I have sent my pets off to explore as per normal but today the whole island is uncovered and I can see where all the items etc are.

I thought maybe it was because my pet was level 50 or something, but now I have taken a lower level pet to a new island, again I can see the whole island.

Although it's kinda awesome because I can go and get everything from the map easily, it kind of feel wrong, like I am cheating..... is it a bug or is there some special event or something I am not aware of?

Attached is a screenshot of my map, showing how I can see everything.

Check your inn (Manor > Buildings > Inn). Do you have a travelling magician visiting? They will uncover your map for you. :)

Oh I do! I did not know what was what he did, thanks Nightingale I guess it's not a bug afterall