The peninsula stretches from north to south for about
800 km and mountains form its backbone and belly, with
gentle valleys along its coastlines. The island of
Borneo is of similar terrain.
In
addition to the mountain ranges the Malay peninsula
also has an abundance of limestone outcrops,
particularly in the areas of Kuala Lumpur and in the
Kampar Valley near Ipoh farther north.
Cave ridden, these outcrops play host to fauna
and flora that generally, is different to that found
in the nearby lowlands.
Year-round rainfall waters the rainforests and turns
streams into cascading rivers especially in the
monsoon period. Unfortunately due to heavy logging,
‘real jungle’ can only be experienced to it’s fullest
in one of the nature reserves within the country,
although there are small areas of forest left in some
parts. Only 5% of the original 97%, of the entire
country’s forestation remains.
Unlike its jungles and inland areas, which can be
visited and enjoyed in all weathers, Malaysia
experiences two ‘seasons’ for beach related
activities. Due to the monsoon, the coasts have
opposing ‘high’ seasons. The east coast gets most of
its rain from November to February and the west, from
March to April. So if planning on snorkelling or other
seaside activities choose your coastal hotel
or resort according to the season.
The country has a diverse range of both animals and
plantlife, some species still undiscovered, making it
a popularly visited country by nature enthusiasts.
Among the unique species of animals to be found here
are the tapir and Malayan sun bear.
The tapir is a peculiar creature with a long snout
that looks more like a short trunk, starkly
contrasting black body and white bottom and curled
tail. Its young are brown with white speckles,
creating excellent camouflage in the sun-dappled
jungle.
The sun bear on the other hand will remind readers of
‘Winnie the Pooh’ stories, as their favourite food is
honey and the animals look about as cuddly as the bear
in the tales. This doesn’t mean the visitor should try
and touch one, as like their fellow Malaysian
resident, the tiger, they bite!
The coastal areas of Malaysia are popular destinations
for most visitors to the country. Here the diving is
excellent and the offshore islands well worth
visiting.
Generally the west coast of Peninsula Malaysia is not
as spectacular underwater as the east, but this is the
more densely resort developed coast, thus has
more water related activities on offer.
Pulau Paya and the islands Kacha, Lembu and Segantan
to the north of Penang and south of Langkawi are
considered to have the best coral reef in the country,
lying just off their beaches. A marine park has been
established here and a floating observation platform
off Pulau Paya has been built with an underwater
observation chamber for those not keen on getting in
the water.
A
country, with many different cultures, religions and
peoples, it is rapidly developing into one of the more
modern countries in the area. Good roads and friendly
people make travelling a pleasure and the
accommodation is generally of a high standard. All
this adds up to a country well worth visiting no
matter how much time you have to spare.