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ence will enjoy the opportunities avail-
able just off shore from Redang Island.
Gorgeous views above the water are
supplemented by stunning sights below
the crystal clear waves and the proximity
to the beach makes it a safe place for
young children to explore snorkelling for
the first time. There are also opportunities
to escape the main island by joining a day
trip to one of the surrounding islands such
as Tanjung Tengeh where baby black-tip
sharks can be glimpsed from April to
August.
Sipadan (Sabah)
Scuba divers from all over the world
flock to Sipadan island for the unbeatable
experience of marine life, but the waters
are also satisfying for snorkellers. The
island is ringed by a hard coral garden
that blooms with colour and is home to
schooling barracuda, amberjacks and sea
turtles. All resorts on the island have been
closed in a bid to preserve the marine life,
but it is easy to organise a day trip to take
in some of the top snorkelling sites from
nearby Semporna.
Tioman Marine Park (Tioman)
The tiny but terrific Pulau Tioman is
the place from which to explore Tioman
Marine Park, an area of two nautical miles
that includes a collection of small islands
and is protected by conservation laws to
maintain the crystal clear waters and the
sparkling coral reefs. All resorts offer boat
trips out to the various islands making it
an easy day trip, and there are also scuba
diving opportunities for those feelingmore
adventurous. A word of warning – these
waters are home to the Portuguese Man of
War which can inflict quite a sting.
Pulau Payar Marine Park
(Lang-
kawi)
It may be Malaysia’s oldest marine park,
but this collection of four islands still
comes top for snorkellers seeking splendid
coral and marine life. Pulau Payar, the
largest of the four islands, houses an
information centre and areas for BBQs
and picnics, as well as hiking trails for
those not keen on getting their hair wet.
The Marine Park is accessible from both
Penang and Langkawi by regular speed-
boats and catamarans, but go early to
avoid the crowds.
Talang Satang National Park
(Sarawak)
Sarawak’s first marine park, encompassing
four islands off the southwest coast of
the state, was established as a sea turtle
conservation area to reduce the mortality
rates of what is the world’s longest living
creatures. The park is highly restricted
but the largest of the islands – Pulau
Satang Besar – is open to all and the
waters surrounding it are ideal spots to
catch glimpses of sea turtles as well as
sea snakes and other underwater wildlife.
Anyone interested in the sea turtles should
consider the four-day Sea Turtle Volunteer
Programme. In exchange for taking on
duties to support the protection of the
turtles, such as tagging and monitoring
nesting, volunteers can get up close and
personal with these fascinating creatures.
Redang ISLAND
Families, first-timers or anyone simply
electing for the easier snorkelling experi-
Tioman Island
Sipadan
Redang Island
Pulau Payar Marine Park, Langkawi