Sunday, October 11, 2009

mabul island



Just half an hour from the coast of Malaysian Borneo, Mabul is a small, oval shaped island covered in tall palm trees, fringed with soft white sand and surrounded by the turquoise water of the Celebes Sea. You can easily walk around it in half an hour.
The pathway around the island cuts through a local Bajau village and gives one an intimate glimpse into a traditional lifestyle that is entirely dependent on the sea.

Most people that set foot here, however, have only one thing in mind and that is scuba diving. Mabul has not only become famous for its proximity to Sipadan, but also has a reputation as one of the best “muck” diving sites there is.

The abundance of large underwater animals and the unique topography in Sipadan offers an adrenalin-filled diving experience, and as there are no accommodation facilities on Sipadan, many divers choose Mabul as their base to explore it. Mabul, however, offers something entirely different, yet equally fascinating. The fairly shallow waters and low visibility, has earned it the muck diving label, but it is the abundance of tiny, exotic creatures that brings divers, armed with macro lens cameras, down here time and time again. Scuba diving in Mabul

sibu island

Sibu Island Johor, Malaysia
The Sibu Archipielago lies only 30 minutes from the east coast of peninsular Malaysia. The scenic cluster of islands is made up of Pulau Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Sibu Hujung, Pulau Kukus and Pulau Tinggi, “Pulau” being the Malay word for island. The archipelago is rich in natural beauty and sea turtles crawl ashore here in July to lay their eggs. It is hard to think that this peaceful area was once the site of a Vietnamese refugee camp.

Most of these islands continue to be uninhabited but, luckily, on Pulau Sibu Besar, various resorts have opened their doors, providing a tropical escape for those needing a break from city life.
On Sibu Island, there are the numerous outdoor activities, fishing trips being particularly popular. Scuba diving is also a good option as this area was designated a Marine Park in 1993 for the conservation of the marine life in the surrounding water. The lush tropical vegetation of Sibu is perfect for a bit of jungle trekking. While you won’t need serious equipment to brave the 15-20minute walks that take you from one resort to another, a good insect repellent is a must.

The panoramic sea views, the coral reefs and the white sandy beaches make Sibu a special place, where the only risk is to fall in love with the idyllic island life. Have a peaceful, private holiday, enjoy some sea sports or just relax in paradise. Selamat Datang!

Map of Sibu Island

kapalai island

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Atop the Ligitan reef, a narrow sandbar appears at low tide, only just rising above the waves of the Celebes Sea – Kapalai Island. As the sandy ridge tapers down into deeper water, the shallow sand bed creates a cloud of turquoise in an azure sea, crowned with the wooden village of the Sipadan-Kapalai resort.

The entire Sipadan-Kapalai Resort is built on stilts on the sand and in the shallow water. From afar, it seems to be floating in the middle of the sea. There is an abundance of marine life just below its wooden walkways, a hint at the treasures to be discovered in the depths beyond.
These undersea wonders are the true attraction of Kapalai, apart from the panoramic sea views and the unmatchable seclusion. Without even getting wet, you can spot unusual creatures like lionfish and needlefish in the clear water around your chalet, and diving in Kapalai means entering a macroworld paradise.

Kapalai is located off the coast of Semporna, a small fishing town in Malaysian Borneo (how to get there). It is within minutes of Sipadan Island, a legend in diving circles, and its equally famous neighbour, Mabul Island.

tinggi island

Among the most pristine and untouched regions of Tinggi Island is Pasir Panjang (Long Beach), which is nestled in a long stretch of golden sands. According to the legend, Hang Tuah (a Malay hero) stopped here before he continued his journey. The island got its name from the Malay word for tall, "Tinggi".

The island has fresh water, fruits, rattan, timber and a well sheltered harbour. The boat ride to Tinggi Island takes approximately 40 minutes. The crystal clear water and the lush forest make you forget all about your stressful day-to-day life. Don't miss the sunset view from Tinggi Island. An island nearby, 'Berlima' is a very suitable place for swimming and snorkelling. 'Berlima' simply means five, which represents five small islands. Other snorkelling destinations are Sibu Kukus and Mentinggi Island.

Tinggi Island is a fisherman's paradise. Other activity on Tinggi Island includes jungle trekking allowing you to step into the virgin jungle. It is a suitable place for honeymooners, away from the noise and pollution of cities and better developed resorts. Simply put ... peaceful, relaxing and cool.