Pulau Pangkor

Pulau Pangkor is an island off the coast of Perak in north-west peninsular Malaysia, reached by ferry either from the old jetty or from Marina Island jetty [1] both located inLumut (a small coastal town that links to Ipoh through Sitiawan). It has a land area of only 8 square kilometers, and a population of approximately 25,000 islanders. It is heavily promoted as a low-key tourist destination by the Malaysian government, but fishing and fish products remain major industries.

History

Historically, Pangkor was a refuge for local fishermen, merchants and pirates. In the 17th century, the Dutch built a fort in an effort to control the Perak tin trade. In 1874, it was the location of a historic treaty between the British government and a contender for the Perak throne (The Pangkor Treaty), which began the British colonial domination of the Malay Peninsula.

Pangkor is famous for its fine beaches and a mix of low budget to 5 star accommodations. Teluk Nipah and Coral Bay on the north west of the island is extremely popular with travellers from Europe. The quality of sand in the Pasir Bogak Beach is far superior to that elsewhere on the island. The sand is golden brown, quite similar to most leading prime beaches. There are a few resorts in Teluk Nipah or Nipah Bay.

Since the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami in Indonesia, Thailand and to a lesser extent the West Coast of Malaysia in December 2004, there have been fewer local tourists visiting Pangkor.

In 2006, a biotechnology centre, a joint venture of Global Hi-Q Malaysia S/B and Hi-Q Bio-Tech International (Taiwan) Ltd began operations with initial investments of RM100million (USD30m). Their operations include fish farming and aquaculture, and the first harvest is expected in 2009.

Just next to island of Pangkor, there is a smaller island called Pangkor Laut Island.

Pulau Langkawi

Langkawi is one of the top tourism draws in Malaysia, and indeed in South-East Asia. Lying off the north-west coast of Peninsula Malaysia, this destination is a sizeable archipelago made up of just under 100 individual islands, with Pulau Langkawi functioning as the main island and generally what most people are referring to when they say 'Langkawi'. The island has sublime beaches and some fantastic hotel resorts, along with lots of fun water sports and evening boozing at beachside bars.

Perhaps best known for its duty free shopping status, Langkawi is also widely associated with dubious myths and legends. There is an official tourist information office at the international airport and another in the main town of Kuah, along the Jalan Persiaran Putra.
Those enjoying a holiday on Langkawi generally come here for the beaches, with the western and south-western coast of the island being particularly developed and home to the sandy Pantai Cenang beachfront. Close by, the somewhat quieter and more understated Pantai Tengah is another beach of note, while the Pantai Kok beach comes with luxury resorts and a lively marina. Further beach resorts reside on the island's northern coast, around Teluk Datai and Tanjung Rhu. More information about Langkawi Beaches.

The constant and extremely reliable sunny weather is one of the reasons that Langkawi has become such a popular tourist destination. Many of the attractions are particularly family friendly and some of the best are to be found within Kuah Town and its suburbs. These include the Lagenda Dalam Taman Park, the Langkawi Bird Paradise, the Kedah Marble Quarry and the Gunung Raya Golf Resort. Kuah is also a good base for island hopping, with the town growing up around a large jetty, where ferries regularly arrive from Penang Island and mainland Malaysia. Other good themed choices include the Crocodile Adventureland at Teluk Datai, the Underwater World aquarium attraction at the Pantai Cenang, and the Oriental Village, where a neighbouring cable car provides a scenic way to reach the top of the Mat Chinchang mountain (Gunung Mat Chinchang). If you are enjoying the natural scenery, then a trip to the Durian Perangin Waterfalls or the Telaga Tujuh Waterfall will likely be in order. More information about Langkawi Tourist Attractions.

Pulau Redang

Pulau Redang Marine Park is made up of a group of islands namely Pulau Redang, Pulau Pinang,

Pulau Lima, Pulau Ekor Tebu, Pulau Perhentian Besar, Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Pulau Susu Dara, Pulau Lang Tengah and Pulau Kapas.

The Redang group of islands are known as 'continental islands'. During the Pleistocene period, there were intervals when the sea level dropped, creating land areas that connected the islands with mainland. When the continental ice caps melted in the later periods, the islands were once again isolated from the mainland. What we see today is the result of the earth's climatic and geographical changes that have occurred over millions of years ago and this also includes the sea landscape .

ulau Redang is the largest island in the park, about 7km long and 6km wide. There are a number of tiny uninhabited islands sprinkled around Pulau Redang itself such as Pulau Ling, Pulau Kerengga Besar and Pulau Paku Kecil. These islands harbour much life beneath the rocky outcrops and pearly white pockets of beaches. A natural playground for divers and snorkellers alike, the islands are within easy reach by boat from Pulau Redang. For Redang dive sites,click here..

The Redang Archipelago is truly a gift sent from the heavens. The water surrounding these islands is teeming with marine life. About 500 species of living, breathing soft and hard corals create a wondrous seascape just below the white caps. And in turn these reef-building variety of corals shelter a host of inhabitants - a myriad species of bivalves and fishes. It forms part of Indo-Pacific Ocean's breeding ground and nursery for many species of fish and other marine life. Sponges, algae and plankton provide a rich soup of nutrient for the thriving community. Green and hawksbill turtles drag themselves onto the white, sandy beaches to deposit their fertilised eggs into deep holes excavated under cover of night. Flying foxes, pythons, birds, mousedeers, monkeys and iguanas take refuge under the canopy of the forest. And in the late evenings when all human activities have quieten down, listen closely for you will here the heartbeat of the land, the whispers of the wind and the secrets of life - at Redang