Pahang-Tioman Island

Tioman Island

About 56km off the coast of Pahang lies Tioman Island, an attracting holiday place in the South China Sea. Acclaimed as one of the best island getaways in the world, Tioman was the location of the Hollywood musical, 'South Pacific' in 1959.

According to legend, this island is the final resting place of a mythical dragon princess. The warm waters and good visibility make Tioman a paradise for divers.

This island is a wonderful spot for leisurely days under the sun. Swim in its emerald waters, enjoy a stroll by the beach or be lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. There are several villages scattered around the coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek, Genting, Paya and Juara.

Each village offers a different and unique atmosphere. Tioman's verdant greenery is home to a splendid variety of plants and small animals, including butterflies, monitor lizards, deer and monkeys. Its flora and fauna have been featured in National Geographic's documentaries.
The island's granite formations make for excellent rock-climbing expeditions. The more adventurous can try to scale the sheer cliff face of the legendary Gunung Nenek Semukut or Dragons Horns. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers a luxurious stay amidst a backdrop of rolling hills and scenic views.

Key Tips
If you like hiking, you should try the beautiful cross-island hike from the village of Tekek on the west to Juara on the east. It can be done in an easy day and takes in both jungle and beach views of both sides of Tioman.



By Road
Access the Tebrau Highway from Johor Bahru and go to Mersing via Kota Tinggi. Access the Karak Highway from Kuala Lumpur through Temerloh, Kuantan, Pekan, Kuala Rompin,Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing. Alternatively take the PLUS Highway from Kuala Lumpur via Seremban, Bahau, Muadzam Shah, Kuala Rompin, Tanjung Gemuk to Mersing.

By Public Transport
Express buses are available from Singapore at Newton Circus Court and Jalan Sultan Bus Station. From Kuala Lumpur, buses and taxis are available at Puduraya Bus Station. Buses leave at noon and 11.30 pm while taxis leave at any time. Estimated travel time 5-6 hours.

By Sea
Tioman is accessible by boat from Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor. Journey time is approximately 1.5 hours. It can also be reached by a 4-hour ferry ride from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore.

By Air
Berjaya Air operates daily direct 45-minute flights to Tioman from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact the Pahang Tourist Information Centre Tel: +609-517 7113 / 7115

Accommodation Overview
A wide range of accommodation is available, from basic backpacker's hostels to 5-star hotels. Most of these can be found on the island's west coast.

Kedah-Langkawi

Langkawi

Off the coast of Kedah is a cluster of 99 islands with the best of many worlds; beautiful beaches, world-class facilities, mangroves rich in flora and fauna, ultra-cheap duty-free shopping and fascinating legends.

Langkawi has a legend woven into its history. Ask anyone in Langkawi about the tragic legend of a beautiful young lady named Mahsuri, and you'll hear a tale of love, jealousy and a curse that was placed upon the island by she for seven generations. Today, the seventh generation of Langkawi’s inhabitants has long come and gone, but people here still believe that the prosperity and blessings the islands enjoy today and the passing of the curse is not a pure coincidence. The mystery of this legend can be felt in many parts of this island, especially at Makam Mahsuri (Mahsuri’s Mausoleum) where the legendary figure is said to be buried.

Langkawi is not only geared towards tourism. Many of the islanders are farmers, fishermen and entrepreneurs. Experience the beautiful countryside and the peaceful landscape of paddy fields by renting a car and taking a leisurely drive around the island. Some of Langkawi’s most memorable views are along the road that circles the island. You'll pass small villages with wooden houses framed by palm trees, and children cycling their old bicycles on errands. Aside from experiencing the local lifestyle, there is no shortage of things to do in Langkawi.

Head up the thrilling new cable car to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang - Langkawi's second highest mountain - for an unrivalled view of the entire main island and beyond. You can also visit the Field of Burnt Rice, the Hot Springs, Telaga Tujuh (The Seven Wells) and the Beach of Black Sand. Boat tours are organised to Tasik Dayang Bunting, (Lake of the Pregnant Maiden), Gua Cerita (Cave of Stories) and the Gua Langsir (Curtain Cave). And if you're more outdoorsy, why not go trekking through the pristine rainforest that blankets most of Langkawi, or go on a boat tour of the mangroves, go diving, or play a round of golf at some of the 5-star resorts. Langkawi also has an underwater world, containing an underground tunnel that runs though a giant aquarium.
Beautiful scenery, great adventures, five-star conveniences and an international airport make Langkawi a great place for a holiday.

For more information please visit the official Langkawi website :- http://www.langkawigeopark.com.my

Key Tips
Langkawi offers great shopping bargains. Bring an extra suitcase.

How to get there
By SeaFerries usually leave the port of Kuala Kedah on the mainland on the hour from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm. The ride lasts 1 1/2 hours. There are also ferry services from the mainland port of Kuala Perlis and the Thai port of Satun, both are just 45 minutes from Langkawi.By AirBoth Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia have twice daily flights to Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur which land at Langkawi International Airport. There are also direct flights from Penang and Singapore.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact the Langkawi Tourist Information Centre at 604-9667789.

Accommodation Overview
There is every kind of accommodation on the island from beach chalets to 5-star hotels.

Melaka-The City of Melaka

The city of Melaka

The city of Melaka is divided into the new and old sections. The older part of the city is fairly compact and has many historical and cultural attractions.

Just above the Town Square is St. Paul's Hill (Bukit St. Paul) which is the site of the original Portuguese fort of A'Famosa and St. Paul's Church.

There is a sign-posted heritage trail which visitors can follow to visit all the historical places in the old part of town. The new section of Melaka lies across the Melaka River and is mostly built on land reclaimed from the sea. It consists of modern shopping centres like the Mahkota Parade and is a bustling food and entertainment district.

Outside Melaka town, there are a some nice beaches, two excellent offshore islands with resorts and a golf course. The Air Keroh district is close to the North-South Expressway and has many recreational theme parks.

Sabah-Kinabalu Park

The Kinabalu Park

The Kinabalu Park covers an area of 754 sq km and is made up of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the foothills. It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a million years to form. The Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.
Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.

Key Tips
If you plan to climb the mountain, be sure to bring a head torch for the early morning climb to the summit which starts in utter darkness and cold weather gear. The summit temperatures have been known to dip to below freezing!


How to get there
By Taxi Car rentals can be arranged through major hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Taxis go to Park HQ at Ranau and take a maximum of four passengers. You can negotiate for the taxi to pick you up from Park HQ for your return if you hire the whole taxi. By BusAll express and minibuses between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau or Sandakan pass the park turn-off, from where it is just 100m to the Park HQ.

Terengganu-Pulau Redang

Pulau Redang

Pulau Redang, located 45km off the coast of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of nine protected islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island offers crystal clear waters and numerous dive sites for tourists. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the waters here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun rays penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.

The waters around Pulau Redang also contain two historic shipwrecks: The H.M.S. Prince of Wales and H.M.S. Repulse, which sank here at the start of World War II, setting the stage for the Japanese occupation of Malaya. This paradise island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, scuba-diving, jungle trekking, and boating . No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Pulau Redang is gazetted as a marine park. The collection of corals and other aquatic life is also strictly prohibited. Berjaya Resort offers a golf course in an idyllic setting.

Key Tips
Pulau Redang is larger and has more activity on it, the two Pulau Perhentian islands are smaller and quieter.

How to get there
By BoatBegin your island-hopping adventure by catching a boat at any of the jetties in Kuala Terengganu and Merang. Travelling time to Redang is one hour from Kuala Terengganu and 50 minutes from Merang.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact Terengganu Tourism Office Tel: +609-622 1433 / 1893

Accommodation Overview
This marine park offers an surprising range of accommodation, from budget guesthouses to a 5-star resort. If you are here for diving, it is best to book them as part of an organised dive tour so that meals, diving and accommodation are all-inclusive.

Genting Highlands

Genting Highlands

For a glitzy and elegant honeymoon to remember, head straight for Genting Highlands Resort. Definitely different from the other Malaysian hill resorts, this popular piece of prestige was made for the fun loving and fast-paced. The myriad of its entertainment-centred activities have christened it the "City of Entertainment".

Genting Highlands has a wide variety of hotels and resorts all ready to pamper pairs and pairs of romantic lovebirds. At the peak lies the fun-filled Genting Theme Park and famed Casino De Genting. Dine in the elegance of hotel restaurants, and then visit the tables with your lovely lady for good luck. Active lovebirds can also spend quality fun time at the Awana Golf Club, Awana Horse Ranch and the Awana Eco Park lower down.

Honeymooners will find lots to choose from when it comes to deciding on the ultimate honeymoon destination. Whether it be white sandy beaches with palm tree lined beaches or a cool lush environment in the highlands

Sarawak-Sarawak Cultural Village

Sarawak Cultural Village

Called the 'Living Museum', the Cultural Village was set up to preserve and showcase Sarawak's cultural heritage. Located at Pantai Damai, Santubong, just 32km from the state capital, Kuching, it is the perfect place to get introduced to local culture and lifestyle.
Sprawled across 17 acres, there are about 150 people living in the village, demonstrating traditional daily activities from Sarawak's wildly diverse tribes like the processing of sago and the making of handicrafts. They wear traditional costumes and also put on dances for visitors. The village residents provide information on their various traditional cultures and lifestyles. You can see replicas of buildings that represent every major ethnic group in Sarawak; longhouses of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu, a Melanau tall-house and a Chinese farm house among others. The village also has a theatre, where you can enjoy a multicultural dance performance, a restaurant and a handicraft shop. You can even get married at the Sarawak Cultural Village, in traditional Iban, Malay, Bidayuh or Orang Ulu style.
The longhouse has separate rooms placed side by side, all of which open to a long communal hall, used for leisurely activities like wood carving and basket weaving. Guests are often invited to attend nightly ceremonies and drink a potent rice wine, tuak, which the Iban make themselves. Comfortable guesthouses are also provided for visitors .

Key Tips
Performances, which are really not to be missed, are on twice a day, at 11:30 am and again at 4:30 pm.

How to get there

By RoadThere's no public transport to the Cultural Village, but a shuttle bus leaves the Holiday Inn Kuching at 9 am and 12.30 pm, returning at 1.45 pm and 5.30 pm. Alternatively, you could charter a taxi for the day or hire a car. The road connection is good and the directions are easy.

Who to contact
For more information, please visit http://www.scv.com.my/.

Accommodation Overview
Right next door to the Cultural Village are several 3 and 4-star resorts. Alternatively, you can visit from Kuching, the state capital, just an hour away, which has a full range of accommodation.