Page 282 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

274 WATERSPORTS
Malaysia’s Islands
With 800-plus islands and over 4,600km of coastline, Malaysia is a fantastic island destination, offering vibrant cultures, spotless white sand beaches, unique nature conservation sites and world-class yachting and scuba diving centres.
Langkawi, in northwest Peninsular Malaysia, is
a multifaceted holiday destination with world- class infrastructure, duty-free shopping and Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO Global Geopark. Penang, the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, offers a fascinating history, mix of cultures, dynamic arts scene and incredible cuisine. Further south, Pangkor is a mountainous island with beautiful, secluded beaches and world-class resorts.
The east coast is an island-hopper’s paradise to suit every budget, with world-class beaches, clear waters and pristine coral reefs. Most popular are the Perhentians, Pulau Redang and Pulau Tioman. Smaller islands have fewer facilities but are ideal for getting away from it all.
Almost half of Malaysia’s 878 islands are located
off Sabah, whose State Government has gazetted six island clusters as
Marine Parks (see next page), including world-famous dive destinations, stunning beaches and marine wildlife attractions.
Pangkor Laut, a small privately-owned island off Pangkor Island in Perak, offers luxurious and secluded resort facilities.
The Federal Territory
of Labuan, southwest of Kota Kinabalu, is a bustling International Offshore Financial Centre with duty free shopping, some fine beaches and attractive water villages.
In Sarawak, Pulau Bruit, Malaysia’s second largest
island, is an Important Bird Area (IBA). Talang Satang National Park
off Kuching is devoted
to turtle and bird conservation. Day trippers may visit the largest island, Satang Besar, to view the turtle hatchery and for diving and snorkeling.
Three of the five islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, a popular weekend retreat offshore from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.