Biodiversity – Labuan Geopark

BIODIVERSITY OF LABUAN

Labuan's biodiversity includes a rich variety of terrestrial and marine species, thriving in tropical rainforests, mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds, shaped by its island ecosystem and warm climate, supporting ecological balance and sustainable environmental values.

Nature’s Living Tapestry

An exploration of Labuan’s rich biodiversity, where vibrant ecosystems of land and sea flourish in harmony, showcasing the delicate balance of tropical life through its forests, reefs, and wildlife sanctuaries.

The biological natural resources and natural ecosystems of Labuan Island comprise mangrove forests, rivers, islands, and coastal areas. According to the Labuan Development Blueprint Report, natural areas on land in 2015 covered a total of 884 hectares or 9.3% of Labuan’s total land area (excluding small offshore islands).

Mangrove swamp areas cover nearly 5% of Labuan’s land, with the majority dominated by mangrove forests. The three largest mangrove areas are Kinabenuwa (374.21 ha), Sg. Gersik (95.91 ha), and Sg. Ganggarak (81.20 ha). Flora and fauna data for mangrove forests are limited to the Kinabenuwa area. The mangrove flora of Kinabenuwa consists of 47 species from 23 families. Of this number, 29 are tree species. Among the most significant species are Merbau Ipil (Intsia bijuga), classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, Hybrid Gedabu (Sonneratia × hainanensis), classified as Critically Endangered, Gedabu (Sonneratia ovata), which is Near Threatened, and Gelam Laut (Osbornia octodonta), a Bornean endemic species.

Birds are the most conspicuous and easily observed fauna in the mangrove ecosystem, and are suitable as ecotourism attractions. A total of 12 bird species have been recorded in the Kinabenuwa mangrove forest and along the coastal area of Kg. Bebuluh.

The most significant species is the Mangrove Blue Flycatcher (Cyornis rufigastra), which is listed as Near Threatened. This species is rarely encountered outside popular bird watching destinations in Sabah such as Sukau and the Danum Valley. An inventory of avian species diversity along the Chimney Trail–Tg. Aru Beach area recorded 15 species. All species recorded in this area are commonly found and listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

The Labuan Marine Park consists of Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pulau Kuraman, located to the west of Labuan Island. The Labuan Marine Park area extends 2 nautical miles from the mean high-water mark at low tide. All three islands are encircled by shallow water coral reefs (3.8 m deep) that grow on granite outcrops and are rich in marine life, particularly reef fish and coral species. A total of 161 species from 54 genera and 15 families have been recorded (Julian et al., 2012). Among the most species-rich genera are Acropora (14 species), Montipora (13 species), and Favia (7 species). The estimated live coral cover is approximately 32.3% (Unimas, 1999).

Location Information

Location details for Labuan’s biodiversity heritage, including map references, approaches, and visitor wayfinding

B1- KINABENUWA MANGROVE FOREST

Labuan’s mangroves cover about 5% of its land, with the largest at Kinabenuwa (374.21 ha), followed by Sungai Gersik and Sungai Ganggarak. Kinabenuwa hosts 47 plant species from 23 families, including 29 trees. Notable species include Merbau Ipil (Vulnerable), Hybrid Gedabu (Critically Endangered), Gedabu (Near Threatened), and Gelam Laut, a Bornean endemic.

B2- TANJUNG KUBONG BEACH (COASTAL FORESTS)

Labuan and its surrounding islets boast a coastline of 81.7 km, made up of rocky and sandy beaches that support coastal forest ecosystems. Along the Chimney Trail to Tanjung Aru Beach, a flora survey recorded 61 plant species, including 35 tree species.

B3- PULAU ULAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Pulau Ular has been proposed as a wildlife sanctuary by the Sabah Nature Society. It serves as a breeding site for three species of terns — Bridled Tern (Onychoprion anaethetus), Black-naped Tern (Sterna sumatrana), and Roseate Tern (Sterna dougallii). The island is also an important stopover site for migratory waterbirds between October and April.

B4- MARINE PARK

Labuan Marine Park, comprising Pulau Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil, and Kuraman, spans 2 nautical miles around each island. Fringed by shallow coral reefs (approx. 3.8 m deep), the area hosts rich marine life, with 161 coral species from 54 genera recorded. Dominant genera include Acropora, Montipora, and Favia, with live coral cover at 32.3%.

Discover Labuan National Geopark, where ancient rock formations, fossil-rich cliffs, and submerged volcanoes reveal a story written over millions of years. From towering chimneys to coral-fringed islands, every layer tells a tale—waiting for you to explore.