Turtle Patch

Turtle Patch is a charming beginner-friendly dive site near Sapi Island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, named for the sea turtles that regularly visit this section of reef. The combination of turtle encounters with accessible conditions and healthy coral communities makes this site a standout favorite within the marine park's diverse portfolio of dive sites. The reef at Turtle Patch features a moderate slope with patches of coral growth that create the mixed habitat green sea turtles favor for feeding. The algae-covered surfaces that develop between coral formations provide the turtles' primary food source, drawing them to this area with reliable regularity. Encountering a green sea turtle grazing peacefully on the reef, seemingly unconcerned by nearby divers, creates the kind of magical underwater moment that inspires lifelong diving passion. The coral communities are healthy and diverse, with hard and soft coral species contributing to an attractive underwater landscape. The reef's structure provides habitat for the full community of tropical reef fish expected in the Coral Triangle, from schools of fusiliers and anthias to territorial damselfish and colorful wrasses. Clownfish in their anemone homes are found across the site, and butterflyfish add elegant profiles to the reef scene. The gentle depth profile and typically mild currents create comfortable conditions for divers of all experience levels. The warm tropical water requires minimal exposure protection, and the site's manageable size means divers can explore thoroughly within a single dive. The turtle encounters add genuine wildlife excitement to what would already be an enjoyable reef dive, elevating the experience beyond typical marine park outings. Macro subjects including nudibranchs, crustaceans, and various invertebrate species add detail and discovery for observant divers. The reef's structural complexity provides numerous hiding spots where interesting creatures shelter, rewarding those who take time to examine the substrate closely. Turtle Patch is accessed by boat from Kota Kinabalu as part of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park's regular dive programs. For divers seeking turtle encounters in an accessible setting with genuine coral reef biodiversity, this site delivers memorable wildlife moments within easy reach of Borneo's most cosmopolitan city.