TIOMAN ISLAND (PAHANG)

        Tioman Island (Pulau Tioman) is a small island located 32 km off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Pahang, and is some 39 km long and 12 km wide. It has eight main villages, the largest and most populous being Kampung Tekek in the north. The densely forested island is sparsely inhabited, and is surrounded by numerous coral reefs, making it a popular scuba diving spot. There are also a lot of resorts and chalets around the island which has duty free status.

       Its beaches were depicted in the 1958 movie, South Pacific as Bali Hai. In the 1970s, TIME Magazine selected Tioman as one of the world's most beautiful islands.

Apart from its diverse marine life, the inland rainforest area, encompassing approximately 8,296 hectares, in Tioman is a strictly enforced nature reserve. There are several protected species of mammals on the island, including the Binturong, Long-tailed Macaque, Slow Loris, Black Giant Squirrel, Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Mouse deer, Brush-tailed Porcupine, and Common Palm Civet, from a total of 45 species of mammals and 138 species of birds, including the majestic Frigatebird. Moreover, Tioman has species that are endemic to its shores. The soft-shelled turtle and the Tioman walking catfish are both unique and can be seen on rainforest walks.

LANKAYAN ISLAND (SABAH)

     Not far from the city of Sandakan, eastern Sabah, lies the island of Lankayan. Lankayan is a small but beautiful tropical island in the Sulu Sea. The island is very popular among scuba diving enthusiasts and is often visited to get some well deserved rest after having done one of the activities on Borneo. The area around Lankayan is an official protected marine park; this was done to preserve the rich eco-tourism value. Unfortunately this doesn't stop fishermen from illegal fishing  in the waters around (below) Lankayan. There is only one resort on the island, Lankayan Island Dive Resort, and because of this prices are not that cheap compared to other tropical islands in Malaysia. Between June and September turtles come to shore to lay their eggs. During the same season visitors can witness baby turtle hatchlings that find their way into the sea. Most common turtles that can be found around Lankayan are the Green Turtle and the Hawksbill Turtle. So many turtles live in this area that even people who only do snorkeling are able to spot them underwater.

     As Lankayan lies nearby the city of Sandakan in eastern Sabah; you will first have to take a plane from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu (or any other city that flies to Sandakan) to Sandakan. The boat ride to Lankayan Island takes about one and a half hour from Sandakan. As the boat leaves very early in the morning; it is best to stay in Sandakan the night before. The boat ride is always part of your reservation at Lankayan Island Dive Resort; your reservation also includes a pickup from your hotel or resort (in Sandakan).

LAYANG-LAYANG ISLAND (SABAH)

     Located 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu, you find Layang Layang, part of the disputed Spratly Islands. The island is a true diver's paradise. Though the island is not cheap, it is definitely worth a visit. When you go to Layang Layang, do not expect to arrive at a tropical paradise. The place used to be an active marine base, and until only recent no public visitors where allowed on the 'man-made island'. Because of the splendid diving conditions, Layang Layang is a must-visit destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. There are no tropical beaches on the island; only the naval base, the resort and diving school and the air strip. The (only) resort on the island, Layang Layang Island Resort, is closed from September till February; as during this time the area is being plagued by the monsoon.

     With a distance over 300km from the nearest city (Kota Kinabalu), it is clear that flying – from Kota Kinabalu (KB) - is your best option to get to Layang Layang. This flight costs around $320 per person (including taxes). The flight to Layang Layang departs from terminal 1 at Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI); you need to be at the terminal at least 1,5 hours before departure. There is an LLIR BKI office at the airport should you have any questions. The resort would prefer guests to reconfirm their flight when they arrive in Kota Kinabalu. Baggage allowance is 30kg per person (including hand luggage). There are numerous daily flights from cities throughout Malaysia to Kota Kinabalu; every domestic airline flies to KB. After a one hour flight you will arrive at one of the most beautiful diving areas in Malaysia. In addition to flying to the island, there are also a couple of liveaboards that visit the island; they sail from Kota Kinabalu.

MABUL ISLAND (SABAH)

     Mabul is an island off the south-eastern coast of Sabah in Malaysia. It first became popular due to its proximity to Sipadan Island. Few years back, it has gained its recognition as one of the best 'muck diving' sites in the world. Mabul Island is a small oval shaped island surrounded by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of a larger two square kilometer reef.

 

     It is more correctly recognised now that the reason for the quality of the MUCK Diving is simply a result of overfishing uses of cyanide and dynamite by the local people of this area. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to 25 to 30 m deep. There are several dive resorts operating on Mabul island.

     Mabul is also renowned for its amazing array of macrolife, making it an underwater photographer’s dream location to capture some of the rarest ecological species on film. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels are just some of the spectacular critters you will encounter beneath the waters of Mabul. Although all the excitement is underwater, you can always set your scuba gear aside for a day to laze on Mabul’s soft sand to work on your tan. Needless to say, Mabul diving gives macro photographers some great opportunities to capture some extremely rare ecological species which have carved a niche for themselves in the underwater world around here. Look out for species like multicoloured nudibranches, ghost pipefish, devil scorpionfish, stonefish, mantis shrimps, mandarin fish, ribbon eels, snake eels, frogfish, seahorses and crocodile fish, all of which make these sites their home.

SIPADAN ISLAND (SABAH)

          Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres (2,000 ft) from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, East Malaysia (which is on the island of Borneo). It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem. Sipadan has been rated by many dive journals as one of the top destinations for diving in the world.

        Frequently seen in the waters around Sipadan: green and hawksbill turtles which mate and nest there), enormous schools of barracuda in tornado-like formations as well as large schools of big-eye trevally, and bumphead parrotfish. Pelagic species such as manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks also visit Sipadan.

A turtle tomb lies underneath the column of the island, formed by an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that become lost and drown before finding the surface.

MALACCA ISLAND (MELAKA)

      Malacca Island or Pulau Melaka is a man-made island in Malacca Town, Malacca, Malaysia.

       

     Malacca Island, Malaysia’s first “Twin Island City Centre”, is undertaken by Pulau Kembar Sdn Bhd. A 98.999%-owned subsidiary of Talam. This waterfront development project involves the reclamation of two islands, approximately 0.5 km off the coast of Malacca new town centre measuring 40ha and 50ha respectively. The reclamation of the first island of 40ha and a 30m bridge linking to the mainland had been completed.

    Malacca Island development will comprise 4,387 units of residential and 4,180 units of mixed commercial development together with leisure-cum-tourism amenities such as marine theme park, marina, hotels and waterfront activities. With an estimated Gross Development Value of RM1.46 billion, the project has recorded sales of RM195.3 million representing 1,419 units sold as at 31 January 2005.

     Malacca Straits Mosque- a new mosque built on top of columns above the water, with a lighthouse-like minaret - is located on the southern shore of the island

PAYAR ISLAND (KEDAH)

     Pulau Payar is one of the many islands off mainland Kedah in the Strait of Malacca. It is situated south of Langkawi, a more famous archipelago. Pulau Payar's status as a marine park offers protection for its diverse marine life. Pulau Payar is also a snorkeling and diving site famous for its corals.

The Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated in the northern part of the Straits of Melaka, 19 nautical miles (35 km) south of Langkawi and encompasses the islands of Pulau Payar, Pulau Lembu, Pulau Segantang and Pulau Kaca which are surrounded by coral reefs. The marine park teems with a fascinating diversity of marine life and vegetation

     Many endangered species of fishes and marine organisms live within the sanctuary. Measuring 2 km long and 1/4 km wide, Pulau Payar is the most popular of the islands as its sheltered waters are ideal are for snorkeling, diving and swimming. Among the enchanting dive spots is the "Coral Garden", an area covered with bright, multi-hued soft corals.

There are several sandy beaches on Pulau Payar island for picnics as well as hiking trails for those who wish to explore the island. Just off the beach, one can indulge in the thrilling experience of feeding baby sharks. Facilities include gazebos, picnic tables, barbecue pits and restrooms at selected areas. There is also a Visitors' Centre that provides information about the marine park

     Visitors can get to Pulau Payar from the Kuah jetty point by catamaran or speed boat. The catamaran services operated by Langkawi Coral, takes about 45 minutes to get to Pulau Payar while the speed boat takes an hour. It is advisable to book the catamaran service a day before the trip. Enquiries can be made with any travel agent in Kuah or at the jetty point for those intending to travel by speed boat. Apart from the fare, a levy of RM5.00 for adults and RM2.50 for children is charged for entry to the marine park.

JERAJAK ISLAND (PULAU PINANG)

     Jerejak, or Pulau Jerejak (English: Jerejak Island), is a 362 hectare island located off the southeastern tip of Penang, Malaysia, a short ferry ride from Bayan Lepas, Penang. It was formerly the main leper asylum for The Straits Settlements (1868), Quarantine Station(1875) and penal colony (1969).

Francis Light, the founder of Penang, was said to have arrived in Pulau Jerejak in early 1786 before heading on to Penang. In 1797, Colonel Arthur Wellesley had proposed Jerejak as the possible site for Fort Cornwallis. His idea of establishing a military post in Jerejak was to offer protection to a new township called Jamestown, which was to be set up in present-day Bayan Lepas. Earlier in 1794, there had been an outbreak of malaria caused most likely by the clearing of the jungle to establish George Town, claiming many lives, including Francis Light himself. Thus, Wellesley was not in favor of the site for Fort Cornwallis to be on Penang island.

     This plan did not materialize as George Town was starting to become a profitable port and it soon became unnecessary to establish Jamestown or have a military facility in that location.

As a result of Francis Light's earlier ruling whereby immigrants were allowed to claim whatever land they could clear, Penang became flooded with immigrants. As a precautionary step, these immigrants were sent to Jerejak's health inspection center before they were allowed to proceed to Penang.

AMAN ISLAND (PULAU PINANG)

     The "Island of Peace" or Pulau Aman (in Malay) is a small island in Penang that is home to a traditional Malay village. Situated on an island covering an area of about 115-hectare, the place is (if you ask me!) the gateway to tranquility and serenity.

     As an idyllic fishing village with a population of only three hundred, the majority of people on Pulau Aman are elderly folks and laughing, fun loving children. Life on the island is simple in traditional ways with man and nature of co-existing in harmony with one other. Here the warmth of the sun is only rivaled by the warm friendliness of the locals.

     The nearest access to the island is from the one street village of Bukit Tambun. From a distance, you could see colorful boats moored at the jetty, gently bobbing up and down and scattered huts that dots the land between the hills and the shore. Nearer to the island, the sights of rustic houses along the coastline were indeed peaceful and relax.

     At the Pulau Aman Jetty, there is a fabulous restaurant (Restaurant Sri Nelayan) that sells fresh seafood. Their specialties is prawn noodle, prawn fried rice and everything that has anything to do with prawn. According to the owner, Mr. Abdul Halim, his fresh prawns were picked alive and kicking from cages before ending up in the kitchen. Famous VIPs that has been eating here includes the Chief Minister of Penang and Penang Governor.

SIBU ISLAND (JOHOR)

           Pulau Sibu, also known as Sibu Island, is a small island off Malaysia's eastern coast, facing the South China Sea. It is actually made up of several islands namely Sibu Besar Island, Sibu Tengah Island, Sibu Kukus Island and Sibu Hujung Island.

Sibu Besar, the main island, is approximately 6 km long and 1 km wide, and for the most part covered by tropical vegetation. On the southern end there is a small fishing village called Kampong Duku with a population of fewer than a hundred people (about 40 families).

         There are a number of small resorts on the island, typically used as a weekend or short vacation destination from Singapore, since the closest mainland jetty Tanjong Leman is only a roughly 3 hour drive from Singapore via Johor Bahru. The main leisure activities on the island are watersports such as snorkeling and diving - not surprising since the area was designated a Marine Park in 1993 and numerous coral reefs are close to hand.

        There are four main beaches on the eastern side of Sibu, where most of the beach resorts are located. Sea Gypsy Village Resort and Dive Base and Sibu Island Cabanas are situated on a beach facing Tinggi Island. Other resorts, such as Rimba Resort, are on the opposite side. Resorts facing the mainland are Coconut Village Resort, Junansa Villa and Twin Beach Resort. Most of the resorts are closed during the annual 3-month monsoon period, save for those facing the mainland.