Kapas Island - The Snorkeling Paradise of Malaysia

The location of this island is quite cloistered and far away from the crowds of the main island; this makes Kapas Island as one of the most perfect choices for you who are seeking for a peaceful holiday destination. Even though the location of this island is quite cloistered, you do not have to worry that you will have difficulties on reaching this island. It is because you can reach here easily in around 30 - 45 minutes by ferries leaving from Marang beach.

The abundant sunshine, the crisp of fresh air, the heavenly sceneries of this island and the untouched tropical jungles are really exotic while the numerous colorful tropical marine fish living within the beautiful coral reefs, the turtles swimming gracefully and other amazing sea inhabitants are all interesting especially for people who love doing scuba-diving or even snorkeling.

Known as the most exotic snorkeling paradise of Malaysia, Kapas Island has numerous dive resorts with many attractive offers. These dive resorts usually include services like: food and beverages, scuba-diving session and the other accommodations. You don't need to bring your snorkeling equipments because you can rent them in dive resorts here. You would not be able to imagine the beauty of Kapas Island without visiting it.

If you love doing activities like scuba-diving and snorkeling, Kapas Island is definitely the most perfect holiday destination for you. As being mentioned before, in Kapas Island, you will be able to enjoy the incredible sceneries, the crisp fresh air and the abundant sunshine.

Tips for you: If you want to visit Kapas Island, you would really need to reconsider your schedule because this island is like the other islands of Eastern coast of Malaysia; which is also affected by the northeast monsoon every year between November and February. During that period of time, it is not recommended for you to visit this island since your access to most of the dive resorts and ferry transport services will be restricted.

The Highlands of Malaysia

Malaysia is one of the most pleasant as well as hassle free destinations in South East Asia. Apart from its fabulous beaches, enchanting mountains, interesting museums, beautiful parks and gardens, Malaysia is also much famed for its stunning highlands, located on the majestic mountain ranges of Central Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia.

With cooler climates, mysterious lakes, rainforest, abundant wildlife, the highlands of Malaysia boast of a number of attractions in the form of hills and resorts, each of which presents an amazing landscape rich in flora and fauna. Most popular among the retreats of the highlands of Malaysia are Cameron Highlands, Genting Highlands, Fraser's Hill, and Bukit Tinggi.

Cameron Highlands is a premier hill resort, tucked away placidly amid the clouds at an altitude of 1829 mt above the sea level, in the northwestern region of Pehang State. Named in honor of William Cameron - a British surveyor who discovered the resort in 1885, Cameron Highlands is acknowledged as the 'Green Bowl of the Country,' since it is one of the largest producers of vegetables, fruits including strawberry, and tea in the country.

Cameron consists of a series of townships including Ringlet, Tanah Rata, and Brinchang. Perhaps most popular among the attractions of Cameron Highlands is its tea plantation such as, Boh Road Habu, located about nine kilometers from Ringlet; Bharat Tea Estate - the second largest tea producer of the nation; and Sungai Palas Tea Estate, a destination offering breathtaking views.

For adventurers and nature lovers, Cameron Highlands offers excellent options. All of the peaks in the area such as Gunung Brinchang, Gunung Beremban, Gunung Jasar, Gunung Perdah and Bukit Mentigi, serve as a perfect base for hiking.

Additionally, the highland's amazing, mossy forests are a superb option for trekkers. Nature lovers can take a visit to the popular Parit Waterfall and Robinson Waterfall, which are located near Tanah Rata. For golf freaks, there is a superb 18-hole golf course in Brinchang, which allows you to play golf while enjoy breathtaking views of the lush surroundings.

Options are also available for sightseeing in the form of Butterfly Farm, where one can find a rare selection of butterflies including Raja Brooke butterfly, apart from some indigenous moths and insects, and Cactus Valley, boasting of one of the rarest variety cactus plants, which is of more than of 60 years old.

The leading producer of flowers in the country - Cameron has to its credit a large number of incredible flower nurseries, of which many of them are situated alongside the main road from Ringlet. An amazing variety of flowers of different colors and shapes can be found here.

Cameron is also much sought after for its rose gardens, prominent being Robertson Rose Garden, rendering superb views of the surrounding hills. Cameron's soils are also considered fertile for many vegetable and fruits to grow such as tomato, cauliflower, and cabbage. Take a visit to Strawberries Garden, where freshly picked strawberries are available for affordable prices.

Must-visit destinations also include Pasar Malam (Night Market), dotted with a variety of stalls selling items like souvenirs, fruits, plants, and handicrafts, and Orang Asli Village, which is inhabited by Senoi, Temier, Jakun and Negrito.

Genting Highlands - Founded in 1965, Genting Highlands is one of the most developed as well as accessible mountain retreats in Kuala Lumpur. Attractions, among many others of the place, are Ringgit theme park, a sprawling facility with more than 40 rides such as roller coaster and splash pool; World Plaza - an elegant shopping complex with more than 70 outlets; and Casino de Genting - the only licensed facility in the nation. Genting also provides options to enjoy a variety of activities, like, jungle trekking, horse riding, abseiling, and golf, with such facilities as the Awana Golf and Counrty Club.

Fraser's Hill - Named after Louise James Fraser - a Scottish adventurer who founded a tin-ore trading station during the 19th century - Fraser's Hill is a tranquil getaway, placed at an altitude of 1,524 mt above sea level. Located 100 km from Kuala Lumpur, the resort takes after an English village, with its verdant landscape and granite-colored buildings. Included in its attractions are the Fraser's Hill Nature Education Centre (FHNEC), Royal Fraser's Hill Golf Club, Jeriau Waterfall, and a small market square with a clock tower. Above all, the Fraser's Hill is also a venue for the most thrilling Fraser's Hill International Bird Race.

Bukit Tinggi - Spread across 16,000 acres and surrounded by lush green rainforest, Bukit Tinggi is a charming destination in Pahang. Situated just an hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur, Bukit Tinggi has to its credit attractions like Bukit Tinggi Golf and Country Club, Rabbit Park and Deer Sanctuary, and Colmar Tropicale Resort, and Japanese Village.

How to Find Hotels in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

instruction

Know Your Destination

1. Step 1

   Understand the area's history. The influence of the British and its tin interests in Malaysia in the late 1800s had a major effect on the wealth and prosperity of Kuala Lumpur as well as the beautiful colonial architecture that abounds. Additionally, it is the only city in the world to have a million-year-old primary forest within the heart of the city.

2. Step 2

   Bring light clothing. While Malaysia enjoys equatorial warmth and sun most of the year, the monsoon season is from April to September. At this time it is rainy and humid.

3. Step 3

   Learn a little Malay. This is the country's official language, although English is widely spoken.

4. Step 4

   Get used to new money. The official currency is the Malaysia Ringgit (RM).

Choose Your Transportation

5. Step 1

   Take the train from the airport. Kuala Lumpur is directly connected to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang via the inexpensive KLIA Ekspres high-speed train service, which takes about a half hour.

6. Step 2

   Take a taxi from the train station. It takes approximately ten minutes from the station to most hotels.

7. Step 3

   Use public transportation. The system is fairly efficient and comfortable. The light rail system is the cheapest and fastest way to get around the city.

Select Accommodations

8. Step 1

   To book accommodations, contact Kuala Lumpur Tourism Action Council at 011 (+603) 2617 6272 or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

9. Step 2

   Find luxury hotels near the Lake Gardens.

10. Step 3

    Center yourself in the midst of everything with a downtown hotel.

11. Step 4

    Stay near public transportation. There are many good mid-price hotels near the bus station.

12. Step 5

    Travel cheap. If you want to save money, stay at the ethnic hotels near Merdeka Square.

Learn Local Information

13. Step 1

    Make sure to see Lake Gardens. Various parks showcase butterflies, deer, Orchids and Hibiscus, as well as Southeast Asia's largest Bird Park, all in 920,000 square metres of beautifully tended garden.

Holidays in Malaysia and the Best Places to Go in Malaysia

Holidays in Malaysia offer a myriad or things to do and see; strange creatures dwell amongst the exotic plants of the jungles of Malaysia, and off the idyllic coastline there's another kind of exotic garden to explore: long, colourful ribbons of coral reef are amongst the best places to go in Malaysia. There are fantastic bays like Emerald Bay; more than just a tropical island, this region has impressive mountains and remote communities living unique cultural lives. But it's also a tropical island holiday, and so holidays in Malaysia allow for both exploration and languor.

Malaysia's humming and buzzing capital, Kuala Lumpur, and the jungles and reef ringed islands of Malaysian Borneo are so vastly different that holidays in Malaysia are guaranteed contrast. Most international flights arrive in Kuala Lumpur, so even if you're steering clear of the city life and heading into nature you still get to be surprised by the comparison. The main airport of the Sabah and Sarawak regions is at Kota Kinabalu, so most visitors start their exploration Malaysian holiday there.

Day One: Assuming some of the first day of your holiday in Malaysia will be taken up with setting in and poking around your hotel, take an afternoon/ evening stroll into Kota Kinabalu and look around the markets and restaurants and wander along to the ferry port. This is a port town rather than a beach town so leave your beach towel at the hotel.

Day Two: Bring your towel on the second day of your holiday in Malaysia and retrace your steps into town and the ferry port where you can get a ferry out to the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Visitors can stay overnight on the larger islands but Pulau Sapi, or Cow Island, one of the smallest of the five, is the quietest, and ideal for a day trip to swim, snorkel, hike though the rainforest, have your toes nibbled by tiny fish and your lunch stolen by an exotic monkey or giant monitor lizard.

Day Three: Trekkers who don't mind a bit of uphill work can conquer Mt. Kinabalu in two days -- it's the 20th tallest in the world and worth factoring into your holiday in Malaysia - but one day is enough to sample the pleasures of the Mt. Kinabalu National Park at its base, including the orchid gardens, Poring Hot Springs, and hopefully one of the park's biological pleasures -- a fleshy, flash smelling rafflesia plant, on which grow the world's largest flowers. Some resorts will be able to help you arrange transport up to the mountain and the jungles that spread all over it, and the easiest way to go is as part of a group.

Day Three: Fly to Sandakan. While Kota Kinabalu has the scenery, Sandakan has the wildlife, most fascinatingly the Orang utans at Sepilok and the turtles of Turtle Island Park, and one of the main reasons people want to take their holidays in Malaysia.

Day Four: The marine sanctuary of Turtle Island is an overnight stay. They can only accommodate very small groups, but in the evening you're there to welcome the mother turtles on to the beach as they lay their eggs, then able to release some of the babies from a clutch laid 60 days earlier. The accommodation is pretty basic, the food isn't breathtaking, but getting a kiss a baby turtle on its shell just after it's dug its way out of its nest before it scuttles down the beach to the sea is something indescribable and well worth planning a holiday in Malaysia around.

Day Five: The amazing and ancient turtles aren't the most famous local inhabitants of this region: the Old Men of Borneo, as the locals call them, are. Living under difficult conditions, the orang utan's habitat is shrinking, and as man encroaches we need to give them a little help. They get that at Sepilok, a conservation centre where orang utans are brought to be rehabilitated before being released into the wild. Visitors to the park get as close to them as they're able to anywhere, when these furry jungle men come in for a feed and put on impromptu shows on the ropes and platforms around the feeding platforms. Animal lovers take note -- it's possible to volunteer at Sepilok, but you need to commit quite a bit of time and organise it well in advance.

Day Six & Seven: Divers won't want to travel to this region without diving off Sipidan Island, which has some of the world's best dive sites, but explorers may be more interested in visiting the Mulu, Gomantong or Niah Caves, renowned karst structures, Kuching for a bit of the lively culture of the place and the orchid garden, or for a unique cultural experience, a traditional longhouse community, so these last days of your holiday in Malaysia should be used up according to personal interest.

Sipadan the Pearl of Malaysia

Located of the mainland of Sabah near a town of Semporna is the legendary island of Sipadan. It is known as one of the best diving locations in the region and beyond. Not only do we see coral structures but more amazing are the marine caves, and Palau Sipadan has the largest variety of soft coral anywhere in the world.
It is a place where turtles swim freely in the warm waters of sipadan and scuba divers will find barracudas, lobsters, frog fish, many of the beautiful coral fish and sharks alike.

In total 12 dive sites can be found around the island of Sipadan, all the dive sites consist of wall dives which drop off shear from only 20 feet of the beach front. That will only stop at some 2,800 feet below. These staggering figures and the amazing coral and marine life as made Sipadan one of the top five beach dives in the world.

Below you will find some more details of the amazing Diving:

Temperatures are typically 6 to 30 degrees Celsius so a short wetsuit of three to five millimetres should be adequate and with 20 to 60m visibility will make the prefect dive.

As mentioned there are a total of 12 sites to dive on, ranging from Turtle Cavern where you will see hawksbill and green turtles a plenty, to south point where you will find plenty of sharks up to a shallow dive at lobster lair.

The marine life that can be seen are white and grey tip sharks, green and hawksbill turtles, jacks, barracdas, tigger fish, and mantis shrimp to name just a few.

Sipadan can be dived all year round and this makes it an amazing place.

Scuba Diving Destinations in Malaysia

Diving resorts are very popular in Malaysia. There are several places here where one can enjoy scuba diving and other water sports activities. Here are ten of the best diving places in Malaysia:

1. Sabah - a place in Malaysia that has been very well known for its amazing waters and beautiful location. Here, divers can witness the startling hammerhead sharks, and whale sharks. Divers have been very amazed with Sabah's features ideal for scuba diving.

2. Redang Kalong Resort - situated in the Redang Island, Malaysia and is an ideal place for scuba diving beginners for the resort offers scuba diving lessons and also for other sports like tennis, snorkeling, kayaking, board games and many others. The resort is also lined with a very attractive beach view so one can feel the stillness and peace which is a rare find in the city.

3. Tioman Island - a secluded and quiet place which is one of the most attractive islands on earth. Waters around the island is a perfect place for scuba diving with its beautiful collection of colorful marine life. Lots of unique and unusual marine creatures are to be seen in this amazing place that is one of the favorites of scuba divers.

4. Palau Perhentian Besar - a big island in the eastern coast of Malaysia and is an ideal place for scuba diving for the place has a rare collection of well preserved marine life and under water creatures. Divers can enjoy watching the colorful reefs that is pretty amazing in Palau Perhentian.

5. Palau Kapas - located in the mainland coast of the town of Marang in Malaysia. The place is ideal for non-diving tourists for beginners are always welcome to try scuba diving here. Palau Kapas is famous for its clear emerald waters and white sandy beaches. Marine life is also very lively too that one can enjoy watching them underwater.

6. Pulau Lang Tengah - a wonderful place for scuba diving with its underwater marine parks and having lots of unique and unusual underwater finds. The waters are very clear making the reefs very colorful and vibrant.

7. Palau Tengol - is a group of islands that is one of the best diving sites in the world. The underwater life here is very lively and colorful. Diving is very ideal during the months of April to June where in underwater life is very visible and the sharks can be very visibly seen.

8. Sipadan - located in the northeast of Borneo. This place is very renowned for its collection of many turtles. The whole beach island has a superb beauty making it not only a perfect diving site but a perfect getaway place as well.

9. Lankayan Island - located in the Sulu sea, in the northeastern part of Sabah. There are a total of 40 dive sites in Lankayan Island alone making it very well known to divers.

10. Mabul - located 25 minutes away from Sipadan Island. Mabul offers so many diving opportunities for divers that have a very large collection of coral reefs and other marine life.

Malaysia - Places to Go, Things to Do

Malaysia can be described as a jewel of the east with such a diversity of culture and some of the most beautiful beaches located on both its east and west coast. But, the place to start your visit when you are in Malaysia is from its capital city Kuala Lumpur, or the awe aspiring Petronas Twin Towers which are the tallest buildings in the world. The view of the Petronas Twin Towers from the visitors' gallery is extremely fascinating. The Kuala Lumpur bird park is not only the biggest but the best bird park in Asia. It is surrounded by a butterfly park, a planetarium, and other places of interest. It's a lovely place to take the children to see such a variety of birds and feeding points from where people can actually feed the birds.

The Batu caves are a Hindu religious site, and at the foot of the caves is a huge gold statue. 272 steps have to be climbed to reach the caves which are in a limestone mountain, and there are a number of Hindu temples in the caves. The caves are quite damp, and it gets quite hot and sticky inside the caves. There are markets, restaurants, dance clubs, and plenty of hotels to stay in Kuala Lumpur.

To do a spot of gambling or to play on a mountain resort, a visit to the cool Genting highland is worthwhile. There is a casino and a golf course located here, and the weather is quite cool and refreshing especially after taking the heat and humidity of the lower plains. It's a good spot to relax and unwind in. from Genting highland if there is transport then a visit to the beach resorts that dot the east coast of Malaysia are worth visiting for the white sand beaches and tropical forests. The serenity of nature is wonderful to soothe in even the most ruffled of nerves.

Near Kuah is a geographical marvel known as the seven wells. A fresh water stream cascades down approximately 90 meters via seven pools. The climb becomes more and more scenic as you reach the top. But be careful while climbing as the rocks are slippery. Near Kuah is the Pantai Cenang beach with its white sandy beaches and breath taking sunsets.

Pulau Tioman is a large fully developed volcanic island which offers the full spectrum of water sports, diving spots, jungle treks, cycling, and furthermore, golfers can also play some golf over here. Accommodation facilities can be found easily as there are plenty of hotels that spot the coastal rim of this island.

To get a fabulous view of Georgetown, take the funicular cable car ride up on Penang hill. This half ride shows the lovely flora and fauna that Malaysia is so rich in. For trekkers the 6 kilometer walk up the mountain to reach the 800m peak can be quite adventurous.

There is no dearth in the variety of activities that can be found in Malaysia. There are amusement and theme parks, golf courses and restaurants, and the variety of food that is available at the hawker centers is quite amazing. Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian food is most popularly sold at the hawker centers.

Commuting around Malaysia can be done by taxi, intercity buses and there is a train link which runs through the length of Malaysia all the way down to Singapore and up north into Thailand. Accommodation anywhere in Malaysia is easy to find, and all the international hotel chains have their hotels in the major cities and seaside resorts of Malaysia.

The weather in Malaysia is hot and tropical most of the year round. But all the shopping centers, hotels, and restaurants are air conditioned. A visit to Malaysia is an experience that remains ingrained on the mind as it turns out to be different than what was expected

Malaysia Perfect Holiday Destination

For me, the ideal holiday destination in Malaysia is! I went there five times now, and I just love it. In fact, one day, I'll settle down and purchase a small house or apartment on the beach.

Here are my Top 5 reasons to holiday in Malaysia.

1) beaches. beautiful beaches in Malaysia, you can very quickly from the capital city (Kuala Lumpur,).

2) cost of living. It's cheap! I can leave for almost nothing nice curry! I remember how shocked I was when I returned to England, leaving a local restaurant of my Indian curry.

3) the local population. The people are so nice, it's one of the main reasons why I always to Malaysia and Penang, I like the way people are returned chilled.

4) Central Location. From Kuala Lumpur, I can get really cheap in most places, its great fire rail and airport Air Aisa has very cheap flights based.

5) diving. There are probably some of the best dive sites in the world, held in Malaysia! If you are interested in qualifying as a dip or a dive, then you could do much worse than Malaysia.

What are some reasons I love Malaysia and surrounding islands. I recommend it to anyone who would be traveling to Asia, but who wants a place not in your face "like India and Cambodia - a good start in life in Asia.

10 Reasons Why It's Worth Visiting Malaysia

Malaysia is a beautiful country and a popular tourist destination. On its own culture, the incredible climate, beautiful scenery and excellent cuisine are just some of the reasons why Malaysia is one of the most beautiful resorts in the world.

1. Kuala Lumpur is one of the best reasons to visit to Malaysia. It is the capital of Malaysia and is also known as "Garden City of Lights." His department stores and shopping centers offer a variety of traditional crafts as well as branded products in the world. The mega-sales that take place each year around the country to attract buyers from all over South Asia.

2. Malaysia offers an incredible variety of dishes for every taste and budget. Various kitchens are available for hot and spicy dishes from Malaysia, exotic Chinese delicacies, Indian cuisine and a wide selection of international dishes.

3. Visit Malaysia is a pleasure in itself. The country has an abundance of exotic destinations attract the tourists from all over the world, including islands, beaches and forests. Some are wonderful places, Langkawi, Cherating, Port Dickson, Labuan Iceland, visit Tioman, Pangkor and Redang Iceland Iceland.

4. Malaysia is known for its beautiful historical sites such as churches and the Museum of Malacca Malacca Mahamariamman temple in Kuala Lumpur and Penang Snake Temple.

5. For those who love the outdoors, it would be interesting to visit the Cameron Highlands, Frasers Hill and Genting Highlands Berjaya Hills.

6. natural beauty of Malaysia is the most brilliant in tropical forests. The best places to admire the magnificence of the rainforest would Kinabalu Park, Kuala Selangor Park, Endau Rompin National Park and Mulu.

7. A typical visit for lovers of wild animals including a trip to the Botanical Gardens and Bird Park, near Bukit Jambul Reptile Farm.

8. Accommodation in Malaysia covers a wide range of hotels and resorts that appeal to every taste and budget. There are upscale five-star Taj as in Langkawi, Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur, Penang Bayview Beach Resort Berjaya Langkawi Resort and, just to name a few. Among the hotels that offer good deals are the Holiday Inn Malacca, the Andaman Sea, Langkawi, Citrus Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Penang on Dorsett.

9. Getting Around Malaysia is not difficult. and visitors can travel through the region by air or land. One of the best options open to car rental places like Hertz and Hawk can take you anywhere in Malaysia. Luxury buses are available between Malaysia and Singapore.

10. Malaysia has always been a fascinating tribal culture. A visit to Sabah has seen the possibility of the indigenous tribes in their natural environment.