Tiga Island National Park Explained

Tiga Island Park
Iucn Category:II
Map:Borneo
Map Width:280
Label:Tiga Island
Label Position:top
Location:Sabah, Malaysia
Coordinates:5.7167°N 154°W
Area Km2:158
Established:1978
Governing Body:Sabah Parks

Tiga Island Park was established in 1978, although the area has been under protection as a forest reserve since 1933. It is located north of Kuala Penyu, opposite the swampy Klias Peninsula, in Sabah, Malaysia.

The park covers 158 square kilometres of mostly ocean, containing the 3 islands of Tiga, Kalampunian Besar and Kalampunian Damit. The islands were formed in 1897 by the eruption of mud volcanos.

Tiga Island is now covered in dense vegetation; however volcanic activity continues in the form of bubbling mud and methane gas venting, although the last major outpouring of mud was in the early 1960s.

Kalampunian Besar Island is now little more than a sandbar, eroded away by wave action. Known for its sugar-white sands and clear waters, it is popular for scuba diving and snorkelling.

Kalampunian Damit Island, little more than a large rock, is also called Snake Island. It is famous as a mating location for highly venomous sea snakes.

Tiga Island Park is administered by Sabah Parks.

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