitor lizards, fruit bats, squirrels or even the elusive mouse deer. 

 

 

Simple chalets and some moderately luxurious resorts line the picturesque beaches along with restaurants, dive centres and boat operators advertising their services with hand-painted signs.

Perhaps it is the stretches of white beach or the crystal clear water and the superior scuba diving. Perhaps it is the untouched forests or the relaxed atmosphere and unspoiled charm. We like to think that is a little bit of all of this that makes the Perhentian Islands the perfect place to stop and take some time out.

Pulau Lang Tengah

 The intrepid explorer may have heard of Pulau Kapas or Pulau Redang, two islands along the Malaysian East Coast that are favourites among dive enthusiasts. But only the lucky few know about Lang Tengah. And those lucky few probably don't want you to know about it either. So if you absolutely must read any further, make sure that you only share the following information with other nature lovers who will respect this island paradise and try to keep it pristine.

Lang Tengah is a tiny island surrounded by a protected coral reef that is situated off the coast of Kuala Terengganu. It houses two resorts - Squarepoint Lang Tengah and Blue Coral Island Resort. (Another 2 has been added since this article was posted, namely D'Coconut Lagoon and Redang Lang Resort)

From the Kuala Terengganu airport, you could  board a  shuttle to Merang jetty and then take a speedboat to Lang Tengah. The ride was extremely bumpy and fast. Suffice to say if you suffer motion sickness, don't forget you seasick pills! The island's beach is still the best along the front of Blue Coral and during the off peak season, there may be chances of spotting a turtle or two in this tiny bay.

Anyway, once you submit yourself to the sea, all those clichés about humanity's insolence and insignificance ring true. It's indescribable that otherworldly feeling you get once you swim among the denizens of this surreal and magnificent environment. 

Visibility was clear up to at least 10 meters (30ft) and the fish were not too shy or bothered by our presence. In fact if you happen to "accidentally" have a stale piece of bread on you, the parrot fish will mistake you for a stale piece of bread and you will feel like an unfortunate cow in a documentary about piranha. Actually, it was awe we felt, not fear when we discovered the amazing diversity and quantity of fish and coral around us. From huge "brain coral" and giant clams to schools of tiny dacyllus, hours flew by as we marveled at the variety and splendour of the underwater fauna.

Lang Tengah offers plenty of communing with nature and less interference from man than many other island resorts around the area. It isn't one of those totally deserted islands that hardcore divers prefer, nor is it an overdeveloped project favoured by those who like the concept but not the reality of getting close to nature. What it does offer is enough comfort and privacy to commune with an underwater Eden.

Lang Tengah offers the deep satisfaction of being able to dig your toes into the warm soft white sand, as dusk approaches and the huge flying foxes swoop down from the coconut trees to feast on insects buzzing overhead. Watching the sun set into the ocean, you know that at dawn you can rise from a comfortable bed, walk but a few yards and submerge yourself into that same ocean, losing yourself in a world of myriad shapes, sizes, colours and mysteries; a place where grace, power and beauty extend way beyond the province of human imagination.

Pulau Langkawi

Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi consists of a group of 99 islands located off the north west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The biggest island is called Langkawi Island, approximately 30 km from Kuala Perlis, Perlis and 51 km from Kuala Kedah, Kedah. The island is a duty free island where goods such as perfumes, cigarattes, liquor, cosmetics, leather wear and confectionery are sold without duty imposed by the government. Langkawi Mall, Langkawi Fair Shopping Complex and Jetty Point Duty Free Complex are some of the shopping complexes that offer lots of goods for your selection.

Good beaches that you can explore and swim include Kok Beach, Cenang Beach, Tengah Beach and Burau Bay Beach which are all located at the west coast of the main island. Go round the island of Dayang Bunting and experience the cool breeze and breathtaking view of Langkawi.If you are for snorkelling or diving, go to Pulau Payar Marine Park which is located 35km south of Langkawi. This island is an ideal place to enjoy the marine life and vegetation that are protected by the marine law of Malaysia until today. You can go to this island for a day trip by boarding a speedboat from Kuah Jetty at Langkawi Island. It takes approximately 1 hour to reach this marine park. Admission fee of RM5/adult and RM2.50/child is charged. 

Attractions In Langkawi

There are many places of attractions in Langkawi that you can visit. Visit the Eagle Square, Ayer Hangat Village (Warm Water Village), Kota Mahsuri (Memorial in honour of Mahsuri) and Oriental Village. Try Langkawi Cable Car and see the spectacular view of the area.

If you are for fishes but are not able to find the time to do your own diving or snorkelling, visit Underwater World Langkawi at Cenang Beach and experience the more than 5,000 types of aquatic life.

Read a more detailed description of each attraction below:


Pantai Cenang

If you are planning for a vacation in Langkawi, Pantai Cenang or Cenang Beach will probably be one of the best choices to stay at. Along the long stretch of sandy beach, various resorts and hotels await you, infusing a slight sense of bustling in this beautiful beach. Here, you will be able to find upscale resort such as the Pelangi Beach Resort, the unique Casa Del Mar boutique hotel and budget lodges such as Grand Motel and Malibest Resort.

Merely a 3-km distance from the Langkawi International Airport, Pantai Cenang can be reached within a 10-minute drive. Instead of being an ordinary beach, this place will surprise you in many aspects. First of all, undoubtedly, will be the fantastic scenery – what really make the first impression of the beach will be the long stretch of milky white sandy beach with swaying coconut trees inline with the rhythm of waves, the sea in shades of blue, turquoise and green. Some resorts, such as the Pelangi Beach Resort and Casa Del Mar, provide plentiful of sundecks along the beach where guests can sunbathe while basking themselves in the wonderful view of the sea.

Kuah Town – The Shopping Haven

Located at the southeastern tip of Langkawi, Kuah is the capitol of this island. It is the place where one can see a slightly heavier traffic as compared to beaches such as Pantai Kok or Pantai Cenang. Most importantly, it is the place where you can shop till you drop.

Approximately 16 km from the Langkawi International, Kuah Town can be easily found with a 20-minute drive by following the road sign. It will be good to rent a car from the local agent as it will be more convenient for you to travel around the island. 

However, if driving is causing you hassle, you can always opt to make transport arrangement with the local agent or the hotel. Local travel agent such as Esteem Lane Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd and Langkawi Discovery Sdn Bhd do organize certain round island day tour where they will bring you to some places of interest in Langkawi. 

At Kuah, you will realize that duty free shops are ubiquitous – almost everywhere along the street and it is indeed what makes the town attractive. Due to the act of waiving tax by the government, merchandises such as liquor, tobacco, chocolates and some imported kitchenware here are much cheaper than any other places. It is also a perfect place to grab some souvenirs for friends. 

Mostly, the duty free shops are located adjacent to each other. There are about 3 duty free shops located at the Jalan Pandak Mayah 5, Kuah Town. They are the Coco Valley Duty Free Supermarket, Zeno Duty Free Shopping Centre and the Onestop Duty free. Thus, take your time to check through the prices of merchandises in each store before making any purchase. Though products selling in these shops are similar – mostly liquor, chocolates, tobacco and some fast moving consumer goods, there might be differences in prices in each store. 

If you plan to purchase liquor, browse through all the adjacent shops and make comparisons. Try not to make your purchase decision in a hurry because there are always some shops that offer lower prices. Prices for hard liquor such as gin, vodka or Bacardi vary from RM 5 to RM 10. Same thing goes to chocolates as some store might have purchase-with-purchase or discount promotion for certain chocolates and might carry more variety of chocolates than others. 

Besides, it is also worthwhile to shop at the largest and modern shopping malls in Kuah Town – the Langkawi Parade Megamall located at Pokok Asam, Jalan Kelibang (near to the Grand Continental Hotel) and the Langkawi Fair Shopping Mall at Jalan Persiaran, adjacent to the jetty. These are the places where you can get more renowned brand such as Nike and Levi’s. 

However, do bear in mind that if you would like to purchase anything at the duty free shops, you must stay in Langkawi for at least 2 days (or being able to prove so). Before leaving the island with packets of duty free products, customs officers in the airport or jetty might request you to show official documents such as boarding pass, passport or receipts to prove that you have been staying in the island for more that 2 days. Besides, there are some limitations in liquor and tobacco where one visitor is only entitle to purchase one box of cigarette and one bottle of liquor (liquor must be hand-carried).

Drop by the town of Kuah in Langkawi and shop in the many duty free shops. Enjoy the seafood served in many restaurants here.


Langkawi Underwater World

Start your exploration with Langkawi Underwater World. Visit the largest aquaria in Malaysia at Pulau Langkawi. See the various marine life here. 

 

Sprawling 6.2 acres, Langkawi Underwater World can be divided into various sections. Passing the entrance, you will step into the Rainforest Section that makes visitors feel like visiting an open-concept zoo instead of aquaria. In this section, you will be able to see numerous of elegant pink flamingos, living harmoniously with the Mandarin ducks and swans. Colorful parrots and the tiny long-tailed Marmoset live in this section as well. Besides, there is a huge cylinder fish tank in the middle, known as the Freshwater Section, displaying various tropical and freshwater fishes.

Next will be the Sub-Antarctic Section. Here, you will see the rare and adorable Rockhopper penguins. Currently there are about 20 Rockhopper penguins in this section and they have been brought into the aquaria since December, 2003. There will be penguin feeding show on a daily basis and it is indeed an interesting show not to be missed. Adjacent to the Sub-Antarctic section, there are fur seals living in the Temperate Section. You can observe how they swim gracefully and play with each other in the huge tank.

Langkawi Oriental Village

Visit Langkawi Oriental Village and shop at the duty free shops, dine and take a stroll at the beautiful setting of a "village" here. Langkawi Oriental Village is located right next to the well-known Langkawi Cable Car. In fact, it serves as the entrance to the Langkawi Cable Car. Before venturing further, visitors will first being welcomed by the buildings – which are mostly painted in red and bright yellow. It is built upon the concept of “contemporary” village that aims to promote Asian architecture.

After a short walk, you will see a classic building in bright yellow that is situated right in front of the entrance to Langkawi Cable Car. It is the Geopark Hotel (formerly known as Oriental Inn Resort) that is located in the Langkawi Oriental Village itself. 

Surrounded by greenery and flowers, the resort is being built in a classic manner, slightly similar to English houses. Well-furbished with 30 rooms, the resort will offer you a great stay with an affordable rate.

If you are interested to stay in this cozy resort that provides you great views of the adjacent celebrated Mount Mat Chinchang, you may contact their general line at +604-959 2300 to get the current room rate and relevant information. 

This place is indeed a good location to take beautiful and scenic pictures. The buildings and shops within the compound are being constructed in a classic manner, with little touches of English and French designs. In the middle, you will see a lotus pond with small fountain.The setting here pretty much resembles the old ancient Chinese house – where a classic red bridge is built across the pond, allowing you to enjoy the pond view in a better way.

Walking around the Langkawi Oriental Village will be a pleasurable one. Benches are provided and are located around the pond and pathway, letting you to take a rest before continuing your visit here. Apart from that, the weather is always fresh where you can feel light breeze blowing to your face. Probably this is due to it being surrounded by the natural ambience of Mount Mat Chinchang and Seven Wells nearby. 

You will be surprised by what you can find in Langkawi Oriental Village. Apart from all the Asian architecture that somehow has some Western touches, it has nothing much to do with cultures but it is a duty free shopping and gastronomic heaven! Here, it has approximately 30 duty free shops, selling products such as liquor, tobacco, chocolates and handicrafts that are best to be given away as souvenirs. You can even find the famous duty free shopping chain – the Zon Duty free shop here! 

In addition, it is also a good place to get yourself some branded stuffs at a relatively lower price. There is a specific shop, located adjacent to the entrance that sells leather goods and apparel of famous brands such as Guess and Zegna. Though the merchandise here might not be the latest and the selection might be limited, try spending some time lingering around the shop and you will probably find something at a good deal.

Langkawi Cable Car

See the scenic view of the many islands here by going on the cable cars.  Langkawi Cable Car can be considered as one of the most contemporary and new attraction in the magical island. The cable car will bring you to the hill of Mount Mat Chinchang – letting you to grasp the magnificent and breathtaking view of the whole island, and at the same time, make you fall in love deeply with the beauty of Langkawi.

The entrance of the cable car is situated in the Langkawi Oriental Village. You will have to enter the Oriental Village and take a short walk in order to reach the ticket counter and entrance to the cable car.

The distance between the base station at Oriental Village to the top station at Mount Mat Chinchang hill is only 2.2 km. The whole cable car ride takes about 15 minutes, with 2 viewing stations in between. Sitting in the 6-seat cable car, you will be able to see wide spread of lush forest and as the cable car moves, you will be seeing a greater view where everything is surrounded by the beautiful Andaman Sea. Besides, you can also spot the beautiful Seven Wells Waterfall from the cable car.

Visitors will reach the first viewing station after an approximate 10-minute ride. The viewing station is divided into 2 huge platforms in round shape, giving you a 360° view of the whole island. Standing at 652.5 meters above sea level at the first station, the beautiful view that lies in front of your eyes will make you speechless. The sea in shades of baby blue and light turquoise, surrounding by lush forest in rich green seems inseparable with the skies, making it the perfect place to take beautiful portrait-like picture. 

Visitors can stay as long as they wish and take their time to truly enjoy the magnificent view. From the first viewing station, you can still continue your ride to the second viewing station which is located at the hill of Mount Mat Chinchang. The ride between these 2 stations takes merely 5 minutes. At the top of the hill, approximately 700 meters above sea level, you will find that the weather is fresher with chilling wind gently blowing. 

The higher viewing station gives you a wider and more comprehensive look of the sea and skies. Here, you can see islands in different sizes scatter around. Surprisingly, it is said that you can even see our neighbouring countries – Thailand from the viewing station. Thus, if you pay a visit to Langkawi Cable Car, remember to take a guess on where is the exact location and borderline between Malaysia and Thailand! In addition, another major attraction of Langkawi Cable Car is the longest Suspension Bridge in the world that links the 2 viewing stations. For those who like exciting stunt, the suspension bridge is definitely something not to be missed.

Pulau Dayang Bunting
Go island hopping and see this beautiful island. Go paddling on the lake and learn the legend that surrounds this island.

Pulau Beras Basah
Most tour agents "island hopping" package tour goes to this secluded island.

Pulau Singa Besar
Most tour agents "island hopping" package tour also goes to this island.

Pulau Payar
Go snorkelling and scuba diving on the only marine park at the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia.

Mahsuri Mausoleum
This mausoleum was built after the death of Mahsuri binti Pandak Mayah, an ordinary lady who was said to have a great influence on the fate on Langkawi.

Spa In Langkawi
Rejuvenate your tired body at the many spas in Langkawi.

Laman Padi Langkawi
Visit this eco-tourism outing and discover the traditional ways of paddy planting and harventing.

Langkawi International Airport
This modern international airport located at Padang Matsirat and serves more than 2.5 million passengers annually. Check for Cheap Flights to Langkawi from Malaysia Airlines, SIA and Quantas.

Jetstar budget airline has expanded serving domestic Australia routes to serve international routes such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Perth.

Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor is 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.

Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local fishermen, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort in an effort to control the Perak tin trade. In 1874, it was the location of a historic treaty between the British government and a contender for the Perak throne (The Pangkor Treaty), which began the British colonial domination of the Malay Peninsula.

Those who are not familiar with the geographical locations generally confuse the two. Forty minutes by ferry from Lumut, the popular island resort of Pulau Pangkor (Pangkor Island) welcomes visitors with its serene golden beaches, crystalline blue waters, and cool refreshing breezes. Located about 90km south west of lpoh, it is largely inhabited by fisherfolk. They live in scattered fishing settlements along the coast especially on the eastern side, facing the town of Lumut and Teluk Batik, and their catch comprises mainly cuttlefish and anchovy.

The modern facilities make it an ideal gateway. A wide range of sun and sea activities are available such as scuba diving, wind-surfing, fishing, snorkelling. Nothing beats the wonderful offerings of Pangkor's pristine beaches. And after you're had enough of the beach, retreat into the coll shades of virgin jungles for a closer look at nature. There's so much to do in Pangkor, so come discover at your own pace.

Pulau Pangkor is famous for its fine beaches and a mix of low budget to 5 star accommodations. Teluk Nipah and Coral Bay on the north west of the island is extremely popular with travellers from Europe. The quality of sand in the Pasir Bogak Beach is far superior to that elsewhere on the island. The sand is golden brown, quite similar to most leading prime beaches. There are a few resorts in Teluk Nipah or Nipah Bay.

Pangkor Island Hotels & Resorts Hotel Lo

Coral Bay Resort - Pasir Bogak

Havana Beach Resort - Teluk Nipah

Golden Beach Hotel & Resorts - Pasir Bogak

Pangkor Bay View Resort - Teluk Nipah

Pangkor Holiday Resort - Pasir Bogak

Pangkor Island Resort - Pangkor Island

Pangkor Laut Resort - Pangkor Island

Pangkor Puteri Resort Apartment & Chalet - Pasir Bogak

Puteri Bayu Beach Resort
(formerly Sri Bayu Resort) - Pantai Pasir Bogak

Seagull Beach Resort - Teluk Nipah

Sea View Hotel & Holiday Resort Jalan - Pasir Bogak

Teluk Dalam Resort - Pangkor Island

 

Pulau Kapas

 Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island in Malay and this peculiar name is attributed to the pure white beaches that are the trademark of this island. The name comes as no surprise once you have walked along these beaches: the sand is soft and white and slopes gently into the crystal clear water. 

Pulau Kapas answers to all your hopes for an idyllic tropical island – swaying palm trees, untouched jungle, turquoise water gently lapping at the beach and colourful coral reefs just off the shore.
 
This picturesque getaway is less than 5 km from the mainland and is reached within 15 minutes by speedboat from the coastal fishing village of Marang. Its accessibility from the mainland makes it popular with locals for daytrips and the fairly good availability of budget accommodation means that it is also popular with backpackers. 
 


The resorts on Kapas Island are mostly spread out over three beaches on the western shore, facing the mainland. Accommodation here ranges from dorm rooms to moderately priced air-conditioned chalets.  More luxurious accommodation is available on Gemia Island, a small islet just a few hundred metres northwest of Kapas.

Another reason why Kapas Island is popular is because of the excellent snorkeling in the waters surrounding the island. There is an abundance of corals and other marine life, visibility is good and the water is shallow and calm. Because the coral is mainly around the rocky edges of the island, you can still go swimming off the beautiful beaches, even at low tide.

Kapas Island may be easy to reach, but it is much harder to leave this island after being immersed in its beauty.