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THE waters off Pulau Rusukan Kecil, Labuan, shimmered in the afternoon light, calm on the surface but alive with hidden wonders below. 

For Labuan Dive Club member Tan Zhi Shan, a routine recreational dive turned unforgettable when a small shadow emerged from the sandy seabed – it turned out to be a nurse shark.

“It was surreal to come across such a young nurse shark. At first, I wasn’t sure if it would swim away quickly, but it remained calm, allowing me to observe it closely. It gave me hope Labuan’s marine life is still very much alive and thriving,” the seasoned diver said, adding that he spotted the creature on Sept 14. Experienced divers can identify a shark species simply by observing its body shape and fins.

The one-metre-long juvenile nurse shark, believed to be only weeks or months old, has since become a talking point among divers and conservationists, reinforcing Labuan’s reputation as a marine treasure trove.

Pulau Rusukan Kecil is one of three islands within the Labuan Marine Park, located just two kilometres south of Labuan’s main island in the South China Sea. The other two islands are Pulau Kuraman and Pulau Rusukan Besar.

For many, spotting a nurse shark is rare enough. But to find a juvenile in these waters suggests something more significant – a thriving habitat that could serve as a nursery ground for marine species.

Labuan Dive Club president Teoh Ming Woei described the sighting as the latest milestone in the island’s marine discoveries.

“The sighting of this juvenile nurse shark enriches marine life in Labuan waters. It is good for recreational diving as it adds to the biodiversity that divers can appreciate here,” he said. 

Labuan Dive Club members have also reported spotting blacktip sharks and lizard sharks in the waters around Kuraman Island and Rusukan Kecil Island.

“These species are not harmful to humans, but instead they enhance the underwater adventure for divers who come here,” Teoh said.

He pointed out that each shark species plays a role in attracting divers and in maintaining ecological balance.

According to Teoh, nurse sharks (Ginglymostoma cirratum) are often referred to as “gentle giants” of the sea. 

“They move slowly, rest on the ocean floor, and are generally harmless to humans. Yet they are crucial in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. 

“The sighting of a young one here may indicate our waters provide safe breeding grounds,” he said.

Blacktip sharks (Carcharhinus limbatus) are active swimmers often seen near reefs and shallow waters. 

“They are shy creatures and are also not considered dangerous. Divers find them thrilling to watch because of their sleek movement and speed,” Teoh said.

Meanwhile, lizard sharks from the Scyliorhinidae family are small, bottom-dwelling species, usually under one metre in size. Preferring sandy and rocky seabeds, they are harmless and rarely interact with people.

“Although less well-known, lizard sharks add to the biodiversity here and remind us of the wide range of species that call Labuan’s waters home,” he added.

Pulau Rusukan Kecil, surrounded by coral gardens teeming with parrotfish, clownfish and angelfish, is already a favourite among divers. Along with Pulau Kuraman and Pulau Rusukan Besar, it forms part of the Labuan Marine Park, an area renowned for its pristine reefs and abundant marine biodiversity.

Pulau Rusukan Kecil is also being considered as the site of a new tourism resort. The recent shark sightings give weight to the call for sustainable development, where conservation and ecotourism go hand in hand.

Teoh stressed that the discovery of every new marine species comes with responsibility. 

“Every sighting tells us that our waters are still healthy. And, with proper protection, they will continue to provide extraordinary experiences for divers and visitors alike,” he said.

For divers like Tan who visit Labuan for recreational diving, such encounters transform ordinary dives into unforgettable experiences. 

With nurse sharks, blacktip sharks and lizard sharks now joining the list of species sighted, the island is fast becoming one of Malaysia’s most exciting diving destinations.

As Labuan positions itself as a gateway for sustainable marine tourism, these encounters highlight not just the richness of its waters but also the promise they hold for future generations.

For Tan, the experience of spotting the nurse shark is a memory he will carry for years. 

“Seeing the nurse shark reminded me of why we dive in the first place... it is not just for adventure, but to witness life beneath the waves that we must protect. 

“I hope divers will continue to respect and safeguard these waters so that future generations can have the same chance to experience what I did,” he said.