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Feel like you need an escape to a tranquil, secluded
spot where the iPhone can’t pick up a signal? It’s
as good (and idyllic) as it gets—sublime dive sites,
fantastic game fishing, wonderful clear blue waters,
simply an intimate, serene and invigorating escape
for travellers. That’s what I discovered during my
recent getaway to Sibu Island. My destination
was the private and idyllic property of Sari Pacifica
Resort & Spa, located just 2.5 hours on the road
from Singapore and another 20 minutes via speed
boat. Guests are privileged with a private beachfront
where they can luxuriate undisturbed, away from
crowded public beaches.
Just a 20-minute boat ride from Tanjung Leman
jetty, the coral-rich cluster of islands includes Pulau
Sibu Besar, Pulau Sibu Tengah, Pulau Sibu Hujung,
Pulau Kukus and Pulau Tinggi. The archipelago is a
haven of natural beauty and sea turtles arrive in July
to lay their eggs ashore. Many of the islands are still
uninhabited giving the peninsula its unique remote,
rustic charms.
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Guests are privileged with a
private and pristine beach where
they can luxuriate undisturbed,
away from overpopulated public
beaches.
The bathroom, designed to take in
the sun from the glass ceiling is equally spacious with a tub on one side and
shower on the other. The rooms are
well appointed with ample amenities
for a family. The hotel staff are always
striving to please guests who may
have special supply requests. The
staff are mindful about giving privacy
to guests but spring to action when
called for.
Meals are delectable and personal,
with the chef always happy to oblige
if you fancy a particular fare, local or
western. We had a garden barbeque
during one of the evenings, which
was memorable, with the stunning
surrounds to ensure that both senses
and taste buds were sated. It was
marvellous to have the beach just
steps away allowing for an enchanting stroll along the beach at dusk.
From the friendly shuttle pickup in Singapore to
the warm reception at the hotel and the beautiful
remote setting, everything was perfect. We arrived
in a speedboat that glided seamlessly along the
calm waters below sunny skies to the private jetty
of the resort. Friendly smiles and genuine hospitality
abound as the resort’s staff greeted us before
escorting us to the resort along a lush pathway
framed by verdant vegetation.
My Seaview Villa offered breathtaking vistas of the
sea and surrounds and I thoroughly enjoyed reclining
on the patio deck chair reading my book with tea on
the side. The spacious interior of my room enabled a
clear view of the beach through the wall to wall glass
doors. I can see that the rooms were designed with
the surrounds in mind—architected to allow guests
unobstructed views of the surrounding. The raised
king sized bed (facing the sea) pampers guests with
a panorama of the sea and coconut trees to wake
up to.
Accommodation:
44 Villas | 14 Seaview | 2 Royal Villas | 28 Garden Villas
is a prized catch for anglers and the
waters in the Mersing area is reputed
as superb sailfish sites. Sibu Island is
part of a group of islands gazetted as
a Marine Park since 1994. There are
more than 228 species of hard corals
and over 400 species of reef fish—enthralling for divers. Snorkelling is also
a must for visitors as the coral reefs,
many close by the shore, are teeming
with sea life.
There are several islands—some uninhabited—that are ideal for snorkelling,
which some in my travelling group
enjoyed doing. Our schedule was too
tight to scout out the dive sites but we
went to Besar Island (about a 40-minute boat ride away), where we chance
upon the film crew of the popular TV
series—Survivor. We were taken to
the spot where the Tribal Council set is
filmed. Apparently, the islands in the
archipelago are excellent for staging
the filming in lieu of the many uninhabited islands. The crew stays at the
delightful Aseania Resort, which I’m
planning to make a getaway to when
one of my weekends permit.
The ample space of the compound
allows for private space for individuals who want to get away from it all
and is also excellent for groups who
want to engage in team activities. The
stretch of t he capacious white sandy
beach affords great beach activites or Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa is certainly a
place that I will revisit for several reasimply soaking in the sun.
sons. The most compelling being the
The moments are yours to savour— lovely sea and surrounds. The serenity
be it a peaceful laid-back afternoon and privacy afforded, together with
by the poolside or an adrenaline- the pristine surrounds are irresistible.
packed morning boat ride to a nearby The close proximity from Singapore
island. The best part is that mobile re- is another bonus while the friendly
ception is poor on the island so you hotel staff rounds up the wonderful
can be off the radar and forget about experience.
all work-related matters. Peace at last!
Most of the resorts within the archiThe spa, although only serving two pelago are closed during the annual
guests at any one time, offers an ex- 3-month monsoon period—Novemcellent concoction of massage thera- ber to January, save for those facing
pies and beauty treatments. The spa the mainland.
therapists are well trained so you can
Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa, Sibu Island
expect a truly invigorating session.
Lot 60, 61,144, Teluk Kambau Kecil
Diving and game fishing are popular Pulau Sibu Tengah | 86800 Mersing
sports among guests who charter Johor | Malaysia | T +607-7989105/4
boats to their favourite spots. Sailfish www.saripacifica.com
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