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Tun Sakaran Marine Park

"After a steep walk of 600m in length, not height, you get a beautiful view of Tun Sakaran Islands. The mountains are completely covered with the green jungle and combined with all possible shades of blue from the coral reefs makes this a "must go". The excursion can be made with great snorkeling at these islands. It is an excellent option for a great excursion from Semporna."

Tun Sakaran Marine Park is located 20 kilometers (about 2 hours by boat) from mainland Semporna and is Sabah's largest marine park. Also known as the Semporna Islands Park, this Marine Park consists of eight islands: Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Mantabuan, Sibuan, Maiga, as well as the great reefs: Church Reef and Kapikan Reef (aka: the Lonely Reef).
The islands of Bohey Dulang and Bodgaya are extinct volcanic remains, while Sebangkat and Selakan are two islands of elevated limestone platforms.
However, what really makes Sabah's second largest marine park unique are the people who live there - the nomadic Bajau Laut (sea gypsies). They stay in houseboats and stilt houses around the islands of this park. The houses are on wooden stilts in the sea and have a breathtaking view of the various islands in the area. Their life in wooden boats and the way they live and work is unique to see.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park is not equipped with tourist facilities. It is a popular tourist attraction for day trippers. There are no hotels or resorts in the park. In fact, there is no accommodation at all in the park. If you want to spend the night nearby, you will stay on one of the surrounding islands or in Semporna, from which you can book trips to the Tun Sakaran Park. The best is the Lato Lato Resort on the nearby Bum Bum Island.

Although the islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park are less known compared to the island of Sipadan; the marine park is said to have an even higher biodiversity than in Sipadan. Sipadan has a collection of larger fish and an abundance of turtles, sharks and other marine life in its waters. This exciting natural area has been compared to Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Because the water around Tun Sakaran Marine Park is fairly calm, you can also go here as a novice diver. So, however, visitors are welcome to explore the marine park's dive sites with their snorkels and scuba gear.
Divers can spot many such as eagle rays, turtles, barracudas, hump-headed parrotfish and many nudibranchs.

A popular activity is visiting the various islands (hopping) of the Park. The islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park are:

  1. Bohey Dulang – It is a mountainous island formed by the remains of an ancient volcano. The crater that forms Bohey Dulang is now flooded with sea water, creating a large, majestic lagoon 25 meters deep. The south side of the lagoon is open, but just below the aqua-colored water surface is an elongated coral reef that represents the southern crater rim.
    The Tun Sakaran Marine Research Unit is located at the jetty. Here they focus on the cultivation of seaweed and the cultivation of giant shellfish, which are threatened with extinction. Maybe this is also worth a visit.
    This island rises steeply from the coast to a top of 353 meters, which you can climb to enjoy spectacular views. Some level of fitness and good footwear is required to reach the top and, if you have time, you can continue along a ridge to two other summits. Here you will feel that you are standing on the edge of a long extinct volcano crater that is half submerged to form these beautiful islands and lagoons. Rock pools, streams and waterfalls are hidden in the dense vegetation that provides refuge for exotic birds, mammals, reptiles and insects.

  2. Bodgaya – This island is separated from Bohey Dulang by a narrow stretch of water. It is the largest island in the park with an area of 796 acres and is a hilly island covered with dense jungle. The ground rises steeply from the shore, leaving a narrow, wave-carved gravel terrace. There are two peaks here, the highest of which, Mount Bodgaya, reaches 455 meters. The absence of sandy beaches and the difficulty of reaching the coast at low tide means that this island is less disturbed by tourists than Bohey Dulang.

  3. Maiga – This is a flat and sandy island with beaches lined by coconuts and a calm, shallow bay with clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. A community of Bajau Laut (gypsies) live here in rustic huts built on wooden stilts above the sea. This tropical paradise island is less visited by tourists. Part of the island is threatened by sea erosion, like many low-lying islands around the world.

  4. Mantabuan – A flat island surrounded by a pristine sandy beach. It is the smallest island. The Malaysian army has a station here to deter pirates and criminals from neighboring countries.

  5. Sibuan – A beautiful teardrop-shaped island and one of the most famous in the area for its pristine beaches and excellent diving conditions in close proximity to Church Reef. It is small, but populated with a friendly community of Bajau Laut.

  6. Sebangkat – The closest island to the mainland, about 10 km from Semporna. The locals grow seaweed that is dried in the sun and sold in Semporna. There is a good sandy beach along the south coast.

  7. Selakan – One of the more populous islands with a village and the only school in the marine park. Children from the other islands must come here by boat for their lessons. There are small stretches of sandy beach around the village, and also on the north side of the island. Pieces of mangrove are found along the northwest coast.

  8. Tetagan – A small island almost connected to Bodgaya, separated only by a shallow channel. Like Bodgaya, it is steep-sided and covered with jungle, but the highest point is only 80 meters above sea level. The coastline is mostly rocky with a small beach and sand bar on the north side.

The best time to dive is from March to October. You can visit the area all year round.

 

 

By booking through this site, this independent non-commercial site will continue to exist.

Lato Lato Resort

Situated in the Het Tun Sakaran Marine Park area near the island of Bum Bum , Lato Lato Resort is the perfect place to experience the islands and its surroundings. From here, guests can make the most of all that the resort has to offer. With its convenient location, the property offers easy access to the Tun Sakaran Marine Park must-see destinations.
Lato Lato Resort offers impeccable service and all the essential amenities to invigorate the weary traveler. A selection of top-class facilities such as 24-hour security, daily housekeeping, room service, family room, BBQ facilities can be enjoyed here.
Step into one of 15 inviting rooms and escape the stresses of the day, A selection of amenities can be found in most rooms, inlcuding linens, towels, fan, wake-up service, balcony/terrace. Recreational facilities available at the property include snorkeling, watersports equipment rentals, boats, private beach, fishing. Whatever your reason for visiting, Lato Lato Resort is the perfect venue for an exhilarating and exciting break away.

More information and photos: Lato Lato Resort |click now|

  


 

 

 

 

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