CUTI-CUTI @ MALAYSIA: January 2011

Saturday, January 29, 2011

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

Thursday, January 27, 2011

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.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Pulau Tioman

In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Like a giant sleeping dragon, the dark green ridges of Tioman Island rise up above the waters of the South China Sea. On closer inspection, it becomes clear that the dragon’s dark green scales are in fact giant trees and impenetrable jungle; that the grey claws are giant granite boulders and that the dragon’s horns are twin peaks with smooth, straight cliffs, surrounded with swirls of mist.

The dragon-like appearance of Tioman Island is at the root of a legend surrounding its origin: A dragon princess from China was flying to her prince in Singapore and stopped to rest in these calm, warm waters. Enamored by the beauty of the area, and the waves lapping at her sides, she discontinued her journey and took the form of an island.

The natural beauty of the island is its biggest attraction. Lush tropical jungle covers about 12,000 hectares of the island and countless mountain streams and waterfalls sustain the many protected species of mammals and birds. The waters around the island are filled with corals of all shapes and colours and home to a vast diversity of sea creatures, including two species of marine turtle. There are a few excellent beaches on Tioman, and these curves of golden sand are usually tucked away at the edges of villages or fronting one of the many resorts.

Exciting Adventures Amidst The Splendour Of Nature
Tioman Island is the ideal spot for nature lovers, Whether at sea or on land, the wonders of nature that greet you are truly astounding and fascinating. Trek across the verdant hill from Tekek to Juara and enjoy the cool waterfalls cascading over moss-coverad rock formations at Mukut, or take a dip in the warm waters dotted with pastel-coloured reefs. Or head to the Marine Park Centre located between Tekek and Air Batang and swim amidst the various species of fishes.

Anglers' Bountiful Paradise
Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy a bountiful catch at Tioman Island, Just hire a boat for a day, anchor outside the Marine Park limits where fishing is permitted. By dusk, you will have a catch large enough for a sumptuous barbecue on the beach. If you want to try something different and challenging, try your hand at deep-sea fishing. Among the species if fishes and crustaceans found here are groupers, morays, tunas, parrotfish, sea-bass, red snappers, stingrays, plaices, soles, cora trouts, blue marlins, squids, cuttlefish, shrimps, crabs, prawns and lobsters.

Tioman has options for every kind of holiday-maker: families with small children, honeymooners, scuba divers, backpackers, adventurers and even those looking for a slice of exclusivity and luxury. Most places to stay are clustered around the villages that are dotted along Tioman’s coastline while there are a few small resorts that are built around private beach coves.

Tioman is the largest in a volcanic group of islands off the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. Getting there is simple as there is both a ferry service from Mersing on the mainland and an airport on the island itself.

Tioman is a beautiful, popular and affordable holiday destination so book ahead!

Pulau Redang

My post this time is about Pulau Redang. A beautiful island.. been there.. i'm loving it...

Pulau Redang, situated 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of all Terengganu's islands. From the very first glance, Pulau Redang will enchant visitors with its compelling beauty. Its incredibly azure waters fringed by white sand, against the backdrop of verdant jungle-clad hills make picture-postcard views.

Pulau Redang archipelago comprises 9 islands, the Lima Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling Island, Pinang Island and Redang Island. This archipelago is abounds with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs, ensuring a great snorkelling and scuba-diving experience. Redang Island which is approximately 7km in length 6km in width, is the largest of all other islands in the Marine Park.

Redang Island boasts two beautiful beaches, the Long Beach or locally known as Pasir Panjang, situated on the east coast and Teluk Dalam Kecil, a sheltered cove tucked away on the northeast of the island. Teluk Dalam Kecil is the location of the Berjaya Redang Beach Resort, a five-star accommodation on the island.

Streching over 800m, Pasir Panjang is a dream come true for sun-seekers. Here, underneath the clear blue sky, one can spend hours by basking in the sun, or strolling by the beach and feel the sensation of soft sand sinking under the feet. The beach is lined by a number of resorts overlooking the sea, offering various styles of accommodation.

A myriad of surprises await beneath the bewithchingly blue sea. The waters teem with a wealth of marine life and corals, and the good visibility makes it ideal for snorkelling and diving. At the Marine Park Centre friendly wrasses, sergeant majors and breams swarm around snorkellers. Divers can look forward to thrilling encounters with black-tip sharks. Rare giant clams and hawkshill turtles too have been sighted here.

Lang Tengah, a 30-minutes boat ride from Redang, is one of the state's best kept secrets. Located midway between the islands Redang and Perhentian, its sparkling white sand and aquamarine waters are simply irresistible. The varieties of hard and soft corals and prolife marine life here make it a perfect destination for divers.

* The best time to visit Pulau Redang & Pulau Lang Tengah is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the Northeast Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

List of Hotels in Malaysia

Here are some of the Hotels in Malaysia
Hope this will help...

Johor
Batu Pahat(1) The Katerina Hotel
Besar Island(1) D'Coconut Island Resort