Yachts Asia

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Bounded by 3 seas: the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, and the Celebes Sea, and known as the "Land Below the Wind", Sabah lies outside of the typhoon belt making it free from any major climatic disturbances.

As a cruising destination Sabah is relatively unknown. It has plenty of potential, however, and the local government has been working hard to enhance the attraction for yachts with new marina developments.

Here in Sabah you will find a multitude of tropical islands, including coral atolls and oceanic islands, as well as giant rivers, dense tropical jungle, high mountains, an abundance of wildlife, and an eclectic mix of indigenous groups, who continue to celebrate ancient customs and traditional lifestyles. As many have discovered, one of the highlights of Sabah are the indigenous people who possess genuine warmth and hospitality towards visitors.

Undoubtedly this this lush corner of Borneo will one day become a major yachting destination adding sailing to its list of numerous attractions for lovers of nature, culture, scuba diving and jungle exploration.

SAMPLE ITINERARY: SABAH ISLAND CRUISE

Embarkation: Kota Kinabalu
Disembarkation: Kota Kinabalu
Duration: 7 days
Optional Activities: Parasailing, Jetskiing, Waterskiing/Wakeboarding, Scuba Diving, Helicopter Sightseeing, Native Cultural Performance, Island BBQ
Note: A cruising holiday to Sabah can be combined with some fascinating over-land journeys in Sabah and the neighbour states of Sarawak and Brunei.
Recommended Yachts: Puteri Sutera, Raja Laut

Day 1: Embarkation in Kota Kinabalu aboard your yacht and set sail to the island of Pulau Tiga, known as the original 'Survivor Island' where the reality TV show was first filmed. Geothermal activity below the centre of Pulau Tiga island has created warm bubbling mud baths which are not only relaxing to sit in but also therapeutic. Here one can stretch the legs on nature trails which take you through the jungle and across the island, resident wildlife include macaques, giant monitor lizards, wild boar, and hornbill.

Day 2: Northeast of Pulau Tiga is Mengalum Island where you can have a hand at fishing in an area that is known for Dogtooth and Yellow fin Tuna.

Day 3: On a clear day, the cruise towards Mantanani will reveal great views of Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Keen scuba divers would have an exciting opportunity to dive on a Japanese shipwreck lying in 35m of water, a legacy of the 2nd World War. There is also a chance to encounter the resident dugong or 'sea cow'.

Day 4: The northern-most part of Borneo island, with miles of empty white sand beaches and offshore islands to explore. Here we will discover one of the most rural parts of Borneo, including the Rungus longhouse in Kudat which is a traditional communal home of a tribe famed for their weaving, beadwork and traditional music.

Day 5: Offshore, past the northern tip of Borneo, are the islands of Banggi, Balambangan and Malawali, which are gazetted to become Malaysia's newest and largest Marine Park. These islands offer a real escape and feeling of isolation, with empty white sand beaches, jungle covered hillsides, clear waters, beautiful bays, reefs and mangroves. Here there are indigenous people who still live in isolation from the modern world and retain century-old traditions.

Day 6: In the moring we set sail, heading southwest and back towards Kota Kinabalu. One can enjoy the beautiful sights while trawling for game fish, or if you prefer, while reading, sunbathing and relaxing on the deck. In the afternoon we arrive at Ambong Bay, idyllic beaches and clear waters await.

Day 7: From Ambong Bay we set a course for Kota Kinabalu where we explore the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Here you can enjoy a variety of watersports or even go ashore for golf, shopping, or an evening of city nightlife.

BEST TIME TO GO: Between March and October.

PORTS OF EMBARKATION/DISEMBARKATION: Kota Kinabalu

HOW TO GET THERE: You can fly directly to Kota Kinabalu from most major airports in Asia (Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Macau, Brunei, Manila, Shanghai, Seoul, Tokyo, Osaka, and more).