Sabah’s Islands
Sabah, caressed by the South China Sea on its west and the Sulu and Celebes seas on its eastern coastline, is a fascinating paradise with its charming beaches and island retreats. The islands of Sipadan, Mantanani, Mabul, Mataking, Kapalai, Turtle Island and Layang Layang are outstanding diving sites in the region.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, with close proximity to Kota Kinabalu, comprises five idyllic islands such as Gaya (‘big’) Island, Manukan (‘fish’) Island, Mamutik (‘for shell collection’) Island, Sapi (the sound of a mowing buffalo) Island and Sulug (commemorating the ancestry of the Sulu peoples of Sabah) Island, where the names of the islands are a symbolic of history and early discoverers.
With its white sandy beaches and clear waters, this treasured marine heritage is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts, swimmers, sun-seekers, snorkelers, divers and underwater photographers.
Sipadan Island, the only oceanic island in Malaysia that rising 600m from the seabed and home to more than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species. As one of the world’s top ten dive locations, the island offers a total of 12 dive sites with the most popularly recommended dive sites are Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, South Point and Hanging Gardens.
This beautiful island also well known as a sea turtles haven with its large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles which gather there to mate and nest so diver might able to see more than 20 turtles on each dive.
Mantanani Island, located northwest of Kota Belud, consists of three small islands such as Mantanani Besar, Mantanani Kecil and Lungisan, offering pristine waters teeming with coral reefs and a cornucopia of fish life for divers. Ribbon Reef is a good place to start and you will be greeted by the sight of ribbon eels, nudibranchs, lionfish and marbled stingrays. Three Japanese World War II ships lie halfway between Mantanani and the mainland are waiting to be explored by experienced diver.
Getting Here: About an-hour boat ride from Kota Belud, which is an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu.
Mabul Island, one of the best macro and muck-diving sites in the world, a small oval shaped island fringed by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of a larger 200-hectare reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to 25–30m deep. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels are just some of the spectacular critters you will encounter beneath the waters of Mabul.
Mataking Island, an ideal getaway for both the avid diver and non-diver with its sparkling white sand, mesmerising blue waters and top-class resort. Catch a glimpse of Mataking’s famous “Underwater Post Office” that housed in an old cargo ship that was sunk to create an artificial reef and also to serve as a unique underwater mailbox. Divers can post their mail here in a waterproof postal bag and the mail is collected twice a week.
Kapalai Island, about 45-minute trip from Semporna by speedboat, well-known for its floating paradise, which is a large sandbank where 40 chalets are built on high wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean and equipped with basic amenities. Visitors can enjoy the sights of marine life in action as they stroll along the boardwalk, a sturdy construction that connects the various sections of the floating resort.
Lankayan Island , a tiny jewel-shaped island located on the northeastern coast of Sabah, is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) and is surrounded blue-green waters and coral reefs. It is also one of Sabah’s top diving spots.
There are 14 dive sites including the Lankayan Wreck, all only minutes away from the island, offer magnificent displays of marine life ranging from giant groupers to tiny ribbon eels. Enormous whale sharks are regularly sighted between March and May, and the island is also a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles. You can watch as the baby turtles are released back into the sea.
Layang Layang Island, a world class dive site of unique character with a ring of 13 coral atolls in the midst of the South China Sea. The diving here is characterised by walls that descend as low as 2,000 metres although most divers do not venture beyond the 30-metre depth. Buoyancy control is your key to enjoying the diving here.
Tiga Island, also known as survivor island, famous for its therapeutic natural volcanic mud. You can spend the sunny days swimming or snorkeling in its surrounding clear waters or go kayaking. Divers can explore its underwater treasures (diving courses are available).
Tun Sakaran Marine Park, also known as the Semporna Islands Park, comprises of eight islands namely, Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Mantabuan, Sibuan, Maiga, as well as the Church Reef and Kapikan Reef. Visitors are welcome to explore the marine park’s dive sites with their snorkels and scuba gears although the marine park is not equipped with facilities for tourists.
Take some time to tour the Tun Sakaran Marine Research Unit in Bohey Dulang Island where the giant clam spawning and seaweed farming centre is located.
*Prior to visit, visitors need to obtain a permit from Sabah Parks.
Turtle Island Park, located within the Sulu Sea, made up of three islands of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan, which are haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles. The turtles make nightly landings on these islands to lay their eggs so an overnight stay would be best plan to see the turtles. During the month of July to October, it is the best time to observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and realising of baby turtles into the sea.
Labuan Island
The pearl of Borneo, Labuan located off the northwest coast of Borneo, comprising one main island and six smaller islands with attractive dive sites, water villages, historical attractions and duty-free shopping.
Don’t miss the landmarks of Labuan and catch a glimpse of the Chimney, Tanjung Kubong Tunnel Historical site, Labuan Bird Park and Labuan Museum, which makes Labuan one of the most fascinating tourist destination in Malaysia.
Labuan also famous for its wreck diving with four popular wreck sites, namely the American Wreck, Australian Wreck, Cement Wreck and Blue Water Wreck, where two from World War II and two from the 1980’s.
These ships lie in 30 to 36 meters of water with the top portions at 10 to 26 meters. Visibility varies greatly from season to season and is anywhere from 5 meters to 20 meters. The type of diving on these wrecks ranges from novice wreck divers to serious penetrations into the hull.
Labuan Marine Park, situated 2km off the southern part of Labuan, consists of Kuraman Island, Rusukan Kecil Island and Rusukan Besar Island.
The park is surrounded by colourful coral reefs and marine life making it a diving and snorkelling haven for visitors. If you are not into diving, the white sandy beaches on these islands make them a favourite place for day-trip picnic and a time of relaxation.
Pulau Rusukan Besar is an escape to a summer breathtaking paradise, wherein the beautiful landscape of this stunning island on your own customised leisure.The unwinding places for adventure and stress free. Well guided by friendly team with a complete facilities & safety equipments.
Getting Here
By Air
Daily direct flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Miri to Labuan Island.
By Sea
Daily high speed air-conditioned ferry from Sabah, Sarawak and Brunei.