THE WONDERS OF BORNEO - SIPADAN

The only oceanic island rising 600 metres (2,000 ft) from the seabed in Borneo is Sipadan. It is located in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Borneo Sabah. The island was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct valcano cone that took thousands of years to develop. It is the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem. It is one of the "Top Dive Destinations" in the World.

 

Green and hawks-bill turtles, schools of barracuda in the tonado-like formations as well as large schools of big eye trevally and bum head parrot fish are frequently seen in the waters around Sipadan.

Other marine species like manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks often visit the water of Sipadan.

 

 

An underwater limestone cave with tunnels and chambers lies underneath the column of the island has been discovered as a turtle tomb as many skeletal remains of turtles were found.

 

 The underwater limestone cave.

The gate way to Sipadan is TAWAU which is accessible by flights from KOTA KINABALU and  KUALA LUMPUR. From TAWAU, it's about an hour drive to SEMPORNA where it's 40 minutes or so to the dive accommodation.

There are a number of luxury Resorts in the area. The popular ones are, The Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, The Sepadan Mabul Resort, Sipadan Water village, Pom Pom Island Resort, Seaventures Dive Rigs and Mataking Island Resort.

 

 

 

Some of the luxury Resorts.

If you plan to go Sipadan, advance booking is necessary. Diving and non-diving packages including land and sea transfers, accommodation, scuba diving, snorkeling, meals and refreshment are available. Packages from 3D/2N - 6D/5N or more start from RM2,500 more or less pending on your selection of accommodation. Go to the websites of the Resorts to find out more.