Adventure seekers will find their zenith in Malaysia whether diving, jungle trekking, wildlife spotting, mountain climbing, caving, rafting or 4wding. Those who fancy a splash in warm seas, a brush with rare species, trek through deep forests or bash through dirt tracks, will find holidaying in Malaysia as pleasing on their budget as they will in experience.

Malaysia is home to some of the world�s most outstanding jungles, lending itself to some brilliant trekking. Taman Negara on the Peninsula and Gunung Mulu in Malaysian Borneo display some of the most impressive sights, with the boldly welcoming wildlife and the brilliance of the colours and shapes of the flora. Jungle treks can go from a matter of hours to a matter of days or even weeks for the willing adventurers and accommodate for all levels of fitness. Guides are available in many areas.

Being an island country, a Malaysian beach is never far away. Ideal conditions mean diving, snorkeling, swimming, deep-sea fishing, boating, parasailing, water-skiing and windsurfing are possibly in many places across the country. An overnight Island package including equipment and transport can cost as little as RM238, a little over AU$100.

Malaysia has a good selection of rivers suitable for white water rafting. Rafting organizations operate out of Kota Kinabalu and take tours out to the Padas Gorge through which the Padas River flows. Many of the rafting sites in Peninsular Malaysia are easily accessible by car. Malaysia is endowed with vast numbers of limestone caves. Many are shrouded in folklore and mystery and are home to some of nature�s most fantastic and beautiful sculptures. Archeological research has found evidence of early man in many of these cave sites. Some caves have been opened up for touring and have lights and walkways, while many are still in their natural state and more suitable for those looking for true adventure.

Mountain climbing is a key activity for many adventure travelers to Malaysia. While the most popular peak to be conquered is Mt. Kinabalu, Malaysia has climbs for all fitness types and budgets. A climb such as the Tahan Mountain or Gunung Gagau in Taman Negara makes for a quite an experience. It involves tough terrain, ripping through rough rapids, and trekking through dense, sweaty jungles before reaching the anticipated peak. For a more relaxing experience, a leisurely climb at the Gunung Korbu in Perak or Gunung Tangsi in Negeri Sembilan is a good bet. Guides are available for climbs from hill to mountain, so experience is not essential.

The pinnacle on Malaysia�s adventure calender is without doubt the �Cameron Equator Race�, dubbed the �world�s wildest race�. This 224km muscle aching, lung-heaving race traverses the Titwangsa Range and ends with a challenging climb up Peninsular Malaysia�s highest mountain, Gunung

Tahan. This non-motorised, multi-sports event stretches over six days with top teams from around the world racing against time through Zone A of the race � on mountain bikes from the highlands at Tanah Rata to inflatable rafts through rapids of the Telom River, and on kayaks down the Jelai River and culminating in a trek up Gunung Tahan, or Zone B of the race. Join world-class athletes in the race against time to complete a truly challenging man-against-nature event. If four-wheel drives, dirt biking and all terrain vehicles fuel your fire, there are several tourism providers that specifically address this niche market. Malaysian trails are not always well maintained, adding a further dimension to all the fast fun. Some of the programs offer overnight packages exposing visitors to the nighttime adventure spirit of Malaysia�s deep mysterious ancient rain forests or jungles. Media contact: Penny Brand Phone: (02) 9328 5441 Email: penny@gate7.com.au