Picture yourself hovering weightlessly in the crystal-clear waters of Sipadan Island, when suddenly, an incredible sight emerges from the blue – a school of massive bumphead parrotfish, their powerful bodies gracefully gliding through the water. Here at Sipadan, these magnificent creatures aren't just rare visitors; they're part of our everyday underwater family, making our corner of Borneo one of the best places in the world to witness bumphead parrotfish conservation in action.
"It was like watching a herd of underwater buffalo!" That's how Sarah, one of our recent divers, described her first encounter with a school of bumphead parrotfish at Sipadan's famous Drop-Off. These gentle giants, some as big as a grown person, are regular residents at our dive sites, often gathering in schools of 20 to 50 individuals. They're so common here that our diving guides have even given names to some of the regular visitors!
Dawn at Sipadan brings a special show that few places on Earth can match. As the first rays of sunlight pierce the water, our resident bumphead parrotfish begin their daily routine. Their distinctive bump-shaped foreheads emerge from their sleeping spots in the reef, and they set off on their important mission – keeping our coral reefs healthy.
These charismatic fish transform from peaceful sleepers to busy workers as they:
According to Marine Protected Areas research, Sipadan's protected status has created a safe haven for these incredible creatures. Our location in the Coral Triangle, combined with strict conservation measures, has helped maintain one of the healthiest populations of bumphead parrotfish in the world.
Our daily diving operations at Scuba Junkie Sipadan have given us a front-row seat to one of nature's most successful conservation stories. Where many regions have seen declining numbers, our bumphead parrotfish population continues to thrive, making every dive an opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Want to meet these gentle giants yourself? At Scuba Junkie Sipadan, we offer daily dive trips to Sipadan Island, where encounters with bumphead parrotfish are more common than uncommon! Our experienced guides know exactly where to find these magnificent creatures and can help you:
Book your dive adventure with us and experience:
We'd love to hear about your experiences with these magnificent creatures! Have you ever encountered a bumphead parrotfish? What impressed you most about them? Share your stories in the comments below or tag us in your Sipadan diving photos on social media using #ScubaJunkieSipadan #BumpheadParrotfish.
Ready to meet our resident bumphead parrotfish? Contact us to plan your Sipadan diving adventure, or check out our special packages for the upcoming season.
Want to learn more about marine conservation at Sipadan? Visit our Conservation Projects page or follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily updates from our underwater world.
[Editor's Note: This article was last updated on October 28, 2024, with the latest information about our Sipadan bumphead parrotfish population.]
Have you encountered these magnificent creatures during your dives? We'd love to hear your story! Drop a comment below and share your most memorable bumphead parrotfish moment with our diving community.
Nestled in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan Island stands as a testament to nature's extraordinary beauty. This small oceanic island, barely 12 hectares in size, has captivated the hearts of divers and marine enthusiasts worldwide. Sipadan Island closure for a month each November has become an annual event, aimed at preserving its unique ecosystem. But before we delve into the reasons behind this closure, let's explore what makes Sipadan so special.
The legendary Jacques Cousteau, a pioneer in marine exploration, stumbled upon Sipadan in 1988. Awestruck by its pristine beauty, he famously declared, "I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now no more. Now we have found an untouched piece of art." This endorsement from one of the most respected names in oceanography catapulted Sipadan into the spotlight, making it a must-visit destination for divers around the globe.
What sets Sipadan apart is its distinctive underwater landscape. The island is actually the tip of an extinct volcanic cone that rises dramatically from the ocean floor. This unique topography creates a mesmerizing underwater environment, with sheer drop-offs plunging to depths of over 600 meters. These walls are adorned with vibrant coral gardens, providing a perfect habitat for an incredible diversity of marine life.
Sipadan's isolation and protection have allowed it to maintain an incredibly rich and diverse ecosystem. The island is renowned for its high concentration of sea turtles, with both green and hawksbill turtles frequently spotted. Large schools of barracuda and jackfish create swirling tornados of silver in the blue waters, while hammerhead and whale sharks make occasional appearances in the deeper waters.
The reef systems surrounding Sipadan are home to over 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species. Divers can expect to encounter an array of exotic creatures, from the delicate mandarin fish to the peculiar ghost pipefish. The island's waters also host a significant population of bumphead parrotfish, which play a crucial role in maintaining the health of the coral reefs.
As one of the world's premier diving destinations, Sipadan is subject to strict regulations to ensure its preservation. These measures are crucial in maintaining the delicate balance of this underwater paradise.
Since 2009, Sipadan has been designated as a protected marine park, under the supervision of Sabah Parks. This status has been instrumental in safeguarding the island's ecosystem from the potential negative impacts of over-tourism and unsustainable practices.
To prevent overcrowding and minimize environmental impact, Sabah Parks has implemented a permit system that allows only 200 divers per day to visit Sipadan. Each permit grants a diver access to the island for one day, with a maximum of two dives allowed during that visit. This limitation ensures that the marine environment is not overwhelmed by constant human presence.
For those lucky enough to secure a permit, there are additional requirements to be aware of:
These regulations might seem strict, but they play a crucial role in preserving Sipadan's unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.
Every November, Sipadan Island closes its waters to divers and visitors. This annual closure is a critical conservation measure that has far-reaching benefits for the island's marine ecosystem.
The primary goal of this Sipadan Island closure for month-long hiatus is to support the health and recovery of the island's ecosystem and marine life. By reducing human disturbances, particularly those caused by scuba divers, the closure provides a much-needed respite for the underwater inhabitants of Sipadan.
During this period, the marine life can go about their daily activities without the presence of divers. This break allows for undisturbed breeding, feeding, and natural behaviors that are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem. Moreover, the absence of divers gives the coral reefs a chance to recover from any inadvertent damage caused by fins, hands, or equipment throughout the year.
The effectiveness of this Sipadan island closure was particularly evident in 2021 when Sabah Parks reported on the impacts of an extended 18-month closure due to the global pandemic. The results were astounding: significant coral growth was observed, and rarely found fish species were spotted in the area. This extended period of minimal human interference demonstrated the resilience of nature when given the chance to recover.
The annual November closure, while shorter, aims to provide similar benefits on a regular basis. It's a testament to the commitment of local authorities and the diving community to preserve this underwater wonder for future generations.
One of the remarkable aspects of Sipadan is its consistency throughout the year. Unlike many dive destinations that have distinct seasons for marine life or weather conditions, Sipadan offers relatively stable conditions year-round.
The marine life in Sipadan is largely resident, meaning that the spectacular biodiversity divers come to see can be observed throughout the year. From the majestic sea turtles to the swirling schools of barracuda, these creatures call Sipadan home year-round.
While Sipadan is a year-round destination, some months offer slightly more favorable conditions. The best months to visit are typically from February to June and from September to December. During these periods, the sea conditions are generally calmer, offering better visibility and more comfortable diving experiences.
January, July, and August can be a bit more challenging due to increased wind, which can make the boat journey from Mabul to Sipadan more adventurous. However, it's worth noting that even during these months, dive trips are rarely cancelled. The persistent winds might stir up the surface waters, but the underwater visibility often remains excellent, especially at depth.
While the Sipadan island closure in November might initially disappoint some divers, it presents an excellent opportunity to explore other nearby dive sites that are often overshadowed by Sipadan's fame. One such gem is Si Amil Island.
In response to the Sipadan island closure, Scuba Junkie, have begun exploring Si Amil Island. This lesser-known destination has proven to be a fantastic alternative, offering its own unique underwater experiences.
Si Amil is known for its population of devil rays and eagle rays, providing exciting encounters for divers. Additionally, the island boasts an impressive array of macro life, making it a paradise for underwater photographers who enjoy capturing the smaller, often overlooked creatures of the sea.
Picture this: The sun peeks over the horizon as you board the boat at Mabul, the salty breeze tousling your hair. As you cruise towards Si Amil, anticipation builds, your mind racing with thoughts of the underwater wonders awaiting you.
Upon reaching Si Amil, you waste no time slipping into the crystal-clear waters. The first dive is a feast for the senses - vibrant corals, curious fish darting about, and if you're lucky, the graceful glide of a passing ray. Surfacing with a grin, you swap stories with fellow divers over a hearty second breakfast, the taste of adventure still fresh on your lips.
Before you know it, you're back in the water for round two. This time, you focus on the little things - a tiny nudibranch here, a camouflaged frogfish there. The underwater world seems to unveil new secrets with each passing minute.
Lunchtime brings a welcome respite on the island's pristine beach. As you dig into your meal, keep an eye out for the local residents - not other divers, but the cheeky monkeys that call Si Amil home. Their playful antics provide the perfect surface interval entertainment.
As the day winds down, you gear up for one last plunge. The afternoon sun casts ethereal rays through the water, illuminating schools of fish and coral gardens. It's a fitting finale to an unforgettable day of diving.
With three incredible dives under your belt and a head full of memories, you board the boat back to Mabul. As Si Amil fades into the distance, you can't help but feel a sense of wonder at the hidden gem you've just explored.
What sets Si Amil apart is not just its underwater attractions but also its pristine beaches. Unlike the more developed Mabul, Si Amil offers a true tropical island experience with its turquoise waters and white sand beaches. The presence of playful monkeys adds an extra element of excitement to the surface intervals.
For those looking for even more variety, daily trips to Mabul and Kapalai continue to operate during Sipadan's closure. These sites offer their own unique diving experiences, from vibrant artificial reefs to muck diving paradises teeming with bizarre and beautiful critters.
As we wrap up our dive into the annual Sipadan Island closure, let's surface with some thought-provoking questions. Grab a virtual cup of coffee and let's chat about the future of this underwater paradise.
First off, what's your take on closing the island for a month each year? On one hand, it's a bold move towards sustainable tourism, giving the marine life a much-needed breather from our bubble-blowing presence. But on the flip side, it's not a simple decision. There's a delicate balance between preserving nature and supporting the local economy that relies on dive tourism. Do you think this annual timeout strikes the right balance, or should we be exploring other approaches?
Speaking of approaches, let's dream big for a moment. If you were in charge of Sabah Parks for a day, what would be on your conservation wishlist? Maybe you'd push for stricter enforcement of diving regulations? Or perhaps you'd love to see more extensive research programs to really understand what's happening beneath the waves? How about ramping up education initiatives for both locals and tourists? The possibilities are as vast as the ocean itself. What ideas do you have that could take Sipadan's protection to the next level?
Now, here's a question that really makes you dive deep: Does this month-long closure actually make a splash in terms of conservation? We saw some pretty amazing results during the extended closure in 2021, with coral growth and rare fish sightings. But when it comes to the annual one-month break, the effects might be more subtle. How do you think we could measure the impact? Are there creative ways we could quantify the benefits to really understand if this approach is working?
These aren't just rhetorical questions – we really want to hear your thoughts! As fellow ocean enthusiasts, your insights and ideas could spark the next great conservation initiative. So don't be shy – dive into the comments and let's keep this important conversation flowing. After all, it's going to take all of us working together to ensure that future generations can experience the magic of Sipadan just as we do today.
Remember, every comment, every idea, and every action, no matter how small, can create ripples of change. So, what are your thoughts on preserving paradise?
Whale sharks are majestic and gentle giants of the ocean. As the largest fish species in the world, reaching lengths over 40 feet, they are a major draw for marine tourism. However, the rise of irresponsible whale shark tourism practices is causing serious harm. Feeding, crowding, and disruption of migration patterns is negatively impacting whale sharks, which are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
I have always been amazed about the whale sharks, the gentle and graceful giants of our oceans. As many travelers I wanted to encounter a whale shark once in my life and I did. I was excited to see the animal for the first time in my life. It was in SE Asia while travelling where I was approached by a man offering whale shark sightings and swimming. My eyes became all big and sparky at that moment. In my “little perfect world” I imagined a small group going with a boat to an open ocean and looking for the whale sharks to spot them.
If we are lucky to see them we might go and snorkel with them as well. As the day came the reality hit and the experience became one of the most heartbreaking ones in my life.
A mass of people were gathering for a briefing on how to responsibly interact with whale sharks. We were told to only observe and stay at least 4 meters away from them. As we went to the shore around 15 small boats were waiting for us. Every boat could take 5 people only. I was confused how we going to be safe in those small boats in the open ocean far from the shore.
Well we didn’t go far, we were only 20 m away from the shore when the boat stopped. We were told to go in the water when some men started throwing shrimps into it. All 15 boats were very close together when 6 whale sharks came to feed on the shrimp. Once everybody was in the water (45 people at least) the chaos began. There was no space to observe them from a 4m distance as we and the whale sharks were crowded in a small area.
They gave us 20 minutes of time with them – after that a new group of the same amount of people will enter the water with them. This is going to be all day long, 7 days a week, 365 days per year. I felt horrible seeing people touching the animals all the time, even if you wanted to prevent physical contact it was not possible due to the small crowded area. I was one of the first ones climbing back on the boat because I didn’t want to participate in that horrible chaos and stressing the animals out.
I felt irresponsible to participate in the activity and not inform myself prior to it. Afterwards I did some research about the activities that I participate in as a traveler to avoid being a part of a negative impact to any of our beautiful animals on this planet. I had the chance to encounter whale sharks quite a few times under water while diving. They were there in their natural behavior and as it was an unexpected encounter it made the experience harmless to the animal, positive and unforgettable for me.
Unfortunately whale shark tourism is increasing every year because of the increased demand. Let me explain how these irresponsible interactions have a negative effect on whale sharks as they already are in decline.
Whale sharks normally follow nutrient-rich plankton blooms over long migrations. However, feeding by tour operators is changing their natural behavior. Whale sharks remain in feeding areas instead of migrating [1]. This affects breeding, as the sharks are prevented from reaching mating and pupping grounds [2].
The feeding teaches whale sharks to associate boats and humans with food. They actively approach boats, instead of avoiding them. This risky behavior could lead to boat strikes and injuries outside of protected areas, where fishing vessels may mistake them for prey [3].
Crowding dozens of people and boats into a small area with whale sharks causes chaos. There is unavoidable physical contact, despite guidelines to keep 4m distance [4]. The surrounding crowds increase stress levels and disrupt natural behavior [5].
Boat strikes and propeller injuries are common, as the sharks spend more time at surface approaching vessels. Human bacteria and pathogens transferred by contact also pose an infection risk to the sharks [6].
Whale sharks normally feed on dense plankton patches during migration. But artificial feeding provides limited nutrition from bait fish or krill [7]. This may lead to poor health over time.
The sharks also waste energy chasing feeding boats, instead of naturally foraging [8]. And remaining in one area affects ecosystem balance, as whale sharks are not performing their role in nutrient transport across oceans [9].
The solution is transitioning to responsible whale shark tourism. Practices should minimize environmental impact and disruption of natural behaviors [10]. Ethical guidelines include:
We all desire memorable wildlife encounters. But our actions should not come at the expense of the animals. As consumers, we can drive change by avoiding unethical tour operators worldwide. Choosing responsible, sustainable whale shark tours is the solution.
By Florencia Juarez (Instructor at Mabul beach resort)
Coleoid cephalopods like octopuses, squid, and cuttlefish are true masters of disguise and camouflage thanks to their sophisticated skin coloration systems. Their ability to change color, pattern, and even texture almost instantly gives them a huge survival advantage in the ocean.
In this post, we'll explore the amazing biomechanics behind coleoid skin color change and camouflage abilities. Read on to learn how these sea creatures manipulate specialized cells called chromatophores and muscles in their skin to pull off spectacular disappearing acts right before our eyes.
The key to the color-changing abilities of coleoids lies in specialized pigment-containing cells called chromatophores embedded throughout their skin. Each tiny chromatophore contains a sac of color pigment, usually red, brown, or yellow, surrounded by tiny muscles.
When the muscles contract, the chromatophores expand and become visible as splotches of color on the skin. When the muscles relax, the chromatophores contract into tiny dots, concealing the color.
By selectively contracting and relaxing different chromatophores, coleoids can rapidly change their skin's colors, patterns, and textures to blend into their surroundings. While chameleons change color over seconds, coleoids can transform in just 50-200 milliseconds!
Some coleoids like cuttlefish and octopuses also have muscular hydrostats in their skin tissue. These specialized musculature systems allow them to deform their skin into bumps and ridges that precisely mimic the textures of surrounding rocks, coral, and more.
Males can even display mating signals to females on one side of their body while simultaneously showing aggression to rival males on the other. Their soft hydrostatic skin allows them to rapidly switch between cryptic and conspicuous displays.
With their sophisticated chromatophore and skin muscular systems, coleoids truly are masters of rapid camouflage and visual signaling unrivalled in the animal kingdom. Their neutral network-controlled skin provides a huge survival advantage, allowing these cephalopods to escape predators, ambush prey, and communicate right under our noses.
Next time you spot an octopus or cuttlefish, while diving in Mabul, take a moment to marvel at their incredible color-changing abilities!
Recently during a surface interval at Sipadan Island, as we filled out logbooks, one of the divers asked me, casually, “What’s your favorite fish?”
Any normal person would have answered the lighthearted question as it was asked. “Juvenile yellow boxfish are adorable!” “Mandarin fish are stunningly beautiful!” “I have a soft spot for goofy-looking porcupinefish.”
Nope. Not me. My brain started whirring. I wanted the precise terms of this question. The category "fish" immediately rules out some of my favorite marine animals.
Cephalopods of all types are amazing! We often see huge broadclub cuttlefish and it’s not unusual to see schools of 60+ bigfin reef squid around AWAS, one of our house reef sites. Their pearly iridescence and lightning fast color changes are incredible.
On one of my first night dives here I saw flamboyant cuttlefish eggs neatly tucked into coconut shells. A few days later there were beautiful tiny flambos everywhere you looked. Not to mention AWAS night dives aren’t really complete without white v and coconut octopuses. Oh and the mimic octopus, how can you not fall madly in love with those gorgeous, charismatic creatures?
Several of these incredible fish sightings were firsts for me. I’m lucky enough to have thousands of dives under my belt, across many different parts of the world, but one of the things I love most about diving is there’s always something new to discover. Seeing a rare or elusive critter, especially for the first time, is such a buzz!
Talking only about favorite fish also ignores one of my all-time favorite categories, nudibranchs. Over 10 years ago when I did my divemaster training, one of my fellow candidates labeled me a “nudi nerd,” and I have worn the title proudly ever since. Slugs might not be the reason most people get into diving in the first place, but many experienced divers develop a love for these diverse and colorful critters, even having a bucket list of species they’d like to see. Who could resist a nudibranch named Pikachu?
And shrimps? From the almost impossible to spot tiny hairy shrimp and the half-invisible skeleton shrimp, to the gorgeous harlequin shrimp and the more common but no less impressive peacock mantis shrimp, are we just going to forget about them?
“We’re not counting sharks or rays, right? Surely they deserve their own category.” I had to clarify. But that sent me down another rabbit hole. A favorite shark? How could you choose between the sleek, elegant leopard shark and the sheer size and grace of a whale shark? Hammerheads certainly must get a mention but then there’s also the intimidating power of an oceanic blacktip curiously, hungrily circling our group. Ok, I might be making up the hungry part but there is something humbling about being eyed by an apex predator.
And are we talking about a single fish, or could a school count? Sipadan is famous for its ‘residents:’ schools of jackfish, bumphead parrotfish and chevron barracudas. I’m always mesmerized by schooling fish and how they all move together seamlessly with split-second timing.
A single jack might not be the most exciting fish, but when hundreds of individuals school around you, being herded by giant trevally, it’s quite a sight!
Many might argue that bumpheads aren’t the prettiest of fish, but they do have their charm. To quote divemaster Andy “How can you tell the difference between a Napoleon wrasse and a bumphead parrotfish? The bumpheads are the ugly ones!” His comment always elicits a loud protest from me in defense of the bumpheads, but yes, Napoleon wrasses really are handsome.
Sometimes I grumble about the barracudas because they’re not very well trained. They don’t always stay on Barracuda Point, even though they have one of the best dive sites named after them. What divas! But does that mean I should discount them as my favorite fish? When there’s no current they spiral around each other in a vortex that is spectacular; the wall they form when there’s a strong current is equally breathtaking
The more I thought about it, the more weird and wonderful fish popped into my head for consideration. I’ve always loved scorpion leaf fish and cockatoo waspfish and the way they ‘sway’ to make themselves look like leaves drifting in the water.
No matter how many frogfish I’ve seen I still get excited every time, even more so if they’re awkwardly hopping along or ‘yawning.’
In fact, the more that I dive the more interested I get in these behaviors, as well as in the fish themselves. Seeing turtles perched up on their flippers to allow a variety of reef fish to clean them, spotting the mouth breeding yellow barred jawfish with its mouth full of eggs and watching a juvenile eagle ray, annoyed by the remora trying to get a free ride, suddenly shoot to the surface and breach to dislodge it, these are some highlights of my dives here.
All these animals I’ve mentioned (and many more, of course!) are ones I’ve seen this past year, diving the islands of Mabul, Kapalai and Sipadan. From macro gems to the big pelagic, the diversity of marine life here is stunning.
The answer is no! There are so many more fish I could mention but I don’t think I’ll ever get closer to picking a favorite. In the end, why ask me to choose? And you, do you have a favorite fish? I'd love to read about your most memorable or beloved fish encounters, whether diving or snorkeling. Share your stories in the comments below!
Written by Instructor Rache Mordue
Each year, tons of trash and plastic waste wash up on shores around the world. This garbage pollutes the oceans, harms marine life, and turns pristine beaches into dumping grounds. Beach cleanups are a great way to combat this growing threat for the environment. But do they really make an impact?
In this blog post, we'll explore what beach cleanups entail and the tangible and intangible benefits they provide. We'll also highlight how cleanups raise public awareness, provide educational opportunities, and encourage community involvement. You'll learn about the surprising items found via cleanups and how this "beachcombing" data helps scientists. We'll also address some common criticisms and questions about beach cleanups and their efficacy.
By the end, you'll understand why beach cleanups are an easy, fun and rewarding way for people of all ages to have a real and measurable impact on this pressing environmental problem. You'll learn why every piece of trash picked up matters. Let's dive in to the important role we can all play through beach cleanups to keep our waves, sand and shores clean for generations to come.
A beach cleanup is exactly what it sounds like - an organized effort by volunteers to pick up and remove trash from beaches. Beach cleanups may be focused on a specific stretch of shoreline, or involve covering a broad area. Some cleanups are small efforts organized by local community groups, while others are large-scale events that convene hundreds or even thousands of volunteers. International organizations like Ocean Conservancy sponsor and promote major annual beach cleanups around the world.
Participants in a beach cleanup usually meet at a designated location and time. Organizers often provide supplies like garbage bags, gloves and pickup tools. Volunteers then fan out to scour the beach and collect debris. Some cleanup events are more meticulous, having volunteers comb systematically through set sections. Others take a more casual approach, allowing volunteers to wander and pick up trash as they go.
Debris collected ranges from small items like cigarette butts, bottle caps and food wrappers to larger objects like abandoned fishing gear, plastic bottles, bags, cans, tires and more. Unusual finds like household appliances and old cars even turn up! Collected trash is sorted, weighed, and disposed of or recycled properly. Data on the types and amounts of garbage is recorded to help understand pollution patterns.
Beach cleanups help beautify beaches, preventing trash from washing out to sea or impacting wildlife. They also raise public awareness of the global marine pollution issue. Volunteers find beach cleanups rewarding, knowing their efforts contribute to environmental solutions.
With piles of trash removed from beaches each year by volunteers, it’s clear cleanups make a visible impact. But some may wonder whether these efforts really help since trash keeps washing ashore. However, research shows cleanups do actually make a significant difference.
According to the Ocean Conservancy, over 348 million pounds of trash has been collected over the past 35 years. That's a staggering amount that would otherwise still be polluting beaches and oceans. Studies have quantified the volume of debris removed by cleanups at specific sites and extrapolated the larger impact. For example, a 2021 study by researchers at Norce Norwegian Research Centre estimated that between 4,000 and 12,000 tons of trash is removed globally by cleanups every year.
In addition to removing existing trash, cleanups help prevent debris from breaking down further and spreading back into the marine environment. Research has shown that environmental conditions can quickly degrade plastic bags, bottles and other rubbish discarded on beaches. So keeping shorelines free of litter stops this process. Cleanups also raise awareness of the scale of pollution, encouraging better consumer habits that reduce waste overall.
While a single cleanup may seem like a drop in the bucket, the cumulative effect of sustained efforts across countries and years is undeniable. The fact that trash keeps coming is precisely why cleanups must continue. Like tackling any big issue, real change happens through many small actions added together. Beach cleanups are a simple way we can all contribute to this vital effort.
Care for the local environment is at the core of all our business operations at Scuba Junkie. We hold ourselves to high responsible tourism and eco-tourism standards, striving to reduce our own adverse impacts on the marine environment. We implement eco-friendly practices and technologies to contribute to a more sustainable future.
Scuba Junkie’s Mabul Beach Resort has featured on the Top Ten list since joining Green Fins in 2014, a feat made very difficult given the size of the dive operation.
We work together with S.E.A.S., holding weekly clean-ups to remove rubbish from the beaches, forests, and reefs surrounding our resort. We frequently collaborate on these cleanup efforts with local community members, grassroots organizations, NGOs, and other dive operators.
Together, we gather as many people as possible for clean-ups to make a bigger positive impact. By partnering with local stakeholders, we can raise awareness about environmental issues, take direct action through regular clean-ups, and promote sustainability in the region. Our shared commitment helps preserve the natural beauty and diversity that draws visitors to our resorts.
In addition to beach cleanups, Scuba Junkie takes action below the surface to protect the marine environment. Our dive team frequently conducts underwater reef cleanups to remove trash and debris that has sunk to the seafloor. On these dives, our instructors and divemasters comb through coral reefs collecting discarded fishing nets, anchors, bottles, plastic bags and other rubbish. These items can smother and break fragile corals, as well as entrap and endanger marine life.
Visiting Mabul Beach Resort provides a rewarding opportunity to directly participate in conservation. When staying with us, you can join one of our weekly beach cleanups (every Saturday afternoon) to help remove and properly dispose of plastic litter and other trash along Mabul's coastline. Witnessing first-hand the volume of waste collected will deepen your understanding of this environmental threat. You'll gain satisfaction from actively contributing to the solution.
You can also minimize your own plastic waste. Making conscientious choices while traveling - refusing disposable plastics, recycling properly, and being mindful of your consumption - helps sustain the natural habitats and wildlife you came to experience. Your visit supports organizations working hard to protect this destination.
Back in your local community, many options exist to continue the effort. Joining local beach or river cleanups is an uplifting way to spend a few hours giving back. At home, pledging to cut back on single-use plastics makes a real difference multiplied by entire communities. Support campaigns to ban harmful materials or advocate for industry responsibility programs. Use your voice on social media to spread sustainability tips and spotlight environmental challenges.
What may seem like a small effort can have a huge impact when multiplied by people worldwide. Beach cleanups actively remove tonnes of harmful debris, prevent further environmental harm, raise public awareness, and provide data to inspire change. By participating in cleanups at home or on your next vacation, you can help stem the tide of plastic pollution threatening our oceans. The positive impact is real. Beach cleanups matter.
If you thought you've seen amazing things during your day dives, wait until the lights of the torches take you to the unreal experience of the Night Dives in Mabul.
When the lights of the sun start fading. When the sounds and movements of the day slowly give way to the peace and silence of the dark. When the boats turn off their engines and rest until the new dawn. At this exact moment, something changes underwater. Sand and sea grass might not sound so appealing to you but it's home to the most particular and unique critters (Muck diving).
And at Scuba Junkie, we have it right out of our jetty. Let your imagination run wild, while I tell you the story of, so far, my best Night Dive.
It was the end of a long week teaching courses, and as much as I like to teach it can also be exhausting. I'm not going to get into details, but mentally I had a lot happening, and fiscally I was tired.
I'm halfway through the day and it's now lunchtime. On my way to the restaurant, I see the torches laying on the counter of the dive center and somehow I felt them calling me.
I tend to follow my feelings, in general, that's where all my adventures begin. I knew I had to go for it, what I didn't know was that this was going to be the most wonderful Night Dive I had so far.
The sun is setting, my customers arrived, I welcome them and start the briefing. I explain the topography of our dive site Awas, and let them know my plan for the night dive; head all the way to “the nets” nonstop where a Rinhopias it's living at the moment, and then slowly make our way back. We all agreed and at the end, like usual I ask what are they expecting to see, which I regrated a few seconds later.
Their expectations were high, they wanted to see the most difficult creatures to find, some of which I'd only heard about it. I started laughing, I could not help it, and told them I was going to do my best but could not promise anything, except for the Rhinopias.
In between jokes, the sun starts hiding behind the resort, we gear up, get in the water, turn our torches on, and begin our dive. As usual in a shore dive, we started the dive against the current, which that night was a bit stronger than I expected. I follow my plan, and reached the destination.
There she was, the beautiful Rhinopias, mission accomplished. My day was already better, everything after that was a blessing.
I turn the dive and ask everyone their air pressure, all good, they're coping well with the current. Started making our way back and we found not one but two Ambons scorpionfish, that were having a bit more trouble with the strength of the water that day.
I was getting super excited! Turn around to keep going and the light flashes into a Coconut octopus, who was hanging out with his friend Mr. Wonderpus. It's this even real? Just when I thought it could not get any better, Bobtail squid, one of the cutest creatures in my opinion. And this doesn't stop here, getting closer to the jetty a painted Frogfish. Everything request was delivered, and even more. I could not believe my eyes, my luck, my night dive!
The stress, tiredness, problems, everything accumulated in one week was gone in a 60 minutes dive. Never underestimate the power of a peaceful Night Dive. Watching the beauty of the nocturnal creatures under the spotlight of the torch connects you to the moment. There's nothing else, You, your torch, the bubbles, nature, and of course your buddies. We all got out of the water with the biggest smiles, shiny eyes, with memories that will stay with us for the rest of our lives.
Open Water or Advanced, beginner or experienced diver, we will take you on this adventure with the passion that all staff in Scuba Junkie has for diving. As well as me, my colleagues also enjoy every moment underwater and the best part it's that we love to share it with our customers. We want you to leave Mabul Island not only with nice holiday memories but also with a once in the life type of experience. Give you a taste of what we're so lucky to experience almost every day.
By Borneo from Below presenter, Bertie
Let’s not sugar coat it: Semporna isn’t the most beautiful of towns. Rough around the edges, maybe. Hot, definitely. Congested, certainly. But Paris it ain’t. Which makes it all the more surprising when you consider this region is home to some of the top dive spots on the planet.
I was lucky enough to spend 2015 filming the web series Borneo from Below in conjunction with our good friends at Scuba Junkie. During this period we went in search of the area’s most colourful coral reefs, mesmerising macro, pleasing pelagic life and sumptuous schools of fish.
From the shrimpiest of shrimp to a non-stop turtle highway, paradise islands to mucky sandbanks, this region has a little something for everyone. Here’s a countdown to my 5 favourite dive sites around Semporna.
What do you get if you cross your classic paradise island, with a small community of sea gypsies and a heap of frogfish? You get Sibuan, a tiny dollop of loveliness just a short hop, skip and a dive away from Scuba Junkie’s base in Semporna.
Known locally as ‘Battleship Island’ due to its distinct shape, above the waves Sibuan is all palm trees and white sandy beaches, along with a small scattering of huts built by the Bajau Laut. These ‘sea gypsies’ are known for their incredible freediving skills and their children are often found frolicking in the shallows, offering great photo opportunities.
Underwater, Sibuan offers both muck diving and great reefs – most notably at dive site Hawksbill Highway; a blanket of cabbage coral that provides the perfect ampitheatre for turtles and cuttlefish. Plenty of frogfish can be found wallowing in the muck, as well as the usual suspects: snake eels, seahorses, spiny devilfish and more.
Whilst Sipadan grabs most of the diving headlines around here, the diving right off Scuba Junkie’s jetty in Mabul is surprisingly fishy. Dive site Awas plays host to dozens of green turtles - some the largest I’ve ever encountered. On artificial reef structures they endure divers with good grace, whilst wrasse pluck parasites off them.
On and around these structures are broadclub cuttlefish the size of rugby balls, frogfish, schools of snapper, ghost pipefish, mantis shrimp and flamboyant cuttlefish. Easy diving, fabulously fishy - and all located no more than a couple of minutes swim from the jetty: Not. Too. Shabby.
You can see Awas in the following Borneo from Below episode.
Kapalai, which lies a short 15-minute boat ride from Mabul, is a sandbar with a luxury hotel plonked on top. Kapalai is all about the macro. At around 20m are a series of artificial structures covered in coral and some of the coolest nudibranchs you will ever lay eyes on. One of Scuba Junkie’s DM’s, Nas, even found one with two heads – a world first!
The sloping reef is also one of the best places to spot blue-ringed octopus in the entire region. If you’re lucky you may even catch a glimpse of the resident giant moray eel, Elvis. Elvis’ head is as big as yours.
Elsewhere keep an eye out for waspfish, frogfish, Indian walkmen, leaffish, stonefish and more funky critters. As the sun sets over this delightful sandbar, divers can even see manadarinfish performing their famous ‘love dance’: a mating ritual and one of the most mesmerising experiences a diver will ever have, anywhere.
View the two-headed nudibranch here.
If you enjoy small, jaw-droppingly stunning, seldom-visited sites with water the colour of Frank Sinatra’s eyes, then Mantabuan is the place to dive. Along with its impossibly pretty exterior, this volcanically-formed island is renowned for its black coral: a rare species that’s worth more than gold on the black market. Found at around 25m, these swaying bushes are actually white in colour – the term ‘black’ comes from their skeleton.
Whilst it might not have the variety of fish life that Sibuan does, Joseph has thrown his technioloured dreamcoat over these reefs. Within the coral folds, flaps and fingers lurk plenty of unusual nudibraches. Don’t forget to keep an eye on the blue - in visibility often in excess of 20m - for schools of barracuda and snapper.
Formed as a result of living corals growing on top of an extinct volcano cone, Sipadan was famously referred to as “an untouched piece of art” by Jacques Cousteau. Whilst our oceans are plundered at an alarming rate, rendering once-famous dive destinations fishless and broken, Sipadan has changed little in the 30 years since Cousteau made these remarks.
This, in part, is due to protection offered by the Malaysian authorities who have banned fishing around the island and only hand out 120 dive permits a day. Because of this, divers must book their trip here well in advance.
A shoe-in on lists dedicated to the world’s top dive spots, divers travel from all over to spend time Sipadan’s resident schools of barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, jackfish and sharks, along with giant turtle populations. In diving terms, it doesn’t get much better.
What’s it like to spend a day diving at Sipadan? See here!
To keep up with SZtv’s Borneo from Below, please like: https://www.facebook.com/Scubazoo/
And subscribe to their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ScubazooVideo
Many divers and snorkelers who’ve spent time diving in South East Asia will have a story or two to tell about the infamous titan triggerfish… In mating season, triggerfish get extremely territorial and will viciously defend their nesting site against intruders – including oblivious divers and snorkelers!
Although they are an interesting and beautiful looking fish - the titan triggerfish has a notorious reputation amongst divers. They are fairly docile for the most part of the year, but they can get very feisty in nesting season! Whilst unable to cause any serious or life-threatening injury to humans, they do have large, sharp teeth designed to crunch corals, and they pack a powerful bite best avoided.
So, how come they are so aggressive? It is widely known that titan triggerfish are extremely territorial by nature, especially if you happen to encounter them in nesting season. And whilst most of them are merely looking to protect their nest – some seem to just enjoy snapping at divers fins just for the fun of it.. Luckily, there are some clear signs indicating that trouble is coming your way!
Their first dorsal fin has three spines, which can be locked into an “erect” position. The first spine is locked in place by erection of the second spine and can only be unlocked by depressing the second “trigger spine”. When threatened, they will use this to wedge themselves into coral crevasses, making them virtually immovable.
The spine is usually only visible if this triggerfish is feeling threatened or anxious and this serves as a clear warning for divers to start swimming the other way…
It's said that the eyes are the window to the soul, and when you start getting the old evil eye from a titans’ independently rotating eyeballs - it’s best to keep your distance! Especially if they’re moving jerkily or if you spot them rolling onto their side whilst giving you the stare.
If you’ve unknowingly happened to bump into a titan triggerfish, intent on eating various pieces of your dive equipment, don’t panic! We promise there is a way out!
First of all, turn your fins towards the offender and use it as a barrier between you and the fish! Oftentimes the triggerfish will not actually bite you, but is simply trying to escort you out of their zone. However, if they are going to take a nibble, much better it’s through your fins than through your body.
Their territory is shaped as an upside down cone from where the eggs are hiding, so swimming upwards will not help you escape the nesting zone – we’ve seen triggerfish following divers all the way up to the surface. Horizontal is the way to go! Keep your eyes on them the whole time, whilst you make your swift horizontal escape.
Once you’ve made it out of the zone, they’ll stop chasing you. They’ll head back to their nest and you’ll head home with some adrenalin-filled stories to share with your friends and family!
Whilst the triggers’ nasty reputation is somewhat well-deserved, it’s important to remember that they are (usually…) just looking to defend their young ones from what they think are intruders to their territory.
Divers who have experienced a nesting triggerfish before may get anxious seeing them underwater and instinctually shy away. This is understandable in nesting season, but for most part of the year, not necessary!
Usually your dive guide will inform you in advance if you’re heading to a dive site which may have nesting triggerfish present. They will know where potential nesting grounds are and do their best to avoid those areas. Follow their lead and you should be fine! And just in case you encounter a feisty looking triggerfish, you now know the signs of a triggerfish in distress, and how to make a safe escape!
If you thought diving was all about crystal clear visibility, stunning coral reefs, schooling fish, sharks, rays, and turtles – you’d be right! But only partly. Today we’ll introduce you into a different type of diving, called “muck diving”.
Whilst the name doesn’t sound very enticing, muck diving can be one of the most rewarding forms of diving. It refers to diving in muddy conditions on sandy or silty bottom dive sites, in the search for small, bizarre-looking creatures. In comparison to colourful coral reef dives, a muck diving site may look dull or empty at first sight, but we can ensure you that this is NOT the case! There is such a diversity of marine life to be found on these dive sites, and they are anything but boring!
Many of the critters you’ll see have developed some impressive skills and features to help them live in the muck. You’ll get to see both extraordinary camouflage and mimicry skills, as well as flashes of vivid colours used to threaten potential predators. Muck diving may be a completely different diving experience than what you are used to, and you’ll be challenged to really slow down and zoom in!
You can expect to see some incredibly weird and wonderful creatures hiding in the muck, many of which are super rare and very well camouflaged. Your dives will turn in to treasure hunts, and the treasures to be found around Mabul are well worth the effort!
Mabul Island is one of the richest dive spots in the world for rare small critters, with diversity rivalling muck diving meccas such as Indonesia’s Lembeh and Philippine’s’ Anilao.
Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, stargazers, seahorses, all types of frogfish and ghost pipefishes are just a few of the crazy critters to be found around Mabul! The dive sites around Mabul range from sloping coral reefs, to sandy slopes, seagrass beds, jetty dives, artificial reefs and everything in between.
Together with its proximity to world-famous Sipadan Island, Mabul certainly offers one of the best well-rounded dive holidays you can find in Asia, if not the world!
Cephalopods are some of our favourite critters to search for, and lucky for us, there’s no shortage of them around Mabul! The flashing colours of the elusive flamboyant cuttlefish and blue-ringed octopus will leave you in awe, scrambling for your camera. With a bit of luck you may spot the elusive mimic octopus, a true master of disguise known for its ability to mimic other types of marine life. If you decide to brave the dark and embark on a night dive you’ll be in for a treat with regular appearances of bobtail squid, Papuan cuttlefish, coconut octopus and two-tone pygmy squid amongst others!
There are approximately 50 species of frogfish out there, many which can be found in this area. They may not win any awards for their good looks, but oh how much we love them still! Frogfish are masters of camouflage and many can change their colour to match their surroundings. They spend most of their time moving as little as possible, blending in with the environment, but make no mistake – when they do move, they are FAST! Frogfish have one of the fastest attacks in the animal kingdom, it can be as quick as just a few milliseconds! Blink and you’ll miss it!
The list of Mabul’s crustaceans is loooong and it would be near impossible to list them all out, but some of our favourites include the harlequin shrimp, orangutan crab, peacock mantis shrimp, tiger shrimp, candy crab, hairy squat lobster, zebra crab, hairy shrimp, spider crab, coleman shrimp, bumblebee shrimp and skeleton shrimp. Phew! We could go on and on, the list is endless!
Hunting for nudibranchs is highly addictive… It could be a sport of its own, and Mabul would definitely one of the best places in the world to do it! It’s not uncommon to see over 20 different species in just one dive, all different in shape, size and colour. Nudibranchs get their bright colours from the food that they eat, and these may be used either for camouflage or to warn predators that they are poisonous! Nudis make for fantastic photograph subjects as they are generally slow moving, with stunning colours on display.
If there was ever a competition for the worlds pretties fish, the mandarin fish would definitely rank pretty high, with its’ ornate patters and stunning colours! At sunset they put on a show to be remembered for anyone lucky enough to see it. They perform one of nature’s most incredible mating rituals, or “mating dance”. To the non-initiated it may seem like strange behavior to travel across the world just to watch two tiny fish doing X-rated performances, but we promise it is a sensational experience and perfectly normal diving behavior… 😉
From pygmy seahorses, pipefish, ghost pipefish and pipe horses there’s no lack of these guys around Mabul! Look in and around feather stars for the ornate ghost pipefish, or on the sandy seagrass bed for robust and slender ghost pipefish. Pygmy seahorses hide amongst the polyps of same coloured gorgonian fans. There’s an abundance of stick pipefish, banded pipefish, reeftop pipefish and winged pipefish – and with a bit of luck you may find a velvet ghost pipefish or a halimeda ghost pipefish too!
In diving terms, if it’s hairy it’s AWESOME! Yep that’s right, and the more hair the better! Hairy octopus, hairy frogfish, hairy shrimp, hairy squat lobsters. All of the above are rare and highly sought after creatures amongst divers and many would travel great distances to get a glimpse of a hairy octopus, or to get that perfect shot of a hairy frogfish.
Located right in front of the Scuba Junkie jetty, our house reef is one of THE best dive sites around Mabul. If you ask our staff members about their favourite dive sites, many place AWAS very high on their list! An excellent sandy slope dive site known especially for its regular encounters with the elusive flamboyant cuttlefish. Other gems to look out for are different types of ghost pipefish, frogfish, fingered dragonets, flying gurnards, snake eels, nudibranchs and mandarin fish! 60 minutes just doesn’t seem like enough time to explore everything AWAS has to offer, and in fact many divers want to repeat it more than once!
Including both a sandy slope with a few sunken boats, as well as a shallow sloping reef this is a great dive site for those who wish to have a bit of a mix of everything. You’ll see plenty of the typical muck diving critters along the sandy bottom, as well as a healthy amount of fish life attracted by the wrecks. You can then finish off the dive and perform your safety stop gently drifting along the coral reef. A healthy mix of all good things! This is a great dive site in particular to spot the ornate ghost pipefish, and different types of frogfish!
Just around the corner from our Mabul Beach Resort is the dive site Artificial Reef, a large sandy area with lots of man-made structures. It’s an awesome place to really slow down and zoom in. You’ll find an abundance of different crustaceans, cephalopods and pipefish. Chances are high you’ll see a frogfish or two, and there are colourful nudibranchs dotted along each and every structure.
Whilst the rig may be a bit of an eye sore on the horizon, the marine life you’ll find underneath is spectacular. It’s a playground of reef and sandy patches, artificial structures and some stretches of rubble. It might not be the prettiest dive site, but we can ensure that you could fill more than just the one page of your log book after this dive. Look out for pygmy seahorses, blue-ringed octopus and frogfish smaller than your fingernail!
In general, the slower you go – the better! A muck dive is not the time and place to rush, and when you take it slow you’ll see so much more marine life. Be patient and you will be rewarded! Many of the critters you are searching for are either quite small OR very camouflaged – if you speed across the dive site you will definitely miss a lot of cool stuff!
Diving over a sandy or silty bottom requires good buoyancy control! Keeping your hands, fins, and equipment off the bottom is essential to avoid stirring up silt from the bottom - reducing the visibility. You’ll also want to avoid disturbing the environment and the animals hiding in it.
An experienced dive guide can make or break your dive! A good dive guide will know the local environment, the best places to find certain critters, and sometimes it seems they can conjure amazing critters out of seemingly nowhere!
This is a good tip for diving in general, but especially so for muck diving! Many of the sought after critters live in very specific environments and habitats. A certain animal may prefer a special habitat, and some you can only find on just ONE type of coral! Knowing where to look is imperative!
Again this can be applied to all types of diving. Respect the marine life and you’ll find you have longer lasting and better underwater encounters. When you find a critter, try your best to keep a respectful distance as to not spook or disturb them. Never touch or move critters for the sake of a better photograph!
At first glance, you may wonder what all the fuss is about when you descend on a seemingly “empty” dive site, with little to no coral around – but give it a chance and you’ll be pleasantly surprised! You’ll likely spend most of the dive with your nose just inches from the ground, combing through the dive site, and you’ll be surprised by how just how many critters you can cross off your wish list!
Hopefully we’ve given you a bit of an insight to this different style of diving and why muck diving is so incredible. Diving doesn’t have to be all about coral reefs and big species! Give it a go on your next dive holiday, and before you know it you might find yourself becoming a muck-diving addict!
What better place to discover it than Mabul Island, a world renowned muck diving Mecca? Check out our dive packages here, the best way to explore Sipadan, Mabul and the surrounding islands!
