Mabul Island and Sipadan Water
Village |
SIPADAN - Located
off the East Coast of Sabah, near the town of Semporna, it is considered
to be one of the best diving areas in South-East Asia. Sipadan is an oceanic
island sitting on top of a limestone pinnacle some 600 metres above the
ocean floor. It is reported to have the largest variety of soft corals
in the world. The marine life in the area must be seen to be believed.
Our dive experience combines the islands of Sipadan with the island of
Mabul, just 15 minutes away. Mabul is a coral island with depths varying
from 3 to 35 metres, together with a wall with numerous species of hard
corals such as staghorn, plate, boulder and table corals in many different
shades and colours. The marine life around Mabul is unique and offers an
in sight into the ecology of the smaller marine inhabitants of the reefs
which are not normally found on Sipadan.
Mabul also has beautiful white sandy beaches which offer relaxing alternatives
to diving. Snorkelling on the edge of the reef is excellent.
BRUNEI
Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque at
night |
Brunei Darussalam is an interesting place for a two or three night stopover,
either while travelling between Sabah and Sarawak, or as an entry point
to Borneo. The airport at Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of the country,
is close to the city. The Sultan of Brunei could be considered the country's
best known attraction. His monuments form the major part of the existing
attractions for the tourist. After a visit to Brunei, you will be left
wondering whether there is any marble left in Italy!
The country of Brunei is not much larger than Luxembourg, and is bounded
by the South China Sea, Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan. Its population is
in the order of 280 000, and its wealth has been derived from natural gas
and oil production.
The Sultan has also recently constructed a large marble shopping complex
near the waterfront called the Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Foundation
Complex; and also built a massive amusement park where entry and the cost
of the rides is free.
The Istana Nural Iman is the Sultan's royal palace for his first wife,
and is also the largest residential palace in the world. The Royal Regalia
Building has an amazing array of chariots, weapons, crowns, thrones and
other paraphernalia.
Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah
Mosque |
The Jame Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque with its domes and minarets plated
with 24 carat gold, and surrounding gardens, was built to commemorate the
25th Anniversary of the king's reign.
Omar Saifuddien Mosque |
A tour of the city will visit the spectacular Omar Saifuddien Mosque, markets,
the Kampung Ayer water village, which is said to be the largest water village
in the world, and the Brunei Museum, as well as the sights mentioned above.
Beyond the Kampung Ayer water village, it is sometimes possible to see
proboscis monkeys around dusk.
Out of town, and worthy of a visit is a visit to the Ulu Temburong tropical
lowland forest., where it is possible to take a forest canopy walk (after
climbing 800 steps) and visit a local Longhouse. |
