Sunday, January 30, 2011

Kapas Island - Coral garden and golden beach



Welcome to Kapas Island Again


Coral garden of the Island

The scuba divers will find out that on the edges of the island, colourful reefs extend out into the deep, blue sea where a host of marine life continues to build and live in these rich , exuberant gardens of the sea. There are various species of fish and other cohabitants living in the habitat.

These pretty fishes are specific to coral reefs which means that they live nowhere else except in coral patches. If the coral gardens at Kapas Island disappear, so do the fishes. 

The coral reef probably started its life in the early beginnings of Pulau Kapas. It is this beauty that for so many years people have come to enjoy. As a marine park, the coral reefs and its marine inhabitants have been given full protection from any adverse activity that may destroy their habitat, and that includes fishing.




With such foresight from the local authorities, the reefs are left in its pristine state that host an abundance of beautiful coral inhabitants such as the parrotfish, pufferfish, angelfish, damselfish; eels; giant clams; rays, sea urchins, sea cucumbers and nudibranchs. This is the place to really indulge in snorkelling. There is a wonderful snorkelling spot around the rocky outcrops just to the southern end of the long stretch of beach. The water here is shallow and it is best to wear a lifejacket. In some places the water level at low tide may only be as shallow as 2 feet. There is just so much to see around that snorkelers will lost in this distinguishable world.

For new snorkellers, bring along a lifejacket and a pair of fins and never, ever step on corals. Fire coral is another thing to look out for. If brushed against, it causes a searing pain as if brushing against a burning cinder. This is another reason why it is always advisable that snorkellers should never touch corals and fishes for as pretty and helpless as they seem, they often have powerful defence mechanisms against predators. For the advanced snorkellers, a dip in the coral gardens is a delight especially on nights when the moon is full. The entire scene transforms itself and introduces a host of nocturnal marine life that are rarely seen during the day. The corals extend their feeders out in full bloom to capture tiny plankton washed in from the open sea, the nudibranchs leave their hiding place to feed on the coral polyps and squirrelfishes come out to play.


The beach of the island also splendid. The white sandy beach plus crystal clear water is the Island's main attraction.




Believe me or not, I have visited this Island more than 20 times already! And I will continue to visit this Island again and again.






















Friday, January 28, 2011

GEMIA ISLAND

Small Sister of Kapas Island


Gemia Island

If you have been in Kapas Island already, try to visit this parent Island of Gemia. This small island is accessible by boat or by walking during low tide.


It has kristal clear water too and snorkeling is the most favorite activity here, apart from scuba diving and canoing.

















The Island has a resort known as the Gem Wellness Island Resort which have been a popular resort for vacation in this region.


the Gem Wellness Island Resort at Gemia Island











splendid view of Gemia Island

Similar transportation systems to Kapas Island are applicable if one wants to visit this adjoining island.