For the true diving enthusiast, the island of Sipadan, located off the town of Semporna on the East Coast of Sabah, is a must and is considered to be one of the best diving areas in this part of the world. What makes this island special is that it is the only oceanic island (not connected to the continental shelf) in Malaysia rising 2,000 feet (600 metres) on a limestone pinnacle that ‘mushrooms’ out near the surface.

Pulau Sipadan is a totally new experience for many visitors. Not only are there fascinating coral structures but marine caves. Pulau Sipadan is reported to have the largest variety of soft corals in the world. Turtles swim and frolic freely in the waters around Sipadan and divers will find lobster, barracudas, beautiful coral fishes and sometimes even sharks swimming by.

Pulau Sipadan’s waters are so clear that visibility is over a hundred feet. Coral formations 40-50 feet deep teeming with fishes can be clearly seen. Pulau Sipadan has excellent sandy beaches with a densely wooded central core. It is the perfect venue for hours of sunning and swimming. The evenings bring beautiful sunsets framed against a timeless horizon.

Pulau Sipadan is also a bird sanctuary and bird-watchers will be able to observe the many frigates, sea eagles, terns and sea-gulls that glide across the clear skies. Pulau Sipadan is also a stop-over point for the Nicobar pigeon which flies through from China during the colder months.

The Government of Malaysia has decided that all existing onsite dive resort operators are to move their operations out of Sipdan Island by 31 December 2004. The move is mainly to conserve and maintain a balanced marine and land eco-system on Sipadan and its environs. Diving will continue in Sipadan for divers to be ferried in by operators operating from the mainland or nearby islands other than the islands of Sipadan and Ligitan.