Special Interest in Malaysia

Patience, strength and dexterity… If you possess these qualities you may want to try out angling in Malaysia's bountiful ocean, lakes and rivers. Imagine this, your overworked arms are aching so much that they actually feel numb and perspiration is constantly dripping from your brow despite the ever cooling breeze.

In fact, you've been battling this fish for 3 hours and it is isn't going to be "the one that got away". That is what you think. The fish, on the other hand, has other thoughts, most likely being, "I'm not going to be your dinner!". This isn't a scene from a Hemmingway novel. This is you fighting a Black Marlin off the coast of Sabah.

For the deep sea sports fisherman, Malaysia's waters are stocked with game fish that'll provide grand competition. In the coastal water off Terengganu, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak you can drop a line and wait for the strike! It could be a Sharp-Toothed Bass, Silver Jewfish or the prized Black Marlin.

For the fresh water angler, try the lakes and rivers and maybe snare a Giant Snakehead or Malaysian Mahsa. A different challenge, but equally as rewarding. Then there is "candat" fishing. Learn from the local East Coast fishermen the art of catching cuttlefish using lights and multiple lines with hooks. Truly a distinct mode of fishing.

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. You'll see them all, from the timid and tiny highland species to the bright and resplendent lowland varieties.

Bird sanctuaries have been designated throughout the country. These include Taman Negara, Fraser's Hill and the Kuala Selangor Nature Park in the Peninsular. In Sabah, Kinabalu Park and Pulau Layang-layang (Island of the Swallows) are the spots to seek out.

One is certain to sight the likes of Silver-Eared Mesias, Mountain Bulbuls and Collared Kingfishers. 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. Other designated bird sanctuaries are found in Langkawi Island, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, Kota Belud Bird Sanctuary, Kuala Gula and Maxwell Hill.

Caves are not hard to find. In fact, they can be found almost anywhere and everywhere in the world. However, great caves are a different matter altogether. One might ask, "But where would I find great caves?" The answer is but a simple one - Malaysia "lah" (local slang), where else! Caves can be found in all Malaysian states.

They are home to local fruits, bats, birds and beautifully sculpted stalagmites and stalactites. But perhaps the best most renown of them is the Mulu Caves of Sarawak, affectionately hailed as the "Magnificent Mulu". Mulu was already ancient when man came into the world and would not yield its secrets so easily.

One of the world's most impressive of its kind, the cave's network stretches some 200 kilometers through the hills and features the likes of the world's largest chamber, Sarawak Chamber, capable of accommodating 40 Boeing 747s or 7,500 buses at any one time.

It also houses the world's largest cave passage, Deer Cave, which houses Southeast Asia's longest cave, Clearwater Cave, measuring 75km long. Furthermore, caves that go by the name of Leopard's Cave, Tiger's Cave, Turtle Cave, Snake Cave, Drunken Forest Cave, Cobra Cave, Cobweb Cave, Tiger Back Cave and Cave of the Winds have their own unique characters, thus making Mulu an unforgettable experience. Scores of other spectacular caves are a speleologist's paradise. Although opened to tourist, the cave network still remains largely unexplored and the jungles around it still defy intruders.

Besides the Mulu Caves, the Niah Caves, also in Sarawak, are famous for their prehistoric paintings and luminous rock formations, whilst the Gomantong Caves of Sabah houses the world's largest bird nesting site, which is the source of the famous bird's nest used in Chinese cuisine.

If you want to mix religion with exploration, try Selangor's Batu Caves and its Hindu Temple, or the Sam Po Thong Temple of Perak recessed in the limestone caverns of Gunung Rapat. All are safe and inviting places to quench your thirst for exploring.

Malaysia's primeval and largely unexplored rainforests offer intrepid trekkers endless opportunities to observe exotic and rare tropical flora and fauna. Striding through the forest, the lush vegetation parts before you offers glimpses of tapirs grazing in the undergrowth. In the background, a massive Rafflesia rises from the forest floor, radiant in its glory at being the world's largest flower.

Crossing swaying hanging bridges will be a feat of balance and there is nothing an energizing dip in a crystal clear rockpool next to a cascading waterfall cannot fix.

Refreshed and re-inspired, push onward through the steaming vibrant ecosystem that stretches out before you, welcoming, embracing and teaching you about nature at its most natural.

Trekking excursions are centered in the country's National Parks and Forest Reserves. A fine example would be the Endau Rompin National Park, which encompasses the watershed of the rivers, Endau in Johor and Rompin in Pahang and comprises some 488 sq. km.

Lush and relatively untouched, it is one of the few remaining lowland forest in the country. Here, there are some 26km of jungle trails within the park, the most well trodden path being the grueling 16km trail from the base camp at Kuala Jasin to Batu Hampar and Buaya Sangkut with numerous crossings of fast flowing rivers. At Buaya Sangkut, a waterfall cascading down through five levels presents a spectacular visual sight. Also take this opportunity to study nature in its own backyard.

Given the diverse variety of species and habitat in the area, this can be a very absorbing activity indeed. Inhale the heady perfume of the "Mussaendra Mutabilis", a woody climbing plant with fragrant flowers, used in traditional scents for the hair and clothes. Observe how the famous pitcher plant traps the unwary insect within its enticing water-filled sacs and see how millions of ants make their homes in tiny chambers within the "ant plant".

If you are willing to put in immense effort and expand bountiful energy reserves, then this is definitely your cup of tea. Although not noted as a country loaded with mountains, Malaysia does have a peak or two and a hill for everyone.

For those of you who feel less energetic, a hike up a hill would be an excellent alternative. Be it a mountain or a hill, you can be sure that with each ascent you make, you will be rewarded with exhilarating and breathtaking sights that span the spectrum of the imagination.

For some climbs, such as that of the Gunung Tahan (Tahan Mountain), the starting point is at the very bottom of the mountain where you would encounter tricky rapids with lightning fast currents, traverse through dense, sweaty jungle and wade through waist-deep swamps teeming with hidden activity that might put off the squeamish. Make it through these obstacles and the peak awaits.

It could be a relaxed, leisurely climb. It could also be a challenging, spectacular, even spine-tingling excursion, such as that to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu. Adequate preparation is paramount for all climbs but experience is not a prerequisite as guides will be there to assist you.

Malaysia's rugged terrain, dense rain forests and numerous mountainous regions make it an irresistible destination for off road driving enthusiasts. Mud, heat, sloping hills and rainstorms add to the challenge in the grueling and exhilarating sport of off road driving. With 58 per cent of the country still under jungle cover, Malaysia's terrain bring out the best of man and machine in a test of skill and endurance under ever changing conditions.

The East Coast offers the best terrain in Peninsular Malaysia for off road driving. Gua Musang in Kelantan, Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu, Endau Rompin in Johor, Tasik Chini and Cameron Highlands in Pahang are the routes most often used for this sport. The area around the Kinabalu National Park in Sabah and Bintulu in Sarawak are places for off road enthusiasts in East Malaysia.

A number of companies offer safe, true to life off road driving packages, which are designed to suit an individual visitor's time constraints. Where needed, food, drivers and campbeds will be provided by the operators.

Although visitors can rent 4X4 cars by themselves, they are advised not to venture into the wilds without a guide and driving partners as the terrain is difficult to negotiate without the help of a seasoned driver.

Monsoons, landslides and rain may also change the tracks and make them impassable or inaccessible. Some operators also offer off road training courses on a one or two day duration with a certificate upon completion. Due to the rugged terrain and the jolts and bumps sustained during a drive, participants need to be of sound body and constitution.

The seas around Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak are acknowledged to have some of the best diving spots. The waters are cool enough to support a prolific underwater ecosystem of magnificent coral reefs, alga beds, sea turtles and giant clams.

An equally impressive variety of bright fascinating tropical fishes give the underwater world a burst of rainbow colors. The variety of fishes, corals and shells found in these waters are said to outshine even those found in the Pacific Islands.

Picture blue sunny skies, emerald green waters and tiny coral islands dotting the distant horizon; enchanting blue lagoons, secluded bays and coves guarding secrets within their encircling fold; shimmering emerald waters gradually darkening to deeper blue depths that beckons the unsuspecting diver.

Just below the glassy surface, magnificent coral reefs fringe the shoreline in a seemingly unending line. Within these reefs, lie an exciting underwater world with some of the most delicate corals in various shades of pastel. The flower like Tubastrea and delicate sea fan are equally fascinating. There is also the alyconarian, a magnificent study in pink-like glass art of a tree in full bloom.

Further out in the deep blue depths are some of the larger species such as groupers, hammerhead sharks, Manta rays, and barracudas to name a few. If you are lucky, you may even chance upon the green and hawksbill turtle on their way to shore to nest amidst the soft warm sand.

For sheer beauty, Tioman is a magical spot, as is Redang Island. Both locations boast coral reefs of breathtaking majesty and divers can glide through underwater caves, rifts and passages of brilliant scenery. Of all the dive spots, there is one that stands on its own - Sipadan Island, off Sabah.

With its deep waters, lush coral reefs and vast array of deep ocean species, Sipadan was recognized as an underwater haven by none other than Jacques Cousteau, ocean explorer per excellence. Another such beauty in Sabah is Pulau Layang-layang (Island of the Swallows). This island has great potential for ecotourism. Take note, however, that diving in this region is not recommended during the monsoon months of November to January, as the South China Sea can be rather rough.

Trail riding has given a new meaning to camping and jungle bashing. Using off-road motorcycles or scramblers, this new breed of intrepid travelers head for the many jungle trails that crisscross the country, dash up steep hills and ford shallow waters.

Motorcycling in the jungle is not as crazy a pursuit as one might think. This is actually a great way to see the country and its vast wilderness. Trail riding allows thrill-seekers to do what they want, when they want, and to stop where they like.

They are able to explore the surrounding areas, camp beside clear streams and enjoy the sights and sounds of the deep jungle.

In trail riding, speed is hardly considered a factor. The excitement lies in not knowing what obstacles lie ahead. The greater task is staying on the bike. Negotiating a broken trail is a test of both physical endurance and bike controlling skills. This is because going up or down muddy trails and broken ground requires a delicate relationship between throttle control and balance.

Completing a trail ride gives the rider a tremendous sense of achievement and satisfaction. With hills and valleys to conquer, trail riding is not only an adventure but also a sport. Besides, this is perhaps one of the cheapest way to enjoy the outdoors!

Heart pounding, gut-wrenching, totally exhilarating! How else would you describe a ride on nature's roller-coaster? For some, a run down churning, thundering rivers is the ultimate adventure.

For these thrill seekers, Malaysia has rivers that would put any amusement park ride to shame. Though not as enormous or majestic as the Niagara Falls of Canada, Sabah and Sarawak have rivers characterized by long stretches of rapids, boiling with contempt at man's attempts to conquer them.

Pahang also has a few of its own. No less scintillating and certainly no less indignant. If you manage to tear your eyes away from the chaos around you, you may just catch some of the magnificent foliage that line these majestic waterways, replete with bemused jungle folk gazing down at your thrill seeking and often thought of as insane excursion. Guides are always on hand to assist. The journey down the rapids can be on an inflatable dinghy, bamboo raft or the traditional sampan (dugout canoe).

The best river wilds can be found in Sungai Padas, Sungai Papar, Sungai Tamparuli, Sungai Kiulu in Sabah, Sungai Skrang in Sarawak, Sungai Tembeling and Jeram Besu in Pahang, and Sungkai River in the State of Perak.