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The key attraction for diving at Pulau Kapas is the World
War II shipwreck located 5 nautical miles offshore. The outer reefs on
her seaward side has are good diving spots as well. Its shallow water
makes it an ideal training ground for divers. Japanese boats and boats
plying the route from Singapore carrying rice sags during World War II
have been sunk in the area. Thai fishing boats caught on illegal entry
in Terengganu waters are also sunk here as artificial reefs.
In the open sea, divers will come across the Shark Point and Turtle
Point. Those into wreck diving will find the waters surrounding Pulau
Kapas intriguing.
There are also remnants of wooden boats washed ashore. These boats were
used by Vietnamese refugees who tried to escape Pulau Bidong, their
temporary shelter about 27 nautical miles from Pulau Kapas. Previously a
well-guarded secret amongst members of the diving community, Kapas has
now become more accessible with the building of the Primula Kapas Island
Resort.
The reefs surrounding Pulau Kapas ranges in depth from 3-20 metres.
Snorkeling and underwater diving is popular along stretches of shallow
coral reefs of the island's western shore.
Berakit
This reef is located on the eastern side of Pulau Kapas. Two large
boulders with coral growth are home to a number of reef fishes such as
damsels, wrasses, blennies and gobies. This is also a good site to
observe groupers and if lucky, bamboo sharks can be seen resting under
crevices.
Japanese Landing Craft Wreck
About 30 minutes north of Pulau Kapas is a Japanese landing craft wreck
lying upright at a depth of 25 metres. Divers descend by the anchor line
from the dive boat to reach the wreck. Sections of the metal hull and
the anti aircraft guns are carpeted with soft corals and is home to a
number of small marine animals. Water visibility varies between 5 to 15
metres at best. Frequent encounters with whale sharks at this site makes
up for its poor visibility.
Pulau Gemia
North of Pulau Kapas is Pulau Gemia. The depth profile of the reef
around this island varies between 5 to 16 metres with hard corals
carpeting the seascape. Darting about the acropora hard corals gardens
are chromis, damsels, wrasses, and parrotfish. Occasionally, a school of
bump head wrasses will graze through the coral rubble foraging for food.
Getting There
Pulau Kapas and Pulau Cemia (located to the north of Pulau Kapas) are
merely 20 to 30 minutes by speedboat from the mainland off the coastal
town of Marang, 15 kilometres south of Kuala Terengganu.
RELATED LINKS
Islands
of Terengganu ~ Kapas Island
The Island is an ideal place to break away and
chill it out. Pulau Kapas has numerous deserted, white sandy beaches
lined with shady palm trees to make a perfect niche to laze on.
� Snorkelling � Other Activities � Stay � Eats �
Caution � Drawbacks �
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