SIPADAN ISLAND

The late Jacques Cousteau, the world-renowned oceanographer, described Sipadan Island as 'an untouched piece of art', while divers around the world voted it as one of the top five dive sites in the world.

Malaysia's only oceanic island, it is very small - only 12ha. in size. A 25-minute walk is all that is required to circle the island on foot. As an oceanic island, it rises about 700 metres from the sea floor, attracting diverse marine life from the blackness of the open sea. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this crown jewel is a treasure trove of some of the most amazing marine animals.

Declared a bird sanctuary in 1933 by the Colonial Government of North Borneo and re-gazetted in 1963 by the Malaysian Government, the dense vegetation on Sipadan Island supports a large variety of tropical birds which include sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons. Exotic crustaceans including the amazing coconut crab roam the beaches and scurry among the undergrowth.

When diving here, encounters with turtles, resident schools of jacks, bumphead parrotfish and barracudas are almost assured around the tiny coral island.

Key Tips
Try to be part of an early-morning dive to Sipadan at the famous Barracuda Point. In the early hours of the morning, you are most likely to swim amongst big schools of swirling barracuda...

How to get there
By Air
The jump off point to Sipadan Island is Kota Kinabalu or Tawau.

By Car
Continue the journey by a 1-hour drive to Semporna town.

By Sea
A 30-minute speedboat will take you to Mabul, which is the jump off point for Sipadan Island explorations.

Who to contact
For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation Overview

Since last year, Sipadan has been turned into a sanctuary so accommodation is now only available on nearby islands like Mabul.

Dive Season

You can dive here all year round. Overall, the best conditions at Sipadan Island exist from April through to December, especially July and August. January to March can see some unsettled weather and a decrease in visibility but the island still sees plenty of divers at this time as the diving can still be fine.

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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 

In the 1st week of July 2000, a contingent of 12 top American and Canadian diving firms came to Sipadan. Upon the completion of their stay, they have the following comments to make on the security as below. 

We hope that the group's feedback will reassure you of the security of Sipadan Island and convince you that Sipadan is safe and ready to welcome you for your diving holiday. 

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.
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