Tun Sakaran Marine Park, also known as Semporna Islands park, one of the most beautiful in Malaysia, is an ideal place for family and romantic holidays; it also has excellent diving locations. The territory of the park, covering 340 sq. km of sea area and 10 sq. km of land, includes eight islets and two reefs.
The underwater world of Tun Sakaran Park is diverse with more than 500 species of fish, corals of various shapes and sizes.
Check this ultimate travel guide to Tun Sakaran Marine Park and get more details on hotels to stay, things to do, how to get there and other important details for first timers.
Tun Sakaran Park: Where it is Located
The park is located at the entrance to Darvel Bay, off the east coast of Sabah state, with Kota Kinabalu being its capital. Not far from Tun Sakaran there is Semporna city, which is why it is often referred to as the “Semporna Islands”.
This place impresses with the diversity of fauna and marine life, as the almost untouched nature of the islands. Tun Sakaran Marine Park is popular destination point among snorkelers and divers. On a speedboat from Semporna pier you can reach the nearest islands can be reached in 15 minutes.
Things to Do and Places to Visit in Tun Sakaran
The three main “diving” islands of Tun Sakaran marine park are located around the ancient volcano crater. Semporna islands are well-known as a paradise for scuba divers and one of the places chosen by the sea gypsies (Bajau Laut), roaming the sea.
These born sailors rarely set foot on land, still living in their wooden houseboats or stilted huts built on coral reefs.
If you would like to join island hopping tour in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, click here to make your reservation.
Bodgaya Island
The island stretches for 8 km in length and 1.5 km in width. This is the largest island in Tun Sakaran Marine Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Malaysia. There are no beaches with soft sand, as on nearby islands, the shores are strewn with fragments of volcanic rocks.
The landscape of the island is cut by steep slopes and wooded valleys, the coast is covered by mangroves. Access to most beaches is possible at high tide. In the west of Bodgaya island there are two mountains with a height of 455 and 427 m. In the east, there is another peak, reaching 377 m. Between them lies a rocky valley.
Tourists visit this island along with other islands. There are regular dive tours organized from Semporna town. If you want to see sea nomads, you’ll find them in coastal waters. Every year the number of people living this way decrease, as they’re looking for work on land. There are no hotels or hostels on the island for overnight stays.
Bohey Dulang Island
Bohey Dulang is separated from Bodgaya Island by a shallow channel. The crater that forms the island is now flooded with sea water, and is an emerald lagoon up to 25 m deep. In its southern part there is a long stretch of coral reef. This is one of the favorite places for diving and snorkeling fans. Bohey Dulang Island is a great place for birdwatching. If you would like to see more animals and birds, then go to Bako National park.
Since 2004, the island has been part of the Tun Sakaran Protected Marine Park. Hornbills, partridges, owls, babblers, fruit pigeons and many others live here.
In addition to underwater adventures and bird watching, this part of the Tun Sakaran park has hiking trails leading to a 353-meter-high mountain peak, with a visit to the “sea incubator” where shellfish are bred. The ascent to the peak takes about 45 minutes. But it’s worth it, in addition to birds, you can meet long-tailed macaques, as well as rare plants that grow only on volcanic rocks.
Tatagan Island
Miniature Tatagan, located at the tip of Bodgaya Island, is another great diving site. Its slopes rise quite steeply, and the coastline is rocky in many places. Sandy beaches are located in the north of the island. Pulau Tatagan rises to a height of 80 meters and covers an area of about 30 hectares.
It is connected with Bodgaya Island by a small, narrow canal. Previously, the island was inhabited by sea gypsies, they were engaged in fishing and growing various crops. There were about 250 people living on the island. Many left the island in the 1950s when the Malaysian government set up schemes to resettle and help the indigenous population. By 1980, the territory of Tatagan Island had become almost deserted. All that today testifies that people once lived here is a cemetery.
Sibuan Island
Sibuan, with its pristine nature and crystal clear waters, is one of the most picturesque in Tun Sakaran Marine Park. It’s a perfect place for beginners to learn how to dive, as there are many courses there.
The local sandy beach is a popular place for picnics. The reef at this island forms a single whole with the Church Reef, chosen by scuba divers. You can get to Sibuan Island from Semporna by speedboat in 30 minutes. Sibuan attracts with its untouched nature, preserved coral reefs. Sandy beaches are surrounded by plantations of coconut palms.
Sibuan is located at an altitude of 1-2 meters above sea level. This island was formed on top of a coral reef, limestone formations can still be seen in various parts of the island, which has a triangular shape.
The sand and crystal clear waters make the island ideal not only for diving, but also for swimming. The water is so clear that you can easily see stingrays, cuttlefish, turtles, as well as myriads of small fish and seahorses.
You can enjoy swimming only in the southern part of the island, while in other before reaching the sea you have to go through corals.
Selakan Island
Selakan is the most populous island in Tun Sakaran Park in Malaysia. Gorgeous sandy beaches stretch close to the main village. Between Selakan and Sibuan is the island of Maiga, surrounded by a sandy beach with picturesque groups of coconut palms.
There is even a school where children from nearby islands go. Tourists can stay here for the night and briefly plunge into the life of the local population – Baggio gypsies.
Mantabuan
The smallest island in Tun Sakaran Park is Mantabuan. Its area does not exceed 1 sq. km. This is an extremely popular place among scuba divers. The water area is inhabited by stingrays with blue spots, crocodile fish, puffer fish and sea turtles.
Here is the military base of Malaysia, on the territory of the island and in coastal waters you can meet only the military and sea gypsies.
Sebangkat Island
Sebangkat is the nearest marine park island to the coast of Borneo. From Semporna you can get here in 10-15 minutes. In clear weather, this island is visible from Semporna. There is a farm where edible seaweed is grown.
If you wish, you can buy some algae right on the island. People come to this island of Tun Sakaran Park for stunning underwater views and encounters with marine life. Beautiful sea fans, seahorses, colorful reef fish, nudibranch clams, shrimps and sea slugs.
How to Get to Tun Sakaran Park
On the almost virgin islands of Tun Sakaran in Malaysia, you will not find any resorts or hotels. Day tours are organized here from Semporna and the following islands: Pom Pom, Mataking, Mabul, which is an excellent reason to visit these islands.
The estimated cost of a 6-hour trip is 196 MYR (about $50), a 10-hour trip is 580 MYR. Tour price to Tun Sakaran Marine Park includes entrance tickets, scuba equipment rental, packed lunch, light snacks. If you want to go diving, then you can consider Tioman Island in Malaysia as an option.
