Malaysians are enthusiastic sportsmen and many international sports are played in the country. The bright, tropical climate ensures that most sports can be enjoyed throughout the year.

Malaysia also has a great variety of excellent golf courses scattered around the country. Golfing holidays are becoming trendy. Spectator sports are held all year round and the nation also plays hosts to international sporting events regularly.

Motor sports are becoming increasingly popular and the country now has a challenging Formula 1 circuit just outside the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in Sepang. The Sepang F1 Circuit has a double-frontage main grandstand for 30,000 spectators and natural stands able to accommodate 100,000 and 9 straights.



Malaysia's many lakes, ponds and surrounding seas make the ideal anglers' paradise, whether preference is in fresh water angling of sport fishing. The country's rivers are home to over 300 species of fish, but most anglers prefer rivers in National Parks, with their more exciting opportunities and wider variety of fishes all in one place. Popular sites for angling are Templer's Park in Selangor, Tasik Pedu in Kedah, Tasik Kenyir in Terengganu and Tasik Chini and Tasik Bera in Pahang's Taman Negara.

Malaysian caves are filled with mystery and some of nature's most beautiful sculptures. Most of the caves in the country date back to the Stone Age while some caves in Sarawak are over 60 million years old

Although major expeditions have been carried out by the Royal Geographical Society in London and the British Caving Research Association, many caves are still not fully explored and remain an alluring, enticing adventure for the nature tourist. Repeat visitors marvel at how a cave can change within months as the naturally humid Malaysian weather promotes faster stalagmite and stalactite formations.

Diving in Malaysia's crystal clear waters, rich in marine life is a tremendously popular sport to enjoy. To the east of the Peninsular, lies Pulau Redang, a great place to watch baby reef sharks and sea horses dancing in their natural colourful coral habitat. Expert divers are recommended to head for Pulau Sipadan, off Sabah, the tip of a limestone pinnacle that rears straight up from the deep ocean floor. This underwater wonderland teems with giant tuna, turtles and manta rays.



Mountain climbing is also a pleasant though somewhat strenuous way to discover Malaysia's diverse and unique natural landscape of dense tropical rainforests in the low lands to mountain vegetation in the upper levels. Short climbs of 2-3 hours include Gunung Jerai in Kedah, Gunung Korbu in Perak and Gunung Tangsi in Negeri Sembilan.

Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah tops Malaysia's challenging climbs at 4093m, while Gunung Santubong in Sarawak is one of the most popular in Sarawak with its spectacular view of Kuching town from its peak. For adventure, answer the challenge of Gunung Penrissen, also in Sarawak. Expect a testing 1329m vertical scramble to the top. Guides will be needed for this 1-2 days excursion.



Off road driving in Malaysia certainly brings out the best of man and machine in the test of skill under the ever-changing conditions of this absorbing sport. Malaysia's rugged terrain, dense rainforests and numerous mountainous regions make irresistible destinations for off road driving enthusiasts.

Enjoy the thrilling challenge of strong winds, heat, sloping hills and tropical rainstorms which add the kick into this grueling sport. Malaysia holds three international events every October and November, the Trans Borneo International Rally, the National Challenge and the Rainforest International Challenge of Malaysia.

White water rafting comes naturally to the turbulent waters of Malaysia. The two main rivers for rafting in Sabah are the Padas and Kiulu Rivers, certified as Grade 3 and 2 respectively, in the international white water rafting grading system. Under normal conditions, these rivers are relatively constant in depth and speed. But beware heavy rains, which swell the rivers into Grade 4 Rivers, rendering them dangerous to rafting enthusiasts.

Peninsular Malaysia also has its fair share of good rafting spots. These include Sungai Sungkai (a Grade 2 in Perak) and the Selangor River (a Grade 3 in Kuala Kubu Baru originating in the famous Fraser's Hill). The Endau River in Jerum Besu, Lipis River in Pahang and Tembeling River in Taman Negara are other exhilarating spots for white water rafting enthusiasts.