Take long evening strolls on miles and miles of idyllic beaches. Or catch the rare sight of newborn turtles going out on their first sea adventure. Be seduced by the serenity of island life.
The beach here is ideal for sunbathing and recreational activities such as jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, canoeing, catamaran sailing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and bird watching. Look out for hornbills that roam the area.
Cherating, Pahang
: The calm blue waters of the South China Sea make Cherating one of the most alluring beach resorts in Malaysia.
Located 47 km north of Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, Cherating is home to the world-famous Club Med - Asia's first. A number of water sports, such as catamaran sailing and kayaking, can be enjoyed here. The excellent wind conditions in Cherating make it the perfect site for windsurfing and kite-flying.
Hire a bicycle and explore the surroundings. Look out for small eateries by the roadside selling delicious and inexpensive local favorites and interesting stalls selling local souvenirs. Experience the rustic and laid-back atmosphere of the Cherating Village and take home a handicraft or batik souvenir.
Desaru, Johor
: Desaru boasts a splendid 25 km of inviting beaches, fringed by palm trees and casuarinas. It lies in the south-eastern corner of Johor, approximately 98 km north of Johor Bahru. The waters here are perfect for swimming, water-skiing, canoeing and catamaran sailing.
In Desaru, you can enjoy thrilling adventures such as learning how to fly an ultra-light aircraft or take part in a go-kart race. Other forms of recreation include jungle trekking, horseback riding, archery and off-road adventures. Accommodation here includes hotels as well as budget chalets, dormitories and camping grounds.
The Desaru International Triathlon is held here annually. The Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum, a few kilometers away, features exhibits on the lifestyle of the local fishermen.
Penang Beach, Penang: Penang is one of Malaysia's most famous resort destinations. The state consists of Penang Island, and a strip of the mainland known as Seberang Perai. Penang's northern shoreline, characterised by expansive stretches of golden sand and the glittering waters of the Straits of Malacca, is a popular vacation spot for foreign and local visitors alike.
Batu Ferringhi, situated along the coastal road north-west of Georgetown, is the most popular beach in Penang, lined with a string of international-standard hotels and resorts.
Soak in the sun or unwind on the beach and enjoy a host of aquatic thrills from banana boat rides to canoeing and jet skiing. For a spine-tingling adventure, try parasailing to enjoy the view of the beach from the sky.
As the sun sets, Batu Ferringhi comes alive with a carnival-like atmosphere with an open-air bazaar selling anything from ornate curios to enticing souvenir items. Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik-painting. Dubbed the Ferringhi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions.
Things to do
Diving: In Malaysia, the coral reef eco-system supports more that 50 generas of coral and more that 200 species of fish. It is not an exaggeration to say that almost every time a marine bio-diversity survey is conducted in Malaysia's tropical seas, the species list increases!
Dive centers in Malaysia are well equipped and are certified by all the internationally recognized dive agencies like PADI, SSI and SSAC for maintaining their standards of safety and professionalism. Naturally, all scuba diving courses in Malaysian waters are also endorsed by these certifying agencies.
Spa - Health and Wellness: The concern for and maintenance of health and wellness has been very much a part of Eastern culture since time immemorial. This has allowed the practice to develop into something of a fine part, and in Malaysia, influences from various ancient therapies have been infused into traditional Malay therapy. Spa and wellness programmes in Malaysia that combine traditional methods alongside modern ones can offer the visitor an delightful experience.
Golfing: For a country with a total land area of only 330,000sq.km., Malaysia has an overwhelming number of almost 200 golf courses — an indication perhaps of the number of golf enthusiasts there are in the country, and also a boon for similarly inclined visitors.
Many of these international-class courses have been designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent-Jones, Max Wexler, Ted Parslow and other golfing greats.
Most of these courses are situated in the vicinity of major cities or located at or next to holiday resorts.
Sailing - Exhilaration in Tropical Waters: There are a growing number of marinas and yacht clubs throughout Malaysia where it’s possible to tighten the mainsail, tug on a halyard, hoist a spinnaker and let the tropical breezes take you to new and exciting destinations.
Recreational sailing in Malaysia is expanding, affordable and a wonderful way for visitors to discover Malaysia’s island and extensive coastline. There are many places to hire powerboats and Luxury cruisers for making discoveries in style. For those who like to sail the open waters for several days, cruise liners pull into several Malaysian ports and islands.
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