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| Star Marina |
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| A dip or a lounge by the pool |
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| Island Hopping |
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| Snorkeling at the nearby Tunku Adbul Ramhan Marine Park |
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| Wake boarding and a whole range of both motorized and non-motorized water sports |
Water Sports at Star Marina, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa
Many beachside resorts in Malaysia seem to be plagued with unauthorized, uninsured “water fun” providers. The number of close calls reported by friends off the islands of Langkawi and Penang go beyond counting on fingers and toes alone. Although, I haven’t had much experience with water sports in Sabah, I’m imagining the confusion is much the same. That’s why I was excited to see (and hubby even more so) a spanking new marina at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. Being owned and operated by Shangri-La management, you can be assured high standards of practice are in place.
The recently built Star Marina consists of an exclusive private jetty, boatyard for repairs and maintenance, a boat ramp, an air-conditioned water sports atrium and, access to a light range of food and beverages. On offer are a host of both motorized and non-motorized water sports. Parasailing, kayaking, banana boat rides, private charters, fishing expeditions and island hopping are but a few of the many options. An exciting addition for divers (and wannabes) is the dive centre, providing a full range of equipment, facilities and dive certification classes too.
Hubby enthusiastically dove into the menu wanting to try them all. After much contemplation he decided on snorkeling at the nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, water skiing (even though he’d never done it before), jet skiing and (regretting his overenthusiasm the next day) wind surfing. Like a parent finding herself free of children for a couple of hours, I quietly thanked the staff at the marina for keeping my bouncing-talkative-husband busy for a short period, gifting me with a little quiet time of my own (and quickly snuck myself off to Chi, The Spa).
Hours later (thank you patient Star Marina staff, thank you 😉 the report back from hubby confirmed: crystal waters for snorkeling at a very convenient 10 minute boat ride away; lots of personal attention (hubby loves being the centre of it); patient knowledgeable instructors (hubby’s not the best at listening to and closely following instructions); high standards of safety and; brand new equipment.
Staying at the Shangri-La or not, the Star Marina is the perfect establishment (safe, clean, professional) to engage in any type of water activity. For ladies, desiring a little piece of serenity, it also makes a great husband sitter. 😉
Reason to Visit: personal attention, brand new facilities and equipment, a good variety of both motorized and non-motorized water sports, professional instructors, easy access to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
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| Map to Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa |
Star Marina
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa
20 Jalan Aru
Tanjung Aru
88100 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia
+6 088 327 888
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm
I can only describe the scenery in one word: gorgeous!
Just lovely yes. Malaysia surely has some hidden gems. Just wish locals would realize the natural beauty they have at their doorstep and take care of it a bit more.
hie yum! 🙂 welcome to east malaysia!
Silly me I was forgetting I had two experts who could steer me in the right direction. Before next visit I shall be dropping you a line. 🙂
KK, Sabah…Heaven is indeed a place on earth!!!! And this is just the tip of the iceberg – you ain't seen it all yet!
I must make it over your way next visit and get some tips from the expert before I do. 🙂
That pool is gorgeous!
Yes, it was hard to get a shot without too many heads in it. 🙂
The infinity pool is cool & the crystal clear sea water is breathtaking~
Gorgeous colours right?!
thanks for share...