SIPADAN

Why Diving in Sipadan?

Sipadan is the only Oceanic island in Malaysia, as it's a prehistoric volcano rising 600m from the ocean floor. This means that the island is surrounded by deep waters and wall reefs which are home to some seriously big Ocean Pelagics like white, black and grey tipped Sharks, Trevallies, and Chevron and Yellow fin Barracudas. You may also see Bumphead Parrotfish, Potato head Groupers and Green and hawksbill Turtles to name a few.

How to Get to Sipadan?

When is the Best Time to Dive Sipadan?

For diving visibility, it's best to visit during the dry season between Mid-February and Mid-November. Diving can be done all year round from 6.30am to 4pm daily (Night-diving is not permitted). The high peak touristic seasons are Chinese New Year, July, August and the 1st week of October.

Where Should I Stay in Sipadan?

Will Sipadan be closed for in November 2024?

Yes, Sipadan Island will be closed the full month of November 2023 for divers snorkelers and all tourism activities from the 1st of November 2023 until the to 30th November 2023 so that the marine environment can have a full month to recover during that period. It will open again for operations on the 1st of December 2023. During this recuperation period, diving and snorkeling activities will not be carried out at Sipadan Island.

What is the Sipadan Permit Availability?

To minimise damage to the fragile eco systems, The Sabah Parks Government distribute a daily quota of 176 permits to some of the dive resorts and dive centers in the area, with each haveing a different quota based on the size of the resort.

Note: Permits are not required to dive around other nearby islands such as Mabul, Kapalai, etc.

To get a Sipadan permit, your dive resort ot dive center will submit applications on your behalf as they cannot be issued directly to individuals.

The "Big 5" resorts that get the largest share of daily permits are as follows:

How long to Stay to get a Guaranteed Sipadan Permit?

• Diving is permitted on Sipadan every day.
• Advanced permit booking is highly advised at the Sipadan-Kapalai Resort.
• Additional Permits can be bought at most Resorts and Dive Operators subject to availability - Note: This does not apply to guests staying in semi-detached chalets, if staying in one, your chances of diving on Sipadan depends on available permits not assigned to anyone else.

There are also several budget guesthouses and backpacker lodges to choose from, but we do not have any visitors feedback or booking data, so you'll need to do your own research on these.

How to get a Permit if I booked a short Sipadan trip?

If you stay only 2 or 3 nights, the chances of diving on Sipadan are greater in low season, and you would need to secure a guaranteed permit in the high season to dive at Sipadan.

Because daily permits are limited and mostly allocated to divers staying for longer periods, so if you plan on staying for less time, diving on Sipadan is not always guaranteed.

The annual high and low seasons can be unpredictable, as it could be suddenly busy for a week during low season, where if you're not staying the minimum length of turnaround time, you could miss out. The high seasons are usually around Xmas & New Year, July & August, and the first week of October.

What other nearby Islands Should I dive at?

On Non-Sipadan diving days, there are nearby islands full of great dive sites for all types of divers from beginner to advanced. You can do some amazing muck diving, see granite, coral or artificial reefs all teaming with macro critters, and explore conservation projects, underwater caverns, coral gardens and deep walls surrounded by over 3000 species of fish including big pelagics.

One special site is called Turtle Tomb Cavern, an underwater cavern suitable for Tech Divers accompanied by an experienced guide, where you'll see countless green turtles. A spooky legend says this is where turtles come to die”, and you will indeed see plenty of turtle carcasses on the sandy bottom, but it's got loads of fantastic rock formations, and schools of fish like Fusiliers and Trevallies.

Sipadan-Mabul Resort, Mabul Water Bungalows and Seaventures Dive Rig are the only 3 resorts with experienced Technical Dive Guides that can take you into the cavern, subject to permit availability.

The following list of resorts shows the other locations that they organise trips to:

Nitrox and Tec-Diving

To extend your bottom time and reduce decompression (Off-gas) time, All the dive resorts in the above list except for Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort offer the use of Nitrox. Seaventures has Tec-Diving facilities.

What is the Resorts Price Range?

To help you choose the perfect place to suit your budget, our list of accommodation is broken down into 4 categories: Luxury, Upper Mid-Range, Mid-Range & Budget/Backpacker/Longhouse.

Is there a Single Traveller Supplement Charge?

If travelling alone, some resorts have compulsory single supplement charges while others are optional. The charges vary between 30% to 50% of the total package price.

Note: If you choose not to pay the supplement where optional, you might have to share a room with a fellow guest.

How to get a Group Booking Discounts?

If you're travelling as a large group of up to 10 or more, why not save money and book yourselves a great deal. Here's our list of resorts offering group discounts.

How much is the Sabah Parks Sipadan Environmental Fee?

Sabah Parks announced that from January 2023, the Sipadan Conservation/Entrance fee is fixed at MYR 50 per day for Malaysians and MYR 100 for international visitors.

How much is the Sabah Parks Sipadan Diving Fee?

Sabah Parks announced that from January 2023, the Sipadan diving fees would be increased to MYR 250 per day for Malaysians and MYR 350 for Non-Malaysians.

How much is the Semporna Jetty and Environmental Fee?

Everyone visiting an island off Semporna Jetty will have to pay a small Conservation fee/Jetty fee of MYR10 per adult for international visitors and MYR3 for Malaysian.

Can Snorkellers visit Sipadan?

Snorkellers are more than welcome at the resorts featured on the list below, however some may only allow you to explore around the resort itself, while some will bring you out on their dive boat to other sites if you pre-book early.

What is the Minimum Certification Level Required to Dive in Sipadan?

Sabah Parks announced that since October 1st, 2022, only scuba divers with Advanced open water level certification and above are allowed to dive in Sipadan. The number of dives per day at Sipadan is limited to 2 dives daily, instead of 3 dives previously with the 3rd dive of the day being now done at Mabul island.

Which Sipadan Resort offers Honeymoon Packages?

A honeymoon is a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, so if you're looking for idyllic white sand beaches, scenic views and deluxe comfort in a lush romantic setting, then these resorts below have just what you want! Most offer honeymoon packages tailored to suit your needs.

What are the Best Resorts around Sipadan?

Why stay at Sipadan Mabul Resort?

Why stay at Mabul Water Bungalows?

Why stay at Borneo Divers Mabul Resort?

Why stay at Seaventures Dive Rig?

Why stay at Mataking - The Reef Dive Resort?

Why stay at Sipadan-Kapalai Resort?