Millions of visitors pour over Malaysia's borders every year. Apart from such well-known destinations as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Johor, Malacca, the highlands and Borneo, there are many other attractions. White-sand beaches, clear waters, jungles, mountains and spectacular waterfalls abound on hundreds of Malaysian islands scattered off the coasts of Peninsular Malaysia and northern Borneo. Here is a sample of some of the more exotic destinations. Langkawi is a cluster of 104 islands near the border with Thailand, just a short flight from Kuala Lumpur, or a ferry ride from Penang or Kuala Perlis. Its quiet beaches, lush vegetation sprouting from limestone cliffs, fine accommodation and the opportunity to island hop make it a recommended destination. Langkawi in Malay means 'Isles of Legends' and attractions include the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden and the Field of Burnt Rice. Seven Wells, a waterfall which drops 90 metres through seven pools, is one of the most popular locations. From Langkawi, visitors can reach islands including Singa Besar, Dayang Bunting, Beras Basah and Tuba by speed boat. The islands have been declared a marine park. Singa Besar has a wildlife park with observation towers. Langkawi is a duty-free port and there are also plenty of handicraft bargains in kampungs, or villages, dotted around the island. The island of Tioman is nothing less than a tropical paradise. One of 64 volcanic islands, it was once voted among the 10 most beautiful islands in the world. It beckons visitors with beaches, prolific coral, technicolour marine life, jungle highlands, clear streams and waterfalls, the peaks of Batu Sirau and Nenek Semukut and breathtaking tropical sunsets. Off the east coast of Johor, Tioman is easily accessible from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Mersing. Pangkor's rollicking history as a refuge of pirates, merchants and adventurers goes a long way to define its charm. It lies off the state of Perak in the Straits of Malacca. Largely undeveloped, the island offers jungle trekking, warm hospitality, beautiful beaches and coves on its western shoreline. The curving, forest-fringed Pantai Puteri Dewi, or the Beach of the Lovely Princess with its own resort, is among the best. Redang has a reputation for great snorkelling and diving because of its marine park status, abundance of coral and clear water. The island also draws canoeists, jungle trekkers and beach lovers. Perhentian is 21 kilometres off the coast of Terengganu. Lush with tropical vegetation, the islands of Besar and Kecil are, like Redang, a marine park offering diving, snorkelling, sea canoeing, windsurfing and sailing. Among the best beaches is Kecil. The islands are a two-hour boat ride from Kuala Besut. Kapas is six kilometres offshore from the fishing village of Marang in Terengganu. Its clear waters and coral formations are renowned and it is also a favourite destination for snorkellers and divers. Palm-fringed beaches abound and there are a number of caves where swallows have made their nests. Off Sabah lies one of the world's great diving locations - Sipadan. A small island which rises out of a seabed 600 metres below, it offers some of the most exhilarating dives to be found anywhere. Boats sail from Semporna on the mainland and there are many dive companies that offer charters. There is one island off Sabah where the turtles take priority over the tourists and no overnight stays are allowed. Satang is a marine park consisting of two small islands, a 30-minute boat ride from Damai beach. It is a sanctuary for green turtles, which crawl ashore at night to lay eggs during a season spanning May to September. Park rangers collect the eggs, count them and deposit them in a fenced-off area on the beach. The site is then tagged with the date and number of eggs buried. After 90 days, turtles emerge from their shells and scamper to the sea. On Selingan, visitors can watch turtles laying eggs. Overnight accommodation is limited to 20 beds in three chalets. It is best to take organised overnight tours. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park came about as a matter of necessity. This group of islands, close to Kota Kinabalu, was formed to protect coral from sand mining and dynamite fishing. Manukan and Sulug are regarded as having some of the best reefs for diving and Sapi the best beaches. Gaya has great trails that take visitors through mangroves and tropical rainforests. All the islands are within 10 to 20 minutes of Kota Kinabalu and accommodation is available.
