In fact it shared its top spot with 2 other destinations known for the diversity of their marine life — the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador and Truk in Micronesia.

[3] The Philippines had applied to intervene in the proceedings on the basis of their claim to Northern Borneo, but their request was turned down by the Court early in 2001.

[4] In the film Borneo: The Ghost of the Sea Turtle (1989)[5] Jacques Cousteau said: "I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now no more.

The armed terrorists arrived by boat, forcing 10 tourists and 11 resort workers to board the vessels at gunpoint, after which they brought the victims to Jolo.

As a result of the attacks, the island management together with Ligitan was put under the Malaysian National Security Council (NSC).