Introduction.
Malaysia has the most outstanding systematic infrastructure in Asia as far as air, land and sea. The mean of access systems that has been implemented not only accessible between other cities to another in the world but also to the main cities but also suburban and isolated area in Malaysia itself.
Road
The driving system is an interesting mode of seeing the country that link from the north to the south, east and west Malaysia. An overland journey to Malaysia Thailand and Singapore made easily driving through the North-South Expressway on the West coast and East-West highway to the East Coast. The hightway also links certain main towns in Sabah and Sarawak with other main cities in the rural area. The highway length is about 70,000 km. Car rental services are easily available. Buses, taxis and coaches, both interstate and local ply between various destinations. To drive on Malaysian road, you require a Malaysian Competent Driviong Licence, Probationary Driving Licence or an International driving Licence. To use a foreign licence, get it endorsed by the Road Transport Department. All vehicles move on the left-hand side of the road and that the use of safety belts by front pasengers is mandatory.
Air
Malaysia has six international airports are at Sepang in Selangor, Penang Island, Langkawi Island, Kota Kinabalu and Tawau in sabah, and Kuching in Sarawak.Malaysia is served by more than 35 airlines including Malaysia Airlines which services 94 international routes around the globe. In addItion to Malaysia Airlines (MAS), a number of other airlines including Pelangi Air, Berjaya air and Mofaz Air also provide regular domestic flights to the many tourists destinations and cities within the country. Malaysia airline systems that link with all of the main cities in the world, and main towns and rural area in Malaysia. Malaysia has the second largest airport and the most sophisticated in Asia that is known as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Rail
It is also possible to travel by rail within and to Malaysia via Thailand and Singapore. Malayan Railways or Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTM) connects all the major towns in the peninsular. There is a luxury train service, the Eastern and Oriental Express, which makes a round trip from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and return.
Sea
All popupar island destinations are not only served by air but also by ferries or hydrofoils. Ferry or hydrofoil services are available from mainland to the main island resorts of Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor and Tioman. Ferry services are also available from Changi Point, Singapore to Tanjung Belungkar in Desaru, johor.
The driving system is an interesting mode of seeing the country that link from the north to the south, east and west Malaysia. An overland journey to Malaysia Thailand and Singapore made easily driving through the North-South Expressway on the West coast and East-West highway to the East Coast. The hightway also links certain main towns in Sabah and Sarawak with other main cities in the rural area. The highway length is about 70,000 km. Car rental services are easily available. Buses, taxis and coaches, both interstate and local ply between various destinations. To drive on Malaysian road, you require a Malaysian Competent Driviong Licence, Probationary Driving Licence or an International driving Licence. To use a foreign licence, get it endorsed by the Road Transport Department. All vehicles move on the left-hand side of the road and that the use of safety belts by front pasengers is mandatory.
Air
Malaysia has six international airports are at Sepang in Selangor, Penang Island, Langkawi Island, Kota Kinabalu and Tawau in sabah, and Kuching in Sarawak.Malaysia is served by more than 35 airlines including Malaysia Airlines which services 94 international routes around the globe. In addItion to Malaysia Airlines (MAS), a number of other airlines including Pelangi Air, Berjaya air and Mofaz Air also provide regular domestic flights to the many tourists destinations and cities within the country. Malaysia airline systems that link with all of the main cities in the world, and main towns and rural area in Malaysia. Malaysia has the second largest airport and the most sophisticated in Asia that is known as Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA).
Rail
It is also possible to travel by rail within and to Malaysia via Thailand and Singapore. Malayan Railways or Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd (KTM) connects all the major towns in the peninsular. There is a luxury train service, the Eastern and Oriental Express, which makes a round trip from Singapore through Kuala Lumpur to Bangkok and return.
Sea
All popupar island destinations are not only served by air but also by ferries or hydrofoils. Ferry or hydrofoil services are available from mainland to the main island resorts of Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor and Tioman. Ferry services are also available from Changi Point, Singapore to Tanjung Belungkar in Desaru, johor.
Islands to Visit.
In Malaysia we have a lot of attractive islands to visit. For family holiday, backpacking, romantic getaway, traveling with kids, diving and snorkeling or simply to relax, these islands are broken down with basic information and are in no particular order. The islands are among the best islands and located around Malaysia including East Malaysia. With the list of islands decribed below will make some interesting choices for you to make a proper planning and having your island holiday in Malaysia.
Langkawi Island or Pulau Langkawi
Peninsular Malaysia's largest island with the best infrastructure and most importantly, Langkawi is a duty free island! A very popular place for travelers as they have direct flights landing in Langkawi Island from a number of airlines around the region. The island offers all kinds of tourism from Eco to Culture and Heritage apart from the general beach life. The Langkawi Cable Car is one of the attractions you should not miss while here. Accommodations range from luxurious resorts like the Four Seasons and Datai Resort to budget style hotels and motels found throughout the island. One unique place to look out for is Malibest Resort with the Treehouse Chalets. Peak period here is Nov to Feb and June to Aug for the Arab Season.
Redang Island or Pulau Redang
The only island in the east cost of Malaysia with an airstrip makes this place a popular destination for many locals. Many 3-5 star resorts are found at Redang Island as the waters and beaches here are beautiful. One of the resorts, Laguna Redang Resort seems to stand out from the rest here while the Berjaya Resort Redang is located in a cove by it's own away from the main stretch. For the snorkelers, there is the Redang Marine Park nearby which is a popular place to visit. A Small conservation center is also set up here and one can have a barbecue on the beaches on this island. Can get crowded during local holiday seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
Rawa Island or Pulau Rawa This unique island is located just off the town of Mersing on route to Tioman Island and is a private island with only two accommodations. One called Rawa Safaris Resort which is the popular choice while the other is known as Alang's Rawa which is a backpacker style lodging here. When you talk about White Sand Beaches, it is all here at Pulau Rawa. Fantastic for couples, families and backpackers. Can get crowded during local holiday seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
Turtle Island or Pulau Selingan
Turtle island is one of the most unique islands dedicated to conservation for Turtles, this place is located about an hour from the town of Sandakan in Sabah Borneo. Only one resort is available on this island while overnight trips offer curious guests a chance to see turtles laying eggs on the beaches around the island here. A Turtle hatchery is also available on this island while there is a conservation center with marine park rangers who look after this. Excellent for kids, family, those interested in marine life and conservation. No monsoon but check for rainy weather.
This small island which is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is only 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu town in Sabah Borneo and there are boats going and coming from the mainland every other hour. A very popular place for day trippers as there are no lodgings here. Most packages include a lunch, snorkeling and just relaxing on the beach. Not as busy as sister island Manukan but does get crowded on weekends. Sapi Island has some of the best waters and beach here. Local attraction is the huge monitor lizards that look like Komodo Dragons.
Perhentian Island or Pulau Perhentian
One of the most sought after island for all kinds of beach and island travelers. From the locals right to the backpackers, Perhentian has always been a popular destination to visit. Many budget style to moderate resorts are available on both - Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil islands. Activities include diving, snorkeling and just relaxing. No roads or vehicles so moving around via foot of boat here. chances of spotting turtles while snorkeling are high while there are many pretty scuba diving spots here. Some of the family run budget resorts in Perhentian are the best to stay at. Can get crowded during the peak seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
Sipadan Island or Pulau Sipadan
Malaysia's top diving destination and located on the east side of Sabah Borneo, Sipadan Islands are one of the must-dive places for most scuba divers and rated one of the most beautiful dive spots in the world. Up till a few years ago, the government has stopped any form of accommodation on the main island due to environment reasons. Nowadays, divers stay at nearby Mabul or Kapalai Island while 120 daily dive permits are issued out to divers for diving at Sipadan Islands. Not a place where you would bring your family but if everyone dives, why not. Accommodations range from budget lodge style right till 5-Star Resorts at Mabul Island and Kapalai Island. A marine police station is the only structure that is on Sipadan Island. Check for the rainy season.
Mantanani Island or Pulau Mantanani
This is one of the most beautiful islands on the west side of Sabah Borneo. Generally a divers paradise as there are only two or three resorts here that cater specially to this sport. You would not expect a family style resort and activities here. Getting to Mantanani Island is also not as easy as thought. You would need to book your trip via the travel agent that arranges these special trips. A paradise in its own way and a must for the true island lover.
Rebak Island or Pulau Rebak
An island off an island, Rebak Island is a private island and about 10 minutes from Langkawi Island. There is only one 5-star resort called the Rebak Island Resort which is managed by the TAJ Group. Those seeking privacy and some quiet time would be pleased to know Rebak Island is one of those places. A marina sits at the main jetty of the island while the island is rich in nature.
Manukan Island or Pulau Manukan
The most popular of the five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Kota Kinabalu Sabah Borneo. This island is located only 15 minutes from the main town of Kota Kinabalu or KK as most people call it. Only one Resort on Manukan Island is available to those who want to stay over but the prices are in the slightly higher side. Gets crowded on weekends and local holidays as many day trippers head here. The beach is quite nice and you can do some decent snorkeling here. One of the highlights is the Sea Walk here while scuba diving is available on Manukan Island.
The most popular of the five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park in Kota Kinabalu Sabah Borneo. This island is located only 15 minutes from the main town of Kota Kinabalu or KK as most people call it. Only one Resort on Manukan Island is available to those who want to stay over but the prices are in the slightly higher side. Gets crowded on weekends and local holidays as many day trippers head here. The beach is quite nice and you can do some decent snorkeling here. One of the highlights is the Sea Walk here while scuba diving is available on Manukan Island.
Lang Tengah Island or Pulau Lang Tengah
Located in between Redang and Perhentian Island, this beautiful island caters to three resorts and some lovely diving spots. One of the Resorts at Lang Tengah called Redang Lang Resort caters to more locals with a lodge style accommodation and not your resort type. Can get crowded during the local holiday seasons and is part of the monsoon season. Best visited during April - September.
Kuala Penyu Beach in Sabah
Kuala Penyu actually means Turtle Confluence and is a very small local community which is located about two hours drive from Kota Kinabalu City in Sabah. For those seeking a back-to-basic getaway, this place offers travelers and holiday makers the perfect selection. The Tempurung Lodge at Kuala Penyu caters to all kinds of guests, from back packers to families. This place is also located near to the famous Snake Island or Pulau Tiga.
Kuala Penyu actually means Turtle Confluence and is a very small local community which is located about two hours drive from Kota Kinabalu City in Sabah. For those seeking a back-to-basic getaway, this place offers travelers and holiday makers the perfect selection. The Tempurung Lodge at Kuala Penyu caters to all kinds of guests, from back packers to families. This place is also located near to the famous Snake Island or Pulau Tiga.
There are still a lot of islands here and It would be an impossible task to describe every one of Malaysia's thousands of beautiful islands and beaches. Ranging from the powdery stretches of sand that characterize the eastern coastline of Peninsular Malaysia to the black sand beach of Pantai Pasir Hitam and the smooth pebble beach of Pantai Batu Kerikil, Malaysia's shores offer more idyllic locales than one could explore in many lifetimes. In addition to the plenitude of beaches along the the peninsula and the coast of Eastern Malaysia, the country also possesses over a hundred tropical islands. Many of these are so beautiful as to have entered into legend centuries ago, like the islands of Langkawi remain desert isles, marked , or Pulau Tioman. Others only by the imprint of the South China Sea on their sands
