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.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Mojiwat
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment