"Sapi Island or Pulau Sapi most beautiful island in Sabah"

This small island which is part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is only 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu town  in Sabah Borneo and there are boats going and coming from the mainland every other hour. A very popular place for day trippers as there are no lodgings here. Most packages include a lunch, snorkeling and just relaxing on the beach. Not as busy as sister island Manukan but does get crowded on weekends. Sapi Island has some of the best waters and beach here. Local attraction is the huge monitor lizards that look like Komodo Dragons.

Pulau Sapi Island in Sabah, one of the five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and is just a 15 minute boat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. This is one of the most beautiful islands around here and is smaller than Pulau Manukan but the crowd here is much less compared to the neighboring islands. If you are planning on visiting any of these islands while in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, I would easily recommend Pulau Sapi anytime.   

Pulau Sapi is easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu via two places. One would be taking the hourly ferry from Jesselton Pier while the other way getting to Sapi Island is from Sutera Harbor. Both offer about the same time to the island while Jesselton may be a little cheaper. You can simply do a half day trip and be back in KK after lunch. This is the most popular island package tour operators are offering. 

On arrival here, you will be amazed by the clarity and colour of the waters surrounding the island and once  you get on the jetty, you will be mesmerized at the natural beauty surrounding this place. Seriously, you could not stop clicking away. 

As each of the islands around the TAR Park are maintained by Sabah Parks, you need to pay the island entrance fees of RM3 for Malaysians and RM10 for non-Malaysians at the counter which is a very minimal fee if you ask me. Just for the record, Sapi means Cow in the Malay language, reason for this is that the shape of the island is like the head of a cow which was given by the Bajau people in the old days.  

Fish food is sold in recycled mineral water bottles for you to feed when you go snorkeling. Some of the coral fishes are so bold, one need not get into the water while you can just throw the food from the beach and they will come in droves. Remember to practice responsible tourism and dispose of the bottle in a proper way. 

The waters here are so clear, it's unbelievable that the main land is just fifteen minutes away. Many regulars tend to choose Pulau Sapi over Manukan due to the larger crowds there while first timers would most likely land in Manukan. So, with this you now know where to go if you want clearer waters and less crowds. But weekends are no guarantee as it is indeed a very popular place.

As for activities here, there is the Scuba-Doo mini submarine experience for you to try. Something only Sapi and Manukan has where you ride this little motorbike-style-submarine to do a sea walk. 

Sea walking at Sapi Island

The general snorkeling at Sapi Island is one you have to try. The waters are really clear and there are lots of coral fishes ranging from little ones to large ones. A floating barrier protects the surrounding are where you are not to venture out from there. Personally, you got me some fish food and did your rounds of snorkeling here and the schools of fish were following you where ever you swam.

Pristine beaches at Sapi Island

For scuba diving at Sapi Island, there are dive shops that offer packages for dive lessons and actual dives. There are four dive spots at Pulau Sapi which is located on the North-Western part of the island. At the main beach near the jetty, dive training and lessons are conducted in a confined area. The waters here are clear, shallow and easy to manage for beginners. It is best that you ask your tour operator for the dive contacts to learn or dive here.

Student divers practicing in the shallow waters

Apart from the general activities at Pulau Sapi, you can always pretend to be a super model as in the picture above. All you need is a towel, camera and guts the size of the island. Well, why not when the water and sand is beautiful. 

Inland, a unique attraction only available on Sapi Island awaits to be discovered by you. If you walk towards the left section as you enter the island, you may encounter really large lizards that look like the Komodo Dragons but they are not. These lizards are known as Biawaks or Monitor Lizards that grow up to about six feet in length. If you are lucky, your guide will inform you about this and show it to you. 

Special attraction at Sapi Island

On occasion, these monitor lizards may venture close to the tables because of the food. I would advise that you do not try to pat them to let your kids near them. Though they look harmless and slow, they can be a little dangerous in defending themselves. Usually the island staff would chase them back to the greens when they venture too far out.The main reason for them to appear is that the staff cook the barbecues by the edge of the forest attracting this reptiles.

 

Again, take pictures but don't try to pose with them. Their saliva is filled with bacteria while their claws can rip a nasty gash on you. Best option is to keep a 5 feet distance from these prehistoric looking reptiles. Another thing to look out for are the local monkeys or macaques which make the island their home. These monkeys have a tendency to cart away belongings of guests here. so if you are sitting closer to the jungle, I would highly advise to keep an eye on your belongings. 

  

Sapi Island is mostly shaded naturally so you need not worry much about the blistering direct sun unless you head out to the beach. Your lunch meals are taken under the shade usually buffet style. Remember when you book the packages from the operators, they will include the meals unless specified.

You had a buffet seafood lunch package ready for us. Barbecued seafood which included prawns, fish and squid was the main while local fried rice and noodles with sausages was also served For dessert, cut sliced local fruits and for drinks, there was a container of cordial juice. Bottled water was also given to each of us. A decent meal if you ask me so do not expect five star service here. 

 

Sapi Island is truly one of Sabah's little gem as I have never seen clarity and beauty in one island which is so close to the city. One of the fun things to do at Pulau Sapi is to wait for the tide to go down so you can actually walk across to Pulau Gaya and back through the connecting sandbar. Do not attempt this alone and best to do it with someone.  

For those who like camping, you are allowed to do so here but only with the permission of the Park Warden. please inquire about this with your tour agent or company before hand. You have seen some groups camp out here with bonfires. Toilets are provided while a local restaurant/cafe is available.

Though many types of other motorized activities are offered at  Pulau Sapi and the surrounding islands, you would strongly recommend you do not participate in them as motorized sports are non-environmentally friendly and dangerous. But the choice is entirely up to you.

If you are the adventurous type with a little more to spend, book an entire boat that takes you to all the islands here. The experience would be well worth while. 

It was amazing.....

Boracay Island – Philippines

Boracay is a tropical island located approximately 315km (200 miles) south of Manila and 2km off the northwest tip of the island of Panay in the Western Visayas region of the Philippines. It is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. Its long white sand beaches rival the best beaches of more popular destinations such as the Caribbean, the South Pacific as well as neighbouring Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Accommodation standards vary, with top of the line hotels and resorts to a simple bed rented from a resident. As such, whatever your budget, you could easily find a suitable place to stay. During peak periods such as Holy Week, Christmas and New Year, rooms are more difficult to find and more expensive, so book in advance. Staying along White Beach gets you closer to the bars, lounging and food, while staying closer to Bulabog beach gives you better access to the popular wind and kite-boarding areas.

Boracay has a wide variety of places to eat, including a surprising number of bakeries.

• Blue Jade Cafe is in D’Talipapa and offers Asian and European cuisine. Customers can also shop in the market for fresh sea food and have it cooked for them at the restaurant.
• D’Talipapa The best and cheapest place to eat. Around the place are a variety of food stores that offers to cook for you, you could just buy Fresh sea foods/ etc (located just near the stores) then have the stores cook it for you with what ever way you like it.
• Smoke , located down one of the alleys opposite Lemon cafe in D’mall is a very good budget eatery. Local dishes, meat and seafood dishes, omelets and excellent sandwiches are on offer.
• Zuzuni, near boat station 1, is the island’s best Greek restaurant, serving excellent cuisine in a romantic, beachfront setting. The service is friendly and extremely efficient

The activities will do there like cliff diving, snorkeling, and boating in an unspoiled setting comprised of volcanic caves, mangrove forests, turquoise coves, and remote beaches, tourist definitely need to go to Ariel’s Point.

Other activities to do are take a para-sailing tour around the island, to explore quiet beaches and snorkel sites and also organize a romantic BBQ on the beach with fresh grilled seafood. Cruise back at sunset to experience breathtaking views. 

Horse riding is a fun activity in Boracay. Get off the beaten path and experience native villages and scenery most other visitors don’t get to see. All levels of experience are catered to. Ask a tricycle to take you to the Boracay Horse Riding Stables.

Boracay’s Bulabog beach is known as the best kitesurf destination in Asia. The season runs from November to April with onshore winds varying between 12-30 knots.

 

The view and environment around accommodation, sea and sand in Boracay Island. 

THE MALDIVES INDIAN OCEAN

The Maldives is an archipelago of more than 1,000 islands to the south-west of the tip of India. It is obviously a long-haul destination and the trip can be tiring, but we consider it well worth it, as this as an excellent holiday destination. The near-perfect weather all the year round, combined with the friendly locals, the wonderfully warm bathing waters, and plenty of holiday activities, make your Maldives Holiday an increasingly popular choice for holiday breaks. Your Virgin flight will land in the capital city of Malé, one of the largest islands in the group. Malé has a population of over 100,000 and is as lively as it gets in the Maldives. A wide range of services and amenities are available to visitors to the city. Culturally, the capital is more conservative than the outlying islands, where most of the holiday resorts are located. Conservative attire for both men and women is recommended for this portion of your holiday in Maldives, and women should have a scarf or other head covering with them to avoid unwanted attention, as the residents of Malé typically follow Muslim conventions.

 

 Diving and Snorkelling

The Maldives are a sensual overload, with crescents of sparkling white-sand beaches, colourful sunsets, clear turquoise water punctuated by coral reefs, and green palm trees swaying in the light breezes. The country is a photographer’s paradise and is cherished by snorkelers and SCUBA divers for its range of beautiful underwater terrain. The property boundaries of many hotels extend to small reefs just off their beaches, so snorkeling keen guests can enjoy the beauty of the reef right on their doorstep. Diving schools are available in most resorts, so you can take your exploration even deeper after some training.

  

 

Honeymoons and Renewal of Vows

For a wedding and honeymoon to remember the Maldives is the favoured place to go. You can cocoon yourselves in the sound of the lapping waves and the warmth of the sun. Walk along the beach and get the coral sand between your toes, enjoying your time alone together. Getting away from the romance to more practical matters - take advantage of the complimentary extras that many hotels offer to honeymooners and have at least one dinner al fresco, beneath the twinkling stars. Attractive package deals are available that will save you money on a wide variety of services.

Spas and Well-being

Of course, for those who want to get away from it all and truly relax, the islands offer spa packages that provide you with great comfort day and night. Several hotels offer over-the-water bungalows for the ultimate in privacy and seclusion, some with a personal butler service. Fine dining is available throughout the islands, including a wide selection of healthy dishes with international flavours, as well as fine wines to accompany your meal. 

 

Beautiful Beaches

With over 1,000 islands and atolls, many of them uninhabited, you won’t find a greater choice of beaches anywhere in the world; this is exclusive to a holiday in the Maldives. Whether you enjoy lounging on the sand, walking in the surf, snorkelling or diving, the Maldives offer a warm, sunny retreat from your busy life at home. Leave your worries and the stresses of day-to-day living behind you, and come to the one place on earth that will allow you to thoroughly unwind, and truly enjoy the beauty of land and sea. You don’t need to pack much more than a swimsuit and some sunscreen before visiting the Maldives, but you’ll return with pleasant memories that will last a lifetime.

Beach scene in the Maldives!

Sunset in the Maldives

Maldives has also recently been awarded by World Travel Awards as the world’s most romantic destination.
You can enjoy your private bungalow, with glass floor above the turquoise water and a candle light dinner on the beach…it sounds like the perfect recipe for your romantic honeymoon in Maldives. Maldives is the perfect place to come and relax, sip cocktails, swim in crystal clear waters and enjoy the company of your loved one.