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Day 1 - Pulau Tiga
A passage from Singapore or Thailand will bring your yacht to Pulau Tiga, about 30 nm south of Sabah's capital,
Kota Kinabalu. The original site for the filming of the first "Survivor" reality television programme, Pulau
Tiga has two small resorts and a small jetty. The island formed just recently in the late 1800's and has an
interesting mud volcano at its centre, reflective of the thermo activity of the region. The beaches are a
lovely place to set up a BBQ or simply relax. Adjacent to Tiga is a smaller island, Pulau Borong, known as
"Snake Island", a purported breeding ground for sea snakes (caution should be taken walking on this island, as
there are indeed many snakes, but guides are available on the main island for those who are feeling
adventurous). There is also a lovely sand spit off the northern tip, once a thriving island that was destroyed
in a storm, that is surrounded by reef.
Day 2 - Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, fondly known simply as KK, is the capital city of Sabah. There are some good restaurants, bars
and ample shopping to be had, as well as several beautiful 5 star Resorts located in and around the capital.
There are also 7 world-class golf courses in the vicinity, one sporting night golf for those who want to avoid
the heat of the afternoon sun. There are many anchorages around the city, and the main marina has good
facilities if you choose to berth here overnight.
KK is an ideal hub to explore the interior of Sabah, with options to visit and/or climb Mt. Kinabalu, the
highest peak in South East Asia, the Maliau Basin conservation area, known as Sabah's Lost World, Sandakan,
a 35 minute flight, to visit Sepilok, the orang-utan rehabilitation centre, where it may be possible to arrange
"privileged" visits to see the orphaned orangutan babies up-close, and also Sukau, along the Kinabatangan, rich
in wildlife, including proboscis monkey and jungle elephants. It is possible to make any of these trips in a
day via helicopter, so passengers can visit some of the natural land wonders while the yacht is in passage.
Day 3 - Tenku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
The islands of the Tenku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are a great cruising ground just off the coast of the capital
city. Made up of 5 islands, Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug, Sapi and Gaya, the park provides many private coves,
secluded snorkeling and diving spots, and wonderful bays. Police Bay on the north-side of Gaya Island, is an
excellent secluded spot out of view of the city lights. The steep jungle slopes are home to many indigenous
species, and often you will see families of monkeys, wild boar and giant monitor lizards roaming the beach in
the early morning or late afternoon.
Day 4 - Pulau Mangalum
Pulau Mangalum lies 30nm northwest of Kota Kinabalu and offers beautiful beaches and snorkelling. Local lore
believes that the great explorer Magellan and his fleet stopped by this island (hence the island's name) on
his way to pay homage to the Sultan of Brunei and a giant galleon anchor, excavated off its shores, rests at
the Sabah Museum in Kota Kinabalu to prove the case. The locals favour this area for fishing and to the south
west is the Saracen Bank, whose deep waters on Its western-side are a stop over for many pelagic species.
Day 5 - Pulau Mantanani island group
About 65 nm north of Kota Kinabalu, the Islands of Mantanani are tropical havens with extensive white sandy
beaches and scattered reefs. There is a small island community on Mantanani Besar (Big Mantanani), where the
villagers are extremely friendly and love a spontaneous pick-up football match any time. They will assist to
point out the best diving and snorkelling spots, as well as let you know if there have been any recent
sightings of dugongs (sea cows) around the shores. In the evenings, thousands of frigate birds circle in the
air, a beautiful sight to be seen. Mantanani Kecil (Small Mantanani) is a national bird sanctuary set-up to
protect these glorious sea birds. Early risers can catch a beautiful sunrise over Mt. Kinabalu, which can be
seen towering over the mainland and the hills of the Crocker Range to the east.
Day 6 - Pulau Kulambu
Just south of the northern tip of Borneo, lies the idyllic island of Pulau Kulambu, attached to the mainland
by a sandspit, forming two small bays on either side. This area is blessed with miles of white sandy beaches
and coves, as well as beautiful coconut plantations and hills for exploring. The land around Pulau Kulambu is
being developed into a high-end luxury villa community, known as the Kudat Riviera, that will feature
spectacular tropical homes. Sempang Megayau, the "Tip of Borneo", four miles north, has been converted into
a public park, and features a dramatic cliff lined area marking this geographical point. Kudat is home to the
Rungus people of Sabah, famous for their weaving, beadwork and gong making. There is a Rungus longhouse, the
traditional communal home of the tribe, on the beach at Kulambu, as well as several nearby villages that can
be visited, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Sabah. The town of Kudat, has a small marina
and an 18-hole golf course. Fishing is the mainstay of the economy here, so it is a great place to try the
local seafood.
Day 7 - Pulau Bangi and Pulau Bambangunan
Off the coast of Kudat, these islands offer excellent cruising and diving. Dotted with white sandy beaches and
coves fringed with native coconut and banana trees, hours can be spent wandering the coastline. There are
several stilt-house communities that can be visited and the people are generally friendly and welcoming. There
are excellent wreck diving spots in the area, but a guide should be hired to explore some of these rarely
visited sites. Fishing is also plentiful in this area. |
