Have you always wanted to escape to a remote island and just get away from it all? You don’t have to look far. While Borneo itself is one huge island, it has many smaller islands that are open to tourists. Here we have compiled a list of exclusive islands destination for your travel plans.
1) Pulau Kapalai
Pulau Kapalai used to be an island 200 years ago, but unfortunately erosion has taken its toll and what is left is a sand bar. So while the name hasn’t changed, you are actually technically staying on a resort built on stilts. Look out of your unit and it’s the sea all around! What a view that will be. Comprising of only 40 chalets, this destination promises to be an exclusive and private getaway.
Where: Sabah, Malaysia
Things To Do: Diving, swimming, snorkeling, ocean kayaking
Getting There: Take a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau then a taxi/bus/minivan to Semporna where you will take a 45 minute boat ride to Kapalai. If you have a reservation at the Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort (the only resort there) be sure to check if your package includes a pick up from the airport and complimentary boat shuttle.
2) Pulau Lankayan
Situated in the Sulu Sea, it is famous for its whale shark sightings. Non divers can enjoy the white sandy beaches, casuarina trees and beautiful sunsets. There is also a turtle hatchery and conservation centre where green and hawksbill sea turtles nest, so if you come at the right time you may see the hatchlings being released to the sea (usually June to September). Pulau Lankayan comprises of 20 luxury detached chalets, each on the beach with balconies overlooking the ocean, so you are as far away from the hustle and bustle of city life as you can be.
Where: Sabah, Malaysia
Things To Do: Diving, swimming, snorkeling, turtle watching
Getting There: Take a flight to Sandakan, then make your way to the Sandakan Yacht Club where it will take a 90 minute speedboat ride to the island. If you have a reservation at the Lankayan Island Dive Resort (the only resort there) be sure to check if y our package includes a pick up from the airport and complimentary boat shuttle.
3) Pulau Mataking
Pulau Mataking is located to the southeast of Sabah in the Celebes Sea. It is made up of 2 islands – Mataking Besar and Mataking Kecil. The resort is situated on the bigger island and during low tides you can even walk from the bigger island to the smaller one. The whole island can be covered on foot in an hour, though you may choose to take your time with all the powdery white sand and clear waters beckoning. It is an ideal location for a romantic getaway or an exotic wedding. The best times for diving are from April to June and while the end of the year brings about the monsoon rains, it doesn’t affect the diving conditions much.
Where: Sabah, Malaysia
Things To Do: Diving, swimming, snorkeling, turtle watching
Getting There: Take a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau then a taxi/bus/minivan to Semporna where you will take a 45 minute boat ride to Mataking. If you have a reservation at the Mataking Island Reef Dive Resort (the only resort there) be sure to check if your package includes a pick up from the airport and complimentary boat shuttle.
4) Pulau Bohey Dulang
Bohey Dulang is part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park which comprises of a few other islands and reefs. It was originally gazetted as a bird sanctuary before being made a state park. There are no accommodations on this island so this will be a day trip if you are staying nearby or on neighboring islands. Most visitors to Bohey Dulang strive to reach the peak where they can get a panoramic photograph of the whole park with the reef and surrounding islands. Bohey Dulang is considerably less renown among international travelers and that makes in one of the best kept secret.
Where: Sabah, Malaysia
Things To Do: Diving, swimming, snorkeling, jungle trekking (you need to register with the Sabah Park Rangers if you wish to climb to the peak)
Getting There: Take a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau then a taxi/bus/minivan to Semporna where you will take an hour’s boat ride to Bohey Dulang.
5) Pulau Mantanani
Pulau Mantanani is a group of 3 islands situated on the west coast of Sabah – Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil and Lingisan (the smallest). It is also called the mermaid island because of the occasional presence of the dugong (sea cow). There are resorts on both the bigger and smaller Mantanani islands and bookings have to be made before you travel to the island.
Where: Sabah, Malaysia
Things To Do: Diving, swimming, snorkeling, ocean kayaking
Getting There: It is a 2 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to the Kampung Kuala Abai Jetty in Kota Belud and another hour for the boat ride to the island.
6) Mabul Island
Located in the southeast of Sabah, it is known for its proximity to Sipadan Island which is technically closed to tourism since 2005. Entry to Sipadan and access to it’s dive sites are subjected to approval by the Sabah Parks Management and if you happen to get a permit (only 120 permits issued daily), this is one of the locations where you can consider staying at.
Where: Sabah, Malaysia
Things To Do: Diving, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing (with a fee. Reef fishing RM500 and deep sea fishing RM900, prices include fishing line, bait, guide and cooking service for caught fish)
Getting There: Take a flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau then a taxi/bus/minivan to Semporna where you will take a 45 minute boat ride to Mabul. If you have a reservation at the Sipadan Water Village Resort Resort be sure to check if your package includes a pick up from the airport and complimentary boat shuttle
