It’s breathtaking views and pristine waters enthral Sharifah Nabihah Aljunid Syed Abdul Nasir
FOR those who love holidaying on an island, you may want to add Mabul to your travel bucket list. And you do not need to travel to far and expensive islands like Maldives, Hawaii or Bora-Bora as we have similar ones here.
My friends and I planned for this trip three months early. We managed to get promotional a price of RM220 for a return ticket from a low-cost airline. From the Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2, we fly to Tawau Airport. On arrival, it’s just a 90-minute van ride to Semporna.
In Semporna, we check in to Dragon Inn Floating Resort, which cost us only RM112 per night. Dinner is seafood as there are many such restaurants in the area.
SNORKELLING ADVENTURES
The following morning, we set off for Mabul which is a 40-minute boat ride away. After checking-in at Uncle Chang Chalet, we get ready for a snorkelling adventure off Kapalai and Mabul islands, where we get to see big sea turtles.
On our way back from snorkelling, we stop at a Bajau village to visit Mabul Water Bungalow Resort, a luxury floating resort with wonderful views. This place is recommended for those who have deeper pockets.
On our third day, we head for the famous Bohey Dulang Island. When we first arrive on the island, we are blown away by the breathtaking views. Crystal-clear turquoise water backed by green mountains. We could spend all day there enjoying the spectacular view.
To make it more adventurous, we trek to the peak of the island. It takes us 45 minutes to reach the peak. The climb up is rather easy but you’ll need good stamina.
The view from the peak is too fantastic to describe in words. The 600m climb is totally worth it.
After we have had our fill of the magnificent view, we head down and enjoy a delicious fresh seafood for lunch before continuing our journey to Mantabuan Island for another round of snorkelling.
We feast our eyes on small and big colourful fish as well as the beautiful corals.
Next, we head for Sibuan Island. We are once again amazed by the view.
ADIEU SEMPORNA
On our second last day, we head for Semporna and from there, it’s back to Tawau town where we spend the night. We also do some souvenir shopping for our family and friends.
We dine in at the famous Restoran Seafood Sri Titingan which offers a variety of fresh seafood at affordable prices.
On the afternoon of the fifth day, we leave Tawau with 1,001 sweet and unforgettable memories. They are priceless! We have made many new friends with the locals as well as the tourists.
One day, I will come back to scuba-dive in Mabul. Sadly, several controversial cases have marred the peace in the waters off Semporna.
Nevertheless, the authority has tightened security on the islands. Just keep calm and enjoy the view. All I can say is, Mabul has stolen my heart!
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DRAGON INN FLOATING RESORT
Tel 089-781 088
Fax 089-781 099
Email info@dragoninnfloating.com.my
Website www.dragoninnfloating.com.my
UNCLE CHANG CHALET
Tel 017-897 0002, 017-895 0002
Fax 089-784 002
Email unclechang99@hotmail.com
Website www.ucsipadan.com/
MABUL WATER BUNGALOW RESORT
Tel 088-486389
Fax 088-486628
E-mail mabulwaterbungalow@gmail.com / info@mabulwaterbungalows.com
Website www.mabulwaterbungalows.com