VISITOR INFORMATION: Highly Recommended Travel Sites in Malaysia

http://wikitravel.org/en/Malaysia

1. Kuala Tahan National Park (Taman Negara)

http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Flats/6582/taman.html

http://www.ecologyasia.com/html-loc/taman-negara.htm

In the heart of the central Peninsula Malaysian Mountain Range lies the country's most important protected area called Taman Negara (which means 'National Park'). The park comprises over 4,000 square km of primary forest, mountain peaks, swift-flowing rivers and cascades. Huge forest giants line the river banks, where huge trees are festooned with epiphytic ferns, mosses and orchids. Walking trails lead to a number of mountain peaks. There is a high canopy walkway that provides the most thrilling experience in the forest. observation towers at salt licks are available within the park. The river sources provide excellent freshwater fishing, especially the Malaysian Mahseer (Ikan Kelah). Trip arrangement begins from Kuala Lumpur and involves a 2 hour drive to Kuala Tembeling, where visitors will be ferried by narrow speed boats to Kuala Tahan park headquarters. (Plan for a 3 days/2night trip).

2. Redang Island Marine Park & Resort (Pulau Redang)

http://www.redang.net/malay/redang/red01.html

http://www.pinganchorage.com.my/redang_island.htm

http://lamjo.tripod.com/redang.html

Palau Redang is the home of the Terengganu Marine Park, a protected zone 26 nm north of Kuala Terengganu whose reefs burst with the largest assortment of coral species that peninsular waters have to offer. The park's abundance of well-scouted dive sites offers divers the opportunity of choosing what they want to see. Located 50km from the mainland and a 2 hour boat ride from the Marang or Kuala Terengganu Jetty, the island is surrounded by crystal clear waters, pearly white shores, a colorful array of spectacular marine life, a breathtaking sunset, and what could be the world's most mature coral garden. The park is arguable among the best diving spots in the world where marine life is protected and souvenir hunters are liable for prosecution. This paradise-like island is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, jungle trekking, fishing, boating, and canoeing. Until recently, accommodation has been in the form of chalets or luxury international class hotel are avaialble. (Plan for a 3 days/2night trip by flight to Kuala Terengganu via Kuala Lumpur).

3. Mt. Mulu National Park, Sarawak (East Malaysia)

http://www.mulupark.com/html/index/index.htm

http://www.forestry.sarawak.gov.my/forweb/np/np/mulu.htm

Important both for its high biodiversity and for its karst features, Mt. Mulu National Park, on the island of Borneo in the State of Sarawak, is the most studied tropical karst area in the world. The 52,864-ha park contains seventeen vegetation zones, exhibiting some 3,500 species of vascular plants. Its palm species are exceptionally rich, with 109 species in twenty genera noted. The park is dominated by Gunung Mulu, a 2,377 m-high sandstone pinnacle. At least 295 km of explored caves provide a spectacular sight and are home to millions of cave swiftlets and bats. The Sarawak Chamber, 600 m by 415 m and 80 m high, is the largest known cave chamber in the world. The concentration of caves in Mulu's Melinau Formation with its geomorphic and structural characteristics is an outstanding feature which allows a greater understanding of Earth's history. The caves of Mulu are important for their classic features of underground geomorphology, demonstrating an evolutionary history of more than 1.5 million years. One of the world's finest examples of the collapse process in Karstic terrain can be also found. GMNP provides outstanding scientific opportunities to study theories on the origins of cave faunas. With its deeply-incised canyons, wild rivers, rainforest-covered mountains, spectacular limestone pinnacles, cave passages and decorations, Mulu has outstanding scenic values. GMNP also provides significant natural habitat for a wide range of plant and animal diversity both above and below ground. It is botanically-rich in species and high in endemism, including one of the richest sites in the world for palm species. (Plan for a 4 days/3night trip by flight to Mulu National Park via Kuala Lumpur to Miri. Need to allow an overnight stay at Miri).

4. Sabah National Parks (East Malaysia)

http://www.sabahtourism.com/

http://www.visitborneo.com/sabah.htm

(a) Mt. Kinabalu National Park
Mount Kinabalu is the most famous national park of Sabah. It is over 4,100 m high. The mountain can be climbed relatively easily provided one follows the right trail. (Plan for a 3 days/2night trip by flight to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur, followed by a 2 hour trip by road).

(b) Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Centre. Near Sandakan. The Orang Utan (Malay term meaning Jungle Man) is an instant crush for anyone who sees it in its natural habitat. Cute, adorable and disturbingly human-like, it has to be nature's ultimate humor! Scientists have equally been charmed. (Plan for a 2 days/1night trip by flight to Sandakan via Kuala Lumpur, followed by a half hour trip by road; may also be planned as an extended trip for Mt. Kinabalu National Park).

(c) Sipadan Island Marine Park (Diving and Snorkeling)

Sipadan island is a very small island in the Sulu Sea, about 30 km away and accessible by boat from the town of Semporna. It is known as one of the best diving sites in Malaysia. In 1978, The World Wildlife Fund rated Sipadan as one of the world's best coral areas. Before that, Sipadan was already well-known to Jacques Cousteau, who fell in love with the area so much that he decided to let the Calypso's anchor lay there longer than it had on any other expedition. Because of its small size, remoteness, and the absence of non-diving activities, the island is practically untouched.  The island of Sipadan The island is really the peak of a massive submarine mountain. Coupled with an astounding variety of fish and corals, the marine topography of the area makes it an astonishing place to dive. There are caves, walls, canyons, plateaus, and overhangs. Sea turtles are so abundant that it is more common to see them than not, and also inhabiting the area is one of the largest schools of resident barracuda in the world. (Plan for a 3 days/2night trip by flight to Tawau via Kuala Lumpur, followed by a half hour trip by road to Semporna).