Island Hopping at Mamutik Island

Mainly because my late grandfather was a fisherman and my dad spent the most of his teenager life living nearby the sea, therefore my dad always loves to spend his weekend by going to the islands or even fishing in the middle of huge and rough sea. Frankly speaking, I dislike the latter activity but I don't mind going for island hopping once in a blue moon with my dad and family.

The nearest islands that we could go for hopping would be Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and this marine park consists of five beautiful and charming islands - Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug. From the five islands, I've been all except for Pulau Sulug which is the farthest island compare the rest. It is considered relatively remote and undeveloped, hence not being well-known if comparing the first four islands. Maybe someday when I able to persuade my dad.

And so lately, everytime we had visit from our valuable guests, either our relatives or even friends, one of the staple itinerary would be the island hopping and most of the time, my dad would prefer Mamutik Island.

#1: Mamutik's jetty

Among the five islands, Mamutik Island is the smallest one. Despite the size, this tropical island host beach activities as well as water sport activities such as snorkelling, kayaking, diving and more. If comparing the rest, I think this is the best spot for snorkelling cause there are variety of colouful fishes and interesting sea creatures that you can find underneath it.

#2:

#3: Welcome to Mamutik Island signboard

In Mamutik Island, basic facilities are provided such as toilets, changing rooms, tables, picnic shelters and barbeque pits. As there is no restaurant or cafe available here, it is advisable to bring along your own foods and drinks. If you are interested for overnight trip, there is 3 bedroom resthouse available for rent.

#4: Beautiful blue sky with crystal clear water

#5:Snorkelling is one of the water sport activities must do in Mamutik Island

Despite the unpredictable weather, we're lucky that the weather on that particular day was on our side. Hence, this is an ideal time for swimming, snorkelling, diving and even sunbathing, which apparently I did see that most of the tourists were doing so. As Mamutik Island is getting well-known and popular among foreign tourists currently, be prepared that it will be overcrowded especially during weekend.

 

#6: My friends and I did kayaking as well 

#7: View of Mamutik Island from the jetty 

#8: Barbeque chicken wings and fishballs by my dad

One thing that I love to go island hopping with my family was both of my parents would definitely prepare such a scrumptious and delicious foods for all of us. Mommy will cook fried noodles or fried rice and daddy will bring along his barbeque facilities to barbeque chicken wings, fishes, prawns, fishballs and more. My dad even being approached by some random China tourists asking my dad how much were the chicken wings cost. That's the most hilarious part! Now I can't wait for another sun-drenched paradise trip with my family.

How To Get To Mamutik Island

The departure and arrival point for the boat transfers is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal - See more at: http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/tunku-abdul-rahman-park#sthash.MabyQHpg.dpuf

For the boat transfer in economical way, the departure and arrival point would be at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and these are available from 7:30am to 5:00pm daily. 
Depends on how many island you plan to visit, the boat transfer would be varied. The following list is the boat transfer fares to the islands:


Visitors are also required to pay additional charge for terminal fee [RM7.20 (adult) and RM3.60 (children under 12 years old] as well as the admission fee of RM3.00 for the local and RM10.00 for the foreigner.

And by the way, do you know how Mamutik Island looks like from the aerial view? This is one lucky shot I managed to snap when I flew with Fireflies to Kuala Lumpur few years back:


The top left that look alike a heart shape is Mamutik Island whereas the top right is Sulug Island and the one on the bottom is Manukan Island. Check out my old post on Aerial View of Kota Kinabalu.

This post is mainly to support Visit Malaysia Year 2014. #vmy2014

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The departure and arrival point for the boat transfers is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal - See more at: http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/tunku-abdul-rahman-park#sthash.MabyQHpg.dpuf

Exclusive Day Trip to Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa

Date of Visited: 08 June 2013

Everytime when most my friends plan to come Kota Kinabalu for holidays, for sure they will get some advise or tips from me on where to go and what to do. As for me, besides visiting the Kinabalu Park for our famous iconic of Mount Kinabalu, of course I will recommend for island hopping. That's what Sabah famous for, right? Even some of my Peninsular friends said that I am so lucky to stay in Sabah cause anytime I could make a trip to island.

If any of you are planning to come to Kota Kinabalu soon or even if a sun-drenched paradise is your ideal of a perfect getaway, why not book for this exclusive day trip package to this tranquil and exotic Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa for just RM145 for adult and RM95 for child, which including 3 courses meals with 1 soft drink and even if you want do water activites like kayaking and snorkelling, all those equipments are provided, like what I did blogged before in my previous post (click here).

Few bloggers and I were lucky enough as we were being sponsored to experience this enjoyable and wonderful island getaway. Yippee!!

#1: Departed from Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal around 10.30 am [Photo credit to Beverly Tam]

Located in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, this private island is 25 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu. Unlike the rest of the islands that located nearby but lately most of them were kinda overcrowded, this private island gave a very serene and calm feelings. It's totally perfect for those couples who looking for some private moments.

#2: Such a stunning and mesmerizing crystal clear sea of the island.

#3: Four of these pavilions can be used to set up for special occasions, especially candle light dinner under the moonlight.

#4: Another timbered pavilion

Upon arrival, we were being greet by their friendly and attentive staffs. We were even being served with welcome drinks and towels. Such an excellent and warm services provided by them. Once we done settled everything, we were brought around for de-tour around the island and surpringly, this island was so huge. Thank goodness they brought us around with their buggy ride, or else for sure some of us will run out of energy by end of this trip.

Not just that, we were being told even one of the Irish popular singer, Ronan Keating, the lead singer of Boyzone with his famous song "When You Say Nothing At All" ever stayed here before too.

#5: Man-made waterfall tucked in the middle of this island

#6: Infinity pool - Only for their in-house guests

#7: Solace Spa - Comprises six exotic private spa pavilions perched atop of the hill for the guest to enjoy calm and relax treatment. Their signature massage - bamboo massage is highly recommended.

#8: A chill room of Winecellar or known as Wine Cave - According to their staff, the owner of this resort love wine so much.

#9: The Koi - Not just a restaurant, they even provide cooking class especially to those foreign tourists who interested in learning to cook local meals.

 #10: A colourful set-up table just for us at Pantai Grill 

Besides The Koi, this resort has another dining place which known as Pantai Grill, which is in an idyllic setting at the foot of the beach. Here is where we're enjoying our scrumptious lunch.

#11: Not just creative, their menu of the day is so eco-friendly.

Like I mentioned earlier, the day trip package including 3 courses meals - from starter to main course and dessert.

#12: Starter being served on that day - Mix Garden Green Salad with Balsamic Vinegar

There are even two other choices you can choose from besides the above:

• Cream chicken lemon soup
• Greek salad

As for main course, there are 5 options given and we were being served on these followings:

#13: Braised Lamb Shanks with Corn, Cob & Coleslow - I not really like to eat lamb but oh my, this was so delicious.

#14: Mixed Grilled Satay (Chicken & Beef)

#15: Pizza baked in their own handmade-oven.

#16: Dessert - Peppermints Panacotta with Dark Chocolate Sticks. Absolutely perfect match.

Not just that, we were also being served with their own fresh organic fish.

#17: Tiger Garupa

#18: Red Snapper

Frankly speaking, we were never expecting that they will serve us with so many kind of foods. Kudos to their excellent and great-skill chefs, we were absolutely so full and satisfied with all the foods provided. Before we move on to our water activities, we were brought to have a look at one of their villa.

#19: Each of their humble timbered villa features extended wrap around balconies and private plunge pools. It makes me don't wanna leave the island. How I wish they could sponsor each of us with an overnight sleep somehow?

We ended our day by did the water activities - kayaking and snorkelling. All of the equipments for these two water activities were provided - life jacket and snorkelling mask. One of their staff was so kind enough and brought us to see such a huge and giant clams. They were amazingly beautiful, man!

We left this beautiful and stunning island around 3.30pm. From the expression, I can see that none of us wanna leave this island. Everything seems so perfect - like we were in paradise.

#20: A jewel island in the coast of Borneo

#21: Group photo at the jetty. From left to right: Beverly Tam, Vivian & Matthew from Breeze Magazine, Chloe, Charlotte Fong, Mei Tzeu, Eric Constantin, Mr Tomas Anderson (General Manager), Tom Rungitom, Calista Leah Liew, Margaret Chong, Sherrie Pui, Nadia Sucinta Domianus (Personal Assistant) and DT. [Photo credit to Beverly Tam]

Last but not least, I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa for the sponsored of this day trip. I always wanna visit this island for such long time and finally, my dreams came true. Thank you so much, Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa.

So come and book your day trip in their Gayana office located in Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal. 

For further enquiry, kindly please contact: 

Miss Junei Voo

Resorts Sales Manager 

Mobile: +6013851 6330

Tel: +6088380390

Fax: +6088247390

Email: junei.voo@gayana-eco-resort.com

or you can even chekc out their facebook page - Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa.

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Media Day Trip - Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa (Teaser)

The reason for the lack update of my blog was because I was so busy with the preparation for my final and last external professional accounting paper for the past few weeks. And I'm glad that finally my worst nightmare is over and now I am back in track for most of my normal routines - heading to gym, blogging and my most favourite activity, do planning for my upcoming trips.

Right after done with my exam, I am looking forward for a quick but short breakaway cause another oversea trip of mine will be in the next 2 months. You know for a part-time traveller who has been travelled for almost every month, the body and legs especially will feel freaking itchy for not travelling more than two months, at least. I don't mind whether a road trip around Sabah or even another island getaway (my last island hopping was in August last year). So coincidentally that Sherrie Pui aka cutebun invited me to join this media day trip with KK bloggers to this tranquil and exotic Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa on this Saturday. I was so excited when received her message and I instantly agreed upon.

Here is the package details of this exclusive day trip:

Can't wait for this Saturday to come and pray hardly for a good and fine weather. Will blog more about this once I get back from this day trip.

If you wanna know more details about this, do check out the Bunga Raya's website or their facebook page.

For more of my travel updates, follow me on Twitter and Instagram.

Snapshot Sunday: Paradise Island

Went to two of the world well-known islands this year during their peak season; Phuket, Thailand in early of Jan and Bali, Indonesia which I just came back there last week. Just like what my horoscope, Pisces (an icon of two fishes) is a water sign and for sure, I am truly in love with beach and island getaway. To find out more your travel destinations based on your horoscope - click here. So, have you been to these two paradise islands before? If not, which will be your choice? For me, both amazingly gave me 100% satisfaction and relaxation.