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Sea Gypsy Village
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The Location
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| The word for island in Malay is Pulau and big is
besar so in actual fact Pulau Sibu Besar means Big Sibu Island. Pulau Sibu forms part of the Seribuat chain of islands and lies 12 kilometres off the east coast of the West Peninsular
of Malaysia. Tanjong Leman is the boat pick up point for Pulau Sibu and is
approximately 2 hours north of Johor Bahru on the Mersing road. The island is
shaped like a triangular hour glass, about 6 kilometres long and never more than
one kilometre wide it's whole length. |
| The Island |
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Most of the island's
resorts are situated on the north eastern section of Pulau Sibu, where the golden brown
beaches slope away gradually offering ideal bathing conditions. The views from these
beaches are of Pulau Tinggi and a string of smaller islets to the south. On a clear day
Tioman Island can be seen to the north. The "moonrise" at full moon is so
spectacular it is a sight not to be missed.
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Prior to the area being
designated a Marine Park in 1993 the line of kelongs which can be seen off the south western coast
provided the resorts with a wonderful supply of succulent seafood. However the new
regulations now mean they may only be used as platforms for rod and line fishing, popular
with many tourists. This section of the coast is sheltered from almost all winds and the
sea here is frequently so calm it resembles a lake, allowing mangrove trees to become
established along the shore. There is along narrow spit to the south of the village,
mostly planted with coconuts, a quiet, breezy place. |
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The south east coast of Sibu rears up as a
series of steep, abrupt cliffs with a rocky shoreline at their base and provides shelter
to the village behind. The rocks here, and where exposed at other points on the island,
are colourful and contorted. This is due to their composition of layers of volcanic ash
run through with later lavas which have combined to produce lacework patterns and reliefs.
Low down on headlands near the sea rock pools are frequent and contain miniature worlds
populated by colourful fish, crabs and corals. By Tg Keramat the cliffs contain caves and
arches. |
| There is a large village, Kg Duku, towards
the southern tip of Sibu which has a police post, mosque, school, clinic and drinks stall.
The entire village is solar powered. The young people of the village now have the
opportunity to find employment in the resorts on the island instead of having to
find work
on the mainland. The older folk continue to earn a living by fishing and follow a more
traditional lifestyle. |
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The Ocean
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There is good snorkeling to be found offshore Sibu,
notably the north east corner of the island, Tg Semanggar, where there is a good variety
of coral and fish. The scuba diving in this area is generally shallow, between 30 feet and
40 feet, allowing longer 'bottom time'. There are 36 scuba diving sites within a 30 minute
boat journey from Sibu offering a variety of both soft and hard corals. The sea life is
prolific and varied, from Nurse Sharks to Moray Eels, Bat Fish to Blue Spotted Sting Rays,
Box Fish to Nudibranches and much, much more. Less usual sights such as Sea Horses,
Leopard Sharks, Schooling Baracuda and Black Tip Reef Sharks can also be seen. With a fast
dive boat Pulau Aur and Pulau Permangil are also accessible from Sibu, within 1 hour,
where Manta Rays and Whale Sharks can be found! |
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The Season |
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| The season traditionally starts at Chinese New Year which falls between
mid January and mid February. We stay open through to the end of November, which is our
favourite month as the colours are superb when the wind is starting to change. The resort
is closed for December and January (so all the staff can have a nice holiday!) but opens
for a jolly good New Year's bash
on the 31st December, usually for 3 or 4 days. The weather remains fairly
constant throughout the year, with an average temperature around 29 degrees
centigrade. The air gets cooler in the evenings and the nights are pleasant, you
many need your jammies! (That's pyjamas to grown ups :) |
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Contact Us at Sea Gypsy Village Resort & Dive Base - Pulau Sibu,
Malaysia.
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