Day Trip to Mamutik Island

Mamutik Island it’s like 10 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah. Super lucky citizens of Kota Kinabalu are able to go for a short trip! Under the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug. By the way, the word “Pulau” means island in Malay language.

I always return to Pulau Mamutik due to its traffic. Not a lot of people crave to go Pulau Mamutik but the others. Also, for its beautiful corals and fishes. Or maybe because I took my PADI diving license here at this island and that is why it makes me feels like home. Anyway.

To go Mamutik Island from Kota Kinabalu City, there is two ways actually which is through Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal or Sutera Marina Jetty. Want to know more about these two places? Check out the links.

Things you can do here in this island are basically straight forward. When you go to an island, you swim, you dive, you eat, you have fun and you relax.

Yes, you can dive in Mamutik Island - Once you reached the island, walk to your right and you will find Borneo Divers Training Institute. You can ask someone to assist you from there. Prices might be in a range of RM250 to RM300. Of course according to how many divers and boat dives you requests. If you do dive, don’t forget to bring along your underwater camera. You don’t want to miss a memory underwater.

If water sport is your cup of tea, you may contact any local tour companies for more information regarding the water sport activities that are available. There are some local companies there at the island selling packages like Sea Walking, Snorkeling, and etc but do get the ones with license, to prevent anything bad happened. 

Foods and drinks at the island?

I guess you got to catch some fish for your lunch! Nah, there is a small café and you can ask for anything a-la carte. Or, there is a convenient shop beside it. But seriously, nothing fancy.

The toilet is an orange building on the left side of the island. Be prepared to wait for your turn! There is no hot water for shower, no tissue being prepared. So remember to bring your own toiletries.

Facts:
If you want to bring any alcohol (eg. Beer) to the island, get it in Kota Kinabalu town before depart to Mamutik Island. It’s cheaper. Locals like me done this.

If you saw someone or some group of friends who brought foods, they are friendly local people.

Rising of Malindo Airways

Collaboration between National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (Nadi) and Indonesia's PT Lion Group, Malindo Airways would begin operations on 1 May 2013 with a fleet of 12 Boeing737-900ER aircraft. Malindo Airways will be based in KLIA 2. Apart from KLIA2, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah might be its secondary hub.

The newest airline Malindo Airways is set to change the low-cost carrier scene with plans to create routes to Asean, China, Hong Kong, India and Japan as well as further afield to Australia and Europe. - Star

The airline will offer a "hybrid product" using aircraft with a two-class configuration – 12 in business and 168 in economy.

To compete as a newcomer, the new airline will offer ticket prices lower or at least on par with that of Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia. "We can collaborate with Malindo Airways. I am not here to make enemies. I will meet Rusdi over dinner soon. -  Tan Sri Tony Fernandes 

So, what to do now people? Let’s wait for some good awesome airfare!

Nature Trail in Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley

Once we have checked into our room and had a short rest, Nature Trail is next. 

Nature Trail is like an introduction to the forest, just to let all guests to have an idea when, what, how, and etc that this virgin jungle was found.

It takes about 40 minutes until the adventure of Nature Trail ends. Well, in 40 minutes you can learn a lot of nature species that we have in Danum Valley. From different kind of insects, to different kind and usage of plants.

Bear in mind, its a little bit slippery on the platform. So be careful while you are walking, especially when it comes to raining or after rains. Everybody ought to walk on this platform when ongoing the Nature Trail. Our Nature Guide is awesome when is comes to the explanation of each plants and creatures during the Nature Trail. You can see their passion towards the virgin jungle.