Sipadan

Sipadan Island (Pulau Sipadan in Malay) lies off the east coast of Malaysian Borneo. The island is known above all for some of the best scuba diving anywhere in the world.

Travel to Sipadan

Sipadan island - upright=1.3|Sipadan island

Getting in requires some effort. Most visitors fly to Tawau from either Kuala Lumpur (3 hours) or Kota Kinabalu (50 minutes), continue by minivan or taxi to the port town of Semporna (1-2 hours) and from there to Sipadan itself (1 hour by fast boat).

How to get around in Sipadan

Walking along the beautiful sandy beaches, snorkeling sites on all sides of the island can be visited. Scuba divers usually will take a boat a few minutes from the beach to their dive site.

Note: it is no longer feasible to stay on Sipadan itself

What to see in Sipadan

The beautiful sandy beaches and the coral reef with its rich marine life. On the island there are large monitor lizards (more than 1m in length) which sometimes come out onto the beach or even into the water.

Best things to do in Sipadan

Book a Diving trip in Sipadan

Sipadan claims to be the world's best dive site. While this is a big claim and the diving here is certainly world class. Sipadan used to have resorts but to protect the environment these were closed around the year 2002. To dive on Sipadan you have to stay somewhere nearby, such as on Mabul or in Semporna, and take a boat onto the island.

Because Sipadan is now a protected site, only 120 dives are allowed daily (as of Aug 2008). It's best to try to dive as early as feasible to beat the crowds and increase your chances of getting on the roster to dive.

From the main beach of the original resort it is a mere 20m wade over the reef to reach the top of the reef wall dropping 1,000-2,000 m. Sipadan is surrounded by very rich reef life consisting of both hard and soft coral as well as all manner of reef fish. Sea turtles and white tip reef sharks can be seen on almost every dive and hammerhead and leopard sharks can also be seen at times. Visibility ranges from 10m to 30m and above.

A barge accident on 15 May 2006 did some damage to the reefs at Sipadan, crushing a portion of reef on the old pier and Barracuda Point and dumping its cargo of gravel in the area. This was not one of the best dive areas, but clean-up operations and other repercussions did restrict diving in the months since.

The rate for three dives at Sipadan is around RM560. Rates vary slightly among different operators. Boat transfers and packed lunch are included. Permits are limited to 120 per day and are typically obtained by the dive operators. You should verify that the diver operator you choose is diving at Sipadan with permits, as some companies have been caught diving the island recently without permits.

Check diver reviews of dive operators in the area before choosing. Many have had client complaints regarding faulty equipment.

Dive shops include:

• Big John Scuba - Located on Mabul Island. Nice diveshop affiliated with Lai's Homestay.

• Billabong Scuba - Located on Mabul Island.

• North Borneo Dive & Sea Sports located in Semporna.
• Scuba Junkie - Located in Semporna.

• Sipadan Scuba - PADI 5* IDC Centre located in Semporna.

• Sipadan-Mabul Resort - Located on Mabul island.

• Seaventures Rig Resort a converted dive platform, PADI 5* IDC Centre and resort located 2 minutes off Mabul Island.

• Sipadan Water Village - Located on Mabul island.

• Uncle Chang's Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge located on Mabul island. The office is also located near Dragon Inn in Semporna.

• Singamata Adventures Semporna South /B Dive lodge - Located Singamata house reef. The office is also located next to Seafest hotel in Semporna

• Summer Friends - Located on Mabul Island.

Snorkeling

For non-divers snorkeling is an option on Sipadan. From the beach the reef is easily accessible, and parts of the reef further out can be visited by boat. A wide variety and number of reef fishes, corals, and with a bit of luck and the sharks, barracuda and turtles can be seen without leaving the surface. Note that currents and boat traffic (especially if duck diving) are the major hazards in the offshore areas, and cryptically coloured stone fish may be a hazard in the shallows.

A buoyed-off area from the 'safe' side of the jetty gives snorkellers the safest and potentially most productive snorkeling area. Note that the phenomonal drop-off that makes this island so special, starts where the jetty ends.

Several dive tour operators bring snorkelers to the island at an all-inclusive rate of around RM490.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Sipadan

With all resorts closed down and there is nothing to buy on the island.

Halal Restaurants in Sipadan

There are no restaurants, and dive tours bring their own lunch and Snacks with them.

Dive tours bring their own water and drinks with them.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Sipadan

Sipadan - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Sipadan, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sipadan. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Sipadan and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Sipadan. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Sipadan. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inSipadan: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Sipadan.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Sipadan: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Sipadan, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Sipadan.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Sipadan, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Sipadan, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Sipadan and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Sipadan, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Sipadan, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Sipadan without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Sipadan is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Sipadan.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Sipadan is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Sipadan, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Sipadan Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

All resorts on Sipadan have been closed in order to preserve the island in a pristine state. Diving is still permitted and feasible by daytrips from the nearby town of Semporna.

Alternatively and there are also resorts on the nearby islands of Mabul (25 minutes by boat) and Kapalai (15 minutes by boat).

Another possibility is to "live aboard" in Semporna on MV Celebes Explorer with 8 cabins and a guaranteed Sipadan permit.

Stay Safe

The islands were previously disputed between Malaysia and Indonesia, leading to instability and a highly publicized case of 20 tourists being kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf rebels in 2000. However, an International Court of Justice decision sided with Malaysia, and the area is now regularly patrolled by the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Go Next

• Mabul Island Is home to a number of high end hotels and a few hostels. The entire island is an interesting mix of local community living on fishing and supporting the tourist industry. The island is a great base for diving and there is a hotel oil rig off the island. All places to stay there require pre booking and you will be transferred.

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