September 23, 2007 | 12:00am
Malaysia is not only famous for the warm welcome and charming smiles of the locals, it is also endowed for its natural resources in the areas of agriculture and forestry. Nature’s gifts in this place are luring nature lovers to immerse themselves into nature-based activities and eco-tourism.
Malaysia as an eco-tourism destination is capable of hosting outdoor activities such as rock-climbing, cross-jungle trekking at different mountain zones, wild white water rafting, diving, parasailing, spelunking, camping, rock climbing, river cruising, drive expeditions (including off-road driving), mountain biking, bird watching, among others.
Tropical rainforests that are home to exotic and protected plants and animals are found here. Mount Kinabalu is the nook for rare species of flora and fauna. Mineral and rock formations such as Mulu Caves are worth visiting. The world’s oldest forest (an estimate of 130 million years old) Taman Negara, the premier national park adventure, is in Malaysia. Wildlife sanctuaries at Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan floodplains are also among Malaysia’s must-visit attractions.
Jungle exploration
Gunung Tahan, the tallest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, is famous for hosting camping and trekking expeditions. The scenic views of the hills and terrains with mangrove belts, huge trees and shrubs, exotic palms, ferns and vines make up the rich jungle. It is advised that the best period to trek in Peninsula Malaysia is during the dry season between March and September. Along the long trails, one will marvel at the diversity of plants and animals, not to mention rivers and waterfalls that add up to the cool ambiance.
Mountain Climbing
Gunung Ledang in Johor, Gunung Jerai in Kedah or Gunung Angsi in Negeri Sembilan are some of the popular climbing sites in Malaysia. Tea and vegetable plantations are best viewed in Gunung Berembun and Gunung Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands. For a more challenging climb, go for Gunung Tahan, the highest point in Malaysia while some of the world’s unique mountain environments can be found near Borneo. Gunung Kinabula, one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia (4095.2m), is in the World Heritage Site of Kinabalu Park, Sabah.
Rock Climbing
Rock climbing enthusiasts will enjoy conquering Malaysia’s rock faces and cliffs, of which there are many to choose from around the varied landscape. Limestone outcrops dot many areas of Peninsular Malaysia with limestone crags and sandstone mountains in Sarawak and some big alpine granite walls in Sabah. The most popular climbing sites are still near or around Kuala Lumpur and Selangor state, namely the famous Batu Caves and Bukit Takun to the city’s north. Huge potential lies further north and east, in the states of Perak, Perlis, Kelantan and Pahang where hundreds of limestone crags await exploration.
Cave Exploration
Cave is “gua” in the Malay language. In the Peninsula, the list features Gua Kelam in Perlis, Gua Tempurung and Kundu in Perak, scattered historic caves around Lake Kenyir in Terengganu and Gua Ikan in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. Famous caves in Sarawak include Niah and Mulu, and Fairy Cave at Bau. Gua Gomantong is the most well known cave in Sabah, where bird’s nest are collected. River caves can be found in the Kinta Valley. Malaysian caves are home to many exotic creatures – blind catfish of Loagan’s Cave and the Trapdoor Spider of Batu Caves. Snakes and scorpions are expected to scare you around caves.
River cruising
Malaysia’s more established sites for cruising are Sungai Kilim on Langkawi Island where tree crabs, iguanas and macaques are seen among trees and mangroves. A thrilling highlight is experiencing the eagles that swoop down the feed on food thrown into the water. Sungai Selangor, just two hours from Kuala Lumpur, is famous for its firefly colonies that flicker together like festival lights. River cruising on the Kinabatangan in Sabah, one of the longest rivers in Borneo, offers some of the best opportunities to observe Bornean fauna.
White Water Rafting
Sabah has two main rivers for rafting – the Padas and Kiulu rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade 2 respectively in the international white water rafting grading system.
Four Wheel Drive Expeditions
International 4x4 or off-road events held in Malaysia annually are usually around October and November – the Borneo Safari, the National Challenge and the Rainforest International Challenge of Malaysia. Peninsular Malaysia’s East Coast offers some of the best terrain for off-road enthusiasts. The forests around Gua Musang in Kelantan; Tasik Kenyir, Sungai Loh and Sungai Kelamin in Terengganu; Endau Rompin in Johor; Tasik Chini and Cameron Highlands in Pahang are established routes for this adventure sport. Pahang and Terangganu are the acclaimed 4WD destinations.
Bird Watching
The Malayan Whistling Thrush, an endemic species, can be found in the Peninsula. On Borneo there are over 30 endemics including the Borneo Blue Flycatcher and Yellow-rumped Flowerpecker in Sabah.
Wreck Diving
Appreciate the diving treasures of the Malaysian seas. Some of the outstanding dive sites are Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Layang-layang in Sabah, as well as Pulau Tioman, Pulau Redand and the Perhentian Islands on the Peninsula’s East Coast. Pulau Labuan is a haven for wreck diving. The four wrecks around Labuan’s waters namely American, Australian, Blue Water and Cement Wrecks are accessible to all. Barracuda, groupers and batfish are commonly sighted here.
The tropical Kingdom of Malaysia is inviting each one to experience adventure and nature at its best.
* * *
Flavors of Malaysia
Experience the “Flavors of Penang” at Tides restaurant in Shangri-L’as Mactan Resort & Spa from September 18-25 only. Penang is known to be Malaysia’s food paradise. Classic dishes such as Rojak, Laksa, Penang Hokkien Prawn Mee, Roti Jala and Roti Canai, Oyster Omelette, Beef Rendang Mamak, Kari Ikan, and many more are served. For restaurant reservations, please call 231 8224, or email [email protected].
Reference: Adventure With Nature published by Tourism Malaysia, Ministry of Tourism
