BORNEO DIVING

SIPADAN

Map showing  dive resorts in the Eastern part of Sabah

NEWS

Sipadan Island has been closed to all accommodation. This small tropical island is to  be preserved by the Malaysian Government as a World Heritage area. For this reason, all existing structures on the island will be demolished and all dive operators which have operated from Sipadan in the past, will need to source nearby islands to build their new bases to bring divers in for the world famous Wall Diving called "DROP - OFF" at Pulau Sipadan.
 

A copy of a letter from the General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, dated 26 September, 2000, regarding safety and security in the Sipadan area can be viewed by clicking here. STPC Letter from Irene Benggon Charuruks

No Big security problems for clients in Sipadan: Diving firms

Fred S. of New York, on his 20th trip in a space of ten years to Sipadan Island.

"The incident is isolated. There was never any question on our mind including divers from Europe, Taiwan and Japan that there was anything unsafe about Sipadan. I saw absolutely no difference. Everyday we saw patrol planes, patrol boats which reinforced the idea that the government is keeping the areas safe. Just because one incident happens in one area, it is no cause for alarm. It’s an exciting place to come."

In fact, Fred S. concluded that Sipadan would be ‘the safest’ place to go almost immediately after the incident, after analysing news clippings and information available on the extra security measures taken in response to the incident.

David W. of Tennessee, who has visited Sipadan on numerous occasions, felt totally secure.

"The odds of it happening again would be just incredible. What I saw in the area was the presence of the navy and the police. It was totally safe. I would go back. It was something that couldn’t be foreseen."

Fred N. of USA

"I never felt threatened. It was relaxing, security was very visible. So, there’s no problem coming back. People know what’s there now and we will be able to tell them that everything is wonderful. All my customers know. And they wanted to know whether I was afraid to go. I said no. I have no fear at all. It’s just one time. Everything happens everywhere one time. Someone gets hurt and never happens again. It’s an isolated incident."

Frank N. of New York

"The diving was pleasant. I did not see any security problem at all."

Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation General Manager, Irene Charuruks, said there is increased security not only in Sipadan but also the whole territorial waters off Semporna.
 

Sipadan Island view from Sea

Dragonfish at Sipadan

Sipadan is located within the Indo-Pacific and offers one of the richest concentrations of marine-life in the world. The island of Sipadan is actually a rocky outcrop which rises dramatically from the ocean floor. The island has a perimeter of less than 1600 metres, and an area of about 12 hectares. The fringing reefs are in all about 10-15 times the size of the island. From the edge of any part of the reef, the drop-off is up to 600 metres.

The island is currently in the care of the Wildlife Department under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development.

Lacy Scorpion found at Sipadan

If diving at Sipadan, you can pack your tank and dive gear and walk across the beach, wade through 3 to 6 metres of water, and then off you go on a 600 metre wall dive! The contours of the drop-off also form gullies and overhangs and together with the marine life combine to offer magnificent diving.

 

 

As a diver, once you dip into the water, you will be welcomed by the abundant coral growths of all sizes and colours, frequented by masses of marine life such as Turtles, Barracuda, Hammerhead Shark, Giant Parrot fish, Manta Ray, Lionfish, Sweetlips, Goby, Jackfish, etc.

School of Barracuda near Sipadan Island

Favourite dive spots on Sipadan include:

• Turtle Cavern
• Barracuda Point
• Coral Gardens
• White Tip Avenue
• Midreef
• Turtle Patch
• South Point
• Staghorn Crest
• Lobster Lairs
• Hanging Garden
• West Ridge
• North Point

Sipadan has an incredible variety of coral, huge schools of Barracuda, Jacks and sharks.
In the Sipadan region, we recommend our clients stay at:

Kapalai Resort located just 15 minutes boat trip from Sipadan Island.

 or

Mabul Sipadan Water Village which is located to the North-West of Sipadan - also about 15 minutes away by speed boat.

Please note that due to the prospect of "overuse", Sabah Parks has instituted a policy to limit the amount of diving on Sipadan for everyone. You are no longer permitted to spend all your time diving at Sipadan. Diving is now shared equally amongst the three main areas of Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul.

Thanks to Mabul Sipadan Water Village and Pulau Sipadan Resort for assistance in compiling the above information.

Photographs and map courtesy of Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd.