Malaysia has a coastline of 4,800 km and over two hundred islands. Beaches are one of Malaysia's natural assets. Soft-golden sand, secluded bays and spectacular tropical sunsets beckon enticingly. Beyond the shores, warm clear waters and teeming marine life have delighted underwater adventurers. Many beach resorts offer facilities for water-sports. These include water-skiing, boating, cruising, snorkelling, scuba diving and trips to offshore islands. The best beaches are found along the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Powdery beaches fringed by casuarinas, lapped by glassy aquamarine waters. Superb for snorkelling, diving or just swimming.

Pulau Langkawi is the main island o a group of 99 islands off the coast o Kedah. It is known for its natura beauty as well as its many legends the most well-known being of a beautiful lady, Mahsuri, who was accused of adultery, a crime she did not commit, and was executed. The island abounds with scenic beaches. There is Pantai Tanjung Rhu, Pantal Kok, Pantai Tengah, Pantai Cenang and Pantal Pasil Hitarn (black sand beach). Among the activities you can enjoy arc snorkelling, scuba diving, boating, water skiing, wind surfing and parasailing. The seas around the island teem with fish and fishing trips can be arranged through your hotel.

Approximately 84 km south of lpoh in Perak is the -coastal town of Lumut - the jumping-off point to Pulau Pangkor. Lumut is the home base of the Royal Malaysian Navy but sun seekers go to Teluk Batik, located approximately 6 km from the town. This stretch of beach is the haunt for campers, picnickers and watersports enthusiasts. But for most travellers to this coastal state, the ultimate destination is Pulau Pangkor, which has enchanting beaches on its western coastline. Among them are Teluk Belanga, Teluk Nipah and Pasir Bogak. There are also quiet coves and untrodden bays at Tortoise Bay, Teluk Nipah and Teluk Chempedak. The island is famous for fish-based resources and activities related to these can be seen around the island. There is a variety of attractive accommodation. Among them are Teluk Dalam Resort and Pan Pacific Resort. A number of chalets can be found near the beach, too.

Desaru or the 'Village of Casuarinas is a 25 km stretch of sandy beach fringed by casuarina trees. It lies on the south-east corner of johor. A host of facilities for sea sports await the visitor-swimming, snorkelling, boating, canoeing, windsurfing, waterskiing and catamaran-sailing. A place visitors should not miss is the Tanjung Balau Fishermen's Museum.There are various artifacts that were employed by fishermen during their nature of work such as fishing traps, tackles and floats in the museum. Fishermen folklores are also displayed here. The museum is located at Tanjung Balau Fishing Village.

.

Pulau Tioman lies 60 km off the southeast coast of the peninsular. It is the fabled 'Bali Hai' island in the Hollywood musical 'South Pacific'. The island offers relaxation, adventure, fishing and water sports. Accommodation is in the form of the luxurious Berjaya Imperial Tioman Resort to affordable chalets.

Pulau Perhentian lies 21 km off Besut in Terengganu. The sea journey takes about one and a half hour from Besut. Blessed with a long stretch of white sandy beach, Pulau Perhentian is the ultimate 'sun-n-surf' paradise. The waters off the island are perfect for snorkelling, scuba-diving, wind s
urfing, sailing and deep-sea fishing. The island is developed with 

chalets 

Redang, about 45 km north of Kuala Terengganu, is the largest of a group of islands dotting the South China Sea off the Terengganu coast. The island is off the beaten track and offers a welcome break for those seeking privacy and relaxation. Set amidst the island's greenery is the 100-room Berjaya Golf & Spa Resort commanding a spectacular view of the sea. The waters off Pulau Redang is known for its marine diversity and offers one of the best dive spots in the region.

From Marang, hop into a boat and head out about 6 km to this island renowned for its clear emerald waters and fantastic corals. Perfect for boating, fishing and snorkelling, it takes just a 30 minutes boat ride to reach this dream hideaway.

Tanjung Jara is a stretch of golden sandy beach embraced by the blue-green waters of the South China Sea. Located here is the Tanjung Jara Beach Resort which sprawls on 31 hectares of tropical setting. The hotel, styled after a Malay palace, won the prestigious Aga Khan award for the best architecture among hotels. Recreational activities on the beach include windsurfing, sailing and speed boating. Tours to the neighbouring islands such as Pulau Tenggol and Pulau Kapas can be arranged.

Pulau Besar is located 10 km off Malacca's coast. It is. known for its sandy beaches and entrancing legends and sacred shrines. The island has an international class hotel and several chalets. Activities on the island includes snorkelling, swimming, fishing, jungle trekking and golfing. How to get there: A boat service (for a maximum of 12 persons) operates from Pengkalan Pernu to the island daily at RM 11I per person for a return trip. For a faster mode of travel, catamarans are available from the town's jetty.