Go eco-friendly with Asiatic’s Sipadan Mangrove Resort
A completely eco-friendly
resort in development that promises the absolute usage of natural
resources and encourages biodiversity is on its way to welcome tourists
to Sabah.
- Posted on 18 September 2012
by Francesca Tay
Little
known to most, the Sipadan Islands of Sabah has one of the most
magnificent views and amazing diving sites. More popular and niche to
scuba divers for the exquisite diving sites, Sipadan Mangrove Resort now
hopes to tap on eco-tourists with their new development.
An
absolute eco-integrated resort, Sipadan Mangrove Resort is located
along the coastal area between Tawau and Semporna, 30 minutes away from
Sipadan Island and Mabul Island via sea. Protected by 10 thousand acres
of natural mangroves on all sides, the waterfront along Sungai Kalumpang
of the resort faces an all-natural mangrove island. Panning 1000 acres
in total, its main feature is the eco-friendly resources and mega
biodiversity.
With
chalets built by natural materials such as wood, nipah, leaves etc.,
guests have a choice between four kinds of eco-friendly villas to reside
in – Mangrove Villa, Lake Villa, River Villa, as well as Floating
Villa. As the names itself are explanatory, guests can indulge in the
different natural environments wherever they choose to stay.
Other
amenities include a dining hall, restaurants, lounges and bars. The
resort also offers fresh seafood from daily catch and meals are sourced
from the produce of aquaculture and organic farms owned and cultured by
the resort themselves. Guests can choose to dine at the riverfront
restaurant, which can accommodate up to 100 guests at one time, to
experience a magnificent natural view of the Mangrove Island and Sungai
Kalumpang.
The
resort also encourages eco-themed activities to bask in the
biodiversity of the Malaysian wetlands. Walk down the Mangrove Boardwalk
and Trails that leads into the mangrove island, or go on a House-Boat
River Cruise to spot wildlife at its finest. Explore the flora and fauna
at Nature Watch Shelters and Towers, or go on an organized trip for
Marine Wildlife Watch to learn more about marine wildlife such as
whalesharks. Plans have also been laid out to build a monkey sanctuary
for tourists to learn more about the proboscis monkeys.
Aspiring
divers can also try out the Diving Academy. For those who are not at
Sipadan Islands for the diving, take the boat shuttle out to the islands
to sightsee, or waddle in the mangrove-themed swimming pool. Of course,
divers and fishermen can also request for special trips out to the
islands.
For families, do bring your children out to
educational visits to the aquaculture and organic farm to earn more
about how these eco-friendly organic farms operate.
Not
to fret if one is not a fan of the mangroves, two of Asiatic's
eco-friendly resorts are also nearby. Different modes of transport are
available such as seaplanes, helicopters and eco-friendly ‘silent' boats
to take you from one resort to another.
As
the number of tourists to the islands is restricted to 120 guests per
day at the moment, Sipadan Mangrove Resort is hoping to bring in more
tourists to explore and experience the biodiversity of Sabah with the
development of the resort arena. Soon a desired holiday destination for
eco-tourists, it is one of the resorts in the world that stand by using
only sustainable and recycled materials, as well as conservation and
renewable energy such as the use of bio-mass gastification, wind
turbines etc. Preservation of the mangroves is also made sure by
building around the mangroves instead of destroying the natural
surroundings.
Guests who fall in love with Sipadan
islands can also have a choice to retire in a weekend home in the
resort, with family and loved ones. Sipadan Mangrove Resorts is slated
to open Phase One to public this September 2012.
Article taken from: http://www.travelcasts.com/article/go-eco-friendly-with-asiatic-s-sipadan-mangrove-resort/264
