Islands
and Beaches of Sabah
and Sarawak
With its rugged, mountainous
terrain, Sabah
possesses relatively few coastal beaches. However, it
does possess some of the best islands in the region.
Tanjung Aru
The seaside resort of Tanjung Aru is 6 km from Kota
Kinabalu. International class hotel accommodations or
budget chalets are available.
Sipadan Island
Shaped like a 'shitake' mushroom, Pulau Sipadan draws
diving enthusiasts from all over the world because of its
exceptional water clarity, its unusual seascape, and its
extraordinarily wide variety of marine life. Sipadan is
the only oceanic island in Malaysia.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park comprises five idyllic
islands which are only 10 to 25 minutes away from Kota
Kinabalu by speedboat. These islands--Pulau Gaya, Pulau
Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan and Pulau Sulug--offer
stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters
and some of the most diverse coral reefs and marine life
in the world. They are ideal spots for picnicking, diving
and snorkeling, particularly on Sapi and Manukan which
have picnic facilities, and Mamutik where cabins are
available for rental.
Pulau Layang-Layang
This man-made island, located 165 miles northwest of
Kota Kinabalu, was created in 1991 from a coral atoll in
the South China Sea. Soil from the mainland and sand
pumped from the seabed formed what is today a major
attraction for scuba divers and anglers. The 5,000 to
6,000 foot drop around the reef makes it an excellent
dive site and the island has become a sanctuary for
thousands of terns. Chalet-type accommodations are
available.
Like Sabah, Sarawak possesses a coastline that prevents the formation of many
lengthy and deep sand beaches. Nonetheless, there are a
few gems in Sarawak--beaches made all the more attractive
for the relative lack of attention that they have
received.
Salang Island, a tropical paradise with
white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters perfect for
snorkeling, is uninhabited--the perfect holiday escape.
The coral reefs lie close to the shore, and colorful
little fish can be glimpsed weaving through the coral.
The island is also a popular nesting place for turtles.
Siar Beach, about 90 km from Kuching, with its
secluded bays and inlets and interesting rock formations,
is another inviting spot.
Getting around within Sarawak:
Express boats are available to service the intricate
network of rivers and the main towns along their banks.
Bus companies also operate regular services within the
town centres and certain rural areas.
| 
LOCATION