Dr Kurt Svrcula
New Straits Times
09-27-2004
Pristine waters beckon
Byline: Dr Kurt Svrcula
Edition: 2*
MALAYSIA is blessed with abundant and variety of locations and geography to provide the most discerning and demanding sports tourist with exciting and cost-effective destinations to pursue sea- or beach-based activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, scuba diving, catch-and-release game fishing, to name but a few.
The appearance of a multitude of action sports in recent years and associated events have re-focussed and re-defined lifestyles worldwide.
At the same time, travel has become very affordable and most sports enthusiasts and families are seeking to have active holidays at new venues, especially during the winter months and off-seasons.
Water sport enthusiasts typically follow the winds and tides which will lead them to some of the most exciting and spectacular locations in Malaysia.
Port Dickson, Batu Ferringhi, Balok Beach, the breathtaking islands throughout the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak are some possible venues which are tropical, exotic and colourful, providing the necessary ambience that is needed.
Lined with beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical plants and coconut palms, unbelievable coral reefs and pristine seas, Malaysia is a true paradise for water sports.
Windsurfing in Malaysia
Windsurfing, a visually exciting sport, has been around since the mid 70s and is a sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. Above all else, it brings together a unique feeling of challenges and achievements. It is a sport for all ages, young and old, for someone who has never stood on a board or the expert who enjoys extreme conditions at wind swept coastlines.
Malaysia has ample winds for all levels of windsurfing. In fact, during the monsoon season, Malaysia is the place to be for excitement and true endurance.
The favourite spots to explore in Malaysia are the coastal areas of Port Dickson, Penang and Langkawi and the wild rides of the northeast monsoon on the East Coast of the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak in the period November till March.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is a sport that has taken the world by storm over the past eight years. Originating in Maui, it is a combination of wake boarding and kite flying.
Technically more difficult to master than windsurfing, kite surfing requires a great deal of training and practice to master.
One of the most amazing aspects of kiteboarding is the jumping. When you are riding, you can use your kite to jump off the water. These jumps can be a foot or two off the water in the beginning to the pros hitting 40-50 feet off the water.
The most sought after sites for kite surfing in Malaysia is the region north of Kuantan and Cherating where during the monsoon, the combination of strong winds and waves make for perfect conditions.
There is no rental equipment available and training is confined to locations in Port Dickson and Balok Beach near Kuanatan.
Diving and snorkelling
Diving in Malaysia is certainly not a new or recent activity. The pioneers of recreational diving are quick to tell tales of adventure dive trips 20-25 years ago to the then obscure and rarely visited islands of Pulau Redang, Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Aur or even Pulau Sipadan.
Local folklore has it that camping on the beach, bringing boat loads of tanks or compressors, food and other essentials along was the order of the day.
This all changed with Jacques Cousteau's Ghost of the Sea Turtles film in 1987, documenting the breathtaking beauty of, what many consider one of the best dive destinations in the world, Pulau Sipadan. Overnight, Sipadan, and by extension Malaysia, proliferated itself as destination of choice for many overseas divers always on the look out for new discoveries or getting tired of the traditional but overcrowded and over-dived destinations like the Red Sea, Caribbean and Maldives.
Diving in Malaysia has now become a significant revenue earner for many of the islands on the east coast of the peninsula and Sabah. Domestic divers still account for the bulk of the clientele but increasingly foreign divers, especially in Sabah, are discovering the magnificent diversity of Malaysia's marine life.
For non-divers, snorkelling is the next best thing, even for non- swimmers as you can snorkel using floaters. There are many spots in the country for snorkelling, including the many marine parks both in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.
Today, the most dynamic and fastest growing island destinations on the east coast of the peninsula are Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Tioman, whereas Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Lang Tengah have as yet vast untapped potential. Destinations such as Pulau Aur, Dayang, Sibu and Gemas are weekend-only operations, catering primarily for organised dive groups.
Sipadan, Layang-Layang, Mabul and Lankayan in Sabah are the most developed destinations and, due to the type and level of diving and international clientele, the most professionally managed.
Sailing
Sailing has a long tradition in Malaysia with numerous marinas and sailing clubs catering for the serious to the recreational sailors. A coastline of more than 4,800 kilometre and more than 200 islands make for an incredible rich experience, be it participating in one of the many competitions or just going for a leisurely cruise.
Most cruises along the west coast of the peninsula will lead through the Malacca Straits which offers a number of ports of call like the old Dutch port of Malacca or a further 75km up the coast, Port Dickson, another old colonial port.
Further up the straits passing east of the One Fathom Banks and turning inshore one arrives at Port Klang.
Game fishing
Malaysia is endowed with a wide variety of marine and inland angling destinations, which are home to a large number of fish species. The tropical seas surrounding the country contain the much sought after Black and Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin as well the the Pacific Striped Sailfish. Other commonly encountered species in the deeper waters around the atolls and drop-offs are the Bigeye and Dogtooth Tuna, Giant Trevally, Barracudas, Rainbow Runners and sharks.
Malaysia's rivers and natural and man-made lakes are home to over 300 species of freshwater fish of which around 40 species can be caught on rod and line.
The prime freshwater sport fish includes the ferocious Giant Snakehead, the fast running Malaysian Jungle Perch, the Giant Featherback, the massive fresh water Catfish and the elusive but powerful Malaysian Mahseer.
The seas of Malaysia offer a wide diversity of depth, terrain and fish species. The west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is primarily a bottom fishing area. Depths rarely exceed 100 metres and quality table such as grouper, snapper and threadfin are the main quarry. Sailfish and Narrowbarred Mackerel are found seasonally while Giant Trevally and Barracuda are quite common catches.
In contrast, the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, off the distant Island of Aur, Pemanggil and Tioman is home to big game fish, the Black Marlin being the most famous. Other game fish include Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Dolphinfish (Mahi-Mahi), Cobia, Mackerel and Barracuda.
The coastal areas of Sabah and Sarawak also offer excellent big game fishing. The east coast of Sabah bordering the Sulu and Sulawesi seas, with water over 2,000 metres in depth, boast both excellent bottom fishing around reef areas and top-class game fishing with Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin, Bigeye and Dogtooth Tuna.
(Copyright 2004)
New Straits Times
09-27-2004
Pristine waters beckon
Byline: Dr Kurt Svrcula
Edition: 2*
MALAYSIA is blessed with abundant and variety of locations and geography to provide the most discerning and demanding sports tourist with exciting and cost-effective destinations to pursue sea- or beach-based activities such as windsurfing, kitesurfing, sailing, scuba diving, catch-and-release game fishing, to name but a few.
The appearance of a multitude of action sports in recent years and associated events have re-focussed and re-defined lifestyles worldwide.
At the same time, travel has become very affordable and most sports enthusiasts and families are seeking to have active holidays at new venues, especially during the winter months and off-seasons.
Water sport enthusiasts typically follow the winds and tides which will lead them to some of the most exciting and spectacular locations in Malaysia.
Port Dickson, Batu Ferringhi, Balok Beach, the breathtaking islands throughout the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak are some possible venues which are tropical, exotic and colourful, providing the necessary ambience that is needed.
Lined with beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical plants and coconut palms, unbelievable coral reefs and pristine seas, Malaysia is a true paradise for water sports.
Windsurfing in Malaysia
Windsurfing, a visually exciting sport, has been around since the mid 70s and is a sport that combines elements of surfing and sailing. Above all else, it brings together a unique feeling of challenges and achievements. It is a sport for all ages, young and old, for someone who has never stood on a board or the expert who enjoys extreme conditions at wind swept coastlines.
Malaysia has ample winds for all levels of windsurfing. In fact, during the monsoon season, Malaysia is the place to be for excitement and true endurance.
The favourite spots to explore in Malaysia are the coastal areas of Port Dickson, Penang and Langkawi and the wild rides of the northeast monsoon on the East Coast of the peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak in the period November till March.
Kiteboarding
Kiteboarding is a sport that has taken the world by storm over the past eight years. Originating in Maui, it is a combination of wake boarding and kite flying.
Technically more difficult to master than windsurfing, kite surfing requires a great deal of training and practice to master.
One of the most amazing aspects of kiteboarding is the jumping. When you are riding, you can use your kite to jump off the water. These jumps can be a foot or two off the water in the beginning to the pros hitting 40-50 feet off the water.
The most sought after sites for kite surfing in Malaysia is the region north of Kuantan and Cherating where during the monsoon, the combination of strong winds and waves make for perfect conditions.
There is no rental equipment available and training is confined to locations in Port Dickson and Balok Beach near Kuanatan.
Diving and snorkelling
Diving in Malaysia is certainly not a new or recent activity. The pioneers of recreational diving are quick to tell tales of adventure dive trips 20-25 years ago to the then obscure and rarely visited islands of Pulau Redang, Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Aur or even Pulau Sipadan.
Local folklore has it that camping on the beach, bringing boat loads of tanks or compressors, food and other essentials along was the order of the day.
This all changed with Jacques Cousteau's Ghost of the Sea Turtles film in 1987, documenting the breathtaking beauty of, what many consider one of the best dive destinations in the world, Pulau Sipadan. Overnight, Sipadan, and by extension Malaysia, proliferated itself as destination of choice for many overseas divers always on the look out for new discoveries or getting tired of the traditional but overcrowded and over-dived destinations like the Red Sea, Caribbean and Maldives.
Diving in Malaysia has now become a significant revenue earner for many of the islands on the east coast of the peninsula and Sabah. Domestic divers still account for the bulk of the clientele but increasingly foreign divers, especially in Sabah, are discovering the magnificent diversity of Malaysia's marine life.
For non-divers, snorkelling is the next best thing, even for non- swimmers as you can snorkel using floaters. There are many spots in the country for snorkelling, including the many marine parks both in Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia.
Today, the most dynamic and fastest growing island destinations on the east coast of the peninsula are Pulau Redang, Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Tioman, whereas Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Lang Tengah have as yet vast untapped potential. Destinations such as Pulau Aur, Dayang, Sibu and Gemas are weekend-only operations, catering primarily for organised dive groups.
Sipadan, Layang-Layang, Mabul and Lankayan in Sabah are the most developed destinations and, due to the type and level of diving and international clientele, the most professionally managed.
Sailing
Sailing has a long tradition in Malaysia with numerous marinas and sailing clubs catering for the serious to the recreational sailors. A coastline of more than 4,800 kilometre and more than 200 islands make for an incredible rich experience, be it participating in one of the many competitions or just going for a leisurely cruise.
Most cruises along the west coast of the peninsula will lead through the Malacca Straits which offers a number of ports of call like the old Dutch port of Malacca or a further 75km up the coast, Port Dickson, another old colonial port.
Further up the straits passing east of the One Fathom Banks and turning inshore one arrives at Port Klang.
Game fishing
Malaysia is endowed with a wide variety of marine and inland angling destinations, which are home to a large number of fish species. The tropical seas surrounding the country contain the much sought after Black and Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin as well the the Pacific Striped Sailfish. Other commonly encountered species in the deeper waters around the atolls and drop-offs are the Bigeye and Dogtooth Tuna, Giant Trevally, Barracudas, Rainbow Runners and sharks.
Malaysia's rivers and natural and man-made lakes are home to over 300 species of freshwater fish of which around 40 species can be caught on rod and line.
The prime freshwater sport fish includes the ferocious Giant Snakehead, the fast running Malaysian Jungle Perch, the Giant Featherback, the massive fresh water Catfish and the elusive but powerful Malaysian Mahseer.
The seas of Malaysia offer a wide diversity of depth, terrain and fish species. The west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is primarily a bottom fishing area. Depths rarely exceed 100 metres and quality table such as grouper, snapper and threadfin are the main quarry. Sailfish and Narrowbarred Mackerel are found seasonally while Giant Trevally and Barracuda are quite common catches.
In contrast, the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia, off the distant Island of Aur, Pemanggil and Tioman is home to big game fish, the Black Marlin being the most famous. Other game fish include Sailfish, Giant Trevally, Dolphinfish (Mahi-Mahi), Cobia, Mackerel and Barracuda.
The coastal areas of Sabah and Sarawak also offer excellent big game fishing. The east coast of Sabah bordering the Sulu and Sulawesi seas, with water over 2,000 metres in depth, boast both excellent bottom fishing around reef areas and top-class game fishing with Marlin, Sailfish, Yellowfin, Bigeye and Dogtooth Tuna.
(Copyright 2004)
