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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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Information
provided by
Malaysia Tourism
Promotion Board.
