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After working tirelessly for a few months, I decided to take my family to
Pulau Kapas for a holiday. This island is not as famous as Pulau Redang or
Pulau Tioman but it is definitely a paradise on earth.
We arrived in Kuala Terengganu on a glorious Saturday morning. A van from
Primula Resort was waiting to take us to the jetty which was half an hour
away. The ride offered us a glimpse of the scenic countryside blending with
the edges of bustling Kuala Terengganu. Next, we took a speedboat to Pulau
Kapas. My children got very excited and screamed at every turn. We caught
sight of the island twenty minutes later. The white beach and crystal clear
water beckoned us. The resort sprawled over six acres, the largest in Pulau
Kapas. We were taken to a kampung-style chalet, nestled among swaying palms
and lush tropical plants.
After unpacking, we headed for the sea. There was a sandcastle
competition and my eager children participated without any sign of fatigue.
While they were busy building their castles, I managed to do some fishing.
Later in the evening, Fuad, the resort manager arranged for us to see some
corals. Dinner that night was served at the Selayang Cafe. We watched the
spectacular sunset as we sipped our coffee and stuffed ourselves with the
delicious cakes. The highlight of the evening was when my children were
declared the winners of the sandcastle competition.
That night, we had another surprise. We were able to watch some turtles
nesting on the shore. There was some excitement when we first caught a
glimpse of the turtles. I never expected them to be so huge. We were told
that the turtles only come around from May to August.
The next day we got up early for snorkeling. The waters around Pulau
Kapas are indeed ideal for novice swimmers like me, as the water is as
shallow as two feet when the tide is low. Fuad arranged for us to be fitted
with snorkeling gear. I was a bit hesitant at first but after a briefing, I
was all geared up. The sheer beauty of the underwater world took our breath
away.
On the way back to the island, the guide pointed to the sky and we
noticed dark clouds forming above us. However, he assured us the storm would
only be coming an hour later. We got into the boat but this time around, the
sea was a little merciless. The boat rose and sank and I turned a little
green in the face.
Back in the hotel, I was grateful to Fuad for taking the children to a
party while I recuperated from the boat ride. An hour later, it was time to
pack and head back to the mainland. The children were reluctant to leave as
there were many exciting things happening at the resort that night. However,
due to work commitments, I could not stay another night. Nevertheless, we
would be back again. I have found this island to be a wonderful respite from
the pressures of working life and the hustle and bustle of the city. |
