Marine Flora and Fauna in Tioman

Pulau Tioman, a giant apostrophe shaped island situated in the South China Sea, is the largest island off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The island, which is located in the Malaysian state of Pahang, once served as an important stopover point for sailors, fishermen and traders who habitually refueled and restocked their supplies on the island before continuing their onward journeys.

Today, the island is home to several village communities and is a popular destination with divers, snorkelers, sun worshippers and island hoppers. Pulau Tioman, hence accordingly hosts a wide range of accommodation options on its many beautiful beaches. However, in order to protect and preserve its rather fragile marine ecosystems, Pulau Tioman and its eight surrounding islands have been classified as a wildlife reserve. The island and its environs received this classification in 1972, as the Malaysian government wanted to ensure that the island’s native marine flora and fauna would not be disturbed or destroyed by tourism, fishing and other human activities.

Pulau Tioman is believed to have been once a part of Peninsular Malaysia, though it was thought to have broken away from the mainland more than 10,000 years ago. Pulau Tioman, is today overrun by ancient rain forests, which are estimated to date back to the ice age. The topography of the island consists of both hilly and flat areas and visitors to the island actually enjoy walking along the island’s various trails to explore the diversity of its terrain. Apart from the rain forests, the landscape of Pulau Tioman also features volcanic, plutonic and metamorphic rock formations along with sandy beaches, lush river systems and a few mangrove ecosystems, which are largely concentrated on the western half of the island.

Pulau Tioman’s incredibly diverse terrain thus hosts a rather large repository of endemic marine flora and fauna. It is believed that the island is home to 45 species of mammals including several protected species like the long-tailed macaque, the giant black squirrel, the mouse deer, the giant red flying squirrel, the palm civet amongst others. Aside from mammals, the island also hosts 138 species of birds like two different types of swiftlets, the hill myna and more. Additionally, the island also hosts a sizeable population of reptiles and twenty-five species of snakes have been recorded on the island. The  King Cobra, the common black cobra and the reticulated python along with relatively harmless species like the common green grass snake and the reed snake have all been spotted on the island.

 Pulau Tioman’s marine animal and plant life also includes several species of fish like catfish, crabs, coral reef fish as well as turtles, sharks and giant clams. These marine creatures reside in the live coral reefs that envelop the island and constitute huge draw for scuba divers and snorkelers.

 

 

South-East Asia’s first Geopark

In 2007, UNESCO declared the Langkawi archipelago of ninety-nine islands situated off the north-west coast of Malaysia as South-East Asia’s first Geopark. The densely forested islands of the archipelago feature fascinating landscapes composed of white-sand beaches, intriguing rock formations  and towering pinnacles, all of  which are believed to  date back over half a billion years.

An examination of Langkawi’s various geographical features provides us with vital clues into the structural evolution of Malaysia and its environs. It is for this reason that UNESCO decided to include the Langkawi archipelago in its list of Geoparks scattered around the world. At present, this list includes 64 Geoparks situated in 18 countries all over the globe.

The Geopark on Langkawi consists of impressive rock formations, vast cave systems adorned with stalactites and stalagmites, dense mangrove forests, sea caves and tunnels, sparkling waterfalls and a huge repository of native fauna and flora.  Langkawi  hosts as many as ninety fascinating geo-sites but amongst these many sites there are three which are most significant, namely the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park, the Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park and the Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park.

Kilim Karst Geoforest Park

The Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is located on the north-eastern half on Langkawi near the Kilim River. The topography here is made up of fantastic karst formations, cliffs, caves, hills and peaks, all created by the forces over erosion over millions of years. Many of these formations rise out of the sea bed and sport bizarre if not funny names like the Hanging Gardens, the Temple of Borobodur and the Elephant Stone. 

In addition to these karst formations, the area also encompasses pristine white sand beach fronts, deep blue lagoons, dense mangrove forests and flat mudflats. The last mentioned terrains are used as resting points by various species of migratory birds during the months of September and March. The best way to visit the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park is by boat or kayak as parts of it are inaccessible by land. Various tour operators in Langkawi in fact offer organized trips to the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park.

Machinchang Cambrian Geoforest Park

The Machinchang mountain range located in the northwestern half of Langkawi and the Gunung Raya peak located in the center of Langkawi date back to the Cambrian age. These pinnacles are composed of sedimentary sandstone and granite and present quite an impressive sight. The Machinchang mountain range hosts some of the most ancient rainforest terrain on earth though the oldest section of this particular geopark is Teluk Datai, a prehistoric sandstone formation which features shale on its lower half.

Dayang Bunting Marble Geoforest Park

Pulau Dayang Bunting is the second largest island of the Langkawi archipelago. The island lies to the south of the main island and Langkawi and features an undulating landscape which resembles the belly of a pregnant woman. Hence the island was named Dayang Bunting, a term that translates as ‘pregnant maiden’. This island is renowned for its fresh water lake which lies amongst densely forested hills. This lake is known as the Lake of the Pregnant Maiden and it was formed after a massive limestone cave collapsed. The banks of the lake contain exquisite Permian marble formations, believed to be the finest in the world.

Luxury travel in Malaysia

Malaysia over the years has come to be known as a premier luxury travel destination.  Most of the top notch hospitality companies like the Four Seasons, the Mandarin Oriental, and the Shangri-La have a presence in Malaysia along with homegrown luxe chains like the hotels and resorts belonging to the YTL hotel and resorts group. No matter where you choose to vacation in Malaysia, you are bound to find luxe accommodation if you so desire. Some popular luxury hotel properties in Malaysia include:-

The Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

 iPod docking stations and CD players, LCD TVs with satellite and cable channels, DVD players, coffee and tea makers, in-room safes and more. The rooms also feature well-stocked minibars and spacious ensuite bathrooms. Guests are offered complimentary bottled water, newspapers and can be supplied with in-room massages as well. Additional facilities at the hotel include an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness center, a business center, meeting rooms, an onsite spa and as many as eleven food and beverage outlets, which offer a range of local and international eats along with a variety of libations. The hotel is equipped to cater for large events like weddings and conventions as well.
The Mandarin Oriental is located near the heart of Kuala Lumpur, close to the city’s landmark attractions the Petronas Twin Towers, the Suria KLCC Shopping Center and the KLCC Park. This luxury hotel hosts 643, well-appointed, air-conditioned guest rooms and suites are outfitted with amenities like
http://www.mandarinoriental.com/kualalumpur/

Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu

The Shangri-La group’s award winning Rasa Ria resort occupies a 400 acre site on Pantai Dalit Beach in Kota Kinabalu. The luxe air-conditioned 420 rooms and suites at the hotel are outfitted with lanais/balconies and feature amenities like LCD TVs with cable and satellite channels, coffee/tea makers, in-room safes, minibars and more. The bathrooms attached to each room are well-stocked with sumptuous Shangri La branded toiletries and feature both shower and bath areas. Complimentary wireless internet is offered in guest rooms and throughout the large hotel..

The hotel is further equipped with an 18-hole golf course, a full service spa, a 64-acre nature reserve and three swimming pools. It also offers much water sporting action on its pristine beach front along with slow moving, restful catamaran cruises. Eight food and beverage outlets cater to the dining needs of guests by offering a wide range of local and international eats.
http://www.shangri-la.com/kotakinabalu/rasariaresort/

The Datai , Langkawi

Consistently ranked amongst the top hotel properties in the world, the stunning Datai hotel property is situated on a white sand beachfront on the northernmost tip of Langkawi. The hotel is encircled by miles of pristine rainforests and offers a variety of accommodation choices in the form of private villas, beach villas, rooms and suites. The guest accommodations at the Datai are adorned Malay-style and feature locally sourced furnishings and trimmings. Recreation facilities at the Datai include an exclusive 18-hole championship golf course, an onsite spa offering a range of rejuvenating treatments, two outdoor swimming pools, a well-equipped fitness center and a private, pristine beach front. Four food and beverage outlets at the Datai offer Asian and international cuisines.
http://www.dataihotels.com/

The Eastern and Oriental Hotel, Penang

Penang’s historic Eastern and Oriental hotel dates back to the 19^th century, and is often described as the last word in luxury. Popularly referred to as ‘E&O’, this all-suite hotel is made up of two main sections, a historic heritage wing and the contemporary Victory Annex wing.

This exception hotel is adorned with luxe old-world furnishings and antiques and offers a range of top-notch facilities like round the clock butler service, an expansive outdoor swimming pool, an onsite full-service spa, a well-equipped fitness center and free Wi-Fi, a much appreciated amenity in an age where smartphones and tablets are omnipresent.

The hotel’s suites are spacious and feature well-defined work and sleep areas. Although outfitted in a rather classical style, the suites all offer modern-day conveniences like LCD TVs with cable channels, in-room safes and more. The hotel hosts six dining outlets offering a range of local and international eats including the much favored English afternoon tea sets, a throwback to the colonial era.
http://www.eohotels.com

Pangkor Laut , Perak

The Pangkor Laut resort belongs to the YTL stable of hotels and resorts and is a favorite with honeymooners and guests who crave privacy. The hotel which is situated on a private island off the west coast of Malaysia along the Straits of Malacca, can be accessed by sea via a thirty –minute ferry ride or then via a helicopter ride from the town of Lamut

The resort is a villa-only hotel and the guest accommodations at the hotel, offer either sea or garden views. Further all villas feature balconies and are outfitted conveniences like in-room safes, flat screen TVs, tea/coffee makers and so forth.  The rooms also feature attached bathrooms provided with signature toiletries. Recreational facilities at the resort include a well-equipped gym, two outdoor swimming pools, tennis and squash courts. The resort also features a full-service spa and hosts eight food and beverage outlets offering a wide range of cuisines. http://www.pangkorlautresort.com/

Nature's Best: Langkawi

The emerald isle of Langkawi is a duty-free enclave and an immensely popular holiday destination. Renowned for its many spectacular white-sand beaches like Pantai Cenang, Pantai Kok, Pantai Tengah and Tanjong Rhu, which host a variety of beach resorts and much water sporting action, the island is also well-known destination for nature tourism.

Langkawi is bestowed with a unique topography, which in addition to pristine beachfronts also features wide open fields, rolling hills, ancient rain forests, dense mangrove swamps, sea caves and tunnels and unique karst formations. In fact the island has recently been designated as South-East Asia’s first Geopark by UNESCO and now in addition to sun worshippers, snorkelers and scuba enthusiasts also attracts nature lovers in droves.

Popular attractions for nature lovers on the island of Langkawi include:-

The Pulau Payar Marine Park

Pulau Payar Marine Park is situated 30 kms south-east of Langkawi. The park can be accessed via a one-hour boat ride from Langkawi. The park is known for its rich marine and coral life and also offers facilities for diving and snorkeling.

The Sungei Kilim Nature Park

The Sungei Kilim Nature Park is a protected enclave located on the northeast tip of the island of Langkawi. This nature reserve is bestowed with an extremely diverse landscape featuring dense mangrove forests, pristine powder sand beach fronts, flat mudflats and sparkling blue water lagoons. The Sungei Kilim River flows through the park and hosts much native flora and fauna on its banks like tree crabs, long-tailed macaques and the white-bellied fish eagle. The park is also renowned for its many bizarre limestone formations which seem to emerge directly from the sea bed in the midst of the dense mangrove swamps. These formations are known by their strange yet funny names like the Temple of Borobodur, the Hanging Gardens and the Elephant Stone. The mudflat terrain of the park serves as a rest stop for several species of migratory birds during the months of September to March and hence is a popular spot for bird watching. In fact excellent bird-watching spots can be found all over the island as Langkawi is believed to host more than 200 species of birds.

Butterflies

The island of Langkawi is home to more than 500 species of stunning butterflies. Anywhere you go in Langkawi, you are bound to spot butterflies like Malaysia’s famed electric green butterfly, the Rajah Brooke’s birdwing flitting about.  Langkawi is thus said to be a heaven for butterfly enthusiasts.

Telaga Tujuh Waterfall

Langkawi’s mystical, ethereal landmark, the Telaga Tujuh waterfall is believed by locals to be the abode of fairies for it is a magical, mysterious spot. Consisting of seven interlinked pools which are fed by seven different waterfalls, this awe-inspiring natural attraction also hosts various forms of native flora and fauna.

Any nature enthusiast is bound to be enthralled by the many diverse natural attractions

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bukit Cina Mountain Biking Trail

Bukit Cina whose name translates as ‘Chinese Hill’ is a site of much historical significance in Melaka. Located outside Melaka Town, the site which dates back to the mid-15^th century was believed to have been established when Hang Li Po, the great granddaughter of the Chinese emperor was wedded to Sultan Mansor Shah of Melaka to help cement relations between the two countries.

The Chinese princess arrived for her wedding with a huge entourage, including sons of ministers and hundreds of handmaidens. To accommodate them all, the sultan established Bukit Cina hill as their residence. This story is not a mere fable and in fact has much evidence to back it, like the Well of Hang Li Po, which is situated next to the Sam Poh Kong Temple in Melaka. It is believed that this well was constructed by Hang Li Po’s retinue for her personal use but it then went on to become an important source of water for the entire town. Moreover, the waters of the well were believed to have magical powers for they never dried up during a drought and hence the well was a huge attraction for enemy forces who were perennially trying to capture the well. Today, this well is a popular attraction and is regarded as a wishing well. Tourists are encouraged to throw coins into the well and are told that they will always come back to Melaka.

As for Bukit Cina, since the time of Hang Li Po it has essentially remained a Chinese area. In fact Bukit Cina along with its two adjoining hills eventually became a burial ground for Chinese traders. These graves were built along the hill sides, for the Chinese believe that if a person is buried on a hill side it signifies good Feng Shui. Bukit Cina, which is known to contain more than 12000 graves, is the largest Chinese graveyard outside of China.

The scared grounds of the graveyard are popular with joggers and walkers but the twisting, gravel strewn, rippling trails are also a popular site for thrilling mountain biking expeditions.  So if you are a mountain biking enthusiast, Bukit Cina is one exciting though challenging trail, you have to attempt when you visit Melaka.  The trai,l which is located minutes away from downtown Melaka can be accessed from the cement steps near the Sam Poh Kong Temple.

The ride which spans approximately three kilometers in circumference is not short on thrills for it traverses mainly hill terrain and thus requires frequent gear changes and ducking to avoid overhanging tree branches. If you are used to speeding, you are advised to proceed with care so as to avoid crashing into the ancient grave site. The Bukit Cina site is truly unusual for it seems to satisfy both history buffs and biking enthusiast in equal measure.