beautifulkk.com

sun bathing at manukan island

The islands off Kota Kinabalu are the most visited destinations on the west coast of Sabah after Kinabalu National Park. These islands are the prefect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Activities like swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, and sand castle building especially for the children fill the day. Or one can join the unique “Scuba Doo” (mini-submarine), where one gets to tag along with the fishes, no scuba diving certificate is needed for this ride. For the less energetic consuming activities, books and sun bathing is a well trusted combination.  Just remember to use lots of sun tan lotions. Or laze the afternoon away lying under the tropical trees, enjoy the cool breeze plus a great sea view. Hopping from island to island is also another activity to consider.

(more…)

Most travellers to Kota Kinabalu will not miss the chance to enjoy a good day of sand, sea and sun on the marine park just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu city. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of five islands altogether. The largest being Gaya Island, while Mamutik is the smallest island in the group. Meanwhile Manukan Island, Sapi Island and Sulug Island make up the rest of the marine park. Mamutik island has an area of 60,000 square metres and shapes like a triangle.

Compare to Manukan and Sapi, Mamutik is the least crowded, yet it offers almost everything the other two have. Mamutik Island is also very close to the Sabah mainland, just about 3km. If one departs from the Tanjung Aru Beach Hotel jetty, the speed boat ride is just five minutes or less at times. Once arrived at the Mamutik Island’s jetty, schools of fish can be seen crowded around the jetty. Being a great host they seem to welcome all the visitors to have fun and a relaxed time on this beautiful tropical island.

(more…)

The west coast of Sabah is blessed with many beautiful beaches, while the popular ones have made it to the travelling books, there are still many beaches yet to be covered by the mass media. One of these less visit beaches, even by the local standard, is Melinsung Beach, which lies 28 km south of Kota Kinablu, and only 8 km away from Papar town. This 3 km long sandy beach is connected to a shallow sea bed and is constantly washed up by the gentle waves from the South China Sea. The tall Pine trees along the beach seem to go on forever, creating a great perspective view, and some drift woods scattered along the beach giving it a more rusty look. On a clear day when the big blue sky open up ones are easily enchanted by the beauty that nature provides. The unobstructed horizon also offers an unforgettable sunset view. Melinsung Beach is a much sort after addition, for those who prefer a serene, quiet, and peaceful beach. (more…)

Sapi Island together with Gaya Island, Mamutik Island, Manukan Island and Sulug Island made up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, which is located just off the shore of Kota Kinabalu City. With an area of 0.1 sq km, Sapi island is dwarfed in size compares with the near by Gaya Island, the largest of the five islands. Over the years a good rivalry has built up between Manukan Island and Sapi Island, where visitors have to choose between better facilities and bigger Manukan Island or the small but rich in nature beauty of Sapi Island.

The moment one arrives at the jetty of Sapi Island the crystal clear water of the sea is clearly seen. School of fish numbering in thousand, ranging from harmless small fish to the more dangerous sword fish, can be seen swimming around the jetty. Sometime Napoleon fish and Parrot fish can be spotted too. After passing through the park entrance, most visitors will ahead off to the short white sandy beach which stretches from the jetty to the western rocky cliff. Wooden tables and seats are provided put there are not many, some visitors might have to use floor mate to settle down their belongings. For those who choose to settle down under the trees that are near to the forest, do keep an watchful eyes on the macaque monkeys which are known to prey on visitors’ belongings.

(more…)