Sipadan is Malaysia’s only oceanic island, rising 600 metres from the seabed. It is situated in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Malaysia’s Sabah. It was formed by living corals that grew on top of an extinct volcanic cone over thousands of years. With its diverse marine life, Sipadan Island is a haven of natural beauty and stunning landscapes.
Apart from being the most popular diving location, Sipadan is consistently ranked among the top 10 diving destinations in the world, competing with Ecuador’s famous Galapagos Islands. Sipadan Island offers many adventure activities, particularly water sports, in which you can participate. Here are the top 10 best things to do in Sipadan Island 2023 for a stress-free vacation.
How To Get To Sipadan Island?
Fly into Tawau from Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, or Kuala Lumpur, then drive 45 minutes to the coastal town of Semporna. Depending on the sea and weather conditions, it takes 45 to 60 minutes to travel by speedboat from Semporna to Sipadan Island. Semporna is the starting point for many of Sabah’s best dive sites.
What Is The Main Attraction Of Sipadan Island?
At Sipadan Island, which is well known for having an unusually high number of green and hawksbill turtles congregating there to mate and lay their eggs, it is common for a diver to see more than 20 turtles on a single dive.
10 Best Things To Do In Sipadan Island 2023
1. Diving Under The Sea
A trip to Sipadan Island would be incomplete without your own diving experience. While some diving spots may require a permit, you can still take a basic diving class and enjoy your diving adventure. Discover a new world beneath the surface as you swim with manta rays and scalloped hammerhead sharks for an added kick to your journey.
Right beneath the island’s column is an underwater limestone cave with a maze of tunnels and chambers containing the skeletal remains of turtles. Enjoy yourself and watch for the turtle comb lying around the periphery of your vision as you swim around the vast seabed and marvel at the beautiful rock formations on the ocean floor.
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2. Visit Barracuda Point
Large schools of Chevron Barracuda can be found here, and barracuda can also be found at the ends of the channels. This is a wall channel that is frequently visited by strong currents. There is a massive whirlpool between the fish you can walk through if you hold on to the rocks. Take in as much of the beauty of the scenery and marine life as possible.
Barracudas are not typically aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened. However, their sharp teeth and powerful jaws can cause serious injury if you get too close. When confronted with a barracuda, the best thing to do is to remain calm and slowly back away.
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3. Diving To Turtle Tomb
On Sipadan Island, a massive cave has been discovered. It is a cave 20 metres below sea level and is quite large. Most of the turtle skeletons have been discovered in this cave, most of which were likely drowned after becoming lost. If you want to go diving, you can visit this exciting location on Sipadan Island.
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4. Diving Through South Point
South Point is located at the end of the island, opposite Barracuda Point. Because of the strong current, more marine life is attracted here. South Point is well-known for its spectacular coral formations and pelagics such as manta rays and hammerhead sharks in the early morning.
It’s a deep wall dive, with the wall dropping into the depths at a vertical angle. The dive concludes on the reef, where you might see a blue ringed octopus.Grey reef sharks, eagle rays, giant manta rays, turtles, whitetip, and even tiger sharks may be encountered in groups.
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5. Exploring The Surface By Snorkeling
Of course, if you want a more relaxing approach, you can use a snorkel instead. The sea’s surface is teeming with marine life, and you’ll be able to get a bird’s eye view of the ocean floor without being completely submerged. As a bonus, you can enjoy the contrast between the cool water and the warm sunlight shining on your backside while relaxing on the surface.
Similarly, a variety of fish species can be found near the surface. Bumphead parrotfish and big-eye travel together as a family on the surface in search of food. Wave at them and observe how your waving hand piques their interest. Remember to take lots of pictures with your waterproof camera to remember the memory and experience.
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6. Visiting Bum Bum Island
You are not required to stay in one location for your visit to Sipadan Island. Take the time and arrange to include some island hopping along the way. Numerous other beautiful islands in the Celebes Sea are just waiting for you to discover their hidden wonders and secrets. Bum-Bum Island is home to 20,000 to 30,000 locals who rely on the sea for survival. Stop by Bum Bum Island to learn more about their culture and daily activities.
Address: Sabah
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7. Island Hopping To Mabul Island
Mabul Island is a nearby island to Sipadan Island. The view is stunning, and the crystal clear sea, making it ideal for diving and snorkelling. When visiting here, you should stay at a resort in the middle of the sea to make it easier to take pictures and participate in activities. There are numerous resorts to choose from here. Don’t worry about food; many dishes are served and sold in nearby restaurants and hotels.
Address: Sabah
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8. Exploring A Mataking Island
Mataking Island is a beautiful and unique island comprising two islands: Mataking Besar Island and Mataking Kecil Island. The beach is soft and smooth, and the sea is crystal clear. Snorkelling, kayaking, bathing, swimming, and even jungle trekking are all available here. Diving activities are also popular because you can see stingrays, coral reefs, whale sharks, tuna fish, and other marine life.
Take advantage of seeing Mataking’s famous ‘Underwater Post Office,’ the only one in Malaysia. The resort decided to sink Mataking 1, an old 40-foot wooden cargo ship, to create an artificial reef in March 2006. It was also supposed to function as a one-of-a-kind underwater mailbox.
Address: Sabah
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9. Relaxing At Kapalai Island
Kapalai Island is a fascinating place in Sabah, just 15 kilometres off Sipadan. The calm, clear sea water and blue waves make you eager to soak and bathe here. The accommodations and scenery on Kapalai Island are equally beautiful and spectacular. With its unique and classic-style design, this house allows you to take beautiful photographs here.
You can stroll along the boardwalk, a sturdy structure that connects the various sections of the floating resort, and see marine life in action. All chalets have basic amenities such as tea and coffee-making facilities. The sundeck, a popular hangout, is a great place to read a book, work on your tan, or take an afternoon siesta. The Dive Centre rents diving, snorkelling, and kayaking equipment.
Address: Sabah
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10. With a View, Dating Time
Out on the open sea provides a different perspective on life and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery from Sipadan Islands as you greet the morning and marvel at the night. As the gentle sound of the ocean slowly rocks you to sleep, the starry sky fills the dark evening blanket with a view unlike any other.
If you are on vacation or on your honeymoon with your spouse, this can be the ideal romantic opportunity to spend the night together and renew your vows to each other. It’s a fantastic experience that you don’t want to miss. Sipadan Island and its surroundings offer a plethora of activities.
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