Malaysia prides itself on the tourism industry as we do have a lot of lovely places to visit, including some very nice islands. But, Pulau Kapas’s spot on the list now is very shaky, according to one irate netizen.
Like any local, netizen Farah Azianti recently decided to visit Pulau Kapas for a brief holiday. However, her trip was spoilt by the numerous fees charged to visit the island. In fact, the annoyed netizen likened it to a scam!
Pulau Kapas has been a fairly popular tourist spot, thanks to its beautiful diving sites. Located 6km or 20 minutes from the jetty in Marang, Terengganu, most love dropping by for the amazing beach and peaceful atmosphere. However, local netizen Farah Azianti recently took to her Facebook to detail her horrible experience getting to the island.
Created on 2nd September, Farah’s post shared how authorities charged a hefty fee to get to Pulau Kapas. “2017, buying a RM30 boat ticket (will take you) to the jetty (to) get on the island. 2021, buying a boat ticket (cost) RM35. On the way onto the jetty, there will be a table (charging) a RM5 fee for the district council,” she recalled.
“2023, buying a boat ticket (costs) RM40, when entering the jetty (you will be) stopped by authorities, and ordered to a counter to pay (the) RM5 marine park fee. After paying, authorities will tell you to go to another counter to pay the district council RM5,” Farah stated. “The issue is, why do you have three different counters? Can’t everything be paid at the boat ticket’s counter?”
Farah pointed out that no other island was using such a system for their visitors. “It even feels like a scam,” she complained. “It’s bad enough that there have never been enough parking spaces, we still need to pay for parking. The toilets on the island (have the same issue). The boat still drops passengers off by the beachside instead of the jetty, (which) isn’t safe for those swimming.”
She also requested authorities use the money collected to upgrade the island’s facilities. Netizens have since been agreeing with Farah’s voiced opinions. Another pointed out it “only troubled those who want to go on a holiday“. One also claimed authorities never upgraded facilities. “The island’s toilets are bad like they aren’t taken care of,” they commented.
However, a few argued it was the norm. “Now, Pulau Redang and Pulau Perhentian are like this too. Before reaching the jetty’s entrance, there is so much to pay for. (We) didn’t even go last year,” one shared. Others shared other places they could visit for similar experiences, like Pulau Ular.
It’s certainly sad to discover that most are of the opinion Pulau Kapas isn’t worth the visit thanks to the amount of hassle and cash it takes to simply get to the island. Unfortunately, this poor experience at Pulau Kapas isn’t the only case we’ve had recently.
A few days ago, someone called out a certain hotel in Pulau Redang for unsatisfying services, while previously, a few influencers bashed a Johor island resort. Well, we aren’t sure what’s happening here, but we do hope things will change for the better soon.
Source: Facebook
