Sabah Sipadan Island
Long before anyone donned scuba diving equipment and jumped into the water, Pulau Sipadan was already recognised as something special. Above the waterline the island is only 30 acres (12 hectares) in area and is covered by untouched rainforest. In 1933, this tiny island was declared a bird sanctuary and at the end of 2004 was clsoed to tourists.
As the island is a protected area and a site of outstanding natural beauty, we urge you to behave responsibly when you visit, and make sure to control your buoyancy when diving. There is a National Park levy of US$ 11 per person entrance fee.
Mabul - Sweet Little Sister
Mabul Island has historically played a supporting role to the big star, Sipadan. Now that Sipadan Island is protected from overnight stays, its profile has greatly increased. Since Mabul is considerably larger than Sipadan, resort owners have been able to construct a much higher standard of accommodation, albeit within the constraints of a remote island.
The island is covered in palm trees and fringed with fine beaches. Villagers live next door to the resorts and guests are free to stroll around the island, mingling with the locals. From Mabul, guests are taken the 25 to 30 minutes to Sipadan every day for diving. In addition they can dive the macro-world of Mabul, normally once a day.
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How to Get There
Flight - Boat Transfer
The recommended flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau leaves at 6:15 hrs and arrives at 6:55 hrs, with Malaysia Airlines. This is the flight most resorts favour and guests will be collected here and driven for around one hour to Semporna, where the resort boat will transfer you the 45 minutes to Mabul Island.
Later flights are available but can cause problems with transfers and will almost certainly mean no diving on the first day. Air Asia is free-seating and Malaysia Airlines is not. Both have emergency exit seats with acres of leg-room. For Air Asia you need to be at the front of the queue to secure one of these. For Malaysia Airlines ask for 14A or 14F, and spend the flight stretching your legs to the annoyance of your neighbours.
There are direct flights from Kuala Lumpur to Tawau with Air Asia (07:20-10:05 hrs and 17:20-20:05 hrs) and Malaysia Airlines (12.40-15.30), but these will probably mean an overnight in Tawau and pick up from your hotel at 6:15 hrs.
Due to the dangers of flying after diving, some resorts may require you to sign a waiver. This is because some guests want to squeeze in as many dives as possible regardless of the risks. Often Mabul guests overnight in Tawau and they, along with guests who are not flying, may be subject to diving restrictions on their last day.
Flights back from Tawau are Malaysia Airlines to Kota Kinabalu (16:10-16:55 hrs) or to Sandakan (17:30-18:10 hrs). If you do not wish to stay overnight in Kota Kinabalu, you can fly direct to Kuala Lumpur with Malaysia Airlines (19:05-21:45 hrs) and Air Asia (20:00-22:45 hrs).
Climate
The islands enjoy an equatorial climate, so temperature generally varies between 28 - 34°C during the day and drops to about 22°C during the nights. It is generally unaffected by the monsoon seasons which affects this part of South East Asia, although sporadic heavy rains come down upon it around December and January.
Being islands, Sipadan and Mabul have cooling sea breezes that make even the high humidity level of 85 - 95% quite pleasant.
Sightseeing and Things to do
Activities on Mabul Island often depend on which resort you choose to stay in. From the simple and inexpensive island chalets to the more expensive and luxurious water bungalows built out over clear, shallow waters, in a style reminiscent of the Maldives. Activities can include snorkelling, sea kayaking, beach volleyball, local song and dance, as well as relaxing in the pool or Jacuzzi.
It forbidden to land on Sipadan so the best sightseeing option is to enjoy the other attractions that nearby Borneo has to offer - See Sabah tourist inforrmation for more details.
History
Due to its rich ecological heritage, for years the ownership of Sipadan was regularly disputed between Indonesia and Malaysia. In 1998, the two countries went to the International Court of Justice at The Hague to resolve the matter. A decision was made in 2002 where the Court found in favour of Malaysia.
The Local People
To preserve its fragile environment, the Malaysian government does not allow tourists to stay on the Sipadan Island. The future for the island has yet to become clear but it seems that some buildings will be allowed to stay for Sabah Parks' employees. The island is undoubtedly too small to accommodate the number of builidngs and visitors it experienced in recent years, so in principle this new arrangement should be of benefit to the flora and fauna of the island and its surrounding waters.
Mabul does have a small population of Malays that work in the resorts, and migrants from nearby Philippines.
Interested?
Are you interested? If you're keen to the world famous waters of Sipadan and explore the muck diving world of Mabul, then click below to check your options now for:
Be sure to book up in plenty of time to avoid limited choice! The best diving opportunities are booked by repeat customers who book well in advance to ensure their reservation!
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