Hong Kong Disneyland - Unlimited Visits This Summer

Hong Kong Disneyland has launched a Summer Pass, an entry ticket that allows guests unlimited visits to the theme park from July 1 – September 28, 2006.

"We're excited to be celebrating our first summer in Hong Kong and invite everyone to experience the magic of Hong Kong Disneyland with us. There’s never been a better time to visit the Park, especially as we drive to the future with three exciting new family attractions in Tomorrowland – Autopia, Stitch Encounter and UFO Zone," said Bill Ernest, Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Hong Kong Disneyland.

The Summer Pass will allow greater flexibility in planning a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland where guests can enjoy unlimited magic on any day (except September 12, 2006.) The Summer Pass represents good value for money with tickets available at HK$450 (adults), HK$320 (children) and HK$270 (seniors).

"We anticipate that guests will make the most of the Summer Pass with many spontaneous visits to the park where they can pop in for lunch at the Plaza Inn, do some shopping in the Emporium, meet their favorite Disney character or catch the Disney in the Stars evening fireworks spectacular. It is our hope that Hong Kong residents and our overseas guests will visit Hong Kong Disneyland as they would their neighborhood park," said Bill.

The Summer Pass will be available for purchase from June 28 until September 27, 2006 and can be used for admission on any day from July 1 until September 28 (except September 12, 2006). Double the Magic ticket holders can also upgrade their tickets to Summer Pass if they want to enjoy the unlimited visits offer.

Guests and families can also stay in the heart of the Disney magic at one of the two hotels (Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel) and use their Summer Pass to visit the park as many times as they wish.

On the first day of visit, guests can redeem their one-time entry ticket at the AutoMagic Ticket Dispensing Machines at the main entrance of the Park. After they enter the park, they should visit the Pass Processing Center located next to the City Hall inside the Park for the re-issue of a "Summer Pass" that will be personalized with their name.

The Summer Pass is also available at the ticket windows at the main entrance of the Park and Hong Kong Disneyland Ticket Express at Hong Kong Station.

Guests staying at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney's Hollywood Hotel are able to purchase the Summer Pass at the hotel front desks on the day of check-in or on the day of visiting the Park during the promotional period.

The Summer Pass will be personalized with the name of the guest printed on the back of the ticket and guests will be required to present photo identification at the time of purchase and upon entry to Hong Kong Disneyland for verification. Children aged 3 to 11 will need to present their school handbook, birth certificate or other photo identification.

Batu Caves - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Batu Caves is a limestone hill to the north of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia which has a series of caves and cave temples. It takes its name from the Sungai Batu or Batu River, which flows past the hill. Batu Caves is also the name of the nearby village.

The 'Orang Asli' (local aboriginal tribes called Jakun) had been aware of the caves for a long time. However, they became famous only after it was discovered by the American Naturalist, William Hornaday in 1878.

Of the various cave temples that comprise the site, the largest and best known is the Temple or Cathedral Cave, so named because it houses several Hindu shrines beneath its 100 m vaulted ceiling.

These serve as the focus of the Hindu community's yearly Thaipusam festival. The site is well known for its numerous macaque monkeys, which visitors feed, sometimes involuntarily. There are 272 steps that a visitor has to climb in order to access the temple at the summit of the hill. Many of the shrines relate the story of Lord Murugan's victory over Soorapadam. An audio tour is available to visitors.

At the base of the hill are two more cave temples, Art Gallery Cave and Museum Cave, both of which are full of Hindu statues and paintings.

A little below the Temple Cave is the Dark Cave, a two-kilometer network of relatively untouched caverns. The caverns contain a diverse range of cave fauna, including some unique species, such as Liphistiidae spiders. In order to maintain the cave's ecology, access is restricted. A private company is running tours to the caves.

The 42.7m high statue of Lord Murugan shown in the top photo was unveiled in Jan 2006, having taken 3 years to construct.


A brief history

In 1878, the expansive jungle encapsulating the tiny town of Kuala Lumpur was impenetrable to most except the 'orang asli' (local tribes) and a few local Malay folk who entered the area in search of food, attap, wood, rattan and medicinal herbs to trade. Batu Caves, about 13km North of the city centre (reachable only by a gruelling pony track in those days) was left to its pristine, undisturbed slumber. One day out hunting, the intrepid American Naturalist, William Hornaday noticed an undeniably strong odour, a mixture of guano and durian. Intrigued by the stench he followed the trail to a towering limestone ridge. His guides of several local aborigines (called Jakun) and an elderly Malay led the hunting crew up the 40foot(12m) face cliff. The climb was made easy by a pile of angular rocks that over the years of wear and tear had chipped off the cliff. Soon after they arrived at a huge cavernous mouth. The pungent odour must have been overpowering as they trudged into the darkness of the cave, sinking into the dry, loose guano covering the cave floor. The Jakun were more than familiar with the area, using the cave as a shelter from wild, marauding elephants and other dangerous creatures and also to trap bats for food.

Hornaday was awestruck by the size of the cavern and the creatures living within. For the next few days, the group spent much time exploring other caves in the area. There they found Gua Lambong (Lambong Cave). He described his find, 'We found ourselves in a grand cathedral. We walked along a grand gallery with clean and level floor, perpendicular walls and gothic roof, like the nave of a cathedral, 50feet(15.2m) wide and 60feet(18.3m) high. At the far end, the roof rose in a great round dome 90 or 100feet high perfectly resembling St.Peter's in Rome.'

This perfect setting was indeed a place of worship later - the worship of Lord Murugan.

Hornaday and his crew returned to town with wonderful stories about the 'find' and soon picnic parties to the caves were the 'rage of the month' for the colonial socialites. Guests were transported to the caves on elephants. While the servants laid out a sumptuous spread of food and drinks, the guests lazed in the shade of the forest canopy and marvelled at the glorious backdrop of the limestone cliffs.

Then the Hindu devotees began making pilgrimages to the caves, clambering up the jagged rocks to the Temple Cave in 1890s. They turned the cave into a shrine for Lord Murugan. In 1955, two British employees from Sime Darby and Company, fervent cave explorers stumbled upon an intact skeleton in the deep crevices of the Dark Caves. On the wall was an inscription scribbled in Chinese introducing the dead as a Chinese man from Lok Wooi District in South China and signed off 3rd February in the 28th year of the Chinese Republic (1940). On further exploration, the cavers found another four skeletons not far from the first one. They were believed to have used the caves to hide from the British and Malayan soldiers during the Emergency Period and had committed suicide, perhaps to evade being captured and imprisoned as communist terrorists. If you are interested in caving exploration, the Malaysian Nature Society has frequent caving activities in the area.

National Parks of Malaysia

Taman Negara National Park
Taman Negara National Park was established in Malaysia in 1938/1939 as the King George V National Park. It was renamed to Taman Negara after Independence, which literally means "national park" in Malay. The total area of Taman Negara is 4,343 sq km.

Taman Negara encompasses three states, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu, each with its own legislation. The Taman Negara Enactment (Pahang) No. 2 of 1939 is enforced in the state of Pahang, the Taman Negara Enactment (Kelantan) No. 14 of 1938 in the state of Kelantan and the Taman Negara Enactment (Terengganu) No. 6 of 1939 in the state of Terengganu. The enactments have similar contents.

Taman Negara Pahang is the largest at 2,477 sq km, followed by Taman Negara Kelantan at 1,043 sq km and Taman Negara Terengganu at 853 sq km.

The park has been developed into a famous ecotourism destination in Malaysia. There are several geological and biological attractions in the park. Gunung Tahan is the highest point of the Malay Peninsula; climbers can use Kuala Tahan or Merapoh as their departure destination. Taman Negara is the home of some rare mammals, such as the Indochinese Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Malayan Gaur (seladang) and Asian Elephant. Tahan River has been preserved to protected the Malaysian mahseer (ikan kelah in Malay), a type of game fish.

Others attractions found near Kuala Tahan (Park headquarters for Pahang) include a canopy walkway, Gua Telinga (cave system), Lata Berkoh (rapid). Visitors can enjoy the tropical rain forest, birdwatching or jungle trekking (e.g. Tenor Rentis) and the river views along the Tahan River.

All visitors to the park must get permits from the Department of Wildlife and National Parks; Perhilitan.


Gunung Ledang

Mount Ophir, known in Malay as Gunung Ledang (after a legendary princess), is a mountain forest reserve located in northwestern of Johor, Malaysia. The summit is located between the border of Muar and Malacca. Standing at 1,276 m (4,186 ft), with a clear trail leading to the peak, the mountain is a popular destination among amateur climbers. Mount Ophir is also the 64th highest mountain in Malaysia and arguably the most climbed mountain in the country.

Origins of its Name
There are a few popular opinions regarding the origin of the mountain's name. According to one opinion, ancient history points to the mountain being the site of rich gold deposits, luring traders from as far as Greece and China. The name 'Ophir' itself is thought to have originated from the Hebrew language. In the 14th Century, the Chinese seafarers plying the Straits of Malacca called it 'Kim Sua' meaning the 'Golden Mountain'. Another source said that the Javanese during the period of the Majapahit empire named the mountain 'Gunong Ledang', which means 'mount from afar'.

Legend of Gunung Ledang
There is a popular Malaysian folklore which told of a Princess with magical powers who resided on the mountain. She was wooed to be the wife of the then Sultan of Malacca, Sultan Mahmud Shah. However, she set impossible conditions for him as a means to reject his proposal.


Batang Ai National Park

Batang Ai National Park is located in the Sri Aman Division of Sarawak, in eastern Malaysia on the island of Borneo. It is located in Lubok Antu, some 250 kilometers east of Kuching. The park covers an area of 240 square kilometers of extensive tropical rainforest with a number or rare and protected animals surrounding the 24 square kilometer artificial lake created by the Batang Ai hydroelectric reservoir. The park was proclaimed in 1991, and has become increasingly popular with locals and tourists despite the lack of facilities.

Access is possible by chartering a boat, as water is the main method of transportation in the area. The lush dipterocarp forests are home to the Orang-Utan, gibbons, and hornbills. The lake creates a beautiful environment and gives a sense of peace and tranquility. The local inhabitants are mostly Iban, and tours to nearby Iban longhouses are also a tourist diversion. This national park takes strong steps in having the local communities involved in its management. The communities have formed a cooperative called 'Kooperasi Serbaguna Ulu Batang Ai' and are helping to conserve the park.


Pulau Tiga National Park

Pulau Tiga National Park was established in 1978, although the area has been under protection as a forest reserve since 1933. It is located north of Kuala Penyu, opposite the swampy Klias Peninsula, in Sabah, east Malaysia on the island of Borneo.

The park covers 158 square kilometers of mostly ocean, containing the 3 islands of Pulau Tiga, Pulau Kalampunian Besar and Pulau Kalampunian Damit. The islands were formed in 1897 by the eruption of mud volcanos.

Pulau Tiga is now covered in dense vegetation; however volcanic activity continues in the form of bubbling mud and methane gas venting, although the last major outpouring of mud was in the early 1960s.

Pulau Kalampunian Besar is now little more than a sandbar, eroded away by wave action. Known for its sugar-white sands and clear waters, it is popular for scuba diving and snorkling. It was also the location of the US reality TV show Survivor.

Pulau Kalampunian Damit, little more than a large rock, is also called Pulau Ubar (Snake Island). It is famous as a mating location for highly poisonous sea snakes.


Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park or Taman Negara Kinabalu in Malay, established as one of the first national parks of Malaysia in 1964, is Malaysia's first World Heritage site designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its "outstanding universal values" and the role as one of the most important biological sites in the world.

Located at west coast of Sabah, east Malaysia on the island of Borneo; it covers an area of 754 square kilometers surrounding the majestic Mount Kinabalu which at 4,095.2 metres, is the highest mountain in south-east Asia.

This botanical site is blessed with astonishing variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones; from rich lowland dipterocarp forest through the montane oak, rhododendron, to the coniferous forests, to the alpine meadow plants, and to the stunted bushes of summit zone. The mountain is famous for its many carnivorous plant and orchid species, most notably Nepenthes rajah. Its is also home to a multitude of endemic animal species, including the Kinabalu Giant Red Leech and Kinabalu Giant Earthworm.

The park HQ is 88 kilometers away from the city of Kota Kinabalu. Highways and sealed roads made the Park easily accessible. It is situated on the southern boundary of Kinabalu Park, at an elevation of 1,563 metres or 5,000 feet.

Resorts, restaurants, exhibit centers, and park offices are within the headquarter vicinity. All climbers and overnight visitors must register at the HQ Park office.

Nine different types of accommodation are available, ranging from the relatively cheap Menggilan Hostel to the luxury, five-bed Rajah Lodge.

In 2004, more than 415,360 visitors and 43,430 climbers visited the Park. This park is administered by an organization called Sabah Parks and reservations are processsed through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.

Malaysia - Truly Asia

According to Yahoo Answers - Malaysia seems to be the favourite Asian Destination. Well, for more info on this fantastic and colourful country click on the link above.

Here's a slice off the site:

Top 10 Things to do in Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur:
One of Asia's most vibrant cities, mixing ultra modern skyscrapers with bazaars and night markets, a visit to KL is one of life's most memorable experiences.

Penang:
A small island with a big heart. Offers great beaches, heritage trails and forest clad hills.

Langkawi:
A sophisticated yet tranquil resort, arguably one of the best in Asia, with white sand beaches and undisturbed tropical forests.

Pangkor & Pangkor Laut:
A tropical island retreat that is ideal for romantics and honeymooners.

Terengganu:
The Terenngganu coast, overlooking the South China Seas, is one of only six spots in the world where giant Leather back Turtles clamber ashore to lay eggs.





Tioman Island:
The mythical 'Bali Hai' from the film South Pacific.

Redang Island:
Malaysia's premier marine park, an unspoilt paradise for divers and beach lovers.

Cameron Highlands:
The colonial hill stations and tea plantations high in the hills on the Malaysian peninsula offer a temperate contrast to tropical beaches.

Malacca:
The 'historical city of Malaysia', colonised by the Portuguese, then the Dutch East India Company and finally by the British.

Sabah-Borneo:
One of the few places in the world where you can see Orang Utans in the wild.

Sarawak-Borneo:
A land of vast primeval rainforests and awe inspiring caves.

Dining on The Rocks - An Experience not to be missed

How many restaurants have you seen advertised, offering the best ambience, the finest cuisine, award-winning service, a total experience suitable, of course, for only the most discerning clientele? There are too many such restaurants - most claim to be the best, many probably have won awards of one kind or another, but how many surprise you, the diner, with their ingenuity, quality of food, presentation and service? How many times do you visit a restaurant that lives up to its claims and leaves you fulfilled and possibly amazed?

One restaurant which will leave you with such an impression is Dining on the Rocks, which can be found on the idyllic island of Koh Samui in Southern Thailand. The restaurant does of course make its own claims, but these claims you will find, are not only delivered but will be surpassed and will leave you wanting to return many times over.

Found at the luxurious Sila Evason Hideaway & Spa, Dining on the Rock's largest and most common claim to fame seems to be the 270 degree views of the surrounding sea and outlying islands. These views are magnificent, and will definitely add to the pleasure you will receive from dining here, but what makes Dining on the Rocks truly unique is the quality of the food and the ingenious way it is created and combined

Most restaurants will limit your selection of appetizers and main courses, leaving you to make a choice from a few dishes that sound tempting. Dining on the Rocks will not ease your confusion of choice but, in a way, adds to it by making almost every single dish available as an appetizer or as a main course. At most restaurants, this would not be a problem, but at Dining on the Rocks it is extremely hard to find a dish that does not sound more than tempting, leaving you with some very hard decisions to make.

Thankfully, the restaurant soon realised the rather unusual predicament it was causing guests, and created the 'Experiences' set dinner. This provides guests with 10 mini-courses, giving you a chance to experience a variety of dishes at one sitting. An example of such an 'Experience' would be: Tartar Dégustation; Reduction of Coconut and Truffle with rosemary roasted chicken; Tian of Seared Tuna with spiced lentils and balsamic; Roasted Duck with citrus and an orange-lavender granite; Iced Tom-yam Gazpacho with oysters; Steamed Hor-mok Soufflé; Iced Coconut and Blue Curacao; Lamb Cutlet filled with spiced potatoes served with raita and mint; Jasmine Tea-flavoured Chocolate Pots with spiced pineapple; and Organic Lemongrass Tea.

Dining on the Rocks is not just about choices, good service, or the highest quality of foods, it is about an all-out assault on your taste buds and senses. From the moment you start reading the menu, your imagination flares into life, and once the food arrives and you actually taste the culinary wonders before you, you then understand the sheer ingenuity of the diverse tastes which mingle together and at times quite literally make you smile with joy.

To accompany the meal, the restaurant has a wine cellar with over 1,000 bottles from around the world. The menu even lists some wines and dishes which compliment each other, allowing guests to experience the sumptuous experiences offered exactly as the chef had intended.

We highly recommend reserving a seat at this restaurant well in advance, and if you are travelling at a peak season such as Christmas, New Year etc, we DO MEAN well in advance. You will be able to choose between spacious seating on different decks, all offering stunning views accompanied with the music of the waves crashing into the rocks below. There are also a few lounge-style sofa seats with enormous cushions available (our favourites being 54 and 55).

Wherever you sit, Dining on the Rocks is an experience not to be missed. And if after reading the above you are worried a dinner might break the bank, and it probably would if located anywhere else in the world, then do not fret, Dining on the Rocks is extremely well priced. In fact, we doubt you would be able to experience the same combination of quality food, service, ambience, and culinary ingenuity anywhere else in Thailand, even Asia, for the same affordable prices, and that is not the restaurant's claim, it is ours.

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Horseback Riding Trails

One of the best in the world
Extracted from The Star OnLine - North Malaysia

LANGKAWI has one of the best horseback riding trails in the world but not many people are aware of that. The resort island is poised to attract avid horsemen from around the world to try out the challenging new 75km-long Perdana Trail across the virgin rainforests, covering the 550 million-year-old Mat Chinchang mountain range.

Australian Gavin Kenna, a professional horseman who has traversed tracks in 12 countries, affirms that the extreme mountain trail in Langkawi is the most unique.

Kenna, who has 40 years experience riding horses, finds it exhilarating trekking through the virgin jungle across the mountain range.

Horseman Muhammad Hamzah Abdullah, who operates the Island Horses riding centre at Seven Wells Lang-kawi, said all the 30 experienced local and foreign horsemen, who had gone through the trail, had declared that it had the potential to be among the best in the world.

The trail was outlined with the help of two teams, namely HM Sutera and Langkawi Development Authority's Be-ringin Adventure Team.

"I have also ventured through unchartered paths to help plot the best trail up and down the mountain, and across the pristine streams."

"We began trail blazing in last November and we com-pleted the char-ting of the 75km-long track last month," he said, adding that it would take a whole day to trek through the trail."

Not a single tree was felled when the trail was charted from the Seven Wells Water-fall through the jungles, to Datai and through the mountain overlooking the Berjaya Resort," he said.

"The team has also discovered a scenic lake at the summit. Unfortunately, we have to walk for about 150 minutes to reach the lake."

"The journey is worth it. The lake is dark blue in colour. It becomes wider after rain, and it shrinks during dry days," he said, adding that the view from the mountain top across the lake was breath-taking.

The idea to create the horse-riding trail was mooted by former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, an avid horseman.

"Dr Mahathir is keen on promoting Langkawi as a global horse-riding destination," he said.

Hamzah said the Perdana Trail, which includes climbing up the 650m-high summit, is not for novice horse riders as it is regarded as an extreme trail.

Novice riders can opt for the "normal trail" that covers the jungle at the foot of the mountain and the beach.

"It takes about an hour to trek the 15km low land trail on horse," he said.

Hamzah said Dr Mahathir is also keen to initiate the Langkawi Mountain Horse breeding programme.

"If everything goes well, the first Langkawi mountain horse calf will be born in February," he said.

Hamzah is also offering horse-riding courses. A 15-hour lesson costs RM1,050.

Horse rental rate is RM150 an hour.

After the tiring ride, stop over at the Island Horses Restaurant run by Pak Mat. Enjoy a wide array of local cuisine at the restaurant that was opened by Dr Mahathir on June 11.

For more details, call 04-955 8753

ASIA'S BEST BEACHES

Asia-Hotels.com's Poll

• BORACAY, Philippines - The best beach in Asia. It has also been voted in 1990 as one of the best beaches in the world by the BMW Tropical Beach Handbook. The British Publication TV Quick in its issue of December 21, 1996 gave the latest accolade for Boracay as the number one tropical beach in the world.
  
  
• Malaysia - Redang Island, Redang Beach - Only 45 minutes by air from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, 40 minutes transfer from airport to Merang Jetty and 50 minutes by boat to the Island. Paradise for divers, thanks to the unending portrait of living watercolour and marine life. Picturesque beaches, turquoise blue water, green cliffs overlooking the South China Sea.
  
  
• Maldives - The luxurious escapes you'll find in the Maldives (pronounced MAHL-deeves) are not merely an accident of geography, but a matter of deliberate design. Overwhelmed by an influx of tourists during the 1970s, government leaders created a master plan for the tourist industry, with the aim of emphasizing quality over quantity and minimizing the impact of tourism on the natural -- and human -- environment. The result was the development of a series of high-quality island resorts that have been cited as models for sustainable tourism development.
  
  
• Malaysia - Langkawi, Datai Beach - Langkawi is a mystical island of wild scenic beauty and aquamarine seas. The Datai is situated on it's north-western tip, providing an idyllic natural retreat within the depths of a centuries-old virgin rainforest. Set above a secluded cove, the resort has its own white sand beach facing the peaceful Andaman sea. Free-standing villas crafted from local materials are scattered throughout the forest and are connected to the resort’s central areas by a series of pathways.. The Datai is just 30 minutes from Langkawi International Airport.
  
  
• Malaysia - Langkawi, Tanjung Rhu Beach - On the island of Langkawi (lang-kah-wee), the rhythm of life remains much as it has in days gone by. A coastline dotted with fishing boats, rustic villages, and a horizon that twinkles with the brilliance of a thousand stars at dusk. Nowhere is this more apparent than in a cape in the northernmost tip of the island, Tanjung Rhu (tan-joong-roo) - a scenic and untouched enclave nestled in the shade of luxuriant casuarina trees. Here lies the Tanjung Rhu Resort - a deluxe resort fringing the long, magnificent bay that leads to the clear, cool waters of the Andaman Sea.
  
  
• Malaysia - Pangkor Laut, Emerald Bay - Pangkor Laut Island is located in the Straits of Malacca, 3 miles off the west coast of Malaysia's peninsula. The resort occupies the neighboring Royal Bay and Coral Bay. Twenty minutes walk across the island brings you to Emerald Bay, an internationally acclaimed beach. The island is reached either by boat from Lumut jetty or directly by air from Kuala Lumpur. Lumut is approximately 3 hours from Kuala Lumpur by road.
  
  
• Thailand - Koh Samui, Chaweng Beach - Koh Samui is a tropical gem located in the warm blue waters off the country's south-eastern seaboard. It is the Kingdom's second largest island after Phuket. Relatively unknown for years, this sun lover's paradise has now attained international standards of service and accommodation. Fortunately, it has also earned a reputation for retaining its friendly image as well as natural environment.
  
  
• Malaysia - Tioman Island, Tioman Beach - Tioman Island is shaped like a drum stick with the fleshier part to the south. The most developed town on the island is Kampung Tekek. Nearby is the airport and the main jetty for ferries from the mainland. There is only a stretch of paved road that covers part of the west coast. It connects Kampung Tekek with Kampung Bunut, Kampung Paya and Kampung Genting. Kampungs are rural Malay villages characterized by wooden houses on stilts. The western part of Tioman Island is dominated by kampungs while the eastern part is mostly uninhabited, with Kampung Juara and Kampung Dungun as the only villages on that side.
  
  
• Thailand - Phi Phi, Bagao Beach - Travelling around Koh Phi Phi on a budget could not be easier. The place is -- besides more pricier Koh Phi Phi hotels and resorts - full of budget accommodation that are very affordable and perhaps, surprisingly comfortable. Often they are located in the very heart of the cities and towns that enables travellers to be close to the activities available nearby.

What can I do in Malaysia?

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.