Best Staycation In Sabah – From Bustling City Centre to an Island Retreat
Need a break? Every once in a
while we all need a break from our busy lives and what better than to go for a
short getaway!
A weekend staycation would be a
great way to explore the country, and one place that is exceptionally unique
with undeniably awesome Instagrammable photos is Sabah.
My Sabah holiday, Cuti-Cuti Ke
Sabah by Sutera Harbour Resort started immediately as the plane entered the Kota
Kinabalu skyline, peering through my window, the expanse of the 5-star Resort
beckoned for my arrival.
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View of the swimming pool at Sutera Harbour Resort. |
In a tropical setting just 5-minutes away from the vibrant business centre of Kota Kinabalu, Sutera Harbour
Resort is designed to meet astute guests’ needs and is recognised as
one of the best resorts in the region.
Once I arrived, I was impressed
by the safety and security measures set by the Resort. My Deluxe Garden View
room of The Magellan Sutera Resort was spacious, comfy and fitted with many
modern amenities.
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The deluxe king garden view room. |
I got to stay at this luxurious
Resort for 3 days, 2 nights, and the package offered free daily breakfast. This particular package is suitable for couples and families alike as it includes
many activities for both adults and children to enjoy.
A highlight of the gateway was the
awesome snorkelling experience to Sapi Island. I also managed to polish my
putting skill with a free session at the Driving Range. It also offered 20% off
Food & Beverage at Al Fresco.
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27-hole Championship Golf Course at the Sutera Harbour Resort. |
As for the little guests,
activities such as Fish Feeding, Giant Bubble, Pottery Painting and many more
are available throughout the day.
While in the Resort, take
advantage of delicious dim-sum offering at Silk Garden, exquisite Italian cuisine at Ferdinand’s and stunning view of the sunset as you dine at Horizons
Restaurant.
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Horizons Restaurant at the resort with beautiful night ambience. |
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Sunset view of the islands. |
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After that exciting vacation in
the city, complete your holiday with a romantic and tranquil island gateway
with WOW Mantanani at Sutera@Mantanani Island Resort & Spa.
This Resort is located on the
gorgeous Mantanani Island, located in the quiet town of Kota Belud, 75km northeast
of Kota Kinabalu.
My journey to Borneo’s idyllic
island holiday started early in the morning as I drove to Rampayan Jetty.
Leaving the bustling city, I was in awe with beautiful morning sceneries
with the sun shining brightly, promising a voyage to remember. You can either
drive on your own or ask the Hotel to arrange transportation for you.
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The stunning view of Mount Kinabalu from the resort jetty. |
Along the journey, especially
along the Tuaran stretch, the majestic Mount Kinabalu made her appearance,
greeting you affectionately as warm as Sabah’s hospitality.
1 hour into the journey, there
was a short layover for everyone to have a light breakfast and to shop for many
fresh-from-the-orchard local fruits such as sweet corn, rambutan or whatever
fruits that are in season.
Upon arriving at Rampayan Jetty,
a short safety briefing was conducted, guaranteeing everyone to enjoy the
excursion with peace of mind.
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Incredible white sand beaches and crystal clear waters at Mantanani Island. |
Now, you may want to share your
experience right away on your FB or Instagram while on the boat. Don’t worry; most providers’ network coverage is excellent even when you are in the middle
of the ocean.
Arriving on the island, as I set my
foot on the whitest of sand, I immediately felt the calm and romantic feel of
the island.
My adventure began immediately
with snorkelling to a few favourite spots where guests can dive into the blue
turquoise waters, filled with rich marine life. You may even catch everyone’s
favourite fish, Nemo swimming happily between the corals.
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ATVs are a popular activity on the island. |
Scrumptious lunch awaited as we got
back from snorkelling before checking in into our luxurious chalets and deluxe
rooms. Each room is fitted with amenities and attached bathrooms for everyone’s
convenience.
Maximise your island gateway by
taking advantage of the many island activities they have to offer. Explore the
island on an adrenaline-inducing ATV ride or take a walk along the beach or
swim in the invigorating waters or have fun jumping on the big bouncing castle.
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The incredible crystal clear waters of Mantanani Island. |
You may also take a kayak out for a spin
around the island! With the crystal-clear water, you’ll be able to see plenty
of marine life below the surface. The calm waters make for ideal kayaking
conditions, and no experience is required!
They also have many beach sports
activities such as beach soccer and beach volleyball. In the evening, we went to
the most romantic spot on the island, where you can see the bright orange, red
and yellow pastels of the sensational evening light streaks across the horizon
before dipping behind the ocean; allowing the moon to glow for that romantic
ending to your day.
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Lazing on the beach is one of the things to do at Mantanani Island. |
Those coming to the island
for a special occasion such as an anniversary or a proposal are more than
happy to help you an even memorable gateway for you. Just get in touch with their
personnel, and they will do the rest.
Dinner was a sizzling hot
steamboat consisting of Sabah fresh seafood, local vegetables, meat, chicken
and many more.
And after dinner, on a rare a magical night, you may witness one of the world’s most spellbinding natural
phenomena – the bioluminescence or Blue Plankton. These amazing visual effects
that border on the supernatural will definitely be one of the most surreal and
magical moments ever.
The night is still young? Walk
along the beach at night, look up the skies and witness the magical Milky Way
splattered across the sky canvas.
The sound of the waves from the
ocean and the view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu greeted me in the morning as I
went for my breakfast. Make sure to take a lot of pictures before you leave the
island.
Conclusion
And as you bid adieu,
Sutera@Mantanani awaits your next visit.
Want to experience these amazing
holidays? Visit the Sutera Harbours Cuti-Cuti Ke Sabah deals and also the Sutera at Mantanani for their promotions.
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