Scuba Diving in Sipadan, Malaysia

By Lilah Tusko

On the eastern outskirts of Malaysia, you will find the most popular scuba diving destination in all of Malaysia, Sipadan. Pulau Sipadan Island is a legend among divers with well-traveled divers making regular trips to the region and less-traveled ones putting Sipadan at the top of their dive wish list. Even Jacques Cousteau raved about the diversity of marine life that could be found in the waters surrounding Sipadan.

The attractions that you will see while scuba diving in Sipadan, Malaysia are endless. Turtles are abundant here, and it is not uncommon to be able to watch them for lengthy periods munching away at algae and sponges or lazing around on wall shelves. The amount of macro life that inhabits the walls is also staggering. You could literally while away hours of precious scuba diving time zeroing in on these tiny, wonderful creatures.

Sipadan is also home to some of the most popular scuba diving sites to be found in all of Malaysia. Here is a brief overview of just a few of the most popular dive sites to be found in Malaysia:

Barracuda Point Reef - Putting it mildly, Barracuda Point is famous for barracuda sightings. Actually the barracuda sightings reported at Barracuda Point are not mild by anyone's standards. While scuba diving the point, many divers have reported being caught up in a swirling vortex of chevron or blacktail barracuda so dense that they could not see anything through the vortex. Grey reef sharks are also frequently spotted in this favorite Malaysia dive spot as are parrotfish and turtles.

The Drop Off - The Drop off is not only the best shore dive in Malaysia, it is often regarded as the best shore dive in the entire world. Just a short distance from the beach, strollers will encounter The Drop Off. Scuba diving in this location will reveal a magical underwater world complete with colorful coral and sponges clinging to the vertical wall. Nooks and crannies are home to crabs, shrimp, and other macro life just waiting to be discovered by inquisitive divers. If you don't feel like searching for the underwater wonders of Malaysia, don't worry. Scuba diving in this location will also bring you up close and personal with large schools of jacks, barracuda, and bumpheaded parrotfish as well as whitetip sharks, grey reef sharks, and turtles.

Coral Garden - If you want a calm scuba diving location teeming with marine life, you need look no further than the Coral Garden. Here you can observe turtles feed and be entertained for hours by antics of macro life of every variety imaginable. In fact, Coral Garden is often visited by divers looking for the perfect photo opportunities to record their underwater vacation in Malaysia.

There is no doubt that scuba diving in Sipadan, Malaysia is among the best to be had anywhere in the world. Why not see for yourself what wonders the underwater world of Malaysia has to offer?

To obtain your 2 FREE Gifts: Special Report "Insider's Guide to Scuba Diving Gear" and Special Report "Top 10 Ways to Make Money while Scuba Diving", go to http://www.thatdivesite.com and sign up for the FREE Gifts. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lilah_Tusko

Travel to Malaysia

By TJ Tierney

Malaysia is a country of striking natural beauty situated in Southeast Asia, with some of the most superb beaches, mountains and national parks in the world. It consists of thirteen states that are divided into two geographical regions that are separated by the South China Sea.

Malaysia has a multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society and is one of the most pleasant, hassle-free countries to visit in Southeast Asia. Contemporary Malaysian society is mainly dominated by the Malay (local) people, but there is a substantial Chinese, Indian and European minority. The official religion is Islam.

Its year round sunshine ensures Malaysia’s growing tourism and it is fast becoming one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. While it does get torrential seasonal rain, this should not turn you off this paradise. Its rainfall is very seasonal and typical of any equatorial climate.

Travelling by air to Malaysia can be very inexpensive with one of the world’s leading low cost carrier, Air Asia, based there. Once you arrive in Malaysia your luxury holiday immediately begins. The high-speed express will get you into Kuala Lumpur in less than thirty minutes.

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, or also known as KL, is an expansive beautiful city with soaring skyscrapers. One hundred years ago Kuala Lumpur was a small mining town attracting workers from China and India. Now it’s fast becoming one of the most sought after holiday destinations in the world.

Kuala Lumpur is now well known as a great shopping destination as well as a great night time spot and entertainment hub. Food in Malaysia varies from the different ethnic regions, rice is the most common food source in Malaysia and is often eaten for breakfast.

The landscape of Malaysia ranges from lush rainforests to towering rocky hills. Its rainforests are full of all types of flora and fauna with over 450 species of birds that are native to the islands of Malaysia. There are also over 160 different species of snake. Other wildlife of Malaysia includes bears, crocodiles, elephants, leopards, monkeys, panthers and rhinoceroses. The Orang-utan, which is one of the world's most endangered animals is also unique to this part of the world.

Malaysia has over 200 tropical islands making it a refuge for all sorts of water sports. Its tropical resorts are full of white sandy beaches and provide a vast paradise, while beneath the warm tropical waters, a unique world awaits to be explored.

Well worth a visit, and located just outside of the capital city are the Batu Caves. These are huge cathedral-like caves accessible by steps. The caves have a one hundred meter tall chamber and have been used as a Hindu temple for more than a hundred years.

There are many reasons for travelling to Malaysia but a few things that you can always count on are: the excellent climate that you get all year round, the peaceful surroundings that you get all year round, and the great value that Malaysia has to offer.

One of the greatest aspects of life in Malaysia, and especially Kuala Lumpur, is that so many people with different ethnic backgrounds live together in perfect harmony with no racial problems.

TJ Tierney is an award winning photographer and a freelance writer. To find out more information on Malaysia visit his travel guide or his travel directory.

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Sabah - Malaysian Borneo, Exotic Island Paradise

By: Walter Rajah

SABAH is Malaysia's premier nature adventure destination situated in the northern tip of Borneo Island, the third largest island in the world. Sabah is popular for its wildlife conservation attractions, rain forest, surrounding nature and islands, beach resorts, tropical white sandy beaches, crystal clear water, and its warm and friendly people. If you are thinking of visiting Borneo, these places of interest and activities will whet your appetite!.....

Sipadan-kaplai Dive Resort In Sabah Borneo Malaysia

By: Peter R Stewart

Kapalai Island Resort or more correctly Sipadan-Kaplai Dive resort in Sabah Malaysia although it is part of Borneo is only a short distance by boat from the islands of Sipadan and Mabul. Having said all that it is another world altogether.

Kapalai Island Resort actually sits on stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. It is not attached to any land whatsoever although over a mile of powdery white sand appears at low tide for sunbathing.

The architects who designed the complex must have been extremely innovative, because the Sipadan-Kapalai resort consists of a chain of chalets that are all linked by almost two miles of walkways, so you will never be short of exercise here, especially if you like jogging. The incredible thing is the plethora of fish just a few inches between your feet as you travel along the boardwalk.

Kapalai is totally peaceful and quiet, just a turquoise sea stretching off into the distance, and yet right underneath is the water which is literally teeming with life, so you can snorkel straight off the resort.

Kapalai accesses the best diving spots in Sabah Borneo, which makes it the best hotel in Sabah if you want to dive. From here you can dive in Sipadan where you will find big fish and turtles. You can go muck diving at Mabul, or stay close to Kapalai itself.

The Sipadan-Kapalai Island Resort, whilst geared towards divers is also a wonderful escape from the pressures of the 21st century. The rooms are a bit like the Maldives were a few years ago, and as an added bonus they are a fraction of the price, and at no time to you feel crowded on this very special hotel in Sabah.

The food is good, very varied, and served buffet style, plus there is a lot of it, and is served almost 24 hours every day.

You can dive five times a day and never go to the same place twice, but of course Kapalai Island resort is one of the world’s top diving destinations. Everyone at Sipadan is very helpful, and you will get exceptional service from all of the staff from the divemasters to the hotel staff.

If you are visiting the region of Sipadan then without doubt the airy sunny resort of Kapalai, totally built on stilts is the place to stay. This is an absolutely tremendous resort !

If you are interested in othr far East Hotels and destinations then go to http://www.worldwidevacationspots.com/categories/Far-East-Hotels/

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A Quick Guide To Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo

By: E-borneo.com

The majestic and awe-inspiring Mount Kinabalu is one of the premier destinations for thousands of visitors to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo each year. Kinabalu National Park, a designated World Heritage Site, boasts an estimated 4,500 species of plants which includes 1,500 species of orchids, 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu, Nepenthes pitcher plants, and the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. The Park also supports 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies.

Besides being the highest peak in Borneo and the whole of South East Asia (between Irian Jaya and the Himalayas to be exact), and the youngest non-volcanic mountain in the world, Mount Kinabalu is extremely climber-friendly and compared to other much lower mountains around the world, Mount Kinabalu is an ideal first mountain for novice mountain trekkers to conquer.

The standard climb up Mount Kinabalu is via the Kinabalu Summit Trail at Kinabalu National Park (~1,560m above sea level). The first ascent is from the starting point at Timpohon Gate, about 4km or 30 minutes drive from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarter.

If you prefer to start the ascent on Day 1, it is advisable to arrive at the Park late morning the latest or else, depending on the weather, the Park may not allow you to do the first ascent due to hazardous condition (i.e., the fog may be too thick by late evening causing visibility problems and/or the trail may be extremely slippery).

Most climbers prefer to stay overnight at Kinabalu National Park upon arrival to not only acclimatize to the altitude but also to enjoy the magnificent flora and fauna at the Park before the “assault” on the next day/morning.

The first ascent is from Timpohon Gate just after the Power Station up to the mid-summit Laban Rata Resthouse (or more popularly known as the 11,000 ft or ~3,873m). You will first follow the crest of a narrow ridge that dips down onto the main slopes of Mount Kinabalu itself. A little further on, you will reach a scenic waterfall known as Carson's Falls, named after the first Warden of the Park. Don't forget to take a sip and fill your water bottles with the fresh natural mountain water.

Conservatively, it should take a normal fit person an average 5-6 hours to reach Laban Rata. Participants at the annual Mount Kinabalu Climbathon competition went all the way up to 13,400ft (4092.5m above sea level) and back in 2 hours. But it is not really about how fast you can reach the top. It is about the experience of trekking pass different vegetation zones from Oak and Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetations, and observing the rare and exotic flora and fauna on the way up.

Besides the heated Laban Rata Resthouse, the other option for climbers is to stay at the unheated mountain huts. There is actually another accommodation option at the so-called VIP Lodge, which is more expensive compared to the others and also, more difficult to secure (i.e., only two such units available).

After a short night rest to recharge your battery, the second and more grueling phase will commence early morning on Day 2, at about 2 am to 3 am. The second ascent will be from the mid-summit all the way to the summit, which is called Low's Peak, named after the British colonial officer Sir Hugh Low, supposedly, the first person to conquer Mt. Kinabalu.

The ascent should normally take a few hours but it is much more challenging than the initial ascent due to the thinner air near the summit. But near the peak on the granite portion of the ascent, there will be a thick nylon rope laid down to mark the route so that climbers will not get lost in the fog. You can use this rope to pull your tired body up.

Although, to reach the summit is already an achievement, it is best to target, if possible, to reach the summit just before sunrise to catch the awesome sight. If you reached too early, it will be too freezing cold to wait too long for the sunrise. On a good clear weather, the sky seemingly turns from black to red then orange and finally gold as the sun appears. When daylight breaks, you will truly feel that you are standing on top of the world. You can see as far as Kudat and even Sandakan if the weather permits.

One important tip is to make reservation early. Given the popularity of the Mount Kinabalu climb nowadays, it is advisable to book at least 3-4 months in advance (or even much earlier during the peak season usually around mid-year) to avoid any disappointment.

This is mainly due to the limited accommodation at the mid-summit (i.e., Laban Rata Resthouse, Mountain Huts or the VIP Lodge). In the event that there is no accommodation at the mid-summit, the climb will not be possible as strictly stipulated in the National Park's rules and regulations. Additionally, a mountain guide is compulsory.

In essence, Mount Kinabalu is relatively an easy mountain to climb. There is not much risk of acute mountain sickness at the first phase of climbing. Given climber-friendliness of the mountain, conquering the mountain must be high in your list of "activities to do" if you were to visit Sabah. For the average fit person, a visit to Borneo will not be complete without conquering Mount Kinabalu.

About the Author:
e-borneo.com is a Borneo travel gateway, trip advisor, and tour intermediary for the best and cost-effective custom/full-package Borneo holiday deals to Malaysia Borneo and Brunei. Check out one of the Mount Kinabalu tour itineraries at http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kk14.html or visit http://www.e-borneo.com/ for more tour options.

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Sabah, Malaysia Borneo - An Emerging Tropical Island Vacation Capital Of The New Millennium

By: E-borneo.com

The Malaysian state of Sabah, located at the northeast corner of the island of Borneo, is well positioned to offer a unique tropical island vacation flavor with a difference.

In fact..., with a very big difference.

There is more to Sabah than the sunny tropical weather, beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical island setting, clear crystal waters, and rich ocean and marine life.

Unlike the Caribbean islands or most tropical island vacation destinations in the world, Sabah offers a complete array of activities from adventure and nature to wildlife on top of a world class tropical beach vacation.

What makes Sabah, Malaysia Borneo a unique tropical island vacation spot?

Given its unique geographical advantage where within 76,115 square kilometers (or 29,388 square miles or slightly smaller than the US state of South Carolina), you can...

* laze around in white pristine and unspoiled tropical beaches
* conquer the highest peak in South East Asia
* encounter wildlife in their natural habitat
* admire the largest flower in the world
* lay back and enjoy the sun and water at international standard and luxurious tropical resorts
* appreciate the culture of the colorful indigenous peoples
* rough it out in controlled adventure vacation sites
* brave the river rapids on a white water rafting adventure
* be one with nature in the world of million years old rainforests
* dive into some of the world's best underwater wonderlands
* explore the underwater cave of the world's only mushroom-shaped world class dive spot

On top of the above, traveling around Sabah is also easy and relatively cheaper, and the locals are helpful and friendly.

Most of the tropical wonders of the world, from ocean deep to mountain high, can be found right here in sunny Sabah. You don't have to travel far and wide to savor the best tropical attractions, saving you invaluable time and money to stay put in just one tropical vacation destination.

You can actually experience Sun, Sea and Sand, Forest and Mountain in less than ONE hour - that is, if you utilize a helicopter service.

If you are planning for your next tropical island vacation, or thinking of exploring a new and exciting tropical vacation destination, please explore Sabah personally to find out why it is an ideal choice for your dream tropical island vacation.

About the Author:

e-borneo.com ( http://www.e-borneo.com ) is a leading Borneo travel gateway, trip advisor, and tour intermediary for the best custom/full-package vacation deals to Malaysia Borneo. Check out some of Sabah’s top tour packages at http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/sabah.html or for more info on Sabah, please http://www.Borneo-Tropical-Vacation.com

Article Tags: sabah, tropical, vacation

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Cool Places … In Hot Malaysia

By: Donald Jones

The pet monkey named Joyng bit through her leash and romped through the fronds of the palm trees, celebrating her freedom. She paused occasionally to heave a coconut down at the sweat-soaked baseball cap of her frantic owner, who was chasing wildly after her and, in the Terengganu dialect which Joyng knew, beseeching her to come down. Such is life in tropic Malaya's resorts--better known to Europeans (especially Germans) than Americans. Guests enjoy the sun, sandy beaches, swimming pools, eco-tourism, river cruising, ocean diving, jungle trekking, remainder-to-remnant massages and spacious villas in the architectural styles of the Malayan Archipelago.

They will also find crab-feeding monkeys, noisy hornbills and monitor lizards sunning them selves on the green lawns as their neighbors. Our press grouping's have was limited to impertinent local culinary art, sleeping in comfortable villas, snorkeling in warm seas and partaking in 3 health club treatments, which together created a perfect high gear-enjoyment refuge memory. We had first base flown into Kuala Lumpur, 's modern capital city, which everyone calls "KL." The cosmopolitan city and business center gained new public awareness when the Petronas Twin Towers topped out in 1996 and occupancy began in early 1997. Tower One is occupied by Petronas, the state-owned petroleum corporation. Tower Two houses Petronas' associate companies and multinationals. The towers are joined by the 192-foot-long sky bridge on levels 41 and 42.

Our final examination dinner was at the Fisherman's Cove Restaurant, which offered an Asian-fusion of Western grill, Taiwanese dishes, Italian specialties and impudent seafood. The open kitchen, views and state-of-the-art design made it the ultimate dining know at Pangkor Laut. Our drive back to KLIA for our flight home was notable because it was on Ching Ming, the day that people from the Formosan communities traditionally sojourn cemeteries to honor and show respect to their ancestors. The many final exam resting places that we passed, all senior high school on hillsides, were thick with devotees and there were no places left to park on the highway.

is a great place to inflict, but be prepared for heat, overwhelming humidity and thunder-showers every afternoon, depending on the time of year. Monsoon temper starts around the beginning of October and continues to January-February. A haunt arrest, with its breezes, is fresher than a check in KL, and dress is more casual. Airlines flies five times a week 'tween Los Angeles (LAX) and KL via Taipei and III times a week betwixt New York (JFK) and KL via Stockholm. Airlines' crown jewel, the Golden Lounge, is the world's largest business--and first gear-class airport passenger lounge, with good food plus corners in which to relax and check your e-mail. Pangkor Laut Recourse was included on the Circus tent Ten Overseas Hotel Spas-Asia and 100 Big top Spas Worldwide 2004 lists by Conde Nast Traveller.

Opened on March 1, 1979, the repair has been extensively refurbished under new management. It features 126 luxury villas and 22 resort hotel villas plus a watering place building and two swimming pools. It is a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World mathematical group. Tanjong Jara Refuge won the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for its updated interpretation of a 17th-century sultan's palace.

It was given the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences' 5-Star Diamond Award and the top award in the Malaysian National Landscaping Competition.

Article Tags: award, kl, petronas

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Malaysia: The Asian Beauty

By: Alex J Smith

The splendid country of Malaysia stores a rich stock of diversified heritage, traditions, and culture. The vivid mesh of different religious and racial backgrounds that feature the heritage of Asia in Malays, Chinese, and Indians and the cultural marks left by the Thai, Portuguese, Dutch, and English make Malaysia one of the most beautiful countries that celebrate plurality and diversity.

Despite the differences, the people of Malaysia are the most gentle and most tolerant in the world. Each Malaysian promotes a sense of harmony and peace that emanates not only from within. In every place that tourists travel in this country, they find peace everywhere.

Beach Resorts

As you travel to Malaysia, you should not miss the best beach resorts it has to offer. The Emerald Bay for example is listed as the top ten of the world’s beaches and definitely one of the best in Malaysia. The bay is crescent in shape and has the identity of most Malaysia’s beaches which have emerald waters. This beach is highly exclusive but travel agents can make sure that everything will be in order when you go there.

The Catai beach in Langkawi Island is another top beach. While most of the coves are privately owned, it still does not stop for tourists to enter this beach scene. The Datai beach is one of the best crescent beaches in Malaysia with excellent diving sites that rival the best beaches in Asia.

Tioman Island is one beach that has still its conservative beauty. It is a very avid tourist spot especially for golfers, nature lovers, and skin divers looking for the best diving spots. Its golden beach at the front and a deep forest backed by a tropical jungle is a paradise for the tourist. Travel agents in Malaysia will tell you that it is best to go there during March to September.

Sights in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur which is a city filled with skyscrapers houses the magnificent and modern Petronas Towers and other towers. However, much of Kuala Lumpur has its beauty in the old colonial building that symbolizes its rich heritage. The towers take the influence of Moorish, Islamic, and the Tudor tradition.

The Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is one of the largest bird parks in South East Asia. Tourists to Malaysia that go to its capital marvel at the different display of birds in such an urban place. The National Mosque shows off the Islamic tradition of Malaysia to its Asian neighbours. It houses a grand hall that can accommodate a lot of Muslim worshippers, which is also a main reason for the influx of tourists.

About the Author:

Alex J Smith writes for Datravelers.com It's a website where travelers can host their own travel blogs, upload photos and find unbiased travel information.

Article Tags: beach, malaysia, travel

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Malaysia - Land Of Festivals!

By: Alix Sunggin

Anyone visiting Malaysia for the first time would not cease to be amazed by the number of festivals and events that are happening the whole year around. Malaysia, with its mix of ethnic races which include Malays, descendants of the Bugis and Javanese, Chinese, Indian and others, features a colourful potpourri of cultural traditions. Many of these traditions are expressed through the festivals that take place the whole year round!

Major festivals of Malaysia include

* Hari Raya Aidilfitri

After a month of fasting during the month of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the first day of Syawal which is the tenth month of the Muslim calendar with joyous enthusiasm. This is a major festival for Muslims and they usher in the day with prayers in mosques and remembering their departed loved ones. It is also the time for family reunion when members of the family from different parts of the country get together. The festival mood is with joyous enthusiasm. Special festival dishes are served for festivals and friends during "open house". The festival mood is reflected is brightly decorated homes, government and commercial buildings. Homes are also lit with all lamps at the entrance in keeping with a long established tradition.

* Chinese New Year

This is the most important festival of the Chinese community and it lasts for a full two weeks! It begins with a reunion dinner which is traditional for every member of the family to attend. Chinese New Year is the time when spirits are appeared and offerings are made to Gods. It is a boisterous festival with the clang of cymbals accompanying lion dances and the thunder of fire crackles filling the air. Guests are entertained to a variety of sumptuous food and drinks and the unmarried youngsters are given Ang Pows - gifts of money enclosed in little red packets. Major hotels and shopping complexes celebrate the occasion by holding lion dances and special Chinese programmers to entertain their clients.

* Deepavali

This is a Hindu festival of light. Homes of Hindus are lit with little lights to signify the victory over darkness for the Hindus believe that this is the day when the forces of good overcame the forces of evil. Deepavali is a major festival of the Hindus and on the eve prayers are held both at home and in the temples.Hindus take a traditional oil bath in the early hours of the morning on Deepavali day and after prayers entertain their friends and guests to "open house.

* Christmas

The birth of Christ is celebrated by Christians in Malaysia in the true traditional style. Most Christians homes are decorated with festoon and coloured lights and the Christmas tree is a must! Young Christians go carolling days before Christmas day to usher in the Yuletide spirit. Churches hold midnight masses on the eve of Christmas. The festival is celebrated on a national scale in Malaysia and Christians hold "open house" to entertain their friends and colleagues.

* Thaiponggol

In Malaysia, Thaiponggol is a harvest festival celebrated out of season because it is fixed in the Hindu calendar. Tamils celebrate this festival around the second week of January. While it is still dark, farmers rise and cook some of the newly harvested grain. Ponggol is the presentation of the cooked harvested grain to the sun at dawn.

However, for urban families, this ritual has been adapted to their own living conditions. Here the family rises, bathes and gets dressed before dawn. This is done without the use of any form of light. When everyone is ready, wearing their best clothes, they assemble around a display of fruits and flowers. Only then are lamps lit.

* National Water Festival

Water resource plays an important role in the socio-cultural and economic development of the Malaysian society. Apart from functioning as a communication system, an economic, resource and determinant of early settlement pattern of the Malaysian society, it had also been a place where families carried out their recreational activities in the past. Therefore, water resource in whatever form should be protected, valued and utilized to the maximum.

The fun gets merrier with the drinking of the inevitable tapai which is an alcoholic drink made from rice wine. Apart from these, there are also organised agriculture shows, buffalo races, cultural performances and traditional games as part and parcel of the festive celebrations.

* Gawai Dayak

The Gawai Dayak festival is celebrated by the Dayaks of Sarawak who live in longhouses. Being one of the major festivals of the community, it is celebrated on a grand scale and lasts for a week. The Gawai Dayak festival marks the transitional period between the season of rice harvesting and the new planting season. Hence, it is a reason of thanksgiving for the bountiful harvest and also a time to rest from work before the new planting season. The sound of boisterous laughter, convivial talk, drinking, dancing and merry-making will echo relentlessly all through the days of this exotic and colourful festival.

* Penang International Dragon Boat Festival

The Penang's first Dragon Boat Race was held in 1956 to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Municipality of George Town. 10 years later the race was revived as part of the Pesta Pulau Pinang. The Pesta races was originally confined to participation from the local teams such as teams from Government Department, associations and commercial establishments. However, in 1979, the boat festival became an international tourism carnival with 2 participation from overseas, Singapore and Hong Kong.

The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival has participating teams all over the world include Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Norway, Macau, Thailand, Japan, Britain, West Germany, USA and others.

* Nine Emperor Gods Festival

The Festival of the Nine Emperor Gods falls on the ninth day of the ninth moon in the Chinese lunar calendar. Devotees flock to the temples throughout the country for this religious festival. The Nine Emperor Gods are part of a spirit-medium cult known locally as ‘Jieu Hwang Yeh’. These Nine Deities are believed to dwell in the stars in heaven under the reign of ‘Thien Hou’ - the Queen of Heaven.

A carnival-like atmosphere pervades the temple throughout the nine-day festival. During this period of time, the constant tinkling of a prayer bell and chants from the temple priests are heard. Most devotees stay at the temple, take vegetarian meals and recite continuous chanting of prayer. A procession to send the Nine Emperor Gods home then takes place to complete the rites of this religious festival.

More information about Festival in Malaysia just go to http://malaysia.tourism-asia.net/malaysia-festivals.html

About the Author:

Alix Sunggin is webmaster of Business Health Articles (http://www.businesshealtharticles.com) and Malaysia Travel Agent (http://www.malaysiatravelagent.com.my)

Article Tags: chinese, festival, malaysia

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Malaysia Truly Asia

By: Hanny Dsax

Endowed with a diversity of cultures, Malaysia offers a 'truly Asian experience'. Discover a delightful fusion of three of Asia's oldest civilisations - Malay, Chinese and Indian. A potpourri enriched with the indigenous traditions of the KadazanDusuns, Ibans and other ethnic communities of Sabah and Sarawak.

Experience the country's alluring wonders - colorful festivals, breathtaking skyscrapers, charming heritage buildings, enchanting islands and beaches as well as a million-year-old rainforest with fascinating flora and fauna.

Meet the warm and friendly people and enjoy world-class facilities. Marvel at the bewildering range of shopping delights and tempt your palate with mouth-watering delicacies. Bursting with color, pulsating with life, Malaysia awaits you.
Malaysia is a fascinating holiday destination offering something for everyone to enjoy. There are three distinct destinations in the country - Peninsular Malaysia and the states of Sabah and Sarawak in East Malaysia. Visitors are often surprised to discover how developed the country is, yet rich and varied in cultural tradition.

The country's main gateway is Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) near the capital. Other major international airports are Langkawi, Penang, Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.
Kuala Lumpur or KL ia a modern cosmopolitan city boasting the world's tallest twin towers towering at a height of 452m. Its architecture is representative of the country's dominant cultures - the Malay, Chinese and Indian. Combined with the colonial legacy of the British and Moorish influences, KL has one of Asia's most dynamics cityscapes.

Malaysia's long coastline and many coral-fringed islands, with the Straits of Malacca to the west and the South China Sea to the east, give rise to a large number of fabulous beaches. Islands like Langkawi. Tioman and Pangkor are world-renowned resort destinations. Penang is another island famous for its history, relaxing beaches and cultural mix. Further south, Malacca is known for its history, museums and the unique Baba-Nyonya community. The charming east coast of the peninsula with its laid back lifestyle, is the country's cultural heartland.
The states of Sabah and Sarawak await nature lovers and adventurers. Discover the prolific marine life and dense rainforest while exploring the underwater world and wilderness of Borneo.

Malaysia has many exciting places of interest and during a holiday of just two weeks, visitors will get a mere glimpse. One thing's for certain; everyone wants to return to discover more of Malaysia.

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Learn About Malaysia

By: Josiah William

The Southeast Asian country Malaysia is a federation of 13 states, which was formed in 1963. Prior to 1963, the Federation of Malaya was known as Persekutuan Tanah Melayu in Malay. The name Malaysia was adopted in 1963 when Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaya. Singapore left the federation in 1965.

The capital city of Malayasia is Kuala Lumpur while Putrajaya is the newly created administrative capital for the federal government of Malaysia. The prime minister's office moved in 1999 and the move is expected to be completed in 2005. Kuala Lumpur remains the seat of parliament, as well as the commercial and financial capital of the country. Other major cities include George Town, Ipoh, Johor Bahru and Kuching.

The two distinct parts of Malaysia, separated from each other by the South China Sea, share a largely similar landscape. In both West and East Malaysia coastal plains rise to densely forested hills and mountains. The highest peak of Malayasia is Mount Kinabalu at 4,095.2 metres (13,435.7 ft) on the island of Borneo. The southernmost tip of continental Asia is Tanjung Piai which is located in the southern state of Johor. The Strait of Malacca, lying between Sumatra and West Malaysia, is arguably the most important shipping lane in the world.

Malaysia's population is comprised of many ethnic groups, with the politically dominant Malays making up the majority. About a quarter of the population are Chinese. These Chinese have been playing an important role in trade and business. Malaysians of Indian descent comprise about 10% of the population. About 90% of the Indian community is Tamil but various other groups like Malayalis, Punjabis and Telugus are also present. Non-Malay indigenous groups make up more than half of the state of Sarawak's population, constitute about 66% of Sabah's population, and also exist in much smaller numbers on the Peninsula, where they are collectively called Orang Asli. There are dozens of non-Malay ethnic groups who share some general cultural similarities. Other Malaysians also include those of, inter alia, European, Middle Eastern, Cambodian, and Vietnamese descent.

The total population is 24,385,858. Population distribution in Malaysia is uneven, with some 20 million residents concentrated on the Malay Peninsula. The life expectancy of Malaysian population is 72.5.

Malaysia is a multi-religious society, and Islam is the country's official religion. The main religions are Islam (60.4%), Buddhism (19.2%), Hinduism (6.3%), and Christianity (9.1%mostly in East Malaysia, i.e. Borneo). The aforementioned figures may be skewed as they do not take into account the fact that all Malay persons are officially regarded and treated as Muslim, regardless of private belief.

Malaysia is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multilingual society, which consists 65% Malays and other indigenous tribes, 25% Chinese, 7% Indians. The native language of Malays is Malay (Bahasa Melayu). Bahasa Malaysia which is largely similar to Bahasa Melayu in most practical terms which is the national language of the country.

The local climate of Malaysia is equatorial and characterised by the annual southwest (April to October) and northeast (October to February) monsoons. Malaysia is well-endowed with natural resources in areas such as agriculture, forestry as well as minerals. Malaysia is the world's primary exporter of natural rubber and palm oil, which together with saw logs and sawn timber, cocoa, pepper, pineapple and tobacco dominate the growth of the sector. Palm oil is also a major foreign exchange earner.

The rapid expansion of the timber industry, particularly after the 1960s, has brought about a serious erosion problem in the country's forest resources. Today an estimated 59 percent of Malaysia remains forested. Substantial areas are being silviculturally treated and reforestation of degraded forest land is also being carried out. The Malaysian government provide plans for the enrichment of some 312.30 square kilometres (120.5 sq mi) of land with rattan under natural forest conditions and in rubber plantations as an intercrop. To further enrich forest resources, fast-growing timber species such as meranti tembaga, merawan and sesenduk are also being planted. At the same time, the government encouraged the cultivation of high-value trees like teak and other trees for pulp and paper. Rubber, once the mainstay of the Malaysian economy, has been largely replaced by oil palm as Malaysia's leading agricultural export. Today Malaysia has turnrd into modern industrialised nation rather than a tin and rubber exporter.

If you are planning a visit to Malaysia there are Several prepaid calling card and phone card companies available to call both to and from Malaysia.

About the Author:

Josiah William works in marketing for Cheap Phone Cards,Deal King, eCellular and Snapmobile.

Read more articles by: Josiah William Article Source: www.iSnare.com Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=74820&ca=Travel

Malaysia's Tasik Kenyir

Malaysia's Tasik Kenyir is famous as the largest man-made lake in south east Asia.

Tasik Kenyir is well known as a prime spot for fishing. Located in Hulu Terengganu is the largest man-made lake not only in Malaysia, but also in south east Asia. When the area was flooded with water between 1978 and 1985, most of the hilltops and highlands remained above water level, thus creating about 340 man-made islands. There are more than 14 waterfalls, numerous rapids and rivers. And caves.

Located about 60 kilometres from Kuala Terengganu, it covers an area of 369 sq. km or 260,000 hectares. This makes it Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam. Sharing its border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south, this immense lake also serves as a third gateway to Taman Negara. The hilly regions of Tasik Kenyir contain areas of untouched tropical rainforest estimated to be millions of years old.

Caves of Kenyir

There are two caves accessible to visitors at Kenyir, Gua Bewah and Gua Taat (Gua = cave). They are located at the southern end of the lake, and lie within Taman Negara. Therefore permits have to be bought in order to enter the Park. From Pengkalan Gawi (Gawi jetty), which is the main gateway to Tasik Kenyir, you have a choice of speedboat or slower houseboat.

Before the creation of the lake, there were probably several caves accessible and some were of archaeological importance. However when the area was flooded, most of the caves were lost underwater. Batu Tok Bidan cave in Gunung Bewah was one of those. Prior to its disappearance, archaeologists had discovered Neolithic artifacts such as kitchen utensils, stone adzes and pottery sherds. Mollusc shells with the tips broken off suggests the site was frequently used as a shelter in the prehistoric past. Even a Neolithic burial was found, with broken pottery laid at the foot of the deceased. The Neolithic or New Stone Age era occurred roughly 10,000 years ago. The cave was probably adjacent to two well-known routes used by the aborigines in prehistoric times through Terengganu to Sungai Tembling. The cave was first dug in 1959 by R.Noone, and later by Malaysian Historical Society in 1976.

Gua Bewah

Now there are two remaining limestone hills containing caves. The caves can only be reached by boat. Gua Bewah is the biggest of the known caves, situated in Bukit Bewah. From the floating jetty a steep flight of steps leads up to the big entrance situated 40m above lake level. The cave is basically one huge chamber. A strong stench of guano was noticeable as we climbed up the steps, indicating a large colony of bats living inside the cave. As we went in, it took a while for our eyes to adjust to the darkness, and we realised just how huge the chamber is. The roof was high above our heads, and although we could hear the bats, we couldn't see them.

Bats play an important role in the ecosystem, because where there are bats, there will also be other cave fauna. The bats support the whole food chain - their droppings or guano is fed upon by the smaller fauna such as insects and invertebrates which in turn are food for larger creatures such as small mammals, frogs and toads and even the cave snake.

To the left of the main entrance are various pits in the floor which were dug by the museum department. Unfortunately no mention is made of what archaeological relics were found. Old sacks of guano bear testimony to the fact that people once entered to the cave to harvest guano for use as a fertilizer. Today the sacks make a convenient staircase up the guano covered floor. There used to be electric lighting in the cave, but it no longer works.

The back section of the cave is the most interesting containing an abundance of cave fauna such as crickets, cockroaches and spiders. There are not many stalagmites or stalactites, so although the cave is not pretty in that sense, it is really impressive due to the huge size of the chamber.

Gua Taat

Gua Taat is in the hill opposite Bewah and has two entrances. The main entrance is reached by a wooden step ladder, the steps are obviously underwater when the level of the lake is high. The entrance is quite small and low compared to Bewah. Again there are a few pits dug in the floor, and these probably fill up with water during monsoon time, when the lake will overflow into the cave.

A straight tunnel with a flat roof leads to the back section, where a small stream is met. The passage then swings round to the left, and there are some nice formations. Light comes in from the second entrance, but to reach it entails a belly crawl through a tight squeeze.

Gua Taat was first dug in 1959. Flaked tools from the Hoabinhian period were found, as well as pottery and food remains such as mollusc shells. The Hoabinhian period occurred about 14,000 - 10,000 years ago.

There is a second cave further round, Gua Taat 2, but it is basically just a long rock shelter. It is easy to see why Stone Age man used these caves as temporary refuges, as shelter and protection from wild animals and the elements, and providing a good view down onto the lower grounds below.

As Taat and Bewah may hold more secrets of the past, further excavations are now being planned by the authorities in its bid to unravel the mysteries and secrets of these caves. Ketengah with the cooperation of the State Museum and other government agencies plans to provide better access to these caves.

Layang Layang Underwater Photo Challenge 2007

This is an excellent opportunity for budding photographers to showcase their underwater shots and eventually, recognition in the field of underwater photography. All winning participants will have their pictures published in the post event write up in Asian Diver magazine. In addition, they will also stand a chance to win prizes worth US $30 000 from world class sponsors such as Nautica, Nikon, Oceanic, and dive trips to exotic locations.

Registrations are being accepted now through email. Categories for entry are Macro and Wide Angle. This will be a digital photography contest so all entries must be submitted in digital format.

Located at 300 kilometers off the coast of Sabah, Layang Layang is a coral atoll 14 sq. km in diameter jutting 2000 meters from the ocean depths. Its coral reefs is the home to one of the most diverse groups of marine life, from schooling hammerheads, barracuda, and fusiliers to nudibranchs, flatworms, and crustaceans. It is without a doubt Layang Layang is one of the most ideal locations for a photo shootout contest.

For more information, please contact:

laying@pop.jaring.my
www.layanglayang.com

National Park-Gunung Tahan-Malaysia

Got to experience both frenetic activity and natural serenity during trip to the world’s oldest rainforest as well as luxuriate in the comforts of Mutiara Taman Negara Resort.It’s a three-hour boat ride upstream Sungai Tembeling to the resort in Kuala Tahan, Pahang.The park’s headquarters is also there. The vast Taman Negara, once known as King George V Park, occupies swathes of Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu.There are four entry points: from the resort in Kuala Tahan; Merapoh, near Kuala Lipis, Pahang; Kuala Koh, near Gua Musang, Kelantan; and Tanjung Mentong, near Tasik Kenyir, Terengganu. Situated on a six-hectare ground, the resort has various accommodation.Guests can choose from 71 chalets, 14 chalet suites, two bungalows, 16 guesthouses, six dormitories and a camping ground for the adventurous. It encourages guests to be environmentallyconscious by keeping their trash in their rooms for proper disposal by housekeeping staff.

The resort also supports communities living in Taman Negara by hiring some of the locals as guides as well as source for living supplies on their behalf.Guests can indulge in various activities organised by the resort, such as jungletrekking with experienced guides, who will brief you on the pantang larang (dos and don’ts), such as not cursing and making unnecessary noises in the jungles. Those toting equipment like cameras and fishing rods are required to apply for a permit at the park’s headquarters.The teresek trailAlong the Teresek trail, a 2.5km journey to Bukit Teresek, you’ll find several observation towers to spot animals feeding off salt lakes.There are four natural salt lakes and a man-made one created by the colonial British administration. At an observation tower, I saw a herd of samba deer feeding from the manmade salt lake. The lucky ones would be able to spot tigers, elephants, barking deer, wild boars, monkeys, monitor lizards, mouse deer, cobras and otters, among others.

An experienced guide will also tell you in detail about the various sorts of animals, insects and flora found in the jungles. A Pitter bird sleeping with its head tucked under one of its wings, which it does to avoid being recognised by predators. The sighting of the bird is rare and only a few trekkers have spotted it in the past! The birds do not usually make themselves noticeable by the orang asli sleeping alone on tree branches. Also fascinating were the Putat flowers, or one-night flowers, which only bloom for one night before wilting.The Mengkundur tree, which can survive for 1,000 years, is the sort that appeals to tree huggers because of its enormous size and height.At the walkways, suspended above immensely tall trees should be experienced vertigo, almost to the point of breaking into tears when looking down to the ground where it’s pitch-dark in some parts. Looking across the breathtaking landscape of thick forests, mountains, valleys and clear blue skies succeeded in soothing my wracked nerves.At another part of Taman Negara, the Santuari Ikan Kelah Lubuk is where you can feed the protected Masheer fish with bread or specially-produced pallets provided by your guide.

You can also find ikan sebarau, ikan tapah and ikan toman in the waters. An angler had once caught a Masheer fish weighing 8.7kg! (Fishing at the sanctuary requires a permit, however).The orang asli Another attraction worth visiting are the Orang Asli settlements, such as those of the nomadic Orang Batek, along the banks of winding rivers. Living in huts made of dried leaves and wood, the Orang Batek, thought to have originated from Papua New Guinea, are truly the people of the jungle.The chief welcomes visitors by showing them hunting and jungle survival skills, such as using a blowpipe, how to make poisonous darts and extracting trickles of water from tree branches.Visitors are free to ask the chief anything, and he’ll gladly share life-affirming stories such as the way Orang Batek live with only basic necessities and their hunting experiences in the jungles. Back at the resort, unwound by taking a stroll, admiring indigenous trees and the nearby Sungai Tahan, and sharing stories with several guests about our experiences in Taman Negara. The monkeys reacted by angrily pelting our party with half-eaten fruits.

Fox Cave (Gua Musang)

There are two popular stories, and both relate to the huge cave in the hill behind the town. One account says that a group of superstitious hunters were camped out here, when a storm destroyed the hunters’ attap huts. A bolt of lightning struck the hill and almost split it in two.
The hunters thought the guardian spirit of the cave was angry and begged for mercy. As they prayed they saw a pack of civet cats run into the cave, so they lay in wait for them to come out again. However, the animals never reappeared. The hunters then named the hill Bukit Gua Musang and the town, Gua Musang.

The second story refers to a rock formation inside the cave, which reportedly resembles a civet cat, hence the name.

Today, this famous cave in Gua Musang, Kelantan is a fairly popular attraction. When we, a group of cave explorers from the Malaysian Karst Society, went up for a weekend recce, we were pretty sure we would see no signs of musang here.

But imagine our surprise when one in our party went into a small passage in the cave and came face to face with a furry creature. At first we assumed it was a civet, but it turned out to be a porcupine. The porcupine was also startled and disappeared into a small dark hole.

The cave of Gua Musang is located immediately behind the town’s railway station and is reached by a steep scramble up the hillside. We got some funny looks for our caving helmets and lights, and our muddy clothes.

After a steep climb following the track up the hill, which was slippery from a recent shower, we reached the cliff face and saw a small slot. This is the cave entrance. The main cave chamber is huge, but the entrance passage is a very narrow ascending rift. There is an amazing amount of graffiti adorning the walls of the entrance chamber – it’s a shame that so many were so thoughtless in defacing the cave.

Inside the cave, we found lots of wings belonging to Atlas moths strewn around the floor in some places. Probably the porcupine had eaten the moths, leaving just the wings. We explored all the passages we could find. The chamber goes through the hill to a back entrance and you can climb up to the top of the hill, but we felt it was a bit dangerous to attempt it as the ground was slippery.

The next day we ventured out to Pulai. Pulai, south of Gua Musang, is an old gold mining area. It is said that Pulai was founded in 1425 by two brothers, Lim Pak Yen and Lim Ghee Yee, who fled China.

The brothers came here in search of gold. Once word got out, there was a gold rush and a small settlement was created. As the gold supply slowly diminished, people started planting padi to survive.

Pulai has a temple reputed to be 400-500 years old, reportedly the second oldest temple in the country after the Cheng Hoon Teng temple (1646) in Malacca. The Pulai Swee Nyet Keung Buddhist temple and its surrounding village was burnt down by the Japanese in 1941.
In cave

The temple was rebuilt in 1970 and is quite small, but it has an interesting collection of ancient cannon parts.

Across the river from the temple is a limestone hill with a new temple. Bukit Tok Cu is also known as Princess Mountain and a temple is being constructed on top of it. The workers told us that a man had a vision of steps being built up the hill in 1984, but work on the temple only started in 1997.

However, a shrine was already in existence in the upper cave when an archaeological team dug there in 1991. The upper part of the cave is not very extensive but we were able to look straight down some open shafts to the cave chamber back down at ground level. We couldn’t see any obvious way down so we retraced our way down the steps and entered the main chamber at ground level.


Looking around, we found an easy climb up inside the cave and found ourselves back in the new temple again, much to the surprise of the workers.

We had our base in Taman Ethnobotani, where there are rooms and chalets for rent. The park was set up in 1997 for the collection and propagation of medicinal herbs. This recreational and nature park is administered by the Kelantan Selatan Development Authority (Kesedar).


Some 3km from Gua Musang, the park covers 38ha of lush greenery and limestone outcrops. One small hill is located right at the entrance of Taman Ethnobotani, and here we got to watch climbers practise their moves.

The park holds many climbing routes. Apart from climbing, there are other outdoor activities like rope and wooden obstacle courses, and flying fox and abseiling. Visitors can also learn to make traps and pick up jungle survival skills. Nature lovers will enjoy visiting the deer and ostrich farms and the medicinal herb garden.

Gua Musang has three limestone hills that run parallel to the main road leading into town. One was burnt by a fire last year, and its odd appearance with the patchy vegetation growing back made it look like a mangy dog. And that’s what we called it: Mangy Dog Hill.

Most of the Gua Musang limestone hills house caves, but they tend to be quite short. Gua Madu, located on the edge of town, is now in a recreational park. Further away in the Sungai Nenggiri area are the famous archaeological caves like Gua Cha, Gua Peraling and Gua Chawan.