Malaysia Holidays

Malaysians are enthusiastic sportsmen and many international sports are played in the country. The bright, tropical climate ensures that most sports. can be enjoyed throughout the year. Popular national sports include soccer, badminton, hockey, tennis and squash. Other favourites are biking, cricket, bowling, rugby, table-tennis, softball and grand prix racing.

Malaysia has a long coastline with several offshore islands Oki and sea sports are coming to the fore. There are plenty of opportunities to water-ski and wind-surf or snorkel and dive in the many islands and marine parks found throughout the country. The country's large river system has made canoeing and white-water rafting popular adventure sports.

On a national level soccer is played at school right up to international level. Soccer matches and competitions such as the Semi-Pro League and the Malaysian -Cup are two popular matches. Badminton is another favourite sport with international competitions held from time to time.

Golf Activities in Malaysia
Malaysia also has a great variety of excellent golf courses scattered around the country. Golfing holidays are becoming trendy and combine splendid golf courses to play in with the country's many other attractions. Motor sports are becoming increasingly popular and the country now has a challenging Formula I circuit just outside the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. The Sepang Ft Circuit has a double-frontage main grandstand for 30,000 spectators and natural stands able to accommodate 100,000 spectators. The course is a 5542krn circuit which features 15 turns and 9 straights. The Malaysia Grand Prix Formula I in October 1999 brought the world's top drivers together on this latest Ft circuit.

Diving in Malaysia
Located in the heart of the Indopacific Basin in the centre of the area famed for the greatest marine bio-diversity in the world, Malaysia's marine parks offer diving enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy some of the most beautiful marine sights in the world. Since Malaysia hosted the inaugural Asian DEMA (Diving and Equipment Manufacturing Association) Show in 1996 and 1997, more professional and recreational divers are discovering the enchantment of its waters. With sites catering to every level of expertise, Malaysia is a true divers paradise.

Accredited dive operators offer packages for every need and budget. Premium packages include pickup at the airport, transfer to the dive sites, food, accommodation and dives. Alternatively, one can opt for a dive only package by making arrangements with a dive shop or operator. The holiday diver stays for an average of 12 days which allows for a week's worth of diving.

Whitewater Rafting in Malaysia
Rivers have long been the life blood of the indigenous people of Malaysia. They have served as a means of transport, a source of food and now, a resource for eco-tourism. The native groups of Sabah have been using rafts for centuries but white water rafting has only been a recreational activity since the 1980s.

The two main rivers for rafting in Sabah are the Padas and Kiulu rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade 2 respectively in the international white water rafting grading system.

River Safaris and Cruises in Malaysia
River safaris and cruises are becoming increasingly popular among visitors to Malaysia. Well organised and with expert guides, they provide an interesting, exciting way to explore the country's interior. River safaris and cruises are available in Melaka, Kuala Berang in Terengganu and Taman Negara and Lake Chini in Pahang and Sarawak, also offer scenic river safaris and cruises.

Cave Exploring in Malaysia
There is a great network of caves in Malaysia for carving enthusiasts. it has been found that most caves date back to the Stone Age and some caves in Sarawak are 60 million years old. The majority of caves are limestone and are above ground level. These include Gua Kolam in Perlis, Gua Tempurung and Kundu in Perak, Batu Caves in Selangor and Gua ikan in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. The appearances of caves can change within months as the humid Malaysian weather affects stalagmite and stalactite formation.

Adventure caves like Drunken Forest Cave and Loagan's Cave remain close to their natural state. Show caves such as Deer Lang and Clear Water Caves in Mulu National Park, Sarawak, are those which have been opened up for public viewing with guides, lights and walkways.

Mountain Climbing and Abseiling in Malaysia
Mountain climbing is a wonderful way to discover the diversity and uniqueness of Malaysia's natural landscape ranging from the dense tropical rainforest in the lowlands to the montane vegetation in the highlands, From easy walks in the cool comfort of the Main Range of Peninsular Malaysia to the more challenging mountains of Sabah and Sarawak, there are mountains to tempt every class of climber. Abseiling is also offered in certain locations. Beginners can start with the well marked trials in Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Gunung Korbu'in Perak and Gunung Tangsi in Negeri Sembilan. For those wanting bigger challenges through rainforest, rivers and mountain ridges, there is Gunung Gagau in Taman Negara and Gunung Tahan, the highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. Then there is Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia at 4093metres.

Angling in Malaysia
Malaysia, a prime tropical retreat, is also a relatively undiscovered fishing destination. Its sun drenched beaches, sparkling islands, profusion of flora and fauna and magnificent mountains provide a diverse array of activities for the holiday maker, diver, eco-tourist and angler.

Malaysia is endowed with quality freshwater and marine game fishing. The Prime Malaysian freshwater sport fish include the ferocious Giant Snakehead, the fast running Malaysian Jungle Perch, the GiantFeather back and the elusive but powerful Malaysian Mahseer.The seas host the king of the game fish, the Black Marlin. Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna and Dogtooth Tuna can be found in the Malaysian seas along with Wahoo, Narrowbarred Mackerel, Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Barracuda and Rainbow Runner, to name a few.

Bird Watching in Malaysia
For an adventure that is a little more refined and certainly less strenuous, try bird watching. Malaysia's vast expanses of rainforests are home to more than 700 species of exotic bird-life, including some extremely rare ones. Due to its location on the cross-migratory path of certain bird species, Malaysia has emerged as a bird watching haven. This avian extravaganza is one to behold. Scan the treetops, listen for the telltale calls. Look hard. If you manage to see a Mountain Peacock Pheasant or a Malayan Whistling Thrush, you are one of the privileged few, as they are the rarest of birds to be found.

Paragliding in Malaysia
The latest sport to take hold of enthusiasts is Paragliding with the use of Para motors. Para gliders can reach speed of up to 45kph and climb to heights of 150 to 200 meters. This sport is becoming popular in the wind swept states of the East Coast and along beach areas.