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Travel by train from Kota Kinabalu, the state capital.SabahFrom Malaysia, about 20 minutes away, visitors can witness the lush green Sepanggar Island, see the ocean floor, and admire the long stretches of white sand.
Sepanggar is famous for its white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and colorful coral reefs and marine life.
Sepanggar Island, also known as Rainbow Island, is a popular destination for tourists due to its stunning natural scenery and exciting water sports activities. What makes Sepanggar special is the underwater walking experience, allowing visitors to explore the enchanting underwater world without any diving skills.
Visitors can participate in many activities on the island, including swimming, snorkeling, underwater walking, jet skiing, camping, trekking, and more.
Taking a stroll along the long stretches of white sand on Sepanggar Island, one seems to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The gentle sound of waves, the crystal-clear water, and the colorful marine life create a peaceful and idyllic natural landscape in Sepanggar.
Valentine G. Willard, Business Director of Riverbug Asia, said: "Sepanggar Island officially reopened to tourism at the end of 2022 after a long closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Initially, the majority of visitors were locals, but it gradually attracted more international tourists. Besides main experiences like underwater walking and jet skiing, the island also offers activities such as camping and trekking. The peak tourist season on the island is usually in May, June, and July, with around 30-40 visitors per day. This is enough for visitors to experience the island's atmosphere in the best way possible, even though the island has a capacity of up to 300 people.”
Valentine G. Willard, Business Director of Riverbug Asia, said that in addition to main experiences such as underwater walking and jet skiing, the island also offers activities such as camping and trekking.
Sepanggar's most unique feature is the underwater walking experience, allowing visitors to explore the fascinating underwater world without any diving skills.
Walking on the seabed is one of the fascinating experiences when visiting Sepangar Island, Malaysia.
Underwater walking is one of the must-do experiences when visiting here. Visitors will get to explore the underwater world, admire colorful coral reefs and tropical fish. Underwater walking is organized in the shallow waters of Sepanggar Island at a depth of about 10 meters.
Before beginning their underwater trek, visitors will be provided with a special helmet equipped with a 35 kg air intake tube to allow for normal breathing underwater. Additionally, visitors will be provided with protective footwear to shield them from dangerous marine life.
Experience riding a jet ski.
Underwater walks typically last around 20-30 minutes. During the walk, a guide will take photos and videos to capture the moment and lead you along the seabed to observe and even touch a variety of colorful marine life. The waters around Sepanggar Island are crystal clear and blue, making it an ideal location for swimming and snorkeling.
The cost of visiting Sepanggar Island, including round-trip boat transportation, an underwater walking tour, hotel, and lunch, is approximately 250 Malaysian Ringgit (1.3 million VND).
Sepanggar Island is an ideal destination for those who love exploring wild nature and experiencing new things.
Visitors can spend the whole day relaxing on the beach, swimming in the clear blue water, or strolling along the shoreline.
In addition, Sepanggar has several hiking trails leading to different points on the island, including hilltops where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea. Visitors can also hike through the rainforest or ride jet skis, camp, or kayak along the coast to enjoy the scenery.
The scenery around Sepanggar Island
To reach Sepanggar Island, visitors should book an underwater walking tour in advance, especially during peak season. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are recommended to protect your skin. Jewelry and valuables should not be brought on the underwater walking tour. Always wear a life jacket and follow the instructor's instructions when entering the water.
Video showcasing the exploration experience on Sepanggar Island, Malaysia:
