Pulau Sipadan - Discovering Malaysia

Travelling to Pulau Sipadan

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Pulau Sipadan, a pretty good destination in Malaysia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Pulau Sipadan and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Pulau Sipadan, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Malaysia, here's everything to know about Pulau Sipadan for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Pulau Sipadan

Pulau Sipadan is a small island located off the coast of Sabah in East Malaysia. It's considered one of the most beautiful diving spots in the world, famous for its crystal clear waters and diverse marine life. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and serves as a habitat for over 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of species of coral. It's also home to endangered sea turtles and several species of sharks. Due to its popularity, only a limited number of tourists are allowed on the island each day, so it's important to arrange your visit in advance. Additionally, the island is protected as a marine park, so visitors are required to follow strict guidelines to preserve its natural beauty.

What to visit in Pulau Sipadan

Sure, here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Pulau Sipadan (Malaysia): 1. Sipadan Island: The island is situated in the Celebes Sea off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia and has been voted as one of the top dive sites in the world. The crystal-clear waters of the island are home to a diverse range of marine life including sea turtles, sharks, and schools of barracuda. 2. Turtle Tomb: Located on the island, Turtle Tomb is a deep limestone cave that contains skeletal remains of turtles and other marine life. Divers can explore this spooky cave and witness the eerie presence of the remains of extinct turtles. 3. Barracuda Point: This is one of the best spots in Sipadan Island to observe barracuda schools, an amazing sight for certified divers. The strong currents in this area make it exciting but recommended only for experienced divers.
4. Hanging Gardens: Located close to the island, Hanging Gardens is a magnificent coral garden that sits at the edge of a steep drop-off. The stunning coral formations and the vibrant marine life here make it an excellent spot for snorkeling or scuba diving.
5. South Point: South Point is situated on the southern tip of Sipadan Island and is known for its stunning coral garden and colorful marine life. It’s an excellent spot for divers of intermediate to advanced levels because of strong currents.
6. Kapalai Island: A tiny island located about 15 minutes boat ride from Sipadan Island. Known for its water villas and good visibility, Kapalai Island is an excellent spot for diverse marine life, such as Frogfish, Nudibranch, and Mantis Shrimps.
7. Stargazing at Sipadan: The night sky on Sipadan Island is truly spectacular, away from the light pollution of the mainland. On a clear night, stargazers can see the Milky Way and countless constellations and shooting stars. These are just a few popular tourist attractions on Pulau Sipadan Island. Visitors can explore many more fascinating places and discover its natural beauty and charm.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Malaysia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Pulau Sipadan

The best time to visit Pulau Sipadan is during the dry season, which is from April to October. During this time the waters are at their calmest and the visibility for diving and snorkeling is optimal. However, do bear in mind that Sipadan is a year-round destination and diving is possible, but visibility can range from good to poor depending on weather conditions and currents. It is also worth noting that Sipadan Island is a protected marine park and a limited number of daily permits are issued, so be sure to book in advance to guarantee your spot.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Pulau Sipadan

Pulau Sipadan is a small island located in the Celebes Sea, east of Malaysia. Here are the most common transportation options to get to Pulau Sipadan: 1. Flight - The nearest airport to Pulau Sipadan is Tawau Airport. You can take a flight from Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu, and then take a bus or taxi to Semporna, a coastal town that serves as the gateway to the island.
2. Bus - Another option is to take a bus from Kota Kinabalu or Sandakan to Semporna. It takes about five hours by bus from Kota Kinabalu and three hours from Sandakan.
3. Private transfer - You can arrange for private transfer from Tawau Airport to Semporna. Many resorts also offer transfer services from the airport or the town to the island.
Once you reach Semporna, you will need to take a boat to Pulau Sipadan. There are numerous operators that offer boat services from Semporna to the island. Keep in mind that only a limited number of daily permits are issued to visit Pulau Sipadan, and it is recommended to book your accommodation and permits in advance.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Pulau Sipadan, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Pulau Sipadan

Pulau Sipadan is a gem in the Celebes Sea, and it is known for its clear blue waters, stunning coral reef, and marine life. However, when it comes to food, the island offers a unique blend of traditional Asian and Malaysian cuisine. Here are some of the must-try dishes that everyone should taste during their trip to Pulau Sipadan.
1. Nasi Lemak - A staple food in Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is a popular dish made with steamed coconut milk rice, peanuts, fried anchovies, cucumber, and sambal (spicy sauce). It is typically served with a hard-boiled egg and fried chicken.
2. Satay - One of the popular street foods in Malaysia, Satay is made with chicken or beef skewers that are marinated in turmeric and other spices and then grilled over charcoal fire. It is typically served with a peanut dipping sauce, onions, and cucumbers.
3. Laksa - A spicy and sour noodle soup, Laksa is made with rice noodles, meat or seafood, and a mix of spices such as turmeric, galangal, chili, and lemongrass. It is typically served with shredded vegetables and herbs.
4. Mee Goreng - A Malay version of stir-fried noodles, Mee Goreng is a dish made with yellow noodles, beef or chicken, vegetables, and seasonings such as soy sauce, chili, and tomato sauce.
5. Curry Fish Head - A popular Malaysian dish, Curry Fish Head is a spicy and tangy stew made with fish head, vegetables, and a blend of curry spices and coconut milk.
These are some of the traditional foods of Pulau Sipadan that you must try during your trip. They represent the unique blend of cultures and taste that the island has to offer.
You can find general info about typical foods in Malaysia here.

Is Pulau Sipadan an expensive destination for tourists?

Yes, Pulau Sipadan is considered an expensive destination for tourists. This is due to a few factors, such as the limited number of daily diving permits, which drives up the price of diving packages. Also, the island has limited accommodations, so the cost of staying there can be higher than other destinations. However, many tourists believe that the price is worth it for the incredible diving experiences and stunning scenery that Pulau Sipadan offers.

Where to find accomodation in Pulau Sipadan

To visit Pulau Sipadan in Malaysia, it is best to find accommodation in the nearby areas of Mabul or Kapalai islands. These islands are the closest to Pulau Sipadan and offer a range of accommodation options, from basic homestays to luxury resorts. Staying on Mabul or Kapalai also provides easy access to other popular dive sites in the area. Additionally, the town of Semporna on the mainland is another option for accommodation, but it requires a longer boat ride to reach Pulau Sipadan.
You can check hotel prices at Pulau Sipadan here:
Booking.com

Is Pulau Sipadan a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Pulau Sipadan in Malaysia is considered a safe place for tourists. However, travelers should always take usual safety precautions like not leaving your belongings unattended and being aware of your surroundings. It's also important to choose reputable tour operators for diving and snorkeling trips in the area. Additionally, visitors should follow guidelines for responsible tourism to protect the environment and support the local community.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Malaysia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Pulau Sipadan.

What type of travelers will enjoy Pulau Sipadan the most?

Pulau Sipadan is a great place for those looking for adventure and underwater exploration. It is famous for its amazing diving and snorkeling sites, where travelers can discover an abundance of marine life. Therefore, this place is suitable for couples, solo travelers, and young adults who are interested in water adventures.
That being said, families with children above the age of 10 are also welcome. However, it’s important to note that the journey to Pulau Sipadan involves a bit of travel by boat and may not be entirely suitable for young kids who get seasick or have difficulty traveling. Overall, if you are an adventurous traveler or someone who loves underwater activities, Pulau Sipadan is the perfect destination for you!

How to get around Pulau Sipadan

Pulau Sipadan is a small island located in Malaysia, therefore the best way to move around the island is by foot. However, there are no accommodations on the island, and visitors usually stay in nearby resorts on Mabul Island or Kapalai Island. In this case, visitors can use boats provided by the resorts to travel between the islands. Boats are the only way to travel between the different resorts and dive sites.

What to see around Pulau Sipadan

If you're looking for day trip destinations from Pulau Sipadan in Malaysia, here are some options: 1. Pulau Mabul: Known for its white sandy beaches and coral reefs, Pulau Mabul is a great place to spend the day snorkeling and diving.
2. Semporna: A gateway to Sabah’s best diving areas, Semporna is a bustling town worth a visit to explore local culture, try its delicious seafood and explore nearby islands and beaches.
3. Tun Sakaran Marine Park: located just 45 minutes away from Semporna by boat, Tun Sakaran Marine Park offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in Sabah.
4. Madai Caves: located inland and about 2 hours drive away from Semporna, the Madai Caves is home to many endemic species and is ideal for ecotourism.
5. Labuan: Located a boat ride away from Sabah, Labuan Island is an excellent choice for a day tour from Pulau Sipadan, it is known for its duty-free shopping, stunning beaches, and historical sites like the World War II-era Labuan War Cemetery.
For every travel information about Malaysia you can click here.

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