Located approximately 20km north of Semporna the Tun Sakaran Marine Park consists of eight islands (Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Mantabuan, Sibuan and Maiga) and the Church and Kapikan reefs. The park extends from southwest to northeast over an area of 18km x 15km. The islands consist of fine white coral sand surrounded by crystal clear, turquoise seawaters.
Most islands are sourrounded by coral reefs, which makes swimming complicated, as swimmers - depending on the tide - may have to walk over coral areas in order to reach deeper waters. The islands of Bohey Dulang and Bodgaya are of volcanic origin while Sebangkat and Selakan were formed from raised limestone platforms. Maiga and Sibuan are sandy cays.
While Sipadan is known as a world class dive site, the Tun Sakaran Marine Park has more biodiversity in terms of species and habitats.
In the entire marine park there are no resorts or other tourist facilities. The islands however are easily accessible by boat from Semporna (30 minutes by speedboat, diving/snorkelling daytrips organised by the diving shops in Semporna) or from the resorts on the Pom Pom or Mataking islands.
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13 photos of Bohey Dulang, an island of volcanic origin in the Sulu sea off Semporna
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51 photos of Sibuan, a beautiful island in the Celebes sea south of Sabah (Malaysia)
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7 photos of the island of Bodgaya, one of the larger islands of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park
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23 photos of Maiga, a small sandy island populated by Bajau people in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park
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©Copyright Alfred Molon