There are about 1,000 islands off the coasts of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak, ranging from tiny rocky uninhabited islets to the city state of Penang with a population of over half a million.
All the islands, except for the oceanic island of Pulau Sipadan off the coast of eastern Sabah, are continental shelf islands. During the Ice Age, they were connected to mainland Asia. Oceanic islands, on the other hand, are volcanic and have never been connected by land to any continent. Many of the islands in Malaysia have considerable scenic, scientific and educational appeal.
They are endowed with magnificent beaches, spectacular mountains, lush forests, clear waters, extensive reef formation and interesting flora and fauna. A great number of them are thinly populated along the coastlines, leaving substantial parts in their natural pristine state. The flora and fauna are comparatively richer on larger islands.
On Pulau Tioman, a total of 113 species of Pteridophytes can be found. The natural forest varies considerably with altitude, soil or rock type. Most are lowland forests and coastal hill forests. In Langkawi, especially, the forests show a predominance of species associated with the Indo-Burmese mainland. Langkawi is a group of 99 islands, which are mostly outcrops of white marble covered with lush foliage.
About 60% of the islands are forested. Under proper planning, the current proposal for tourism development will have a conservation benefit, with both planners and operators having an interest in preserving the natural landscape and habitats that form the basic attraction of Langkawi. The Pulau Payar marine park is located within the Langkawi group of islands.
Coral reefs are among the most productive of all natural ecosystems, whether terrestrial or marine. Malaysian waters form part of the triangle of oceanic waters encompassed by Malaysia, the Philippines and New Guinea which are considered to have the most diverse marine fauna in the world. The larger reefs shelter a huge diversity of organisms ranging from hard and soft corals, fish, sea fans and whips to echinoderms which are the most dominant members.
Supply of fresh water is often a critical factor, limiting the carrying capacity of islands. Great care needs to be taken to avoid depleting the freshwater resources at the expense of native flora and fauna. Garbage and sewage disposal, too, pose acute problems for the islands, in particular in the tourist resorts and recreational areas. Some of the more beautiful islands have been gazetted as Marine Parks for the protection of their rich marine ecosystems.
Langkawi Islands
Tucked into the north-west corner of Peninsular Malaysia, on the Thai-Malaysian sea border, is the group of 99 Langkawi Islands. Only three are inhabited and two of these very sparsely. In recent years, the Government has concentrated on promoting Langkawi as a tourist destination by making the island accessible by air and ferry as well as making it a duty free port. This new duty free status where the shops are laden with duty free goods from tobacco to sophisticated electronic items has transformed the main town of Kuah.
The main joy for visitors are the relatively uncrowded beaches and the pretty little islands surrounding the main one. The main island boasts of some beautiful coves rich in corals and marine life. Most of the beach accommodation can be found at Pantai Cenang in the south-west of the island. To the west, past the Langkawi airport, Pantai Kok offers small assortment of beach front chalets and small hotels.
Apart from the beaches, there are some fascinating attractions for visitors. The Telaga Tujuh (seven pools) is a spot where a freshwater stream cascade 91 meters down through a series of seven pools. From Telaga Tujuh, visitors can proceed to Pantai Pasir Hitam or Black Sand Beach. Here the smooth fine sand is streaked with black lines, giving the beach its name.
About 30 minutes away by motorboat lies Pulau Dayang Bunting (Pregnant Island Maiden). There is a freshwater lake of the same name on the island. It derived its name from a legend about a childless couple who had been married for 19 years. After drinking from the lake, she became pregnant. Ever since, the lake is frequented by many childless couples. Other attractions include Gua Cerita (Cave of Legends), Durian Peranginan Waterfalls, Mahsuri's Tomb, Padang Mat Sirat (Field of Burnt Rice) and Pulau Payar Marine Park.
The nightlife in Langkawi has somewhat picked up with the numerous lounges, discotheques and pubs.
No comments:
Post a Comment