Long before mermaids adorned fairy tales and sailor songs, there were dugongs—gentle, elusive sea creatures gliding silently through warm coastal waters. With their soulful, human-like eyes and nurturing grace, these close cousins of the manatee have long stirred the imagination. From a distance, a mother dugong cradling her calf could easily pass for the stuff of legend—perhaps the very spark behind the myth of mermaids.
So when LUSH Malaysia extended an invitation to venture into the untouched marine wilderness of Johor’s Sibu archipelago—one of the last frontiers where dugongs still roam—we leapt at the chance. Partnering with MareCet, a local marine conservation group, the 3-day Marine Explorer trip was more than just an adventure; it was a call to witness something rare and extraordinary.
Unlike polished tourist destinations, Sibu Island greeted us with rugged charm and raw beauty. Tucked near the southern edge of Pulau Sibu lies a vibrant, hidden sanctuary—home to Malaysia’s dwindling dugong population and one of the country’s most vital seagrass meadows. Here, time slows, and nature whispers secrets to those willing to listen.
With MareCet at the helm, we embarked on a guided boat expedition, skimming across emerald waters in search of dugongs. Although the sea kept her shy treasures hidden on our observation day, the experience was no less magical. Beneath the waves stretched vast meadows of seagrass—essential feeding grounds for dugongs and a silent testament to the life that thrives in balance. Dr. Louisa Ponnampalam and her team brought this world to life with insight and passion, weaving stories of marine biodiversity and urgent conservation work.
Though the dugongs kept their distance, the journey offered something just as valuable—a deeper understanding of the ocean’s intricate web of life. Indoors, we dove into conversations about biodiversity, conservation strategies, and the fragile ecosystems that thrive just beneath the surface.
But our journey didn’t end at sea.
We laced up our boots for a scenic hike up Bukit Pasu, where every step through lush terrain brought us closer to the skies. At the summit, a breathtaking panorama unfolded—Pulau Tinggi to our left, the village of Sibu stretched across our right, and the very waters where dugongs roam shimmering in between. It was a view that stitched the island’s story together, a reminder of just how intertwined land, sea, and life truly are.
Back at sea level, we strolled through the village during a kampung tour, led by locals who shared stories passed down through generations. Beneath swaying palms, we joined a virgin coconut oil workshop, where a local demonstrated the time-honored craft of transforming coconuts into fragrant, golden oil—treasured for its natural remedy. It was a beautiful exchange of knowledge, rooted in tradition and sustainability.
And because love for nature must also be action, we took part in a beach cleanup activity—an effort to restore what carelessness had marred. Hand in hand, we collected debris and plastic waste, each piece a sobering reminder of how human choices ripple through marine ecosystems. It was more than a cleanup—it was a vow. A promise to leave the shore better than we found it, to protect the wild places that nourish us.
“Beyond the usual initiative that we are known for like coral planting, the outcome for this trip is to learn more about dugong conservation, as well as to create awareness about marine conservation through the LUSH Malaysia platform. Additionally, we hope to inspire Malaysian citizens to make the necessary commitments towards marine conservation, protecting the beauty of nature and wildlife that is homed to us. These commitments include waste reduction, supporting conservation efforts and embracing sustainable habits such as shopping naked products (packaging free) and finding the right ways to recycle products, which are vital to safeguard our marine ecosystems, all in all, leaving the world lusher than we found it,” added Dr Harvinder Harchand, Director of LUSH Malaysia.
MareCet’s co-founder Dr. Louisa echoed that sentiment. “The Marine Explorer is our way of connecting people with Malaysia’s marine life through immersive, low-impact experiences that inspire conservation and with LUSH Malaysia as our like-minded partner, we’re able to amplify this message and encourage more Malaysians to protect our oceans.”
In the end, the Sibu Island expedition was more than a mission—it was a meditation. A gentle reminder that conservation isn’t just about saving species; it’s about rekindling our relationship with the natural world. Through the foam and tide, the seagrass and the silence, we were invited to reconnect—to the sea, to the Earth, and to a slower, more intentional way of living.
Because sometimes, the greatest adventures begin with a whisper from the waves.
For more information on LUSH Malaysia’s sustainability initiatives, visit www.lush.my.
Written by Justin Tan
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