Sipadan Island Diving Guide 2025: Malaysia’s Premier Underwater Paradise

Hello divers, adventurers, and nature lovers! I’m your guide today, taking you on a journey to one of the most extraordinary dive destinations in the world — Sipadan Island.

Rising from the depths of the Celebes Sea, just off the coast of Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan is a legendary name among scuba divers, often ranked among the top 5 dive spots on Earth. This remote, volcanic island is surrounded by a vibrant marine ecosystem that’s teeming with life — a true marine sanctuary of global importance.

What Makes Sipadan Island So Special?

Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, formed by living corals growing on an extinct volcanic cone over thousands of years. Located near Semporna, Sabah, this marine wonder is part of the Coral Triangle — known for having the richest biodiversity of marine life in the world.

Protected by strict environmental regulations, the island allows only a limited number of divers each day, preserving its pristine condition. Turtles, sharks, barracuda tornadoes, and over 3,000 species of fish await under the surface.

Top Things to Do on and Around Sipadan Island

🤿 1. Scuba Diving – A World-Class Experience

Sipadan is primarily known for its diving, and rightfully so. Dive beneath the waves and you’ll be greeted with:

Schools of barracuda and jackfish

Green and hawksbill turtles by the dozens

Giant groupers, napoleon wrasse, and bumphead parrotfish

Reef sharks and occasional hammerheads

Colorful nudibranchs, seahorses, and shrimp for macro lovers

Signature dive sites around Sipadan:

Barracuda Point – Famous for the barracuda vortex

South Point – Chance to spot hammerhead sharks

Drop Off – Vertical wall right at the island’s edge

Turtle Cavern – Haunting and beautiful, home to turtle skeletons

Mid Reef – Perfect for photography with bright coral gardens

Due to the conservation policy, you must have a dive permit, and only 176 permits are issued daily — so book early.

🐠 2. Snorkeling (from nearby islands)

While Sipadan itself is restricted to divers, snorkelers can explore the nearby islands such as Mabul and Kapalai, which offer shallow reefs, calm waters, and colorful marine life.

Look out for:

Nemo (clownfish)

Giant clams

Sea stars

Reef fish and corals

Many tour operators offer combined snorkeling packages around Sipadan’s marine park.

🛥️ 3. Island Hopping: Mabul, Kapalai & Mataking

Your Sipadan adventure includes access to nearby islands, each offering unique charm:

Mabul Island – A diving base with resorts and water villages; macro diving heaven

Kapalai Island – A sandbar with overwater chalets and crystal-clear waters

Mataking Island – Famous for its underwater post office and luxury stays

Pom Pom Island – A quiet, scenic island ideal for honeymooners

Each is reachable via a short boat ride from Semporna and offers diving, snorkeling, and photo ops.

🐢 4. Turtle Watching

Sipadan is often called “Turtle Capital of the World”, and it's common to spot 20–30 turtles per dive. Watch them glide peacefully through the reef or rest on coral ledges.

The turtle nesting season peaks between May and August, and turtle hatchlings can sometimes be seen on the nearby islands.

📷 5. Underwater Photography

Whether you’re into wide-angle shots of shark schools or macro close-ups of frogfish and nudibranchs, Sipadan is a dream for underwater photographers.

Most dive resorts offer camera rinse tanks, gear stations, and workshops for enthusiasts.

Where to Stay – Sipadan Accommodation Guide

Sipadan Island itself is uninhabited, and no one is allowed to stay overnight there. Instead, divers base themselves on nearby islands or in Semporna.

🌴 Best Island Resorts (Closer to Sipadan):

Sipadan Mabul Resort (SMART) – Dive-focused and luxurious

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort – Overwater chalets with direct access to reefs

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort – Comfortable, eco-conscious, and diver-friendly

Seaventures Dive Rig – A converted oil rig offering a unique dive lodge experience

🏙️ Budget Options in Semporna:

Green World Hotel

Seafest Hotel

Cube Bed Station

Scuba Junkie Lodge – Affordable and dive-oriented

Staying on Mabul or Kapalai cuts travel time to dive sites, while Semporna is cheaper and has more urban amenities.

How to Get to Sipadan Island

Sipadan is remote but accessible with some planning.

✈️ By Air:

Fly to Tawau Airport (TWU) in Sabah. Daily flights from:

Kuala Lumpur (2.5 hours)

Kota Kinabalu (1 hour)

From Tawau:

Transfer by van/taxi to Semporna (1.5–2 hours)

Then, boat transfer to your island resort (30–45 minutes)

Your dive resort will usually arrange all transfers.

Best Time to Visit Sipadan Island

The ideal time to dive Sipadan is during the dry season:

March to October – Calm seas, great visibility, warm waters

July to August – Peak season; book permits and accommodation early

November to February – Monsoon season; some choppier conditions

Diving is possible year-round, but the sea can get rough during the rainy months.

Dive Permit Info: What You Need to Know

Due to environmental protection rules:

Only 176 dive permits are issued per day

Each diver is allowed only one Sipadan permit per trip

Permit cost: Around RM 140–300 per day (varies by resort)

Book your trip at least 2–3 months in advance, especially in peak season

Most resorts rotate permits among guests during multi-day stays.

What to Pack for Sipadan

Dive certification card and logbook

Reef-safe sunscreen

Rash guard or wetsuit

Insect repellent

Waterproof dry bag

Underwater camera (if available)

Travel insurance (diving included)

Pro tip: Always dive with a reputable operator who follows safety and conservation standards.

Conservation & Responsible Travel

Sipadan is a protected marine park, and preserving its beauty is vital. Please:

Never touch corals or marine life

Don’t collect shells or souvenirs from the sea

Use biodegradable sunscreen

Dive with certified eco-conscious operators

Carry out all your trash, especially plastic

Respect daily dive limits and no-take zones

Your actions help ensure Sipadan stays beautiful for future generations.

Other Dive Spots Near Sipadan

Can’t get a Sipadan permit? Don’t worry — nearby areas are fantastic too.

Mabul Island – World-class macro diving (frogfish, ghost pipefish)

Kapalai – Shallow reef dives perfect for beginners and photographers

Mataking – Drift dives, reef walls, and artificial reefs

Si Amil and Sibuan Islands – Off-the-beaten-path dive options

Is Sipadan Island Worth Visiting?

For divers, Sipadan is the crown jewel of Southeast Asia. The marine life, reef structure, and protection laws make it a once-in-a-lifetime diving experience. Even snorkelers and nature lovers will find magic in the surrounding islands.

While permits and planning require extra effort, the rewards — surreal dives, turtle encounters, and the sheer thrill of exploring this marine Eden — make Sipadan 100% worth it.

Final Thoughts: Dive into Paradise at Sipadan

Few places on Earth offer what Sipadan Island delivers every single dive — unmatched biodiversity, thrilling encounters, and pristine beauty.

If you dream of diving with barracuda, drifting along coral walls, or watching turtles glide beneath you, Sipadan is calling. Answer it with fins, a tank, and a heart ready for awe.