Labuan, with its rich history, economic significance, and thriving maritime industry, is poised to become a top destination for marine tourism. The island's pristine coral reefs, abundant marine life, and fascinating shipwrecks offer a unique experience for divers and nature enthusiasts.
Clement Lee, former Tourism Malaysia DIVE Ambassador, highlighted Labuan's extraordinary marine biodiversity and vibrant coral ecosystems. Unlike many tourist spots overwhelmed by overdevelopment and mass tourism, Labuan has preserved its natural beauty and ecological integrity, making it ideal for those seeking an authentic and unspoiled diving experience.
In an interview with Bernama recently, Clement noted the remarkable marine biodiversity in Labuan's waters, with coral reefs teeming with life, providing sanctuary for countless fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms. The coral reefs around Labuan are among the healthiest in the region, thanks to low human impact and pollution.
Diving enthusiasts are greeted by a kaleidoscope of colors as they explore Labuan's underwater world. The coral gardens host a variety of hard and soft corals, sponges, and sea fans, providing habitats for a multitude of marine creatures. From tiny nudibranchs and seahorses to majestic sea turtles and reef sharks, Labuan's waters offer an incredible diversity of life forms.
THE FAMOUS FOUR SHIPWRECKS
Clement highlighted the allure of Labuan's historic shipwrecks, known as the "Famous Four," which attract divers from around the world. These iconic dive sites are the Australian Wreck, the American Wreck, the Cement Wreck, and the Blue Water Wreck, each offering a unique glimpse into the past and fascinating underwater landscapes.
The Australian Wreck, also known as the SS De Klerk, was a Dutch cargo ship commandeered by the Japanese during World War II. Sunk by a mine in 1944, it now rests at a depth of around 21 metres. Covered in coral and home to diverse marine life, including schools of barracuda, grouper, and snapper, its shallow depth and clear waters make it ideal for divers of all levels. Clement shared his mixed feelings diving this wreck, reflecting on the 339 passengers who perished with it.
The American Wreck, or USS Salute, was a U.S. Navy minesweeper that struck a mine and sank in 1945. Lying at a depth of around 30 metres, it is one of Labuan's more challenging dive sites due to strong currents and its deeper location. However, experienced divers find it rewarding to explore the wreck's structure and abundant marine life, including moray eels, lionfish, and batfish. Clement revisited the site in June 2024, noting increased disintegration but abundant marine life, including a rare Nudibranch Bornella adamsi.
Clement was heartened to see soft coral sea fan growth on the American Wreck, despite limited light penetration at depth. Diving this 79-year-old wreck filled him with a sense of sobriety and reverence for those who perished with the ship. He also noted more coral growth and plentiful marine life compared to his previous visits.
ABUNDANT MARINE LIFE
He said the Cement Wreck, also known as the MV Tung Hwuang, was a cement freighter that sank in 1980, noting that the ship lies at a depth of about 30 metres and is relatively intact, providing an interesting and accessible dive site.
“The wreck is encrusted with coral and serves as a habitat for a variety of marine species, including batfish, trevally, and groupers.
“The Cement Wreck is particularly popular with photographers due to the photogenic nature of the site and the abundant marine life.
“During our diving in Cement Wreck, we noticed the Black Corals look healthy and growing,” he said.
Clement said the Blue Water Wreck, also known as the Mabini Padre, was a Philippine fishing vessel that caught fire and sank in 1981.
He said the wreck lies at a depth of around 35 metres and is considered one of the most exciting dive sites in Labuan due to the excellent visibility and vibrant marine life.
Divers could expect to see large schools of barracuda, trevally, and jacks, as well as a variety of reef fish and invertebrates, he said, adding that the Blue water wreck in Labuan never disappointed him with its rich marine life and the beautifully colour healthy corals.
“I am most happy to note the healthy corals growth on Blue Water Wreck and this indicates there has been no outside disruption on this wreck such as dynamiting, fishing trawling etc. kudos to the enforcement agencies in Labuan.
“We did a dive there during the dive festival...it was great and living up to its name ‘Blue Water’,” he said.
CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
Labuan's diving sites offer incredible experiences, but sustainability and safety challenges need addressing to preserve these sites. Clement highlighted key issues and proposed measures to enhance the diving experience and safeguard Labuan's marine heritage.
One major concern is the fragility of the famous shipwrecks. These historic structures, while fascinating, deteriorate over time due to seawater, currents, and marine life. This poses risks to divers and threatens the marine ecosystems around these wrecks.
To mitigate this, Clement proposed establishing artificial reefs. These can provide stable, durable habitats for marine life, reducing pressure on natural reefs and historic wrecks. Creating new underwater structures from materials like concrete, metal, or specially designed reef modules can enhance biodiversity and create safe, sustainable dive sites.
Another challenge is the lack of dedicated facilities for diving activities. Divers, especially those from outside Labuan, may struggle to find suitable locations for launching expeditions or support services, leading to confusion and potentially unsafe practices.
Clement advocated developing dedicated diving facilities, including jetties, dive shops, and information centres, to support divers' needs and enhance their experience. Providing clear guidelines and designated diving areas can ensure diver safety, protect sensitive marine environments, and promote Labuan as a premier diving destination.
LABUAN DIVE FESTIVAL 2024
Clement commended the recent Labuan Dive Festival 2024, highlighting its success in showcasing the island as a premier diving destination. The festival united divers, marine biologists, conservationists, and tourism stakeholders to celebrate Labuan's rich marine heritage and discuss its tourism future.
While diving at "Lobster Point" in Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Clement was thrilled to see numerous jawfish and proposed renaming the site to "Jawfish Avenue." The festival featured various activities, including guided dives to shipwrecks, underwater photography competitions, and workshops on marine biology and reef conservation.
The event also provided a platform for local businesses and dive operators to showcase their offerings, fostering community and collaboration within the diving industry. Clement emphasised the festival's role in promoting diving tourism as a significant economic driver for Labuan, attracting global divers, generating revenue, and creating job opportunities.
He stressed the importance of sustainable tourism practices and protecting Labuan's marine ecosystems for future generations. Priorities should include measures to prevent overfishing, reduce pollution, and protect habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds. Investing in marine conservation and tourism infrastructure, such as diving facilities, transport links, and high-quality accommodations, is essential for Labuan's growth as a diving destination.
Clement underscored the need for sustainable tourism, promoting responsible diving practices, reducing waste, and supporting local conservation efforts. By fostering a culture of sustainability, Labuan can preserve its marine resources for future generations, offering a unique experience for divers and nature enthusiasts.
With stunning coral reefs, diverse marine life, and fascinating shipwrecks, Labuan is a rising star in diving tourism. By addressing sustainability challenges and investing in tourism infrastructure, Labuan has the potential to become a leading marine tourism destination in Southeast Asia, ensuring economic opportunities and preserving its natural heritage for future generation.
Edited by Salbiah Said
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