The waters around Sipadan Island are home to more than 3,000 fish species, including sharks, huge sea turtles, swirling schools of barracudas and bumphead parrotfish, along with hundreds of species of colorful, pristine corals. Isn’t that amazing?
Ranked among the world’s top 5 dive sites, Sipadan Island and its surroundings — offer exceptional muck diving, thriving with macro/micro critters and rare fish nurseries unmatched in Southeast Asia. These islands are part of the Coral Triangle, which many consider one of the world’s best diving destinations. From holidaymakers and families to snorkelers and expert underwater photographers, every type of traveler will discover an underwater paradise here. You could explore Mabul Island’s unique muck diving sites or apply to get one of the 250 daily permits to dive or snorkel at Pulau Sipadan.
The islands become a diver’s dream at the time the waters are calmest, from March to October. The visibility extends up to 30 meters during this period. My extensive exploration of these waters has taught me that each island tells its own story. Mabul has evolved from a simple fishing village to a world-class diving destination. Sipadan’s protected marine sanctuary provides a different but equally captivating experience.
Dive into the wonders of Sabah’s most spectacular islands near Semporna—where turquoise waters, vibrant reefs, and pristine beaches await. This guide will show you how to choose the best home base, optimize your underwater adventures, and experience the magic of these tropical gems above and below the surface.
Which islands should you go to?
The islands of Sipadan, Mabul, Mataking, and Kapalai offer far more than stunning shorelines. Each destination presents unique adventures – from legendary dive sites teeming with marine life to centuries-old Bajau Laut villages where sea nomads preserve their traditional way of life. Whether you’re a serious diver, cultural explorer, or simply seeking paradise, these islands deliver unforgettable experiences both above and below the water’s surface.
Sipadan Island, Sabah: World-class diving and marine life
Sipadan Island stands out as Malaysia’s only oceanic island. It rises from a 600-meter deep abyss, creating perfect diving conditions. Jacques Cousteau called it “an untouched piece of art” – words that still hold true. The island’s protection means only 176 people can dive here each day. Book early if you want to go diving in Sipadan.
You can’t stay overnight on the island anymore – that’s been the rule since 2005 to protect it. But the things you can do in Sipadan Island during the day are amazing. Barracuda Point lets you see thousands of barracuda swimming in tornado shapes. Within the underwater limestone embrace of Turtle Cave lie the poignant skeletons of sea turtles that tragically lost their way. South Point brings in big fish like hammerhead sharks in certain seasons.
People often ask where to stay on Sipadan Island. The answer is no – everyone needs to stay on nearby islands like Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking or Pom Pom islands and visit during the day.
Mabul Island: Macro diving and sea gypsy culture
Mabul Island sits just a 30-minute boat ride from Sipadan. This former fishing village has become a favorite spot for macro diving. The waters around Mabul are perfect for muck diving, where divers look for unusual creatures instead of coral. I’ve seen amazing animals like flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and various frogfish hiding in the sandy bottom.
The island’s Bajau Laut communities add a rich cultural layer to your visit. These sea nomads used to live their whole lives on boats. Now many live in stilt houses along the shore but keep their traditional fishing ways alive. A walk through their village shows you glimpses of their unique lifestyle. You can buy handmade souvenirs straight from local artists.
Mabul Island offers a diverse array of accommodations to suit every budget, from budget-friendly homestays and longhouses to luxurious beachfront and over-the-water resorts. Mabul Island’s varied accommodations make it a convenient and appealing choice for divers eager to discover the region’s renowned dive sites.
Kapalai : Overwater resorts and snorkeling
Kapalai isn’t really an island – it’s a sandbar with a resort built on stilts above a sunken reef. While there’s no beach, the clear waters around your room are great for snorkeling. The shallow areas have lots of small creatures like Mabul, plus baby reef sharks and beautiful coral gardens.
Posting Paradise: The Unique Underwater Mail of Mataking
Mataking, a unique haven formed by two small islands connected by a visible sandbar at low tide, boasts a special feature: the “Turtle Corridor.” This area between the islands attracts nesting sea turtles, adding to the island’s charm. Further enhancing its allure is the whimsical “Underwater Post Office,” where divers can mail waterproof-sealed letters beneath the waves. Beyond these unique attractions, Mataking thrives with marine biodiversity, showcasing diverse coral reefs and an abundance of fish, turtles, and sharks. Divers and snorkelers will find numerous captivating spots, including the renowned “Garden of Eden” dive site.
Find the Right Island for Your Perfect Escape
Your dream of an island vacation near Sipadan awaits based on your travel priorities and interests. Each island brings something special beyond the turquoise waters and white sandy beaches.
For diving enthusiasts
Your island choice should match your diving experience and marine life interests if underwater adventures excite you.
Why Dive in Sipadan?
Sipadan, Malaysia’s only oceanic island—a prehistoric volcano rising 600m from the seabed—features dramatic wall reefs surrounded by deep waters that attract impressive pelagic species including white, black, and grey-tipped sharks, trevallies, chevron and yellowfin barracudas; plus bumphead parrotfish, potato head groupers, and both green and hawksbill turtles.
This crown jewel for serious divers boasts a protected marine ecosystem with magnificent coral formations, but access is strictly limited to 250 daily diving permits (2025), requiring advance booking—sometimes months ahead during peak season.
Contact Sipadan.com for Permit Arrangements
Why Dive in Mabul?
Mabul Island offers a completely different diving experience from Sipadan, making it an excellent complement to your Sabah diving adventure. While Sipadan is famous for its pelagic species and wall diving, Mabul stands out for its world-class muck diving opportunities, which photographers love for macro subjects. The shallow waters around these former fishing villages are home to amazing critters, including cuttlefish, octopus, and exotic nudibranchs.
For families and casual snorkelers
Some islands cater to families and relaxed exploration for those who don’t want to dive deep
Some islands cater to families and Pom Pom Island mixes a relaxed vibe with pristine beaches and lush mangroves. Young snorkelers can enjoy its shallow reefs while the island’s small size creates a safe space for families to explore.exploration for those who don’t want to dive deep
Beyond Pom Pom Island, families can craft indelible memories with a Tun Sakaran Marine Park island-hopping tour, revealing pristine shores and shallow snorkeling havens perfect for every age. For a touch of underwater magic without the need for scuba gear, the Sea-Walking Adventure invites helmeted explorers aged eight and up to stroll along the ocean floor, surrounded by curious tropical fish – with professional underwater photography on hand to freeze those unique family moments in time. These accessible experiences ensure that Semporna’s aquatic allure extends far beyond the realm of diving, offering delightful and comfortable marine adventures for everyone.
For honeymooners and luxury seekers
When planning your honeymoon near Sipadan Island, these luxury resorts offer the perfect blend of romance, privacy, and underwater adventure. Here are our top recommendations for couples seeking a memorable start to married life.
Mabul Water Bungalows: Ultimate Luxury Experience
For honeymooners desiring ultimate privacy and indulgence, Mabul Water Bungalows reigns supreme. This exclusive love nest offers:
- Secluded overwater chalets with breathtaking sea views
- Private jacuzzis gracing your balcony, overlooking the tranquil Celebes Sea
- Exquisite dining experiences featuring delectable seafood and international flavors
- Rejuvenating spa rituals and intimate couples’ massages
- Effortless access to a vibrant house reef for spontaneous underwater explorations
- Access to its sister resort, Sipadan-Mabul Resort, including its beach and facilities like the swimming pool.
Capture your love on the iconic “lover’s bridge” – a cherished photo opportunity for departing couples. The overwater setting fosters an intimate ambiance, ideal for romantic sunsets and celestial stargazing, all while the discreet staff ensures a 5-star service.
Sipadan-Mabul Resort: Classic Luxury
While popular with families, Sipadan-Mabul Resort is the beach resort and sister resort of Mabul Water Bungalows:
- Beautiful white sand beach perfect for romantic walks
- Private beach dinners arranged upon request
- Swimming pool and jacuzzi for relaxation between dives
- Excellent muck diving house reef for underwater photography enthusiasts
- Mabul is the closest island to Sipadan
- Direct access to Mabul Water Bungalows using the scheduled electric buggies via the beautiful and long wooden jetty
Mataking Island Resort: Secluded Island Paradise
Specifically popular among honeymooners, Mataking Island Resort offers:
- Complete privacy on a breathtaking private island spanning two connected islands: a larger island hosting the resort and a smaller islet accessible on foot at low tide via the picturesque Mose’s Walk.
- Flexible Sipadan diving permits with the ability to choose your preferred dates
- Varied activities for non-diving partners, ensuring both of you enjoy your stay
- Luxurious spa treatments for a complete relaxation after snorkelling or diving
- Unique underwater post office to mail a waterproof postcard commemorating your honeymoon
Though located 80 minutes from Sipadan, the secluded location offers unparalleled romance and tranquillity.
Kapalai Dive Resort: Overwater Romance
Kapalai Dive Resort features stunning overwater bungalows in a unique floating village style, perfect for couples. For different vibes, Borneo Divers Mabul Resort offers history and a good house reef, while Seaventures Dive Resort provides an unusual stay on a converted oil rig (ideal for avid divers).
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For cultural explorers
Rich cultural experiences await beyond the beaches and diving spots:
Rich cultural experiences await beyond the beaches and Mabul Island is home to traditional Bajau Laut (sea gypsy) communities in stilt houses along the shoreline. Their villages offer glimpses into this unique seafaring culture that managed to keep traditional fishing practices alive for generations.spots:
Many resorts have marine conservation centers where you can learn about turtle rescue and coral rehabilitation efforts. These educational experiences add meaning to your tropical island holiday.
Getting to the Islands: Transport and Entry Tips
Getting to Semporna’s nearby paradise islands needs proper planning with specific routes to each destination. You’ll save time and avoid disappointment by knowing your transportation options and entry requirements, especially when you have protected areas like Sipadan to visit.
Getting to Semporna’s nearby paradise islands needs proper planning with specific routes to each destination. You’ll save time and avoid disappointment by knowing your transportation options and entry requirements, especially when you have protected areas like Sipadan to visit.
How to get to Mabul Island?
Travellers typically arrive at Tawau Airport via flights from Kuala Lumpur (2h 50m) or Kota Kinabalu (45m). Your accommodation will coordinate ground transport to Semporna (1h 20m), followed by speedboat transfer to Mabul Island (45m).
How to get to Sipadan Island?
Access Tawau by air from major Malaysian cities like Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, or Kuala Lumpur, then take a 45-minute journey to the seaside hub of Semporna. From there, board a speedboat for a 45-60 minute journey to Sipadan Island, with travel time varying based on maritime and weather conditions. Semporna serves as the main gateway to Sabah’s premier diving destinations.
Can you stay on Sipadan Island? The answer is no – overnight stays have been banned since 2004 to protect the ecosystem. Visitors take day trips from nearby islands like Mabul instead.
Things to Do Beyond Diving
Islands near Sipadan are famous for world-class diving, but they also offer amazing experiences above water. These islands have everything from cultural encounters to thrilling adventures that go beyond their underwater treasures.
Sea kayaking
Embark on a unique adventure by sea kayaking with a transparent kayak around the stunning islands of Mabul, Kapalai, and Mataking. This offers an incredible perspective, allowing you to witness the vibrant underwater world teeming with coral reefs and marine life without even getting wet.
Wildlife spotting and nature trails
Beyond the captivating islands near Sipadan, Mabul, Mataking and Kapalai Islands lies a treasure trove of Borneo’s renowned wildlife and rainforest experiences, all within relatively easy reach. Nature enthusiasts can venture into the world-famous Danum Valley Conservation Area, known for its pristine rainforest and diverse ecosystems. A must-visit is the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, home to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, offering poignant opportunities to observe the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans and the conservation efforts for adorable sun bears in their natural habitat.
The Kinabatangan River beckons with its remarkable abundance of wildlife, where river cruises at dawn, dusk, and night unveil sightings of proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, estuarine crocodiles, and a myriad of other fascinating creatures, including orangutans and rhinoceros hornbills, complemented by immersive jungle walks. For a different rainforest experience, Tabin Wildlife Reserve showcases a unique blend of lowland rainforest, grasslands, and the intriguing Lipad Mud Volcano, providing a sanctuary for pygmy elephants, wild orangutans, elusive clouded leopards, and diverse birdlife, with activities ranging from jungle trekking and night safaris to birdwatching and exploring its natural wonders.
Best Time to Visit and Seasonal Considerations
For optimal diving experiences at Sipadan, Mabul, Mataking, and Kapalai Islands, plan your trip during the dry months between March and October. During this time, you’ll encounter tranquil waters and crystal-clear visibility, perfect for underwater exploration. While these islands welcome visitors throughout the year, diving conditions may be suboptimal during the rainy season (December-January).
Visibility and marine life by month
Underwater visibility around Sipadan and nearby islands is excellent from mid-February (after Chinese New Year) through July, improving steadily during this period. August sees a slight dip due to minor waves and rainfall, but conditions rebound from September through October. The island is closed to tourists for the entire month of November to allow marine biodiversity to rejuvenate. December and January mark the low season with reduced visibility, but fewer divers and tourists make it a quieter time to visit.
Bigger waves and lower visibility show up from July through September. The diving experience remains excellent, depending on yearly conditions. Mabul Island Resort guests focused on macro diving and found good visibility even in these months.
Sipadan Island, Sabah, welcomes divers year-round. Even during off-peak months, diving conditions here beat most other global diving spots.
Your trip’s success depends on careful planning of diving permits, seasonal timing, and accommodation choices. The waters remain calm with excellent visibility from March through October. Each season brings its own special wildlife encounters and cultural experiences.
These islands prove that paradise extends beyond pristine beaches and coral reefs. The area’s traditional villages, jungle trails, and conservation projects create deeper meaning in every island adventure. Environmentally responsible tourism helps protect these natural wonders for future generations.
We hope this local guide helps you plan an unforgettable Semporna adventure—whether you’re diving into world-class sites, strolling the ocean floor with family, or simply soaking up the sun on pristine beaches. There’s something here for every traveler. However you choose to explore, may your trip be filled with crystal-clear waters, incredible marine life, and memories to last a lifetime. Selamat jalan! (Safe travels!)
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