Snorkeling near Pulau Sibu

Nature lovers will find Pulau Sibu to be a haven of natural beauty, particularly in the underwater world of vibrant coral reefs. Among the best spots for these activities is just off the shoreline at Rimba Resort, a true gem waiting to be discovered.

During our stay, we had the privilege of snorkeling three times in this pristine underwater paradise. Our first experience took place on the evening of our arrival. As the sun began its descent, we ventured north from the shore, taking advantage of the rising tide. While the light gradually diminished, as we swam further away from the shore, the barren and whitish sea floor changed into a fertile wonderland teeming with colorful fish. Regrettably, we did not have an underwater camera to capture the captivating sights that unfolded before our eyes.

The east side of Rimba Cove

To stay within safer waters and away from boat routes, we turned westward, paralleling the main shoreline. Our journey was rewarded with an array of fish species and stunning coral formations, including the enchanting sight of clownfish nestled among the anemone and graceful stingrays gliding through the water.

The second occasion arose during our kayaking adventure along the coast of Pulau Sibu on the third day of our resort stay. After navigating the sea for approximately 5 kilometers, we docked at a secluded beach situated one kilometer west of the resort. Here, the coral reef dazzled us with vivid colors, basking in the abundant sunlight of midday. Due to the slightly rough waters, we took turns snorkeling while keeping a vigilant eye on any potential hazards.

After each brief 15 to 20-minute snorkeling session, we returned to the resort, still dripping wet, and swam to the Rimba reef right away. The encounter resembled our initial snorkeling experience, but this time the coral reefs and their inhabitants seemed to burst forth with even more vibrant hues, leaving me utterly mesmerized. 

kayaking trail

snorkeling near a secluded beach at Pulau Sibu

Aware of the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays, we meticulously applied sunscreen. However, I made two mistakes. First, I put on a T-shirt after applying sunscreen to my upper body, inadvertently rubbing it off during kayaking. Second, I neglected to reapply sunscreen when removing my T-shirt for snorkeling. As a result, I suffered severe sunburn on my back later that day—an unfortunate oversight.

Following a leisurely late lunch at 2 pm, we found ourselves sitting on the porch of our chalet, gazing out at the sea. It was during low tide, and we noticed individuals venturing into the intertidal zone. Suddenly, a sense of worry washed over me as I contemplated the potential damage these unwitting visitors might inflict upon the fragile coral reef. This concern hadn't crossed my mind on our first day, but the firsthand experience of the reef's beauty had made me acutely aware of the necessity to protect and cherish these precious ecosystems that provide a haven for marine life.

Note 

We scuba dived during our Pulau Sibu trip. This was our first scuba diving trip, which exposed the weakness in our certification training for scuba diving, primarily the inability to keep ourselves buoyance neutral near the sea floor. We also descended and ascended too fast