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Manukan and Sapi Island 2009

During one the past weekends, we decide to check 2 of the most commonly visited Tunku Abdul Rahman Parks namely Manukan and Sapi. The last time I personally went there was way back a decade ago. I was doubtful if these islands still actually retains it's natural attraction.

There are several ways to reach these islands, nearby 5 star resorts such as Shangri-La Tg Aru Hotel and Sutera Harbour Resort offers return transfers for visitors as well as workers. Alternatively it can also be done from Jesselton Point Jetty area. We chosed to take the Seaquest boat transfers from Sutera Harbour just to see what difference it would make, apparently they have boats going to and fro every half and hour rather than waiting for the boat to be full.

After pruchasing tickets, we didnt had to wait long for the next schedule at 0930 hours. As a handicapped myself, i personally found out that te VIP very comfortable seat is actually at the back. For lumbago sufferers, be very prepared!

It's less than 20 minutes to reach Manukan Island which was our first stop, Manukan is apparently the 2nd largest island. Upon arrival we paid the entrance fees of RM3 for locals ans RM10 for international. We arrived at Manukan during the controversially high prices for lodges handled by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges so we decided to make a short trip to check the lodges. The Hill Lodges are apparently revamped very well however not all are completed. The interiors and exteriors of both the Hill and Beach are apparently well done. Ambience and cool lightings as well as cool antique-like furnitures and clothes furnishes the interior. The Hill Lodges offers much more cozy, quiet and private stay due to the proximity from the public beaches.

Clarity of water and number of fishes stays the same, which is what satisfies us. Beaches facing the mainland are offered to the public as it's much more calmer and take less beating frm the open sea of the South China Sea. The other main attraction other than lazing off and scuba diving would be the new so called 'scuba-do' equipment used for a short underwater submersible trip. Trekking is still available on Manukan however we didn't had enough time to explore the trails.

Next off, we hop to Sapi Island during lunch hour. This small island is actually Pulau Gaya itself. We took the advantage to check the 'Sunset Trail' which actually could bring you around the island and we found it quite satisfying considering the fact the trail is takes about 2-3 hours to considerably enjoy it. Best done at 1400-1500hours, which allows you to witness the sunset. The trails are almost well maintained. Water Lizards are common along the trail.

By 1500-1600 most visitors would be leaving the island back to mainland. Most boats usually comes from Manukan to drop off staffs and remaining tourists. The only thing we didn't enjoy during the journey is the roughboat ride and often quite wet and dirty life jackets. Other than that, we are generally quie satisfied with the environment state of both islands. Sapi and Manukan is worth the take, for those coming to Sabah or living on the mainland, we would say it's a must. Sabah has more to offer.