The western coast islands, less popular than the those on the oriental coast, will delight the visitors who venture there. Easily accessible from Kuala Lumpur, they present a diversity of landscapes and auras as well as a rich cultural heritage.

In search of the west coast islands

Malaysia is a surprising country in every way. And the cluster of lakes linked to one another that go by the name of Tasik Chini will definitely live up to expectations! If this is not the case, then maybe the lake's monster will leave you speechless; rumour has it that it haunts the depths!

Tasik Chini legends

Asia

Malaysia is composed of two islands, located 700 km from each other: a peninsular island, which shares its northern border with Thailand, and an eastern island, which neighbours Indonesia. On one side, the energetic and structured capital of Kuala Lumpur boasts skyscrapers as far as the eye can see, at its head the impressive Petronas towers, a typical Chinese quarter and an upturn in economic activity. On the other hand, the country is overflowing with heavenly islands, tropical beaches, and villages full of fish, exotic flora and fauna. Malaysia is also a joyful melting pot of origins and religions. Muslims, Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus and Christians share the country and offer an enchanting diversity of temples and cultural sites. This also makes for an extremely rich culinary culture, which is unanimously praised by visitors.

Malaysia

Frasers hill

Trek and hiking fans will love Cameron Highlands' blend of sport and nature. The smell of tea impregnates the countryside and the forests are full of surprises.

Cameron Highlands

The Belum forest reserve is a fabulous place in Malaysia.

Belum

 As well as being the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur is one of Asia's hubs. It is a modern town surrounded by oil palms where you should spend several days.

Kuala Lumpur

Sipadan Island is one of the world's most famous scuba diving sites. Lying out in the Celebes Sea, it is definitely something not to be missed under any circumstances when visiting Malaysia. 

Sipadan

Kazakhstan

Taiwan

Tajikistan

Turkmenistan

Europe

Central America

Africa

North America

South America

Middle East

Oceania

I'd got myself into my accommodation on the island of Mabul (off the coast of Semporna), where I'd be doing my Advanced Open Water Diver certification, and had had a foretaste of what would be the focus of the three-day course by heading out to Sipadan Island with Katherine, my Swiss-Germanbuddy. Three dives it would be, three wonderful dives in an idyllic location, all in various shades of blue. When we arrived on the island we had to check-in at an office and provide our names, passport numbers, dates of birth and so on. Then it was off out in a boat to do our dives. We'd be returning to the island between each session. We saw sharks, turtles, all kinds of corals, shoals of barracuda and bumphead parrot fish. We dived through underwater caves. We saw shelves of resting turtles. Nudibranch sea slugs, a clown fish in its blue and white anemone, tables and gardens of coral: the majestic grandeur of the great underwater world all around us. Jacques Cousteau made this place famous in France when he filmed a report about a cemetery of turtles. And it's true: turtles there indeed are. The ones that seemed to be lightly floating at our sides, however, were alive … very alive!

Sipadan Island is one of the world's most famous scuba diving sites. Lying out in the Celebes Sea, it is definitely something not to be missed under any circumstances when <a href="/malaysia/">visiting Malaysia</a>.

At the heart of the Celebes Sea, the little island of Sipadan is internationally known to be one of the world's best diving destinations. A protected space with strict rules, all the hotels and diving centres were forced off the island in 2004 in order to protect the ecosystem. As such, you are only allowed daytime access to the island to enjoy the abundant submarine riches, both animal and coralline.   Diving in Sipadan offers high quality, unforgettable souvenirs thanks to its dizzyingly steep walls, coral carpets, caves, drifting dives and of course incredible fauna! About ten spots are open to you including the famous Barracuda Point, which is simply exceptional: in spite of a rather strong current, this is a congregation spot for grey reef and white-tip reef sharks, schools of jackfish, parrotfish and especially barracuda who sometimes make an impressive underwater tornado that I was lucky enough to admire from the inside! This unique spectacle is probably one of the most beautiful things I have ever set eyes on in all my life. Even though the dives are rather expensive and the area guarded by armed military (on every island including Sipadan, in a bid to combat piracy), these dives are too lovely to be missed.

This is a diver’s paradise, famous for its barracuda tornadoes and turtle cemetery. A definite must if you plan to go diving on your <a href="/malaysia/"> Malaysian trip </a>.

Sipadan Vacations

Sipadan: How to get there?

Sipadan: See when to go ?

Sipadan: For how long?

Sipadan: What to see nearby?

Malaysia: our articles for your vacations