Why YOU should dive Sipadan, Sabah

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“I have seen other places like Sipadan, 45 years ago, but now, no more. Now, we have found again an untouched piece of art…”

– Jacques-Yves Cousteau

Jacques Cousteau, often referred to as the “father” of scuba diving, was enraptured with Sipadan. It must have be a burning question for many divers who have not dived in Sipadan yet, “Why the buzz about Sipadan?”

Sipadan is located within the Coral Triangle, which is known as the global centre of marine biodiversity with more than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species. In addition to that, it is the only oceanic island in Mlalaysia, rising 600m from the seabed. It was formed by living coral growing on top of an extinct volcano that took thousands of years to develop. As such, Sipadan hosts a variety of dive sites for all levels of divers.

Diving in Sipadan – Dive Sites & Marine Life

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Barracuda Poin

Have you seen these magnificent photos circulating on your Facebook before? We aren’t surprised if you find them familiar. Living by her name, Barracuda Point is known for its large schools of barracuda. Hundreds of barracuda congregate here and if you’re lucky, you get to see them forming a whirling tornado of fish. Barracuda take the centre-stage while the hard and soft corals, black tip reef sharks, bump-head parrotfish, eagle rays, and triggerfish take the role of backup dancers.

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Turtle Cavern

“Diving the Turtle Tomb” Have you heard that before from your friends who just went diving in Sipadan? Turtle Cavern, also know as the Turtle Tomb is probably the most talked-about site. Stories have been told that these caves can get deep, dark and narrow, where many of the curious turtles might have wandered into, losing their way and, unable to find their way to the surface, drowned. Turtle skeletons were also said to be found commonly within. Eerie or not? Take a plunge into the Turtle Cavern (not into the deep caves unless you are certified!) and find out for yourself! Just outside the caverns, green and hawksbill turtles gracefully swimming around are a common sight.

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Sitting slightly south-east of Sipadan Island and only about a 15-minute boat ride from the Jetty is South Point site. A wall diving site that consists of a wall (like-duh!), a ledge at about 20 meters under, and then another after. While you are here, do look over the drop for rare sharks such as hammerheads and the thresher shark, which are usually only seen around 40 meters depth. White-tip reef sharks can be found in shallower waters along with banner fish, moray eels, and a wide variety of hard corals.

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Mid-Reef

Who needs water-colours when you are diving at Sipadan’s Mid-Reef! Mid-Reef is majorly made up of colourful sea fans, corals and coral reef. If you are diving here, keep in mind to be on your best buoyancy with your fins off the ground and no kicking of coral! Conserve these fragile and sensitive coral for the next generation of divers! Psst – Keep a look out for those green turtles too!

Diving in Sipadan – Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

ekoaccommodation-4Diving in the beautiful reef, looking at the marine creatures at their most natural state and finishing your day with a nice hot shower and a cozy room with a view of the beach and the coastline, hearing the waves… Doesn’t that sound like a lovely holiday?

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Borneo Divers Mabul Resort occupies a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach. The resort is set in a quiet uncrowded location which provides an ideal environment for you to really relax and unwind. Each Chalet consists of two rooms. Since the dive sites are close, you will return frequently to the resort for your surface interval so you can enjoy the balmy tropical breeze on your private veranda. The chalets are constructed of beautiful hardwoods in a local style. Ceiling fans and provide ample cooling, but each chalet is also fully air conditioned for your comfort. You’ll feel right at home in your chalet and our staff will do everything to make your visit the vacation of a lifetime. All units have either twin or double size beds. Private ensuite bathrooms provide modern hot showers and toilet facilities.

ekoaccommodation-3Amenities such as reading lamps are available in all rooms. Each room have been upgraded to deluxe level. The resort boasts 17 Deluxe Twins, 7 Deluxe Doubles, 4 Runggus Deluxe Twins and 2 Runggus Deluxe Doubles. Between dives, you can soak up some sun on the powdery white sand of the private beach in front of the resort.

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Located at the South Eastern coast of Sabah and about 20 minutes from Sipadan, 30-40 minutes (weather permitting) from Semporna, perched on the edge of the Continental Shelf lies the island of Mabul – rated as the “Mecca of Muck Diving”.

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Mabul is surrounded by Celebes Seas with white sandy beaches. While the luxury scenic on top is enhanced by the Borneo Divers Mabul Resort, the underwater at Mabul houses the most incredible marine habitats that even divers today continue to discover new stuff.

Diving in Sipadan – Dive Itinerary

6D5N Sipadan Borneo Divers Mabul Resort Leisure Dive 

Trip Dates:

24 – 29 April 2014
15 – 20 May 2014

27 – 2 July 2014

23 – 28 July 2014

Includes:

– 2 way land and sea transfer between Tawau Airport and Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

– 4N full board accommodation at Borneo Divers Mabul Resort plus light snacks and beverages (Except alcoholic and/ or carbonated soft drinks)

– 1N accommodation at hotel in Tawau on day of arrival, transfer provided

– Up to 9 guided boat dives and 2 shore dives including 1 orientation dive on arrival day. Guaranteed 1D diving in Sipadan Island for 4N stay at the resort

Unlimited dives at House Reef only with own buddy

– Weights and tanks

Excludes:

– Airfare between Singapore and Tawau, Breakfast at Tawau Hotel, Sipadan Marine Park fees of RM40/person/day

Need more information to plan your best holiday to Sipadan? Drop us an email at [email protected]!

Hungry for more trips? We have it all planned out for you. View them here!

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