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Centuries ago
merchant seamen following the tradewinds
discovered Malaysia. Captivated by its natural
beauty and tropical bounty, many returned again
and again, some even choosing to make the idyll
paradise of these shores home.
Malaysia is a haven
for adventure and nature lovers. Easy
accessibility, the warm tropical climate,
on-going conservation efforts and many beautiful
nature spots all contribute to making Malaysia a
premier eco-tourism destination.
Almost three-fifths
of Malaysia's 330,433 sq km mass is covered by
tropical rainforests which are home to a variety
of exotic, rare and protected flora and fauna.
Cascading waterfalls, rapid rivers, serene
lakes, craggy mountains, secret caves, bountiful
seas, kaleidoscopic coral reefs and scenic
islands all offer something for each individual.
Challenging jungle treks, leisurely swims, the
adrenaline-pumping thrill of whitewater rafting
or a quiet communion with nature are among the
wide range of activities that can be enjoyed in
Malaysia's fascinating outdoor environment.
The magical islands
of Langkawi, Payar and Pangkor surrounded by the
warm waters of the Straits of Malacca offer
excellent diving opportunities all-year round.
Off the eastern coast in the South China Sea,
the paradise islands of Perhentian, Redang,
Tenggol, Kapas, Tioman, Rawa, Sibu, Tinggi and
Besar are renowned for their marine diversity
and clear waters. The dive sites off Sabah in
Borneo are equally lovely, the most prominent
being the islands of the Tuanku Abdul Rahman
National Park, the Layang-Layang atoll and Pulau
Mabul.
For wreck diving,
the island of Labuan, off Sabah's south-western
coast, boasts of some of the region's most
fabulous sites. Most of the dive sites in
Malaysia are found within its marine parks which
serve as sanctuaries for the protection and
preservation of the fragile marine eco-systems
with their wealth of marine life and vegetation.
Freshwater or inland
fishing is an activity gaining in popularity.
Tasik Kenyir, Tasek Bera, Tasik Chini and Tasik
Dampar, and the Semborang Reservoir in
Peninsular Malaysia are home to species like
belida, toman, grass carp and tinfoil barb which
await the avid angler's hooks.
The country's many
rivers and streams also teems with many species
of fresh-water fish.
The waters off the
east coast and Sabah and Sarawak also beckon the
deep sea or game fishing enthusiast. For those
with a desire for speed, white water rafting in
Sabah offers a truly exhilarating ride down
swift rivers. Those seeking higher altitudes
will enjoy the mountain climbing challenge of
Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu).
The more
introspective visitor may prefer time alone with
nature and activities such as bird watching,
camping and cave exploring are satisfying ways
to get to enjoy nature.
GETTING THERE
With the numerous
points of entry into Malaysia by land, air and
sea, getting to your ultimate destination will
be relatively easy. Domestic air fares are
reasonable though those with time to spare may
prefer to travel overland by train, bus, car or
a combination of these in order to experience
more of the country.
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