BORNEO DIVING

KAPALAI RESORT

Kapalai Resort - sand island in foreground - reception and restaurant to left side

The Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is in fact a water village. It is built on a sand bar only 15 minutes from the infamous Pulau Sipadan. The sand bar was many years ago the island of Kapalai, but erosion must have taken its toll on what was surely a very beautiful island. It is on what is known as the Ligitan Reefs, a very extensive stretch bordering the deep and vast Celebes Seas.

Chalets and boardwalk at Kapalai Resort

Chalets and boardwalk at Kapalai Dive
Resort

Arrivals area with fast boat and Restaurant

Restaurant area at Kapalai
Restaurant area at Kapalai Dive
Resort

Above water, it is a totally different world. All structures are erected on water and the guest is able to really enjoy the serenity and peace of the unique resort anytime of the day, especially early morning and sunset. Even from above the water, the guest is able to observe the antics of the squids, or the never ending raids of the needlefish and halfbeaks into shoals of silversides and anchovies. Sit on your private verandah and watch the turtles swim past. A truly unique place and unforgettable experience.

Chalet Accommodation at Kapalai
Accommodation at Kapalai Dive
Resort

Chalet bathroom
Chalet 51 bathroom with view to the sea

Accommodation is in well appointed twin sharing chalets with extra-hot baths and a sundeck/verandah. In total, there are currently fifty-one individual chalets. Each chalet is about 9 metres wide. The resort caters for divers and non-divers alike. Avid snorkellers can generally join the dive boats as they go out to the various dive sites located around Kapalai, Mabul and Sipadan.

Kapalai Resort - Restaurant in foreground

Note that arranging for snorkelling around Sipadan may take a bit of perseverance as it appears that the available passes are reserved for the divers. If you would like to snorkel at Sipadan, while staying at Kapalai, please advise us at the time of booking so that we can try to arrange a pass for you.

The resort is equipped with wireless internet which can be accessed at reasonable rates (payable at the resort)

Kapalai Resort - view over part of the resort and boardwalks

Packages starting at 3 Days / 2 Nights are available, and include:

Return land and sea transfers from Tawau,
Accommodation on Kapalai on a twin/triple sharing basis
3 meals per day plus afternoon tea and snacks.
3 boat dives daily around the island and unlimited beach dives just in front of the Resort. (except on arrival/departure day - no diving permitted within 24 hrs of departure flight)
Equipment provided : tank, weights/belt. Limited gear available for rental at reasonable price at the Resort.
Diving around the islands/reefs of Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai.
Guided Night Dives directly in front of the Resort subject to weather conditions.

Chalets and boardwalk at Kapalai Resort

Duration	Diver/Non Diver	1 Person	2 People	3 People
3 days/ 2 nights	Diver	$1,295	$865	$820
	Non Diver	$1,040	$695	$655
4 days/ 3 nights	Diver	$1,695	$1130	$1,075
	Non Diver	$1,355	$905	$860
5 days/ 4 nights	Diver	$2,240	$1,495	$1,420
	Non Diver	$1,795	$1,195	1,135
6 days/ 5 nights	Diver	$2,780	$1,855	$1,760
	Non Diver	$2,225	$1,485	$1,410
7 days/ 6 nights	Diver	$3,330	$2,220	$2,110
	Non Diver	$2,665	$1,775	$1,685
Extra nights	Diver	$545	$365	$345
	Non Diver	$435	$295	$275

Prices per person in Australian Dollars and valid to 31 December 2010
Dive rates include the pass issued by Sabah Parks for access to Pulau Sipadan. Every effort is made to arrange the pass for you, but diving at Sipadan cannot be guaranteed due the the limited number of passes available to foreigners each day (120 passes only). There are no refunds if diving at Sipadan cannot be arranged.

Note that it is not possible to snorkel at Sipadan if staying at Kapalai Resort - all Sipadan permits are reserved for divers.
Photographs courtesy of Phil Youdale and Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd.