Hectic urban dwellers may not have the luxury to enjoy a long vacation, but we can still make the best out of our weekend getaways. Whether you are going to travel with the family or as a couple for a romantic weekend, the sky is the limit (if you know what I mean). We picked 3 islands in Malaysia for you to enjoy the tropical islands with white sandy beaches and clear blue waters. Remember, leave your phone behind and truly enjoy the laid-back lifestyle these islands have to offer.
Perhentian Island
Going to an island like Perhentian snorkelling would be one of your the things you would do. Snorkelling operators are in abundance and you can choose the different point of interest for as low as 40rm. The islands have been gazetted as a marine park, so please refrain from fishing and collecting of any marine life (whether dead or alive) is strictly prohibited. Perhentian would be a good location for you if you are keen to scuba dive. The top spots are Tokong Laut (Temple of the Sea, also known as the Pinnacle) and the Sugar Wreck. Tokong Laut is a pointed rock protruding from the seabed, surrounded by all kinds of coral and home to numerous species of reef fish and other marine life. The Sugar Wreck is an eerie-looking sunken freight ship that lies at around 15-22m. For the more adventurous, try jungle trekking. The vast tropical forest that covers the greater part of Perhentian allows you to explore the diversity of flora and fauna this island has to offer. Always bring water and insect repellant.
For more information: http://www.perhentian.com.my
Pulau Aur (Recommended for Scuba Divers)
Corals, lagoons and offshore pools make this a popular destination. Divers reach the island by chartered boats from Mersing or Singapore. The channel between Aur and Dayang is rich with coral reefs in relatively shallow waters. At the middle of the channel lies a sunken aircraft wrapped in a fishing net, you also have a unique opportunity to dive on a wreck from the Ming dynasty. Pulau Pinang, a rocky area, has steep drop-offs that provide shelter to giant stingrays, groupers, large schools of barracudas and sometimes whale sharks. Small villages dot the coast and the only access to these “kampongs” is by trekking or by boat. Getting there may be difficult, but the dive will definitely be worth it.
For more information: http://www.malaysiasite.nl/aureng.htm
Pulau Pankor
Throngs of tourist visit Pulau Pangkor for the famed beaches of Teluk Nipah, Coral Bay, Teluk Belanda and Pasir Bogak. Many travelers do a bit of sightseeing around the island. Take a day tour to visit the Dutch Fort with Tiger Rock, The ChineseFoo-Lin Kong temple, the fishing villages and the dried anchovies shops. You will not want to leave the island without buying the dried anchovies (Ikan Bilis) or other dried fish products. For the more adventurous, pick up your snorkelling set and explore the clear blue waters or just arrange a boat ride to truly immerse yourself in what this island have to offer.
For more information: http://www.pulau-pangkor.com
Enjoy your trip! And don’t forget to bring us a bottle of sand from the beach.