Pulau Sibu – A Golden Beach Paradise
Pulau Sibu (or Sibu Island) is one of the more well-known islands among the Johor Seibuat Archipelago. Unlike other nearby islands like Pulau Besar and Pulau Rawa which boast fine white sandy beaches, Pulau Sibu offers one of the most pleasing golden beaches that you can find among the Johor islands. Last summer in 2016, I had the opportunity to visit Pulau Sibu for 3D2N with my brother to uncover this golden beach paradise of Johor.
Where to Stay on Pulau Sibu
There are a few resorts established on Pulau Sibu such as Sari Pacifica Resort&Spa, Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base, Rimba Resort, Twin Beach Resort, etc. We chose to book with Sea Gypsy Village Resort due to its exceptional ratings and the fact that it is fronting arguably the best beach on the island.
Our room – no aircon and with limited WIFI access
Activities on Pulau Sibu
There are various activities that you can do on the island as well as off the island. Most activities that we joined were guided trips provided by the resort. Here are some of the highlights:
-
Enjoy the Beautiful Golden Beach of Pulau Sibu
The beach at Pulau Sibu is laid with fine golden brown sand which extends beyond the bay. It covers the seabed and deepens ever so gradually which makes it extremely children friendly. It is almost like a man-made pool as the seabed is so smooth without any dead corals or rocks. Besides swimming and sunbathing, try out some beach volleyball or mini beach playground here for more excitement with your friends and family. Definitely a haven for kids as well as the child at heart like myself.
-
Sunset Trip to Lima Kechil Island
That almost perfect sunset at Lima Kechil Island
We joined the Sunset Trip to Lima Kechil Island on our 1st day. Lima Kechil is a small uninhabited island located at about 15-minute boat ride away from Pulau Sibu. We set a bonfire, laid our mats, had a couple of beers and just chill by the beach with that almost perfect sunset view.
We shared the same mat with Doné from South Africa. She has been to a couple of islands in Malaysia and just couldn’t stop praising the diverse culture and beautiful islands here. It is testimonial like this that makes me feel proud as a Malaysian. As we were relaxing on the beach, a few of us sailed off the island for a late evening scuba diving. They saw a giant sea turtle which was about 2-metres long! You’ve got to see those excited faces when they returned from their dive.
-
Snorkeling Trip to Mentinggi
crescent-shaped sand bar
-
Cross-Island Kampung Walk through Pulau Sibu
There was also a guided tour called the Kampung Walk whereby we trekked to the other side of Pulau Sibu. Along the way, we passed by other resorts such as Sari Pacifica Resort and Twin Beach Resort. Our destination was Kampung Duku, a well-established village (kampung) on the island. There is even a local school here. We were told that the teachers actually outnumber the students here.
On our way back to the resort, we took a speed boat and went around the rocky side of the island. It was such a thrilling ride as we came really close to a couple of rocks at full speed! Just spectacular!
-
Pulau Sibu Hiking Excursion (New!)
View at the peak. Photo by Sea Gypsy Village
This new hiking excursion to the peak of Pulau Sibu is surely on my radar now since it was introduced earlier this year. The view from the peak is absolutely amazing. I would definitely make another trip down to Pulau Sibu for this hiking adventure. Who’s up for it?
Photo by Sea Gypsy Village
The Best Time to Visit Pulau Sibu
Legend says that Pulau Sibu receives the sunshine all year round. While that might have some truth in it, I would recommend visiting Pulau Sibu at around May to July to have a higher chance of getting that perfect sunbath throughout your trip.
Getting to Pulau Sibu
Board a boat from Tanjung Leman Jetty and Pulau Sibu is just a 20-minute boat ride away. Boat transfers from Tanjung Leman Jetty to Pulau Sibu are usually included in the resort packages.
Pulau Sibu should be on everyone’s travel wish list especially if you are planning your next family vacation. I really feel like going back again as I’m already missing its vast golden brown beach and that tropical island life.