Sipadan - Visit a World Class Diving Destination in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo Sipadan - Visit a World Class Diving Destination in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

After diving at Sipadan, Jacques Cousteau raved about Sipadan's stunning diversity of marine life. This helped put Sipadan in Sabah, Borneo on the map for world famous dive sites. Sipadan is a divers paradise and it is also recognised as one of the top scuba diving destinations in the world.

Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles nest on Pulau Sipadan - so when diving at Sipadan you will see Turtles literally everywhere. Go for a dive at some of the ten dive sites at Pulau Sipadan you will also get the chance to see large schools of barracuda & big-eye Trevally, pelagic species such as manta rays, White Tip and Black Tip sharks. If you're lucky you may even see Hammerheads and other shark species. This makes Sipadan a big fish capital of the world!

Take the time to look closely at the reef walls and you'll see a wealth of macro life and fish species. This is often overlooked during dives due to the other 'larger attractions', such as turtles and sharks, vying for your attention.

Next door to Sipadan is Pulau Mabul and Kapalai. Both are home to some of the best muck diving in the world. You'll be able to see virtually any tropical critter you might want to see. You'll see giant and dwarf frogfish, every species of pipefish known, Fire gobies, Mandarin fish, ghost pipefish, many species of shrimp, crabs and lobsters by the dozens. Mabul is also nudibranch heaven. Perfect for divers who love underwater photography....

Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 2,000 feet from the seabed. Sipadan is located in the Celebes Sea, off the East coast of Sabah, Malaysia. It is at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. Greater than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species are found here.

You can dive at Sipadan all year round. Overall, the best conditions exist from April to December, especially July and August. January to March can see some unsettled weather and a decrease in visibility but the diving can still be fine.

The number of Divers at Sipadan is limited per day. Sabah Parks, who look after designated Marine Parks in Sabah, issue 120 diving permits to go to Sipadan per day. This may be getting increased to 300 permits per day. This measure is meant to help with marine conservation efforts at Sipadan. It does, however, mean that if you go and stay at a Resort near Sipadan that you will get to dive it every day.

You are not allowed to stay overnight on Sipadan. The best way to visit Sipadan is to stay at Resorts on / near Mabul or Kapalai. This includes Mabul Water Village, Kapalai Resort, Sipadan Mabul Resort and Mabul Seaventures. There are more basic accommodation options in Semporna, however Semporna is not the most prettiest of locations and there is not much else to do at Semporna besides go out on diving day trips. There are lots of Dive Operators emerging all the time in Semporna - if you want to go diving from Semporna just ensure you choose an authorised Dive Operator (e.g. with PADI, SSI, SDI etc.) and generally you get what you pay for. So don't always be tempted by the cheapest diving trip prices.

If you are coming all the way to Sabah for a diving holiday then you should consider complementing diving at Pulau Sipadan with diving along the West coast of Sabah. The west coast has a range of dive sites including wreck diving, coral reefs and muck diving. The best conditions for diving the west coast are between mid March - end June. However, you can dive in the Tunku Abdul Marine Park all year round as Sabah is not impacted by the North East monsoons which impact other parts of South East Asia from November - February each year.

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Worlds Best Diving Destination On A Budget - Sipadan Borneo

If you like turtles and sharks, great drop offs and reefs to snorkel then you will love Sipadan. This island off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo used to boast the worlds best shore dive. About 10m/30ft from the beach the wall drops to 680m/2200ft. Since 2005 the island is a marine park and is protected from dynamite fishermen and over diving by the Malaysian Navy and Sabah Parks officials. Divers must stay on close by Mabul or take day trips from the coast town of Semporna.

For such a wonderful dive site you would expect premium prices, but Sipadan is surprisingly accessible for those on a shoestring budget. Get yourself to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and follow the tips below for a unforgettable dive holiday without breaking the bank.

Book your international flight to Kuala Lumpur or Singapore and then get yourself to Semporna via Tawau.

How to get from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau

Book a flight from KL to Tawau with Air Asia for around RM200 plus taxes.

Air Asia leaves from the Kuala Lumpur LCCT which stands for Low Cost Carrier Terminal. Its about 10km from the main international terminals. Follow the signs from arrivals to the car park and you will find the bus station and a transfer bus for RM1.50. It takes around 15 mins but leave some time to spare.

Air Asia are very strict about excess baggage and its expensive but they are very friendly to scuba divers. Pack your gear separately and identify it when you check in and you will pay maximum of RM30.

How to get from Singapore to Tawau

Book a flight from Johor Bahru to Tawau with Air Asia for around RM200 plus taxes.

Johor Bahru is the Malaysian town across the causeway from Singapore. After you land, take the train into town and then a bus from Queen Street bus station to Malaysia! Total cost less than S$5. You will need to get a taxi to Johor Bahru airport (also called Senai airport) because the buses are difficult to find but this should only cost you RM20 or so.

How to get from Tawau to Semporna

All day boats to Sipadan and transfers to Mabul resorts start in Semporna, a fishing town 100km from Tawau. The diving day and resort transfers start early so it is better to go direct to Semporna when you arrive.

Leaving Tawau airport you have two options. The bus ticket counter will sell you a ticket to Tawau (RM10) and direct you to the bus behind the police station. Tawau town is 30km from the airport south. Semporna is 70km north. If you go to Tawau first you will have to retrace 30km on your second bus before getting closer to your destination.

So before you buy your ticket to Tawau, go and look behind the police station. You will likely find a mini bus going direct to Semporna and they charge only RM20. Save yourself two hours and RM20 and go direct!

If you are tired, late or fancy splashing out, a taxi costs around RM100 and will fit up to 3 tired divers and their gear! You could save yourself all that hassle by booking diving ahead. Most dive resorts will come and collect you if you book ahead.

So, when you get to Semporna what are your options to dive on Sipadan? Surprisingly you can do day trips from Semporna or stay on an island resort for much the same price so you choose for other reasons.

If you want to enjoy the relative freedom of staying the mainland so you can go shopping and choose your restaurant in the evening then your cost is longer boat times to the days diving. If you want to get away and take advantage of unlimited diving and short boat trips then you must book several consecutive diving days and stay all-in on an island resort.

Staying in Semporna and having day trips

Scuba Junkies are probably the largest day tripper from Semporna (website offline at publication date). For smaller boat groups you might try Blue Sea Divers who opened this summer and are a couple of doors down the road.

Staying on the island resorts

Many of the resorts on Mabul and Kapalai are expensive but there are budget options. The cheapest is definitely Uncle Chang's Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge. It's very basic, mattresses on the floor and shared bathing but you go to the islands for the diving and the resort for rum party evenings not to catch up on your sleep.

For a little more money you could try something totally different and take a room on the converted oil rig called SeaVentures. This offers you the opportunity for unlimited diving under the rig with your buddy which makes it all great value. You also have more chance of getting some sleep on the rig!

Staying in Semporna

Whether its one night before a resort transfer or several days and day trip diving, your best option in Semporna is Scuba Junkies backpackers lodge. They have beds for as little as RM20 per night and that includes breakfast.

You might be tempted to go a little upmarket to City Inn or Dragon Inn hotels where you will an ensuite room but watch out, these do not include breakfast nor offer any refreshment services at all.

Sipadan is not the only diving destination in Sabah. Why not spend a few days in the state capital and discover the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park just half an hour from the town jetty.
Kota Kinabalu is a very easy town to spend a few days in. There are many backpackers but for sure the classiest is Velvet which opened early 2007. The rooms are immaculate and they offer free use of the washing machine! You can go white water rafting, submerge yourself in sulphur baths or for the more adventurous you can climb the mountain.

T.A.R. marine park has a range of diving including several artificial reefs close to the islands which are very successful in attracting a range of fish. You can see some spectacular marine life even when the visibility is low when compared to Sipadan. While several dive centers operate in Kota Kinabalu, we found the customer service of Sabah Divers to be second to none and at a very good price.

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Sipadan Island - The Big Fish Capital of the World

The Sipadan Island has arguably the best dive sites in the world to the extent that most divers rate it as a top must-dive destination. The huge diversity of marine life here has made it rated at the top of Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for 'The Top Dive Sites in the World'.

This dive mecca is a tiny oceanic island located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia's eastern most state, and lies on the north-eastern corner of Borneo Island, the world's third largest island. This 'untouched piece of art' is just less than an hour from the mainland and has rich currents sweeping through it. The rich currents bring lots of fish which attracts bigger creatures like sharks, barracudas, bumphead parrotfish and turtles.

The overwhelming list of attraction is staggering and to make it more exceptional, it involves a wholesome of big fish encounters. At South Point, a dive site typical of Sipadan, you will be amazed by colorful abundant walls, schools of barracuda, sharks, turtles and exotics like hammerheads and thresher sharks. With a rich macro life like the nudibranchs and pigmy horses on the rich coral garden, divers often found themselves in a dilemma whether to poke around in the wall for macro beings or keep an eye for the bigger stuff.

One of the favorite sites here is the Barracuda Point where divers will find hordes of turtles, vast schools of jacks, bannerfish and snapper. A variety of the shark families are also often spotted here. However, the real stars of this site are the spiraling vortex of barracudas, so large that the sunlight is often clouded out.

The Turtle Cavern site is well worth a visit as it is unlike other sites in Sipadan. Divers often bumped into massive marauding hordes of huge bumphead parrotfish as they sink down the wall, before approaching the cave entrance. Looking into the cave entrance, you will see turtle skeletons resting on the sea-bed. Apparently, the turtle seems to meet their dead-end in the small and confusing passageways of the caverns.

Diving season in Sipadan Island is all year round with the best condition between April and December. There are no liveaboards offered here. However, there are some excellent resorts which divers can choose to stay. The nearest resorts are on the Mabul and Kapalai Island. Visibility can range from 10 meter to more than 40 meter. Depth at Sipadan can range from 5 meter to more than 40 meter. Recommended length of stay on Sipadan is 5 to 14 days including the nearby Mabul and Kapalai islands.

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Sipadan Dive Sites

Sipadan Island

Dive Sites

a) 'South Point';

b) 'Staghorn Crest';

c) 'Hanging Gardens'.

'South Point'

Located at the southern-most tip of Sipadan, South Point's drop off is about 45 degrees, which slopes down towards a flat sandy area of coral formation at approximately 65 metres. It then continues on toward deeper end of the sea.

Marine life here includes the leopard sharks, reef sharks, turtles, soft corals, large batfish, sweetlips, turkeyfish, bigeye trevallies, great barracudas, whale sharks, manta rays, eagle rays, and hammerhead sharks.

'Staghorn Crest'

Another wall dive well known to Sipadan is the Staghorn Crest. This site begins with a gentle descent along the drop-off till it reaches approximately 70 metres and continues with a gradual ascent along the wall. It concludes in a staghorn coral garden at a shallow depth.

At greater depths, other types of species can be found, i.e. foxsharks, and trevallies.

Marine life here includes of course the staghorn corals, seawhip corals, gigantic barrel sponges, black corals, angelfish, groupers, shrimps, giant mantas, barracudas, and fox sharks.

'Hanging Gardens'

This classical wall dive is at a vertical drop-off point over a meter from the surface, which descends to about 70 metres. Here, the seabed suddenly plunges into the abyss. The dive always follows the current here, which isn't that strong.

Marine life here includes the alcyonarians, gigantic gorgonians, black corals, sweetlips, angelfish, groupers, green turtles, imbricate turtles, blue-spotted ribbon-tail stingray, nudibranchs, tiny gobies, gorgonian hawkfish, leopard sharks, and hammerhead sharks.

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Marine Life And Wildlife At Sipadan Island

As one of the top dive sites in the world, Sipadan Island has been blessed with a myriad of reefs amidst crystal clear blue water. With visibility of between 60 and 200 feet, the sea surrounding this mushroom shaped island is a perfect habitat for over 3000 species of fish. Beautiful hard and soft coral thrive abundantly, almost untouched by the spoils of civilization. This is the perfect feeding ground for reef fishes of various shapes, sizes, breeds and color. In fact, turtles are common sight here, as they rest and feed in peace within the ledges of the Drop-Off.

As colorful parrot fish, butterfly fish, angel fish, and hundreds of other colored fishes play amongst the corals, divers will also marvel at the passing schools of barracudas, parrot fish or needle fish. Search within staghorns, and you may be able to catch a glimpse of a tiny clown fish foraging for food. Looking between the rock crevices, you will see hiding eels or even a small shrimp. Sea cucumbers and star fish line the floor of the sea, while small fishes and eels hide under large boulders.

The abundance of small fishes also attracts the presence of larger predator fish, such as the small Black Tipped Reef Sharks, Hammerheads, manta rays and even large cuttlefish. Even turtles seeking for jellyfish can be seen gliding gently over the seabed, although the sheer abundance of the turtles in Sipadan will surprise you!

If you are taking a night dive, you may even catch a glimpse of the lion fish, leaf fish and frog fish, possibly taken aback by the light you use to shine on them. Of course, night dives bring out a foray of different type of marine life, such as the Bumphead Parrot Fish, all types of crabs and nudibranchs amidst the vivid colors of the corals at night.

While the rich marine is the true highlight of Pulau Sipadan, this island is also a habitat for many types of birds. The lush fauna within has helped this island earn its status as a bird sanctuary as declared in 1933. Bird watchers are able to catch glimpses of the white-collared kingfisher, sea eagles, olive-backed sunbird and pigeons. On the ground, monitor lizards and coconut crabs also make Sipadan their home.

This has been only just a glimpse of the variety of species you will find when you visit Sipadan. A visit to this island is necessary to marvel at the awesome beauty Sipadan has to offer.

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What Makes Sipadan Island one of the Top Dive Sites in the World?

Jacques-Yves Cousteau has remarked, "I have seen other places like Sipadan... 45 years ago. Now we have found again an untouched piece of art." Sipadan has also been listed in the Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List of The Top Dive Destinations in the World. What makes this tiny island of just 30 acres such an outstanding beauty? What lies beneath the waters of Sipadan Island that has so mesmerized divers from all over the world?

Perhaps it is the allure of the diversity of marine life found at the reef. Or maybe it is the crystal clear blue water with high visibility of between 50 and 100 feet. Or perhaps it is the geographic uniqueness of this oceanic island that forms a 2000 feet drop just barely 25 feet from the beach.

The 11 dive sites surrounding Sipadan Island offer unique diving experiences that are specific to each location. The steep Drop-off enables divers to observe the myriad of sea creatures living amongst the crevices of the cliff wall. Soft and hard coral attract reef fishes that feed amongst the corals, while larger predators such as sharks and octopuses hunt for smaller fish.

Sipadan is also famous for the abundance of Green and Hawksbill turtles. In fact, there is also a Turtle Cavern dive site that offers cave divers a chance to explore the interconnecting tunnels within the cavern. This is where the remains of turtles that have lost their way in the tunnels and subsequently drowned can be viewed.

Barracuda tornados circling around your head are a common sight. At Barracuda Point, you will see barracudas in the dozens. What's more, strong currents at the Sipadan Midreef Dive allow divers to drift along with the current. Also, dive sites such as the Coral Garden and the Hanging Gardens are renowned locations for underwater photography, due to the multitude of colors from the abundance of marine fishes.

Apart from being an underwater haven, Sipadan Island had been designated as a Bird Sanctuary in 1933, and now is under protection of the Sabah Wildlife Department. Essentially, this island is home to over 300 species of birds, including sea eagles and the Nicobar pigeon.

Finally, Sipadan Island offers more than just a dive spot and pretty fauna. The beauty, diversity and diving experience found on this island is probably unlike any other diving location. Indeed, divers come here to pursue the diver's dream - unforgettable diving experiences from the unique and vivid dive sites of Sipadan.

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Sipadan Island - Paradise on Earth For Divers

The world-renowned Sipadan Island is located off the coast of East Malaysia. The isle is right at the center of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, the dwells for a vast species of marine creatures. Rumor has it that the island accommodates more than 3000 species of aquatic life with a staggering number of corals existed under its pristine waters. The position of Sipadan Island makes it perfect for divers alike who are interested in exploring the underwater beauty of it.

There are nine spots to choose from, perfect for diving. Apart from the insubstantial beauty, these sites have appealing names as well, obtained from creative divers who stumble upon the breathtaking sight of the island's undersea experience. Hanging Garden, Barracuda Point, White-tip Avenue, Coral Garden and Turtle Patch are among the names given to describe the scene. Barracuda Point, for example acquired its name from the stories told by divers who came across an enormous school of barracudas cruising in the area.

The sunny climate all year round that Malaysia offered is the perfect reason why the visit to Sipadan is not to be stalled anymore. The humidity of its ambiance proposes an ideal weather for divers alike. Rainy seasons are to be expected during the end of the year but it certainly provides more adventure!

Malaysian government is taking measures to preserve the beauty of its nature, thus only 120 divers are allowed each day. They are 12 resorts in Mabul and Kapalai, therefore each resort will contain 5 pairs of divers. The accommodation is world-class; whereas air-conditioning, water heaters, ceiling fans, panoramic view of the ocean from a private balcony, satellite television, mini bar and fly screens are provided in each bungalow or duplex available in the resort. Electricity is supplied 24-hours utilizing the 3-pin plugs similar to the British.

Divers are transported to these resorts via ferry daily. All transactions will be carried out in Malaysian currency (RM). ATM machine is not available in the resorts, but credit cards such as VISA and MasterCard are accepted. Nonetheless, money changers are available in the airports and Semporna town. Visitors who grew out on the sight of the blue sea can savor the green spectacle and fresh air in Sukau Rainforest Lodge through 4 hour transportation from Semporna. Jump on a river cruise at Kinabatangan River to enjoy observing the primates hanging from the trees.

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Sipadan Island - World Famous Dive Site

Sipadan Island

Sipadan is located approximately one hours boat ride to the east of the peninsula of Semporna, in the Island of Borneo. Sipadan is one of the top 10 dives sites in the world simply because it is the centre of the Indo-Pacific basin, thus having the most diverse and abundant marine life!

Here, there are thousands of species of fishes, plus hundreds of species of corals; untouched for millions of years.

Dive Sites

a) 'Drop-Off';

b) 'Barracuda Point';

'Drop Off'

This dive is basically a vertical drop of 700 metres into the abyss, with sharks and turtles passing each other just a few metres below. Divers suit up a few metres from the sea. Divers can opt for a deep dive with a gradual ascent, a horizontal exploration at medium depth or a relaxing observation of reef life.

The Drop Off site is the only site at Sipadan for night dives, and also able to explore directly from the beach.

At a depth of 20 metres, there is a wide cavern, namely "Turtle Tomb". It is filled with skeletons of turtles, which have drowned after failing to find their way out.

Marine life here includes the firefish, rare moray eels, anemones, gorgonians, gobies, squids, large turtles, whitetip reef sharks, barracuda, trevallies, batfish, false stonefish, scorpionfish, and parrotfish.

'Barracuda Point'

This dive begins along a spectacular, nearly vertical wall adorned with large decoration of gorgonians. As divers reach 40 metres, they will see small groups of grey reef sharks, and scalloped hammerhead sharks.

This site probably requires the most experience of all those in Sipadan.

Marine life here includes the turtles, bumphead parrotfish, numerous reef sharks, barracudas, large soft corals, clownfishes, turkeyfishes, butterfly fishes, and lobsters.

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Diving in Sipadan Island

Sipadan Island, located off the town of Semporna on the East Coast of Sabah, is considered to be one of the best diving areas in this part of the world. What makes this island special is that it is the only oceanic island (not connected to the continental shelf) in Malaysia rising 2,000 feet (600 meters) on a limestone pinnacle that 'mushrooms' out near the surface.

Not only are there fascinating coral structures but also marine caves. Pulau Sipadan is reported to have the largest variety of soft corals in the world. Turtles swim and frolic freely in the waters around Sipadan and divers will find lobster, barracudas, beautiful coral fishes and sharks swimming by.

Sipadan has 12 marked dive sites. All dives are wall dives. Just 20 feet from the shore, the wall plunges a staggering 2,800ft down and is rated as one of the top 5 Beach Dives in the world.

Water temp: 26°C (79°F) to 30°C (86°F)

Suit: 3mm or 5mm shortie

Visibility: 20 to 60 metres (66 - 200 feet)

Rating: *****

Type of diving: There are 12 wall dive sites to plan your dives at. From dives at Turtle Cavern' for the green and hawksbill turtle to 'South Point' for the sharks, jacks, and barracudas, to the shallow dives at 'Lobster Lair' and to the beautiful lush corals at 'Coral Garden'.

Marine life: Hawksbill and green turtle, white tip reef and grey sharks, hammerheads, jacks, barracudas, clown trigger fish, bump-head parrotfish, leaf fish, nudi branch, and mantis scrimp.
When to go: Open all year round.

How to get there: Fly via Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines, then onward to Kota Kinabalu, and then fly to Tawau. Tawau Borneo drivers will drive you to Semporna town, where the ferry departs for Sipadan every morning.

Sipadan is also a bird sanctuary and bird-watchers will be able to observe the many frigates, sea eagles, terns, sea gulls, and Nicobar pigeons that glide across the clear skies. The wall is encrusted with different varieties of coral, turtles abound and a multitude of lionfish & smaller reef dwelling fish live on this wall. The entrance to Turtle Cavern is also found about 70ft down along this wall.

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