Your island adventure begins with a private road and speedboat transfer to Sibu Island. Once everyone is checked in and settled, we’ll gather for a welcome meeting, where your guides will run through the week ahead and introduce you to your fellow SwimTrekkers. Then it’s time for our first group dinner, the perfect opportunity to relax, get to know the group and soak up your first evening in this tropical paradise.

In the morning, we’ll have our acclimatisation swim at the beach just outside the resort (where a sunken tractor has created an unorthodox reef full of marine life).

After breakfast, we’ll take the boat to our first coastal swim, following Sibu’s rocky northern shoreline with colourful fish beneath us. We’ll stop at the local village for a traditional Malay lunch and a glimpse of everyday island life.

Our afternoon swim follows the jungle-fringed coast towards tiny Coconut Village, with the option to take a guided walk back to Sea Gypsy through Sibu’s mangroves and jungle, learning more about this incredible ecosystem.

After breakfast, we set off for ‘Survivor’ Island - a remote tropical island that has been used as the filming location for a popular desert-island survival show. We’ll circumnavigate the island, exploring the beautiful reefs below. There will be the option for a 600m crossing to the tiny rocky outcrop of Pulau Lanting, where you might spot some eagle rays, before our boat takes us back to the hotel for a well-earned lunch.

In the afternoon, we’ll head south towards Tengah Island for island-hopping swims through warm, reef-filled waters. Keep an eye out for colourful fish and shoals of Bumphead Parrotfish.

After freshening up at the resort and weather permitting, there may be an optional sunset trip to secluded Mentinggi, where we can enjoy a cold drink and watch the sun go down from the beach. We’ll then head back to Sibu for a delicious group dinner and another night beside the sea.

Today we set our sights on Pulau Tinggi, a large volcanic island you’ll have seen on the horizon. Its uninhabited northern coastline is wonderfully wild, with secluded coves, caves and remote beaches to explore.

We’ll stop for a picnic overlooking the South China Sea and have the chance to collect marine debris washed onto these exposed shores, helping to leave our swim spot a little cleaner than we found it.

Our afternoon swim takes us around Tinggi’s rocky northern headland and down its beautiful eastern coast, with long sandy beaches alongside us and the Malaysian mainland on the horizon.

Back on Sibu, the evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace. If you're interested, you can also enjoy a private, behind-the-scenes tour of this sustainable resort to discover how they keep their footprint light while protecting the island they call home.

After breakfast, we head back out into our marine park playground for another day of island-hopping. This morning, we’ll explore three of the area’s tropical gems: Mentinggi, Kechil and Besar. Tiny forested islands, brilliant white beaches and reefs teeming with life - the sort of scenery that could be a desktop screensaver! Kechil is a popular local snorkelling spot where the shallow, clear water gives us a fantastic view of the coral and marine life.

After lunch back at Sea Gypsy Resort, we’ll head out again to Pulau Kukus and Pulau Hujung. We’ll explore Kukus’ shallow reef before crossing open water towards Hujung, where cuttlefish, angelfish and plenty of other reef residents can be found among the coral.

Back at the resort, compare sightings with your fellow swimmers over the fish identification cards and see just how many species the group has spotted. As always, a delicious dinner awaits as well as a welcoming atmosphere at the hotel bar.

Our final full day brings some of the week’s most adventurous island-hopping. We’ll swim around Lima Besar and Lima Kechil, keeping watch for turtles and moray eels, before potentially crossing to Tokong Rakit - two striking rounded islands. Its dramatic rocks plunge straight into the sea, with anemones, clownfish, lobster and barracuda found below.

After lunch at a neighbouring resort, our final afternoon swim follows the wide, shallow Rimba Reef along northern Sibu, finishing right by our own beach.

That evening, we’ll celebrate with a beach barbecue, swim certificates, a bonfire, and a fire show – a memorable finish to our week together.

There’s time for one final dip before breakfast, swimming over the house reef where parrotfish and razor fish are regular visitors – and, if we’re lucky, we may even spot the resident guitarfish.

After breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to Sea Gypsy Resort and Pulau Sibu. Our boat will take us back across to the mainland, where our group transfer will be waiting for the journey back to Singapore Changi Airport.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Walking Distances

In the itinerary is an optional mangrove jungle walk; the terrain on this walk can be uneven and rocky in places, with exposed tree roots underfoot. There are also a couple of short, straightforward clambers over rocks along the beach. While the route is generally flat and regularly enjoyed by guests of all ages, it is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.

This walk is completely optional, and guests who prefer not to take part can choose to sit it out.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility, which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of three groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes two twin-engine dive boats and a small, motorised run-around, all piloted by the hotel’s boat crew. We will also have a kayak which will be operated by one of your Swimtrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

The hotel does not have a pontoon. The boat anchors just offshore and guests must enter the water briefly to reach the shore. Normally the water reaches just above knee height. We recommend a spare change of clothes on your travel days that you don’t mind getting a little wet.

Equipment Checklist

• Please make sure you bring a sun hat, mosquito repellent and sun cream.
• We recommend bringing comfortable shoes for post-swim walks in the village and jungle, such as waterproof hiking sandals.
• The hotel provides towels and beach towels.
• The resort makes its own sandfly repellent, which you can buy on location.
• For the visit to the village, we recommend packing a t-shirt or top that covers the shoulders and shorts or a skirt that are around knee length or longer, as this is a conservative village.
• On the beach and boat, you are free to wear your swimwear. In the resort it’s very relaxed, but we recommend wearing beach clothes over your swimwear out of respect for the local Malay staff and their traditions.
• Please note that the hotel prohibits the use of hair dryers and electric kettles.

The tap water is drinkable at Sea Gypsy Resort.

At the hotel dive base, you can rent all kinds of water sport equipment, such as masks, snorkels and fins.

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website.

Food and Drink

The trip is full board, and the hotel cooks most of its food from scratch.

Dietary requirements can be considered at all meals. Please make sure you make a note of this when asked during booking so that guides can inform the kitchen.

Breakfasts Breakfasts will be taken at the hotel restaurant. This is served buffet style and will include hot and cold options, including eggs and fresh fruit.

Lunches All lunches will be taken at the hotel (buffet style) aside from Day 2, where we will have a local Malay lunch at the village restaurant; the Tinggi swim day, where we will have a pre-made lunch on the beach; and on Day 6, where we will have a lunch at a neighbouring resort.

Dinners All dinners will be taken at the hotel. They are served buffet style with plenty of variety each day. On our final night we can enjoy the Sea Gypsy Resort’s BBQ.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to Pulau Sibu Island is to fly into Singapore Changi Airport and then take advantage of your door-to-door transfers from the airport to the island. The average travel time from Singapore airport to the island is 3.5hrs.

If you are local to Singapore or arriving a few nights before the trip starts, our suppliers can organise a pick-up from your hotel or home.

We ask you to contact the hotel at least 2 weeks before arrival to let them know your travel plans so they can coordinate your bookings.

Travel from the airport to location

Journey from the airport to island requires an overland transfer (3 hours) and a speedboat transfer (25 minutes). This is organised through the hotel.

Private or group transfer

We ask you to contact the hotel at enquiries@siburesort.com at least 2 weeks before arrival to let them know your travel plans so they can coordinate your bookings.

Border crossings

Entry into Singapore and Malaysia is smooth, and many nationalities receive a 30-90 day tourist visa on arrival into Singapore and Malaysia, but as always, please check requirements before travel.

On your journey, you will likely pass through border checkpoints for Malaysia and Singapore. For which you will have to complete some digital forms. Both forms are simple to complete online and must be submitted within 3 days of entering each country. There is no charge for this, and many people do this daily on their work commute!

Prior to travel, you will receive detailed step-by-step instructions on how to complete your border crossing forms in your pre-trip email. But in the meantime, here is some basic info:

• If you are flying into Singapore, you will need to fill out an entry form using the MYICA app. The link for which is here: https://apps.apple.com/app/id1584952674.
• You will need to complete the Singapore Arrival Card twice — once on arrival and again before re-entering Singapore for your return journey home.
• A Malaysia Digital Arrival Card is required to enter Malaysia by land, and this can be done in the car on the way to the border crossing. Your driver can help you. The link for this card is: https://imigresen-online.imi.gov.my/mdac/main

Return transfer

The journey from the island to Singapore takes approximately 4 hours in total. However, border crossings between Malaysia and Singapore can be busy during peak periods, so we recommend allowing up to 4.5 hours when planning your return flights.

On your journey, you will pass through border checkpoints for Malaysia and Singapore; please see information in the “Getting There” section.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

The local currency is Malaysian Ringgit.

As we will arrange payment of your jetty and marine park fees, and your stay at the hotel is on a full-board basis, you won’t need to carry much cash during your trip.

Any extras purchased at the hotel outside of your included meals can be charged to your room and settled on departure by card or cash.

You may wish to bring a small amount of cash for tipping the resort staff at the end of your stay, or for purchasing drinks during your visit to the local village.

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Nothing is expected, but at Sea Gypsy Resort, if you choose to tip, this should only be done at the end of your stay. For decades, tips have been divided between all staff equally - meaning those working hard in the gardens, kitchens and behind the scenes all benefit. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise further on local norms. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides either, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

On your journey, you will likely pass through border checkpoints for Malaysia and Singapore. Please see our “Getting there” section for more details.

Entry into Singapore and Malaysia is smooth, and many nationalities receive a 30-90 day tourist visa on arrival into Singapore and Malaysia, but as always, please check requirements before travel.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

Wi-Fi is only available at the staff office if you need to check your notifications quickly; otherwise, the resort considers itself a digital detox zone, and this is not a trip for those hoping to work during their stay.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.

Plans change but you can book with confidence. SwimTrek's flexible booking options include:

✅ Free Trip Changes ✅ Refund Guarantee ✅ Financial Protection

Flexible Booking Details

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