Pulau Sibuan is beautiful island and one of the eight islands forming the Tun Sakaran Marine Park. In fact, it is said to be among the loveliest islands in the Celebes Sea. From Semporna, the boat journey to Sibuan island takes around 30 minutes, though it could take longer depending on the tide.
Sibuan is known locally as Battleship Island, and much of Sibuan’s beauty is its unspoilt condition, especially its well-preserved corals. The sandy beach encircling the island is fringed with coconut palms. On the southern side of the island, there is an attractive sand bank that is used a lot by picnicking tourists.
Sibuan is a low-lying (1 to 2 meters above sea level) sandy island situated atop a coral reef in the north-western side of Bodgaya. It is triangular in shape, 15.13 acres in area, and was formed by the remnants of a nearby coral reef. Limestone rock formation can be seen on various parts of the island.
Sibuan island, with its silvery sand and clear water, is ideal not only for scuba diving and snorkeling but also for swimming and sunbathing. Stingrays, cuttlefish, turtles, and the incredibly colourful mandarinfish are prominent in its waters while there is a good variety of smaller critters like pygmy seahorses playing hide and seek among its pristine corals.
For the nomadic tribe of Sea Gypsies called the Bajau Laut, their carved wooden boats define their very existence. Meeting these people, who are completely cut off from mainstream civilization, can be a very interesting experience for visitors.
Neither Sibuan nor any of the islands in the archipelago forming the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, have any tourist accommodation. nearby islands with beautiful resorts Mataking Island Resort and Pom Pom Island Resort. Another option is to stay on the mainland in Semporna town also features plenty of hotels, resorts and hostels. Dive operators bring tourists to Sibuan on daily trips.