Malaysians
are enthusiastic sportsmen and many international sports are played in the
country. The bright, tropical climate ensures that most sports. can be
enjoyed throughout the year. Popular national sports include soccer,
badminton, hockey, tennis and squash. Other favourites are biking, cricket,
bowling, rugby, table-tennis, softball and grand prix racing.
Malaysia has a long coastline with several offshore islands Oki and sea
sports are coming to the fore. There are plenty of opportunities to
water-ski and wind-surf or snorkel and dive in the many islands and marine
parks found throughout the country. The country's large river system has
made canoeing and white-water rafting popular adventure sports.
On a national level soccer is played at school right up to international
level. Soccer matches and competitions such as the Semi-Pro League and the
Malaysian -Cup are two popular matches. Badminton is another favourite sport
with international competitions held from time to time.
Golf Activities in Malaysia
Malaysia also has a great variety of excellent golf courses
scattered around the country. Golfing holidays are becoming trendy
and combine splendid golf courses to play in with the country's many
other attractions. Motor sports are becoming increasingly popular
and the country now has a challenging Formula I circuit just outside
the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang. The Sepang
Ft Circuit has a double-frontage main grandstand for 30,000
spectators and natural stands able to accommodate 100,000
spectators. The course is a 5542krn circuit which features 15 turns
and 9 straights. The Malaysia Grand Prix Formula I in October 1999
brought the world's top drivers together on this latest Ft circuit.
Diving in Malaysia
Located
in the heart of the Indopacific Basin in the centre of the area
famed for the greatest marine bio-diversity in the world, Malaysia's
marine parks offer diving enthusiasts an unparalleled opportunity to
enjoy some of the most beautiful marine sights in the world. Since
Malaysia hosted the inaugural Asian DEMA (Diving and Equipment
Manufacturing Association) Show in 1996 and 1997, more professional
and recreational divers are discovering the enchantment of its
waters. With sites catering to every level of expertise, Malaysia is
a true divers paradise.
Accredited dive operators offer packages for every need and budget.
Premium packages include pickup at the airport, transfer to the dive
sites, food, accommodation and dives. Alternatively, one can opt for
a dive only package by making arrangements with a dive shop or
operator. The holiday diver stays for an average of 12 days which
allows for a week's worth of diving.
Whitewater Rafting in
Malaysia
Rivers have long been the life blood of the indigenous people of
Malaysia. They have served as a means of transport, a source of food
and now, a resource for eco-tourism. The native groups of Sabah have
been using rafts for centuries but white water rafting has only been
a recreational activity since the 1980s.
The two main rivers for rafting in Sabah are the Padas and Kiulu
rivers which are certified as Grade 3 and Grade 2 respectively in
the international white water rafting grading system.
River Safaris and
Cruises in Malaysia
River safaris and cruises are becoming increasingly popular among
visitors to Malaysia. Well organised and with expert guides, they
provide an interesting, exciting way to explore the country's
interior. River safaris and cruises are available in Melaka, Kuala
Berang in Terengganu and Taman Negara and Lake Chini in Pahang and
Sarawak, also offer scenic river safaris and cruises.
Cave Exploring in Malaysia
There
is a great network of caves in Malaysia for carving enthusiasts. it
has been found that most caves date back to the Stone Age and some
caves in Sarawak are 60 million years old. The majority of caves are
limestone and are above ground level. These include Gua Kolam in
Perlis, Gua Tempurung and Kundu in Perak, Batu Caves in Selangor and
Gua ikan in Kuala Krai, Kelantan. The appearances of caves can
change within months as the humid Malaysian weather affects
stalagmite and stalactite formation.
Adventure caves like Drunken Forest Cave and Loagan's Cave remain
close to their natural state. Show caves such as Deer Lang and Clear
Water Caves in Mulu National Park, Sarawak, are those which have
been opened up for public viewing with guides, lights and walkways.
Mountain
Climbing and Abseiling in Malaysia
Mountain climbing is a wonderful way to discover the diversity and
uniqueness of Malaysia's natural landscape ranging from the dense
tropical rainforest in the lowlands to the montane vegetation in the
highlands, From easy walks in the cool comfort of the Main Range of
Peninsular Malaysia to the more challenging mountains of Sabah and
Sarawak, there are mountains to tempt every class of climber.
Abseiling is also offered in certain locations. Beginners can start
with the well marked trials in Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Gunung
Korbu'in Perak and Gunung Tangsi in Negeri Sembilan. For those
wanting bigger challenges through rainforest, rivers and mountain
ridges, there is Gunung Gagau in Taman Negara and Gunung Tahan, the
highest point in Peninsular Malaysia. Then there is Gunung Kinabalu
in Sabah, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia at
4093metres.
Angling in Malaysia
Malaysia, a prime tropical retreat, is also a relatively
undiscovered fishing destination. Its sun drenched beaches,
sparkling islands, profusion of flora and fauna and magnificent
mountains provide a diverse array of activities for the holiday
maker, diver, eco-tourist and angler.
Malaysia is endowed with quality freshwater and marine game
fishing. The Prime Malaysian freshwater sport fish include the
ferocious Giant Snakehead, the fast running Malaysian Jungle Perch,
the GiantFeather back and the elusive but powerful Malaysian
Mahseer.The seas host the king of the game fish, the Black Marlin.
Yellowfin Tuna, Bigeye Tuna and Dogtooth Tuna can be found in the
Malaysian seas along with Wahoo, Narrowbarred Mackerel, Sailfish,
Giant Trevally, Barracuda and Rainbow Runner, to name a few.
Bird Watching in Malaysia
For
an adventure that is a little more refined and certainly less
strenuous, try bird watching. Malaysia's vast expanses of
rainforests are home to more than 700 species of exotic bird-life,
including some extremely rare ones. Due to its location on the
cross-migratory path of certain bird species, Malaysia has emerged
as a bird watching haven. This avian extravaganza is one to behold.
Scan the treetops, listen for the telltale calls. Look hard. If you
manage to see a Mountain Peacock Pheasant or a Malayan Whistling
Thrush, you are one of the privileged few, as they are the rarest of
birds to be found.
Paragliding in Malaysia
The latest sport to take hold of enthusiasts is Paragliding with
the use of Para motors. Para gliders can reach speed of up to 45kph
and climb to heights of 150 to 200 meters. This sport is becoming
popular in the wind swept states of the East Coast and along beach
areas.
