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Jungle Tracking (Kelantan State)

1. Fishing Village


Fishing village a visit to one of Kelantan's quaint fishing villages should not be missed. Two well-known villages are Kuala Besar and Kampung Sabak, both only 15 km the capital. Fishermen normally put out to sea at dawn and return in the early afternoon to sell their catch on the beach. Haggling over prices and the sorting and weighing of the catch provide an interesting cacophony against the picturesque backdrop of gaily-painted boats lining the beach.

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2. Jelewang Waterfalls  


From Dabong you may return to Kota Bharu by train or, head to Jelawang for jungle trekking. Chalets are available and various jungle trails have been laid. A 1 1/2 hour trek will take you to the spectacular Jelawang Waterfalls. Gua Musang is another alternative that can also be reached by train. Well known for its limestone caves, cave temple and the Lata Beringin waterfalls, Gua Musang is only a 2-hour drive from Taman Negara (The National Park).

The Kedasar Inn, located at Gua Musang old town can arrange visits to a goldmine, a deer park, an ethno-botanical garden and aboriginal settlements as well as organising river rafting and cave explorations. A summer camp, complete with various obstacle and fitness courses, provides leadership and youth training programmes.

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3. Kuala Koh


Kuala Koh, two hours drive from Gua Musang is the northern entrance to Taman Negara and serves as the Park Headquarters in Kelantan. Chalets are available at Kuala Koh, and a small restaurant serves basic fare. Arrangement for guides, however, should be made through an accredited tour operator in Gua Musang, where transport can also be arranged to Kuala Koh, if required.

For bird watching enthusiasts, it is possible to see quite a variety of birds in a couple of days and for anglers, the pristine river offer some excellent sport fishing. The whole area offers superb opportunities for photographers, the diverse flora and fauna in the emerald forest providing perfect settings, colours and contrasts.


There are many river-based activities around Kuala Koh. Kayaks, bamboo raft and inflatable can be hired. However, anyone planning any serious river activities should check with the wildlife and National Parks Department at Kuala Koh on river conditions before setting off.

A new trail has also been laid to Gunung Tahan, the peninsula's highest peak, from Kuala Koh. It is actually a long and arduous trek rather than climbing as such, and is an excellent alternative to the more well known trails. There are, however many other jungle trails of varying distances and degrees of difficulty within the vicinity. And for those who wish to view life at the top of the jungle, a canopy walkway has recently been completed adjacent to Kuala Koh.

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4. Waterfalls


Waterfalls in Kelantan are major attractions for picnic and swimming. Jeram Pasu is just off the Kota Bharu-Pasir Putih road while Jeram Lenang is off the Pasir Putih-Machang road. Lata Beringin, with its 120-metre drop, cool waters and lush vegetation is most spectacular and is found off the Kuala Krai-Gua Musang Highway.

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5. Gunung Stong


One of Kelantan's highest mountains, at 1,442 metres, it is reputed to hold hidden treasure in Gua Ikan (Fish cave), named after a solitary fish-shaped rock. The treasure is said to have been hidden during the Japanese Occupation.

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Jungle Tracking (Kedah States)

1. Kota Kuala Kedah

Kota Kuala Kedah at the mouth of the Kedah River about 10 km from Alor Setar (capital state). Also known as Kota Kuala Bahang. Kota means fort and it has been reported that this was actually a fort that was built to ward Kedah’s enemies who came from the sea. Today it is a fishing village where you can watch fishing boats, returning to the harbour at sunset, an experience you will long remember. It is also famous for a variety of seafood that is served by numerous restaurant

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2. Gunung Jerai (Mount Jerai) Top View


Mount Jerai, the highest mountain in Kedah and peninsular Malaysia, which rises to height of 1206 m above sea level. You will get a panoramic view of the surrounding natural environment of forests, flower and waterfalls. On clear days, different vantage – points on the mountain offer spectacular views of the rolling rice fields strecthing up to Perlis in the north. Historical facts reveal that this was the area where the ancient kingdom of Sri Vijaya built its empire. Mount Jerai has well development tourist facilities such as chalets, recreational facilities and jungle trails for nature lovers.

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3. Bukit Pinang (Pinang Hill)

Its an orchard which becomes a haven for fruits lover during the fruits season, especially those who cannot resist the ‘durian’. Another interesting feature of Bukit Pinang is the fact that ‘tuntong’. A breed of river turtle, is found here. Folklore has it that eggs laid by these turtles were conducive to curing several disease, hence in those days only the Royalty had acces to these eggs.

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4. Batu Hampar


In the district of Yan, 32 km south of Alor Setar ia a favourite weekend retreat. Picnickers revel in the cool depths of rocky pools amidst the thundering roar of the waterfall.

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5. Puncak Janing (Janing Peak)


Other places where waterfalls are found is here. Located about 25 km north-east of Alor Setar, in the district of Padang Terap. This is also a fovourite spot for those who wish to retreat to the great outdoor.

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6. Bukit Hijau Recreational Forest


Lush with flora and fauna. Lacated in Baling, 120 km south-east of Alor Setar. Offers yet another park featuring a waterfall amidst lush greenery. Picnicking at its seven-tier crystal clear waterfall is a major attraction here.

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7. Lata Mengkuang and Sik Recreational Forest


Surrounded by the hills and mountains of Sik, 72 km south-east of Alor Setar offer the adventurous spirit a blissful retreat from the everyday world. This area is ideal for hiking and camping amidst surroundings.

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10 Islands You Want to Visit in Malaysia (by Eileen Fong)

I love island life. I love the sea, the sand and the sun. Ironically, I live in Singapore (which is technically an island) but I just don’t get the satisfaction of what I expect from an island escapade/adventure. I always dream of island hopping in the Caribbean and I absolutely miss my time in Greece 2 summers back. Out of desperation, I sought out islands next door (Malaysia). I’ve been to some on the list and there are others that I’m dying to visit. Totally random but seeing this picture makes me want to scream “wheeeeeee……..”

* I will be using the term Island and Pulau interchangeably in this article. Pulau means island in Malay Language.

10. Tioman Island

Tioman is situated in Pahang within the Mersing Marine Park and being in Johor, it’s one of the closest island getaways for Singaporeans. In particular, Tioman Island created memories for my first dive trip and it is a fantastic starting point for all of you who are interested in getting your scuba diving certification. (Read 5 Reasons to Make You Want to Dive) Time magazine has also selected Tioman Island as one of the most beautiful islands.








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9. Tiga Island a.k.a Survivor Island

Pulau Tiga is the first location for the popular reality tv show “Survivor”. The island is situated off the West Coast of Sabah in Borneo. There are trails, plenty of trails on the island (including one that leads to a mud bath). It may not be your typical luxury island getaway but this uninhabited place will certainly let you escape from reality – or perhaps bring out the Chuck Noland in you?



  


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8. Rawa Island

Rawa Island is another option close to Singapore (even closer than Tioman!) To only way to get there is by a 1 hour ferry ride (or 30mins speed boat) from Mersing Jetty. There are lesser tourist on this small island compared to Tioman so it may be a better choice for those of you who prefer less crowd. Rawa is known for its soft white sand and coral reefs rich with marine life (as it is mostly untouched).

 






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7. Tinggi Island

Also accessible from Mersing Jetty, Pulau Tinggi is bigger than Rawa but smaller than Tioman. Not only does Pulau Tinggi offer a tranquil island life, it is also populated with lush jungles. This island can be a great family adventure offering both water activities in the deep blue, as well as rock climbing or trekking leading up to waterfalls amidst the rainforest.
 





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6. Tenggol Island

Pulau Tenggol is part of a string of islands including Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Redang, off the coast of Terrengganu. This island is more well-known amongst the divers as it offers abundant marine life compared to other commercialised islands like Tioman. Sightings here include sharks, rays and nudibranch. For the  interest of non-divers, I will quit rambling on and introduce you to Pulau Perhentian – #5





 
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5. Perhentian Islands

The Perhentian Islands have been dubbed ‘paradise’ by some. It is made up of a big island (Perhentian Bersar) and small island (Perhentian Kecil). Both islands are fringed by sandy white beaches, and the reefs and crystal clear water are host to a wide variety of coral, sea-turtles, jellyfish, small sharks and reef-fish. Expect yourself to be part of a scene in the Beach and the Perhentian Islands are certainly not a shabby alternative to Ko Phi Phi.



 

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4. Pangkor Island

Pangkor Island is situated off the coast of the Perak state, somewhere between Kuala Lumpur and Penang. It was previously reported that celebrities such as Kiera Knightley, Sting and Anna Friel are fans of the island (or more accurately the privately owned sister island Pangkor Laut). Having said that the main Pangkor Island offers a more affordable getaway with beautiful beaches like Coral Bay and Teluk Nipah. 








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3. Redang Island

I don’t think I need to introduce Redang Island. It is a haven for all islanders. There are plenty of accommodations to choose from; budget to the ones you can splurge on. Period.








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2. Layang-Layang Island

Layang Layang Island is also commonly known as Swallow Reef Island. It is one of the most population dive destinations for enthusiast and for the rest, it is a serene island to basically chillax. Bird watching is also a popular activity on Layang Layang. For the wanderers, do be careful because there is a naval base and trespassing will result in detention! Otherwise, just stay underwater, there’s so much to see, or bask in your deck chairs. Either way, this is a blissful island retreat.







 
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1. Mabul Island – (Sipadan)

Just look at that accommodation! I want to jump into the waters right there and then. Who needs Maldives when you have Malaysia?! (Haha okay I’m kidding, I want to go Maldives too). But this place is heaven – friends who have been there swear by it. I’ve included Sipandan as part of Mabul Island as it is a beautiful dive destination but I’ve been told by Malaysian friends that you need a dive permit to head there. If you don’t have one, stay on Mabul Island, which is equally deserving. Though, being number 1 comes with a price, be prepared to burn a hole in your pocket!






I DREAM of living in a beach house, by the deep blue sea and waking up to the waves crashing against the shore.

Peace & Love,
Eileen x

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