Supirak Island (Cursed Ship of Supirak)

Perhaps some of you have never heard about the "Supirak Island" or "Cursed Ship of Supirak", but for Malubang villagers and many local people in Pitas district (Sabah), they not only can show where the Supirak Island, but also can tell the story of how the origins of incidents an island resembles like a ship.

What I remember, the first time heard about that island in 1988, through schoolmate, who hails from Kampung Malubang (Malubang village). It has long been tempted to come to a place with many stories yet to break the mystery, but still not able to set foot there. Recently, I am lucky has been given the task to carry out monitoring at several locations in Pitas district. One of the must visit is the village Malubang. So this opportunity has given space to me and several colleagues to visit that place.

Back to the story of the island, according to Malubang villagers, this island is actually a large ship belonging to the Master Supirak, a ship captain. However, due to the curse as a rebel against his mother, the ship, Supirak and the entire crew turned into stone! In short, the story of Supirak Island is not much different to a popular Malaysian legend, 'Si Tanggang, the Ungrateful Son', just different names and places.

To reach the island, first you need to come to Pitas, which is located 171 kilometers and takes about 2 hours 30 minutes - 3 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. From Pitas town you need to take 4-wheel drive to Kampung Malubang, where the journey will take nearly 2 hours. After that, take a boat from the jetty of Kampung Malubang located near the school. Ask the villagers who can take you there, because there a no public transportation.

We have a good luck that day because one of the villagers there willing to take us to his boat. Only takes about 5 minutes to get there.

When the boat approached the island, we were well impressed with it shape looks like a ship. Not only that, according to the villagers who took us there, in the past there are many other stone shapes that resembles the human shape, ropes, tables and other equipment. Unfortunately at the present time the shapes are no longer visible due to physical changes on the island. However, it did not dampen our spirit to continue the exploration.

I'm not sure what the island height above sea level, but to reach the top is not difficult because of the Pitas District Office has been providing facilities for the jetty and climb stairs. There are also two rest huts on the island. We spend about 30 minutes to enjoy the natural beauty on the island before heading to another location.

 

This place is beautiful. It is an ideal place for snorkeling, sea bathing and basking on the sun kissed beach. However, currently there are no resorts here, but visitors can find homestay for short periods of service (one night or a weekend).

 

 

Apart from Pulau Batu Supirak, Malubang also known for several interesting locations that also has its own story, including Batu Talam, Fresh Water Wells in the middle of the sea, Batu Gerawang (stone), Batu Berunsai, Batu Talam and a lot more to get the attention. The Sabah Tourism has announced those places as one of the tourism attractions in Sabah. I will share the stories that later.

Posted By Ezzat Roslan

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