Pulau Kapas

Pulau Kapas means Cotton Island and is located about 5 nautical miles or 6km off the shore of Marang, Terengganu. This island is a place where many locals and backpackers go due to its fast accessibility from the jetty. You will be able to reach the island in 10 minutes time by speed boat from Marang Jetty. Marang is located 18km south of Kuala Terengganu, the capital of Terengganu state. Do not confuse this Marang town with Merang town. Merang town is located north of Kuala Terengganu.

The activities that you can do on this island are swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing, fishing, kayaking. Motorised activities such as bannana boats are not allowed here. As you dive or snorkel, you will be able to see colourfulfishes, corals, turtles and other marine creatures within the vicinity of the island. The Duyong was once spotted on thisisland as well. Divers, take note that there is a World War II shipwreck north of Gemia island where you can go for your diving activity.

If you would prefer to have a time of tranquility and peace alone on this island, the best time to go is during the weekdayswhen most of the locals are working. Due to the monsoon season, most resorts will be closed from November to February. Hence,the best time to go will be during the months of June, July, August and September.

The 9 resorts at the main Kapas Island are:

1.Turtle Valley Chalet
2.The Light House
3.Duta Puri Island Resort
4.Kapas Island Resort
5.Kapas Beach Chalet
6.Makcik Gemok Beach Resort
7.Qimy Chalet
8.Kapas Garden Resort
9.Harmony Camp Site

Pulau Labuan

Labuan is the main island of the Malaysian Federal Territory of Labuan. Labuan's capital is Victoria and is best known as an offshore financial centre offering international financial and business services via Labuan IBFC since 1990 as well as a tourist destination for nearby Bruneians and scuba divers. The name Labuan derives from the Malay word labuhan meaning anchorage.

The Federal Territory of Labuan comprises Labuan Island (75 km²) and six other smaller islands (Pulau Burung, Pulau Daat, Pulau Kuraman, Pulau Papan, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pulau Rusukan Besar), which have a combined total area of 91 km². The islands lie 8 km off the coast of Borneo, adjacent to the Malaysian State of Sabah and the independent state of Brunei Darussalam, on the northern edge of Brunei Bay facing the South China Sea. Labuan Island is mainly flat and undulating and the highest point is only 85 meters. Over 70% of the island is still covered with vegetation. Victoria, also Bandar Labuan in Malay, is the major town and faces Brunei Bay; access is via ferry service to Brunei and Kota Kinabalu, as well as Labuan Airport.

There are several attractions and places of interest on Labuan. The military cemetery contains various war graves and memorials to the fallen of World War II. This includes British, Australian, Indian, Sarawakian, Bruneian, North Borneo and Empire troops. There is also a memorial celebrating the surrender of the Japanese to the Australian Forces in 1945. There are also remnants of Labuan's history as a Royal Navy Coaling station, including 'the chimney', a well known local landmark. There is also a Labuan Maritime Museum.

Labuan is also the base for diving on four popular wreck dives: the Cement wreck, the American wreck, (the first USS Salute), the Australian wreck and the Blue Water wreck.

Labuan has many schools. However, it has only one international school, Labuan International School. Other places of interest include the Labuan International Sea Sport Complex. Newly proposed is the Marina centre and Labuan Square project which are expected to be completed in next two years from 2008.

Labuan's own institution of higher education is Universiti Malaysia Sabah Labuan International Campus, a branch of Universiti Malaysia Sabah in Sepanggar Bay, Kota Kinabalu. Labuan also has a matriculation college, Kolej Matrikulasi Labuan, the only matriculation college in East Malaysia. Thus, all pre-university students from Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will take their courses here.

Reference : 1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labuan

Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi is officially known as The Jewel of Kedah is an archipelago of 99 islands in the Andaman Sea, some 30km off the main land coast of northwestern Malaysia. The islands are the part of state Kedah which is adjacent to the Thai border.

On June 1, 2007, Langkawi Island has been given a World Geopark status by UNESCO. Three of its main conservation areas in Langkawi Geopark are Machincang Cambrian Geoforest Park, Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest park.(Island of the Pregnant Maiden Lake). These three parks are the most popular tourism area within Langkawi Geopark.

Some of the most popular beaches are Pantai Cenang, Pantai Tengah, Burau Bay, Pantai Kok, and Datai Bay. Pantai Cenang is a picturesque beach with seemingly unending stretches of fine white sand. The beach is contoured by tall coconuts and casuarinas. Pantai Tengah is separated from Cenang by a small cape. Burau Bay, fringed by rocky outcrops, is the favorite place of migratory birds in Langkawi. Pantai Kok is a peaceful beach with the backdrop of limestone hills. Datai Bay has a combination of forests and sea. The milky beach is backed by lush forest.

The Langkawi Cable Car takes visitors up to the peak of Gunung Mat Cinchang, where the Langkawi Sky Bridges is located.

Tourists can enter the island via ferry from Kuala Perlis or by flight from Kuala Lumpur. Airasia provides budget connections to the island.

Hotels and resorts in Pulau Langkawi :

1. Berjaya Langkawi Resort Hotel

2. The Westin Langkawi Resoort & Spa

3. Bella Vista Hotel

4.Langkawi Village Resort Hotel

5. Aseania Resort Hotel

6. Cintin Hotel Langkawi

7. Eagle Bay Hotel

8.Sheraton Langkawi Resort

9. Rebak Island Resort

Reference : 1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Langkawi

Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor is an island off the coast of Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia. It has a land area of only 8 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 25,000 islanders. It is heavily promoted as a low-key tourist destination by the Malaysian government, but fishing and fish products remain major industries.

Pangkor Island has still some beautiful and quiet beaches. Here you can still find the peace and tranquillity many other beaches in Malaysia have lost. Teluk Nipah and Pantai Pasir Bogak have attractions as the banana boats, kayaks and jet skis available. Also it's possible to rent a boat to go around the island and do some snorkeling at Giam Island in front of Teluk Nipah.

Pantai Pasir Bogak
Pantai Pasir Bogak is a few kilometers away from Pangkor Town on the West side of the island. This beach is probably the most popular of the Pangkor beaches. Maybe it is because it is so close to Pangkor Town. It has been described as 'the biggest swimming pool in the world'. The water is shallow and crystal clear. You will be able to arrange water-sport-facilities as jet-skiing, snorkeling or rent a canoe. All along the beach there are open-air food-stalls offering specialties such as barbecued squids, satay and fish crisps. Accommodation is easily available, ranging from luxury hotels, chalets to the more Spartan comforts of 'attap' huts and camping sites.

Teluk Nipah
Teluk Nipah or Nipah Bay is the most beautiful. This beach is located a few kilometers north Pantai Pasir Bogak. The beach is secluded and is able to maintain its natural beauty. Unlike other beaches, it has corals, sea cucumber and bird lovers can find the hornbill (Burung Enggang) on this beach. Conveniently people forget that Teluk Nipah is in fact 2 beaches: Nipah Beach and Coral Bay. Nipah Bay has a beautiful view on two small islands called Pulau Giam and Pulau Mentagor. Both of these islands are not inhabited although you might find locals willing to bring you there. It is said that when the tide is out you can even walk to Giam Island.

Giam Island is mostly interesting for snorkeling. The waters are shallow. There are lots of corals and fishes to see.

Tourist Attraction :
- Pangkor Town
- Fishing Villages
- Fu Lin Kong Temple
- Dutch Fort
- Batu Bersurat and Tiger Rock
- Tortoise Hill


Reference : 1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Pangkor

Pulau Tioman

Pulau Tioman (locally known as Gunung Daik Bercabang Tiga) is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Telek in the north. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving spot. There are also a lot of resorts and chalets around the island which has duty free status.

Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area, encompassing approximately 12,383 hacteres, in Tioman is a strictly enforced nature reserve. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the Binturong, Long-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Black giant squirrel, red giant flying squirrel, mouse deer, brush tailed porcupine from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic Frigatebird. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks.

Tropical Playground for Water Sports Enthusiasts
Tioman Island is an excellent spot for fun-filled water sports activities. You can go scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, snorkelling, boating, water skiing, windsurfing, or enjoy the beauty of undersea gardens by ridding around the island in a glass-bottomed boat.

A Marine Treasure Trove
Tioman Island is a treasure trove of breathtaking marine attractions. Corals, seashells and limpets, thorny sea urchins, colourful seaweeds and anemones, starfish and a myriad of other aquatic wonders are abundant here. The crystal clear waters make scuba diving and snorkelling in Tioman an experience unlike any other. Other neighbouring islands recommended for scuba diving and snorkelling are Chebeh, Tulai, Renggis, Sembilang, Seri Buat and Gut.

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.

A Delightful Respite from the Hustle and Bustle of City Life
When the stress of life's hectic pace gets to you, rejuvenate your mind and body at Tioman Island. Immerse yourself in the quiet and tranquil setting. Relax to the cool, refreshing breeze and soothing waves. Bask in the tropical sun or walk along the shores during sunset to experience the beauty of the island. Popular beaches are found around the villages of Tekek, Genting, Salang, Air Batang and Juara. For golf-lovers, tee off at the 18-hole international-standard golf course set amidst lush tropical greenery. Enjoy the picturesque sight of rustic villages scattered around the island, where the people are charming, friendly and gracious.

Tioman Island is accessible by boat from Mersing town or Tanjung Gemok, Rompin, a journey which takes about 1 to 2 hours. Or one can also take a plane either Kuala Lumpur, Singapore or Kuantan. Accommodation comes in the form of delightful wooden chalets on the beach or in luxurious hotel rooms. Whichever is the choice, comfort and hospitality is assured.

Resorts and Hotels in Pulau Tioman :

1. Berjaya Tioman Beach & Spa Resort

2. Genting Bayu Chalet

3. Sun Beach Resort

4. Minang Cove Resort

5. Salang Indah Resort

6. Salang Beach Resort

Reference : 1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Tioman
2.http://www.cuti.com.my/Sub/Pahang/guide_tioman.htm

Pulau Pinang

Dawn View of Pulau Pinang

The most popular beaches in Penang are located at Tanjung Bungah, Batu Ferringhi, and Teluk Bahang, and these contiguous beaches are home to Penang's famed hotel and resort belt. More secluded Muka Head, which hosts a lighthouse and a marine research station, and Monkey Beach both within the Penang Official Park offer more pristine water.

The Penang Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang, one of few of its kind in the world, is a walk-in free-ranging butterfly habitat, breeding and conservation centre. The Penang Bird Park in Seberang Jaya is the first aviary in Malaysia. Other places of special interest include the Tropical Spice Garden and the Tropical Fruit Farm in Teluk Bahang, and the Bukit Jambul Orchid and Hibiscus Garden.

Penang has managed to retain a considerable area of natural environment. Located at the fringe of George Town, at the foot of Penang Hill are two adjacent green areas the Penang Municipal Park (popularly known as Youth Park) and the Penang Botanic Gardens. Penang Hill, despite encroaching development, remains thickly forested and lush in vegetation. The Relau Metropolitan Park was opened in 2003. Robina Beach Park is a park by the beach near Butterworth.

Gazetted in 2003, the Penang National Park (the country's smallest at 2,562 hectares) at the northwestern tip of Penang island boasts of a lowland dipterocarp forest, mangroves, wetlands, ameromictic lake, mud flats, coral reefs and turtle nesting beaches in addition to a rich diversity of birdlife. In addition to this, there are nature preserves in Bukit Relau, Teluk Bahang, Bukit Penara, Bukit Mertajam, Bukit Panchor, and Sungai Tukun. A small bushy tree, Alchornea rhodophylla, the almost-extinct tree Maingaya malayana, and the toad Ansonia penangensis are endemic only to the island of Penang.

Penang is a major shopping destination in the northern region of Malaysia. It has several modern shopping malls offering a wide range of merchandise. Among the more popular ones on Penang island are Queensbay Mall (Penang's largest), Gurney Plaza at the famed Gurney Drive, KOMTAR(Penang's first modern shopping mall) and Penang Times Square (an integrated commercial and residential complex near Komtar). Notable shopping malls in Seberang Perai are Sunway Carnival Mall at Seberang Jaya and Seberang Prai City Perdana Mall at Bandar Perda.

Traditional bazaars such as the Chowrasta Market and Campbell Street, and makeshift open-air night markets known as pasar malam were the precursors to today's shopping malls. They offer goods ranging from modern electronics and textiles to foodstuffs and local produces.

Reference : 1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Pinang

Pulau Perhentian

Pulau Perhentian Kecil

Pulau Perhentian Besar

Pulau Perhentian has two man islands which is Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil.The Perhentians belong to Pulau Redang National Marine Park, which means that fishing, collecting coral and littering are strictly prohibited.

Both islands are fringed by white sand beach, and the reefs and crystalline water are host to a wide variety of coral, sea-turtles, jellyfish, small sharks and reef-fish. The islands' maximum elevation is approximately 100 m (328 ft) and they are uniformly covered in coastal tropical jungle, with few interior foot-trails and no roads.

Sheer beauty of Pulau Perhentian makes it the destination of tourists. Both the islands have palm-fringed white coral sand beaches (that can be tough on the feet) and turquoise blue sea. One can have a number of activities on its beaches and forests. Scuba-diving, snorkeling, and swimming are the most popular tourist activities here. On most beaches, the water is shallow with lots of rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. For diving, there are dozens of divesites around both main islands, as well as several off-shore sites. Apart from these, you could also enjoy activities like camping, canoeing, fishing, jungle trekking, and banana boat riding.

Resorts and Hotels in Pulau Perhentian :

1. Arwana Perhentian Resort

2. New Cocohut Chalet

3. Bubu Resort at Long Beach

4. Bubbles Island Resort

5. Coral View Resort

6. Perhentian Island Resort

7. Senja Bay Resort

8. Tuna Bay Island Resort

9. Jungle Bay

Reference : 1.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulau_Perhentian
2.http://www.perhentian.com.my/