ISLANDS OFF SEMPORNA
Sabah
Just like Sipadan, Pulau Mabul has grabbed the world’s attention for its own attractions. It is slightly larger than Sipadan, and even has its own village. However, the seascape in Mabul is starkly different, yet equally stunning. While pelagics are the main stars in Sipadan, Mabul is a macro haven for its diversity of tiny marine life.
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Just off the edge of the island’s jetty is Froggy Lair. This dive site is typical of the many others here. The visibility is usually limited to just several metres. But vigilant divers will soon notice a teeming fish life on the sea bed and in the holes.
They range from the well-camouflaged crocodile fish and frogfish, to more unique-looking creatures like pipefish, scorpionfish and the colourful mandarinfish. With an average depth of only 10 metres, you will be able to devote a longer time finding these fascinating fish along your journey here.
Lobster Wall is another example of Mabul’s small wonders. This minor wall contains a cave famous for its lobster inhabitants. But don’t miss out on exploring the corals and ledges. Hiding from view are ghost pipefish, pufferfish, seahorses, rabbitfish and the striking lionfish.
For those wanting to get even closer, Nudibranch Centre and Panglima Reef offer a myriad of nudibranchs. Take a break to study these colourful sea slugs and their various patterns.
Pulau Kapalai is another muck-lovers’ paradise. In fact, this little island is rated by many diving journalists as one of the best macro-diving destinations in the world. Lying about 45 minutes from the gateway town of Semporna, Kapalai is small enough to be discovered by shore diving. It is not actually an island; rather a large sandbank where a resort has been built on stilts.
The diving, indeed the best of it, is right beneath you! Below the main jetty, blue-ringed octopuses have been spotted many a time.
At Gurnard Ground, ribbon eels and moray eels will add to the crowd. Finally, Stingray City derives its name from the obvious. These are the blue-spotted stingrays, which lurk on sandy bottoms. In these calm, shallow waters, dragonets, octopuses and shrimps are commonly found too.
In Pulau Mataking (east of Semporna), a new world of diving awaits you. The wall diving here is similar to Sipadan and whale sharks have also been sighted. Currently, the island offers luxury accommodation to the privileged few. But its stature is growing steadily as more resorts and divers make their way there.
