Langkawi Island, Pulau Lagenda

Langkawi, part of yet situated just off the coast of Kedah, is actually made up of 99 islands. The largest of which is Pulau Langkawi, while some of the others appear to be mere dots in the emerald green ocean when viewed from the air. Langkawi offers natural attractions unsurpassed by any other in the region. Those who love a tropical island holiday and a place far from the maddening crowd will find their haven in Langakawi Island. The outstanding natural landscapes of the Langkawi Islands proclaim them a true tropical paradise. Besides its whites sandy beaches and limestone hills, its lush vegetation filled with exotic flora and fauna would attract natural lovers.

Local folklore has it that Langkawi derived its name from the eagle or "helang" as it is known in the Malay language. "Lang" for short and in old Malay, "kawi" denotes reddish brown; hence, Langkawi simply means reddish brown eagle. Where once, a group of 99 islands lay under a curse of a wrongly accused princess, there is today a new beginning, a new light, and as result a new budding and thriving holiday hideaway. The Langkawi you see today has been transformed almost beyond recognition. This is the legendary island where now major international businessmen meet to form new ventures and conclude deals whilst relaxing. The curse that lasted for seven generations can surely be said to have been lifted.

Getting There

By Air : Langkawi International Airport is serviced by Malaysia Airlines on a daily basis, and by Air Asia five times a week from Kuala Lumpur. Silk Air also flies regularly from Singapore. There are international flights direct from Osaka in Japan and Taipei in Taiwan.

By Rail : Malayan Railway provides comfortable and economical rail services from Kuala Lumpur to Alor Setar and Arau. From these places, one has to take a taxi or bus to either Kuala Kedah or Kuala Perlis and then proceed by express ferry to the main island.

By Road : Driving has been much facilitated by the North-South Expressway. Make your way to Kuala Perlis or Kuala Kedah and then proceed by ferry to the island. There are also express buses offering comfortable rides to the ferry terminals from Kuala Lumpur.

By Sea : Other than cruises that leave from various ports like Malacca and Port Klang, express ferries provide daily regular services to Langkawi from both Kuala Perlis and Kuala Kedah. The journey takes 45 minutes and 1 hour and 15 minutes respectively

Pangkor

Largely inhabited by fisher-folk who live in fishing settlements scattered along the coast, Pangkor - in stark contrast to Malaysia's fast-paced progress - remains a haven for those seeking to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Here, visitors can bask in the sun on her golden beaches and catch sights of fishing boats rocking gently on calm blue waters. Situated 7km from historic Lumut town across the Straits of Malacca, it has for centuries enthralled visitors with her charming beauty, idyllic bays, pristine beaches, and vibrant tropical forests. Hence it comes as no surprise that she has been a welcome stopover for the sea weary, pirates, and adventurers in the old days. In fact, it was at one time ruled by European conquerors such as the Dutch and British yet her natural wonders have remained unscarred and her environment as tranquil and harmonious as ever. Today's Pangkor is a thriving tourist destination that does not reflect her turbulent past.

Getting There

Pangkor is a 40 minute ferry ride from Lumut, a coastal town, which is 84km from Ipoh city or a 3 hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. The ferry fare costs a mere few ringgit depending on which part of Pangkor you are going to. There are also scheduled flights via Kuala Lumpur operated by Berjaya Air. This flight is 5 times a week except Thuesday and Thurday. Once there, taxis (Van) are available for most part of the day to take you around. However, please be forewarned that the taxis have no meters, hence you should check the fare before embarking on a ride.

Pulau Pangkor, pangkor island

Redang Island

Redang Island is a scuba diver's paradise. Located 50km from the mainland and a 2 hour boat ride from the Marang Jetty, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden. The park is arguable among the best diving spots in the world where marine life is protected and souvenir hunters are liable for prosecution. This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Until recently, accommodation has been in the form of chalets, but if you are keen on luxury, an international class hotel had just opened its doors.


Situated 21km off the coast of Terengganu, Perhentian Islands consist of two islands: Pulau Perhentian Besar and Pulau Perhentian Kecil, which are revered by sunbathers. A trip to this exotic tropical island is a must for all nature lovers and those who enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, swimming, wind surfing, sailing, boating, and canoeing. It is surrounded by a virgin jungle, swaying palm trees, white sandy beaches, warm sapphire blue waters, and a colorful coral garden. Perhentian Islands is renowned as one of Malaysia's marine paradise.

Take one tropical island, add a luxurious beach resort, augment that with a significant amount of history, toss in a liberal dose of superb local food, and the result would be none other than Penang. Penang, the Pearl of the Orient, is the most culturally diverse East Asia holiday destination today. Lying at the crossroads of great civilizations, Penang, more than any other state in Malaysia, is the country's cultural melting pot. In the early years of its founding, the island attracted people of all races from seemingly all points of the compass. Penang today, like most of its counterparts in the country, bears the mark of an early history of successive foreign influences. From the early Indian Civilization that took root in northern Malaya, to the Portuguese, Dutch, and later the British who came to this part of the world in search of spices and stayed on to participate in the lucrative trade.

Originally a territory of the Sultan of Kedah, Penang was largely unoccupied until 1786. According to the annals of history, Francis Light of the British East India Company was very captivated by the island's immense beauty. Foreseeing its potential as an excellent trading port, he persuaded the then Sultan to concede the island to the British rule in exchange for protection against his Siamese enemies.

The task of clearing the jungle was given to Light. Legend has it that Light filled cannons with gold and silver coins, blasted them into the surrounding jungles, and then sent workers out to clear the jungle. It got the job done! Thanks to Light's far-sight, the island soon became a busy entry port for tea and opium trading between India and China.

Today's Penang combines the past and present. It is possible to stroll down its narrow lanes and enjoy viewing colonial buildings, as well as modern development of roads and high rises.

Getting There

By Air :Easily accessible by daily flights from major capitols of the region, it also has direct links with Singapore, Bangkok, Nagoya, Medan, Madras, and Xiamen in China. Local flights are also available. Bayan Lepas, the island's International Airport, is a mere 20 minute from the city center.

By Rail :Operated by Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTM Bhd), this is a comfortable and leisurely way to travel and it affords one the opportunity to see a lot of the countryside and rural villages.

By Ferry :Ferry services are available around the clock from Butterworth for both passengers and vehicles. Tickets can be purchased at the Butterworth terminal and the rates are applicable for a return journey.

By Road :Since September 1985, the island's 285 sq. km of territory has been linked to the mainland by the 13km long Penang Bridge. This has facilitated driving to Penang. A toll charge of RM7 is levied on all classes of cars at Seberang Perai on the mainland. No payment is required for traveling from the island to the mainland.

Moving around :The city is efficiently serviced by busses, taxis, and most interestingly trishaws. A trishaw ride is one of the best ways to see the island. Besides the novelty of traveling in this open-fronted three wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity of a more leisurely paced sightseeing

Tioman

Set like a glittering jewel amidst the South China Sea, Tioman Island, the largest of a group of 64 volcanic islands, beckons the visitor with its white beaches and crystal clear azure seas. A sense of excitement and mystery pervades the island and the visitor will be enchanted by the picturesque beauty of this tropical paradise. Populated by friendly villagers who live an unhurried lifestyle, Tioman Island has a way of making your troubles seem like a thousand miles away. Considered one of the world's ten most beautiful islands, Tioman made its movie debut as the setting for the paradise island of "Bali Hai" in the film "South Pacific". This volcanic island has steep slopes of lush green vegetation and a multicolored profusion of orchids and other tropical flowers. Stunning waterfalls cascade down these tropical slopes and make their way down through secluded sandy beaches to the clear blue waters and its iridescent coral reefs. Untouched with its natural beauty, Tioman Island draw thousands of tourist yearly to its beaches. Sun lovers and those who are fascinated by sea shells will find the miles and miles of palm-fringed beaches a sheer delight with their myriad varieties of these lovely sea creatures. You can spend hours just languishing on the white pearly beach, looking up the sun for the perfect tan. Popular beaches include the ones around the villages of Tekek, Genting, and Salang. A walk on one of these beaches at sunset is truly enchanting and will simply take your breath away.

Getting There

By Air : Pelangi Air and Berjaya Air operate daily flights into Tioman from Kuala Lumpur. The former also flies daily from Singapore.

By Sea : Tioman is accessible by passenger boat services from Mersing in Johor. Mersing is a pleasant town for its large bustling fishing fleet. It is also the setting-off point for a large number of islands in the South China Sea. The trip takes one and a half hours. There is also direct ferry services from Singapore to the island.

Barrow Island

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