Travel Tips
Where is Sipadan？
- 2024-05-17
Hey there! Ever heard of Sipadan Island? It's the place everyone dreams of visiting every single day!
You might be wondering, why do so many people want to go to this tiny island in Semporna, Sabah, which is less than 0.4km2? And why has Sipadan Island been rated as one of the world's top diving destinations, earning numerous accolades as one of the best diving spots globally, capturing the attention and praise of diving enthusiasts worldwide? Let me tell you why!
Why famous？
Well, Sipadan is renowned for its breathtaking ocean ecosystem! In these waters, you'll encounter an abundance of unexpected marine life! It boasts unique conditions, with a drop-off of 600 to 700 meters just beyond the 5-meter shallow reefs.
But because of the vastness of this sea and the diversity of its creatures, it's also challenging to conquer. That's why all divers coming here must hold an Advanced Open Water (AOW) diving certification.
Where is Sipadan？
Sipadan is nestled in the Celebes Sea, just off the east coast of Borneo in Malaysia, near the borders of Indonesia and the Philippines. A speedy boat ride from the town of Semporna takes only about 45 minutes to reach this tropical paradise. Covered in lush greenery, Sipadan is a heaven for tropical birds such as wood pigeons, sunbirds, kingfishers, sea eagles, and starlings. Way back in 1933, Sipadan Island was declared a bird sanctuary, ensuring a safe heaven for its feathered residents.
What can you expect?
The underwater scenery at Sipadan Island is simply awe-inspiring! In the crystal-clear waters, vibrant corals shimmer under the sunlight, while various fish glide through the coral reefs, graceful turtles elegantly swim by, and sharks roam in the distant waters. The most eagerly anticipated are none other than the Jack Fish Storms, Barracuda Storms, and the congregation of Humphead Parrotfish! Here, you can embark on unforgettable diving adventures, exploring the marvels and magnificence of the underwater world!
Water Temperature: Mild | Water Flow: Gentle | Visibility: Good to Excellent | Fish Species: Over 3,000 | Coral: Hundreds of Species
| No. | Sipadan Dive Site | Observed Marine Life |
| 1 | Barracuda Point | - Soft Corals - Barracuda - Trevally - White-tip Reef Sharks - Pufferfish - Sponges - Turtles - Sweetlips - Jacks - Fusiliers - Stonefish - Clownfish - Groupers - Clams - Leopard Sharks - Butterflyfish - Angelfish - Juvenile Triggerfish - Parrotfish - Nudibranchs - Anthias - Wrasse - Octopus - ... |
| 2 | Coral Garden | |
| 3 | White-tip Avenue | |
| 4 | Turtle Tomb | |
| 5 | North Point | |
| 6 | South Point | |
| 7 | Staghorn Crest | |
| 8 | Lobster Lair | |
| 9 | Hanging Garden | |
| 10 | West Ridge | |
| 11 | Midreef | |
| 12 | The Jetty |
Here's a fun fact for you: The humphead parrotfish, known as the "underwater gardener," munches on coral and then excretes fine sand. This fine sand gets washed ashore, creating those beautiful white sandy beaches we all love!
How was Sipadan formed?
Sipadan Island is the only oceanic island in Malaysia; other islands are continental or coral. Initially, coral reefs grew on the seabed of an extinct volcano, and after many years, they rose 600 meters from the seabed, forming the island we see today. This island was declared a turtle sanctuary as early as 1917, proclaiming it as a natural habitat for turtles.
In the 1980s, the island became a weekend diving getaway for neighboring countries and later became a must-visit for divers. In 1989, French explorer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau went there to shoot a documentary and dubbed Sipadan Island as an "untouched piece of art" in the film "Borneo: The Ghost of the Sea," showcasing its beauty to the world.
In 2004, to protect the rich marine biodiversity, the Malaysian government designated Sipadan Island as a diving reserve, implementing restrictions on the number of divers and requiring diving permits to ensure the sustainable development of the island's ecosystem. All resorts were dismantled and relocated from Sipadan Island. If you plan to visit Sipadan Island, you can choose to stay on nearby islands like Kapalai, Mabul, or Mataking.
Overall, everything that Sipadan Island has today, besides the marvelous creation of God, owes gratitude to the relentless efforts of our predecessors in protecting the ocean! Let's all join in the ocean conservation movement! Whether it's as small as picking up trash and tossing it in the bin or using ocean-friendly sunscreen, or as big as dedicating ourselves to marine careers or joining volunteer conservation teams, let's work together to build more "natural aquariums"!