PULAU SIPADAN (SEMPORNA)

 

 

 

 

HISTORY OF SIPADAN ISLAND

Discovered and fully valued by the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau as “an untouched piece of art”, Pulau Sipadan is probably the best-known island in Malaysia. When talking about geophysical origins, you should probably know that Sipadan actually consists of corals, which makes it an atoll. These marine life forms have gathered in an amazing way, building an island. Another important aspect in the history of Sipadan is that the island is a natural sanctuary ever since 1933.

 

Situated in the middle of the Celebes Sea, the island itself is 40 acres and was once described as looking like a mushroom shooting upwards. Just 30km from mainland Semporna lays this tiny island.

Sipadan is the most famous of Semporna's islands. Rated as one of the world's top ten dive destinations, many come here to indulge in the island's opulence. For the true diving enthusiast, the island nees no introduction. Sipadan is unique as the only oceanic island in Malaysia. Its geographical position in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, places Sipadan in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world.

 

More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this rich ecosystem. Trigger fish, moray eels and anemone fish mingle copiously. Sipadan was internationally recognized as a native reserved in 1919. In 1933 it was pronounced as a bird sanctuary. Large flights of Imperial pigeons, swallows and sea eagles often crowds the sky in spectacular swirls.

Getting there & Away

Buses and minibuses leave from the town centre. Dayana Express runs air-conditioned buses to Kota Kinabalu  (RM58.50, 9 to 10 hours) at 7.30am till 7.30pm daily with stops in Kunak, Lahad Datu, Sandakan and Ranau. The ticket office on Jl Hospital is open all day. Other bus companies do this trip but Dayana is the only guaranteed departure.

Minibuses to Tawau (RM10, 2½ hours) leave from the town centre near the main road. Minibuses to Lahad Datu (RM10, 2½ hours) depart when full from the corner of Jl PG Jaji and Jl Masjid.