Tag - Island

KOTA KINABALU: Located within the naval base here, Pulau Udar has the potential to become a tourism attraction particularly for foreign navy personnel making their port-of-call. Eastern Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Datuk Syed Zahirudin Putra Syed Osman said transforming the island into a tourism spot would require long-term planning to promote its recreational activities. “We will build more facilities in the area including adding more buildings, which can be turned into a hotel or resort as well as conference rooms and cafés,” he told reporters after launching the island’s Eco Park, today. Pulau Udar is accessible via the Sepanggar naval base, where a bridge stretching one kilometer was constructed to connect the island and the naval base. Among the activities available on the island at the moment are hiking, diving, and fishing. Visitors also have the chance to experience sailing on a traditional Bajau boat. “Perhaps, not many navy personnel visit the island or are reluctant to come because they think it is only for certain groups. “Therefore, we have decided to have an event so that all navy personnel and their family members are aware of these activities. That will encourage them to visit the island for recreational activities,” said Syed Zahirudin. He also said the navy welcomes any government agency that wishes to carry out recreational activities on Pulau Udar but a permission letter is required. He said access to the island is only limited to governmental agencies at the moment due to security regulations. Source: New Straits Times