Situated five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes), Sipadan, rated as one of the world’s top dive sites, is an oceanic island which has heard the praises of divers all over the world. This 40-acre, oceanic island is composed of living corals which grows atop an obsolete undersea volcano which rises 600 metres from the seabed.
With over 3000 species of fish, an unusually crowded number of green and hawksbill turtles, and hundreds of multi-coloured coral species, divers will definitely have an underworld field day where sealife is in abundance.Venture off to a sought-after dive spots such as Barracuda Point, Turtle Cave, West Ridge, Hanging Gardens, Lobster Lair, Staghorn Crest, South Point, Coral Gardens, White Tip Avenue, Mid-reef or the Turtle Patch.
Marine life common in these areas are sharks, green turtles, schools of jackfish, and barracudas but should the odds be in your favour, you may come across a shiver of scalloped hammerhead sharks.
Sipadan Islands boasts as the perfect place for avid divers to who would like to add a tropical dive to their dive logs. The array of aquatic friends you’re able to make here are not of the average bunch for you will easily find yourself chasing manta rays, going deep for sharks, or off way into the blue for barracudas.
Although Open Water Divers are permitted to traverse the waters of Sipadan, it is advised that one is confident during dives or at least have acquired their Advance Open Water dive certificate. If you do not have your dive certificate and have a few days to spare, you have the option to get PADI-certified at one of the dive centres in Semporna or in Kota Kinabalu City.
Before planning your diving trips, it's important to know the latest Sipadan diving rules and regulations enforced by the Sabah Parks.
