Extreme Sports

The crystal clear waters and brilliant white sandy beaches of the Perhentian Islands in Malaysia have for many years captured the hearts and imaginations of the backpackers and travellers who passed through. Recent years however have seen a different type of traveller coming to the Perhentian Islands, as their reputation as a premier diving destination has slowly increased amongst the scuba diving community.

In fact it would be fair to say that a large amount of the success of the Perhentian Islands as a scuba diving location should be attributed to the neighbouring Thailand, and the dive resorts of Koh Tao, Phuket and Koh Samui. Large numbers of travellers who have learned to scuba dive in the larger Thai resorts often find themselves gravitating to the natural beauty of the Perhentian Islands. Looking for one last dive before the hustle and bustle of Kuala Lumpur and Singapore!

The Perhentian Islands comprise of Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar, and are located approximately 20 kilometres off the coast of Malaysia. Offering what can only be described as a slice of paradise, the palm fringed beaches encircle these tropical islands, whilst the clear blue waters hide a wealth of marine and coral life below.

The scuba diving in the Perhentian Islands is of a high standard, and a wide range of dive sites has meant that the islands have become a popular destination for people looking to take a scuba diving course. There are approximately ten major dive sites which are regularly visited by the dive centres in the Perhentian Islands. Of these, Tokong Laut (Temple of the Sea) is widely acknowledged as being the best dive site on the islands. A large rocky outcrop of boulders just off the northwest coast of Perhentian Kecil offers some of the best examples of soft coral formations in the region. This carpet of stunning soft corals provides a home to a wide variety of marine life including kingfish, barracuda, nurse sharks and black tip sharks.  Read more...

Santa Catalina is located on the Chiriqui Gulf in the state of Veraguas. In 1970s this little fishing village was discovered by adventurous surfers from all over the world.

The world class surfing in Santa Catalina was the best kept secret by the surfers for quite a long time!

Now Santa Catalina is well-known by professional and hard-core wave-seeking surfers. Early morning surfers take advantage of the tides during Dawn Patrol and study the winds and the waters while paddling out towards their swelling ride.

Panamanian locals have recognized the strong calling of Santa Catalinas consistent waves to international surfers and have jumped at opportunities to please the increasing numbers of surfing tourists. Small businesses in the relaxed tropical town offer surfing lessons, surfing shops, surfing charters and expeditions, and of course, surfing resorts. Surfers and Surfboards are catered to everywhere.

Although the beach of Santa Catalina, Playa Santa Catalina and its surrounding islands are the most attractive to professional and advanced surfers. Beginning surfers can find their ocean turf at the Playa Estero, where the waves are much more relaxed.

Relaxation is what Santa Catalina is all about. The temperature is warm all year round. Surfers in Santa Catalina are generally not distracted by beaches full of tourists, and wont have to share their waves, especially during the rainy season.

The rainy season in Panama is between May and November. Just before the season starts The Pacific Coast swells and waves begin picking up strength and energy.  Read more...