J.A.M. La ViDa

Sipadan is simply a legend in diving world, conjuring images of patrolling hammerhead sharks, millions of technicolored reef fish, schools of barracuda and jacks, tuna, humphead parrotfish, sharks, rays and, above all, dozens of sea turtles swimming peacefully everywhere. It is considered one of the five top diving destinations in the world.



Being a Sabahan, I'm ashamed to say that I've never thought of exploring this diving paradise that is situated in my own state for the past 23 years in my life. On the contrary, I have been more enthusiastic about traveling overseas and have spent lots of money and effort doing so. Therefore, I've set a goal to conquer Sipadan Island in 2 years time. It's no use talking without action. Therefore, I've done some research on it as an action plan.



Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 2,000 feet or 600m from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea east of the major town of Tawau and off the coast of East Malaysia on the Island of Borneo. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world.



Get In




Diving

To dive on Sipadan you have to stay somewhere nearby, such as on Mabul or in Semporna, and take a boat to the island.


Because Sipadan is now a protected site, only 120 dives are allowed daily (as of 8/26/08). It's best to try to dive as early as possible to beat the crowds and increase your chances of getting on the roster to dive.


From the main beach of the original resort it is a mere 20m wade over the reef to reach the top of the reef wall dropping 1000-2000m. Sipadan is surrounded by very rich reef life consisting of both hard and soft coral as well as all manner of reef fish. Sea turtles and white tip reef sharks can be seen on almost every dive and hammerhead and leopard sharks can also be seen at times. Visibility ranges from 10m to 30m and above.

• Rates vary slightly among different operators. Boat transfers and packed lunch are included.

1. 3 dives at Sipadan------------------------Rm 260
2. Equipment (if required)------------------Rm 40
3. Permit from Sabah Park*-----------------Rm 40

Dive The World Recommendations:

1. South Point. 'South Point' has plenty of whitetip sharks, fusiliers and turtle cleaning stations and being exposed to open ocean, the opportunity to spot the occasional pelagic visitor like a hammerhead or manta ray.

2. Turtle Cavern. ' It was at one time speculated that the cavern was their mausoleum and that they came to this site to die. However, a more accurate representation, is that the turtles became lost in the caverns at night and drowned.


3. Barracuda Point. 'Barracuda Point' has huge schools of jackfish, batfish and barracuda, turtles everywhere, grey and whitetip sharks and herds of bumphead parrotfish, all living amidst stunning corals.

Diving Season

You can dive here all year round. Overall, the best conditions at Sipadan Island exist from April to December, especially July and August. January to March would bring unsettled weather and a decrease in visibility but the resorts still house plenty of guests at this time as the diving would still be possible.



Snorkeling

For non-divers snorkeling is an option on Sipadan. From the beach the reef is easily accessible, and parts of the reef further out can be reached by boat. Several dive tour operators bring snorkelers to the island at an all-inclusive rate of around RM170.




Eat and drink
There are no restaurants, and dive tours bring their own lunch, snacks and water with them.



Sleep
All resorts on Sipadan have been closed in order to preserve the island in a pristine state. Diving is still permitted and possible by day-trips from the nearby town Semporna. Alternatively, there are also resorts on the nearby islands:

1. Mabul (25 minutes by boat)
   
2. Kapalai (15 minutes by boat)

Praise the Lord for His creations.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE...... ;)


Credits to Wikitravel and Wikipedia.