Malaysia - Sport & Recreation

Blessed with a warm and tropical climate, Malaysia ensures that most sports can be enjoyed through the year. Popular national sports include soccer, badminton, hockey, tennis and squash. Other favorites are biking, cricket, bowling, rugby, table-tennis, softball and Grand Prix racing.

Malaysia has a long coastline with several offshore islands and sea sports are coming to the fore. There are plenty of opportunities to water-ski, wind-surf, snorkel and dive around the many islands and marine parks found throughout the country. Even the country's large river system has made canoeing and white water rafting popular adventure sports.

On the national level, soccer is played from school right up to the international level. Soccer matches and competitions such as Semi-Pro League and the Malaysian Cup are two of the most popular competitions in the country. Badminton is also another favorite sport with international competitions held regularly.

Malaysia played proud host to the 16th Commonwealth Games, which was held in 1998 at the Bukit Jalil Sports Complex, Selangor. This comprehensive games village has indoor and outdoor stadiums, including a hockey stadium, swimming pools, and track & field circuits.

Motor sports are becoming increasingly popular and the country now has a challenging Formula 1 circuit just outside the KL International Airport (KLIA) in Sepang.

The Sepang F1 Circuit has a double-frontage grand stand for 30,000 spectators and natural stands that are able to accommodate 100,000 spectators.

The course, covering an impressive 5.542km circuit, features 15 turns and 9 straights. The Petronas Malaysian F1 Grand Prix brings the world's top drivers together on the circuit.

Mountain Climbing, Rock Climbing, Jungle Trekking, Bird Watching, Cave Exploring, River Cruising, White Water Rafting, Off-road Driving, Mountain Biking, Angling, Wreck Diving, Scuba Diving, Top Dive Site, Map of Diving