Sipadan Mabul Island
 

Sipadan Island is often regarded as one of the world’s most exquisite dive sites. The late oceanographer Jacques Cousteau called it an "untouched piece of art," and divers worldwide rank it among the top five dive destinations on Earth. Rising 700 meters from the sea floor, Sipadan is Malaysia's only oceanic island, covering a mere 12 hectares. Despite its small size, the island is a hotspot for diverse marine life, offering encounters with some of the world's most fascinating species.

Sipadan Island: An Underwater Paradise

Though small in size, Sipadan attracts a vast range of marine life from the deep ocean. Surrounded by crystal-clear waters, this island features a variety of habitats, from coral gardens to steep drop-offs, and is home to species like:

  • Turtles
  • Bumphead parrotfish
  • Jacks
  • Barracudas
  • Exotic crustaceans, including the unique coconut crab
  • Tropical birds such as sea eagles, kingfishers, sunbirds, starlings, and wood pigeons.

The island has ten dive sites, each offering unique underwater experiences, including:

  • Barracuda Point: Famous for the swirling barracuda schools.
  • Coral Garden: A vibrant reef with abundant marine life.
  • The Drop Off: A steep wall that drops to depths teeming with fish.
  • Hanging Gardens: A rich, vertical reef covered in coral and marine species.
  • Turtle Cavern: Home to numerous turtle skeletons and a significant dive site.
  • Whitetip Avenue: Known for its sightings of whitetip reef sharks.

Sipadan is recognized for its incredible biodiversity, making it a prime destination for divers.

Mabul Island: Muck Diving and Macro Life

Located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Sipadan, Mabul Island is another renowned diving destination, famous for muck diving. Muck diving involves exploring shallow, sandy-bottomed dive sites with limited visibility, where divers can discover hidden and rare marine life. Mabul is a macro photographer’s dream, with opportunities to capture some of the ocean's tiniest and most unique creatures. These include:

  • Flamboyant cuttlefish
  • Blue-ringed octopus
  • Spike-fin gobies
  • Frogfish
  • Moray eels

Mabul Island is larger than Sipadan and is characterized by its active coconut plantations. The surrounding 200-hectare reef is located at the edge of the continental shelf, with seabeds sloping to depths of 25 to 30 meters. While Sipadan remains largely a tropical forest, Mabul offers a stark contrast with its coconut tree-lined landscapes.

Diving Sites in Mabul

Mabul offers seven dive sites, each with unique features:

  • Crocodile Avenue: A muck diving spot full of critters.
  • Lobster Wall: Known for its vibrant reef and lobster sightings.
  • Ray Point: Ideal for spotting rays and other macro creatures.
  • Seaventure: A great dive for a variety of underwater species.
  • House Reef: A shallow dive site popular for both beginners and experienced divers.
  • Eel Garden: Home to fascinating garden eels.
  • Froggy Lair: A site where divers often spot frogfish and other unique species.

On Land

While most of the excitement on Mabul is underwater, the island offers opportunities to relax on its soft sandy beaches. Visitors can spend time snorkeling, fishing, or exploring the nearby local fishing village. The laid-back atmosphere provides a perfect balance to the thrilling underwater adventures.

Both Sipadan and Mabul Islands offer an exceptional mix of vibrant marine life, world-class diving, and natural beauty, making them must-visit destinations for any diving enthusiast or nature lover.