Kapas Island
Kapas Island
4.5
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.5
106 reviews
Excellent
64
Very good
26
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Teo Chin Hin@SEU338E
Penang Island, Malaysia113 contributions
Aug 2019
The island itself is not too big. If you are looking for somewhere fun to play within a day, this is definitely for you! The trip from the jetty (MARANG) to Kapas Island only took us about 10 minutes plus, enough for you to avoid being seasick HAHA. The coral here is okay but make sure to watch out for the jelly fishes and sea urchin and not to touch them or you will be in trouble! If you are lucky, you can also spot black tip shark by the reef! If you might complaint about Island foods are expensive, bring your own picnic box or if you won't complaint, dine in here as they offer quite a few restaurants serving local foods!
Written 17 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pety_Stg
Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain214 contributions
May 2019 • Friends
I loved it here. We stayed a whole week. The snorkeling was great. There is a pier on the island so why should the big boats drive in to the beach destroying corals and harazing swimmers? Also on the big hotel there was a graving machine driving sand from the beach to the hotel. A paradise like this should be protected better. No need to litter.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sabrinaliew_96
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia16 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Our stay was decent and we really enjoyed the Saturday seafood buffet which was reasonably priced. It wasn't too crowded nor was there nightlife. There's a hiking trial which oversees the surrounding although it's pretty steep. One could rent a kayak for the whole day and only need to pay the refundable deposit for the snorkeling goggles. Safety shoes and rash guards would be recommended as there were plenty of corals and sea urchins. There's a voluntary program as well to clear the beach of trash. One can easily have internet access on the island as it's not far from mainland. Bring sufficient cash to the island.
Written 6 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Caryn Jen
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia1,964 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
We took the boat from the jetty (RM40/both way). We arranged it with the resort that we are staying. While waiting to board the boat at 10am, we needed to go to the pharmacy and the boat guy drove us there, he wanted to wait for us while we check out the market on the way back but we told him to go ahead and we will walk back when we are done.
Boarding the speedboat was pretty simple and it's not overcrowded. 15 minutes ride to Kapas. They dropped us right in front of D'Seri. You'll have to get your feet wet leaving the boat, do not wear shoes.
Our stay at D'Seri was nice and relaxing. Althogh one night they were burning the leaves to create smoke to get rid of the mosquitos. That was pretty annoying because it became so smokey in the restaurant that it was hard to keep my eyes open.
Also the island has quite a few electricity trips and usually take quite a whlie before it gets back up. I would suggest to bring a torch light in case you are showering and the lights go off. The electricity trips are inevitable as it's not like other big islands where the power current is strong and stable so be prepared and don't complaint.
There is no night life so if you are bored easily, I would suggest you go somewhere more exciting.
There is no shaded walkway, it was scorching hot during the afternoon, i was burned walking from D'Seri to KBC. Bring loads of sunblock.
I enjoyed 2 days of lying on the hammock reading a book. Had some beach time also, I did get like tiny stinging sensation while swimming, my friend say it's sea lice. It was just a short few second pain then gone.
Boarding the speedboat was pretty simple and it's not overcrowded. 15 minutes ride to Kapas. They dropped us right in front of D'Seri. You'll have to get your feet wet leaving the boat, do not wear shoes.
Our stay at D'Seri was nice and relaxing. Althogh one night they were burning the leaves to create smoke to get rid of the mosquitos. That was pretty annoying because it became so smokey in the restaurant that it was hard to keep my eyes open.
Also the island has quite a few electricity trips and usually take quite a whlie before it gets back up. I would suggest to bring a torch light in case you are showering and the lights go off. The electricity trips are inevitable as it's not like other big islands where the power current is strong and stable so be prepared and don't complaint.
There is no night life so if you are bored easily, I would suggest you go somewhere more exciting.
There is no shaded walkway, it was scorching hot during the afternoon, i was burned walking from D'Seri to KBC. Bring loads of sunblock.
I enjoyed 2 days of lying on the hammock reading a book. Had some beach time also, I did get like tiny stinging sensation while swimming, my friend say it's sea lice. It was just a short few second pain then gone.
Written 29 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sonia R
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia176 contributions
Sept 2018 • Solo
First off, I normally do not write long reviews like that but I guess I'll do this time as it is good for other travelers to know what they are in for. So, in terms of natural beauty, quality of water and underwater life as well as overall 'tropicalness", this island totally deserves 5 stars. It is a breathtakingly beautiful piece of land with waters so clean you would want to stay in them forever. And I believe that if you are into diving and snorcheling this really can be a great spot for a holiday. However, that's about it. I guess it really depends what you are looking for but I didn't feel any pleasant vibe.
The services are pretty terrible. Sunbeds are non-existing and the only place that has them does not allow people to use them, unless you book a room with them. I was kicked out pretty abruptly but have to confess that they allowed me to use them on one day. Two were too many though. And even if I was the only person there, I was not welcome. I understand, rules are rules, but well..... I offered to pay or get a drink. But they don't do drinks nor want to rent the sunbeds, so yeah. One of the reasons they kicked me out was also due to the influx of large groups of Malays on the weekend,so the owner of the property had to deal with families wanting to use the place and picnic in front of the chalets. He was pretty unhappy I suppose so he just gave it to me too.
Speaking of which,yes, the island normally known for its calmness and serenity loses it all when the weekend hits and large Malay families move for a few hours to the beach. No offence, absolutely, it is their land and they are the locals, I am only stating the facts. They just go there to eat their own food and let kids swim for a while. So for two days (except for evenings) the island screams babies and smells all kinds of food that you can't eat however. Therefore,the island as such, except for the boat companies, has absolutely no profit from that whatsoever and business owners just watch the frenzy in despair.
On the other hand, even if they wanted to make some profit, it would be hard with their attitude. Some restaurants don't cook and offer only breakfast. Most of them are closed for a few hours in the afternoon, so forget a decent meal after an afternoon dip. And if you do make it during the opening times, get ready for long waiting periods. In addition, forget beer or any other alcoholic beverages. Not that I am looking for party style but at least a bit of fun would do the island some good. Apparently though, there is this one place Koko's where they serve great food and beer. Haven't tried it though.
Toilets in 'resorts' I have tried were a horrid experience and I thought that with so little going on it shouldn't be an issue though.
One of the posts here on trip advisor also mentioned that there was free Wi-Fi provided by the Terengganu state, but well..... Hmmmmm...... That person must have been totally lucky.
Overall, it is definitely worth seeing and visiting. It offers a lot in terms of marine life but me, who loves the beach, yet doesn't dive nor snorchels, felt a bit odd. To make things clear, I booked a hotel for 3 nights at Marang and traveled to the island every day.
I must mention that the boat services are impeccable and there was not a single hiccup on any of the days I used them. I used MGH company and most of the locals use them too.
So, to sum up. Yes, it is a lovely island, fantastic beach, fantastic nature and jungle, but that's all. I understand that development kills most of the natural beauty so perhaps it is well justified that nothing much is going on there. Yet I don't think I'll be keen on returning as I fancy more of open-mindedness when on a beach holiday.
Enjoy if you go, don't fret if you can't. That's life I suppose.
The services are pretty terrible. Sunbeds are non-existing and the only place that has them does not allow people to use them, unless you book a room with them. I was kicked out pretty abruptly but have to confess that they allowed me to use them on one day. Two were too many though. And even if I was the only person there, I was not welcome. I understand, rules are rules, but well..... I offered to pay or get a drink. But they don't do drinks nor want to rent the sunbeds, so yeah. One of the reasons they kicked me out was also due to the influx of large groups of Malays on the weekend,so the owner of the property had to deal with families wanting to use the place and picnic in front of the chalets. He was pretty unhappy I suppose so he just gave it to me too.
Speaking of which,yes, the island normally known for its calmness and serenity loses it all when the weekend hits and large Malay families move for a few hours to the beach. No offence, absolutely, it is their land and they are the locals, I am only stating the facts. They just go there to eat their own food and let kids swim for a while. So for two days (except for evenings) the island screams babies and smells all kinds of food that you can't eat however. Therefore,the island as such, except for the boat companies, has absolutely no profit from that whatsoever and business owners just watch the frenzy in despair.
On the other hand, even if they wanted to make some profit, it would be hard with their attitude. Some restaurants don't cook and offer only breakfast. Most of them are closed for a few hours in the afternoon, so forget a decent meal after an afternoon dip. And if you do make it during the opening times, get ready for long waiting periods. In addition, forget beer or any other alcoholic beverages. Not that I am looking for party style but at least a bit of fun would do the island some good. Apparently though, there is this one place Koko's where they serve great food and beer. Haven't tried it though.
Toilets in 'resorts' I have tried were a horrid experience and I thought that with so little going on it shouldn't be an issue though.
One of the posts here on trip advisor also mentioned that there was free Wi-Fi provided by the Terengganu state, but well..... Hmmmmm...... That person must have been totally lucky.
Overall, it is definitely worth seeing and visiting. It offers a lot in terms of marine life but me, who loves the beach, yet doesn't dive nor snorchels, felt a bit odd. To make things clear, I booked a hotel for 3 nights at Marang and traveled to the island every day.
I must mention that the boat services are impeccable and there was not a single hiccup on any of the days I used them. I used MGH company and most of the locals use them too.
So, to sum up. Yes, it is a lovely island, fantastic beach, fantastic nature and jungle, but that's all. I understand that development kills most of the natural beauty so perhaps it is well justified that nothing much is going on there. Yet I don't think I'll be keen on returning as I fancy more of open-mindedness when on a beach holiday.
Enjoy if you go, don't fret if you can't. That's life I suppose.
Written 8 September 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hisbul a
68 contributions
Jun 2016 • Friends
New experience spending a night in a tent with friends. With only RM15 per night. They will provide you a tent, either for 2 people or even a tent for 6 people. And also they provide you kitchen will full cooking materials, bbq port. So much fun!
For you would like to rent life jacket, they only charge you RM10 one time only. You can use it until you get out from the island. Same goes to snokerling Google, they charge you one time RM15.
Boat transfer from Marang Jetty to Pulau Kapas, is only RM40 return. If you get higher price than that, they might try to cheat you.
I have the contact if you wish to go there. Enjoy!
For you would like to rent life jacket, they only charge you RM10 one time only. You can use it until you get out from the island. Same goes to snokerling Google, they charge you one time RM15.
Boat transfer from Marang Jetty to Pulau Kapas, is only RM40 return. If you get higher price than that, they might try to cheat you.
I have the contact if you wish to go there. Enjoy!
Written 31 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Arasukun
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia19 contributions
Sept 2016 • Friends
My first time visiting this island was 6 years ago. Now after 6 years, it's still the same, just the way I like it :) In Pulau Kapas you get your own privacy, it's quiet, and suitable for those seeking for a perfect weekend getaway.
I hiked Bukit Singa, snorkeling,and camping instead of staying in a chalet. Pulau Kapas got manyyyy fishes and nice coral too!
One good thing I noticed during my second visit - the island has a praying house (surau) now near the jetty. Huge and comfortable. I think it could accommodate almost a hundred (or more) prayers at one time. Praying mats and praying uniform (telekung) were also provided.
I hiked Bukit Singa, snorkeling,and camping instead of staying in a chalet. Pulau Kapas got manyyyy fishes and nice coral too!
One good thing I noticed during my second visit - the island has a praying house (surau) now near the jetty. Huge and comfortable. I think it could accommodate almost a hundred (or more) prayers at one time. Praying mats and praying uniform (telekung) were also provided.
Written 25 September 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeremyquah
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia5 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
For a nature lover like me, it's like a paradise!
Fall asleep with the sound of waves hitting the shore and being woke by it as well, what could've been better?
Getting there: 15-30 minutes by boat at Marang Jetty
Accommodation: My friends and I had choose to camping by the beach at Longsha Campsite. Having our own tent, it costs us only RM 10 per day. It was equipped with basic bathroom and kitchen. Electricity only available from around 7pm till 10pm, generated by gen-set. The staffs there are nice and friendly. Exchange your stories with them!
Food: There's a few restaurant at the island. Koko is one of the amazing place for foodies. We were very very impressed with their food. Only downsides was the wait for food. Only one cook making fresh dishes from scratch. Expect to wait 1.5 hours for your meal, so bring along a deck of card or simply enjoy the sunset view. Totally worth it though. During my visit, they are selling Carlsberg for RM 10 per can. So my advise to you is bring your own and exchange for cold one! They opened only at certain hours, as well as others restaurant. At Longsha Campsite, you can cook yourself. All you have to do is bring your own raw ingredients.
Activities:
1. Snorkeling with many clown fish, different types of corals. You can choose to dive at any area of the island. My snorkeling goggles cost us RM 15 at the Longsha Campsite for your whole staying period at there.
2. You can kayak to the Gemia Island for turtle sanctuary or a boat trip. My friend saw a turtle on the way.
3. Beach volleyball at KBC. It was free!
4. Beach strolling. You can go to the next beach along which is huge with white sand. You can walk to another 3 beaches along which have no one there and good snorkeling.
5. Fishing squid at the jetty. Or if you're lucky, there's also fishing trip. And you can have BBQ fish that night. Fresh from the sea!
Overall:
My visit is a pleasure one and definitely return for the next time. And I have the opportunity to watch the people running the campsite as well as the KOKO restaurant putting up a turtle hatchery. There were 85 baby turtle hatching after 60 days! That's a bonus for us!
Fall asleep with the sound of waves hitting the shore and being woke by it as well, what could've been better?
Getting there: 15-30 minutes by boat at Marang Jetty
Accommodation: My friends and I had choose to camping by the beach at Longsha Campsite. Having our own tent, it costs us only RM 10 per day. It was equipped with basic bathroom and kitchen. Electricity only available from around 7pm till 10pm, generated by gen-set. The staffs there are nice and friendly. Exchange your stories with them!
Food: There's a few restaurant at the island. Koko is one of the amazing place for foodies. We were very very impressed with their food. Only downsides was the wait for food. Only one cook making fresh dishes from scratch. Expect to wait 1.5 hours for your meal, so bring along a deck of card or simply enjoy the sunset view. Totally worth it though. During my visit, they are selling Carlsberg for RM 10 per can. So my advise to you is bring your own and exchange for cold one! They opened only at certain hours, as well as others restaurant. At Longsha Campsite, you can cook yourself. All you have to do is bring your own raw ingredients.
Activities:
1. Snorkeling with many clown fish, different types of corals. You can choose to dive at any area of the island. My snorkeling goggles cost us RM 15 at the Longsha Campsite for your whole staying period at there.
2. You can kayak to the Gemia Island for turtle sanctuary or a boat trip. My friend saw a turtle on the way.
3. Beach volleyball at KBC. It was free!
4. Beach strolling. You can go to the next beach along which is huge with white sand. You can walk to another 3 beaches along which have no one there and good snorkeling.
5. Fishing squid at the jetty. Or if you're lucky, there's also fishing trip. And you can have BBQ fish that night. Fresh from the sea!
Overall:
My visit is a pleasure one and definitely return for the next time. And I have the opportunity to watch the people running the campsite as well as the KOKO restaurant putting up a turtle hatchery. There were 85 baby turtle hatching after 60 days! That's a bonus for us!
Written 14 September 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Franz Ditz
2 contributions
Sept 2019
I was here alone for 1 week in December 1980. a fisherman dropped me off on a northern beach. there was nobody and no signs of human interference on the whole island. 1 week Robinson Crusoe, camping on the beach. maybe a bit stupid between so many Lion fish and Stone fish, large monitor Lizards and caves full of bats. creation at its best. sad when I look at the photos today.
Written 5 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adelya K
16 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
It is my favourite island in Malaysia so far. I have been to Kapas 3 times and each time was unforgettable. So here is my summary opinion on that island.
Pros:
•clean and turquoise water
•lots of fish and sea creatures to be seen, even when snorkelling next to the shore
•free Wi-Fi on the beach provided by Terranganu state
•white sandy beaches
•super chilled vibe
•great place for a romantic gateway
•very close to mainland, therefore, cheap price for transportation and food/beer runs can be done
•very nice people working and living on the island
•great dive shop with super nice people working there, highly recommend for courses and fun dives
Cons:
•not too much to do apart from swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, diving, so if you are not a "sea" person consider a different location for your holidays
•not many accomodation options, so if you are going during the public holidays, book way in advance
•lots of mosquitoes, bring lots of repellent
•not too many cafes and restaurants, stop at the market in Marang before your boat departs and buy lots of fruits and snacks
All in all, I consider Kapas a great place for a holiday, but don't go there if you are expecting 5 star resorts or partying in the bars all night.
Pros:
•clean and turquoise water
•lots of fish and sea creatures to be seen, even when snorkelling next to the shore
•free Wi-Fi on the beach provided by Terranganu state
•white sandy beaches
•super chilled vibe
•great place for a romantic gateway
•very close to mainland, therefore, cheap price for transportation and food/beer runs can be done
•very nice people working and living on the island
•great dive shop with super nice people working there, highly recommend for courses and fun dives
Cons:
•not too much to do apart from swimming, snorkelling, kayaking, diving, so if you are not a "sea" person consider a different location for your holidays
•not many accomodation options, so if you are going during the public holidays, book way in advance
•lots of mosquitoes, bring lots of repellent
•not too many cafes and restaurants, stop at the market in Marang before your boat departs and buy lots of fruits and snacks
All in all, I consider Kapas a great place for a holiday, but don't go there if you are expecting 5 star resorts or partying in the bars all night.
Written 28 August 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is UMobile internet 3g or 4g accessible on the island?
Written 10 March 2019
Yes should be but the line would t be good in a remote island like kapas
Written 7 May 2019
Tan S
Butterworth, Malaysia
Can I go during the Chinese New Year?Will it be a problem finding good food?
Written 14 January 2019
Tan S
Butterworth, Malaysia
Is it a good time to go in Feb during Chinese New Year?
Written 14 January 2019
No. Would be crowded and just open from Monsoon.
Written 21 January 2019
When does Pulau Kapas close for monsoon season? I was trying to plan a visit for the first week of October.. but I'm seeing different information online. Some sites say it will be closed in October, others say November. Can anyone tell me for sure?
Written 11 September 2018
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