Kota Kinabalu Mermaid Island Travelogue~

🚫 Warning: Not for those who get seasick! 🌴 A dual experience of beauty and bumpiness, are you ready? 📝 Follow my writing and unveil the mystery of Mermaid Island in Kota Kinabalu. --- 🌊 During my 7-day adventure in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, I decided to challenge myself and stay at the Mermaid Island Resort for one night. This decision was not made on a whim but after careful consideration. After all, with children in tow, we wanted to find a place that was both family-friendly and offered the fun of island hopping. Although the nearby islands were very convenient for island hopping, taking just over ten minutes to reach, I longed for the distant crystal-clear seas. 🔍 Here is my detailed comparison of Sapi Island and Mermaid Island: - 🚤 Boat ride: 40 minutes to Mermaid Island, while Sapi Island takes 1 and a half hours (boat ride only, plus about 2 hours' drive to the pier). - 🌪 Boats: Due to the rough seas, choosing a regular pier and boat is crucial. On the day we left the island, we encountered a storm with strong winds and rain, making the boat ride terrifyingly bumpy, and the 40-minute journey became excruciating. (During the rainy season from December to March, the waves are even worse, and there may be cancellations of boat trips) - 🏨 Accommodation: Sapi Island is not yet fully developed, with no hotels or resorts, mainly offering day trips. 🏝 Mermaid Island, also known as Mantanani Island, consists of three small islands. Mantanani Besar is the largest island and the only inhabited area, with some parts developed. - 🏢 Island accommodation: Silk Mermaid Island Resort, the only hotel on the island. - 🌊 Sea and beach: Sapi Island, being further away, has better quality sea water and beaches, while Mermaid Island, despite its trailing sandy beaches, may have its experience affected by the presence of coral and shell fragments, although this does not affect taking beautiful photos. - 🎢 Entertainment and dining: Sapi Island has more activities, while Mermaid Island has its own restaurant and small pub (slightly pricey), with no nightlife, only the sound of the waves to listen to, enjoying a peaceful night. 📸 Despite the bumpiness, the beauty of Mermaid Island remains unforgettable. If you seek tranquility and beautiful scenery and are willing to endure some bumpiness, then this might be a good choice. But please remember, safety first, choosing the right boat and weather to travel is crucial. 👉 Before deciding, be sure to think thrice. I hope my guide can help your trip be both safe and full of surprises! 🌴 Kota Kinabalu Mermaid Island, a bumpy but unforgettable journey, awaits your exploration. 🌴