Explore a diving wonderland.
Sipadan is listed among the top 5 diving locations in the world.
This divers’ Mecca has lured underwater enthusiasts for years. It is Malaysia’s only oceanic island, formed by living corals growing on top of a volcanic cone. It lies in the Celebes Sea just off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo, close to the borders of Indonesia and Philippines.
Above water, the island is a covered with lush jungle and is home to such tropical birds as kingfishers, sea-eagles, sunbirds, starlings or wood pigeons. It was declared a bird sanctuary in 1933, so then in 2004 all accommodation facilities has been closed down in order to protect this pristine natural treasure.
However the dive spots are still easily accessible as resorts and dive centers from this area operate boat trips on daily basis.
For accommodation check Mabul and Kapalai Island (around 20mins away) or Mataking Island (around 1,5h away).
Getting there
Sipadan Island is located in the Celebes Sea, near to Malaysia’s most eastern state, Sabah (Borneo). Visitors (both divers and non-divers) need to have a permit (RM 40 per person/ day) and only licensed diving operators are allowed to enter the area. The closest airport to Semporna is in Tawau, approximately 1 hour drive away. Your resort can arrange transport (usually by air-conditioned minivan).
Dive boats depart from resorts located on the nearby islands of Mabul (20 minutes away) and Kapalai (15 minutes away). Resorts on Mataking and Pompong Island (1-2 hours away, depending on conditions) also arrange diving trips to Sipadan and there are some hostels and diving operators in the town of Semporna (30 minutes away) on Malaysian Borneo.
Speedboats to Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and Pompong all depart from Semporna. Trips there and back are arranged by the resorts and take about 20-30 minutes one way.