Sipadan, Malaysia’s Sole Oceanic Island

Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island, Malaysia by Flickr user tclee9300y

Sipadan is a limestone island. That is really about it. There is nothing to do on the actual island itself, no amusement parks, big resorts with casinos, mini golf or entertainment centers. The magic of Sipadan lies underwater where scuba divers are provided with amazing wall dives where the drop off reaches 2,800 feet into the blue. Snorkelers of all levels will be amazed at what they are able to find within twenty feet off the beach. This is the result of over a thousand years of coral development atop a volcanic cone.

Over 3,000 species of fish and coral life have been classified on Sipadan alone and the sea turtle population on Sipadan is known to be one of the largest in the world, underscoring the perfect conditions for marine life. In fact, the marine life is so amazing and so impressive that Jacques Cousteau himself said it is a rare treat calling it “…an untouched piece of art.” It is no wonder that Sipadan is considered one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.

Once common around the world, islands like Sipadan are becoming increasingly rare having been developed and over dived. Sipadan, like many places, is not immune to such development and the increasing presence of less rustic bungalows are the telltale signs of development. One thing hindering development on the island, are the islamic extremists from the island of Mindanao, Philippines who have kidnapped tourists in the past. Today the Malaysian military has a clear presence on the island doing its best to protect tourists. I would say proceed with caution if you plan on going but then again, wouldn’t you always proceed with caution anyway to go somewhere remote? I believe so. Although, if you really want to stay safe, I guess there is always the local aquarium option.

So is it really worth going? Well, here is the full quote from Mr. Cousteau “I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now, no more. Now, we have found again an untouched piece of art…”

Sebastien Tobler

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Spring is on its way…maybe

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Guillemots inspecting the cliffs (by Mark Breaks)

Sunday 28th March comments:

the clocks have jumped forward, the lighter nights are on their way and here comes...the snow. having turned the corner with the weather, it appeared sprig was very much here but looking at the forecast for early this week, the winds are switching to the east and snow is heading our way - time to warn the team to wrap up warm!! The Wheatears and the Sandwich Terns may be in for a shock.
The weekend brought a few highlights, including an immature Iceland Gull to the roost on Knoxes reef whilst the Black Redstart lingers on. Other birds of note included a male Snow Bunting and 13 pink-footed Geese north. the breeding birds continue to come and go, but Shags appear to be almost completed nest building - eggs will be next!
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Underwater Skyscraper: A Self Sufficient City

Underwater SkyscaperUpside down, self sufficient, floating island cities. The future will no doubt be an interesting place to be, where potentially millions of people will be pseudo-islomaniacs.

Touted as a self-sufficent floating city, Sarly Adre Bin Sarkum’s Water Scraper utilizes a variety of green technologies. It generates its own electricity using wave wind, and solar power and it produces its own food through farming, aquaculture, and hydroponic techniques. The surface of the submerged skyscraper sustains a small forest, while the lower levels contain spaces for its inhabitants to live and work. The building is kept upright using a system of ballasts aided by a set of squid-like tentacles that generate kinetic energy.

The architects “envision a future where land as a resource will be scarce; it is only natural progression that we create our own. Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is ocean, even more if climate change has its way, hence it is only natural progression that we will populate the seas someday.

Source: Inhabitat.

floating sky scraperUnderwater floating sky scraper
Underwater floating sky scraper

Where on earth is Skye?

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Presently – Peru. But, that won’t last long as Skye Wilson is in constant motion these days. Feeling life was too short to wait for the next adventure, she quit her job, sold her car, rented out her house and embarked on her own private odyssey to experience the world.


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