Sipadan Island

The internationally famous island of Sipadan lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). Lying 35km south of Semporna, on Sabah’s mainland, like many tropical islands it is thickly forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan is an oceanic island and was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600m from the seabed.

The geographic position of Sipadan puts it in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world, the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems. 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. Another unique feature to divers visiting Sipadan is the turtle tomb, an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that became disoriented and then drowned.

 

The residential schooling barracuda and big-eye trevally, which often gather in thousands forming spectacular tornado-like formations, are one of the highlights of every diver’s wish-list. With the possibility of seeing pelagic species such as mantas, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks, each dive at Sipadan is a highly anticipated event.

It is not only the big fish that amaze divers coming to Sipadan, the macro life is equally mesmerizing. Garden eels, leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimps, fire gobies, and various pipefish are guaranteed at various dive sites. The diversity and abundance of marine found at Sipadan gives it its reputation of being one of the ten best dive locations in the world.

Diving at Sipadan Island

Sipadan is a legend in diving circles and with good reason. It is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, one of the richest marine habitats in the world; where over 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been identified. Apart from its supreme location, the island and the dive sites that surround it are filled with spectacular natural formations such as a 600m reef wall and a labyrinth of underwater limestone caves, where many turtles have met their doom.

The tiny island can be circled on foot in less than half an hour, but offers at least nine established dive sites with enchanting names like Hanging Garden, Turtle patch, White-tip Avenue, Coral Garden and Barracuda point. Although diving is the main attraction of Sipadan, non-divers are welcome to join the diving boats to go snorkelling in Sipadan. Those that want to start exploring the depths can even complete a four day PADI diving course or a one day Discover Scuba Diving course, offered by all the dive centres on the island.

Underwater encounters

It is not only the diversity but also the abundance of the marine life in Sipadan that has earned its status as one of the top diving locations in the world.

A rich variety of soft and hard corals create a vividly colored backdrop, where equally vibrant schools of tropical fish hover and sway in the current. There are Dendronephyta corals in delicate pastels and feather stars of all shades and hues. Don’t miss diving at Coral Garden to see all of these in their full glory.

It is the thrill of Sipadan’s bigger marine life that brings divers back here time and again. Here you can swim amidst tornado-like schools of thousands of Barracuda and Big-eyed Trev ally or watch as giant schools of Bumphead Parrotfish munch their way through the corals. Manta and eagle rays soar through the Celebes Sea and deeper down, Hammerhead sharks stalk their prey. Endangered green and hawks bill turtles are found in unusually large numbers in the area and some divers see up to twenty of these in one dive.

The macro life is equally mesmerising. Garden eels, leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimps, fire gobbles and various species of pipe fish are in abundance, if you can peel your eyes away from the big fish for a minute!

Conservation efforts in Sipadan

Sipadan Island was established as a bird sanctuary in 1933 and in 2004, the Government of Malaysia has decided that all onsite dive resort operators are to move their operations out of Sipadan Island by 31st December 2004. The island is open for divers from 6am to 4pm - no night dives are allowed. The number of divers allowed to dive in Sipadan daily has also been limited to 120 pax in an effort to preserve the island’s pristine state.

Sipadan is a treasure which we want to save for the generations to come, before Sipadan can be saved, it must first be truly appreciated - hence the conservation efforts. Nevertheless, a treasure amounts to nothing if it cannot be enjoyed. Therefore, Sabah welcomes everyone to enjoy and appreciate Sipadan, and this appreciation will hopefully incite a bigger desire to save.

Sipadan Dive Sites

There a total of 12 dive sites in Sipadan Island namely the West Ridge, North Point, The Drop Off, Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, Coral Gardens, Whitetip Avenue, Mid Reef, Turtle Patch, South Point, Staghorn Crest, Lobster Lair, and the Hanging Gardens. The most popularly recommended dive sites are the Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, South Point and Hanging Gardens.

Barracuda Point
The Barracuda Point is located at the north Coast of Sipadan Island. Famous for its astounding vortex of barracudas (hence the name Barracuda Point), divers have also reported sightings of white tip sharks, grey reef sharks, eagle rays, turtles, as well as the bumphead parrotfish. A caveat: currents can get too strong, so don't go too deep!

Turtle Cavern

This site is famous for its population of green turtles and smaller hawksbill turtles. This cavern which lies 20 meters underwater is believed to be the final resting place of turtles. Divers are reminded to be extremely careful when exploring the caves as visibility can be drastically reduced to zero should the silt be disturbed.

South Point
South Point is one of the most likely sites for the rarer sharks such as the hammerheads and thresher sharks which are normally only seen around the 40-meter point. Divers are advised to be wary of the strong currents at this site.

Hanging Gardens
Named after the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the topography of the Hanging Gardens consists of a 2-meter-deep reef that slopes down to a terrace at about 70 meters which subsequently plunges into an abyss. This is an excellent spot to view soft corals with dendronephthya alcyonarians in multifarious pastel colours encrusting the slope. Do keep an eye also for the diverse macro life.

Where to Stay
The Malaysian government has decided that all existing onsite dive resort operators were to move their operations out of the Sipadan Island by 31st December 2004. The move is aimed at conserving and maintaining a balanced marine and land ecosystem on Sipadan’s environments. However, Sipadan will remain as a dive site and divers are to be ferried by operators operating from the mainland or nearby islands other than Sipadan and Ligitan.

On an overnight trip to Sipadan, choose to stay in any one of these excellent resorts:

1. Borneo Divers & Sea Sports (Sabah) Sdn Bhd (KPL 1510)
2. Explore Asia Tours Sdn Bhd (Sipadan-Mabul Resort) (KPL 2941)
3. Seaventures Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd (KPL/LN 2639)
4. Sipadan Water Village Resort Sdn Bhd (KPL 3143)

* Resort rates may vary

Getting There

From Kota Kinabalu, take a 55-minute flight to Tawau and enjoy an hour’s drive to Semporna. From Semporna, Sipadan is another 40 minutes by speedboat. Be sure to pre-arrange transportation with your respective resort/dive operator.

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Mataking Island

With its sparkling white sand, mesmerizing blue waters and top-class resort, Mataking Island is the ideal getaway for both the avid diver and non-diver. Divers can gear up and explore the Eel Garden, Coral Garden, Nudibranch Garden, Turtle Playground, Lobsters Lair and Hump Head Point.

Non-diving activities include a luxurious pampering experience at Jamu Spa, batik painting, kayaking, canoeing and jungle-trekking to name a few. A must-do during your time in Mataking is to take a leisurely walk to Pulau Mataking Kecil (literally meaning Small Mataking island) which is a 20-minute walk from the main island. The best time to take this walk is in the morning when the tides are low, allowing you to walk on a sandy stretch that leads directly to the smaller island. With the sea surrounding you on both sides, you will feel almost as if you are walking on water!

When you arrive back on the main island, climb up the wooden observation tower to get a breathtaking view of Mataking and its surrounding areas. Catch a glimpse of Mataking's famous ‘Underwater Post Office', the first of its kind in Malaysia. In March 2006, the resort decided to sink Mataking 1, an old 40-foot wooden cargo ship to create an artificial reef and also to serve as a unique underwater mailbox. Divers seal their mail in a waterproof vacuum bag and post it underwater. Picturesque, equipped with excellent facilities and complemented with friendly service at all times, your stay at Mataking will never be long enough.

Diving

Of course the main attraction remains diving. The island offers fantastic macro and pelagic dive sites, for all skill levels, with 10 dive sites and other 23 to choose from in the neighboring islands, with the furthest being one 25 minutes away by speedboat. Some of the underwater wonders that you will encounter are barracudas, rainbow runners, frog fish, turtles, and plenty of other types of tropical fish. You can also spot dolphins across the calm seas, or even whale sharks.

The Mataking Resort

Mataking Island Dive ResortIt is one of the most exclusive and romantic resorts, a gem for honeymooners. Among its accommodations it has 5 Beach Villas and 8 King Chalets, designed in traditional architecture, exquisitely elegant, providing a serene environment. All the rooms are air conditioned and have sea view bathrooms and balconies. All in all, they make your stay on the Mataking Island the most passionate and memorable one.

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Kapalai Island

Kapalai island – The mere name conjures the image of crystal clear waters and a floating paradise like no other. A 45-minute trip from Semporna by speedboat, Kapalai island is one of the many beautiful diving havens in this part of the world. However, Kapalai is truly unique because it is not quite an ‘island’.

The 40 chalets are built on high wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean. Visitors can enjoy the sights of marine life in action as they stroll along the boardwalk, a sturdy construction that connects the various sections of the floating resort. The resort has 40 chalets, equipped with basic amenities, including tea and coffee making facilities.

You will never have to gripe about having a less than desirable view: you have a breathtaking view of the Celebes Sea no matter where you turn! The restaurant is a wooden deck, where diners can eat indoors or al fresco. There’s even a viewing area in the middle of the restaurant which allows you to see the myriad of marine life passing below.

The sundeck, a popular favourite, is a great place to enjoy your novel, work on a tan or indulge in an afternoon siesta. The Dive Centre provides diving, snorkelling and kayaking gear for rent. Can’t dive but would love to? No problem! The centre offers a variety of PADI courses, including Open Water and Introduction to Night Diving. After enjoying your underwater paradise, explore other facilities offered by the resort including the souvenir shop, games room and broadband access.

Diving in Kapalai

Diving around Kapalai is exceedingly easy and shallow but quite spectacular: the sandy bottom and the spare coral heads host an amazing array of small, often yet-to-be classified, shamelessly colorful subjects, making the diving here an unforgettable experience.

Home to the weird and techno-colored flamboyant cuttlefish rumbling on the bottom like a miniature tank rippling with fluorescent waves of vermilion, purple, chocolate brown, bright yellow and blinding white, all the time waving and flourishing its paddle-shaped front tentacles like some samurai of yore, looking more like a sensuous orchid than a predatory cephalopod ; it is the domain of the invisible frog fish found in Kapalai in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors- which despite sometimes being as large as a melon will often escape even from the most trained of wildlife spotters.

Swimming, creeping, crawling or just simply lying still on the surrounding sand bottoms, hiding among the branching colonies of the shallow surrounding coral reef, ambushing their unwary prey from the hideouts offered by the resort stilts and a few artificial reefs dotting the bottom, an amazing number of rare and unbelievably colorful species play their game of life and death, offering discrim nating visitor unsurpassed opportunities for interesting observation and macro photography for any discerning photographer

Though diving is the highly commended activity in Kapalai, there are other water activities one can indulge in such as swimming, snorkeling as well as ocean kayaking while looking at the many colorful fishes swimming freely just a few inches beneath.

Ref : http://www.sabahtourism.com, http://www.toursofborneo.com,http://www.sipadan-kapalai.com

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Mabul Island

Mention Mabul Island and visions of swaying coconut trees and idyllic water villages come to mind. And that’s just above the water. Located only about 15 minutes by speedboat from the famous Sipadan Island, Mabul has gained its own recognition as one of the best muck-diving (a term used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites with usually sandy bottoms) sites in the world.

Mabul is a small oval shaped island fringed by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of a larger 200-hectare reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to 25–30m deep.

Mabul is also renowned for its amazing array of macrolife, making it an underwater photographer’s dream location to capture some of the rarest ecological species on film. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels are just some of the spectacular critters you will encounter beneath the waters of Mabul.

Although all the excitement is underwater, you can always set your scuba gear aside for a day to laze on Mabul’s soft sand to work on your tan.

Diving Mabul

It is more correctly recognised now that the reason for the quality of the MUCK Diving is simply a result of overfishing uses of cyanide and dynamite by the local people of this area.

The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to 25 to 30 m deep. There are several dive resorts operating on Mabul island.

Mabul is arguably one of the richest single destinations for exotic small marine life anywhere in the world.Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus and bobtail squids are just a few of the numerous types of cephalopods to be found on Mabul's reef.

Many types of gobies can be found including the spike-fin goby, black sail-fin goby and metallic shrimp goby. Frogfish are everywhere -giant, painted and clown frogfish are regularly seen along with almost the whole scorpion fish family.

Popular dive sites around the island include:

• Coral Reef Garden
• Crocodile Avenue
• Eel Garden
• Froggy Lair
• Lobster Wall
• Nudibranch Centre
• Panglima Reef
• Ray Point

There are six resorts here, which provides accommodation for scuba divers - most located on the island or on stilts over the water, while one is on a converted oil platform about 500 meters from the beach. There are also several homestay & backpacker accommodations which also arrange diving. All of the resorts/homestays can arrange a day trip to the nearby island of Pulau Sipadan. Be warned that there is a permit system for Sipadan and all permits may be booked months in advance. Diving is good around Mabul itself there is a good wall at Panglima and the best muck diving sites are called Paradise. There is good diving at Kapalai especially the house reef.

Getting There

From Kota Kinabalu, take a 55-minute flight to Tawau and enjoy an hour’s drive to Semporna. From Semporna, Sipadan is another 40 minutes by speedboat. Be sure to pre-arrange transportation with your respective resort/dive operator.

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Tun Sakaran Marine Park

For the marine enthusiast, the blue-green mesmerizing beauty of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park beckons with a hundred and one promises of a wonderful experience both above and underwater. Lying 20 kilometers (approximately 2-hour boat ride away) off the Semporna mainland, The Tun Sakaran Marine Park is the largest marine park in Sabah. At 350 square kilometers, it also has the largest concentration of coral reefs in Malaysia.

This Marine Park, which is also known as the Semporna Islands Park, comprises of eight islands—Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, Sebangkat, Selakan, Mantabuan, Sibuan, Maiga, as well as the Church Reef and Kapikan Reef. Bohey Dulang and Bodgaya islands are extinct volcanic remnants while Sebangkat and Selakan are two islands of raised limestone platforms.

Although the islands of Tun Sakaran Marine Park are lesser known compared to Sipadan Island; the marine park is said to have an even higher level of biodiversity than in Sipadan. Whereas Sipadan has a collection of bigger fish and an abundance of turtles, sharks, and other marine lives inhabiting its waters; Tun Sakaran Park has more biodiversity in terms of species and habitats.

Tun Sakaran Marine Park is not equipped with facilities for tourists; however, visitors are welcome to explore the marine park’s dive sites with their snorkels and scuba gears. Divers have reported many sightings of eagle rays, turtles, barracuda, bumphead parrotfish, and plenty of nudibranchs. There are large walls and a cornucopia of macrolife in the Bodgaya lagoon, while the sandy areas are home to big gorgonian fans and sea pens.

Not a water buff? Take some time to tour the Tun Sakaran Marine Research Unit in Bohey Dulang Island where the giant clam spawning and seaweed farming centre is located. This centre cultivates seven species of giant clams - two of which are already extinct - to be released back into the sea after 6-7 months.

*Prior to visit, visitors need to obtain a permit from Sabah Parks.

Getting there

The journey to from Tawau to Semporna by road takes approximately one hour. The transfer to Tun Sakaran Marine Park by speedboat takes about 45 minutes - 1 hour.

ref: http://www.sabahtourism.com/

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Pom Pom Island

Looking for a secluded island to just kick back and relax? Hop on a Pom Pom-bound speedboat from Semporna and let your serenity journey begin!

An island with a laid back and casual ambience—as the name alludes—Pom Pom is situated circa 45 minutes away from Semporna. Apart from the gorgeous glittering white sandy beach that surrounds it, Pom Pom Island is also filled with lush green mangroves that keep it shady and cool.

Simply climb into a hammock to enjoy the beautiful sea view with a good book and a glass of pina colada, or get into your bathing suit and enjoy a dip in the clear aquamarine water. Either way, you can’t go wrong in Pom Pom. Being one of Semporna’s many dive havens, scuba diving aficionados can also spend the day underwater fawning over the vivid marine lives.

Equipped with rustic-chic resort accommodation, visitors can chill in the air conditioned room after a long day at the beach or book a massage session for the ultimate island decompression experience. The dreamy atmosphere of the resort is also made for couples desiring a grand beach wedding, and honeymooners looking for a romantic destination to celebrate their love.

Pom Pom Island Dive Sites

Mandrin Heaven
A macro-lovers paradise, which is easily accessible by boat, as well as from the jetty by giant stride entry. A gentle slope stretches down from the shallow plateau at 5m beyond 40m. This unique dive site combines the natural beauty of prominent coral heads playing hosts to Octopus, Hinge Beak Shrimps and many others, together with artificial structures playing host to Ghostpipefish sheltering Crinoids of all colors and Common and Zebra Lionfish.The site, comprised predominantly of rubble and soft coral patches is home to some extraordinary Nudibranchs, with new ones being found on a regular basis, and also features two purpose placed tyre piles at 8m, which act as a great sanctuary for all manner of fish including Twin Spot Lionfish, Banded and Winged Pipefish, Trumpetfish, Leaf Scorpionfish and Stonefish. It doesn't end here though, this dive site has yet more to offer, as the highly rare and sought after Mandarin Fish are waiting to be found amongst the Sea Urchins at 5m, and the shallows act as a haven to Turtles, Banded Sea Snakes and Robust Ghostpipefish!

Pit Rock
Sitting at the bottom of the buoy line at around 20m, Pit Rock is one not to miss at Pulau Pom Pom! Resting on the gradual rubble slope, this one area alone is host to a number of amazing creatures and is a firm favourite for visiting underwater photographers with Schools of Glass Fish swimming around. Macro-life engulfs the rock with several Leaf Scorpionfish, Hinge beak, Banded Boxer and Peacock Mantis Shrimps all over this small but bio-diverse area. Dive-able in all conditions with a sloping reef littered with Nudibranchs and resting Sea Turtles continuing both left and right shoulder, this dive is suitable for all levels of diver.

Northern Vallery
As you descend, a shallow coral garden greets you sloping slowly downwards to well beyond 40m. This dive is more suited to experienced divers as the areas past 25m have the highest concentrations of coral and fish life, in combination with it being prone to strong currents, therefore making it a more challenging dive for the less experienced diver. Four large Gorgonians fans dominate the area at around 27m, sheltering Pygmy Seahorses for the diver with eyes keen enough to seek them out, whilst Trevally, Batfish and Fusilier schools provide the area with rich and diverse colour. Coming shallower, Octopus, Lionfish, Blue Spotted Stingrays and even Frogfish can be seen making this a very enjoyable dive for all.

New Life
Starting with a steep sloping wall upon your descent, covered in cracks, holes and ledges, New Life has plenty to offer in terms of marine life. As you swim further, the slope decreases and stretches out on a much flatter area covered in coral heads and many anemone strewn sand patches full of life. Especially good for juveniles species, Stonefish, Scorpionfish, Harlequin Sweetlips, Pinnate Batfish, Lionfish and all manner of crustaceans can be found here with ease. The area is also the perfect grounds for sleepy Turtles to rest and for Whip Corals and Sea Fans to stretch into the current and feed on the nutrient rich currents.

Cliffhanger
With a buoy line descending to around 18-20m, this dive is suitable for all levels of diver. Starting as a wall dive with stunning Fans and Whip Corals, and then becoming less steep on the rubble and sandy bottom, this is a lovely multilevel afternoon dive. With the reef reaching a plateau at 50m, there is plenty of life here, for macro lovers, Mandarin Fish jot the rubble bottom along with Nudibranchs, all manner of exciting shrimps and Flatworms. For those not interested in the small stuff, Turtles roam the whole site, huge Painted Spiney Lobsters (often in pairs) seek shelter in openings on the wall, Batfish, Sweetlips and Parrotfish are plentiful here too making this a dive for all tastes.

Magic Rocks
With all that Pom Pom has to offer in one dive site, Magic Rocks will suit any of our guests. With Gorgonian Sea Fans resting on a plateau at approximately 30m, many sand patches to seek out bottom dwellers like the Stargazer and hiding Stingrays, Rubble covered shallows sheltering Nudibranchs, tiny Frogfish, Mandarin Fish, Pipefish, Octopus and more, and of course the Magic Rocks themselves. There is a great deal to see at this dive site with Leaf Scorpionfish and Banded Boxer Shrimp crowding around the rocks along with Hinge Beak, Cleaner and Glass Shrimps. Stonefish, Scorpionfish, Pinnate Batfish and Lionfish can all be found here too making this a great multilevel dive to finish your days diving.

Getting There

Malaysia Airlines operates daily flights from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau. Airasia operates daily flights from Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu to Tawau.  From Tawau continue the journey by 1-hour drive to Semporna town. Speedboat transfer is from Semporna jetty to Pom Pom Island, it takes about 45 minutes.

ref : http://www.sabahtourism.com, http://www.abctours.com.my, http://www.borneotourstravel.com, http://www.parlotours.com.my

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