Sipadan (Malay: Pulau Sipadan) is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 600 metres (2,000 ft) from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop.
Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem.
Sipadan Island was at the top of Rodale's Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for 'The Top Dive Destination in the World. Frequently seen in the waters around Sipadan: green and hawksbill turtles (which mate and nest there), enormous schools of barracuda in tornado-like formations as well as large schools of big-eye trevally, and bumphead parrotfish. Pelagic species such as manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks also visit Sipadan.
A turtle tomb lies underneath the column of the island, formed by an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that become lost and drown before finding the surface
Boat Dives
There are three (3) boat dives a day, two in the morning and one in the afternoon. It is a combination dive at nearby dive sites making a total of 3 dives per day.
Each boat goes out with a boatman and Divemaster. All dive sites and dive schedules will be arranged at the discretion of the resort Management.
The dive boats will depart to the dive sites every morning at 8.00 to 9.00 am and return to the Resort after the 3rd dive, around 4.00 p.m.
Divers will return to the resort for their meals after every dive. If you are diving at Sipadan Island you will be there the whole day, lunch will be served on site.
The number of dive is limited to avoid overcrowding; therefore, visits must be arranged well in advance. Divers on their first visit to Sipadan are briefed before they take the plunge.
Additional Day Dives
In order to cover the entire dive sites it is recommended at least one week stay at the resort.
If you would like to do additional day diving besides the normal 3 boat dives then the diving rate is MYR 106 per dive/per diver. This must be arranged in advance with the dive master. You will be required to sign a separate Liability/Release Form (Waiver).
Unlimited Jetty Dives
Besides the three (3) boat dives, unlimited jetty dives may be carried out daily on Mabul’s House Reef.
The UNLIMITED JETTY DIVING mentioned below are dives from Mabul’s House Reef and includes night diving (without divemaster and boat).
Tanks, weights and weight belt are provided; all other equipment must be brought by the diver or rented.
These jetty dives can only start after your morning boat dive, unless you choose not to go on the morning boat dive; then you may dive anytime after 7.00am.
Your last jetty dive has to be planned in such a way as to exit the water by 9.00 p.m.
For jetty dive, you are required to dive with a buddy and sign out with our personnel on duty. NO DIVEMASTERS WILL ACCOMPANY JETTY DIVES, unless prior arrangements are made.
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SIPADAN-MABUL RESORT