Ligitan, Island in Tawau Division, Malaysia
Ligitan is a small island situated in the Celebes Sea off the northeastern coast of Borneo, rising just a few meters above sea level. The island sits in tropical waters and is administered by Malaysia.
The island was the subject of an international legal dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia, resolved in 2002 by the International Court of Justice in Malaysia's favor. This court decision definitively clarified sovereignty over the territory.
The island management operates under Malaysian jurisdiction, with administration transferred from the National Security Council to the Sabah government in 2019.
Getting there requires flying into Tawau Airport, then arranging boat transfers to reach the island. Due to access restrictions, advance preparation and permission are needed to visit.
The island hosts marine protection programs that safeguard the surrounding waters from overfishing and exploitation. These efforts work to maintain the ecological balance in the region.
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