Are you a seasoned climber or merely a determined beginner? Regardless, Malaysia has a mountain for everyone. And with each ascent you make come the rewards of sights of breathtaking beauty and terrain that span the spectrum of the imagination. For some climbs, the very bottom of the mountain is the starting point, and the bottom could mean dense, sweaty jungle, tricky rapids with lightning fast currents, or waist-deep swamps teeming with hidden activity. Make it through these obstacles and the peak awaits. It could be a relaxed, leisurely climb. It could be a challenging, spectacular, even spine-tingling excursion up the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu. For all climbs, adequate preparation is paramount, and depending on your level of expertise,rest assured that guides will be there to assist you.

Peaks of Interest

Kedah: Gunung Jerai (1,217 metres)
Sarawak: Gunung Santubong (810 metres)
Gunung: Serapi (1, 710 metres)
Gunung Mulu (2,376 metres)
Sabah: Gunung Kinabalu(4,101 metres)
Gunung Trusmadi (2,642 metres)
Perak: Gunung Korbu (2,183 metres)
Johor: Gunung Ledang ( 1,276 metres)
Pahang: Gunung Tahan (2,187 metres)

Caves are not hard to find. Great caves are a different matter. Caves can be found in all Malaysian states, and are home to local fruit bats, birds and beautifully sculpted stalagmites and stalactites. The Mulu Caves in Sarawak are truly a spectacular cave system. With its network of caves stretching 200 kilometres through the hills, it is one of the world's most impressive. So vast is this system that it can be divided into show caves (such as Deer Cave and Lang Cave) and adventure caves (like Drunken Forest Cave and Lagan's Cave). The Niah Caves in Sarawak are famous for their prehistoric paintings and luminous rock formations, whilst the Gomantong Caves of Sabah house the world's largest bird nesting site (source of the famous bird's nests used in Chinese cuisine).

If you want to mix religion with exploration, try Batu Caves and its Hindu temple, or the Sam Po Tong Temple, recessed in the limestone caverns of Gunung Rapat. All are safe and inviting places to quench your thirst for exploring.

Caves for the Curious

Sarawak:Mulu Caves (Deer Cave, Moon Cave, Drunken Forest Cave, Lang Cave). Bau Caves (Fairy Cave, Wind Cave), Niah Caves (Niah Great Cave Niah Painted Cave)
Sabah: Gomantong Caves
Perak: Kandu Cave, Tempurung Cave. Gunung Rapat
Perlis: Kelam Cave
Taman Negara: Daun Menari Cave
Selangor: Batu Caves

The aching in the arms is overpowering and perspiration is dripping from your brow. You've been battling this fish for 3 hours, but it isn't going to be "the one that got away". This isn't a scene from a Hemingway novel. This is you fighting a Black Marlin off the coast of Sabah. For deep sea sports fishermen, Malaysian's waters are stocked with game fish that'll provide grand competition. In the coastal waters off Terengganu, Johor, Sabah and Sarawak you can drop a line and wait for the strike! It could be a Sharp-Toothed Bass, Siluer Jewfsh or the prized Black Marlin.

For the freshwater angler, try the lakes and rivers and maybe snare a Giant Snakehead or Malaysian Mahsa. A different challenge, but equally as rewarding.
Then there is "candat" fishing. Learn from the local East Coast fishermen the art of catching cuttlefish using lights and multiple lines with hooks. Truly a distinct mode of fishing!

Where are they biting?

Kelantan: Gua Musang, Sungai Lebir
Kedah: Pulau Cincin, Pulau Tuba, Pulau Langkawi
Terengganu: Pulau Redang, Tasik Kenyir, Pulau Kapas
Pahang: Tasik Cini, Pulau Tioman
Sabah: Pulau Layang-Layang, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Perak: Tasik Banding (Temenggor Dam)
Melaka: Pulau Besar
Johor: Pulau Besar, Pulau Rawa, Pulau Tinggi
Sarawak: Pulau Satang, Japanese Wreck (off Kuching)

If it's an adventure that's a little more refined and certainly less strenuous that's wanted, try bird watching! Malaysian's vast expanses of rainforest are home to more than 700 species of exotic birdlife and some extremely rare ones. Due to its location on the cross-migratory paths of certain bird species, Malaysia has emerged as a bird watching haven. Foreign and local birds alike, the avian extravaganza is one to behold. Scan the treetops, listen for the tell-tale 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, Fraser's Hill and the Kuala Selangor Nature Park. In Sabah. Kinabalu Park and Layang-Layang Island are the spots to seek out. You're certain to sight the likes of Silver- Eared Mesias, Mountain Bulbuls, and Collared Kingfishers. If you see a Mountain Peacock Pheasant or a Malayan Whistling Thrush you are one of a privileged few, as they are the rarest of birds to be found.

The Birdwatcher's Wonderland

Kedah: Pulau Langkawi
Sabah: Pulau Layang-Layang, Sepilok Orang Utan ,Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabalu Park, Samunsam, Kota Belud Bird Sanctuary
Perak: Kuala Guia. Maxwell Hill
Selangor: Kuala Selangor, Nature Park
Pahang: Taman Negara, Frasers Hill

Heart- pounding, gut-wrenching. totally exhilarating! How else would you describe a ride on nature's rollercoaster? For some, a run down a churning, thundering river is the ultimate adventure. For them, Malaysia has rivers that would put any amusement park ride to shame. Sabah and Sarawak have rivers characterized by long stretches of rapids, boiling with contempt at man's attempts to conquer them. Pahang has a few of its own, no less scintillating and certainly no less indignant. If you manage to tear your eyes away from the chaos around you, you might catch some of the magnificent foliage that line these majestic waterways, replete with bemused jungle folk gazing down at your thrillseeking excursion. Guides are alway on hand to assist, and your mode of transport is up to you— inflatable dinghy, bamboo raft, or the traditional sampan (dugout canoe).

As the river levels are governed by rainfall, be sure to check the local conditions before embarking. Monsoon season, as usual, is not the best time to go rafting.

The Rivers' Wild

Sabah: Sungai Padas, Sungai Papar, Sungai Tamparuli, Sungai Kiulu
Sarawak: Sungai Skrang
Pahang: Sungai Tembeling, Jeram Besu (Sungai Lipis)
Perak: Sungai Sungkai

Drop out of the searing heat and into calm, warm water that envelopes your body and soul. As your eyes adjust to the clear blue light, a brightly coloured tropical fish swims by in greeting, then turns to rejoin the feeding school hovering above the nearby reef. some of the world's best diving is to be done in the waters of Malaysia. Shallow seas, warm currents and rich marine life beckon the diving enthusiast or the avid snorkeller, and because of the relatively high visibility of the waters, they're a photographers paradise.

For sheer beauty, Tioman Island is a rnagical spot, as is Redang Island. Both locations boast coral reefs of breathtaking majesty, and divers can glide through underwater caves, rifts and passages of brilliant scenery.

Of all the dive spots ,there is one that stands on its own —Sipadan Island, off Sabah. With its deep waters, lush coral reefs and array of deep ocean species (Hammerhead Sharks, Manta Rays and Barracudas to name a few), Sipadan was recognized as an underwater haven by none other than Jacques Cousteau, ocean explorer par excellence.

Take note, however, that diving is not recommended during the monsoon months of November to January, as the South China Sea can be rather rough.

The Diving Destinations

Kedah: Pulau Payar, Pulau Segantang
Sabah: Pulau Sipadan,Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Johor: Pulau Rawa, Pulau Hujung, Pulau Besar
Pahang: Pulau Tioman
Terengganu: Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang