Specifically for this one, I am going to write about my first ever island experience in Sabah, Malaysia (my hometown). My friend Asa, who was also my varsity futsal teammate asked me if I wanted to join her on a day trip to Manukan and Sapi island. I said 'Yes!' immediately since I have been longing to go and why not? I should spend this time around to relax and rest myself.
Here's a summary of the day trip.
7.00 am: I woke up and made 'fried meehoon' to pack for lunch. Get ready and go to Jesselton Point.
Asa told me that there would be food to buy at the island but it would be rather costly. So she suggested to bring food to save cost.
9.00 am: Meet up at Jesselton Point and purchased our ticket.
We were supposed to meet up at around 8.30 am but because I don't have my own car to drive and my mother offered to send me instead, so I have to wait for her thus, the delay.
There are few packages available but we chose 2 islands package. RM 10 would be needed to top up each for both snorkel mask and life jacket. Since Asa is not going to snorkel and she did not pay for life jacket. She pays RM40 only. I wanted to snorkel and since I don't know how to swim, I paid extra RM20 for snorkel mask and life jacket.
You can choose to not pay for life jacket as it will be provided for you to use ONLY on the boat. However, if you choose to pay for it, they will provide an individual life jacket that you can use off the boat as well.
9.30 am: Boarding onto the boat.
We proceed to boarding area. Here they will check your ticket and provide snorkel mask and life jacket (for those who paid). There will be about 10-15 people in each boat. It will take about 15 minutes to reach the island.
10.00 am: Arrived at Pulau Sapi.
Approximately at 10 am, we arrived at Pulau Sapi. We find a spot to lay our mat on and just chat over Raya cookies. It is advisable for you to bring your own mat as they will charge RM 10 for you to use their provided mat.
I was such a newbie in snorkelling and lowkey freaking out that I might drown myself (I had a near death almost drowned experience before). So Asa helped me to put my snorkel mask on. Off I went to snorkel. There are a few nice spot to actually see small fishes. I didn't went further so I didn't see much. I would have put few pictures of them but I haven't had any waterproof camera yet. So if you want to snorkel, go as far as you can (and allowed). Bring waterproof camera along if you have.
At about 11.30 am, we went to the public toilet and common washroom. Here you can shower and clean yourself. It wasn't clean but for me I don't mind as having such facility in such place is good enough. So we shower, clean ourselves and get ready for the next boat to Manukan island.
12.00 pm: Board on boat to Pulau Manukan.
They have specific time for boats to arrive and pick up passengers to next island. We have to board at 12 pm to our next island: Manukan island. It will take about 10 minutes if I'm not mistaken. Anyway, I forgot at what time did we exactly board and reached. But it was during noon.
Approximately 12.30 - 1.00 pm: We reached Manukan Island and we decide to just chill here. We ate our lunch and take short naps.
We took a lot of pictures here because Manukan island is a bigger island than Sapi and not to mention, pretty with nice views as well. It would be nice to stay here for few nights. They also have chalets and guest house to stay. So before boarding to the 4.00 pm boat back to the jetty. We spent quite some time to take pictures. Here are a few of them.
Me at Manukan jetty alongside nice view of the island.
On our way from Jesselton Point jetty to Sapi Island
Snorkelling first timer on Sapi Island
A snap of the seaside of Sapi Island
At Sapi Island jetty while waiting for out boat to reach
Posing next to Manukan pretty view
We found a nice place to pose and snap.
Decided that this log is nice to sit on and snap yet another picture.
There's a bar at Manukan island. This picture was took by their bartender.
4.00 pm: Boarding onto the boat.
There are many people waiting in line to board on the boats back to Jesselton Point. We only managed to get on at about 4.15 pm.
4.30 pm: Landed on Jesselton Point
As soon as we landed, tickets were checked once again and they will collect snorkel masks and life jackets here.
So how much did I actually spend?
1. 2 islands package + boat transfer fee: RM 40
2. Snorkel mask: RM 10
3. Life jacket: RM 10
4. Entrance fee: RM 5 (for local)
TOTAL SPENT: RM 65
I would love to return again someday. Maybe next time I will try diving and probably a one night stay at least at one of their homestay. It was a great day and spent well with this friend of mine. Looking forward for another trip in the future.
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