A Brief Description of the Sipadan and Ligitan Islands

Before broaching the subject of this work, that is, the dispute over the ownership of the Sipadan and Ligitan Islands between Indonesia and Malaysia, a brief description of the two islands is in order. The islands of Sipadan and Ligitan are both located in the southeastern portion of Sabah in the Celebes Sea (Figures 1.1 and 1.2). Sipadan Island is an oceanic island and the only one of its kind in Malaysia. It is not part of the continental shelf of Borneo but emerges separately from the ocean rising some 600 to 700 metres from the seabed. It is a small island with an area of about 0.13 square kilometres. It is situated at 4°06’ latitude north and 118°37’ longitude east. The island sits on top of an extinct volcano and, was formed by living corals growing on the submarine mountain head. In 1903, a US naval report described Sipadan Island as follows:

This island is densely wooded with tall timber and is the resort of many turtles. There is no water and it is in consequence, uninhabited.

The coral reefs that grow around the island are home to many sea creatures such as the fusilier, snapper, barracuda, manta ray and hammerhead shark (Figure 1.3). The island is also home to many turtles of the hawksbill and green-backed species. There is a turtle tomb underneath the column of the island, formed by an underwater limestone cave where many turtles get drowned as they are unable to find the surface. Sipadan is rated as one of the top destinations for diving in the world. Sipadan lies about 21 nautical miles from Semporna of the Borneo mainland (Sabah). In the past, and even today, Sipadan has remained an important place for the collection of a valuable delicacy, that is, turtle eggs. On most nights, a number of turtles crawl ashore to lay their eggs in the sandy areas close to the bushes. Each turtle usually lays from 150 to 300 eggs in a safe, deep hole dug by itself. In the past, the Sultan of Sulu owned this island, and he obtained a handsome revenue from the collection and sale of turtle eggs coming from this place. This valuable commodity was collected by agents appointed by the Sultan.