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[drumbeat]

I am leaving for Malaysia and want to know what island is good to see for a guy who likes the outdoors. I was looking at both Tioman and Penang but of course they are different sides of the island- which is more natural beauty?
I will want to go to the beach and relax and walk around. Then maybe go off to the rain forest. Any hints for a lower budget holiday. Places to stay/ hotels?
Nice spots to see?

Thanks

[moot point]

tioman, without a doubt.

I also liked the perhentian islands in the northeast of malaysia.

Try posting this question in the General Asia forum for more replies.

[been_there]

try Redang. Smaller, but fewer tourists. Further south, off the coast of Marang.

All the coral around Perentians is dead.

Easy to get a room on Redang, if its during monsoon, just show up, other wise, if you MUST make reservations, call Anchor Bay travel (google it) and they will set you up.

[matttheboy]

The coral's dead around the Perhentians? Damn, i've been there 5 times but not since 2001-the coral was fine then, loads of great diving and snorkelling-far far superior to Thailand were the coral really is dead and you're lucky to see any kind of aquatic life (especially Koh Tao). The Big Island is a lot nicer than the Small Island in the Perhentians although there was a lot of construction even on the smaller beaches when i was last there.

Penang has a serious sand fly problem. Some people don't get bitten but some do. Including me. Over 200 bites in 3 days made me never want to step foot on that island again although it is beautiful.

The Cameron Highlands are beautiful and the temperature is much more bearable. Teman Negara is also amazing if you head into the jungle to one of the shelters they have there.

I haven't a clue about accomodation though as i it's been 4 years since i was there.

[been_there]

I was there 3 weeks ago.

Coral's dead.

[Hod]

Can get to Penang by bus, train, car amongst other ways. Tioman's not so easy I guess. Put me down for a Penang.

[workingnomad]

Penang is ok for a couple of days and the food is fantastic!

[comenius]

My wife and I spent a long weekend on Tioman a few years ago. It was nice and sunny and very laid back. We did a bit of scuba diving which was nothing spectacular but still fun, and took a nice walk through the jungle that ended up at a very refreshing waterfall. The island is pretty small, and there's very little to really do there, but if you're looking for a place to chill and unwind, it's not a bad spot to visit.

[lady z]

Langkawi (sp? is absolutely gorgeous and has a laid back, friendly atmosphere....don't remember where we stayed but it was about $5
a night. You could look in a LP.