“I have seen other places like Sipadan years ago. Now we have found again an untouched piece of art.” – Jacques-Yves Cousteau
Sipadan has appealed as one of the top dive sites in the world. It has been highly sought after by divers for its array of possible sightings. The mushroom-like island (from a far-off eye-level view) offers 12 different dive points.
Some say that Barracuda Point is the best, especially for the opportunity to be amidst a swirling vortex of barracuda. Others say the drop-off is even better in terms of experience, which only requires a 9.14-meter walk on the beach before dropping off into the water and then going around the island wall, which is 600m from the ocean floor.
Sipadan is well known for its unusually large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles, which gather there to mate and nest, and it is not unusual for a diver to see more than 20 turtles on each dive. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems and thus made Sipadan an important marine habitat in this region.
Did you know that Sipadan’s popularity started off being a bird sanctuary? Migratory birds such as wood sandpipers can be sighted apart from the common sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, and starlings, as well as megapodes.
A permit is required to dive at Sipadan, with a daily quota limited to 252 permits to ensure sustainable visitor management and environmental conservation. Each diver is allowed only a one-day visit, with a maximum of two dives permitted within that day. To be eligible, divers must hold a minimum certification of Advanced Open Water. Permits can only be obtained through licensed tour operators registered with Sabah Parks. If you’re planning a dive at Sipadan, please contact these operators directly for availability and arrangements.
Sipadan does not host any accommodation anymore. Divers will opt to stay at one of the nearby islands or at the Semporna mainland.
Sipadan Island will close to tourists every December starting in 2020 to give the coral and marine life a month-long rest.