Payar Island

If you are looking for a marine park at the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, head for Pulau Payar Marine Park which is located 19 nautical miles south of Langkawi Island. If you are coming from Penang Island, it is located 32 nautical miles north of Penang Island. It is also approximately 15 nautical miles west of Kuala Kedah. This island still remains unspoilt until today due to its status as a marine park.

Being a marine park means that you are not allowed to do the followings:

• No fishing or killing of fish.
• No collecting of corals or other marine organisms.
• No collecting of sand, dead shells or dead corals.
• No polluting or littering.
• No anchoring on reefs.
• No building or erecting any type of structure on the water.

Keeping strictly to these rules and regulations will ensure that this park will remain unspoilt for many years to come. Comprising an uninhabited islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Kaca and Pulau Segantang, this park is surrounded by coral reefs and many kinds of endangered marine species. Payar Island is the biggest island in this park measuring 2 km by 1/4 km. The Marine Park Centre which provides information on the marine park is located in Pulau Payar.

Things To Do

Snorkelling, swimming and scuba diving are the main activities that you can do here. Being a marine park means that most of the marine life and vegetation in the sea are still thriving here. The popular diving site is known as Coral Garden and is located at the south-west of Pulau Payar where you will be able to see the bright and multicoloured soft corals. The fascinating feature of this park is that there are many artificial reefs built from old boats, concrete blocks and tyres that have developed into mature reefs with plenty of sea creatures around them. Visibility on a good day can go up to 15m.

Jungle Tracking is another activity that you can do over here. There are 2 trails that you can use to explore the flora and fauna of Payar Island.

Baby Shark Feeding will be a memorable experience to do for you and your children. See the video of shark feeding in Payar Island.

Floating Platform is designed for those who does not want to wet their bodies but still want to enjoy the marine life here. It is a platform called Coral Langkawi which is moored off Pulau Payar. Measuring 49 m by 15 m, you will have to book a package tour in order to have the privilege of using it. It has a tunnel shape chamber at the bottom of the platform 10 feet below the sea. There are also boats which have glass bottom for you to see the marine life and corals as you move along the coral gardens. This platform is also equipped with a snack bar, a dining area and a sunbathing area.

Other facilities provided in this park include picnic tables, barbecue pits, gazebos and restrooms.

Getting Here

As there is no facility for accommodation here, most visitors will plan to spend a day trip here and stay in the hotels in Langkawi Island or Penang Island. It takes approximately 50 minutes using catamaran or speed boat operated by Langkawi Coral from Kuah Jetty in Langkawi Island. If you are coming from Penang Island, the journey will take approximately 60 minutes. Another option of coming here is using the boat from Kuala Kedah in Kedah.

Booking for a day's trip usually cost RM200-RM250 which include pickup from hotels, lunch, use of snorkelling equipments and the use of the platform for viewing the coral reefs.

A conservation fee of RM5/adult and RM2.50/child is charged for any visitor who enter this park.

Sunway Lagoon - Malaysia's Best Man-Made Tourist Attraction

Officially opened on April 29, 1993 by Prime Minister YAB Dato' Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Sunway Lagoon is Malaysia's Premier Theme Park and has become the most visited tourist destination in the country. Sunway Lagoon is strategically located in the township of Bandar Sunway in Petaling Jaya. Spanning 80 acres, the Lagoon draws fun seekers from all over with its reputation as a fascinating land of fun and excitement. Sunway Lagoon is separated into 3 major themed lands, each boasting their own exciting attractions. Find entertainment, adventure and excitement all in place. A place where you will bring back more than just memories. Sunway Lagoon, being part of Malaysia's first fully-integrated themed resort - Sunway Lagoon Resort, offers visitors the conveniece of a 5-star hotel, a grand shopping mall right next door and other ultra-modern facilities.

Attractions and rides

Waters of Africa

This is the park's latest attraction and simulates a journey into the African wilderness. It has water slides and other rides and attractions.

World of Adventure

This features the longest pedestrian suspension bridge measuring 428 meters from where we can see the whole amusement park from a great height.

Kalahari Kids

This section of the park is exclusively for kids and is enclosed in a fence ensuring high safety. It features many fountains and also small, kid-size water slides. It is mainly a pool and made to look like a small African village in a tranquil setting. Kids are lucky if they come to Sunway Lagoon on a hot day!

Wild Wild West

This place is designed in such a way that it makes you feel like walking on a street in a cowboy style town in a movie filled with saloons, dancing girls, cowboys, horses, totem poles and so on.

Voodoo River Adventure

Kuala Lumpur City Centre - World's Tallest Building (Twin Tower)

Night View of KLCC

For our purposes this area encompasses Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle and Central Business District within the immediate vicinity of Jl. Raja Chulan,Jl.Imbi and Jl. Pudu as well as along Jl. Sultan Ismail up to Jl. Ampang. Hotels in the KLCC area are generally world renown 5 star properties offering the highest standards of luxury and service.Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) pretty much covers the Central Business District and is home to a good many embassies and international company headquarters.

With the now famous Petronas Twin Towers anchoring the area KLCC has become the new commercial centre of KL. There has been quite a lot of development in this area and now the area boasts many of Kuala Lumpur's new skyscrapers, 5 star hotels, office buildings, luxurious fully serviced apartments, upscale shopping and fine dining establishments.

That and the fact that it is nicely laid out with very good transportation facilities that make it easy to get about makes KLCC a favorite area for business travelers as well as upscale leisure visitors. Hotels in this area are usually large 5 star deluxe properties affiliated with an international chain.

Shopping Complex at the Inside

KLCC (Holdings) Bhd is the owner of the 1.67 million sq. meters of commercial development on the 40-hectare (100-acre) KLCC Project, one of the largest real estate developments in the world.The company's core business is investment holdings in the commercial, retail and hotel sectors.

Its subsidiaries are involved in property investment, project development and management and facilities management.

Suria KLCC is Malaysia's premier shopping destination located at Kuala Lumpur prestigious commercial address, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC). It offers an array of goods and services to please and pamper the needs of shoppers; from fashion, entertainment, arts & culture to local delicacies and international gourmets.

Set in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's Golden Triangle, Suria KLCC is surrounded by hotels, office buildings, a scenic park and dancing fountains, promising hours of leisurely pleasure. From whichever entrance you take, the excitement hits you the minute you step into the sensational splendour and diversity of the centre.

There is always something for everyone to savour at Suria KLCC : >> 6 levels of retail outlets with each level of a distinctive character and style. >> Anchor tenants are Isetan, Parkson Grand, Tanjong Golden Village and Level 2 Food Court. Other key tenants include Marks & Spencer and Asian Flavors Food Court. Including destination shop such as Pucuk Rebung and Aseana which are located exclusively Suria KLCC. >> Shopping, restaurants, cafes, entertainment, leisure, home decor, a concert hall, an art gallery and a science discovery centre. >> Customer-friendly facilities which include well-trained customer service staff, taxi, and bus stops, ample parking bays, a post office which opens throughout weekends, a Bureau de Change, a cobbler, a locksmith, florist and ATM centres. All this within one location.

Tourist Information

The Kuala Lumpur City Centre Development, strategically located within the Golden Triangle of Kuala Lumpur ranks among the largest real-estate developments in the world. The 40-hectare (100-acre) development is born of a vision to create a place where people can work, live, visit, shop and enjoy leisure and cultural activities in a convenient and pleasant environment.

Designed as an integrated mixed-use development, it will ultimately provide more than 1.67 million sq. metres (18 million sq. feet) of commercial, retail, hotel, residential and entertainment facilities within a parking setting.The master plan provides for 22 commercial developments to be located along the perimeter of a 50-acre landscaped park.

In line with KLCC's policy of undertaking commercial development solely in response to an identified demand, the 100-acre development is being undertaken in phases. Anchoring Phase One of the development is the North-West Development, which serves as the gateway to the development. Among the North-West developments are the 88-storey Petronas Twin Towers, the 6-Level Suria KLCC, a 20-hectare public park and a 6,000 capacity Mosque.

Sipadan Islands - World's Top Dive Island

Acknowledged as one of the best diving and unique spots in Southeast Asia, Pulau Sipadan is located off the small coastal town of Semporna on Sabah's eastern coast. Just 15 feet from the beach, the water turns indigo blue as the sea drops abruptly to 2,850ft deep! It is rather awe-inspiring. Myriad of colorful tropical fish swim in the warm water near the surface whereas huge groupers nose about. Moreover, the water gets so dark that one would not really know what lurks below. This famous feature won Sipadan island a "Best Beach Dive in the World" award in 1993.

The sea is overflowing with marine life. The main attraction for divers is the rich and unique variety of corals both soft and hard. Reef fish of every shape and hue can be found in these waters. Colorful butterfly fishes, angel fishes, damsel fishes of electric blue and bright orange colors inhabit the coral reefs, thus adding to the splendor of the underwater havens.

Between April and September, the Green and Hawksbill turtles will come ashore in droves to nest in the soft golden sands of Sipadan. When you dive during this time, you are bound to encounter these harmless denizens of the deep.

A beautiful white-sand beach fringes Sipadan but the real beauty of this island is in its waters. The season for diving is from mid-February to mid-December. Visibility ranges from 60 feet to over 200 feet. Several dive spots have even been identified and given exotic names after the variety of corals and marine life that are unique to these spots. There is the "Hanging Gardens", the "Barracuda Point", and the exciting "Turtle Cavern".

Professional diving companies operate on the island, complete with water, electricity, food, drinks, and comfortable accommodation for an unforgettable experience. To get there, one can take the 45-minute boat ride from Semporna.

Kuala Lumpur Sentral Station

All of the rail systems of Kuala Lumpur are joined to Sentral Station, a state of the art railway center which is astounding for both its simple thinking, beautifully designed marble floors and walls, the road ways that lead up to the station and the fact that right next to it are the Hilton and Le Meridian hotels which are simply magnificent twin towers.

Simplicity is the order of the day when it comes to Sentral Station. The KLIA Express, the raised railway (LRT) and the KTM which is a long distance commuter train run from here in separate sections of the building. The mono rail is situated just outside of the building. In between all of this there are shops, cafes and restaurants.

If you are traveling from Sentral Station to KLIA and are flying with Malaysian airlines you can check your baggage here and get your ticket before getting on the train. The KLIA Express leaves from the basement and costs RM35 one way. The journey takes 28 minutes and leaves on schedule to the second. If you do happen to miss it, don’t worry as in 20 mutes another one will arrive. This is a non stop service to KLIA.

The raised railway runs from upstairs and in places the train actually runs through the building on its way. This system is charged on a per stop basis and one of its most important stops is the Twin Towers otherwise known as KLCC or Kuala Lumpur City Center.

The mono rail runs from Brickfields – a mainly Indian area of Kuala Lumpur. Within minutes you can be in Times Square, Sultan Ismal or Butit Bingtang, some of the major shopping areas in Kuala Lumpur.

The railway systems in Kuala Lumpur are clean, cheap, fast and safe, although you should never let your guard down.

Seven Wells Mystical Waterfall in a Legendary Island

Pulau Langkawi is the main island nestling among 103 other islands. The geology around this area is marked by the consistent presence of limestone hills. They bring about unique outcrops, caves and the emerald colored seas that is very much associated with their presence. There are so many islands to choose from and with their individual peculiarities, Langkawi is heavily promoted as a tourist destination. Most people would associate islands with sandy beaches. There are a couple of nice public beaches on the main island. However, imagine the heavy use of these beaches and the frequent causal visitors, it may be a better idea to seek the more secluded private beaches or to the smaller islands. Beside touristy beaches and hotels, there are a few waterfalls on the Main island. Among them, the Telaga Tujoh is almost a "must see" destination for visitors. It is now located in a small park with lofty cliffs as backdrop. This waterfall area consist of 2 portions. The lower part that is short distance from the entrance is a tall vertical fall. In the midst of a flight of steps, there is a turnoff to the left with another series of steps to reach the fall area. The upper part are the pools of water that the local has termed them as wells. This vertical fall is almost a straight drop of 80 meters. At the base it breaks its fall among the boulders. This place at the base is made up of smooth granite surfaces. Fair amount of maneuver required to move around the fall area. Not recommended for children! For those who need some exercise and would not mind some climbing, follow the stairway up. The plain up here has collected and stored water trickling out of springs from the surrounding hills and highlands For waterfalls seekers, this is one place where the source of the river can be detected. All together, there 7 pools. The hard surfaces of the rock and the gentle water flow had avoided aggressive erosion. Water is slowly emptied from one level to the next with a small drop of less than a meter.

About Malaysia Islands

The endless stretch of sandy white beaches gently being lapped up by the sea, the untouched underwater realm of colourful marine life, the beautiful virgin tropical rainforests; these are among the sights that you will find on the paradise islands of Malaysia. The melting pot of Asia, Malaysia is a nation of ethnic variety and culture. For the international tourists, travelling around the country and asking for information is quite easy as English is our second language. The friendliness of the locals also makes it quite simple for visitors to jump right in and learn of the many different customs, practices and the quaint culture of the people. Besides, where else can you find a place where you can sample the diverse cuisine of Asia all under one roof. It would be an impossible task to describe every one of Malaysia's thousands of beautiful beaches. Ranging from the powdery stretches of sand that characterize the eastern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia to the black sand beach of Pantai Pasir Hitam and the smooth pebble beach of Pantai Batu Kerikil, Malaysia's shores offer more idyllic locales than one could explore in many lifetimes. In addition to the plenitude of beaches along the the peninsula and the coast of Eastern Malaysia, the country also possesses over a hundred tropical islands. Many of these are so beautiful as to have entered into legend centuries ago, like the islands of Langkawi remain desert isles, marked , or Pulau Tioman. Others only by the imprint of the South China Sea on their sands.

Interesting Activities

Indoor fun

JUST because it’s indoors doesn’t mean it’s any less fun than an outdoor event. There are just as many fun activities to be had indoors especially when unpredictable weather affects your plans.

Even if it’s raining cats and dogs outside, you can still glide across the dance floor to a waltz, work up a sweat on the treadmill, aim for the bullseye at an archery range or lock and load a gun in the safe confines of a shooting gallery.

There’s something for everyone; try getting your ideas here before it starts to rain.

Spas

If you’re looking for some rest and relaxation; a place where you can be pampered and forget about the cares of the world – even if it’s momentary – you’ve come to the right section.

This space is dedicated to places where you can take refuge from the hustle and bustle of life. And what are they? Spas and beauty salons.

Looking for someplace to get a manicure or pedicure? How about a soothing full-body massage or even a rejuvenating facial? Check out this section for places where you will be treated like royalty, so get set to indulge yourself!

Diving

The underwater world holds a mystique and beauty of its own. You’ll spend hours upon hours discovering its secrets – colourful sea creatures, underwater caverns, delicate corals – and you’ll never get bored exploring this world that is just teeming with life.

If you are attracted to the tranquil yet busy ocean, you’ll enjoy reading these articles written by like-minded individuals who have been enchanted by the wonders under the sea.

You’ll get valuable information and tips on where to go around Malaysia for that ultimate diving experience. Make sure you check out what others have to say about diving in Malaysia before strapping on your gear as these insightful gems may prove to be as important as your oxygen supply while underwater.

Outdoor adventure

Here are your requirements for a superb outing: fresh air, clear blue skies, the warm sun on your back, the sweet smell of fresh grass and sleeping under the stars!

If you are a true believer in the outdoors, then we hope you’ll find something here that will catch your interest.

Backpacking, cycling, mountain climbing, birdwatching – these are some of the activities featured in this section. Try browsing this space before heading out for your great outdoor adventure.

Other fun stuff

What else is there to do in Malaysia besides what has already been mentioned? Well, plenty, we hope.

Every now and then, we’ll get wind of new and interesting sports/activities. And when it reaches our shores, you’ll probably read about it here.

Give this section a try and you may learn about a unique activity that will pique your interest.

Genting Theme Park

Genting Highlands , only fifty kilometers (less than an hour) from Kuala Lumpur, is the most developed hill resort in Malaysia. At 2,000 meters above sea level, it offers a cool respite from Malaysia's capital city combined with all of the excitement, luxury, and entertainment of an international resort destination. In fact, many Malaysian people head for Genting Highlands specifically for its nightlife. There are international dinner shows and discos, while the world-class Casino de Genting offers Blackjack, Baccarat, Keno, French Bull, Roulette, Tai Sai and slot machines.

The resort also includes two theme parks, both with dozens of amusement rides and attractions suitable for the entire family. In addition, the Awana horse ranch offers equestrian activities, rides for children and lessons for beginners. For golfers, the Awana Golf and Country Resort offers a challenging 18-hole, par-71 golf course.

Accommodation includes the Genting Hotel, the Theme Park Hotel, the Resort Hotel, and the Awana Golf and Country Resort.

Getting to Genting

By Car: Genting Highlands can be reached from Kuala Lumpur via the faster Karak Highway or the slower old Pahang Road (Route 68). The latter passes by Mimaland, which may be a good place to stop by before proceeding to Genting Highlands.

By Bus: The Genting Express Bus leaves every hour from the Puduraya Bus Station in Kuala Lumpur. Genting also offers limousines, coaches and helicopter services for charter.

Genting Outdoor Theme Park

Genting Indoor Theme Park

The Lake of Kenyir

Located in the interior part of Terengganu, Kenyir Lake is the largest man-made lake in Southeast Asia. Covering an area of 369 sq. km, it is also Malaysia's largest rock-filled hydroelectric dam. Sharing its border with Kelantan in the west and Pahang in the south, this immense lake also servers as another gateway to Malaysia's National Park.

With about 340 islands, which were once hilltops and highlands, more than 14 waterfalls, and numerous rapids and rivers, Tasik Kenyir is also home to numerous species of freshwater fishes and exotic wildlife. Surrounded by a lush tropical jungle, the Kenyir Lake is a popular and ideal retreat for nature lovers, anglers, photo enthusiasts and fun seekers. Some of the activities that could be carried out here are fishing, watersports, canoeing, boating, bird watching, cave exploration, and jungle trekking.

Jetty

The main gateway to the lake is Pengkalan Gawi or Gawi Jetty. Visitors can make full use of its facilities such as the Tourist Information Centre, parking bays, food stalls, and more. Boat rentals and transfers can also be easily arranged through respective representatives stationed there.

Visit Malaysia Year 2007

The Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2007, the third such event to be held after more than a decade, aims to aggressively market and promote the country as a major international tourist destination. With various events held throughout the year, tourists are encouraged to stay longer, thus increasing their expenditures as well. It will also stimulate the growth of domestic tourism in Malaysia. Many programs and activities are planned, among them is "Malaysia Welcomes the World". VMY 2007 will be more special as it will coincide with Malaysia's 50th years of independence. This website will keep you updated with all kind of information that is related to Malaysia.

Check Out a few highlights on some exciting activities out there **

-	Museum Volunteers Malaysia
-	Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival 2007
-	Champions Youth Cup
-	Malaysia Tourism Awards 2005/06 Winners
-	VMY'07 Domestic Holiday Packages Contest
-	Putrajaya Floria 2007 - Malaysia's Celebration of Blooms

** as taken from www.tourism.gov.my - Official Malaysia Tourism Centre

Welcome to Malaysia

Malaysia, a land of friendly people and a nation blessed with natural wonders, welcomes you. Bordered by Thailand to the north and Singapore to the south, Malaysia also stretches across the northern tier of Borneo to form the states of Sabah and Sarawak.

With 4,800 km of coastline, Malaysia boasts some of the most beautiful island and beach in Asia. With the Straits of Malacca on the west, the South China Sea to the east and the Andaman Sea to the northwest, an amazing number of these natural treasures lay nestled in tranquil bays and coves. Beneath the aquamarine waters lies a fascinating world of corals and marine life waiting to be discovered. Come and be mesmerized by these fabulous holiday retreats. Cuti-cuti Malaysia.