BORNEO DIVING
SIPADAN
NEWS
Sipadan Island has been closed since 2003 to all accommodation. This small tropical
island is to be preserved by the Malaysian Government as a World Heritage
area. For this reason, all existing structures on the island have been demolished
and all dive operators have moved to nearby islands to build their new
bases to bring divers in for the world famous Wall Diving called "DROP - OFF" at Pulau Sipadan.
A copy of a letter from the General Manager of the Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation, dated 26
September, 2000, regarding safety and security in the Sipadan area can be viewed by clicking
here. STPC Letter from Irene Benggon Charuruks
In the 1st week of July 2000, a contingent of 12 top American and Canadian diving firms came to Sipadan. Upon the completion of their stay, they have the following comments to make on the security as below.
We hope that the group's feedback will reassure you of the security of Sipadan Island and convince you that Sipadan is safe and ready to welcome you for your diving holiday.
No Big security problems for clients in Sipadan: Diving firms
Fred S. of New York, on his 20th trip in a space of ten years to Sipadan Island.
"The incident is isolated. There was never any question on our mind including divers from Europe, Taiwan and Japan that there was anything unsafe about Sipadan. I saw absolutely no difference. Everyday we saw patrol planes, patrol boats which reinforced the idea that the government is keeping the areas safe. Just because one incident happens in one area, it is no cause for alarm. It's an exciting place to come."
In fact, Fred S. concluded that Sipadan would be 'the safest' place to go almost immediately after the incident, after analysing news clippings and information available on the extra security measures taken in response to the incident.
David W. of Tennessee, who has visited Sipadan on numerous occasions, felt totally secure.
"The odds of it happening again would be just incredible. What I saw in the area was the presence of the navy and the police. It was totally safe. I would go back. It was something that couldn't be foreseen."
Fred N. of USA
"I never felt threatened. It was relaxing, security was very visible. So, there's no problem coming back. People know what's there now and we will be able to tell them that everything is wonderful. All my customers know. And they wanted to know whether I was afraid to go. I said no. I have no fear at all. It's just one time. Everything happens everywhere one time. Someone gets hurt and never happens again. It's an isolated incident."
Frank N. of New York
"The diving was pleasant. I did not see any security problem at all."
Sabah Tourism Promotion Corporation General Manager, Irene Charuruks, said there is increased security not only in
Sipadan but also the whole territorial waters off Semporna.
The island is currently in the care of the Wildlife Department under the Ministry of Tourism and Environmental Development.
Turtle Tomb, located between the jetty (Drop Off) and Barracuda Point - a must dive site!
As a diver, once you dip into the water, you will be welcomed by the abundant coral growths of all sizes and colours, frequented by masses of marine life such as Turtles, Barracuda, Hammerhead Shark, Giant Parrot fish, Manta Ray, Lionfish, Sweetlips, Goby, Jackfish, etc.
Favourite dive spots on Sipadan include:
- Turtle Tomb
- Barracuda Point
- Coral Gardens
- White Tip Avenue
- Midreef
- Turtle Patch
- South Point
- Staghorn Crest
- Lobster Lairs
- Hanging Garden
- West Ridge
- North Point
Sipadan has an incredible variety of coral, huge schools of Barracuda, Jacks and sharks.
Dive Season
You can dive here all year round. Overall, the best conditions at Sipadan Island exist from April through to December, especially July and August. January to March can see some unsettled weather and a decrease in visibility but the island still sees plenty of divers at this time as the diving can still be fine.
Photographs and map courtesy of Pulau Sipadan Resort and Tours Sdn. Bhd.