Coastal forest refers to forest next to the sea above the high tide line. The plants in such forests are adapted to the dry coastal environment and occasional salt sprays, but unlike mangrove plants, they cannot survive in salt water.

Coral reefs are huge calcium carbonate or limestone structures built by living organisms in the sea. These massive three-dimensional structures are comparable to tropical rainforests in terms of their complexity. More than 25% of the world's known marine organisms, an estimate of 2 million species, are found in and around this habitat.

This ecosystem consists mainly of fragments of dead and broken corals but is a haven for a huge variety of unique creatures which have made their homes among the many crevices.

Located at the intersection of the land and the sea, mangrove forests play an important role in protecting our coastline from erosions. They are also important nursery grounds for many fishes, prawns and crabs

Rocky habitats on Pulau Semakau include rocky shores, sea walls and rock bund. Lots of little animals make their homes on the rock surfaces, while others hide under the rocks or within small crevices during daytime.