Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sipadan Mabul Resort






Sipadan-Mabul Resort

* Rooms furnished with native materials of Borneo
* Air-conditioning
* Ceiling fan
* Oversized single beds
* Flyscreen windows
* Private bathroom
* Hot and cold fresh water
* Private front balcony





Standard chalet

Sipadan Mabul Resort is located at the southern tip of Mabul Island overlooking Sipadan. Accommodation is made from native materials of Borneo and is on a twin share basis. There are 45 chalets, of which 22 are new stand alone one room chalets and 23 semi-detached two room chalets. Altogether, these chalets can accommodate up to 90 guests at any one time. All the chalets are built with mosquito screens and have attached bathroom with hot shower facilities and the comfort of air-conditioning.



The resort has a vinyl swimming pool measuring 41ft × 21ft with a 6ft deep end, and a 4-6 person Jacuzzi whirlpool spa. There is also a large dining hall and bar area used for meals, socializing, dancing and even shows put up by the staff. Coconut drink, juices, carbonated soft drinks, beer and wine can be purchased at the resort bar and jetty bar. A small sundry shop sells a range of t-shirts, films, batteries, toiletries and souvenirs.




Just in case you need to reach the outside world, there is also telephone, fax and high speed Internet access at the resort.




A technical diving center offers various services such as Nitrox Air and Technical International (TDI) Certification Courses. An underwater video center provides underwater videography courses and services as well as rental of digital cameras.

For the diving facilities, the resort has 6 custom built fiberglass dive boats; 1 custom built wooden dive boat; and 4 half cabin passenger/transport/dive boats. These dive boats can carry 10 divers each and get to any of the island dive sites in about 15 minutes. Each boat goes out 3 times a day with a boatman and divemaster. The facility boasts 4 Bauer Compressors, 180 Aluminium 3000 psi / 80 cu. ft. tanks with American style ‘K’ valves. Also included, a 220 / 110V charging system for strobes and lights.

There are boats going to Sipadan Island 3 times a day for those who like to dive there, which is about 15 minutes away. The diving at Sipadan Island is limited though, due to government restrictions. Therefore each diver can only be allowed to do 2 dives per day and all divers will be diving there on a rotation basis. Dive sites and diving schedule will be arranged at the discretion of the resort.

Unlimited beach diving is available from the jetty of the resort and includes night diving (without divemaster and boat). Tanks, weights and weight belts are provided. All other equipment are available for rent if you didn’t bring your own gear.

Please note that the check-in time is 1400 hours and check-out time is 1200 hours. Early check-in and late check-out is subject to room availability.

The 90 member staff of the resort awaits you and will strive to make your dive holiday safe, easy and fun!



Sipadan-Mabul Resort is awarded the PADI Gold Palm Resorts. The award recognizes “Quality accommodations, superior service and excellent dive opportunities make PADI Gold Palm Resorts stand out from the rest. Resorts of this caliber focus on memorable dive experiences, customer satisfaction, diver safety and environmental awareness, by going the extra mile to provide professional and outstanding service - from beginning scuba programs to wreck diving and shark dives.”



Important Notes

* Please note that room allocation is based on Run of House. Special request for stand alone chalet, add additional US$20 per person per night to is subject to additional surcharge.
* Single travellers or single supplement, add additional 50% to dive package for single occupancy of a 2 bed chalet. Please book well in advance.
* Check-in time is 1400 hours and check-out time is 1200 hours. Early check-in and late check-out is subject to room availability.
* Entry Permit to Sipadan Island: The Malaysian Government has imposed a levy charge of RM40.00 (about US$13) per person per day for divers who are diving at Sipadan Island as well as for non-divers and children. The levy charge is to be paid separately as it is not included in the package price.

What is included

* Land and sea transfers between Tawau, Semporna Jetty and Sipadan Mabul Resort.
* Chalet type accommodation on standard twin-sharing basis.
* 3 combination boat dives daily with divemaster on Sipadan, Mabul or Kapalai island.
* Unlimited beach diving on Mabul Island's house reefs.
* Tanks, weights and weight belt provided.
* All food and hot beverages while at the resort. Alcoholic, fruit juice and carbonated soft drinks not inlcuded.

Domestic Air Tickets

* Air tickets are not included in the packages. However, we can assist in booking the domestic air tickets for Kota Kinabalu » Tawau » Kota Kinabalu for an additional of US$127.00 per person. The fee includes insurance, fuel surcharge, airport tax and service fee.

Other activities you can do on the island

* Learning to dive for non-divers. Courses from Open Water right up to Divemaster level is available.
* Scuba Skills Refresher Course for those you haven't dived in a long time.
* Discover Scuba Diving - if you are a non-diver and can't decide if diving for you, this short course will give you an experience and an opportunity to convince yourself.
* Technical Diving Courses.
* Nitrox Diving.
* Snorkelling around the island.
* Fishing.
* Table tennis.
* Ocean kayaking.
* Beach volleyball.

Conditions for Diving

* All divers must produce proof of certification by an internationally recognised diving agency upon arrival.
* If you intend to dive, but have not dived in the last 12 months, we encourage you to take the Scuba Refresher Course at the island. The resort reserves the right to require you to take the refresher course if they see it as necessary. This is to ensure your safety and also the safety of other divers are not compromised.
* All guests will be required to sign a Liability Release (Waiver) and Express Assumption of Risk forms upon arrival. No diving or snorkelling activities will be permitted otherwise.

Check Availability
White sandy beach in front of the resort
White sandy beach in front of the resort

Stand alone chalets
Stand alone chalets
Chalets
Semi-detached two room chalets
Dining hall
Dining hall
Dining hall food area
Dining hall food area
Jetty Bar
Jetty Bar
41ft x 21 ft swimming pool
41ft × 21ft swimming pool

Walkway from the dining hall to your chalet
Walkway from the dining hall to your chalet
View of the resort at dusk
View of the resort at dusk
Speed boats to take you diving, including to Sipadan
Speed boats to take you diving, including to Sipdan

The thingy where you dry your wet gear ready
for the next fun dive.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Manukan,Sapi And Mamutik Island (TAR)

Jesselton gate enterance to jetty




Gaya Island is covering about 3,665 acres of land. It is the biggest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (TARP). Derived its name from a local word "Gayo" which means big.

This island is home to various living habitats, such as wild boars, long tailed macaques, megapods, chameleons, common skinks, black hornbills, birds and many more.

The jungle trail takes you through tropical rainforest and mangrove swamp enlightening its fortune.

Experience its hidden wonders and bewitched by its serenity right after your tranquil walk, you will be transferred to Sapi or Mamutik Island for snorkeling or swimming. Or perhaps simply lay on the white sandy beach and enjoy the tropical ray.

Inclusive:-
- visit 2 island Gaya & (Mamutik or Sapi)
- return land / boat transfer
- mask & snorkeling gears
- life jacket & Beach Mat
- BBQ lunch
- tour guide service
Exclusive:- TARP Conservation Fee

Proboscis Monkey River Cruise And Fireflies

Grama River / Klias Wetland

This wonderful day trip take place in Garama Village - Garama River, Sabah; located about 130km from Kota Kinabalu. It's about 2 hour ride from Kota Kinabalu.

The Klias Wetland is the biggest wetland reserve in the state and is home to varieties of flora and fauna. The rare and elusive long nose and bulging belly proboscis monkey is found here. The very agile and wild silver leaf monkeys as well as naughty macaques are also abundantly found here. As dusk sets in, along the Klias River banks, millions of fireflies are found flickering their wings and igniting flashes of lights like Christmas trees.




Besides having the opportunity to see the Proboscis Monkey, one may also get the chance to see variety of birds, the common Macaque gathering in large numbers, sighting of the rare Silver Langour, large group of water buffalo and if you're lucky enough, you may see crocodiles by the river bank.




Friday, January 23, 2009

Rafting Kiulu



Rafting Padas

Rafting Padas Special!

A Trip Of A Lifetime!

The trip to Padas River is now more adventurous than you can imagine. It’s more fun and exciting and promises you a trip that you will never forget!








Train ride with open air seated




Briefing before rafting

Thursday, January 22, 2009

City Tour Kota Kinabalu


A view Kota Kinabalu from sky

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Mari Mari Dive Lodge Mantanani Island





The island, shaped-like knife, has a beach that stretches up to 2.500 metres. The fact, that this thin island has never been commercialized, secures its hidden secrets from great number of divers and thus giving you a private but full enjoyment to the tropical island. Unfairly blessed with age-old shipwrecks and critters inhabiting in and around it.



The island promises the most diverse marine life with visibility up to 40 metres. Many species of rays flutter around like blue spotted ray and marbled sting ray amongst large schools of fish.



Besides that muck diving is excellent with the quiet existence of imperial shirmps, jaw fish ribbon eels, seahorses, pink-eyed gobbles and the jaw-dropping blue ringed octopus, amidst nudibranch of all sorts.


Mari Mari Dive Lodge, Mantanani Kechil Island









TOUR SCHEDULE.
Time Itinerary


0715 hrs
Pick up from KK hotel and transfer thru a comfortable coach or van to Kuala Abai Jetty, Kota Belud. Estimated travel time will be 1 hour & 45 minutes.

0930 hrs

Arrival at Jetty and then depart to Mantanani Island. Mantanani consists of 3 islands namely Pulau Mantanani Besar, Pulau Mantanani Kecil and
Pulau Lungisan. We travel 1 hour going to the small (kecil) island shaped like a knife with a beach stretching up to 2,500 meters.

1030hrs
Upon reaching starting point, top of the line equipments will be provided to the guests. After gearing up, dive briefing will be given by a certified
MARI MARI PADI divemaster and begin to the 1st dive. Dive at leisure until 2nd dive.
1300hrs Back to the island for the sumptuous hotplate & grilled Lunch.

1400hrs

Recoil to snorkeling and other island leisure activities. 3rd Dive can be extended to professional divers.

1500hrs

Depart back to Kota Belud Jetty. Upon arrival, board in coach and proceed back to Kota Kinabalu.

0630hrs

Drop off at hotel.
-End of service.

Tour includes:
Return transfer, diving equipments & briefing, English speaking guide, Hot Grilled Lunch, Insurance.


THINGS TO BRING: FOR DIVERS:
 Payment / Service Voucher > Please bring along your logbook & diver
 Extra pocket money certification card.
 Insect repellent
 Sun-block lotion
 Change of clothes
 Towel
 Cap / Hat

Remarks:
1. Participant must be physically fit as this tour is for those who love adventure.
2. Liability Release Form MUST be signed and understood by the participant before the tour commences.
3. Age limit for diving is 12 years old and above.
4. Please let us know if you have dietary request, e.g. vegetarian.
5. Please provide Passport number and full name for security reasons.

Mari Mari Cultural Village


Here i am at the enterance Mari Mari Cultural Village.You can stop at enterance the used canopy walk or drive through in.Before enter make sure register first & get a ticket at counter.



With me is 'The Man',the Mari Mari Cultural Village was his idea after few years studying what else can "kita tipu org putih"(jokes).The idea came out after visiting cultural village such in Sarawak, and also in New Zealand,Kemboja,Vietnam & others several countries.


We will be welcome by dancers at the village.


The villagers also welcome us with their traditional custom tribe.


DJ Sadar post at one of tribe house 'Runggus Longhouse'

Nature Lodge Kinabatangan - Kg.Bilit




Welcome to Nature Lodge Kinabatangan

Located along the Sungai Kinabatangan, our lodge is the only trace of civilisation within the proximity. Be prepared to get all misty eyed over the surreal lush greenery, intended to be left untouched for your viewing pleasure. It is, of course, free to indulge yourself with nature’s most promising scenery.

Staying in Nature Lodge Kinabatangan, you will pass through a little village known as Kampung Bilit ~ where the people’s lives are simple and absolutely remote from the outside world.






You will be welcome by friendly staf at the Nature Lodge Kinabatangan.They also part of villagers Kg.Bilit.







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River cruise along the Kinabatangan river.












A group of proboscis monkey