Tuesday, 29 October 2013

Pangkor Island, Perak

Pangkor Island is an island off the coast of Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia, reached by ferry either from the old jetty or from Marina Island jetty both located in Lumut (a small coastal town that links to Ipoh through Sitiawan).

It has a land area of only 8 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 25,000 islanders. It is promoted as a low-key tourist destination by the Malaysian government, but fishing, seafood and other fishing-related products remain major industries.



Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local fishermen, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, theDutch built a fort in an effort to control the Perak tin trade. In 1874, it was the location of a historic treaty between the British government and a contender for the Perak throne (The Pangkor Treaty), which began the British colonial domination of the Malay Peninsular.

Pangkor is famous for its fine beaches and a mix of low budget to 5 star accommodations. Teluk Nipah and Coral Bay on the north west of the island is extremely popular with travellers from Europe.

The quality of sand in the Pasir Bogak Beach is far superior to that elsewhere on the island. The sand is golden brown, quite similar to most leading prime beaches. There are a few resorts in Teluk Nipah or Nipah Bay.



Sunday, 27 October 2013

Langkawi Island...Fascinating Legends

Langkawi Island is an archipelago of 104 islands lying in the north western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The exact location of these tropical islands is at the site where the Straits of Malacca meets the waters of the Andaman Seas.

The largest of these islands is called Langkawi Island and is bigger than the Penang Island.The other islands in this group are Island of Pregnant Maiden (Pulau Dayang Bunting), Lion Island (Pulau Singa Besar) and Beras Basah Island.The smallest of these islands are atolls roughly the size of an ordinary house!

Langkawi is coined from the Malay words Lang and Kawi. Lang is a brown eagle and Kawi is a local manganese stone.The ancient fishermen must have seen eagles flying clutching the manganese stones! A giant monument of a brown eagle clutching the manganese stone greets all visitors to Langkawi near the Kuah Jetty.

The main tourist attractions of Langkawi Island is its virgin white sandy beaches.The beaches have very gentle continental slope and the water is crystal clear.
This island is unique in the sense that it has so many legendsand myths associated with it.Langkawi Island is therefore also called Pulau Lagenda or Legendary Island.

The most talked about legend is that of Mahsuri who is said to have laid a curse on this island for seven generations.Luckily the period of this curse is over now and Langkawi Island is fast becoming an internationally recognised tourist destination.

The government of Malaysia has declared the entire Langkawi Island as a duty free zone. Hence this island is also termed Duty Free Island.All goods sold in this island are exempted from government tax.Therefore this Legendary Island is a haven for the shoppers.You only need to stay in Langkawi for a minimum of 48 hours to take back home a reasonable amount of tax free goods.


Source:http://www.cuti.my/Sub/Kedah/guide_langkawi.htm

Thursday, 24 October 2013

Redang Island...The Marine Park

Redang Island is one of the largest island in east coast Malaysia. The island is located 45km off to Kuala Terengganu. It is one of the nine protected islands dotting South China Sea which form a marine park including Lima Island, Paku Besar Island, Paku Kecil Island, Kerengga Besar Island, Kerengga Kecil Island, Ekor Tebu Island, Ling Island, Pinang Island. Access is from Merang or Kuala Terengganu on boats operated by the resorts.

 


The island offers crystal clear water and numerous dive sites for enthusiasts. Sheltered within the Pulau Redang Marine Park, the water here are rich in marine life. At midday when sun ray penetrate the sea, brilliant hues of coral, anemones and fish can be seen.


Moreover, this paradise island is perfect for various outdoor activities such as swimming, scuba-diving, jungle trekking, boating and canoeing. No fishing is allowed within a 3.2km radius of the island as Redang Island is gazetted as marine park. The collection of corals and other acquatic life is also strictly prohibited.




Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Sabah...The Land Below The Wind

Hi readers! Have you ever been to Sabah? If you have the opportunity to visit Sabah, make sure to experience yourself with the most breath-taking island namely Manukan Island.




This beautiful island surrounded by pristine crystal clear water filled with colourful fishes. Manukan Island is the second largest island of the five Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park islands. The Manukan Island is a paradise for those who need a getaway.



The island is the perfect romantic getaway with its abundance in natural beauty. Be it a long leisurely along its 1.5km strecth of beach or a dive off the island. Manukan Island is definetely a beautiful honeymoon spot.

Surprisingly, Manukan Island is open to visitors so if you're not planning to stay the night, you can come for a day trip! On the island itself there are a myriad activities such as snorkelling, diving, trekking, and even parasailing. As for food, do not worry as The Manukan Island Resort offers two dining options on the island; the Perahu Terrace or a delicious barbecue buffet!



Source : AEON Pearl Magazine, Living Column - Going Places, page 60-64.

Monday, 21 October 2013

Welcome to Malaysia's Splendid Islands!

Hello readers! Travelling is always be an irresistible moment to spend especially with family or friends.

Other than bring you to escape from traffic jam, workload, and daily routine, travelling help to improve our motivation and appreciate life. An exotic location is always on tourists list, isn't it?



Do you know that Malaysia has variety of splendid islands? So why would you spend more money on overseas vacation?




This blog will reveal and expose the awesomeness of Malaysia's beautiful islands! In conjuction with Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia in promoting Visit Malaysia 2014, this blog will help readers to learn more about our islands. I really hope that you appreciate these precious gifts of nature. Enjoy reading!