Sipadan Island Diving, Malaysia: An Introduction

The island of Sipadan is a minute coral located off the eastern coast of Sabah. This mount is the only oceanic island in Malaysia that is not connected to the continental shelf, instead it stands alone and rises 2,000m from the sea floor to the surface where the island itself can be walked around in 30 minutes. The mount is a limestone pinnacle that 'mushrooms' out near the surface. Even though Sipadan is so small it is a perfectly formed remote island that is covered in luxuriant rainforest and is now a well known bird sanctuary with over 20 species of bird, including Sea Eagles, the rare Nicobar Pigeon and the flightless Tabon Scrubfowl. The circumference of the island is covered in beautiful sandy beaches where one can relax following dives, completely undisturbed except for the tranquil sound of the forest behind.

Aside from the staggering walls and geological structure of Sipadan the island is renowned for its vast quantity of Green and Hawksbill Turtles. Divers will encounter turtles on most dives, frolicking freely in the waters surrounding the reef. July through to September are the months for breeding and under the supervision of a naturalist visitors can watch the evening event of females coming up on the beach to lay their eggs in the sand. Soon after the fragile but perfectly formed turtles make their hazardous journey down to the waters edge and out into the open sea. Certified Cave Divers may make their way into the labyrinth of Turtle Cavern, a dark and eerie underwater cave where many turtles have made their way but never been able to return. The magnificent walls are covered in features; ledges, caverns, swim-throughs and fascinating coral structures adorn the reef wall and all are teeming with a profusion of life. Iridescent reef fish, some tiny and others over two metres in length endlessly swim around the pinnacle, schools of snapper, colourful surgeonfish, Bigeye Trevally, swarms of fusiliers and the huge Bumphead Parrotfish trawl the reef for food. There are numerous dive sites that will astound the most experienced diver with the diversity of life and coral that can be seen.

One of the most incredible dive sites is South Point where a school of up to 1,000 Blackfin Barracuda regularly swarm in a predatory circle, if lucky a diver can enter this throng of swirling activity for an exhilarating experience. Another exquisite dive site is The Drop Off, located only a few metres from shore you can really experience the overwhelming depth of the sea in this remote location. From the pale, aquamarine water of the shallow reef the water suddenly changes as the reef plummets to 600m and the water darkens to a deeper, unknown blue. An early morning dive here is sure to provide a hive of activity as schools of jacks, barracuda, batfish and fusiliers swarm the reef. Napoleon Wrasse, turtles, Bumphead Parrotfish and White tipped Reef Sharks patrol the edge of this coral adorned wall before swimming out to deeper water.

On the shallower reefs the waves hit the coral, buttresses and gullies have been formed after thousands of years of this activity. These areas are the habitats of a wealth of macro life and smaller reef fish. Anemones adorn the coral and playful clownfish live in their throngs, crabs, lobsters and nudibranchs all search and graze the coral foraging for food and a new home. Sipadan truly is a remarkable dive location where all marine encounters can be met, the macro life is a paradise for photographers and there are numerous 'big fish' encounters to inspire the most experienced of divers.

Accommodation at Sipadan, Malaysia: Dive Resort

SIPADAN WATER VILLAGE RESORT
Sipadan Water Village Resort is located on the island Mabul, neighbouring both Sipadan and Kapalai, all of which offer some of the most astounding dive sites of the world. The resort has a first class PADI and CMAS certified dive centre and qualified dive professionals offer certification courses, night dives and dive trips off Mabul, Sipadan and Kapalai.

The Water Village accommodation is set on stilts above the flat coral reefs of the Celebes Sea with a backdrop of a typical oceanic fishing village. For guests there is the choice of, 2 deluxe water cottages, 27 standard water cottages and 6 semi-detached water cottages, all benefiting from private sundeck. The cottages have a luxurious feel and are styled with a Bajau influence, all have ceiling fans, private bathroom and modern conveniences.

For dining there is the resort restaurant serving daily buffets featuring a variety of Asian and Continental delicacies. There is an open-air bar that has a breathtaking sea view and evening entertainment of live music and videos for entertainment when out of the ocean.

BORNEO DIVERS SIPADAN DIVE LODGE
Borneo Divers were the first full service dive centre to establish themselves in 1984 on Sipadan. Above the water Sipadan is simply a tropical paradise of jungle and white sand beach surrounded by crystal blue azure waters. Immediately in front of the resort, a mere 15m from the beach is a vertical wall that starts at 3m and plunges straight down to an astonishing depth of 600m, where a marine environment awaits that is rated as being one of the worlds best. Accommodation is provided in simple, convenient and comfortable beach chalets, they provide a perfect base following an exhilarating day of diving and are only a few metres from the shore. Several of the chalets are air-conditioned though the majority of guests find that this is not essential as the balmy offshore tropical breeze provides a perfect alternative. The dining hall is centrally located within the resort and offers a variety of cuisine. A unique element to a diving holiday here is the cultural mix of fellow divers you will meet, divers travel here from all over the world to discover the underwater world of Sipadan - a common fascination between all guests making it an unforgettable destination and resort.

Stopover hotel en route to Sipadan and Mabul, Malaysia