Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Semporna, Sabah

If someone mentioned Mabul or Sipadan Island, we all nod and agree that these islands are well known not only to divers but to snorkelers. But what if someone ask you about Bohey Dulang or Sibuan Island? Many do not know these islands are situated at the entrance to Darvel Bay, off the East coast of Sabah near the town of Semporna which took about 45 minutes by speedboat from the jetty of this small town.

Named after then the Head of State of Sabah, Tun Sakaran Dandai, it was gazetted in July 2004 as Sabah's seventh park. The Park is the largest Marine Park and covering 340 sq kilometers of sea and corals reef and 10 sq kilometers of land.

This Marine Park, which known as the Semporna Islands Park, comprises of eight islands - Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Mantabuan, Sibuan, Maiga, and Tetagan. Bohey Dulang and Bodgaya islands are extinct volcanic remnants while Sebangkat and Selakan are two islands of raised limestone platforms.

Sibuan Island - White Sandy beach with crystal clear water. Sibuan island has a land mass of just 15.12 hectares, making it the second smallest island at this marine park. When view from the sky above, Sibuan Island is a shaped like a chilli, with the rounded head on the north and slim thin tail in the south. In the southern end a sand pit is formed. Scientist  believe that the island is slowly growing in this direction. The average height of the island is just one to two meters, and the island centre is covered with coconut trees, naturally grown. The whole island can be circled by foot in just under 35 minutes. When view from the sea, Sibuan Island is truly beautiful with its white sandy beach and its swaying coconut trees, plus a few fisherman stilt wooden houses. It is not surprising that some people reckon that Sibuan Island is the most beautiful island in the Celebes Sea.

Bohey Dulang - Also known as Pulau Bohaydulong or Pulau Bohidulong is famous for the Pearl Farming. 

Visitors are encouraged to ascend the forest track in Pulau Bohey Dulang. During one hour journey climbing lava rock volcano, visitors often meet with common wild animal such as snakes, birds and monkeys. From the top of the rock, visitors will be delighted to the beautiful view of insular formation of the islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

* Prior to visit, visitors need to obtain a permit from the Sabah Parks.

Link:

http://www.sabahparks.org/eng/tun_sakaran_marine_park/default.asp

http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/331-tun-sakaran-marine-park/

http://www.sabahparks.org/eng/tun_sakaran_marine_park/islands.asp