Cruising Sabah's Waters - Itinerary
Borneo, the world's third largest island, conjures up images
of lush tropical rainforests, exotic and rare wildlife and the infamous headhunters of days gone by.
While there is no possibility of losing one's head anymore, a journey to Borneo is an exquisite glimpse
into a land of rich diversity. Visitors can combine the delights of crystal clear waters, tropical islands
and mainland coastal bays, with extraordinarily diverse mainland beauty - the highest mountain in South
East Asia, Mt. Kinabalu, virgin rainforest conservation areas, waters, canyons, exotic wildlife, flora and
fauna, and a myriad of adventure, cultural and eco-tourism activities to truly experience this tropical
paradise.
Three countries are represented on the island of Borneo, Indonesia
to the south, Brunei in the middle and the Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah to the north. While each
country has its own charms, it is recommended that the most hassle-free itinerary for a journey to Borneo
focus on Sabah.
Sabah, know as the Land Below the Wind, for its positioning outside of the typhoon belt, is located on the
northern tip of the island of Borneo. During the colonial era, Sabah was controlled by the British North
Borneo Company, drawn to these shores in search of timber, spices, coffee and rubber. It is under the
auspices of the Company, that the 36 ethnic tribes found within its borders gave up their head-hunting
ways and became "civilised". While head-hunting is now a thing of the past, it is still possible to
experience the rich cultural heritage of the peoples of Sabah, that now blend into a harmonious community
of ethnic tribes, predominantly Kadazan, Dusun, Rungus and Murut, living peacefully alongside Chinese,
Malays and Indians.
Sabah's rich cruising waters from Labuan to Kudat offer some of the most spectacular and beautiful waters,
islands and mainland attractions in South East Asia and can possibly be seen as the most diverse cruising
playground in the world. A journey around the Tip of Borneo is also worthwhile, and the East Coast is
renowned for diving, particularly the world-famous Sipadan, ranked amongst the world's top-five dive sites
annually.
Suggested Itinerary:
Note: This seven day itinerary covers the West Coast of Sabah
only. It would be possible to discover all of Sabah in a seven day itinerary, and could potentially
include Pulau Lankayan, an idyllic micro dive spot, Pulau Selingan, a sanctuary for sea turtles, an
adventurous journey up the Kinabatangan River to visit the proboscis monkeys, pigmy elephants and other
rare fauna that feed on the mangrove lining Sabah's arterial river, and the famous dive spots of Sipadan
and Mabul, as well as the numerous other islands that lie off the coast of Semporna.
 Day 1 - Pulau Tiga
A passage from Singapore or Thailand will bring your yacht to Pulau Tiga, about 30 nm south of Sabah's
capital, Kota Kinabalu. The original site for the filming of the first "Survivor" reality television
programme, Pulau Tiga has two small resorts and a small jetty. The island formed just recently in the
late 1800's and has an interesting mud volcano at its centre, reflective of the thermo activity of the
region. The beaches are a lovely place to set up a BBQ or simply relax. Adjacent to Tiga is a smaller
island, Pulau Borong, known as "Snake Island", a purported breeding ground for sea snakes (caution should
be taken walking on this island, as there are indeed many snakes, but guides are available on the main
island for those who are feeling adventurous). There is also a lovely sand spit off the northern tip,
once a thriving island that was destroyed in a storm, that is surrounded by coral reef.
Day 2 - Kota Kinabalu
 Kota Kinabalu, fondly known simply as KK, is the capital city of Sabah. There
are some good restaurants, bars and ample shopping to be had, as well as several beautiful 5 star Resorts
located in and around the capital. There are also 7 world-class golf courses in the vicinity, one sporting
night golf for those who want to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun. There are many anchorages around the
city, and the main marina has good facilities if you choose to berth here overnight.
KK is an ideal hub to explore the interior of Sabah, with options to visit and/or climb Mt. Kinabalu, the
highest peak in South East Asia, the Maliau Basin conservation area, known as Sabah's Lost World, Sandakan,
a 35 minute flight, to visit Sepilok, the orang-utan rehabilitation centre, where it may be possible to
arrange "privileged" visits to see the orphaned orangutan babies up-close, and also Sukau, along the
Kinabatangan, rich in wildlife, including proboscis monkey and jungle elephants. It is possible to make
any of these trips in a day via helicopter, so passengers can visit some of the natural land wonders while
the yacht is in passage.
Day 3 - Tenku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
 The islands of the Tenku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are a great
cruising ground just off the coast of the capital city. Made up of 5 islands, Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug,
Sapi and Gaya, the park provides many private coves, secluded snorkeling and diving spots, and wonderful
bays. Police Bay on the north-side of Gaya Island, is an excellent secluded spot out of view of the city
lights. The steep jungle slopes are home to many indigenous species, and often you will see families of
monkeys, wild boar and giant monitor lizards roaming the beach in the early morning or late afternoon.
Day 4 - Pulau Mangalum
Pulau Mangalum lies 30 nm northwest of Kota Kinabalu and offers beautiful beaches and
snorkeling. Local
lore believes that the great explorer Magellan and his fleet stopped by this island (hence the island's
name) on his way to pay homage to the Sultan of Brunei and a giant galleon anchor, excavated off its shores,
rests at the Sabah Museum in Kota Kinabalu to prove the case. The locals
favor this area for fishing and to
the south west is the Saracen Bank, whose deep waters on Its western-side are a stop over for many pelagic
species.
Day 5 - Pulau Mantanani island group
 About 65 nm north of Kota Kinabalu, the Islands
of Mantanani are tropical havens with extensive white sandy beaches and scattered reefs. There is a small
island community on Mantanani Besar (Big Mantanani), where the villagers are extremely friendly and love a
spontaneous pick-up football match any time. They will assist to point out the best diving and snorkelling
spots, as well as let you know if there have been any recent sightings of dugongs (sea cows) around the
shores. In the evenings, thousands of frigate birds circle in the air, a beautiful sight to be seen.
Mantanani Kecil (Small Mantanani) is a national bird sanctuary set-up to protect these glorious sea birds.
Early risers can catch a beautiful sunrise over Mt. Kinabalu, which can be seen towering over the mainland
and the hills of the Crocker Range to the east.
Day 6 - Pulau Kulambu
 Just south of the northern tip of Borneo, lies the idyllic
island of Pulau Kulambu, attached to the mainland by a sandspit, forming two small bays on either side.
This area is blessed with miles of white sandy beaches and coves, as well as beautiful coconut plantations
and hills for exploring. The land around Pulau Kulambu is being developed into a high-end luxury villa
community, known as the Kudat Riviera, that will feature spectacular tropical homes. Sempang Megayau, the
"Tip of Borneo", four miles north, has been converted into a public park, and features a dramatic cliff
lined area marking this geographical point. Kudat is home to the Rungus people of Sabah, famous for their
weaving, beadwork and gong making. There is a Rungus longhouse, the traditional communal home of the tribe,
on the beach at Kulambu, as well as several nearby villages that can be visited, offering a glimpse into
the rich cultural heritage of Sabah. The town of Kudat, has a small marina and an 18-hole golf course.
Fishing is the mainstay of the economy here, so it is a great place to try the local seafood.
Day 7 - Pulau Bangi and Pulau Bambangunan
Off the coast of Kudat, these islands offer excellent cruising and diving. Dotted with white sandy beaches
and coves fringed with native coconut and banana trees, hours can be spent wandering the coastline. There
are several stilt-house communities that can be visited and the people are generally friendly and
welcoming. There are excellent wreck diving spots in the area, but a guide should be hired to explore some
of these rarely visited sites. Fishing is also plentiful in this area.
Know Before You Go:
Private Aircraft
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) can easily accommodate private jets, and local agent can arrange
VIP customs and immigration clearance.
Agents
Asia Pacific Superyachts are the people to use. Victoria Hilley, the Operations Manager, can be
contacted by email at victoria@asia-pacific-superyachts.com or phone +60 (0) 19 821 8182 or +60 (0) 88 249
276. Victoria can organise any spare part, fuel, food provisioning, customs and immigration, and just about
anything else you require during your stay.
The agent is also a fully operational travel agent, and can provide full itineraries and support for land
based activities. With access to a fleet of 4 helicopters, including a 3-seater Robinson 44, 2 Bell Jet
Rangers and a 7-seater twin engine helicopter, as well as a fleet of 5 motoryachts, luxury vehicle options,
the company can support any required itinerary and can assist in itinerary building to ensure your Borneo
experience is outstanding.
Customs:
You can send ship parts to Malaysia via the agent. All packages must be marked 'Yacht in Transit' or
'Ship's spares in transit' to avoid customs fees.
Provisioning:
Sabah has excellent wet and dry markets, and good quality import items are readily available, or can be
specially ordered within days. Good quality wine is available. Note that Labuan, to the south of Kota
Kinabalu, is a duty-free port, so a stop is worthwhile if the vessel requires alcohol/beer/cigarette
stocks.
Harbour fees and Immigration:
Leave your clearance to the agent! Visas are not required for most visitors, and members of the
Commonwealth, USA and many other countries are given 3 month visiting visas upon arrival. Check in advance
for visa requirements for visits over 1 month.
Navigation:
Admiralty charts of the area are quite thorough, but attention should be paid for passages through heavily
reefed areas. Charts are not readily available for purchase, but the agent can assist with the necessary
orders.
Currency:
There is little transaction in USD, and the local currency is preferred. Banking facilities can be set up
by the agent to help bring money in if required.
Credit Cards:
MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express and Diners Club are only accepted in 5 Star
Resorts.
Communications:
There are multiple GSM networks available with full international roaming agreements with most countries.
Pre-paid phone cards are readily available. Wireless Internet is available in many outlets and hotels.
Health Matters:
There are no specific vaccination/medical requirements for visiting Borneo. If extensive time is spent in
the jungles, Malaria pills may be considered. Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei have excellent medical
facilities/hospitals and medevac facilities. |
Borneo
