Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PLANNING
When to Go
The good news: there isn't a bad time to dive Sipadan, at least as far as visibility and wild-
life go. But consider how much you want to balance factors like weather (ie rain or no
rain), crowds and abundance of marine life. The general rule of thumb: the better the condi-
tions, the larger the crowds. The corollary: wildlife spotting is almost always good, and
thanks to the strict permit process, crowds rarely feel overwhelming.
Getting to Sipadan
Sipadan is an island in the Semporna Archipelago, situated just off Sabah's eastern tip.
Eight islands within the archipelago form the Semporna Marine Park, the largest marine
park in Malaysia. The closest town is also named Semporna; a nearby naval station has the
area's only decompression chamber.
The closest airport is at Tawau, 72km west of Semporna town; a taxi from the airport to
Semporna runs around RM100. Otherwise, there are numerous bus connections between
Semporna and the rest of Sabah - for more information,
Click here
. Note that unless you
arrive in Semporna town early in the day, you'll likely have to stay there overnight.
Permits & Dive Operators
Access to Sipadan is regulated by a tightly controlled permitting process. You can't get out
there on your own; you must book with a tour operator, who will determine the day(s) you
are allowed to dive Sipadan (note: you can dive other sites in the Semporna Archipelago
without a permit). A list of dive operators can be found on
Click here
.
The dive operators also run places to stay. Most accommodation, and all budget options,
are on the small island of Mabul. Other possibilities include ritzier choices on the islands of
Mataking, Kapalai and Pom Pom; for a complete list,
Click here
.
Note that diving is the
main event here - while the islands mentioned are pretty, they're too small to be enjoyed as
island retreats in and of themselves.
