Sabah, Nature Gateway In Malaysia

As a traveler and naturalist, I have been always adored the beauty of marine parks in Sabah. Residing in Sabah about 6 years had illuminated me about the details of travelling in Sabah. I would like to take this chance to promote the magnificence of Sabah to the world and all those travelers around the world.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Sabah is the Malaysia’s first marine National Park. This park consists of 5 islands, including Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, Sulug and partitioned Gaya Island.

What amazes me about these islands are, they are located very near to the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu city and yet I can guarantee you, you will be swimming in the sparkling blue ocean. Compared to other islands in Malaysia, the sea surrounding the islands is still clean and clear.

Tips to travel to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Sabah

• All the boats depart from Jesselton Point. There a rows of shops that sells foods and tits.
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• Try  to schedule your itinerary not to visit the islands during weekends. Its massively crowded. It's not going to be a leisurely vacation for you during that time. The space in those islands is very much limited.
• The best time to visit the island is from 8am-10am and 2pm-4pm.  The sun during  noon in Sabah gives a burning sensation. Therefore sunblock with minmum SPF 30 is a must bring item
• If you really a backpacker traveller, I will suggest for you to pre-pack the food from Kota Kinabalu. The food that being sold in islands are expectionally expensive. A can soft drink simply can cost up to RM5.00.
• However for those who want dwell in seafood BBQ Lunch, the island do have the BBQ lunch package that range from RM90-RM150. You may negotiate with the boat agent.
• Please be cautious of jellyfish season or you might end up with stings on your body. The jellyfish may not visible though. However these jelly fishes are not poisonous. However the stings could be very much irritating during swimming.
• For those who likes snorkelling, you may rent the gadgets like, the snorkelling google,life jacket and the flippers. The rental cost for the google and life jacket will range from RM12-RM15.
• Do negotiate with boat agent  for the boat fees. The boat fees ranges from RM15-RM45 depending how many island that you would like to explore.
• The terminal fees is compulsary – RM7.20/adult. However with student card, you can get 50% discount oft the terminal fees.
• Upon entering the island, RM3.00/adult &RM1.00/child are required to be paid as Island Conservation Fees.

 

Manukan Island
Among the largest island in the park, with sight of big size fishes. It is often a crowded island. Depending on the season, the water may be cloudy and therefore does not provide good sights for snorkelling. This island also has some scenic trackking path. There are island resorts under the management of Sutera Harbour. The cost of these resorts ranges from RM850-RM 1200/ per night. It will be good leisure family stay for many. There are sea activities like banana boat ride with negotiable price.



Mamutik Island
Smaller island and the beach area quite limited but less crowded. I prefer this island better than others, as you will have better chances to see colouful fishes during snorkelling. I have to admit there are no more colourful live corals as most of them dead due to over commercialisation. But this island has one of astounding scenic view.







Sapi Island
I used to love this island a lot, as it was the only island with a number of live corals and coral reef fishes. But due to high volume of tourist and less preservation efforts, this island had lost its beauty touch. The island itself do provide some scenic view and one of best place just to chill around. However this island is must a must visit place for scuba divers. During my scuba diving lesson, my scube diver guide had encounter with baby whale. Who knows,you could be the next lucky person!!!!
Another best part of this island is they do offer SEA UNDERWATER WALK. It certainly a must try experience especially for those afraid of scuba diving and yet would like to have the diving experience. The package ranges from RM 180-250/pax. I eould like to recommend for adventure lovers to camp overight in this island.However be cautious of wild boars. Do keep the food properly as it will attract them to come over.






Another recent attraction about this island is Borneo Reef World which is basically a large floating pontoon in the middle of sea next to Sapi Island. It provides reef viewing platform (glass bottom and under observatory that located directly in front of the platform.It provides great sight of colourful reed and variety of fishes. The glass bottom view gives opportunity a snorkellers-eye view of the marine without wirrying of getting wet.




Fares Price For Borneo Reef World:
Adults (Above 12 Years Old) RM295.00
Child (4-12 Years Old) RM 195.00
Family 2Adults/2Kids Child 4-12 years old RM 950.00
Note: Fees include: Jetty Fee (RM7.00), PA Insurance (RM3.00) and Fuel Surcharge (RM30.00)


Pulau Sulug
Pulau Sulug is a less commercialised island. There are much facilities available in this island. However if you would like to have tranquil moments, this island certainly a place of wonder.


Pulau Gaya
Is the largest island among the rest. A part of these island are resided by Philipines illegal immigrants, They live in floating boats. However you will amazed with astounding view of another part of the island. The other part of this island have the most luxuries resorts among the rest of islands.
If you are willing to pay RM1000-2000 per night stay, and enjoy luxury yet magnificent view, this place certainly guarantees that.
Here is special coverage by TheStar Online about swimming monkey at Gaya Resort. It's truly amazing things to see monkey swimming in sea water. Check out this link. http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2014/01/17/swimming-monkey/



Madai Waterfall, Kunak
Kunak is considered one of the smallest district in Sabah, yet it holds one of the best waterfall in Sabah. It is known as MADAI waterfall. 










Location :
Its accesible from them main road. From Tawau town, drive towards to the Lahad Datu. Drive straight to Kunak Town Junction and continue straight toward Lahad Datu.
Madai Baturong Kunak Forest Reserve is 10 minutes after the Kunak reservation.
It is well maintained park, I particularly love this park for its tranquil atmosphere. There are few hanging bridge ( Jambatan Tergantung) that you can try.
The entrance fees is just RM2.00.
The water is brownish in colour, though the source of the waterfall is clean. Just make sure you dont drink the water. However be cautious ; do not get near the drop ,as it is deep. There are spaces round the pool suitable for the picnics.

PULAU MABUL & PULAU SIPADAN

SIPADAN ISLAND lies off the east coast of Malaysia Borneo in Sabah. This island known as one of top diving spot in world. 

 
How to get there :
There is flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau or from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau. From Tawau, you have to drive by road about 2 hours to reach Semporna. From there you need get a boat ride to Sipadan island which takes 1 hour ride by Express Boat. None allowed to stay in Sipadan Island. However you have options to stay in nearby islands like Mabul or Kapalai.

Mabul Island is an island 15km away from Sipadan. The entire is a mixture of dive resorts and local Bajau community. I personally suggest to stay in Mabul Island, because the ammodation is cheaper compare to Kapalai, and cleaner than in Semporna. Plus some of the dive resorts were bult on sea where you can some local reef diving any time you convenient with. 

 
Sipadan Water Village, Mabul Islan certainly as place of comfort experiences. They have numerous package including accomodation, food, boat transfer from Semporna to Mabut, boat transfer to Sipadan/ Kapalai. Hats off for their hospitality. I guarantee a memorable stay for anyone intrested.Each penny paid will be worth it at end of day.
The peak season are during April to August where the clarity of water at its optimal level and blessing for the divers.



Sipadan is wellknown dive sites for its sea turtles and white tip sharks that can be seen in almost in every dive including snorkelling. Other highlights are huge schools of jackfish, barracudas and bumphead parrotfish.Its a great blessing if you come across with jackfish or barracuda tornado. However be careful, it only occurs during strong current or you might sweep away.
For any tour arrangement, please contact +Kevin G at +60174552930 or email at otteripog85@gmail.com
Check out this link for more holiday options at reasonable price. http://happytourtravel.com/Tours.aspx

To be continue.

Review by +Kevin Walker 

 

Place to Eat:

Ayam Penyet & Warung Bandung, Sabah

Warung Bandung, Kota Kinabalu 

 If you are looking for a quick, yet heavy lunch, I will strongly recommend Waring Bandung, (near Open University), Kota Kinabalu. 

The unique meal of the this Warung would be ' Nasi Panggang'. It's basically steamed rice wrapped in banana leaves. The secret ingredients of  this meal would be the roasted ground nuts inserted in the middle of the rice.  The rice certainly worth to try. 

The rice is being served with Chicken or Fish that's being cooked upon order. 

The cuisine resembles Indonesians cuisine.  If you love spicy meals, Nasi Panggang + Ayam Penyet Balado (as in  the picture)  certainly would be a good choice.  If you are looking for the healthier version, they do serve  Ayam Panggang (Roasted Chicken).

The price is pretty standard and appropriate with portion, ranging from RM8.00-10.00. One single serving (as in Picture) could satisfy the hunger of two. 

Review by +Kevin G