Football Asia

Like everywhere else in the world, football is very popular in Asia. Asia has the most populous of the six FIFA confederations; Asians make up a full half of all footballers, all over the world.

In the Asian Football Confederation, there are currently 46 member countries, a testimony to the popularity of the sport in the region. The organization was formed in the Philippines in May of 1954, and was recognized by FIFA as such the next month. Its first major competition was the Asian Cup, held in Hong Kong two years after the confederation's formation. Its headquarters are in Malaysia, and it hosts ten national tournaments, three of them being for women's teams only and one being for youth teams only. There are also three club tournaments: the AFC Champions League, the AFC Cup, and the AFC President's Cup.

As Asia has some extremely small countries in it, there are basically two teams for every country: a men's team and a women's team. Unlike other countries, such as the United States or the United Kingdom, when referring to team names, one only has to refer to the country.

Despite the fact that it is the Asian Football Confederation, participation is not limited to only those of Asian descent. For example, a Serbian coach of the Chinese national team, Vladimir Petrovic, is obviously not Chinese, nor even Asian, but Eastern European. Though not typical in the AFC, this is also not rare, and definitely not unheard of.

As anyone can see, Asia is a key component of this world's obvious fascination with football. Hosting fully half of the entire world's players, Asia's continued participation in world football is vital to the improvement of the game. Football clearly brings the world together, despite our many differences. Keep this in mind the next time you watch a game!!!

FIFA Soccer 08 was released last year, but that doesn't make its rating any less: an 8.5 on a 10 point scale. It runs at about $50-$60 at the major retailers.


CREDIT TO

James Griffiths

Island Beaches

Island Beaches in Malaysia Malaysia and Borneo are hot and humid all year round, that makes it the perfect place to visit for some amazing island beaches. The beaches attract tourists from all over the world; many of the islands are even home to marine national parks. If you want a variety of water activities to keep you occupied or just want to laze around, then Malaysia and Borneo is definitely for you. Malaysian beaches are safe for women, single travellers and families. The mouth-watering local cuisines on offer from passing vendors are an added attraction to a beach visit. Dotted throughout the tropical seas of Malaysia are probably the most beautiful islands in South-East Asia. No matter which direction you are heading, you're sure to find a beach to fall in love with.
Perhentian Islands: Kecil and Besar Off the east coast of the Malaysian



Peninsula you'll find the Islands of Perhentian; these islands have been a must-stop place for budget travellers for many years, especially the smaller isle of Perhentian Kecil. These islands are part of the Redang Island Marine Park and cover some of the world's most irresistible beaches, along with world-class diving and plenty of authentic Malaysian accommodation.
If you are a party goer head over to the popular Pasir Panjang (Long Sand) on the east coast of Perhentian Kecil for some action. Alternatively try Teluk Aur (Coral Bay) on the west coast of the biggest island, Perhentian Besar; this is a more upper-class and has a family friendly resort, with quiet beaches.
Pulau Lang Tengah: For peace and quiet, head to Pulau Lang Tengah, this is the least touristy of all the islands. The reef around the island is a protected nature reserve and offers some fantastic Malaysian snorkelling and diving. If you're looking for a place to get away from it all and need little more to keep you happy than tranquillity in beautiful natural surroundings, you'll find Lang Tengah is a perfect escape.
Pulau Langkawi: Let's head west now to Langkawi, the beaches on this well-developed island are regarded as some of the world's most secluded and picturesque by many travel specialists. If you are looking for action, try the lively Pantai Cenang, fringed by waterfront bars and restaurants. Next to it is the more laid back and family friendly Pantai Tengah. Head north to the sandy stretch of Tanjung Rhu (Cape Rhu) for natural beauty with mangroves, limestone caves, cliffs and a great view of the little islands nearby.
Pulau Sipadan and Pulau Tiga: Flying over to Borneo you'll find the diver's paradise of Sipadan and Pulau Tiga. I would definitely recommend planning a couple of days on one of the islands either at the start or end of your trip.
Pulau Tiga Marine National Park has soared to fame as 'Survivor Island' because of the popular TV series 'Survivor'. This is the exact island that the entire first series was filmed. Need more reasons to visit the island? How about amazing scenic views and sunsets, floral diversity with trees that have never been logged, a range of fauna from birds, insects, reptiles and marine life unique to the island, mud baths/volcanoes and incredible coral reefs.
Sipadan is located east from the town of Tawau, off the coast of Sabah and has been rated as one of the top 10 dive destinations in the world. For a unique experience head to the Turtle Tomb which lies underneath the island. This contains a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain skeletal remains of turtle that have become lost before finding the surface. Want to see bales of green and hawksbill turtles nesting and mating, schools of barracuda and trevally in tornado-like formations, or over 3000 species of fish? Then Sipadan is for you.

CREDIT TO Wilkin Kroon

 Mount Kinabalu ,Malaysia

Mount Kinabalu

The name Malaysia was derived from a Sanskrit word that means "land of mountains". True to its name, Malaysia has over fifty mountains, of which, the tallest is Mt Kinabalu. Towering at 13,500 feet, Mt Kinabalu is not only the tallest mountain in the country and also the fourth highest in Southeast Asia, it is also home to a tremendous botanical and biological species that are rare to find anywhere else in the world. All these make Mount Kinabalu climbing one of the most rewarding activities that both locals and tourists should not miss in Sabah.

Mt. Kinabalu, which is Located at the high point of the Croker Range, is one of the youngest non-volcanic mountains in the world. Thanks to a wide climactic range, the mountain has very rich and diversified flora and fauna. The mountain is home to over half of the flowering plants in the world, over 500 species of ferns, 700 species of orchids, and some endemic animals like Thomas' pygmy squirrels and Kinabalu shrews. It is also home to the Nepenthes Rajah, the world's largest plant; and home to more than 24 species of a flower called Rhododendrons. Also found in the mountain are 17 of the 29 species of birds endemic to Borneo, including the crimson-headed wood and red-breasted tree partridge.

With all these botanical and biological species found in Mount Kinabalu, it is no wonder why it has become a favourite destination for recognized climbers and why the mountain was included in UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Signing Up With Borneo Tours

Climbing Mount Kinabalu only takes 2-3 days and climbers do not need to have any experience at mountain climbing. However, anyone planning to climb Mt. Kinabalu should watch out for weather conditions in the area as Sabah often experiences rains from the tail-end of typhoons.

For individuals who want to climb Mt Kinabalu, the best option for them is to sign up with Borneo Tours or Mt Kinabalu climbing packages to get started with their Mt Kinabalu trip. Climbing Mount Kinabalu with a group or with experienced climbers guarantees an enjoyable, well-planned, and trouble-free climb. Mount Kinabalu climbing packages already include accommodation, meals and transportation, park entrance, transfer, climbing permit, and mountain guide fees. Packages are not so expensive; in fact, it would only cost you about RM850.00, which is roughly US$280.

In most Mount Kinabalu tour itineraries, guests/climbers usually start at the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu for registration, and then visit the Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site where they can stay for the night. On day 2, they begin the first phase of their trek at the Timpohon Gate. On the third day, they start climbing the summit at 3'oclock in the morning so they get to reach the summit during sunrise, when the sights from the peak are its best.

Cloaked in swirling mists and rich flora and fauna, the marvellous scenery that await climbers and thrill-seekers in Mount Kinabalu indeed make Mount Kinabalu climbing an activity that both locals and tourists should never miss in Malaysia.

For more information on Mount Kinabalu Climbing please visit diverse-borneo.com
CREDIT TO

 Gregg Hawes