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Marine tourism promoted in Malaysia

(23 Sep 2005)

Going back-packing? – Get a great deal on travel insurance

Malaysia is set to become the new world capital for marine tourism if government plans are successful.

Tourism minister Dr Leo Michael Toyad said the country would focus on cruise and yacht tourism, after a regional meeting to discuss the framework for the idea.

"This mission," he said, "is just the beginning of our concentrated effort to educate travellers about what Malaysia has to offer and why it is known as the Gem of Southeast Asia."

At present there are 14 marinas and yacht clubs in Malaysian waters with international class facilities.

Malaysia is one of the most relaxed countries to visit in Southeast Asia and has been a favourite with backpackers for many years.

The island of Penang off Peninsula Malaysia's north western coast is the oldest British settlement in the country and a premier resort area with its beautiful beaches and authentic Malaysian villages.

Meanwhile for the hardy the island's Snake Temple is something straight out of an Indiana Jones film.

Built in 1805 in the memory of the renowned Chinese monk Chor Soo Kong, the Snake Temple is teeming with snakes.

Legend has it that while alive, Chor Soo Kong gave shelter to the snakes of the Malaysian rainforest; after the completion of the temple the snakes then appeared of their own accord.

Today they can be found on the altar tables, incense burners and candlesticks, and visitors can pay a small fee to be photographed holding the pit vipers and tree snakes.



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