Manukan Island

 http://www.mysabah.com/manukan/

The snorkeling at Manukan is fantastic! The variety of marine fish that I saw was really astounding. The corals were of great varieties too.

Interestingly, the rarest fish specie that you can here are of the anemonefish! While most of us are used to seeing regular clown anemonefish, being able to spot the large spinecheek anemonefish (Premnas biaculeatus) and orange anemonefish (Amphiprion sandaracinos, somewhat similar to pink anemonefish of A. perideraion) was something that I treasured during the snorkeling trip.

Other than that, you can see colourful damselfish, Moorish idols (Zanclus cornutus), Eastern triangular butterflyfish (Chaetodon baronessa), a few parrotfish, sixbar wrasse (Thalassoma hardwicke), virgate rabbitfish (Siganus virgatus, a big school of them!), vermiculated angelfish (Chaetodontoplus mesoleucus), mirror butterflyfish (Chaetodon speculum), eight-banded butterflyfish, blue-spotted grouper (Cephalopholis cyanostigma), copper-band butterflyfish (Chelmon rostratus), etc.

The corals are definitely healthy and teeming with marine fishes. Among the stony corals you could even spot a number of Bennet's feather of star (Oxycomanthus bennetti) as well as rare bulb tentacle anemones (Entacmaea quadricolor). Otherwise, in term of corals, the usual suspects are colourful staghorn corals, Porites sp. corals, Pavona clavus corals, green mushroom sea anemones (Sarcophyton sp.), blue sea star, bottlebrush Acropora awi corals, various Montipora sp. corals, leaf corals (Pavona decussata), plate corals, knob brain corals (Lobophyllia hemprichii), table corals, etc.

Mantanani Island

http://www.scubadivingplace.com/pulaumantanani.html

Mantanani Island is a group of three isolated islands northwest of Kota Belud, a one-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. Until recently, the islands were only known to a few locals. The largest island houses the only dive resort, Mantanani Resort which is situated at the western end on the edge of a white sandy bay.

Nestled amongst the tall coconut palms are beach cabins scattered around the main plantation styled house. Three wrecks have been discovered which still hold plenty of secrets and are now home to a menagerie of marine creatures such as Lionfish, Scorpionfish, octopus, glassfish and the coral reefs surrounding the islands have plenty to offer, for both novice and experienced diver.

Many species of rays can be found, Marbled stingray, Blue spotted ray and large schools of eagle rays. For macro photographers the “muck diving” is amazing, seahorses, imperial shrimps, pink-eye gobies, jawfish, blue-ringed octopus, ribbon eels and many nudibranch you want to be able to find in books! There are now 16 dive sites identified by Mantanani Resort with many more still to be explored.

Kapalai island

 http://www.sipadan-kapalai.com/

Kapalai island - The mere name conjures the image of crystal clear waters and a floating paradise like no other. A 45-minute trip from Semporna by speedboat, Kapalai island is one of the many beautiful diving havens in this part of the world. However, Kapalai is truly unique because it is not quite an ‘island’.

The 40 chalets are built on high wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean. Visitors can enjoy the sights of marine life in action as they stroll along the boardwalk, a sturdy construction that connects the various sections of the floating resort. The resort has 40 chalets, equipped with basic amenities, including tea and coffee making facilities.

You will never have to gripe about having a less than desirable view: you have a breathtaking view of the Celebes Sea no matter where you turn! The restaurant is a wooden deck, where diners can eat indoors or al fresco. There’s even a viewing area in the middle of the restaurant which allows you to see the myriad of marine life passing below.

The sundeck, a popular favourite, is a great place to enjoy your novel, work on a tan or indulge in an afternoon siesta. The Dive Centre provides diving, snorkelling and kayaking gear for rent. Can’t dive but would love to? No problem! The centre offers a variety of PADI courses, including Open Water and Introduction to Night Diving. After enjoying your underwater paradise, explore other facilities offered by the resort including the souvenir shop, games room and broadband access.

Mabul Island

 http://www.impressions.com.my/sipadan/mabul/main.htm

Mabul Island is reputed to be one of the best places for underwater macro-photography in the world. Located in the clear waters of the Celebes Sea off the mainland of Sabah, it is surrounded by gentle sloping reefs two to 40m deep.

Covering some 21 ha., it is considerably larger than the nearby Sipadan Island and is home to the Bajau Laut tribe, one of many ethnic groups in Sabah.

Diving is the main activity on this island, and it can be done all year round. Marine life that can be seen here includes sea horses, exotic starfish, fire gobies, crocodile fish, pipefish and snake eels. There are over eight popular dive spots, each with its own speciality.

Three resorts cater to scuba divers -- two are on the island itself while one is on a converted oil rig platform about 500m offshore. All of the resorts provide day trips for their guests to the nearby Sipadan and Kapalai Islands.

Pom Pom Island

 http://www.sedunia.com.my/destinations/malaysia/pulau-pom-pom

Most of you probably already well known about Sipadan island, a world class dive site in the world, but here I’m not talking about Sipadan.. Behold! a new star is born! Pom Pom island. The island situated somewhere near to Mataking island of the Celebes sea.


An hours boat ride from mainland Borneo, Pom Pom Island is a pristine, private island with sun kissed sandy beaches surrounded by the deep azure of the Celebes sea.

Geographically, Pom Pom Island is among the few rare islands found on the South China Sea. It is about half an hour's from main land Semporna by speedboat, which you will arrive to an unspoiled white sandy beach and relaxing island.

Built to offer you complete luxury, comfort and privacy, the resort is set within Pom Pom Island's lush green vegetation. The resort consists of Beach Front Chalets, Garden View Chalets and Water Bungalow/Villa, which are constructed in traditional architecture to blend into the native surroundings without disturbing or removing the islands natural vegetation. The fresh and cooling sea breeze let you feel comfortable and relaxed throughout your stay. All Chalets are air conditioned, contain private balconies and have an attached bathroom with freshwater supply.

Mataking Island

  

http://www.mataking.com/ver2/index.php

With its sparkling white sand, mesmerizing blue waters and top-class resort, Mataking Island is the ideal getaway for both the avid diver and non-diver. Divers can gear up and explore the Eel Garden, Coral Garden, Nudibranch Garden, Turtle Playground, Lobsters Lair and Hump Head Point.

Non-diving activities include a luxurious pampering experience at Jamu Spa, batik painting, kayaking, canoeing and jungle-trekking to name a few. A must-do during your time in Mataking is to take a leisurely walk to Pulau Mataking Kecil (literally meaning Small Mataking island) which is a 20-minute walk from the main island. The best time to take this walk is in the morning when the tides are low, allowing you to walk on a sandy stretch that leads directly to the smaller island. With the sea surrounding you on both sides, you will feel almost as if you are walking on water!

When you arrive back on the main island, climb up the wooden observation tower to get a breathtaking view of Mataking and its surrounding areas. Catch a glimpse of Mataking's famous ‘Underwater Post Office', the first of its kind in Malaysia. In March 2006, the resort decided to sink Mataking 1, an old 40-foot wooden cargo ship to create an artificial reef and also to serve as a unique underwater mailbox. Divers seal their mail in a waterproof vacuum bag and post it underwater. Picturesque, equipped with excellent facilities and complemented with friendly service at all times, your stay at Mataking will never be long enough.

Lankayan Island

  

http://www.pinganchorage.com.my/sabah_lankayan_island_dive.htm

Lankayan Island is a virtually uninhabited island located in the Sulu Sea. This tiny island is covered by thick tropical jungle that is surrounded by smooth, white sand - the perfect getaway.

It has the only dive resort in Malaysia's Sulu Sea called the Lankayan Island Dive Resort and is one of the best spots for whale shark sightings. The location of the whale shark is usually indicated by flocks of seabirds screeching high above the placid surface. With luck, divers and snorkellers may get close to this gentle giant, although it won't stay close for long.


During the day you can witness black-tip sharks swimming about by the beach. At night, hawksbill and green turtles may be spotted coming to shore. Large stretches of beautiful hard and soft corals belonging to numerous genera can also be found here, the perfect habitat for colourful juvenile fishes.

Among the 40 dive sites is Lankayan Wreck, where the remains of an ocean-going fishing boat can be explored. This wreck now hosts many different species of fish from small glassfish, harlequin ghost pipefish, painted frogfish to giant grouper and marbled stingrays.

Despite the remoteness, the island has all the amenities of a tropical resort. Visitors can stay in wooden bungalows that blend into the natural surroundings. Indeed, Lankayan is not only for discerning divers but for anyone who appreciates the tranquility of a paradise island that offers beautiful sunrises, spectacular sunsets and magnificent seascapes.

Tiga Island

 http://impressions.com.my/pulau3/3main.htm

Pulau Tiga is the largest of the three islands that make up Pulau Tiga Park. Its beautiful landscape and unspoilt natural environment has attracted CBS TV Network of the USA to use this island as the main location for the popular ‘Survivor’ Programme, dubbing it the ‘Survivor Island’.

This island was formed through the eruption of several mud volcanoes. The last explosion happened in 1941 and since then the volcanoes have remained relatively passive. Several small mud volcanoes spewing cool, mineral-rich mud can still be found near the summit of the island. The notion that this mineral rich mud is good for your skin makes mud-bathing a must-do activity on this island.

The island’s lush green jungle serves as a soothing backdrop, while the fine, white sand beaches and the clear unpolluted water are a wonder for nature lovers. The coral reefs encircling the island are home to many species of fish and other marine life. Among the activities that await you here are diving, non-motorised water sports, trekking, bird watching and mud bathing.

The Park Headquarters is situated on the southern side of the island, not far from Pulau Tiga Resort, the only resort facility available on the island.

Gaya Island

http://www.sensiborneo.com/about-sabah/islands-beaches/83-pulau-gaya-tarp.html

Pulau Gaya is only 10 - 20 minute speedboat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The five islands of the Marine Park are characterized by shallow waters, sumptuous coral gardens and all boast splendid white sandy beaches.

The reefs lie in shallow waters with little current making it an ideal location for novice divers, however, the diverse and sometimes rare marine creatures also make it an interesting dive location for experienced divers and underwater photographers.

To dive in the marine park you must contact one of the local dive centers based in Kota Kinabalu who also offer a full variety of PADI courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Instructor.

Among the sandy seabed a good variety of marine life can be found such as Scorpion fish, Blue-spotted rays, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps and the occasional green or hawksbill turtle. At some locations, rare creatures such as the harlequin ghost pipefish and mandarin fish can be found especially with the help from local dive guides.

During the cooler months from November to February, plankton blooms attract krill which in turn attract whale sharks, the world's largest fish. At times, the density of the krill can be so thick in these murky conditions underwater encounters with these colossal animals can be exciting as they suddenly appear out of the gloom.

Non-diving visitors can still have as much fun in the islands with other optional activities such as snorkeling in Pulau Sapi and Manukan and seawalking in Pulau Sapi. Adventure lovers will also enjoy an overnight camping trip at Pulau Sapi and Mamutik. If water sport is your cup of tea, you may contact any local tour companies for more information regarding the water sport activities that are available.

Jerejak Island

 http://jerejakresort.com/

Pulau Jerejak gained its alias as The Alcatraz of Malaysia, because of the Jerejak Prison. Located towards the south eastern tip of Penang Main Island, this 362ha island is rich with history, flora and fauna.

This island, though not as famous compared to other islands in Malaysia, has had its fair share of auspicious historical events. Francis Light, founder of Penang was said to have arrived in Pulau Jerejak in early 1786 before heading on to Penang.

As a result of Francis Light's earlier ruling whereby immigrants were allowed to claim whatever land they could clear Penang became flooded with immigrants. As a precaution step these immigrants were sent to Jerejak's health inspection centre before they were deported to Penang.

Later in the late 1930's, the British Empire built a hospital that could house 150 Tuberculosis patients at a time. This was located at the eastern part of the island.