KOTA KINABALU: It is a lively atmosphere at the Magellan Sutera Habour Resort here today as guests are seen enjoying their swim after pools re-opened to further revitalise tourism.
The Magellan's swimming pool was filled with children, playing under the close guidance of parents and resort staff. The parents were seen reminding their children to be careful, while the staff were seen briefing guests on the standard operating procedures (SOP).
Most of the guests were locals travelling from as far as the state's east coast. They had taken advantage of the resort's promotion and brought along their family members for a staycation.
Shirlena MT Aidalah, 41, said they had travelled from Sandakan and arrived at the resort yesterday to experience a two-day five-star staycation with affordable price for the first time.
"We are happy even if it's just a short stay. We had the experience to go on a cruise, which is included in the promotion and our children also enjoyed their holiday as they are now able to go swimming."
The primary school teacher also commended Sutera Habour for its strict SOP, while encouraging locals to take advantage of the promotional offers to explore tourism in their state.
Former army personnel Herawan Yahya, 48, said this was his family's first holiday since the movement control order.
"The re-opening of tourism activity is positively welcomed. As long as the people take care of themselves and follow the SOP, there is nothing to worry.
"Especially at Magellan Sutera Habour, the staff are always standing by to monitor the safety of guests, especially children playing in the swimming pool and I am sure other places are doing the same."
Asked if the family would visit other places, Herawan, whose family is from Papar, said they would explore Kundasang next.
On the SOP for swimming pool activity, the resort's sports and recreation assistant manager Shahrani Basni said the team would check on the pool chlorine level every two hours, seven times a day compared to previous four times.
"For social distancing, we allow the gathering of a family but will advise them if they have many members. The guests have to take care of themselves.
"For the use of the shower, we now limit it to 15 people at a time and we also sanitise life jackets being used. We will dry it for a day before letting guests use the life jacketx again."