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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.
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. Spectator sports are held all year round
and the nation also plays hosts to international sporting
events regularly. One international event was the 16th
Commonwealth Games, the last games of this millennium which
were held in 1998 at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex, a
sophisticated games village in Selangor. This comprehensive
games village has large indoor and outdoor stadiums
including a hockey stadium, swimming pools, and field and
track circuits.
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.
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Diving
Located in the heart of the lndopacific 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.
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Whitewater Rafting
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. Under normal weather conditions the two
rivers are relatively constant in depth and speed.
However, heavy rains can cause them to swell into Grade
4 rivers. During this time rafting activities may be
called off temporarily. Peninsular Malaysia has its
share of good rafting spots. These include the Grade 2
Sungai Sungkai in Perak and the Grade 3 Selangor River
in Kuala Kubu Baru, which has its source in Frasers
Hill. The Endau River, Jeram Besu and Lipis River in
Pahang and the Tembeling River in Taman Negara are also
popular rafting sites.
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River Safaris and
Cruises
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
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Cave Exploring
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. Underwater or river caves in the
Kinta Valley make up less than ten per cent of local
caves. There are also dolomite and sandstone caves
scattered around the country. Malaysian caves can be
divided into adventure and show caves. 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.
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Mountain Climbing and
Abseiling
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.
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Off Road Driving
Malaysia's rugged terrain, dene rain forests,
mountainous regions and the challenge of changing
weather conditions attracts off-road driving
enthusiasts. The three international off-road events
held annually are the TYans-Borneo International Rally,
the National Challenge and the Rainforest International
Challenge of Malaysia. The Camel Trophy or the
Rainforest Challenge are but two of the most competitive
off-road driving events held here. The East Coast offers
the best terrain in Peninsular Malaysia for off-road
driving. Gua Musang in Kelantan and Tasik Kenyir in
Terengganu, En'dau Rompin in Johor, Tasik Chini and
Cameron Highlands in Pahang are the routes most often
used for the sport. Kinabalu National Park in Sabah and
Bintulu in Sarawak are places for off-road enthusiasts
in East Malaysia. In Kuala Lumpur and the Peninsula the
most notable place is Pertak in Kuala Kubu Baru,
Selangor about two hours drive from Kuala Lumpur.
The Sungai Lernbing mines in Pahang are a safe although
challenging route and anglers may attempt some fishing
as well. The Endau Rompin area in johor is a more trying
route and is recommended for group expeditions. Kenyir
Lake, Kuala Berang, Sungai Loh and Sungai Kelamin in
Terengganu are also great spots for off-road driving.
Off-road driving is a year round activity, but the dry
season from March to October is better for less seasoned
drivers who prefer firmer terrain, less mud and better
visibility. A number of companies offer safe off-road
driving packages. These are designed to suit an
individual visitor's time constraints. Enthusiasts can
choose between day trips and a two-night short haul to
Cameron Highlands. A six-day long haul trip flies a
prospective adventurer from Kuala Lumpur to Kuala
Terengganu where a 4X4 whisks them of to a campsite in
the Kenyir Lake before heading to a beach resort and
returning to Kuala Lumpur.
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Angling
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 gamefish, 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.
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Bird Watching
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. You'll see them all, from the timid
and tiny highland species to the bright and resplendent
lowland varieties. Bird sanctuaries have been designated
throughout the country. These include Taman Negara and
the Kuala Selangor Nature Park in the Peninsular. In
Sabah,Kinabalu Park and Pulau Layang-layang (Island of
the Swallows) are the spots to seek out. One is certain
to sight the likes of Silver-Eared Mesias, Mountain
Bulbuls, and Collared Kingfishers. 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.
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Paragliding
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.
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