beaches of Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur, the hub of Malaysia, is one of the most visited tourist destinations around the world. Situated midway down the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is near the meeting place of the Klang and Gombek rivers. It is the largest city in Malaysia with a population of over one and a half million from all of Malaysia's several ethnic groups.

Kuala Lumpur is boarders by the Titiwangsa Mountains in the east and Indonesia's Sumatra Island in the west. It possesses a year-round equatorial climate which is warm and sunny, along with abundant rainfall, particularly during the southwest monsoon from September to April. Some times a phenomenon known as the 'haze' occurs in this place due to the forest fires on nearby Sumatra Island which typically lasts for 1 to 2 weeks.

Kuala Lumpur has a lot to offer for tourists as well as for native people alike. Cheap and reasonable packages are available for short trips to this wonderful city. Some part of the city was renovated recently while the other parts of the city remain unchanged. This scattered modernization made the city more attractive for both the city's modern attractions and its historical and cultural appeal. You can feel the history and culture of Kuala Lumpur from its open air markets and Chinese and Hindu temples.

Merdeka Square, the field where Malaysian independence was first declared, is one of the major historic attractions in Kuala Lumpur. Visitors can experience an aspect of Islamic life in Jamek Mosque and Chow Kit Market is best for shopping and dining. It is considered as the largest market in the city. You can buy silks, spices, and fresh fish which are sold by friendly local vendors.

Tourists can visit Cosmo's World - Malaysia's largest indoor theme park, enjoy the panoramic views from the sky bridge that extends between the Petronas Twin Towers and eavesdrop to the international music at the Backroom - the major dance club that often features globally-known DJs.

At Lake Gardens visitors can watch some of the exotic birds in their natural settings. Adventure-seeking visitors can choose the steep limestone routes at Batu Caves. Aquaria, Kuala Lumpur's aquarium, is the best place for animal enthusiasts. It has around 5000 varieties of tropical fishes.

Merdeka Square with the world's tallest flag pole, the Sultan Abdul Samad building, Old City Hall, The Royal Selangor Club, and St. Mary's Cathedral are also worth visiting. Tugu Negara, the national monument for war dead, will be a major attraction for history buffs and art enthusiasts. Istana Negara, the national palace, is home to Malaysia's constitutional monarch and this sight is also worth seeing. Seen of changing of guards ceremony from the main gate of the palace will be an enchanting experience for the visitors and natives alike.

Visitors can enjoy a fantastic nightlife in Kuala Lumpur. The Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, the home of well-known Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, is an enchanting evening spot. Istana Budaya is best for watching play and for dinning you can go to China Town, Little Indian, and Golden Triangle areas. You can taste either of traditional Chinese, North Indian, and Tamil cuisine. Bukit Bintang is considered as the largest shopping district in Kuala Lumpur. You can also spend time in Central Market and Chinatown for shopping purpose.

Superb accommodation facilities are available in Kuala Lumpur, the versatile capital of Malaysia. Availability of good accommodation in the city made it a favorite destination among the travelers. Visitors can enjoy excellent sightseeing, entertainment, nightlife and accommodation with high facilities. Charming scenery, eye-catching skyscrapers, striking tropical gardens and numerous traditional buildings are what lure each tourist often comes across in this city.

In addition to it, the friendly nature of the native people makes the tourists happy and makes their trip even more comfortable and enjoyable. You can barely defy your appeal to go for endless shopping avenues, varied culture, tasty local foods and fascinating theme parks. The most important thing that each and every visitors search for is the facility for accommodation. In Kuala Lumpur you never face any problem in getting a good accommodation facility because it is filled with quite comfortable hotels and they include diversity of accommodations at rates which suits to your budget.

Scuba diving Malaysia, destinations include dive spots in Borneo, Johor, Langkawi Island, Layang Layang Island, Pahang, Perak, Perhentian Island, Sarawok, Terengganu, Tioman Island, and Turtle Island. All of the latter scuba diving destinations are perfect for any diver's next diving excursion.

Imagine diving in the waters that surround Borneo; this Malaysian scuba diving destination has more than ninety three fascinating dive sites to explore. There are specifically 79 diving destinations in Sabah and an additional 14 scuba diving Malaysia diving spots in Sangalaki. When visiting Sabah in the northernmost region of Borneo, the best sites await the diver in places like the Labuan Federal Territory, Kapalai Island, the Lankayan Island, Mabul Island, Mantabuan, Mataking Island, Pulau Tiga, the Semporna Marine Park, the Si Amil Island, the Sibuan Island, the Sipadan Island, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the Turtle Islands Park. Just a short distance away from Sabah, divers can travel to Sangalaki too, where even more beautiful underwater experiences await. Manta rays, jelly fish, turtles, and other water life can be viewed in places like Caro's Cutto, the Channel Entrance, Coral Gardens, Cowtail Reef, Eel Ridge, Jellyfish Lake, Lighthouse Reefs, Manta Avenue, Manta Parades, the Sandy Ridge, Sherwood Forest, the Cleaning Station, the Lighthouse, and Turtle Town.

Among the outstanding scuba diving Malaysia locations you can explore are fifty one spots in Terengganu too; diving sites throughout Terengganu can be enjoyed in places around Lang Tehgah Island, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Redang, and Tenggol Island. While visiting Malaysia, you might take a dive at the Blue Corals diving site situated off of Lang Tehgah Island: a site that is accessible by boat. In the latter destination you can explore waters that are 25 meters deep and that are home to butterfly fish, groupers, parrot fish, nurse sharks, trevally, and a whole host of other fascinating underwater life.

Alternatively, you can head to the Japanese Landing Craft Wreck in Pulau Kapas: this exciting scuba diving site in Malaysia is accessible just after a thirty minute boat ride. The Japanese Landing Craft wreck is situated north of Pulau Kapas, and the wreck is twenty five meters down. Coral have now made the wreck their home, and schools of fish can be enjoyed during your underwater experience at this intensely popular underwater scuba diving Malaysia spot.

The number of Malaysian scuba diving destinations that you can choose from are vast; this makes the location a hot spot for divers looking to experience the beauty and surrealism that only an underwater adventure can offer. Destinations are available for the novice and inexperienced, for the skilled and intermediate diver, and for the advanced diver seeking an underwater challenge and adventure. For your next dive, give serious consideration to heading to Malaysia: a destination filled to the brim with superior scuba diving Malaysia destinations for you to experience and explore.
Scuba diving Malaysia, destinations include dive spots in Borneo, Johor, Langkawi Island, Layang Layang Island, Pahang, Perak, Perhentian Island, Sarawok, Terengganu, Tioman Island, and Turtle Island. All of the latter scuba diving destinations are perfect for any diver's next diving excursion.

Imagine diving in the waters that surround Borneo; this Malaysian scuba diving destination has more than ninety three fascinating dive sites to explore. There are specifically 79 diving destinations in Sabah and an additional 14 scuba diving Malaysia diving spots in Sangalaki. When visiting Sabah in the northernmost region of Borneo, the best sites await the diver in places like the Labuan Federal Territory, Kapalai Island, the Lankayan Island, Mabul Island, Mantabuan, Mataking Island, Pulau Tiga, the Semporna Marine Park, the Si Amil Island, the Sibuan Island, the Sipadan Island, the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, and the Turtle Islands Park. Just a short distance away from Sabah, divers can travel to Sangalaki too, where even more beautiful underwater experiences await. Manta rays, jelly fish, turtles, and other water life can be viewed in places like Caro's Cutto, the Channel Entrance, Coral Gardens, Cowtail Reef, Eel Ridge, Jellyfish Lake, Lighthouse Reefs, Manta Avenue, Manta Parades, the Sandy Ridge, Sherwood Forest, the Cleaning Station, the Lighthouse, and Turtle Town.

Among the outstanding scuba diving Malaysia locations you can explore are fifty one spots in Terengganu too; diving sites throughout Terengganu can be enjoyed in places around Lang Tehgah Island, Pulau Kapas, Pulau Redang, and Tenggol Island. While visiting Malaysia, you might take a dive at the Blue Corals diving site situated off of Lang Tehgah Island: a site that is accessible by boat. In the latter destination you can explore waters that are 25 meters deep and that are home to butterfly fish, groupers, parrot fish, nurse sharks, trevally, and a whole host of other fascinating underwater life.

Alternatively, you can head to the Japanese Landing Craft Wreck in Pulau Kapas: this exciting scuba diving site in Malaysia is accessible just after a thirty minute boat ride. The Japanese Landing Craft wreck is situated north of Pulau Kapas, and the wreck is twenty five meters down. Coral have now made the wreck their home, and schools of fish can be enjoyed during your underwater experience at this intensely popular underwater scuba diving Malaysia spot.

The number of Malaysian scuba diving destinations that you can choose from are vast; this makes the location a hot spot for divers looking to experience the beauty and surrealism that only an underwater adventure can offer. Destinations are available for the novice and inexperienced, for the skilled and intermediate diver, and for the advanced diver seeking an underwater challenge and adventure. For your next dive, give serious consideration to heading to Malaysia: a destination filled to the brim with superior scuba diving Malaysia destinations for you to experience and explore.

Asia occupies a quarter of the earth's land mass, it spans a lot of time zones. Having a single travel guide for all of Asia is virtually impossible. Asia like any other continent, here are basic travel tips for a few of the most happening countries in Asia.

Vietnam
The country's recommended tourist spots are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both modernized. All tourists in Vietnam, except Thai and Philippine Nationals need a tourist Visa before entering the Country. Health wise, Malaria is prevalent in Vietnam, it would be best to bring with you anti-mosquito lotions to prevent being bit.

Indonesia
Aside from the usual prohibition of narcotics and deadly weapons, Radio cassette Players are banned in the Island of Bali, which is a prime tourist spot in Indonesia. Any object with Chinese characters written on it, are also prohibited in Bali.

Thailand
Thai people are very religious and very loyal to the monarchy. You would often see pictures of the king around the cities, never make fun of him. The Thai also consider the head as the highest part of the body, whether spiritual or physical. Refrain from touching anybody in the head, and try not to point at anything with your foot.

Malaysia
It's best to bring light and cool clothing in Malaysia. You would usually find food stands in the cities selling the local delicacies, "teh tarik" a creamed tea, and "roti canai" a type of pancake, are a must try when you do encounter them. Malaysia has many religions, you would usually see, a variety of Christian churches, Muslim Mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples may be present in each city.

Philippines
The Philippine has 7,107 islands and islets; beaches are the main tourist spots in the country. There are several museums and Historical Landmarks in Manila, the country's capital. Boracay Island is the boast of the country which has white sand beaches.

Hongkong
Hong Kong is a key destination for many travelers. It is located in Eastern Asia, near China and the South China Sea. Formerly, leased to Great Britain, Hong Kong was officially returned to China in 1997. Hong Kong offers diversity in: culture, religion, and lifestyles.

Chinese, (Cantonese) and English are both the official language here. So foreigners, who are planning to visit, should not have any problems exploring, and experiencing the culture of this vibrant place; since English is widely spoken here.

Hong Kong dollar is the currency in use here. One American dollar roughly equals around 7 Hong Kong dollars. Hong Kong is known for: its unique energetic vibe, its wonderful food, and beautiful skylines. Hong Kong offers many great upscale shopping districts that rival the high end streets of: Shanghai, London and Paris. But the best places to shop here are the unique shops, and street markets that exhibit the charm and uniqueness of the locality.

General Tips
Each country in Asia has its own currency, although up-end establishments will accept dollars, there are very few of these around. It is best to have your money changed at the local bank. Some hotels also offer money changing, but usually at a lower exchange rate. Like any kind of decisions people have to make, it is always important to know the area they will be visiting so as to familiarize themselves with the laws, locations of best tourist spots, and the kind of people they have to deal with. Going to a place without having the slightest idea what it is all about is just as bad as going to the wilderness with beasts lurking everywhere and there's no gadget to protect them.

Malaysia is a small tropical country in South East Asia and just like many South East Asian countries, Malaysia have several fabulous beach resorts for tourists who wants to get away from the city to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. This article will introduce some of the more popular beach resorts in Malaysia. Pangkor Island Beach Resort - Pangkor Island Beach Resort is located on, where else but on the Malaysian island of Pangkor. The island resort is in West Malaysia and is surrounded by 73 acres of lush tropical rainforest and excellent marine life with a 1.2 km of white sandy beach with crystal clear water, excellent for all sea sports especially scuba diving.

The resort is designed with traditional low rise Malay architecture and comes with 258 guest rooms, suites and a cluster of villas. The villa cluster looks like a traditional Malay village with the sea front right on its doorstep. Each of these luxurious villas offer commanding view of the sea and is furnished with a large day bed fringing the bay windows, deep sunken bath and an oversized outdoor shower, surrounded by lush tropical greeneries. Guests can even pamper themselves at Aryani Malaysian Spa after a tiring day of playing in the sun and the sea. There are also several tourist attractions on the Pangkor Island where you can visit and be enthralled by the local culture and villages. The island is also home to the magnificent Hornbills.

Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort - Pulau Langkawi is an island cluster located on the north western shore of West Malaysia in state of Kedah. This island cluster is a very popular tourist attraction and is home to numerous fabulous beach resorts. For the purpose of this article, we shall just cover the Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort. This resort is nestled amidst 38 acres of spacious, lush tropical foliages along private beach coves and is only a 10 minute ride from the Langkawi International Airport. Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has a total of 238 spacious guest rooms including 20 suites. All rooms comes with full-length French doors which open onto private balconies.

Superior rooms offer a traditional wooden interior in the style of traditional Malaysian architecture. Sea Facing Jacuzzi rooms come with the splendid view of the Andaman Sea with a Jacuzzi bath tub in the bathroom. The resort's swimming pool overlooks the Andaman sea and so is it any wonder why it is called the infinite pool? This resort is nestled amidst 38 acres of spacious, lush tropical foliages along private beach coves and is only a 10 minute ride from the Langkawi International Airport. Sheraton Langkawi Beach Resort has a total of 238 spacious guest rooms including 20 suites. All rooms come with full-length French doors which open onto private balconies.

Superior rooms offer a traditional wooden interior in the style of traditional Malaysian architecture. Sea Facing Jacuzzi rooms come with the splendid view of the Andaman Sea with a Jacuzzi bath tub in the bathroom. The resort's swimming pool overlooks the Andaman Sea and so is it any wonder why it is called the infinite pool? If you are a flora and fauna lover, you can spend some time exploring the tropical rainforest which is home to the Hornbills, Dusky Leaf Monkeys and Flying Lemurs.

Sheraton Langkawi is also home to Chime, Langkawi's hottest night spot. Guests can savor Asian delicacies at the Spice Trader or dine under the glimmering stars at the Captain's Grill. There is also a spa and a gym. Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort - Berjaya group's Tioman Beach Resort and golf course is located in the state of Pahang. The island lies in the South China Sea. Tioman Island is hailed as one of the most beautiful islands in South East Asia was catapulted to world fame by James Michener's Bali Hai Hollywood classic 'South Pacific' movie in 1958. Blessed with miles and miles of exotic palm-fringed beaches, crystal clear waters, abundant marine life, misty mountains and lush tropical rainforest, Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort is the ideal spot for launching into days of leisure and recreational pursuits.

Berjaya Tioman Beach, Golf & Spa Resort offers 361 style chalets and luxurious suites spread over 200 acres with its own 18 hole international championship golf course. Food lovers will be spoilt for choices with the resort's nine dining outlets serving a wide array of local and international cuisines. Guests can enjoy amongst other things besides water sports like scuba diving and big game fishing such as taking donkey rides, jungle tracking, white water rafting or taking refreshing dips in some of the waterfalls. There is also a pond where wild giant lumbering iguanas (giant lizards) gathered regularly to be fed.

Pulau Redang Beach Resort - Pulau Redang Island is a collective grouping of 8 islands. The Redang Beach Resort is located at Pasir Panjang on Redang main island. The resort stretches across a pristine white sandy beach and is easily accessible to the nearby coral gardens. Redang Beach Resort offers 120 chalets with standard and deluxe rooms. All rooms are air-conditioned with attached toilets and bathrooms.

This resort is very popular with scuba divers and from first hand experience, the dive sites in Redang are simply fabulous! Divers will experience the sensation of swimming amongst the myriads of colorful fishes, encounter the vast beds of exotic corals and bright sponges. Play with the shy clown fish hiding in between the tentacles of the sea anemones and if you are lucky, you may even swim with the green and hawksbill turtles that frequent these waters. The majestic manta rays, adorable dolphins and the occasional sharks are common sightings.

Alternatively, guests can spend the day trekking the many jungle trails around the island or enjoy a game of beach volleyball. The above are just some of the more popular and good beach resorts in Malaysia. There are many more of such beach resorts om Malaysia which are just as good and fun!

Penang is one of the favourite holiday destinations in Malaysia. Its location on the Northwestern coastal area of the peninsular and especially it being by the Straits of Malacca makes it even popular. And even though Penang is a ‘beach resort' type of destination it also boasts a lovely hill known as the Penang Hill.

Penang Hill is the ideal way to get away from the heat and the bustle of the tropical Georgetown. The 830-metre high hill had been a favourite escape even during the colonial times. Travellers looking to experience the cool climate here can either travel along on it its pathway in an automobile or simply climb it.  In earlier times, in the year 1923 there was a funicular railway, which led to the top, so people could use this to reach its peak. The train was just a simple outfit with wooden carriages and conforming to two classes. These original trains have now been replaced with a modern counterpart whilst the older versions have retired to immobile life at the National Museum.

The journey starts at the base and the station is within easy walking distance from the famous Kek Lok Si Temple and the ride, which includes changing trains half way through, takes about 30 minutes. The ride it self is picturesque. Bits of jungle, monkeys and old colonial bungalows are some of the sights which add colour to the ride. The top of the Penang Hill features various attractions such as a mosque and temple and various eateries.

But the best part of getting to the top of the Penang Hill is the view it affords. The peak is the ideal place for a panoramic view of the area, which includes the beautiful Malacca Straits, and also the place to explore the local fauna and flora and the terrain. For the Nature lover the Hill promises several nature trails through the overwhelming surroundings.

Visitors to Penang are assured of various accommodation options. Travelers can pick from a range with varying prices, each option assuring modern facilities. And Penang mainly being a beach resort, most travelers prefer the accommodation in the Penang beach resort area. Be it budget or luxury hotels Penang offers, the accommodations have all the options you are looking for. For traditional Malaysian style hospitality with luxurious accommodation, try the Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa, Penang, located on the world famous Batu Feringgi Beach.