Ready to dive into one of the most breathtaking underwater experiences on the planet? Diving in Sipadan is a dream come true for many, and at Scuba Junkie, we’re here to make that dream a reality. Located just a short boat ride away from Mabul Island, our dive center is the perfect gateway to this underwater paradise. Whether you’re diving Sipadan for the first time or returning for another unforgettable experience, our passionate team will ensure your Sipadan adventure is one you’ll never forget.
Sipadan is not just another dive destination; it’s a world-renowned marine sanctuary that has captured the hearts of divers for decades. And when you dive with Scuba Junkie, you're not just a visitor—you become part of a family that shares a deep love for the ocean and its wonders.
When you think of diving in Sipadan, you’re imagining an underwater world like no other. With its vibrant coral reefs, and schools of jackfish, Sipadan offers an unparalleled diving experience.
What sets Sipadan apart from other diving locations is the sheer diversity of marine life that you can encounter on a single dive. Imagine descending into the depths and being greeted by a swirl of barracudas or gliding alongside graceful turtles as they navigate the reef.
Our dive masters and instructors are not just experts; they are passionate about the marine world. Their enthusiasm is contagious, and they’ll ensure that your first dive in Sipadan is filled with excitement and wonder. They’ll share their knowledge of the local marine life, pointing out creatures you might otherwise miss and helping you appreciate the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.
Your adventure begins early in the morning with an energizing breakfast at our Mabul Beach Resort. We depart for Sipadan around 6 AM, and as the sun rises, you might even spot pilot whales or dolphins accompanying our boat ride—a magical start to your day! The journey from Mabul to Sipadan takes about 35 minutes to an hour, depending on sea conditions, giving you just enough time to relax and soak in the anticipation.
Upon arrival at Sipadan, the first stop is the Sabah Parks office for registration. Don’t forget to bring a photo of your dive certification and passport for registration—these are essential for ensuring a smooth entry to this protected marine reserve. To dive Sipadan all divers must be Advanced Open Water certified.
After the registration and briefing, it’s time for your first dive! Each dive is an opportunity to explore a different aspect of Sipadan’s underwater world, from the dramatic drop-offs to the bustling coral gardens. Our dives typically last 60 minutes, but your air consumption will determine the exact duration. Once you surface, enjoy a second breakfast on the island, where our dive guides, who are as passionate as they are knowledgeable, will walk you through a marine life book, helping you identify the species you encountered and logging your dives.
Ready for your second dive? Let’s go! Sipadan’s dive sites offer something for everyone, from the thrilling currents of Barracuda Point to the serene beauty of Coral Gardens. After the second dive, it’s time to return to the island for a well-deserved lunch. Our meals are not just about refueling; they’re a chance to bond with your fellow divers, share stories from the morning’s dives, and soak in the natural beauty of Sipadan.
If the hatchery is open, your dive guide will take you to witness the baby turtles—an experience that’s as heartwarming as it is fascinating. There’s something incredibly moving about watching these tiny creatures take their first steps toward the ocean, and it’s a reminder of the importance of marine conservation.
Your third dive of the day will be on our way back, around the stunning reefs of Mabul or Kapalai, where you’ll conclude your unforgettable Sipadan adventure. Due to Sabah Park regulations, only two dives are allowed around Sipadan per day, ensuring the preservation of its pristine environment. By the time we arrive back at Mabul, you’ll be buzzing with excitement, ready to share your stories with other guests at the resort.
Diving in Sipadan is an incredible experience, but it’s important to be prepared for the unique conditions you might encounter. The currents around Sipadan can be strong, especially at sites like Barracuda Point and South Point. While these currents bring in the large schools of fish that make Sipadan so famous, they can also be challenging for less experienced divers. That’s why Scuba Junkie requires all divers to spend at least one day diving around Mabul Island before heading to Sipadan. This helps you acclimate to the conditions, ensures you’re comfortable in the water, and allows us to assess your readiness for Sipadan’s more demanding sites.
Safety is our top priority, and our dive guides are trained to handle the varying conditions you might encounter. They’ll provide you with all the information and support you need to dive safely, whether it’s advising you on how to navigate the currents or helping you manage your buoyancy. And because we keep our dive groups small, you’ll always receive the attention you need to dive confidently.
But the rewards of diving in Sipadan far outweigh the challenges. The marine life here is simply astounding. The sheer density and diversity of marine life in Sipadan are unlike anything you’ll experience elsewhere. And with Scuba Junkie, you’ll have the guidance and support to make the most of every moment.
At Scuba Junkie, we believe in creating an experience that goes beyond just diving. When you dive with us, you become part of our family. And if you’re not yet Advanced Open Water certified, don’t worry—we offer great value packages that include the course right here around Mabul (since training dives are not allowed in Sipadan).
One of the things that set Scuba Junkie apart is our commitment to sustainability and conservation. We’re proud to be a part of the efforts to protect Sipadan’s fragile ecosystem. Our dive guides are trained not only in diving but also in marine conservation. They’ll teach you how to interact with the marine environment responsibly, ensuring that future generations of divers can enjoy Sipadan just as much as you will.
We also handle all the necessary permits for diving in Sipadan. With only 176 permits issued daily, it’s essential to book early. But when you dive with Scuba Junkie, we guarantee your permits, so you can focus on what really matters—enjoying your dives! Our team will take care of all the logistics, from securing your permit to ensuring you have the best possible diving experience.
While you won’t find manta rays in Sipadan, the marine life here is second to none.
One of the highlights of diving in Sipadan is the chance to see turtles up close. Sipadan is famous for its large population of green and hawksbill turtles. These gentle giants are often seen grazing on the coral or swimming gracefully through the water. Our dive guides know where to find them and will ensure you have plenty of opportunities to observe these amazing creatures.
Barracuda Point is one of the most famous dive sites in the world, known for its swirling schools of these sleek, silver predators. It’s a sight that will take your breath away—thousands of barracudas moving as one, forming a living vortex around you.
And then there are the sharks. Sipadan is home to a variety of shark species, including grey reef sharks and white tip reef sharks. These majestic animals are an integral part of the marine ecosystem, and seeing them in their natural habitat is an experience you’ll never forget. On some lucky days, you might even spot a hammerhead shark patrolling the deeper waters.
At Scuba Junkie, we believe that diving is about more than just exploring the underwater world—it’s about creating connections, both with the ocean and with each other. When you dive with us, you’re not just another customer; you’re part of our family. We’re passionate about what we do, and we love sharing that passion with our guests.
Our resort on Mabul Island is the perfect place to unwind after a day of diving. With comfortable accommodations, delicious food, and a friendly atmosphere, it’s a home away from home. Our guests often tell us that one of the highlights of their trip is the sense of community they feel at Scuba Junkie. Whether you’re chatting with fellow divers over dinner or swapping stories with our dive guides, you’ll find that there’s a special camaraderie here.
And when it’s time to say goodbye, you’ll leave not just with memories of incredible dives, but with a sense of belonging. At Scuba Junkie, we like to say that you come as a customer and leave as part of our family. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Scuba Junkie family and show you why Sipadan is one of the best diving destinations in the world.
So, pack your bags, get your gear, and get ready for an unforgettable experience. We can’t wait to dive with you!
Borneo, the third-largest island in the world, is a paradise for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. It is shared by three countries: Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. This island is renowned for its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Whether you're exploring lush jungles, diving into crystal-clear waters, or wandering through bustling cities, Borneo offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences. Here are ten things you can't miss while visiting Borneo.
Borneo is located in Southeast Asia and is divided among three countries: Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak), Indonesia (Kalimantan), and Brunei. The island is known for its extensive rainforests, which are some of the oldest in the world, and its incredible biodiversity. Visitors to Borneo can expect to encounter unique wildlife, ancient cultures, and breathtaking natural beauty.
Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia, is a vibrant city that serves as a gateway to Borneo's natural wonders. The city offers a mix of modernity and tradition, with bustling markets, waterfront esplanades, and a lively food scene.
Dive Kota Kinabalu with Scuba Junkie! We provide daily dive and snorkel trips to the KK area including the world famous KK Marine Park (Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park) which features five amazing islands including Gaya Island and Sapi Island. The marine park is home to beautiful reefs, colourful fish, reef sharks, turtles and even whalesharks in the right season!
One of the highlights of Kota Kinabalu is the weekly quiz night at El Centro Restaurant. This popular event brings together locals and tourists for a fun-filled evening of trivia, delicious food, and great company. It's a fantastic way to unwind and meet new people after a day of exploring the city.
Kinabalu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. This park is a haven for nature lovers, offering a range of activities from trekking and bird watching to exploring its diverse flora and fauna.
The climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu is a challenging but rewarding adventure, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Even if you don't make it to the top, the park's lower trails and botanical gardens are equally impressive, showcasing the rich biodiversity of Borneo.
Located near Sandakan in Sabah, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned and injured orangutans. Visitors can observe these incredible creatures up close as they are rehabilitated and prepared for release back into the wild.
The center offers an educational experience, highlighting the importance of conservation efforts in preserving the orangutan population. Watching the orangutans swing through the trees and interact with each other is a truly heartwarming and unforgettable experience.
The Kinabatangan River is one of Borneo's most famous wildlife hotspots. A river cruise with River Junkie Hornbill Lodge offers an unparalleled opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and an array of bird species.
The lodge provides comfortable accommodations in the heart of the jungle, allowing you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Guided river cruises and jungle treks offer the chance to explore the diverse ecosystems and witness the incredible biodiversity of Borneo up close.
Danum Valley is one of the most pristine and untouched rainforests in Borneo. This conservation area is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including orangutans, clouded leopards, and the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant.
Visitors can stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, which offers luxurious accommodations and guided tours of the surrounding jungle. Activities include canopy walks, night safaris, and jungle treks, providing ample opportunities to experience the rich biodiversity of the rainforest.
Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak is famous for its spectacular limestone karst formations and vast cave systems. The park is home to the world's largest cave chamber, Sarawak Chamber, and the stunning Deer Cave, which houses a large colony of bats.
Exploring the Mulu Caves is an adventure like no other, with guided tours taking you through underground rivers, towering stalagmites, and immense caverns. The park also offers a range of other activities, including jungle trekking and canopy walks, allowing you to fully experience its natural beauty.
Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, is a charming city with a rich cultural heritage. The city is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, vibrant street art, and bustling waterfront.
One of the highlights of Kuching is its diverse food scene, offering a mix of traditional Malay, Chinese, and indigenous cuisines. Be sure to visit the local markets and food stalls to sample dishes such as Sarawak laksa and kolo mee. Kuching is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions like Bako National Park and the Sarawak Cultural Village.
Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, also known as the Tip of Borneo, is located at the northernmost point of the island. This stunning location offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea, as well as beautiful sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters.
Visitors can relax on the beach, take in the scenic views, and explore the nearby Rungus longhouses to learn about the local culture. The Tip of Borneo is a perfect spot for a peaceful getaway and a great place to watch the sunset.
Sipadan Island is renowned as one of the best diving destinations in the world. The island's crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs are home to an incredible variety of marine life, including turtles, sharks, and colorful fish.
Diving and snorkeling in Sipadan offer an unforgettable underwater experience, with opportunities to explore dramatic drop-offs, underwater caves, and coral gardens. Due to its protected status, the number of daily visitors to Sipadan is limited, ensuring that the island's pristine beauty is preserved.
When traveling around Borneo, it's essential to be prepared for a diverse and unique experience. The currency used in Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), while Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) uses the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Brunei uses the Brunei Dollar (BND).
Borneo is home to a mix of religions, with Islam being the predominant religion in Malaysian Borneo and Brunei, while Christianity and indigenous beliefs are more common in Sarawak and parts of Kalimantan. It's important to respect local customs and traditions, particularly in more conservative areas.
The food in Borneo is diverse and delicious, with a mix of Malay, Chinese, and indigenous influences. Be sure to try local dishes such as nasi lemak, rendang, and various seafood delicacies.
Borneo's culture is rich and varied, with a strong emphasis on community and tradition. Take the time to learn about and appreciate the local customs, whether it's through visiting traditional longhouses, participating in cultural festivals, or simply interacting with the friendly locals.
Borneo is a destination that offers something for everyone, from thrilling adventures and wildlife encounters to cultural experiences and stunning natural beauty. By embracing the island's unique offerings, you'll leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
