Sipadan, Marine sanctuary island in Sabah, Malaysia
Sipadan is an island rising 600 meters from the seafloor through coral formations growing on an extinct volcanic cone near Borneo. The waters surrounding the island are protected as a marine sanctuary and support some of the densest fish populations and richest coral diversity in the region.
The island was the subject of a dispute between Malaysia and Indonesia until the International Court of Justice confirmed Malaysian sovereignty in 2002. Following this decision, it was established as a protected marine sanctuary with strict rules governing visits.
Sea turtles define the island's identity and shape how people experience the place, with researchers and divers regularly observing their movements. The white sand beaches serve as natural nesting grounds where green and hawksbill turtles regularly come ashore.
The Malaysian government issues 120 diving permits per day through registered operators, so advance reservations are necessary. Visitors should work with local dive shops to secure spots and follow the access rules in place.
The island has an underground cave network called the Turtle Tomb, showing where many turtles became lost in the limestone passages. This feature offers researchers valuable insights into turtle behavior and the hazards they face in such environments.
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