Many beachside resorts in Malaysia seem to be plagued with unauthorized, uninsured “water fun” providers. The number of close calls reported by friends off the islands of Langkawi and Penang go beyond counting on fingers and toes alone.
Although, I haven’t had much experience with water sports in Sabah, I’m imagining the confusion is much the same. That’s why I was excited to see (and hubby even more so) a spanking new marina at Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. Being owned and operated by Shangri-La management, you can be assured high standards of practice are in place.
The recently built Star Marina consists of an exclusive private jetty, boatyard for repairs and maintenance, a boat ramp, an air-conditioned water sports atrium and, access to a light range of food and beverages. On offer are a host of both motorized and non-motorized water sports.
Parasailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, private charters, fishing expeditions and island hopping are but a few of the many options. An exciting addition for divers (and wannabes) is the dive centre, providing a full range of equipment, facilities and dive certification classes too.
Hubby enthusiastically dove into the menu wanting to try them all. After much contemplation he decided on snorkeling at the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, water skiing (even though he’d never done it before), jet skiing and (regretting his overenthusiasm the next day) wind surfing.
Like a parent finding herself free of children for a couple of hours, I quietly thanked the staff at the marina for keeping my bouncing-talkative-husband busy for a short period, gifting me with a little quiet time of my own (and quickly snuck myself off to Chi, The Spa).
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Water Sports at Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia
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