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Sipadan Island, located in Malaysia, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. With its clear blue waters and vibrant marine life, it’s a top destination for diving and snorkelling. People from all over the world visit Sipadan to see its colourful coral reefs, fascinating sea creatures, and beautiful underwater landscapes. This guide will take you through everything you need to know about the Island, including how to get there, the best places to visit, and essential tips for your trip.
Location
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The Island is situated in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. It is Malaysia’s only oceanic island, rising 600 metres from the seabed. The island is part of a protected marine park, ensuring its pristine condition and abundant marine life.
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How To Reach
Photo: CEphoto / Wikimedia Commons
Getting to the Island involves a few steps, but it’s well worth the effort. Here’s how you can reach this beautiful island:
By Air: The nearest airport to the island is Tawau Airport. You can catch a flight from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, or other major cities in Malaysia to Tawau. From Tawau Airport, take a taxi or bus to Semporna, a journey of about 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Land and Sea: From Semporna, you will need to take a boat to Sipadan Island. The boat ride typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on sea conditions.
Permits and Regulations: Note that Sipadan is a protected area, and only a limited number of permits are issued each day. Make sure to book your permit in advance through a licensed dive operator.
Places To Visit Around
Let us take you through the best 10 places to visit in and around Sipadan Island right away!
1. Barracuda Point
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Barracuda Point is a very famous place for diving. Here, you can see lots of barracudas swimming together. Barracudas are long, silvery fish with sharp teeth. They swim in big groups that look like tornadoes underwater. Divers love to watch them because they look so cool. Even if you don’t dive, you can still enjoy the beautiful blue water and see the fish from above. Barracuda Point is special because the water is so clear.
Timings: Open everyday
Cost/Person: RM 250 for local divers and RM 350 for foreign divers
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2. Turtle Cavern
Photo: Jens Petersen / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Turtle Cavern is a special place on the Sipadan map where many turtles live. You can dive down to see the turtles swimming around. They are gentle and move slowly through the water. The cave is very interesting because it has a lot of nooks and crannies where turtles can hide. This is a great spot to learn about turtles and their homes. Turtle Cavern is like a big underwater house for turtles.
3. Drop Off
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The Drop Off is a place where the seabed suddenly drops very deeply, like a cliff underwater. It goes down 600 metres. Divers love to explore this wall because it’s covered with beautiful corals and lots of fish live there. The water is so clear that you can see very far. It’s an exciting place because you never know what you might see swimming by, like big fish or even sharks! The drop-off is exciting because it looks like the edge of the world underwater.
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4. South Point
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South Point is another great spot for diving and snorkelling. The water here is very clear, so you can see everything really well. You might see sharks, rays, and lots of colourful fish swimming around. The fish here are very friendly and might even come close to you! South Point is special because of all the different sea animals you can see. The water is like a big, clear swimming pool.
Where To Stay
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Stay at Sipadan Water Village Resort for luxurious overwater bungalows and easy access to diving sites. Other options include Mabul Island’s dive resorts, like Mabul Water Bungalows, offering comfortable accommodations with dive packages and stunning views.
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Where To Eat
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Sipadan Island has limited dining options. At Sipadan Water Village Resort, enjoy fresh seafood and international cuisine. For a local touch, dive resorts often provide simple, hearty meals. Off-island, try local eateries in Semporna for more variety.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Sipadan Island is from April to October. During these months, you can enjoy clear waters and excellent visibility for diving. Avoid the monsoon season from November to March due to rough seas and heavy rain.
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Other Factors To Consider
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Average cost of the trip: An average trip to Sipadan Island costs around MYR 2,500-5,000 per person. This estimate covers airfare, diving permits, accommodation at a dive resort, meals, and additional expenses. Costs may vary based on season, resort choice, and travel arrangements.
Tips For Travellers:
- Obtain permits in advance as they are required to dive in Sipadan and can be limited. Book your diving packages early.
- Prepare for sudden weather changes. Light, quick-dry clothing and waterproof gear are advisable.
- Ensure you have travel insurance that covers diving and emergency evacuation.
- Book your stay well in advance, as accommodations can fill up quickly, especially during peak diving season.
Visiting Sipadan Island is an amazing adventure for anyone who loves the ocean. With its clear blue waters and diverse marine life like fish, turtles, and colourful coral reefs, every moment underwater feels like exploring a magical world. Whether you’re diving at Barracuda Point, spotting turtles at Turtle Cavern, or admiring the coral gardens at Coral Gardens, each spot offers something unique and breathtaking. TripXL ensures the best travel experience with expert guides and personalised sipadan tourism, making sure you don’t miss any of Sipadan’s wonders.
Cover Photo:Ilgın Çelikdemir / Wikimedia Commons
