The late Jacques Cousteau, the world-renowned oceanographer, described Sipadan Island as ‘an untouched piece of art’, while divers around the world voted it as the best diving spot in the world.
This Malaysia’s only oceanic island is very small – only 12ha. in size. A 25-minute walk is all that is required to circle the island on foot. Surrounded by crystal clear waters, this crown jewel is a treasure trove of some of the most amazing marine animals.
Declared a bird sanctuary in 1933 by the Colonial Government of North Borneo and re-gazetted in 1963 by the Malaysian Government, the dense vegetation on Sipadan Island supports a large variety of tropical birds which include sea eagles, kingfishes, sunbirds, starlings and wood pigeons. Exotic crustaceans including the amazing coconut crab (Birgus largo) roam the beaches and scurry among the undergrowth.
Sipadan Island offers some of the best wall diving in the world. The water's edge presents a drop of more than 609.6 metre (2,000 feet) just 9.14 metre (30 feet) from the beach, and all dive sites are within easy reach by boat. Thousands of marine life, be it big or small, make Sipadan Island their home, making it one of the most exciting dive locations in the world.
Getting There
Pulau Sipadan is about 30 minute’s boat ride from its jumping off point, Semporna.
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