Sipadan Island to Start Annual Reef Closures in November

In an effort to reduce stress on corals, Sipadan Island in East Malaysia will close reefs for one month a year starting in November 2020.

Located off the northeast coast of Borneo, Sipadan is one of the region’s top scuba destinations, attracting divers worldwide to its biodiverse reefs, sheer drop-offs and massive schools of fish. By closing reefs for a monthlong period, the island aims to give the marine environment time to recover from recreational use.

Sipadan has been historically diligent about protecting its waters, allowing only 156 divers in the water per day and up to 20 snorkelers on special permits. Additionally, the Sabah Parks department has restricted divers from staying on the island since 2004, making the reefs accessible only by day boat from the nearby town of Semporna or Mabul Island.

But local dive operators requested further protections be taken.

"The one-month temporary closure is to allow the coral and marine life to recuperate," says tourism chief Christina Liew. “The operators themselves suggested this, and it was agreed unanimously by all.”

December was initially announced for the closure, as it’s at the peak of the island’s low tourism season, but Sipadan has since decided to close for marine life recuperation from Nov. 1 to Nov. 30 instead. No scuba diving or snorkeling activity will be allowed throughout the month.

The November closures will be enforced annually, according to the Sabah Parks authority.

For updates and details about the closures, visit sipadan.com/#sipadan-closure-december-2020.