In fact, “Surfers’ Haven” has long been the description of old Cherating Village since the 70’s. Each year, surfers from around the world return to Cherating to test out the surf and catch up with local acquaintances. Cherating beach is immaculate and breath-taking. So much so that Club Med decided to build its first Asian base right here. And surfers take the opportunity to have local friends take them through some of the most charming rural villages along the coast and soak in the gorgeous scenery along the way.

Key Tips

The best time to wind surf and surf is between November and December.

How To Get There

By Road
Cherating is a 3.5-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the scenic route to the east coast. There are buses to Kuantan departing daily from Kuala Lumpur. From Kuantan, there are regular bus and taxi services to Cherating. Alternatively, take a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Dungun or Kemaman in Terengganu, which is north of Pahang, and disembark at Cherating.

By Air
Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights to Kuantan. From the airport, Cherating is just 45 minutes away.

Who To Contact

For more information, please contact Pahang Tourism Action Council. (Majlis Tindakan Pelancongan Negeri Pahang). Phone : +(609) 517 1111 / 1112. Fax : +(609) 514 6900. Website: www.pahangtourism.com.my

Accommodation: www.dynamictourism.com

Cherating Beach

*****

It was only recently that the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, situated just above the Equator in south central Sabah, began to be explored for its beautiful and natural wonders.

There are more than 30 species of mammals, 270 bird species and over 80 species of orchids, rare and endemic, were recorded. Numerous waterfalls have also been discovered throughout the Basin.

The Maliau River drains through a gorge out of the southeast of the Basin into the Kuamut River, which in turn feeds into the Kinabatangan, the longest river in Sabah.

There is so much to discover in the unspoilt wonderland, and due to its importance in the conservation of the ecosystem, visitors to the park are limited especially at the various camps set up.

* Images of Maliau Basin, courtesy of Sabah Tourism.

Key Tips

The Basin is almost unvisited and completely uninhabited by man.

How To Get There

Plane
Visitors can arrange to get on a plane from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau, before proceeding with own arrangements to Maliau Basin.

Who To Contact

The Secretariat Maliau Basin Conservation Area Research & Development Division Yayasan Sabah Group P.O. Box 11622. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Tel: (6 088) 326300 / 326318 Fax: (6088) 326316 / 326315 Email:albinus@icsb-sabah.com.my http://www.ysnet.org.my/maliau http://www.borneoforestheritage.org.my

Maliau Basin Sabah

***

Several small mud volcanoes spewing cool, mineral-rich mud can still be found near the summit of the island. The notion that this mineral rich mud is good for your skin makes mud-bathing a must-do activity on this island.

The island’s lush green jungle serves as a soothing backdrop, while the fine, white sand beaches and the clear unpolluted water are a wonder for nature lovers.

The coral reefs encircling the island are home to many species of fish and other marine life. Among the activities that await you here are diving, non-motorised water sports, trekking, bird watching and mud bathing.

The Park Headquarters is situated on the southern side of the island, not far from Pulau Tiga Resort, the only resort facility available on the island.

Key Tips

Pulau Tiga and Pulau Kalampunian offer great snorkelling just a short distance from the beach.

How  To Get There

By Road
From Kota Kinabalu, drive 140km south to Kuala Penyu at the Klias Peninsula, then board a boat to the islands.

By Sea
The islands are 18km away and about 45 minutes by boat. Some tour agents also organise tours and ferry services to the islands.

Some of the marine animals observed around the 14 dive sites include black-tip sharks, hammerheads, jacks barracudas, bump-head parrotfish, lionfish, moray eels, turtles, nudibranches, gobies and the ghost pipe fish.

Key Tips

If you have ever wanted to see a school of huge hammerhead sharks, come in the months of April-June. Your chances are very good during this time.

How To Get There

By Air
The nearest kick-off point to Layang Layang Island is Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, where a private charter company flies clients to Layang Layang. This is arranged by Layang Layang Island Resort. Direct flights to Kota Kinabalu are available from Tokyo, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Seoul, Hong Kong, Manila, Cebu, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.

Who To Contact

For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation: www.dynamictourism.com

Layang layang Islan Sabah

*******

It has the only dive resort in Malaysia’s Sulu Sea called the Lankayan Island Dive Resort and is one of the best spots for whale shark sightings. The location of the whale shark is usually indicated by flocks of seabirds screeching high above the placid surface. With luck, divers and snorkellers may get close to this gentle giant, although it won’t stay close for long.

During the day you can witness black-tip sharks swimming about by the beach. At night, hawksbill and green turtles may be spotted coming to shore. Large stretches of beautiful hard and soft corals belonging to numerous genera can also be found here, the perfect habitat for colourful friendly fishes.

Among the 40 dive sites is Lankayan Wreck, where the remains of an ocean-going fishing boat can be explored. This wreck now hosts many different species of fish from small glassfish, harlequin ghost pipefish, painted frogfish to giant grouper and marbled stingrays.

Despite the remoteness, the island has all the amenities of a tropical resort. Visitors can stay in wooden bungalows that blend into the natural surroundings.

Indeed, Lankayan is not only for discerning divers but for anyone who appreciates the tranquility of a paradise island that offers beautiful sunrises, spectacular sunsets and magnificent seascapes.

Key Tips

Lankayan’s speciality is ‘macro’ diving – looking for beautiful tiny creatures – although ‘big fish’ pelagic diving is also available.

How To Get There

By Air
Guests will have to catch the morning flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

By Sea
Speedboat transfer is from the Sandakan Yacht Club to Pulau Lankayan, takes about an hour and a half.

Accommodation: www.dynamictourism.com

Lankayan Island, Sabah

It was gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking ‘just’ a million years to form. The mighty Mount Kinabalu is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface.

Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice Age, glaciers running across the summit smoothed it out, but the jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.

Key Tips

If you plan to climb the mountain, be sure to bring a head torch for the early morning climb to the summit which starts in utter darkness and cold weather gear. The summit temperatures have been known to dip to below freezing! Climbing Mt Kinabalu is a different experience for each person, but what makes most people succeed above all, is perseverance.

How To Get There

By Taxi
Car rentals can be arranged through major hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Taxis go to Park HQ at Ranau and take a maximum of four passengers. You can negotiate for the taxi to pick you up from Park HQ for your return if you hire the whole taxi.

By Bus
All express and minibuses between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau or Sandakan pass the park turn-off, from where it is just 100m to the Park HQ.

Who to Contact

For more information about Kinabalu Park, kindly contact their office at (+6088) – 211 881 or (+6088) – 212 719. You could also visit their website at http://www.sabahparks.org.my Tourism Malaysia Sabah also could provide some information about this place by contacting them at (+6088) -248 698 / 211 732 / 447075

The natural vegetation here is of the oak or chestnut types. Large trees, especially of Shoreas, can be found on ridges and slopes. One Shorea with a girth of just under 600cm was found at an elevation of 1350m.

Key Tip
The Rafflesia takes a long time to bloom, and when it does, it stays in bloom for just seven days, after which it rots and has an extremely pungent smell. You may end up smelling a wilting Rafflesia before you see it.

How To Get There
By Road
From Kota Kinabalu, take a Tambunan or Keningau minivan to the reserve. The journey takes about 30 minutes and the minivans run frequently until dusk.

Who to Contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation: www.dynamictourism.com

Sabah Rafflesia Center

The museum features a selection of Kelantan handicraft in traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silversmithing and matting. On the ground floor of the building, there is a restaurant called ‘Balai Sulur Gadung’, where visitors can savour some of Kelantan’s famous refreshments.

The adjacent Handicraft Village provides visitors the chance to see just how these crafts are made. Demonstrations of traditional embroidery, songket weaving, batik printing, silver work and wood carving are carried out by skilled artisans. Their products are also on sale at the centre.

Key Tips

If you are thinking of buying any local handicrafts as souvenirs, why not buy from the artisans who work here?

How To Get There

By Road
Located in the heart of Kota Bharu’s cultural zone, the Handicraft Village is a walking distance from the Istana Balai Besar and the Buluh Kubu Bazaar. It is easily accessible from Jalan Sultan and Jalan Hilir Kota.

*****

This market has something for everyone, from fresh produce to traditional crafts and cakes. It is also a slice of life in Kelantan, abuzz with colour, scents and sounds of the local community.

Key Tips

By all means, take photos, but if you want to take close-ups of the sellers with their vibrantly coloured wares, it’s a good idea to ask for permission first.

How To Get There

By Foot or Taxi
The Siti Khadijah Market (Central Market) is on Jalan Hulu.

Surfing is good at certain times of the year, and wind surfers will find great conditions here during the North-East Monsoon from November to April.

But nothing beats resting in the shade of the tall casuarina trees, staring out to sea, listening to the whispering wind and sipping on a cool coconut. Perfect R & R…

Key Tips

The beach is fabulous and popular with locals and visitors alike all year long, but you may want to be more careful during the monsoon season as the currents and waves can be strong.