Top snorkeling spots in Malaysia

After monsoon season has passed and the waters become still, Malaysia transforms into an exotic getaway of white beaches and waters filled with rainbow-colored coral reefs. Several of these lively reefs are close the surface of the water, making them easily accessible to snorkelers.

Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island's blue water is 500 meters deep. It has become a hanging garden filled with radiant corals. It is ideal for Wall Diving. For starters, we suggest diving within the 3-6-meter area. Swim with the turtle friends and bumphead parrot fishes at the Turtle Tomb. Be amazed with a school fishes at the Barracuda Point; visit the Mid-Reef, home to hard corals and reef fishes.

Langkawi Island

Snorkelling is a ‘must-do’ recreation activity when holidaying at Langkawi Island to explore marine life. The best places to snorkel around the island are at Datai Bay Beach and Chabang Island (a near 10-minute walk from Tanjung Rhu Beach). Since Datai Bay Beach is a private beach, we recommend staying at the Andaman Resort and the Datai Resort. We also recommend taking boat rides to Pulau Payer Marine Park and Pulau Dangli Beach. Ask the boat operators when the best time is to dive and explore the reefs.

Redang Island

All the resorts in Redang Island offer snorkelling trips for travellers. The guides will be there to assist you in your snorkelling adventures. Explore Tanjung Tengah, known as the Shark Bay, where you can see a group of baby black-tip sharks between April and August. Ensure to snorkel carefully to avoid damages to the corals. Make your way to Tanjung Mak Cantik which is along the rocky outcrop on the right. The left side of rocky outcrop is for experienced divers. Visit the Marine Park Centre that leads to the vast barrier reef filled with wondrous marine life.

Tioman Island

Snorkelling in Tioman Island is popular among tourists. There are plenty of snorkelling sites, including holiday resorts for you to rent the gear. Coral Island and Malang Rocks has plenty of marine life to explore. Renggis Island is one of the best spot to snorkel in this tropical island. Its shallow waters provide a magnificent view of corals in the vast reefs. Have fun with the turtles, puffer fishes and clown fishes at the Salang Beach.

Perhentian Island

Perhentian Island is one of the recommended tropical islands to learn diving. We suggest taking either the PADI Open Water Diver course at Anti-Gravity Divers Dive School. Guided by professional instructors, you will be taken to the beautiful underwater world of marine life and natural corals. The popular diving sites to explore are Tokong Laut, Romantic Bay and Sugar Wreck. Alternatively, you can go snorkelling near the jetty pier at Long Beach or join the snorkelling trips at Sea Sport Centre.

See more: 6 best beaches in Malaysia

Source: theculturetrip

The reasons to visit Taichung one time in your lifetime

For many years, Taichung was considered a hub of industry and, as a result, not a place that many considered the ideal holiday or weekend break destination. However, in recent years the city has undergone a huge wave of redevelopment and is now a great place for a short break. Here are some of the main reasons why travelers should have the west coast city of Taichung on their Taiwan bucket list.

Arts and culture

Taichung is Taiwan's cultural center. The National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts is one of the biggest in Asia, showcasing paintings, sculptures and installations from Taiwanese artists. The city has an outdoor jazz festival every October, attracting international acts.

Another stunning attraction is Rainbow Village, an old settlement for ex-soldiers, preserved by a 93-year-old man who's now the village's last resident. He hand-painted the buildings with colorful murals featuring children and animals, thereby saving it from demolition.

Super-friendly people

Taiwan has a reputation for being an incredibly welcoming place, and Taichung is one of its most welcoming cities. People here are very friendly towards tourists, and it is not uncommon to go out for dinner and make a few new friends along the way.

Amazing food

Many tourists would surmise that the food is amazing no matter where you go in Taiwan but in Taichung, you have a genuine melting pot of cuisines from all over the world. From French haute cuisine to local hole-in-the-wall noodle shops, Taichung has it all and then some. But more, it is the local treats that make the city one of a kind. Taichung is the home of a variety of snacks and foods such as Sun Cakes and Pearl Milk Tea. In fact, no self-respecting local will visit the city without sampling at least one.

Awesome night markets

Open-air night markets are the heart of nightlife here. Food stands offer noodles, stinky tofu, desserts and barbecued everything. There is no better place than Taichung to try bubble tea, where the popular drink was invented.

Nature

The countryside surrounding Taichung is home to some of the best trails for short hikes, and at any time during your stay in the city, you are never more than a half-hour away from lush green countryside. The nearby coast is also a great spot to visit the Gaomei Wetlands, one of the most popular places for an evening stroll. The wetlands are home to an incredible array of local wildlife, and the pathways that wind through the area provide easy access.

The cutest coffee shops

In a land overflowing with oddly themed cafés, saying that Taichung has the quirkiest is something else. But in Taichung, the cafés are not so much odd as they are cute and colorful. And what is more, there are so many of them. Every street seems to have at least two or three coffee shops, and with so much competition, each strives to stand out from the crowd. Having a coffee in Taichung is certainly an interesting experience.

Read more: Take a trip to Taichung

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What to buy as souvenirs in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has always been a known stop for most cruises thanks to some of the most unique and exquisite quality items available on this island. So when you are here, you need to keep an entire day dedicated for shopping. Scout the local markets, or roam tirelessly in the high-end showrooms but be sure to take back the unique varieties this island nation has to offer. Below is a list of what to buy in Sri Lanka so that you can carry home as lovely souvenirs for yourself and your loved ones.

Jewellery and gems

Sri Lanka is famous for its sapphires and moonstones. The mines in Ratnapura have a constant supply of precious gems and the gemologists on the island know where to import the best gems from as well. In the little town of the Galle Fort, gem stores sell gems on their own and in the form of jewellery as well. If you are buying gems and jewellery, it is best to use your bartering skills. There are also plenty of contemporary jewellery makers like Two Dots Jewellery, which you can find at Barefoot or via their online store.

Raksha masks

Unique to the Sri Lankan culture, Raksha masks are available in almost every souvenir shop in the form of masks, magnets, keychains, etc. They are believed to ward off the evil and protect the one who possesses them. The masks are worn while performing the traditional Kolam ritual and depict the ancient race of Rakshasas. The most commonly used masks are Naga Raksha (cobra mask), Gurulu Raksha (Mask of the Bird) and Maru Raksha (Mask of the Demon of Death).

Saris and sarongs

Sri Lanka’s local and traditional clothing is made up of saris for women and sarongs for men. Some women will wear sarongs as well but as a set with a matching blouse. There are plenty of places to find sarongs in Colombo and in the rest of Sri Lanka, but the best sarongs are from Barefoot. There are also saris at Barefoot and Selyn Fair Trade and you can find beautiful silk or batik saris in high fashion sari shops and via Fashion Market, an online fashion store.

Ayurvedic beauty products

Ayurveda is a traditional healing system practiced by Ayurveda doctors in Sri Lanka. This craft has been passed on to them through the generations. Lately, there are more local brands selling products using these age old remedies, and they are a perfect gift for your loved ones.

Dumbara mats

If you are a fan of the handwoven stuff, you must pick up Dumbara mats and cane handicrafts from the local shops. The villages around Kandy produce a lot of coarse fabric called Dumbara which is then woven into mats, bags, boxes, and baskets, typically in a geometric fashion. These can make for excellent gifts.

Read more: 7 reasons why you should visit Sri Lanka in 2019

Moonstone carvings

All Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka are graced by a half moon stepping stone at the entrance. These carved stones are called moonstones and have been used as religious imagery for centuries. These ancient carvings are now used in parks and modern temples due to their figurative and historic quality. Small moonstone carvings are made as souvenirs for tourists and small home shrines. They can be found carved in limestone or wood, in small to larger sizes. They make great conversation starters due to their history.

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