Sibuan Island, Borneo (East Malaysia)

Sibuan Island is said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Celebes Sea. It is part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park (also known as Semporna Islands Park), which contains the following islands besides Sibuan; Bodgaya, Boheydulang, Tetagan, Sebangkat, Selakan, Maiga and Mantabuan. There are no resorts on the islands, and also no public facilities. A few sea gypsies live on the island; unfortunately clearly noticeable by the rubble they often leave behind on the island. Fortunately diving schools in the area organize occasional reef and beach cleanup sessions. 

Don't forget to bring enough water and snacks with you when you visit the island. A visit to Sibuan Island is usually part of a day trip from one of the other islands (like Mataking), or part of a day trip from Semporna (at Sabah's southeast coast). Sibuan is especially great for swimming, scuba diving, snorkeling and sun bathing.

Access You can catch a boat ride to Sibu Island from Tanjung Leman jetty, south of Mersing. From Mersing town, travel south along the Mersing–Kota Tinggi (Highway 3) trunk road for about 44km and turn left. The road passes through an oil palm plantation, and is narrow and winding in certain parts. From Johor Bahru, head for Kota Tinggi town. From Kota Tinggi town, travel north on the Kota Tinggi–Mersing trunk road (Highway 3) for 48km and turn right to the same junction mentioned above. Pulau Sibu is about a 20- minute boat ride away from Tanjung Leman.