Semporna and Sipadan Island, Malaysia
Sipadan is an oceanic island rising some 600 metres from the seabed off Sabah's southeast coast and is consistently ranked among the world's top dive destinations. Its walls attract green and hawksbill turtles, schooling barracuda, bumphead parrotfish and grey reef sharks in unusually large numbers. The nearby town of Semporna is the gateway, with the Bajau Laut sea gypsy communities living in stilt villages and boats around Bodgaya and Mabul. Sipadan has been fully protected since diving resorts were removed from the island in 2004, and daily visitor permits are strictly capped.
Last updated: 19 Aug 2026
Places to visit
- Sipadan dive sites including Barracuda Point, Turtle Cavern, South Point and Drop Off
- Mabul Island, world-famous for muck diving and macro photography
- Kapalai stilt water villas over the sandbank
- Bohey Dulang hill climb in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park for the crater-lagoon viewpoint
- Mantabuan and Sibuan islands for white sand and snorkelling
- Semporna waterfront and Bajau stilt villages
Unique Aspects
- Sipadan permits are limited to about 176 divers per day, so booking months ahead is essential
- Turtle sightings on almost every dive
- Snorkellers can also enjoy Mabul, Sibuan and Mantabuan without a Sipadan permit
- Island-hopping day trips suitable for non-divers and families
Things to do
- Scuba diving at Sipadan and Mabul
- Snorkelling day trips in Tun Sakaran Marine Park
- Bohey Dulang trekking
- Underwater photography and PADI certification courses
- Sunset boat rides and Bajau village visits
Best Time to Visit
April to December for calmest seas and best visibility; peak turtle and schooling fish action from July to September
Weather Conditions
Warm and humid all year, 26 to 32 degrees Celsius, sea around 28 to 30 degrees; heaviest rain and choppier seas from January to March
Entry Fees & Permits
Sipadan permits cost about RM 140 (roughly INR 2,750) per diver per day plus conservation and jetty fees; dive packages from Semporna or Mabul typically cost RM 700 to 1,200 (roughly INR 13,700 to 23,600) for a three-dive Sipadan day. Island-hopping snorkel trips cost about RM 200 to 300 (roughly INR 3,930 to 5,900) including marine park fees. Boats leave Semporna jetty between 6 am and 9 am.
Accessibility
Fly to Tawau airport via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, then take a 1.5 hour road transfer to Semporna. Boats from Semporna reach Mabul in about 45 minutes and Sipadan in about 1 hour.
Recommended Duration
3 to 4 nights in Semporna or Mabul to secure a Sipadan permit day
Clothing & Gear Tips
Swimwear, 3 mm wetsuit or rash guard, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, dry bag, motion sickness tablets and a certified dive log or licence card if diving
Local Food & Souvenirs
Fresh seafood, grilled fish and tuhau at Semporna's waterfront restaurants, plus Sabah tea and coffee. Vegetarian Indian travellers should pre-inform resorts. Buy pearl jewellery, Bajau woven mats and Sabah teabags.
