Labuan Marine Park

The Labuan Marine Park (5°15’N; 115°07’E) includes Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil, and Pulau Kuraman, located west of Labuan Island. The marine park covers waters extending 2 nautical miles from the mean high-water mark at low tide. All three islands are fringed by shallow coral reefs, around 3.8 metres deep, growing on granite bedrock and rich in marine life, particularly reef fish and corals. A total of 161 coral species from 54 genera and 15 families have been recorded in the area (Julian et al., 2012). Among the most species-rich coral genera are Acropora (14 species), Montipora (13 species), and Favia (7 species). The estimated live coral cover is about 32.3% (Unimas, 1999).

Rusukan Besar Island is one of the three main islands within the Labuan Marine Park. The island is famed for its pristine natural landscape, fringed by shallow coral reefs growing on granite outcrops, making it a popular destination for snorkelling, SCUBA diving, and beach picnics.

Kuraman Island is located at the southern end of the Labuan Marine Park, renowned for its natural sand spit formation created by the deposition of sandy sediments driven by coastal currents and waves. This sand tongue stretches into the sea and is a popular attraction for visitors seeking natural scenery, beach recreation, and snorkelling.

Rusukan Kecil Island is another island within the Labuan Marine Park cluster, known for its unspoiled natural marine landscapes. The island is an ideal spot for snorkelling, leisure diving, and marine educational visits. Its proximity to Rusukan Besar and Kuraman forms an interconnected marine ecosystem within the Labuan Marine Park.