WHEN exploring Pulau Rusukan Besar, about a 20-minute boat ride from the main Labuan island, first-time visitors may find themselves wondering about an abandoned construction site at the southwestern part of the 12ha isle.

It is something that Labuan Rusukan Besar Resort general manager Kok Su Kian, 47, often has to explain to the groups of tourists she takes there.

Geological wonders

“I have to tell them that what they are seeing is not man-made but a natural rock formation.

Pulau Kuraman sandspit.

“Known as a tessellated pavement, it is as vast as a football field and a special feature on the island,” said Kok.

In her four years of running the only resort on this island, the former company secretary and Labuan native said disbelief always turns to awe upon discovery that the rock feature is formed of sand and mud, sculpted by time into a unique, mosaic-like pattern resembling a padi field or chessboard.

“It’s very flat. You can walk on it. It’s like a nature trail where you can see all sorts of sea animals zipping in and out between the rock fissures.

“You just have to keep your eyes peeled. When it’s high tide, you might see baby sharks. At low tide, starfish,” said Kok.

The tessellated pavement at Rusukan Besar is not the only attraction in Labuan.

According to geologist Norbert Simon, 43, who is from the Science and Technology Faculty at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), many people do not know of the area’s rich geological history.

“There are many geological sites of great importance here, with rock formations dating from 40 million to five million years,” said Simon.

Due to this, the whole of Labuan was recognised as a geopark by then energy and natural resources ministry (now Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry) on Dec 16, 2021.

In total, 29 sites have been listed under the geopark’s boundary which covers an area of 40,165ha, and these include awe-inspiring rock formations, Kinabenuwa wetlands in the southern part of the island, and Labuan’s surrounding waters.

Simon next to a rock formation that shows cross-bedding indicative of a past river environment,Gerbang laut formation and Kinabenuwa wetlands.

Of these, 16 sites, including the tessellated pavement in Pulau Rusukan Besar, have been recognised for their geological heritage.

As a member of the National Geopark Implementation Committee (NGIC), Simon’s first visit to Labuan was in 2018.

Since then, he has made it a point to return no less than twice a year for research and to train local tourist guides as well as engage with local authorities.

“The geological wonders in this area need to be explored and exposed to the public, especially for education, preservation and tourism purposes.

“The rock outcrops are fresh, undisturbed and easily accessible,” he said.

For a good look at these geological formations, it is advisable to begin on the mainland of Labuan itself.

One popular spot would be at the tip of the Tanjung Kubong trail, a popular hiker’s path with an entrance marked by a signboard that reads “Kuarters Taman Burung Labuan”.

The route begins from Chimney Museum in Jalan Lubok Temiang and ends at a white, sandy beach overlooking the blue waters of the South China Sea.

The first rock formation on this route, which is about 150m from “Gedung Ubat”, a cylindrical structure believed to have been used to store artillery and explosives from World War II, is called a wave-cut platform.

Most visible at low tide, geologists say this type of formation is due to the continuous onslaught of waves causing the collapse of the underside of a cliff.

Carry on a few hundred metres more and you will see clastic formations of sedimentary rocks, some with visible coal layers or clusters in between.

Closer inspection on other rock faces in this area also reveals parallel lines, known as cross- bedding in the geological field.

It is an indication that the area is where a river once flowed.

There is also a sea cave, and the Gerbang Laut formation with nature forming inspiring arches.

Geologists say these formations, using the power of waves and erosion as brushstrokes, date back at least 15 million years.

Many visitors have also found the tafoni formations here fascinating, the surface is often described as resembling a brain.

Geologists call this “honeycomb weathering” or “swiss-cheese rock”.

They are formed when moisture penetrates porous rock, dissolving soluble minerals like calcite.

As the water evaporates, these dissolved minerals are redeposited as crystals on the rock surface, creating a honeycomb-like pattern.

Tafoni is also found at Tanjung Batu beach in Victoria, which is the heart of this federal territory.

Underwater paradise

Apart from the main island, there is the marine park which is a draw for diving and snorkelling activity.

A location of interest is Pulau Kuraman where a long sandspit can be seen leading out into the waters of Brunei Bay.

Sandspits are formed by coastal currents carrying and depositing sandy sediments at the beach.

Over time, helped by the action of wind and waves over a span of 35 million years, a long curved sandbar is formed.

Labuan Dive Club secretary Tan Zhi Shan Sujata, 35, said a popular snorkelling spot about a 10-minute boat ride from Kuraman, was located at the reefs of Pulau Rusukan Kecil that the locals call “Batu Agung”.

“It is less than 10m deep and there are a lot of soft corals around,” he said.

Preserving nature’s treasure

The preservation of these sites, according to Simon, is a mammoth task for local authorities.

One threat is in human form, such as vandalism.

Some areas, meanwhile, are located inside privately owned land and are thus vulnerable to destruction due to changes in land use.

“Labuan Corporation (LC) has proactively engaged private owners in preserving this natural heritage on their lands.

“This is an important initiative involving local communities to transform these sites into education, research and tourism hubs through awareness campaigns, educational activities, tour guiding, corporate events and extreme sports,” said Simon.

Working hand in hand with LC are Federal Territories Department, Natural Resources ministry, Yayasan Sukarelawan Siswa, NGIC, Mineral and Geoscience as well as Labuan Museum departments, Labuan Geoguide and UKM.

Thinking about dropping by at these idyllic spots?

There is no better time than the inaugural Borneo Flora Festival@Labuan happening from July 26 to 30 at Labuan International Sea Sports Complex.

In one trip, visitors can check out all that Labuan has to offer.