Kota Kinabalu - Day 3 - Sapi Island

Thursday, 15th Nov. Ma'al Hijrah holiday. It rained early morning and was drizzling by the time we got to Jesselton Point. It was already 8:30am. I called Akmal. He was still asleep but would soon be on his way. There were already people queueing for the boat. So, while waiting we had breakfast of nasi lemak. By the time AKmal appeared, it was already raining heavily. No way would we be able to leave for the islands in this weather. Most of the boat operators would warn you about the trip and refund your money for tickets bought. They used speed boats and the journey would take between 20 minutes to 40 minutes depending on which island you were going to. The three islands - Mamutik, Manukan and Sapi were part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Thus, we decided to go to the Hari Penternak and Peladang near Likas. It was still raining cats and dogs that the islands were shrouded and covered by thick mist. One could not see anything across the sea. We spent a couple of hours here and Noor bought frozen "daging payau" or deer. I enjoyed tasting all that they asked us to take and taste. Something new and innovative like the keropok lekor eaten with jeruk asam limau. Okay .... for someone who was not adventurous about food, I was willing to give it a try.  :=)  

Finally, the rain subsided and we returned to Jesselton Point. We managed to get tickets to Pulau Sapi, the nearest island and the boat ride would take about 20 minutes. What a ride!!!! It was open air, low 15 seater speed boat. The sea was rough and every time the boat hit the wave, it was like your car hit a large pot hole on the road. The ride was very bumpy but FUN !!!! I loved open air mode of transport. That was why I love the Penang ferry. Every time the driver of the speed boat made a curve to avoid the oncoming wave, huge splashes of water would hit your face. Ha..ha..ha.. I enjoyed it! Syafiq, who sat on the other side were half wet by the time we reached Pulau Sapi. It was quite a ride.

Buying tickets for the boat ride

The price for a trip to Pulau Sapi - to the island

The ticket

Jesselton Point jetty - the speed boat

Pulau Sapi jetty

The entrance to the island from the jetty

The plaque

The rates for conservation fee  to enter the island - different rates for locals and foreigners

How clear the waters were - view from the jetty

What one could see on the beach - BEWARE !