Pulau Layang-Layang (Layang-layang Island)
Situated just over 300km northwest of Sabah's capital Kota Kinabalu in the South China Sea, Pulau Layang-Layang (Layang-layang Island) is an isolated atoll-like ring of 13 linked coral reefs. The whole island is only 7.5km long and two km wide.
Due to its remoteness, the Layang-Layang reefs are pristine with superb visibility. Steep walls provide spectacular diving down to a great depth, and attract pelagic species such as Barracuda, Bigeye Trevally and Sharks. The island is best visited during April and June when shoals of Hammerhead Sharks can be seen patrolling the reefs.
Many species of migratory birds nest here, including Brown Boobies, sometimes known as Asian Albatross, and Great Crested Terns, which are also known as sea swallows, hence the island's name ('Swallow Island').
Pulau Layang-layang is serviced only by regular flights from Kota Kinabalu and has an airstrip, resort and a Malaysian naval base.
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