Scuba Diving at Sipidan & Mabul, Malaysia
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Why Sipadan & Mabul Are So Special
September / October 2024
Located off the east coast of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo, Sipadan and Mabul are two of the most iconic dive destinations in the world. Sipadan is often described as one of the best dive sites on the planet. It’s famous for its dramatic wall dives, swirling schools of barracuda, and regular encounters with sharks and turtles. The marine life here is rich, vibrant, and endlessly fascinating.
Just 15 kilometres away, Mabul Island offers something completely different. Its sandy slopes and coral gardens are packed with tiny marine life, from flamboyant cuttlefish and seahorses to frogfish and nudibranchs. It’s a true paradise for macro photographers and anyone who enjoys spotting the small, hidden creatures of the reef.
The best time to dive this region is between April and December. During this period, the seas are calm, visibility is excellent, and the chances of spotting large pelagic species are higher. Together, these two islands strike the perfect balance between big action and intricate detail, making them a must for any diver visiting Malaysia.
Getting There and Settling In
This was a trip I’d been planning for some time. After flying from the UK into Kuala Lumpur, I took a short domestic flight to Tawau. From there, a pre-arranged van transfer took just over an hour to reach Semporna. I spent the evening relaxing before catching the boat to Mabul Island the next morning.
My base for the next ten nights was Sipadan-Mabul Resort, located right on Mabul Island. The resort offers a mix of accommodation, from overwater bungalows to rustic wooden cabins surrounded by trees. I chose one of the cabins. It felt relaxed, authentic, and far less touristy, as well as being easier on the budget.
The atmosphere was laid back from the moment I arrived. The staff served meals buffet-style with plenty of choice, and the open bar area was perfect for chatting with other divers after a day underwater. The resort also has its own dive centre, so everything from tank fills to guided dives was organised on-site.
One of my favourite parts of staying there was the house reef. I could grab a tank and dive whenever I wanted. The water was clear, the coral was healthy, and there was always something new to see even right off the jetty. The night dives were especially memorable, filled with curious creatures emerging from the sand and coral after dark.
Diving Sipadan, Mabul & Beyond
Sipadan truly lived up to its reputation. The diving was world-class, with vertical walls dropping away into deep blue. Swarms of jacks circled us, while turtles glided effortlessly past. On one dive, I found myself surrounded by a tornado of barracuda. On another, grey reef sharks patrolled just below. Every dive reminded me why this site is ranked among the world’s best.
I had two full dive days at Sipadan, and each one offered something different. The currents kept things lively, the reefs were in great shape, and the visibility seemed endless. It was pure diving bliss from start to finish.
Back around Mabul, the pace was slower but just as rewarding. The shallow reefs and sandy slopes are home to incredible macro life. I spent hours searching for seahorses, frogfish, ghost pipefish, and nudibranchs. Every dive revealed something new to photograph.
Mabul is also an excellent base for exploring other nearby sites. One highlight was the SeaVentures Dive Rig, an old oil platform converted into a floating dive resort. The metal framework beneath is bursting with life, from schooling fish to hidden critters. Another favourite was Pos Pulau Siamil, a longer boat ride but totally worth it for the calm conditions and bright coral gardens. I even spotted a few curious cuttlefish there.
Whether it’s chasing pelagics at Sipadan or focusing on the tiny details around Mabul, every dive offered something different and kept the excitement alive.
The Resort Dive Team
One of the main reasons I chose Sipadan-Mabul Resort was the convenience of its on-site dive centre, SMART Divers. The team were professional, friendly, and clearly passionate about what they do. They offered Nitrox for certified divers and took care of all Sipadan permits and daily dive schedules. It made everything simple and stress-free so I could just focus on diving.
The dive guides were brilliant at finding both large and small marine life. They made sure everyone got a great experience in the water, and their briefings were clear and safety-focused. They also gave helpful tips for spotting the more elusive creatures.
Between dives, the atmosphere was relaxed and social. Meals were shared with other guests, stories were swapped, and the sunsets over the Celebes Sea were stunning. It felt like a small diving community where everyone shared the same passion for the ocean.
I booked directly through Sipadan-Mabul Resort. The process was smooth from start to finish. The team were quick to respond, friendly, and organised all accommodation, transfers, and permits in advance.
Sipadan & Mabul Dive Gallery
A selection of my favourite photos from my dives around Sipadan and Mabul. I only had my GoPro with me on this trip, but it still captured some great moments underwater. I’ll definitely be heading back with the new camera rig next time to make the most of the incredible marine life and clear blue water.
