Sea Spark at Kudat

"A magical natural phenomenon could be admired along the coast this weekend. The sea lit up in a fairytale blue with sea sparkle. Some witnessed this and immediately pulled the camera to take a beautiful photo. But how do you spot sea spark yourself and what is it actually? It was a surreal scene, the seawater along the coast took on a blue glow. The beautiful shimmers were caused by sea sparkle, a miniscule organism that can light up in the sea, especially during balmy summer evenings."

Bioluminescent plankton, or more enchantingly known as the Blue Tears phenomenon, is the result of algae called dinoflagellates that absorb light in the chlorophyll and become luminous as a result of a disturbance in its habitat. The disturbance is usually caused by contaminants, such as fertilizers from plantations and farms, that end up in the water. The beautiful shimmers were caused by sea sparkle, a tiny organism that can light up in the sea, especially during balmy summer evenings.

The sight of the bioluminescent plankton (sea spark) gives an enchanting view, but this event is clearly at the expense of the environment, so you'll want to be extra vigilant when heading out to see this. While we cannot control the leakage of chemical contaminants into the water, we can do our part in putting ethical practices into practice, such as no trash on the beach.
The appearance of the bioluminescent is clearly at the expense of the environment, so you'll want to be extra vigilant when you're out and about to see this.

While we cannot control the leakage of chemical contaminants into the water, we can do our part in putting ethical practices into practice, such as no trash on the beach.

The Blue Tears phenomenon usually occurs from March to July, although other factors such as water conditions, weather, and how clear the night sky is will determine whether or not you can witness it.

Address: Jalan Marang Parang, 89050 Kudat, Sabah