Sibu, Not Sebu or Cebu

Pulao Sibu, Malaysia, April 2004 -- This first visit to Pulao Sibu (not to be confused with mesmerizing Lake Sebu and amazing Cebu in the Philippines) gathers probably the biggest group of our friends from Europe (working as interns in or visiting Singapore) for a sumptuous weekend of sun, sand, sea and sky.

Pulao Sibu is definitely not Asia's, not even Malaysia's best resort island, far from it, but we're not complaining. We got plenty of happy company -- be it around the sandy or stony beach, the volleyball court, the boat, the reefs, the dining hall, the real and makeshift bar, the great outdoors, everywhere!

Pulau Sibu forms part of the Seribuat chain of islands lying 12 km off Johor on the east coast of west peninsular Malaysia. Shaped like a triangular hour glass, it spans 6 kilometers long with no more than 1 km at its widest. Most of the island's resorts are situated on the north eastern section, where the golden brown to beige to white sandy beaches slope away gradually -- ideal for beach bumming and swimming. From here Pulau Tinggi and a string of smaller islets to the south can be seen; on a clear day Tioman Island can be seen to the north. It's been said that the moonrise at full moon here is so spectacular it's not to be missed, but alas, we missed it.

This trip is as good an excuse as any to get away from the hysteria of city living. And a laid-back island life, even for an extended weekend, is more than enough bonus. Again, we're not complaining. Far from it.