Dive-site story
Ribbon Reef is a submerged coral patch situated within the protected waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off Kota Kinabalu. The reef structure slopes gently across hard coral bommies, table corals, and sandy patches where macro critters thrive. Sheltered from severe open-ocean swells, the site provides a relaxed setting often frequented by training dives and macro photography enthusiasts hunting for small reef dwellers.
Frequent sightings of blue and black ribbon eels extending from burrows in the rubble
Expansive coral bommies sheltering juvenile reef fish and porcelain crabs
Reliable macro subjects including assorted nudibranch species and pipefish
Location
Use the map to plan with your operator and confirm the exact entry point on the day.
Seasonality
The dry season brings the calmest sea conditions and clearest visibility around Kota Kinabalu.
Marine life
| Species | Likelihood | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ribbon EelRhinomuraena quaesita | Common | ||||||||||||
| Bluespotted Ribbontail RayTaeniura lymma | Common | ||||||||||||
| Broadclub CuttlefishSepia latimanus | Common | ||||||||||||
| Clark's AnemonefishAmphiprion clarkii | Common | ||||||||||||
| Ornate Ghost PipefishSolenostomus paradoxus | Seasonal |
Marine forecast
