Tun Sakaran Marine Park Gazetted in 2004 to Protect Islands, Reefs and Coastal Communities

SABAH, SEMPORNA, TUN SAKARAN MARINE PARK (TSMP), 30 SEPTEMBER 2026 —

Sabah’s Tun Sakaran Marine Park: A Volcanic Wonder and Biodiversity Hotspot Gazetted in 2004

Sabah’s Tun Sakaran Marine Park (TSMP), the state’s largest marine protected area, was officially gazetted in July 2004 as the seventh such park in Sabah, encompassing 340 square kilometers of coral reefs, volcanic islands, and surrounding seas—alongside 10 square kilometers of land.

Named in honor of the late Tun Sakaran Dandai, Sabah’s former Head of State, the park now stands as a critical sanctuary for marine biodiversity, drawing divers, researchers, and conservationists to its remote yet ecologically rich waters off Semporna.

The park’s significance lies in its dual role as both a scientific treasure and a cornerstone of sustainable coastal management. With marine life richness comparable to Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, TSMP serves as a living laboratory for coral reef studies, while its volcanic geology and sheltered lagoons offer unique habitats for marine species.

For Sabah, the park represents a balance between ecological preservation and the economic potential of eco-tourism, though access remains tightly regulated to protect its fragile ecosystems.

Gazetted under the Sabah Parks authority, TSMP spans eight volcanic islands—Pulau Bodgaya, Boheydulang, Tetagan, Selakan, Sebangkat, Maiga, Sibuan, and Mantabuan—each formed from Quaternary pyroclastic material ejected during explosive volcanic eruptions. The largest, Pulau Bodgaya, covers 796.4 hectares and features two peaks, including Mount Bodgaya at 455 meters, while the smallest, Mantabuan, measures just 10.08 hectares.

The islands vary in elevation, from the steep volcanic slopes of Bodgaya to the low-lying, sandy cay of Sibuan, which sits barely 1–2 meters above sea level.

Scientific studies by marine biologist Dr. Elizabeth Wood, conducted over two decades, have revealed TSMP’s extraordinary biodiversity. The park hosts 255 species of coral, a figure rivaling global reef hotspots, alongside 528 species of reef fish and over 240 marine invertebrates. Six species of seagrass, identified during a 2009 marine expedition, further underscore the park’s ecological complexity.

Sabah Parks’ marine research unit now monitors 12 coral reef sites annually to track health trends, ensuring data-driven conservation efforts.

For visitors, TSMP is a diver’s paradise, with its clear waters teeming with marine life, while its volcanic terrain offers rock climbing opportunities. However, access requires permits, and fees vary by activity and visitor category. The park’s remote location—45 minutes by speedboat from Semporna’s jetty—adds to its allure, though it also necessitates careful planning to respect its protected status.

The islands within TSMP each present distinct geological and ecological characteristics. Boheydulang, for instance, features a 353-meter peak and rock pools fed by seasonal streams, while Sebangkat, at 51 hectares, boasts limestone cliffs and sandy beaches. Maiga, though low-lying, may conceal volcanic rock beneath its surface, while Tetagan’s 30.24 hectares include steep slopes and narrow beaches.

These variations create microhabitats that support diverse flora and fauna, from mangroves along coastal fringes to freshwater streams on Bodgaya.

Sabah Parks emphasizes that TSMP’s gazettement was not merely an administrative act but a commitment to long-term stewardship. The park’s sustainable use objectives align with global conservation priorities, particularly as coral reefs face existential threats from climate change and overfishing. By protecting TSMP, Sabah has safeguarded a marine ecosystem of international significance, one that could serve as a model for other coastal regions in Southeast Asia.

For now, the focus remains on monitoring and research. The annual coral reef assessments, led by Sabah Parks’ marine team, will determine the park’s trajectory—whether its biodiversity can withstand environmental pressures or if additional interventions are needed. Meanwhile, the park’s volcanic islands and vibrant marine life continue to draw scientists, offering a rare glimpse into the resilience of Sabah’s underwater world.

Related: Sabah Parks