o Diving
Malaysia is one of the best dive destinations in the world with the richest marine environment in the Indo-Pacific Basin. From schooling hammerhead sharks, huge schools of barracudas and various turtles to the bizarre frogfish or ghost pipefish, there is always something to fascinate the diver. Along the eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the islands of Perhentian, Lang Tengah, Redang, Kapas, Tenggol and Tioman feature good coral growth and abundant fish life. For a spectacular diving experience, head to Sipadan, lying just off the northeast coast of Borneo. Only day trips are allowed to this island and accommodation is available on neighbouring islands. Labuan, an off-shore financial centre in East Malaysia is great for wreck diving.
o Sailing and Cruises
Yachters are always welcome in Malaysian waters, marinas and clubs.
Langkawi is a great place to start a sailing holiday as the waters of the Andaman Sea are superb, the sailing infrastructure is excellent and it is a resort island with abundant attractions. Alternatively, there are many east coast islands where safe anchorages are assured and along the busier west coast the main ports of call include Port Dickson, Port Kiang, Lumut and Penang. East Malaysia offers more adventurous sailing with excellent marina facilities at Kota Kinabalu’s Sutera Harbour.
o Angling
Malaysia is a prime tropical paradise that presents the angler with an opportunity to discover one of the world’s top game fishing destinations. Endowed with a wide variety of marine and inland angling destinations, Malaysia hosts a plethora of fish species in both environments. The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia bordering the Andaman Sea and Straits of Malacca, with waters rarely exceeding l00m in depth, produces quality table fish such as groupers, snappers and threadfins, to name a few. In contrast, the east coast of the peninsula is the home of many big game fish, the Black Marlin being the most famous. Other renowned fighting fish include the Giant Trevally, Sailfish, Doiphinfish, Cobia, Barracuda and Narrowbarred Mackerel. The Borneo coasts of Sabab and Sarawak bordering the South China Sea are home to some of Malaysia’s finest bluewater fishing, with the island of Labuan centrally located close to the prime fishing areas.
