Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai: Diving / Snorkelling Package with Island Resort Stay

About The Location

Borneo Divers Mabul Resort

This luxurious 4-star resort is perfectly positioned on Mabul’s scenic shores and caters to both divers and non-divers. With its spacious, air-conditioned chalets, refreshing swimming pool, and an inviting restaurant serving a mix of local and international flavours, the resort guarantees comfort and relaxation. As one of the pioneers of diving in Semporna, Borneo Divers is renowned for its expertise, ensuring your snorkelling and diving experiences are guided by professionals.  

About Sipadan Island

Sipadan’s underwater world is nothing short of extraordinary. This protected marine park rises from the depths of the Celebes Sea, providing unmatched diving experiences. Picture yourself amidst swirling schools of barracuda forming hypnotic tornadoes, gliding alongside graceful sea turtles, or marvelling at vibrant coral walls bustling with life. Thanks to strict conservation efforts, Sipadan’s waters remain pristine, teeming with biodiversity and offering a truly magical diving experience. Access to Sipadan is limited, ensuring an exclusive adventure for those fortunate enough to visit. 

About Mabul Island

Renowned for its tranquil atmosphere, Mabul features crystal-clear waters, soft sandy beaches, and swaying palm trees that create a picturesque tropical paradise. Beneath the surface, Mabul Island is a wonderland for divers and snorkellers, offering a diverse array of marine life. From the intricate patterns of flamboyant cuttlefish to the elusive frogfish hiding among coral gardens, Mabul’s underwater world is a delight for macro diving enthusiasts. The shallow reefs also provide ideal snorkelling conditions, while divers can marvel at the vibrant marine biodiversity in every direction. 

About Kapalai Island

Kapalai Island is a unique destination, not a traditional island but a stunning sandbar turned into a luxurious water village. Overwater bungalows stand on stilts, providing breathtaking views of the endless turquoise sea. Kapalai is known for its crystal-clear, shallow waters, home to a vibrant marine ecosystem teeming with turtles, rays, and even occasional reef sharks. Whether you choose to snorkel just steps from the water’s edge or dive among the colourful coral gardens, Kapalai offers an unparalleled aquatic experience that feels like living atop a natural aquarium.

Annual Temporary Conservation Break at Sipadan Island

To help preserve Sipadan’s world-famous marine ecosystem, the island observes its annual conservation break from 1–30 November each year for a period of natural recuperation.

During this time, diving activities at Sipadan will be paused, but the surrounding island resorts remain fully open — guests can still enjoy beautiful dive sites and island excursions in Tun Sakaran Marine Park.

Diving at Sipadan Island will resume on 1 December.

Important Notes

• Check-In Time: 3:00 PM, Check Out Time: 10:00 AM 
• Guests must choose either a snorkelling or diving package – combining both is not allowed. 
• A 40% surcharge applies for single travellers booking a private room, as they must follow scheduled land and boat transfers with other paying guests. 
• Child Policy: 
• Children aged 3–11 years receive a 50% discount on the snorkelling package (must share a room with 2 adults) 
• Children aged 2 and below stay for free (only jetty fees apply) 
• To ensure safety, diving is not permitted on arrival or departure days, and divers must observe a 24-hour no-fly rule before boarding a flight. 
• There are no boat dives on the day of arrival. 
• To comply with dive safety protocols, guests must book departure flights after 3:00 PM to allow a 24-hour surface interval before flying. 
• Sipadan Island closes for diving and snorkelling every year from November 1st–30th for conservation purposes. 
• Sipadan permits are allocated by the resort and not guaranteed for every booking. They are assigned based on availability. 
• Guests may request additional Sipadan permits (subject to availability) upon booking or at the resort reception. The additional cost is: 
• RM 600.00 per diver (including permit & boat fees) 
• RM 450.00 per snorkeller (including permit & boat fees) 
• Only divers with a minimum Advanced Open Water certification are allowed to dive at Sipadan. 
• Each diver with a one-day Sipadan permit can only do two boat dives daily. 
• Diving Package: Includes 3 boat dives per day with a dive guide (except on arrival/departure days) and unlimited house reef dives. 
• Snorkelling Package: Includes 3 boat snorkelling sessions per day with a guide (except on arrival/departure days) and unlimited snorkelling at the house reef. 
• Night Diving: Available only for Advanced Open Water divers and above. Night dives can be conducted at the house reef only with a dive buddy, with the latest exit from the water at 7:30 PM. 
• The itineraries provided are sample schedules and are subject to changes based on weather, availability, and operational considerations. Please confirm your final itinerary with the resort upon booking to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. 
• The boat transfer may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions, including heart or lung issues, recent surgeries, or back-related ailments. Pregnant women are also advised against joining due to potentially bumpy sea conditions. Consult a physician if you have health concerns. 
• Avoid bringing valuables, as there are no lockers available on the islands. 
• Practice responsible snorkelling to protect marine life. 
• If your actions or skills risk harming marine ecosystems or other guests, the crew has the right to revoke your participation. 
• Avoid touching, removing, or stepping on marine creatures. 
• Always stay with your group and follow the crew’s instructions; failure to comply will result in removal from the activity without a refund. 
• Effective 1 January 2026, the use of single-use plastic bags is strictly prohibited in all Sabah Parks. This policy is implemented to safeguard the natural environment and protect both marine and forest ecosystems from pollution and long-term harm. Visitors are required to bring their own reusable eco bags when entering any Sabah Parks area.