Sunday, 9 October 2011

Pulau Tioman, Malaysia

About 36 nautical miles off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman or Tioman Island, one of the region's most enchanting holiday spots. Scenic and tranquil, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear waters teem with spectacular marine life and colourful coral gardens. The twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provide a prominent landmark to this island, reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic in the world.





According to legend, Tioman Island is the resting place of a beautiful dragon princess, Whilst flying from China to visit her prince in Singapore, this beautiful maiden stopped to seek solace in the crystal-clear waters of the South China Sea. Enraptured by the charms of the place, she decided to discontinue her journey. By taking the form of an island, she pledged to offer shelter and comfort to passing travellers.



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.



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.








Friday, 7 October 2011

Melaka



One of Malaysia’s most eagerly sought-after destinations, the small city-state of Melaka (Malacca) lures droves of visitors to its namesake historic port city, where they are quickly steeped in an intoxicating multicultural world of heritage architecture and the alluring aromas of distinctive local cooking.



Under the Melaka sultanates, the city was a wealthy centre for trade with China, India, Siam (Thailand) and Indonesia, owing to its strategic position on the Selat Melaka (Strait of Melaka). The Melaka sultanates were the basis for Malaysia as it appears today, and it is sometimes said that this city is where you’ll glimpse the soul of the nation.


Modern Melaka was swept up in the sudden economic boom that blew across Malaysia in the 1990s. Massive land-reclamation projects, which tapered off during the ensuing economic downturn, pushed the historic waterfront so far inland, however, that it endangered the traditional livelihood of the Portuguese fishing community. Malacca has a rich seam of heritage, but many argue that this is under threat from those twin fruits of development: commercialisation and modernisation. Nevertheless, Melaka remains one of Malaysia’s most rewarding tourist experiences. Proud of its multicultural heritage, plentiful museums and assorted cultural attractions, Melaka is a tourist habitat par excellence.
Beyond the city, there are worthwhile beach excursions to Pulau Besar and Tanjung Bidara, plus the wildlife and theme-park attractions of Ayer Keroh.

Monday, 3 October 2011

Pulau Redang




Pulau Redang, situated 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of all Terengganu's islands. From the very first glance, Pulau Redang will enchant visitors with its compelling beauty. Its incredibly azure waters fringed by white sand, against the backdrop of verdant jungle-clad hills make picture-postcard views.
Pulau Redang archipelago comprises 9 islands, the Lima Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling Island, Pinang Island and Redang Island. This archipelago is abounds with marvelous marine fishes, turtles and coral reefs, ensuring a great snorkelling and scuba-diving experience. Redang Island which is approximately 7km in length 6km in width, is the largest of all other islands in the Marine Park.

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

Lang Tengah, a 30-minutes boat ride from Redang, is one of the state's best kept secrets. Located midway between the islands Redang and Perhentian, its sparkling white sand and aquamarine waters are simply irresistible. The varieties of hard and soft corals and prolife marine life here make it a perfect destination for divers.
* The best time to visit Pulau Redang & Pulau Lang Tengah is between April and October. Take note that most resorts are closed during the Northeast Monsoon, which blows from November to March.

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park

Sunway Lagoon is separated into 3 major themed lands: Wild Wild West, World of Adventure and Waters of Africa. Each is boasting their own exciting attractions. So scream out loud, let your hair down and have an exhilarating time! A day out in Sunway Lagoon is a fun-filled encounter to remember!
There’s even a beach with real waves! With three different themed islands, each boasting fantastic rides
and attractions, there‘s no end to laughter and enjoyment. The daily street performances add to the merriment of this lively and colourful theme park. You‘ll definitely want to spend the whole day here.



World of Adventure



Walk the World’s Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge and be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the whole Lagoon from a dizzying height.Brave the tunnels, booby traps and tarantulas in The Lost City of Gold ride and conquer the out-of-control swinging Galleon.The World of Adventure offers more breath-taking rides as excitement is the name of the game here!See majestic Bengal tigers roam in their enclosure or step into the Adventure Park and see the largest collection of scholar rocks in the world.

Ride through tunnels, booby traps and tarantulas on the Lost City of Gold. After that, take a boat ride of a lifetime down Pirate’s Revenge, Malaysia’s first and only 360-degree rotating pirate ship that swivels you 24 m up the ground. Yet another exciting right in the Tomahawk but why not try walking across the 428 m suspension bridge across Sunway Lagoon’s lake and see the entire landscape from a bird’s eye-view.

Wild Wild West


The land of cowboys and Red Indians. Discover an American frontier town with wooden facades and totem poles, like you see in the movies. And as you stroll along the streets of the Wild Wild West, don’t be surprised to see Apache Indians and saloon dancing girls in fluffy skirts. 
Meet with cowboys and cowgirls in the authentically-built cowboy town and enjoy old-styled salons and thrilling rides for the whole family! 
You get wet when you ride the Grand Canyon Rapid Falls, sitting in giant tubes while swirling around the 350 m river. Be prepared to get wet on the exhilarating Niagara Falls Flume Ride. That's another major attraction where you and your friends get into logs and drop down a steep hill into a 260 m long river. Other rides include the Buffalo Bill Coaster, Butch Cassidy’s Trail and Colorado Splash.

Waters of Africa



Scream and splash your way into the Waters of Africa, the theme park’s newest attraction. Dare to take a journey into the African wilderness with new, out-of-this-world thrilling and exciting water rides in Malaysia’s only Afican-themed Water Park.
Outlast and outplay your friends in the Congo Challenge, Malaysia’s only headfirst six-lane racer water ride. If that’s not enough, brave the heights and speed of the intense Cameroon Climb. The first-in-the world double tube water ride that steeply drops two riders at one time from as high as 15 meters, and shoots them up again to a height of eight metres. Another ride that promises an unforgettable experience will be the gigantic African Pythons. 
Spin around in loops before being propelled out of gigantic tubes!
At Jeffrey’s Bay, surf the waves at raging heights of up to eight feet, in the world’s largest man-made surf wave pool, with a spectacular backdrop of Asia’s first man-made erupting Volcano! Then, take a journey along the majestic Elephant Walk, where life-sized elephant sculptures guard a magnificent lake.
After a day of hardcore fun and excitement, step into the happening Zulu Walk. Don’t be surprised to find a fire-eater around the corner or African tribal dancers welcoming you.
A wild African adventure waits for those who dare! You have to see it to believe it.

Cameron Highlands


Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's lagest and best-known hill resort. Discovered by, and named after William Cameron, a government surveyor who, in 1885 explored the area by hacking a path up through dense jungle and came across, "A fine plateau shut in by mountains". At 1524m above sea level the area enjoys a cool climate, with temperatures no higher than 20°C and rarely falling below 10°C, a welcome change to the generally oppressive heat and humidity at sea level.


Without doubt the most interesting aspect of a visit to the resort is its tea plantations, the first of which were established in 1929 by John Archibald Russell and belong to the most famous Malaysian tea producer, Boh Tea. The estates are wonderfully manicured and visitors are welcome to view the factory production process and enjoy a cuppa' at the tea shop. Other interesting places to visit include the numerous vegetable farms dotted all around the area. There are also strawberry farms, flower nurseries, butterfly farms, a challenging 18 hole golf course and for the more adventurous various jungle treks.