Mikey's Ear

Mikey's Ear is a charming dive site near Gaya Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu's waterfront in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Named with the playful informality that characterizes many locally discovered dive sites, Mikey's Ear offers a relaxed, beginner-friendly diving experience across a reef system that consistently delights with its variety and accessibility. The site features a reef structure that extends outward from the island's coastline, creating a natural amphitheater of coral formations where marine life congregates in impressive density. Shallow coral gardens near the entry point give way to a gently sloping reef face decorated with a mix of hard and soft corals. Staghorn and table corals dominate the upper sections, their intricate branches providing shelter for clouds of anthias, chromis, and damselfish that hover above the reef in shimmering pastel clusters. What makes Mikey's Ear particularly appealing is its protected position, which typically ensures calm conditions and good visibility. The gentle topography means divers can comfortably explore without worrying about sudden depth changes or challenging navigation. This makes it an ideal site for newly certified divers looking to build experience, as well as for underwater photographers who appreciate the luxury of stable conditions and cooperative subjects. The reef's health is reflected in the diversity of species that call it home. Anemones host their resident clownfish families, and careful observation reveals the supporting cast of porcelain crabs, commensal shrimp, and juvenile fish that share these living fortresses. Parrotfish crunch audibly on coral as they graze along the reef, while wrasses of various species patrol their territories with the self-important efficiency that makes them so entertaining to watch. Larger visitors are not uncommon at Mikey's Ear. Blacktip reef sharks occasionally cruise the deeper edges of the reef, and green turtles are regular visitors, drawn by the healthy seagrass beds in the area. Schools of jacks and trevally sometimes sweep through in hunting formation, sending the smaller reef fish into temporary hiding before calm returns and the usual reef routines resume. As part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mikey's Ear benefits from the conservation measures that have helped maintain Sabah's underwater heritage. The marine park's protected status means fish populations are robust and coral coverage remains healthy, creating a vibrant underwater environment that exemplifies what well-managed marine areas can achieve. Whether you are making your first open water dives or simply seeking a peaceful reef experience close to the city, Mikey's Ear delivers a satisfying slice of Borneo's remarkable marine biodiversity.