Christmas Day falls on December 25 and is an occasion for Christians
to celebrate the birth of Jesus. In
Sabah, many people, even if they are not Christian, give each other gifts,
prepare special meals and decorate their homes at this time of year. This is
because the Christmas festive falls on the year end school holidays where
children enjoy exchanging gifts, setting up wood fire and even decorating
Christmas tree.
This Christmas, if you are still contemplating
where to spend your holiday. The isle of
islands in Borneo is one of the best options. This near island escapade gives a
total opposite feel of winter snow Christmas like Europe; however, these
perfects tropical islands provide a memorable vacation island of a lifetime.
Islands of Borneo
TAR
Marine Park (Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park)
The TAR islands are easily accessible as
they are close to Kota Kinabalu - about 15 to 20 minutes boat ride. You can
choose to visit one or more of the islands in a day, or spend a night or two to
enjoy the tropical moonlight and even night camp fire with your love ones. TAR
Marine parks provide a perfect gateway for family gathering.
Pulau Gaya- One of the largest island at the Park at 140 hectares with 25km of
shoreline. For divers, the coral reefs along the entire coast of the island are
in excellent condition. There is one tropical resort on this island called the
Gayana Island Eco Resort. The untouched coastal Dipterocarp forest is ideal for
trekking and studying unique species of plant and animal life.
Pulau Manukan - This 51 acres boomerang shaped tropical Island is the second largest
of the TAR Marine Park. Manukan has good stretches of beaches especially on the
southern coastline. Ideal for snorkeling, diving and camping. There are also
accommodations available with excellent facilities. However, due to the
popularity of this particular island, the crowd congestion may be slightly
noisy in during the day, making it a similarity like the enchanted island of
Bali.
Pulau Mamutik - The smallest of the five tropical islands of the Park covering
some 15 acres. Rich coral life surrounds the islands. The island has a jetty, a
3-bedroom rest house for rent and quarters for Rangers on the island. There
were also sea sports such as banana boat, canoeing as well as water skiing for
rent during the day. Mamutik island also serves as the main off shore station
for your scuba dive lesson. Other facilities available include changing rooms,
toilets, picnic shelters, tables and barbecue pits. There are also fresh water
and electricity in the island.
Pulau Sapi - For a small tropical island of 25 acres, Sapi Island has one of the
nicest beaches in the Marine Park. Its clean white sand, crystal clear water
and teeming coral reefs fringing the shoreline makes it ideal for swimming,
snorkeling and diving. Day use facilities are available at the island such as a
jetty, picnic shelters, barbecue pits, tables, changing rooms and toilets.
There are also hiking trails available through the interior which can provide
an excellent opportunity for you to appreciate nature in its wild habitat. If
you are considering a destination for your children, this is the perfect edutainment
island for children.
Pulau Sulug - Sulug Island with an area
size of 20 acres is the farthest away from Kota Kinabalu. The tropical island
is also the least developed. The shoreline is mostly rocky with beautiful
patches of coral at the southern end. The island is however, very popular for
those island hoppers who prefer the tranquil and untouched tropical beach
atmosphere. Plenty of naughty long tailed Macaque welcomes your arrival. So, be
careful with their snatch and begging behavior. This is the calmest and most quiet
island and it is always the perfect pit stop for divers.
Perfect Escaped for the
young, the young at heart, and the old
These islands are easily access, perfect destination not only for
open water divers but also non divers. You can opt for the non diver package
and just chill in your cozy room. It all depends how you want your Christmas to
be, a romantic and quiet mode, or celebrating it with a warmth gathering among
family members. This is because Sabah is
blessed being well known as “Land below the Wind”. These islands are well
sheltered from the rough waters of the typhoon belt. Choose your desired island
according to your holiday theme; make your way to Jesselton Point at Jalan
Pantai, your holiday is just a doorstep away!
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