TravLifeStyle: Borneo a truly beautiful Island

Most people, who think of Borneo, think of lush rain forests and orang-utans. However, I discovered a completely different side of Borneo.

I chose to fly out to and stay in Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu is on the ocean side of the island, so, instead of lush rain forests, Aidan and I had paradise like Islands around us and so, we spend most of our time there in the water.

I am personally not a big fan of booking tours ahead of time, because you always end up paying more. What I like to do, is take the time and have a look around and that is exactly what we did.

At first, we came across a travel agent, who showed us all the tours he could book for us, among which were several island-hopping tours.

After seeing the options, I decided that a trip to the harbour would be the best, to find out about their offers.

Our two-star hotel was not just clean and very concerned with our well-being, they were also very centrally located and so we only had a 20-minute walk to the harbour. We entered a big hall, were many boat and business owners were vying for the attention of the tourists.

We ended up booking an island-hopping tour for in a couple of days, with pick up from the hotel and for Aidan snorkel gear hire (I had my own snorkel gear).

The next day, when we walked around and thought about what else we wanted to do, someone on the streets approached us and offered us a very cheap diving tour. We took his card, but I knew that we would never accept the offer.

When it comes to diving, I rather do it with an established and professional business because of the risks involved. We went back to the first travel agent and booked a diving tour with him, which was still incredibly cheap compared to Australian standards.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: TravLifeStyle: Borneo a truly beautiful Island

.
.

Kabran Gone Wild: Kota Kinabalu - Nothing But Beach in Borneo

Eager to get back underwater and further our scuba diving skills, we looked into PADI’s Advanced Open Water Course.

This would allow us to dive deeper and specialize in wreck diving – what better place than the largest island in Asia?!

We packed our bags, booked our course, and made our way to Kota Kinabalu (I swear this place exists and I did not make up the name).

Certified Deep Divers: With Borneo being one of the cheaper places to dive, we were not expecting much.

However, the first day we were chartered by boat out to Down Below’s private beach resort and could not have been more impressed!

This island oasis was the perfect place to debrief after dives, and refuel on delicious snacks and chicken lunches (fish are our friends)!

Our specialty dives included: underwater navigation, deep dive, boat dive, wreck dive and peak performance buoyancy.

Let’s just say .. we were not peak performers when it came to buoyancy.

A lot of underwater bubbles were blown while laughing at one another bobbing up and down in the water.

Nonetheless, we passed (without flying colors) – after all Sea’s Get Degrees!

Island Hopping: After expending a lot of energy underwater, we rewarded ourselves with a day of ultimate island relaxation.

TAR Marine Park is made up of five islands, and hopping from island to island by boat is KK”s most popular tourist attraction.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Kabran Gone Wild: Kota Kinabalu - Nothing But Beach in Borneo

.
.

Bitten By The Travel Bug: An Island Day Trip Close to Kota Kinabalu - Sepanggar Island

Fishermen walked past me, tourists with large bags and brightly coloured bathers wandered past me and boats at Jesselton Point began to fill; all heading to different islands in search of sun, snorkelling or sleep (yes, there are hotels on some of the islands just off Kota Kinabalu!). I was people watching, picking up freshly baked Malaysian delights and a fresh coconut on the way.

Sabahan’s are known for being relaxed and easy-going. After a few weeks travelling through Indonesia, it was nice to be told that the only thing I had to do was “relax and enjoy life“. I was off in search of some quality island time at Mari Mari Sepanggar Island.

Welcome to Mari Mari Sepanggar Island

Set a 15-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point, you’ll be docking at Sepanggar Island. This private island has recently been opened to the public who come through local business, Mari Mari who also run lodging on Sepanggar Island and nearby Mantanani Island.

Each day, just a few dozen people are allowed to visit the island. When I visited, there was eight of us, including one family and a couple who had stayed overnight on the island, plus the staff, on this island paradise.

For a half day trip, it’s great! Escape from the bustle of downtown Kota Kinabalu to the white sandy beaches, fishing, snorkelling and diving opportunities, and a jungle walk. Hammocks strung between trees  call to you to come nap, beach volleyball and a few other games to play, but trust me – you’ll be distracted by the bright aquamarine coloured waters.

Should you want to stay overnight, the island offers basic rooms at a very reasonable price. There are a sprinkling of hill chalets and one spacious beach chalet. All of them have views of the beach and cityscape beyond.

One of the main appeals of Sepanggar Island is the opportunity to go snorkelling to see some of Sabah’s brightly coloured fish!

The coral at Sepanggar Island is little worse for wear near the island due to the proximity of the city, local villages and boat use in the area. If snorkelling if important to you, I’ve been told that the waters at Mantanani Island is a little further away (around 45 minutes by boat) but offers much better diving opportunities with visibility of around 30 – 40 metres!

Meeting the locals

Sepanggar Island is home to a mix of animals and (temporary!) humans. Many of the staff who run day-to-day operations are locals from the nearby village and the guides often spend nights there. Then there are the animals.

As I sat on the deck to dry myself off before lunch, I couldn’t help myself and patiently waited for the cats to approach. One was so busy cleaning herself that she looked up in surprise mid-lick.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Bitten By The Travel Bug: An Island Day Trip Close to Kota Kinabalu - Sepanggar Island

.
.

38 Gorgeous Photos To Prove That Sabah Is Truly A Rare Gem Of Southeast Asia

Taking a step away from all the heat, haze and madness clouding the nation, we take a look at why most refer to Sabah as the jewel of Southeast Asia:

1. Stunning, jaw-dropping islands!

One of the first things that come to mind when one thinks of Sabah, would definitely be its breathtaking beach strips with blue-green crystal clear waters.

With islands like Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai and more 'virgin' beaches, Sabah serves as the ideal destination to satisfy all your beach holiday cravings!

2. Locals there are probably the warmest and friendliest in the country

If there's anything that travellers most often worry about, it would most probably be language barrier.

However, Malaysians or in this case, Sabahans are mostly multilingual, with many that can speak at least three languages including English, Bahasa Baku, Mandarin, and other indigenous dialects.

3. There's lip-smacking CHEAP seafood and a delectable selection of local cuisine

One of the most popular local fruit in Sabah, 'Bambangan' is a type of wild-mango fruit that is known for its durian-like distinct scent.

The fruit is usually pickled, fried with onions and chillies to make sambal or tossed into a fresh salad.

Bambangan fruits are easily available in wet markets around the state.

Being a coastal state that is pretty much surrounded by the South China Sea, seafood is not only easily available but is also reasonable and rather cheap in Sabah, compared to other states in Malaysia.

To top it off, the eclectic blend of cultures add an interesting twist to the local dishes!

4. There are even dairy farms that resemble quaint little Swiss villages

Located at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu, Desa Cattle Dairy Farm offers one of the most amazing scenery one could envision.

Often chosen as a wedding photography destination, with the majestic Mount Kinabalu overlooking beautiful green pastures, the scenery is breathtaking, not forgetting the cool breeze that Kundasang has to offer.

The real attraction here is the cattle farm, producing about 900,00 litres of milk per year.

The farm is 199 hectares and most of the milking cows are Friesians, the highest milk producers of all cattle breeds.

A mini bonus if you are visiting the Desa Dairy Farm; the Kundasang War Memorial which is located just minutes away from the farm, will surely remind you of the majestic, medieval Scottish highlands!

5. Its lush rainforests could easily rival the Amazon

Did you know that the Borneo tropical rainforest is about 130 million years old, making it one of the oldest in the world?

While many parts of the country is covered in degraded jungles and secondary forests, Borneo's forest remains the only undisturbed virgin forest in the country, with a dizzying number of exquisite flora and fauna.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: 38 Gorgeous Photos To Prove That Sabah Is Truly A Rare Gem Of Southeast Asia

.
.

MySabah: Manukan Island, the Most Popular Island of Sabah

With over 200,000 visits annually, Manukan (Pulau Manukan) is the most frequented island by domestic and international tourists. It is only 15-minute away by boat ride, almost a no-brainer choice for people who want an island day trip near to Kota Kinabalu City (KK).

However, to be fair, the reason Manukan Island becomes the most famous island is not just because it’s “convenient.” It does have three other outstanding factors that make this beautiful island of South China Sea a favorite destination.

Factor #1. Manukan has long stretch of white sandy beach

Its long beach spans about 1,500 Meter at southern side of the island, facing a bay of crystal clear and tranquil sea. The water is so calm and shallow that it’s also suitable for non-swimmers. Families feel safe to let their kids playing in the water. No matter how far their children go, parents still can have a clear open view on what’s going on.

Manukan is the second largest island of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP in short), and its beach is vast. Though Manukan has hundreds of visitors every day, there is still enough big space for everyone. You won’t accidentally trip over a carpet of tourists sunbathing on the beach.

Factor #2. Manukan has the Most Developed Facilities

Tourists can find almost everything they need there, from toilet, shower room, restaurants, water sport activities, souvenir shop to accommodation. You can go to Manukan empty-handed (must bring cash!) and buy your things such as food, sunscreen and beachwear on the island. But please be informed nothing is cheap on the island.

Another thing I like about Manukan is its forested shore. After a swim in hot day, we can retreat to the shade, rest on the bench and enjoy the gentle sea breeze. It can be quite cooling under the trees.

There are a few lifeguards keeping an eye on the sea. They also know how to deal with injury caused by jellyfish sting and sea urchin. For crime prevention, there are some police on the island too.

Factor #3. Manukan Island has the Best Snorkelling Spot

Among the five islands of TARP, Manukan Island ranks top as a snorkelling site. Though its coral reef is not of world class, it’s still a wonderful treat to nature lovers. Sighting of Nemo is guaranteed. You can even see Nemo from the jetty, with thousands of other fishes.

In fact, many Hong Kong celebrities have been to Manukan Island. Usually they come to Manukan as personal trip and try to stay low profile. Don’t be surprised if you find WuChun or other superstars laying just next to you in Manukan.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics & Vid) at: MySabah: Manukan Island, the Most Popular Island of Sabah

.
.

Finding Nemo Snorkeling Around Mamutik Island in Borneo

There are some adventures that stick with you for a lifetime. I’m sure that learning to snorkel at Mamutik Island off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Malaysian Borneo is one of those for my daughter.

What I’m not sure about is how to top a snorkeling experience like this which included a private guided reef tour, loads of colorful fish even in shallow water and a picnic lunch on the private beach belonging to our host, Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa.

Anyone can visit Mamutik Island, but visiting as a guest of the resort is a different, more intimate experience. But if visiting Kota Kinabalu with kids, snorkeling here with them is easy due to calm and shallow water. And, you just might see clownfish, blacktip reef sharks, eels and so much more.

How to Get to Mamutik Island

At only 15 acres, Mamutik Island (or Pulau Mamutik) is the smallest of the five islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. It’s a lovely place to spend a beach day and you can take a boat easily from Kota Kinabalu.

Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa’s STAR Marina—which was literally steps from our room—offers daily transport for resort guests to Mamutik and other islands as well as a wide range of water sports ranging from from diving to waterskiing. They have gear rentals, too.

Our first order of business before catching the first 9:00 a.m. boat out was to get outfitted with snorkeling gear and life vests.

Staff will help determine fit and give you a handy bag to carry everything in. Directly outside, we boarded our boat from the resort’s private jetty and set off on the quick trip to Mamutik Island.

I wasn’t counting but I would say it took about five awesome minutes at sea, maybe less. The short distance makes Mamutik Island an easy half-day trip, though a full day of leisure would be even better.

A Tranquil Private Beach

The water was so clear that we could see thousands of fish swarming between the underwater posts of the arrival jetty. After walking a minute or two through a public area—where locals and tourists gather at picnic tables to eat or prepare to swim—we arrived at Shangri-la's secluded private beach. A canopy of trees shade the provided lounge chairs which are located steps away from the designated area for snorkeling.

Hotel staff here make sure that guests are comfortable, assist with snorkel gear and point out where the fish are. Valuables can be placed in lockers onsite for safe-keeping. The resort was at fully-booked during our stay but there is so much to do on and off the property that the private beach here was still quiet.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Finding Nemo Snorkeling Around Mamutik Island in Borneo

.
.

MySabah: Mamutik Island of Sabah, Malaysia

Tourists to Kota Kinabalu City (KK) always ask, out of the five islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP), which one is recommended. My answer is – if you expect a famous and exciting tourist destination, go for Sapi or Manukan. But if you only want a quiet beach to laze around and unwind, Mamutik Island (Pulau Mamutik) is for you.

People who want to avoid the crowd will love Mamutik Island, as it is less touristy than Sapi and Manukan, the islands where they would see more people than fishes, and human noise is louder than splashing waves.

Being the smallest island of TARP, Mamutik is like an unsophisticated child who doesn’t try to impress you, it may not have charming personality but you feel more open up and relax.

Mamutik is rated by some tourists as an average island because of three reasons. First, the sea there is quite rough and water turns murky sometimes. Second, the strong waves wash many coral fragments to the shore. Stepping on this jagged surface can be a discomfort to sensitive feet. Last, the density and variety of corals isn’t great. All of the above are true.

However, Mamutik still has one of the most beautiful beaches near KK and its photo is good enough to be used as postcard. Though lack of WOW factor, Mamutik isn’t lack of happy customers who appreciate the ambience of tranquillity and privacy offered by this less-crowded island.

The Beaches

Mamutik Island has long stretch of white sandy beach about 200 Meters in length. The sea can be choppy occassionally and the water is getting deep after 10 Meters from shore, so be careful if you don’t know how to swim.

Every visitor can get a big share of space, swim freely and won’t collide with others (but watch out for jellyfish). Without many eyes around, tourists here behave relatively more relax.

However, the visitors seem to congregate in one or two places. Probably they feel safer to stay near to one another, or these places are near to toilet. Anyway, there are some sections that has few or no tourist, so feel free to pick a zone as your “private beach”.

Move further away from people, you can find many good photography spots with clean background, as if you are on a remote island. Most coral fragments are concentrated in the water. The beach is still mainly fine sandy beach that is nice to walk on.

If you go to the east side of Mamutik, there is a more secluded area very well-shaded by tall casuarina trees. The beach chairs are reserved for the hotel guests from Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort. The place is quite cooling and suitable for chilling out after a swim under hot sun. You may walk or snorkel at the beach there but please keep your voice down. The staff would ask noisy outsiders to leave.

The sea waves at east side is even stronger because it is where open ocean current passing by the island. I call it a “Coral Beach” because the beach here is covered by bigger pieces of coral fragments. I even found giant clam shell once. Probably that’s how Mamutik got its name which means “shell collection”. (Note: collecting shell and anything is forbidden in this protected marine park)

Continue reading (Incl. Pics & Vid) at: MySabah: Mamutik Island of Sabah, Malaysia

.
.

Paradise in Kalimantan, Borneo

Our beloved island Kalimantan in Borneo – Indonesia, recently is one of the most favourite destination visited by tourists.

The big island consists of several small islands around it, where we step our bare feet on their white sands.

Maratua, Derawan, Sangalaki, and Kakaban island, a group of islands that have incredibly rich underwater nature, are located in Eastern Kalimantan, 2-3 hours by boat from the port of Berau.

We choose to stay 3 nights in Nunukan Resort, located in the finest island, Maratua.

I call it as diver’s paradise, it has so many beautiful dive spots and also the resort provides a complete diver’s equipments (suites, fins, snorkle, etc). 

From here, we can hire a boat for one full day to go around to other islands, or to dive in different kind of spots, with or without the local dive master.

We also got our breakfast, lunch and dinner in the resort, with some local taste.

Every different spot has different underwater creatures.

We pick a low season to travel, so there are not so many other tourists around.

The water was crystal clear with a turquoise colours gradation, and we can see the colourful corals clearly from the boat.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Paradise in Kalimantan, Borneo

.
.

Traveling To Borneo: What To See

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and it is located in southern Asia where more than seventy percent is in Indonesia, more than twenty five in Malaysia while the rest which is roughly one percent is a territory of Brunei.

The island is famous for its numerous tourist attraction sites which are enjoyed by both the local people and also people from other parts of the world. It’s an ideal get away place especially for people who would enjoy observing nature away from noisy cities.

People visiting the island are spoilt for choice amongst the place to visit; hence, here are some of the most famous places to visit in Borneo Island.

Diving in Sipadan

Borneo Island is endowed with some of the best diving sites in the world where scuba divers can enjoy themselves surrounded by nature. Amongst the famous diving spots in the island is Sipadan which is more than six hundred meters and has turtles amongst other marine creatures.

The spot is surrounded by a green forest where anemones grows thick thus facilitating the sun rays to display diverse colors as they pass through the forest hence creating a breathtaking site. Diving in Borneo is done by both experts and beginners who get assistance from the professional guides.

The safety of the divers is also guaranteed by the personnel who protects participant from any sea animal that might pose danger. Hence diving in Borneo is one of the activities that play a major role in attracting tourists to the island.

Mountain climbing

Borneo Island also provides mountain climbing opportunities in spots such as the Kinabalu Mountain which 4095 meters tall hence making it the tallest mountain in Indonesia and twentieth in the entire world.

The mountain is relatively easy to climb and while at the top one enjoys magnificent views around the island and an incredible sun set in the evenings. People climbing the mountains get assistance from the professional guides who are conversant with the region hence reducing chances of getting lost and also explaining the diverse features on the way.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Traveling To Borneo: What To See

.
.

Gaya Island Resort - The Jewel of Gaya

YTL Hotels recently unveiled its highly anticipated development, Gaya Island Resort, in Sabah.

YTL Hotels has done it again. It has opened yet another potential winner to add to its fleet of luxury resorts across Asia and Europe.

Located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and set on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the Gaya Island Resort is fashioned very much like Pangkor Laut Resort, but with a distinctive style of its own.

Opened in July, the group’s latest offering is every bit as luxurious and offers vistas of mountains and tropical rainforests. On a clear day, the silhouette of the majestic Mount Kinabalu can be seen.

It was a dreary, rainy day when I stepped off the ferry and walked into the resort last month. The smiley staff made up for the damp weather and escorted me with a huge umbrella into the lobby. My shoes were soaked and with the rain showing no sign of letting up, I sat to read through my itinerary.

As soon as the rain stopped, I ran to my room, dumped my backpack and was ready to explore. I wanted to experience as much as possible during my stay so my days were packed with activities. One I missed out on due to weather was the paddleboat surfing.

Whether you choose to lie in a hammock and watch the sunset (hey, that’s an activity, too!) or do a sunrise power walk or learn some craftwork, snorkel or dive, an assortment of activities awaits the traveller.

Designated snorkelling paths are located along Malohom Beach fronting the resort and at the soon-to-open Tavajun Bay, the resort’s private beach area. Resident marine biologist Scott Mayback is busy surveying the area to set up coral reef restoration and turtle rehabilitation programmes.

“We hope to put in three state-of-the-art coral growing tanks which will expedite the speed of coral growth so we can replant it in the sea,” says Mayback, who oversees all aquatic operations and activities at the resort.

Besides the complimentary snorkelling exploration that is offered daily, diving buffs must check out some of the dive sites in the area.

One evening, I was treated to a sunset cruise aboard Lumba-Lumba, the resort’s 64-foot private luxury yacht. Together with the delightful Tracy Khee, YTL Hotels’ director of public relations, we gingerly got into the vessel and took our positions on the open deck. The rest of the guests decided to sit on the covered upper deck to enjoy the canapés and to keep dry as it was drizzling.

With the wind in our faces and the choppy waters of the South China Sea, balancing a glass of champagne in hand required much effort. Keeping your butt glued to the deck was a greater challenge.

If you’re lucky, you can spot hornbills and fish eagles circling in the skies. We got a stunning view of the sunset for a moment before it disappeared behind the clouds. By the time the clouds passed, the sun had gone down and the cruiser lumba-lumba-ed back to make it before the downpour.

When it’s cold and windy, there’s nothing better than a hot pot of soup. Foodwise, there is the Fisherman’s Cove, serving the best, freshest catch of the day and the all-day-dining Feast Village. A signature at the former is the Sinagang Steamboat, a mouth-watering fish broth blended with lemongrass, chillies, tamarind and ginger flavours loved by the Kadazans.

You can opt for your own private space on the pristine beach or at the rooftop of Fisherman’s Cove and embark on a romantic dinner under the stars featuring a uniquely crafted menu by your personal chef.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Gaya Island Resort - The Jewel of Gaya

.
.

Bunga Raya, Gaya Island, Borneo

This two week trip packs in quite an itinerary.

The first few days however are all about no news, no shoes and kicking back with a great read.

I have a brilliant read. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's a stunner and one my momma in law HAS to read. No correction everyone has to read it. Get it.

After 2 flights and a speed boat transfer we reach the island paradise of Bunga Raya. Nestled in the secluded bay of Gaya Island it is exactly the tropical idyll we hoped for.

Bunga Raya means Hibiscus flower and they are in blooming proliferation here, red, white, yellow, pink, apricot...................

We are quickly shown to our beach bungalow with it's lovely sheltered sun deck and plunge pool which looks out onto talcum powder sand and a crystal clear blue expanse of the South China Sea.

Impatient to plunge, we jump in just wearing our undies. Our bags are en route from the boat and we don't wait a second longer.

There is a flowing brook just below us, so pretty but we both know that come dusk, it will be a seething pool of mossies!

A crane stalks with purpose and the frog has a just in time escape, tench dart frantically, a monitor lizard rustles steadily through the leaves for juicy grubs and a vibrant, crimson butterfly settles on a nearby twig. Just lovely.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Bunga Raya, Gaya Island, Borneo
.
.

Wonders of nature in Borneo

Lying on a tropical island beach, with the sun warming my body and the sound of the sea lulling me to sleep, was a perfect holiday moment. But when a turtle hatchling, smaller than the palm of a person's hand, walked by my beach mat, it took the experience to a whole other level.

From a distance I followed this infant as it made its perilous journey across the sand and into the open sea. Once it reached the water it swam away, its webbed feet moving like a clockwork toy. Most hatchlings are killed by predators at this stage, but for the small number who make it to adulthood this is the start of a long and complex life. They famously return to their birthplace to nest, travelling thousands of miles to do so. It was a delight to witness the first moments of one of nature's great mysteries.

I was on the aptly named Turtle Island, which lies off the east cost of Malaysian Borneo. It's one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet and is a wonderland of rare wildlife, rainforests, pristine coral reefs and picture postcard beaches. It also has a rich ethnographic history, with over 200 indigenous tribes and a large Chinese, Indian and Malay population.

Sabah is the region most famous for its wildlife and I joined a tour with adventure travel specialists Intrepid Travel. The trip is done in 'backpacker' style - perfect for those wanting to make the most of their time with minimum hassle and maximum experiences. Our group of 10 was small enough for a solo traveller like me to get to know everyone, yet big enough to offer variety. As it turned out, I had nine readymade travelling companions to accompany me on my journey.

Our first port of call was a home-stay with a family of the Dusun tribe. Once farming people and head-hunters, many of them now live in cities and towns. Head-hunting was common practice with indigenous tribes until the first decades of the 20th century; the ritual still continues but with replica heads made out of coconut shells. In days gone by the heads would be skinned and dried and smoked over a fire and then hung up in the longhouse. The skulls were believed to have powerful spiritual properties and could ward off evil and misfortune.

Robert, the man of the house, went to great lengths to teach us of the traditional, but disappearing way of life of the Dusun. The first task Robert gave us was 'paddy bashing'. Thankfully this was not an act of violence against my compatriots but involved preparing rice granules for cooking. The 'bashing' involved beating the rice with a stick to remove the husks. It was sweaty work and gave me a new appreciation for the humble grain. After dinner local children performed traditional songs and dances and then tried to teach us some of the moves. Our poorly co-ordinated efforts were a source of great amusement to the locals.

Robert's home is located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, which is considered sacred by his people, who believe it's the resting place for souls. Standing at 4,095m, it's the fourth highest mountain and the steepest climbable peak in South East Asia. Conquering it was next on our itinerary. It was a tough, but gratifying two-day return journey, during which we travelled through the warm lowland rainforests to the near-freezing alpine conditions at the peak.

Welcome relief for aching legs came by soaking in the hot springs of the Mount Kinabalu National Park. These communal baths were established by the Japanese during World War II. The park is a botanical and ornithological paradise with over 300 species of birds and 5,000 flowering plants, some of which can only be found in this particular area of the world. It's home to nature's largest flower, the Rafflesia, which can grow to over a metre in diameter and weigh over 10kg. It's known as the corpse flower, because of the smell of rotten flesh it emits when in bloom.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Wonders of nature in Borneo

.

.

Gaya Island Resort to Open in Borneo July 2012

YTL Hotels remains true to its philosophy of crafting inspired experiences, is set to open its highly anticipated development, Gaya Island Resort in Borneo on the 1st July 2012.

This world class resort will be added to the stellar collection of luxury resorts across Asia and Europe, strengthening YTL Hotels' reputation as Malaysia's premier hospitality group.

Located just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and set on the shores of Pulau Gaya, the largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Gaya Island Resort offers the perfect launching pad to discover Borneo and all that it has to offer; idyllic golden sand beaches, diving sites of spectacular underwater havens and untouched tropical rainforests, offering a home to many rare species, including the orangutan, the proboscis monkey and the pygmy elephant.

Gaya Island Resort will incorporate elements of Sabahan architecture and contemporary design complete with modern amenities and WiFi capabilities. It will comprise 121 spacious stand-alone hill and sea-front villas offering spectacular views of the majestic Mount Kinabalu.

The resort is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and is a short 30 minute combined car and speedboat ride from the airport.

There will be a vast array of activities to satisfy each adventure, nature and water enthusiast while experiencing Sabah's colourful culture.

Activities available include canoeing, paddle surfing and jogging while creative guests can immerse themselves in intriguing activities such as weaving and beading classes, Rungus Tribe Storytelling and Borneo Cooking Class.

Guests can also rejuvenate with a traditionally Borneo spa treatment, amidst the tranquillity of the ancient rainforest or meditate to the soothing sounds of the gentle lapping waves.

Enjoy land and marine explorations such as scuba diving adventures, PADI open water course, island hopping, chartered snorkelling excursions with the Marine Biologist or a jungle safari with the Resident Naturalist and Mount Kinabalu expeditions.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Gaya Island Resort to Open in Borneo July 2012

.
.

Mantanani Island Paradise

Chalets at Mantanani Besar Island

Guest briefing on arrival at the restaurant

Pulau Lunggisan, one of islands in the Mantanani chain,
is unapproachable due to strong currents

Fishing boats anchored at Mantanani village

Thatched roofs and tall coconut trees keep the chalets cool inside

By Wanderlust

Many of us dream of taking the perfect vacation on a luxurious island paradise but the cost for such a trip can be very intimidating. Flashy brochures flaunt pictures of white sandy beaches, golden-hued sunsets, crystal clear seas and swaying coconut tress to entice you. But what if you can get all this at a fraction of the cost? Creature comforts such as air conditioning, hot showers and gourmet meals take a back seat at this island paradise because the best part of it all can be enjoyed regardless of package price.

TAKE ME TO THE BEACH

Mari Mari Backpackers Lodge is located at Mantanani Besar Island which is part of a cluster of three islands north of Kota Belud. The journey there starts with a bus ride for about 1 hour 40 minutes to Kuala Abai and from there, another 45 minutes by boat to Mantanani. Mt Kinabalu, like a sentinel that you can see from almost any point along the west coast, loomed above Kuala Abai and created the perfect backdrop as we made our way to Mantanani.

The boat ride was pleasant if not slightly choppy as we crossed the open sea towards our destination. Be prepared to be bowled over at you approach the island. As the sea gets shallower, the water takes on an incredible turquoise hue and is absolutely crystal clear. The contrast with the almost blinding white sand on the beach was just so stunning. Driftwood of all shapes and sizes line the beach with stands on casuarinas and coconut trees at its back.

As you step off the boat and onto the island, you instantly feel relaxed and all but ready to jump into the nearest hammock with a cool glass on pina colada in your hand while Bob Marley gets the reggae beat going on in the background. Well, it didn’t quite happen this way but it was not that far from the truth either.

The accommodation is a cluster of wooden stilted chalets with thatched roof and a seating area underneath where you can laze in a hammock or curl up in a chair with your favourite book. You get uninterrupted views of the gorgeous sea and mountain range in the background as the ocean breeze keeps it cool and comfortable. As for your pina colada option, please bring necessary ingredients with you.

KEEPING IT REAL

You can opt to stay at a twin-share chalet with attached or common bathroom. There’s also dorm style accommodation (4 persons) for families or small groups. The lodge gets its electricity supply from a nearby village which comes on between 6pm and 6am but the chalets are adequately cooled thanks to their thatched roofs and shady coconut trees nearby. The restaurant with its beach sand floor and Bob Marley who comes on after 6pm in the background, serves simple fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner with free flow of coffee and tea. Board games and a small library of books (mostly in German) and magazines can be found here for your recreational pleasures.

But what visitors come here for is either to dive or simply unwind in the beautiful surroundings with a smattering of light activities to break up the lazy days soaking up the sun on the beach. Dive and snorkeling trips are organized daily to nearby Mantanani Kechil Island where coral gardens bloom and multi-coloured tropical fish dart about. You can hire a sea kayak and paddle out to view island and its surroundings from a distance.

Photography enthusiasts will love how Mother Nature unfolds the many colours, nuances, and moods of the island’s breathtaking scenery throughout the day. Activities are charged separately so you can decide what activities to do and how often you’d like to take part. This makes it really affordable for those who just want to spend time doing nothing more strenuous than turning over for an even tan or showing up for meals at the restaurant.

There is a fishing village some 15 minutes walk from the lodge where its inhabitants come from the Ubian tribe. The people are friendly and children constantly greet you with a “hello” or “what’s your name?”. The best place to get to know a village and its people is to head for a coffee shop or sundry shop. You can buy some snacks or have a coffee and strike up a conversation with the locals. An elderly lady spoke of the three generations of her family who have lived on Mantanani and how they had to rent the land they lived on by calculating the value of coconut trees growing on the land. There is no agriculture on the island and the coconut trees simply act as land demarcation markers. Many more generations have lived on the island but the lifestyle till today has changed little. The villagers still depend on the sea for their living as evidenced by the covered fishing boats that go far out to harvest the riches of the sea.

Mantanani has the idyllic setting of a typical tropical island paradise. The natural landscape is stunning, the ambience quiet and relaxing and with just enough cultural attributes to complement the already rich natural tapestry of the island. Mantanani feels like a lifetime time away but is hardly the isolated island it once was. It is accessible under three hours from the city, all the basic amenities are available and its main attraction is nature itself. There is no large infrastructure to obscure the picture postcard views and if you are keeping a tight hold of your wallet, this is the best place to live the island life at a very affordable price.

Source: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites

NOTE: Photo Copyright to New Sabah Times
.
.

Marine attractions of Manukan Island

The entrance welcomes visitors to Manukan Island

Manukan Island, always popular with tourists

Wooden chalets on the island

Starfish found in the island

A tourist playing with the fishes

A yacht docking at Jesselton

Bombs and shells on display at WWII memorial at Manukan Island

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to AK and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

By AK

Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton, is the city capital of Sabah. A popular tourist's getaway and a major gateway into Sabah and Asia, it boasts an admirable collection of beautiful islands.

Charming and alluring Manukan Island or Pulau Manukan is one of the more famous ones. A 20-minute boat ride from Jesselton Point, it is the more popular islands in Sabah due to the attraction of its white sandy beaches and rich hued waters teeming with marine life. The abundance of corals and availability of water sports makes this a premiere destination for island hopping in Sabah.

Manukan Island is part of the chain of islands that makes up Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Sabah, Malaysia. The boat ride would costs around RM20 - 35 and can accommodate 10 people, so if you're in a group that's less than the quorum, be prepared to wait a while until 10 people sign up.

The boat that takes you to the island is a modern speed boat and it easily navigates through the clear waters towards the island of your choice. The boat have a mixture of travellers from all over the world and the early morning skies are perfect when headed towards Pulau Manukan.

Snorkels can be rented from the boat operator at around RM15. The boats that are allowed to dock at Pulau Manukan have to be registered with Sabah Parks and are required to meet safety requirements, eg, life jackets must be worn during the journey.

The waterfront of Kota Kinabalu zips by as the boat departs and there is a constant wind from the speed of the boat blowing at you. The boat occasionally runs into waves so splashes of water into the boat are pretty common.

The lush green island soon comes into view as the boat slows down to dock at the Pulau Manukan Island. The natural beauty of the island is apparent - calm, green waters with a diverse amount of fishes swimming around and white, sandy beaches at the fringe with deep green lush trees lining the island.

The rich marine life on Manukan Island is apparent as we disembarked from the boat - the high tide submerges the lower part of the jetty and people can be seen feeding the fishes with pieces of bread.

The island is a protected zone so no fishing or harming of the marine life is permitted. This allows the fish to breed in abundance and they're quite friendly and unafraid of human contact.

Pulau Manukan has chalets for overnight stays but most people come here just to relax and enjoy the natural offerings of the island on a day trip. The red buoys bobbing around the perimeter extending 100 metres out from the beach are designated swimming areas.

There is a lot of boat traffic outside that demarcation and the speed boats carrying island visitors frequently passes very close to the line so it is a good idea to keep inside the perimeter. The Manukan Island pier is a wooden catwalk hovering over the vibrant green waters and the natural tranquility of the island is palpable as you walk towards the beach.

There is a "Welcome to Pulau Manukan" sign at the end of the pier and a RM3 conservation fee is to be paid at the booth before entry to the beach is permitted.

The chalets nest in lush greenery greet you as you first step on the beach. The polished wooden chalets look perfectly in place on the island, due to the matching theme and decor of the architecture.

There are lifeguard posts located at the beach should the need arise and in case of emergency. If you try snorkelling, one can see many different multi-coloured fishes, taking bites out of pieces of bread, occasionally nipping at your fingers. Sea cucumbers of all sizes lining the seabed and starfishes and corals of mind-boggling variety and complexity intensify the whole experience. The scenic islands surrounding Manukan Island are easily visible from the shore and saying that the island is beautiful is simply a big understatement.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
.
.

Places of Interest in Sabah: Dinawan Island, Kinarut

Surrounded by the serene waters of South China Sea, Dinawan Island is reachable via speedboat from the Marina Sutera jetty in approximately 25 minutes.

This premier island resort is built on a lustrous tropical rainforest in the midst of clear, blue sea with warm and gentle blowing sea breeze. It is built with minimum disturbance to the natural surroundings - an excellent place to engulf oneself in tranquil island atmosphere.

A stay in the resort will give visitors a taste of untainted nature at its divine best! Be thrilled by the sights and sounds of squawking hornbills flying free in the rainforests, and enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu in the morning.

Guests can entertain themselves with a myriad of exciting activities such as snorkeling, sea walking, scuba diving, and other water sports. Other available activities include day and night fishing, a game of pool, and a game of mahjong. Guests can also enhance their zen experience by getting a traditional massage.

Source: Sabah Tourism

NOTE: Photo Copyright to Sabah Tourism
.
.

Pulau Sebatik in Sabah another tourism attraction

TAWAU: Pulau Sebatik, an island known for being bisected by the Indonesia-Malaysia border, is being considered for development as one of Tawau’s main tourism destinations.

Sebatik Member of Parliament, Abdul Muis Picho said the island has many tourism potentials and is already a popular destination for anglers due to its rich marine life.

Its multi-cultural community is also an attraction for visitors who want a taste of the unique Sabahan lifestyle.

“The island is also a habitat for proboscis monkeys,” he pointed out saying that he will be working together with the local authorities as well as other agencies to develop the island’s tourism potentials.

Homestay programmes will be developed as a way to increase the residents’ income, he said after attending the New Year 2011 Celebration with 1,000 Kg Bergosong residents at Pulau Sebatik.

“We will ensure that the island’s community will be able to improve their economy through business, agriculture and fishery.

“In fact, a private palm oil factory is due to start operations on the island, which will give a positive impact by providing job opportunities,” he added.

Muis also hoped that the Pulau Sebatik community will continue to give their full support to the government in order to carry out more plans this year.

Continue reading at: Pulau Sebatik in Sabah another tourism attraction
.
.

Ironically, Sabah tourism threatens islands

Sabah’s islands are popular with tourists because of their pristine waters, according to Masidi Manjun, minister of tourism, culture and environment. More than half a million tourists make a beeline for the islands of Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, Sulug and Gaya which make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

They are attracted to the stunningly colourful corals, fish and other marine animals. But pollution from rising plastic trash, lavish feeding of fish with commercial fish food and tourists’ penchant for eating shark fins are killing corals and other marine life.

The problem is grave enough for Masidi to ban tourists from feeding coral fish with food pellets and discourage them from bringing plastic bottles of drinking water to the islands and eating shark fins cooked in soup, an Asian delicacy.

“We don’t know whether the fish feed is safe for the environment,” he says. “The fish can feed themselves.” But tour companies say tourists are thrilled by the experience of seeing the fish eating voraciously in the clear water as they feed them from their boats.

Three-quarters of Malaysia’s corals are found in Sabah. And they are dying from a process known as “coral bleaching” during which they lose colour and die. There are many reasons for this. But warming of sea because of increased chemical pollutants is one, according to marine biologists.

Twelve popular dive sites of the peninsular Malaysia, notably those of Tioman and Redang, have been closed from July until the end of this month to allow corals to recuperate. About 60% of them are found to be dying. The situation isn’t so bad in Sabah, according to Theresa Tham who heads a marine environmental awareness campaign.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Ironically, Sabah tourism threatens islands
.
.

Brighter times for Pulau Bruit, Sarawak

PULAU Bruit, which encompasses about 530 sq km, is poised to become a major tourist destination in Sarawak.

The island, together with nearby Muslim-Melanau Kampung Penipah and Kampung Tekajong along the Rajang River, is now set for prosperous times.

The villages have a combined population of 8,000, most of whom are padi farmers and fishermen.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced plans to develop the island into a major tourist destination during the Sibu by-election in May this year.

Earlier, on April 28, Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin announced a RM28mil infrastructure project to upgrade it into an agropolitan centre. Of the allocation, RM10mil was to supply clean water to the island.

Pulau Bruit, the second largest island in Malaysia after Pulau Langkawi, has been placed on the priority list for development by the state due to its location in the Sarawak Corridor of Renewable Energy.

It is about 64km from Sibu and the journey takes two-and-a-half hours by speed boat or express boat via Daro and Semop. It includes a half hour cruise on the South China Sea.

The trip to Sibu and back is costly for locals who have to fork out RM20 to RM30 per person. It can also be traumatic if the sea is stormy.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Brighter times for Pulau Bruit, Sarawak
.
.

Beauties beneath Manukan Island

The jetty is always packed with visitors from all walks of life

Some of the many colourful fish that can be found swimming freely

Playing in the water near to the beach

School of fish swimming closer to the surface

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Abdul Aziz Pandin and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd

By Abdul Aziz Pandin

Have you ever wondered how it feels like to be surrounded by colourful fishes under the sea? Charmed by the beauty of the sandy white beaches, crystal clear water and the natural greeneries? I do. There are so many things that you can do if you are seeking for tranquillity, serenity, sun, and fun activities at Manukan Island, Sabah.

The island is located at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, the second National Park in Sabah, and only accessible by boats. Other than Manukan, which is the second largest and most developed island, there are other islands - Sapi Island, Mamutik Island, Gaya Island and Sulug Island and they are just close to one another.

From the Jesselton Pier, you can buy tickets from any of the boat operators. The journey to the island of choice takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Sometimes, it depends on where they go first. The return fare is reasonable and there are also pick up times to allow any visitors to get on and get off the islands at their convenient times. The hotel where you stay can arrange the tour outing for you as well.

As we arrived at Manukan jetty, the view was just so captivating as we could see colourful fishes, abundant of them, swimming around the jetty. We could see them clearly from above. As we walked towards the entrance, we need to pay a conservation fee at the reception.

As we entered the beautiful island, there are nature trails if you wish to explore and venture deeper into the island. Most visitors go there just for the sun, beach and sea. You can snorkelling - one of my favourite water activities - where you need to rent the snorkelling gears.

Other activities such as walking under the sea, ski jet, glass bottom boat ride, bird watching, fish feeding, swimming, water sports are also provided but of course everything is for rental.

You can also do photography and jogging in the park itself. There are food stalls and restaurants too comprising seafood, barbeque, or simply coffee and tea.

There are also accommodations provided such as Hilltop Cabins and Beach Lodges. You can stay overnight in one of these but remember to book in advance. If you are staying overnight, you will experience a divine moment of sunset.

I must say, this island is a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the cities and our daily life.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
.
.