Page 283 - Westport Guide To Malaysia

THE GUIDE TO MALAYSIA 275
Marine Parks in Malaysia
Peninsular Malaysia
Department of Marine Parks Malaysia
W marinepark.dof.gov.my
Many islands off Peninsular Malaysia are Marine Parks, with the waters around them protected by law. Four (4 islands) are located off Kedah in the northwest and 35 off the east coast states of Terengganu (13 parks, 26 islands), Pahang (9 parks, 14 islands)
and Johor (13 parks, 27 islands). These include famous destinations
like the Perhentians, Redang, Tioman, Rawa and Sibu, perfect for diving, snorkeling and windsurfing. A further 3 Marine Parks are located off Labuan Federal Territory.
Pulau Sapi, the smallest and arguably the most beautiful of the five islands in Sabah’s Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Kota Kinabalu’s offshore playground.
Sabah
Sabah Parks
W sabahparks.org.my
Sabah’s six Marine Parks include Pulau Sipadan,
one of the world’s greatest dive destinations (see page 277). Tun Sakaran Marine Park’s 8 islands offer diving, a giant clam farm and Sea Gypsy villages. Turtle Islands Park, off Sandakan, comprises three
small islands where marine turtles come ashore to
lay their eggs. Near Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park’s five islands provide diving, snorkeling and beachcombing, while Pulau Tiga Park was formerly the setting for the Survivor reality TV series. The recently gazetted (2016) Tun Mustapha Marine Park covers more than 50 islands and at almost 900,000 hectares, is the largest protected marine area in Malaysia.
Sarawak
Sarawak Forestry
W sarawakforestry.com
Most of Sarawak’s protected waters are extensions of terrestrial National Parks, with two exceptions. Talang Satang National Park near Kuching is devoted to marine turtle and seabird conservation, while Miri-Sibuti Coral Reefs National Park is an emerging dive destination.
Pulau Rawa Marine Park off the cost of Johor offers crystal clear waters, sun-kissed beaches and extensive coral reefs for diving, snorkelling, sea- kayaking and simple relaxation.