LOCATION:
Some 45 minutes by fast boat from Semporna town. Usually tour operators will make 2 short stops from Semporna; one at this resort, and another at Sipadan Water Village at Pulau Mabul; before proceeding to Pulau Sipadan itself.

DESCRIPTION:
Pulau Kapalai is fast becoming another muck-diving favorite among tourists. It is often compared to Pulau Mabul when it comes to the variety of marine critters and superb macro photography.

The resort itself is not exactly located on an island - rather Kapalai is more of a shallow sand bank that form the part of the Ligitan Reefs. The waters around the resort are heavenly clear - as if you are staying at the world's biggest swimming pool.

Just like Sipadan Water Village in Pulau Mabul, all facilities are built on stilts. One rarely could see any land mass, except during low-tide when patches powdery white sand bars appear sporadically. The wooden chalets offer their own private balcony. I could easily see hundreds of tropical fish swimming by the stilts, probably feeding themselves.

REVIEWED ON:
June 2003

MY VERDICT:
For a different type of island vacation, this resort should be one of your picks.

MY RATING: