Sipadan

Sipadan is one of the premier diving destination in the world. Since the discovery of its unique marine treasures by Jacques Yves Cousteau in 1988, the island has attracted divers from all over the world. Increasing development and crowding and their environmental impact on the island are a matter of grave concern. This book examines divers'' satisfaction with Sipadan and based on the survey carried out in 1997 on 314 divers on the island. The results revealed overwhelming satisfaction mainly due to the island''s out-standing marine bio- diversity, easy diving access and the friendliness and efficiency of staff and dive-masters. Most divers rate Sipadan as the best dive-site in the world. Impacts of most concern are crowding, over- development, noise and litter. Ideally, all the operators should be moved elsewhere and the necessary rehabilitation should take place to re- establish the ecological balance. It is proposed that the island should be constituted as a Marine Park and considered for designation as a World Heritage Site. This book is suitable for tourism managers, students and researchers, and libraries around the world.