Sipadan Island, Malaysia - Travel Guide

Sipadan Island is a world-renowned diving paradise, famous for its incredible biodiversity, including large schools of barracuda and jackfish, reef sharks, and turtles. Its protected status ensures a pristine underwater experience, making it a must-visit for serious divers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days

Budget$50/day

Mid-range$100/day

Luxury$1500/day

Known For

SipadanMabulKapalaiBorneoCelebes Sea

🇲🇾 Country Information: Malaysia

CapitalKuala Lumpur

CurrencyMalaysian ringgit (RM)

Language Malay , English, Mandarin, Tamil

Phone Code+60

Electricity240V (Type A, C, G, M)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is not mandatory as a service charge is often included in bills (usually 10%)
If a service charge is not included, tipping around 5
10% for good service in restaurants is appreciated
For hotel staff, a small tip (a few ringgit) for porters or housekeepers is customary
Tipping taxi drivers is not common, but rounding up the fare is acceptable

Money & Payments

ATMs are widely available
Credit cards are widely accepted, especially in urban areas and major establishments
It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller vendors and rural areas
No black market for cash

Cultural Norms

Remove your shoes before entering homes, mosques, and some temples
When greeting, it is polite to lightly touch the other person's hand and then bring your hand to your chest (known as 'salam')
Do not touch someone's head
Always accept food or drink offered to you, even if you only take a small amount
Eating with your right hand is customary, especially when eating traditional Malay food

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Malaysia and punishable by law, including caning and imprisonment. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not tolerated. There is no legal recognition of LGBTQ+ relationships.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

The legal drinking age is 21
Alcohol consumption is restricted in some areas, especially in states observing Sharia law
Drug laws are extremely strict, with severe penalties including the death penalty for drug trafficking
Even possession of small amounts can lead to lengthy prison sentences and caning

Special Laws

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites
Shoulders and knees should be covered
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon
Chewing gum is not prohibited, but littering can result in fines
Do not point with your index finger; use your thumb instead
Left hand is considered unclean, use your right hand for greetings, giving or receiving items, and eating

Common Phrases

NoTidak (TEE-dak)

YesYa (YAH)

HelloHalo (HAH-loh)

PleaseSila (SEE-lah)

Excuse meMaaf (mah-AHF)

Thank youTerima kasih (teh-REE-mah KAH-seeh)

Climate

Sipadan Island is a small oceanic island known for its diving, located in the Celebes Sea.

Climate Zone: Equatorial Rainforest

Best Time to Visit

Monsoon season: Nov
Apr (heavy rainfall)
Extreme heat: Mar
Oct (hot and humid)

Getting There

Fly into Tawau Airport (TWU)
From Tawau, take a taxi or shared van to Semporna jetty (approx
1 hour, $15
25)
From Semporna, take a boat transfer to Mabul or Kapalai Island resorts (pre
arranged with dive resorts, 30
45 mins, included in package)
Access to Sipadan is restricted to permit holders, usually arranged through dive resorts on Mabul or Kapalai

Getting Around

Primarily boat transfers between islands and dive sites
Resorts often provide transfers
No ride
sharing apps on the islands; local boatmen for hire in Semporna

Health & Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations recommended (Hepatitis A, Typhoid)
Malaria prophylaxis may be recommended depending on specific travel areas in Borneo, consult a doctor
No specific altitude sickness concerns
Motion sickness remedies for boat travel

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited directly on Sipadan due to its remote and protected status
Coverage can be spotty
In nearby Semporna and Tawau, major Malaysian providers like Maxis, Celcom, and Digi offer good coverage
Airalo and Nomad eSIMs might work through these local networks

Local Cuisine

Nasi Lemak breakfast

Considered the national dish of Malaysia, this fragrant rice dish is cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. It is typically served with fried anchovi

Char Kway Teow street_food

This is a popular stir-fried noodle dish made with flat rice noodles, often including prawns, Chinese sausage, bean sprouts, and chives. It is cooked

Satay must_try

These are marinated, skewered, and grilled meats, commonly chicken or beef, seasoned with a blend of turmeric and other spices. Satay is served with a

Laksa regional_speciality

A flavorful and complex noodle soup that varies significantly by region in Malaysia. Varieties include Curry Laksa, which features a rich, spicy cocon

Rendang must_try

A rich and tender meat stew, traditionally beef, slow-cooked in coconut milk and a paste of mixed ground spices until the liquids evaporate. The meat

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Sipadan Island Diving/Snorkeling Permit permit_or_pass

Book 2–6 months in advance

Only 176 permits are issued daily to protect the fragile ecosystem, making them extremely competitive and necessary for any visit to the island.

Dive Resort Package (Mandatory for Permit) Accommodation

Book 2–6 months in advance

Sipadan permits can only be obtained through a resort's complete package, and availability is tight, often requiring a minimum stay (3-5 nights) to qualify.

Fun Facts

1. Sipadan is a tiny oceanic island created by corals growing atop an extinct volcano that rises 600 meters from the ocean floor.
2. There is a "turtle tomb" underneath the island, which is an underwater limestone cave labyrinth containing skeletal remains of turtles that became lost and drowned.
3. Over 400 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified within the marine park surrounding Sipadan Island.
4. All diving resorts were demolished on the island, and very few structures remain, emphasizing its status as a highly protected marine park.

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