Little Bakkungaan Island, Protected marine area in Sabah, Malaysia
Little Bakkungaan Island is a protected marine area off the coast of Sabah with flat terrain, sandy beaches, and surrounding tropical waters. The site contains a sea turtle hatchery, staff buildings, and a pier used by researchers and conservation workers.
The island was established in 1930 as a boundary marker through a treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom in disputes with the Philippines. This agreement remains significant to the territorial arrangement in this part of the Sulu Sea.
The island serves as a critical nesting ground where conservation rangers work year-round to protect sea turtle eggs and monitor breeding activity. Visitors can witness firsthand how the site functions as a sanctuary for these endangered marine animals.
Visits typically require permission and coordination with park management, as the island prioritizes research and conservation activities over general tourism. The best visiting period falls during the dry season when sea conditions are more stable.
The island sits closer to the Philippines than to Malaysia's larger Bakkungaan Island, placing it at one of the country's most extreme geographic boundaries. This proximity to international waters makes it a location of unusual geopolitical importance.
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