Looking for an island getaway? Sabah has hundreds

KOTA KINABALU, Dec 18 — With nearly 400 of Malaysia’s 878 islands found in Sabah, it’s no wonder the state is known as a beach destination to most of the millions of tourists who come here.

From the tiny and secluded to those that are closer to the capital city, there are islands in Sabah to suit every whim and fancy.

1. The islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu

No doubt the most visited due to their proximity to the state capital, the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park are well-known among locals and a “must visit” for most tourists visiting Kota Kinabalu.

Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug have all seen hordes of tourists pack their beautiful sandy beaches; snorkelling and a host of watersports are available.

Because of their popularity, all sorts of facilities ranging from showers to cafes and even tables for picnics can be found at most spots.

Being fairly well maintained and beautiful and so close to the busy city, one can explore the islands on foot and be rewarded with secluded beaches and forest trails. Although mostly popular with day trippers, visitors can opt to stay at high-end chalets that cost from RM600 on Manukan to the ultra luxurious RM18,000 villa on Gaya island that comes with its own chef and butler. It is also on this island that you can take a zipline to Sapi island in a few exhilarating seconds.

Where: A 15- to 20-minute boat ride from Kota Kinabalu’s Jesselton Pier.

2. Sipadan island, Semporna

Legendary among the diving elite, this island needs little introduction. A jewel in Sabah’s east coast, it is known as a diver’s haven for its abundance of green sea turtles, reef sharks, schools of humphead parrotfish, swirling schools of barracudas, an underwater cavern and teeming marine life.

Although overnight visitors to the island have been forbidden for over a decade now, and a quota of 120 visitors per day has been imposed, its popularity has not diminished among dive enthusiasts who stay overnight on Mabul and make their way to Sipadan daily.

Those who want to witness the underwater wonders of Sipadan can stay on the mainland of Semporna, about an hour away by speedboat, or the nearby islands of Mabul or Kapalai, which have some great diving too.

It used to cater almost exclusively to divers, but the island is becoming increasingly popular among snorkelers who can also catch glimpses of turtles, sharks and more. Just be aware that as an oceanic island, it rises some 600 metres from the seabed, the drop off may be scary.

Sipadan is not for beach loungers in general as the magic happens underwater.

Where: One hour by fast boat from Semporna jetty.

3. Mabul island, Semporna

Often mentioned along with Sipadan, Mabul island supports the dive industry in the east coast by hosting a dozen or so accommodation spots ranging from homestays and basic backpacker spots, to high-end water bungalows.

It also supports a 2,000-strong local Suluk and Bajau fishing community on the island and offers job opportunities to the villagers.

Diving and snorkelling here are the main attraction, and the island is superb in a way that differs from Sipadan. Here, in its shallow waters, divers look for small, ornate and rare sea creatures, when they are not fighting for a day’s permit to go to Sipadan.

Beaches are often polluted by rubbish, and busy. It is possible to walk the entire island on foot.

Where: 45 minutes from Semporna by speed boat.

4. Mantanani Island, off Kota Belud

Mantanani has risen in popularity over the last couple of years as tour groups needed a new beach destination that does not involve travelling across the state.

The three kilometre-long Mantanani island provides a good alternative for day-long outings, although it takes a good two-and-a-half hours at least to get there.

Mantanani’s attraction is its white sandy beaches fringed by casuarina trees and clear blue waters in some bays that will take your breath away. Diving is an option here, and operators often choose to go to nearby Mantanani Kecil as well.

Mantanani is populated by some 1,000 Ubian people, who largely are not perturbed by tourists. But make friends and you might find yourself coming back time and time again to this island paradise.

There is no electricity on the island during the day and resorts run on generator sets.

Overnight accommodation here ranges from mid to high.

Where: Two hours by road from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Abai in the Kota Belud district, another 40 minutes by boat.

5. Pulau Tiga, west coast of Sabah

The cluster of three islands has one big claim to fame — it was the first Survivor island ever. The US reality TV series shot the island to international fame back in 2000. There are a few relics from the show left on the island too.

Aside from this, the unique attributes of the island are dense forests and its active mud volcanoes that are a short hike away from the resorts on the island. The mud pools are a huge source of minerals and are said to be good for the skin.

You can also cover your body with the mud just to avoid getting bitten by mosquitoes. You then clean yourself off by jumping off the jetty into the sea.

The rustic island is about 607 hectares. Explore at your own pace. It is also likely you will come across cheeky macaques, monitor lizards and snakes.

Where: Two hours by road to Kuala Penyu jetty. Another 25 minutes by boat to the island, depending on weather.