SIPADAN & SEMPORNA MARINE PARK
Sipadan and Semporna Marine Park is an aquatic paradise in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, renowned globally for its world-class diving. It is a vibrant tapestry of coral reefs, remote islands, and spectacular marine biodiversity.
This unique region is a jewel of the Coral Triangle, offering encounters with thousands of species of fish, sea turtles, and sharks. It serves as a crucial hub for marine research and conservation efforts.
Most Popular Attractions
World-Class Dive & Snorkel Sites:
Sipadan Island: Malaysia’s only oceanic island, famed for its breathtaking Barracuda Point (a swirling tornado of fish), Coral Garden, and guaranteed sightings of green and hawksbill sea turtles.
Mabul Island: A premier destination for muck diving, known for spotting rare and unusual macro marine life like flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, and frogfish.
Kapalai Island: Built on a shallow sandbar, this dive resort offers excellent diving beneath its stilt chalets, with sightings of garden eels and giant moray eels.
Sibuan Island (Battleship Island): Considered one of the most beautiful islands in the park, featuring stunning white sand beaches and excellent shallow-water snorkeling and diving.
Tun Sakaran Marine Park (Bohey Dulang, Mantabuan, Timba Timba): A cluster of volcanic islands offering diverse dive sites, from macro opportunities to stunning coral walls.
Bohey Dulang: Famous for its scenic hike to a peak that offers a panoramic view of the caldera and the surrounding turquoise lagoon.
Mantabuan Island: Known for its crystal-clear water and being a favorite spot for encounters with Sea Gypsies (Bajau Laut).
Pompom Island: A small, idyllic island known for its quiet, house-reef diving and important sea turtle nesting sites.
Gaya Island: Though not in Semporna, it’s often grouped with the region for its beautiful beaches and is part of the neighboring cluster of islands.
Mataking Island (The Reef Dive Resort): Famous for its Underwater Post Office—the first of its kind in Malaysia—and its long sandbar connecting it to Mataking Kecil at low tide.
Unique Cultural & Terrestrial Experiences:
Semporna Town Jetty: The main gateway and bustling hub, providing a glimpse into local life, fish markets, and boat traffic.
Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies) Villages: Visit the unique stilt and houseboat settlements of the nomadic Bajau Laut community around islands like Ove Latungan and Sarangay.
Bohey Dulang Hike: The strenuous but rewarding 600-meter climb to the vantage point overlooking the spectacular turquoise inlet of the island.
Pearl Farm Visit: Located near Bohey Dulang, you can learn about the cultivation of South Sea Pearls.
Semporna Night Market (Pasar Malam): A lively market offering local Sabah cuisine and fresh seafood.
Fish Feeding at the Jetties: Simple, accessible activity to see local marine life right from the mainland or resort jetties.
Conservation & Research Centers:
Sipadan Permit Office: The administrative center where the limited daily permits (only 176 per day) for Sipadan diving are managed.
Sipadan Barrier Reef Conservation: The strict, managed area ensuring the sustainability of this fragile ecosystem.
Mabul Marine Preservation Area: Local efforts by resorts and NGOs to protect the unique macro environment surrounding Mabul.
Turtle Nesting Beaches: Several islands, notably Pompom and Sipadan, have areas dedicated to the protection of nesting green and hawksbill sea turtles.
The Sipadan Scuba Diving Wall: The dramatic, sheer drop-off of the island that plunges $600\text{ meters}$ into the Celebes Sea, the main reason for its phenomenal pelagic life.
Activities & Experiences
Dive Sipadan Island: Experience one of the world’s top dive sites (permit required) to witness the famous ‘barracuda tornado,’ massive schools of jackfish, reef sharks, and green sea turtles.
Snorkel/Dive in Kapalai: Explore the stunning house reef of Kapalai, known for its macro-life, mandarinfish, and vibrant coral formations, all while potentially staying at a beautiful water village resort.
Stay at a Water Village Resort: Spend a night or more at a traditional, overwater resort on Mabul, Kapalai, or other nearby islands for a unique marine experience.
Island-Hop to Bohey Dulang: Take a challenging but rewarding hike up the peak of Bohey Dulang Island to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the turquoise lagoon and surrounding islands.
Muck Dive in Mabul Island: Seek out rare and bizarre critter macro-life (frogfish, blue-ringed octopus, flamboyant cuttlefish) on the sandy slopes around Mabul, considered a global muck-diving hotspot.
Visit the Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies) Villages: Charter a boat to visit the traditional nomadic sea communities around Bum Bum Island and other areas, and respectfully observe their unique, boat-dwelling way of life.
Take a PADI/SSI Dive Course: Semporna is a major hub for affordable and quality dive training. Complete your Open Water or Advanced Open Water certification here.
Snorkel with Turtles in Sipadan/Mabul: Even without a dive permit, snorkeling around the edges of Sipadan or Mabul offers incredible chances to swim alongside large green sea turtles.
Explore Tun Sakaran Marine Park: Discover the largest marine park in the area, which encompasses eight islands, including Bohey Dulang, Bodgaya, and Tetagan, offering great diving, snorkeling, and trekking.
Enjoy a Sunset Boat Ride: Charter a local boat for a serene ride around the islands, providing spectacular views of the sunset over the Celebes Sea.
Sample Local Sabah Cuisine in Semporna Town: Head into the main Semporna town to try fresh seafood barbecues and local Malaysian and Sabahan dishes like Amplang (fish crackers).
Kayak or Paddleboard: Rent a kayak or paddleboard from your resort to explore the calm, shallow waters directly around your island accommodation.
Local Tips & Transport
Flying In: The main airport is Tawau Airport (TWU). From there, it’s about a 1-hour to 1.5-hour taxi or pre-arranged minivan ride to Semporna Town jetty. Most resorts offer a transfer service package that covers this land and subsequent boat transfer.
Semporna to the Islands: All access to the dive sites and resorts is via speed boat from the Semporna public jetty.
Resort Transfers: Most island resorts operate scheduled transfers, which are often complimentary with your stay. These times are fixed, so plan your flight to Tawau accordingly.
Chartering Boats: For island hopping, you can hire a private speedboat from the jetty, but ensure the operator is reputable and the boat has proper safety equipment.
Permit Access to Sipadan:
Strict Daily Limit: Only 176 dive permits are issued daily for Sipadan Island. You cannot visit or dive Sipadan without a confirmed permit.
Resort Allocation: Permits are allocated to dive resorts on a daily basis. To secure a permit, you generally must book a 3D/2N or 4D/3N package with a resort that has a high allocation.
Book Early: To guarantee a Sipadan permit, book your resort package months in advance, especially during peak season.
Dive Season & Visibility: The area is diveable year-round.
Best Visibility: Generally considered to be from April to December.
Peak Season: July and August are the busiest and most expensive. The monsoon is usually mild and does not stop diving.
The Bajau Laut (Sea Gypsies): Cultural Sensitivity – When visiting the Bajau Laut villages, remember they are residential communities. Be respectful, always ask permission before taking photos, and avoid giving out sweets, as they lack dental care. Giving necessary items like small amounts of money for supplies or educational materials is more helpful.
Safety & Security – Military Presence: Due to past incidents, there is a visible and reassuring presence of the Malaysian Armed Forces (ESSCOM) in the area. Most resorts have 24-hour security. Stick to reputable, well-established resorts and dive operators.
Electricity & Connectivity:
Power: Island resorts typically operate on generators, which may be shut off for a few hours in the middle of the day.
Wi-Fi/Phone Service: Connectivity is often poor or non-existent on Mabul, Kapalai, and Sipadan. Expect to fully disconnect. Semporna town has better service.
Respect the Marine Life: Don’t Touch – This region is a sanctuary. Never touch the coral, turtles, or other marine life. This is strictly enforced by dive guides and is vital for preserving the delicate ecosystem.
Hidden Gems:
Bohey Dulang Lagoon: The incredible gradient of turquoise in the lagoon from the peak is not to be missed. The hike is strenuous, so wear proper footwear (no flip-flops).
The Semporna Jetty Night Market: A bustling, non-touristy area in Semporna town where you can find the freshest and most affordable grilled seafood dishes.
The Mantabuan Island Dive Site: A beautiful, lesser-known dive site within Tun Sakaran Marine Park, perfect for both macro and wide-angle photography with excellent visibility.
Top Restaurants
Fat Mom’s Restaurant [$10-$25] – One of the most famous and highly-regarded seafood spots, popular for its fast service, fresh chili crab, and butter prawns, often busy with both locals and tourists.
Fish Village Seafood Restaurant [$10-$30] – Known for its vast selection of live seafood and excellent quality, specializing in steamed fish and seafood tofu, and is a strong local favorite.
Ocean Treasure Live Seafood Restaurant (海中宝) [$15-$35] – A well-known seafood restaurant celebrated for its rich variety, offering different cooking styles like the unique Wet Seafood Noodle (seafood broth over noodles).
Then Wang Seafood Restaurant [$10-$25] – A popular establishment for its authentic local Chinese-style seafood, often praised for its salted egg prawns and special homemade tofu.
Pearl City Restaurant (珠城海鲜楼) [$10-$25] – Located inside the iconic Dragon Inn Floating Resort, offering a pleasant sea view and famous for its fried squid and sweet and sour fish.
Seaview Seafood Restaurant (海景海鲜楼) [$10-$25] – Offers fresh seafood with waterfront views, known for its reliable cooking and a good spot to watch the sunset while dining.
JETTY Seafood BBQ Restaurant [$10-$25] – Located right on a jetty, specializing in BBQ and grilled seafood, which offers a different flavor profile from the popular stir-fries.
Fung Ling Restaurant [$10-$25] – A well-established Chinese seafood spot in Semporna town, known for its consistent quality and local following.
Buwan Restaurant [$10-$25] – Located slightly out of the main center in Kampung Tampi-Tampi, offering fresh seafood in a relaxing environment with a great view of the sea and boats.
Nanhai Seafood Restaurant [$15-$30] – Highly rated for its quality seafood and a wide menu, often mentioned by local friends as a reliable choice for dinner.
Anjung D’Samudera Cafe – Seafood Restaurant [$8-$20] – A cafe that specializes in fresh seafood delights, a culinary gem on the coast, and a good balance of value and freshness.
Seaview Cafe [$8-$20] – Offers simple, authentic Chinese cuisine and seafood in the town center, popular for its local feel and casual dining.
Tian Wang Seafood Restaurant [$10-$25] – A favorite among local visitors for its amazing value, especially the salted egg prawns and lemon fish.
Anjung Lepa [$8-$20] – A casual spot known for fresh seafood and the coastal atmosphere, perfect for a relaxed, authentic dinner.
Hai Xian Restaurant [$10-$25] – A smaller, local seafood eatery known for its simple and fresh preparations, often favored by returning travelers for its genuine atmosphere.
Original Seafood & Co. [$10-$25] – Known for serving up the ocean’s bounty with simple, fresh cooking styles favored by locals.
Empire City Seafood Restaurant (帝王城海鲜餐厅) [$15-$30] – A local spot that offers good quality seafood, often a recommendation by locals for a variety of fresh catch.
Sea Dragon Seafood Restaurant [$10-$25] – Provides simple and fresh seafood options, often listed among the reliable local dining spots.
These spots offer traditional local cuisine, including Bajau (Sea Gypsy) dishes and typical Malaysian-Muslim fare, providing a break from the dominant Chinese-style seafood.
Restoran Sri Melaka Semporna [$5-$15] – An excellent choice for authentic, traditional Malay cooking, including dishes like ikan bakar (grilled fish) and ayam penyet (smashed fried chicken).
Bismillah Restaurant [$3-$10] – A well-known Indian-Muslim restaurant, popular for late-night meals, specializing in affordable and hearty dishes like roti canai, nasi briyani, and murtabak.
Wang Wang Soto House [$3-$8] – A local gem for comforting Malaysian eats, specializing in Soto (a traditional soup with noodles or rice), a staple among locals.
Restoran Intan [$5-$15] – Known for its rich flavors of Sabahan cuisine, offering a culinary delight of local food and traditional dishes beyond just seafood.
Semporna Food Court (Pasar Malam) [Under $5] – The night market is a must-visit cultural and culinary experience, offering cheap local eats like satay, grilled squid, and a variety of local snacks and drinks.
Kak Neng Food & Snack Center [$3-$10] – A great place to discover authentic Malaysian flavors and snacks, favored by locals for its simple, traditional fare.
Restoran Nasi Kandar Al-Farisha [$5-$15] – Specializes in Nasi Kandar, a popular Northern Malaysian dish of steamed rice served with a variety of curries and side dishes.
Anjung Warisan Parapat Seafood Restaurant [$8-$20] – A place where fresh seafood is cooked with local Malay traditions, offering authentic Sabah flavors.
Restoran Bawang Merah Bawang Putih [$5-$15] – A traditional Malay restaurant, known for its home-style cooking and a variety of local lauk (side dishes) to be eaten with rice.
Restoran Al-Nafisah [$5-$15] – Offers another good option for local Malaysian cuisine, a favorite for a casual lunch or dinner among the town’s residents.
Zanah Food Truck [$3-$10] – A popular food truck spot (location may vary) offering quick, tasty local Malaysian food, great for a grab-and-go meal.
Summer Breeze Cafe [$5-$15] – A cozy cafe known for its refreshing milkshakes and smoothies, offering a mix of authentic Malaysian and Western cuisine. A favorite for divers looking to relax.
Scuba Junkie Diver’s Bar & Family Cafe [$8-$20] – Located near the dive center, this spot offers a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of Western and local meals, perfect for pre- or post-dive fuel.
Mabul Cafe & Seafood Restaurant [$8-$20] – While it serves seafood, it also has a wide selection of Asian and Western food, including popular dishes like chicken chop and black pepper lamb, catering well to foreign tourists.
Good Vibes Cafe [$5-$15] – A family-friendly dining spot in Semporna known for its comfortable ambiance and a variety of Western and local dishes.
Twin Baby Burger [$5-$10] – Known for its gourmet burgers made from fresh local ingredients, offering a satisfying Western-style meal.
Dozo Semporna [$3-$8] – A great local coffee shop offering a good spot for a quick coffee and light meal, known for its air conditioning and good Wi-Fi.
Mukbang Lab Cafe [$8-$18] – A newer, trendy dining destination on the island that offers a vibrant array of dishes, focusing on generous portions and an immersive eating experience.
Vrex Cafe [$5-$15] – A nice cafe for a relaxing break, offering freshly brewed coffee and a variety of local and international light bites.
Borneo Rock Cafe [$5-$15] – A lively spot offering a mix of local and Western dishes, coffee, and a cozy island charm.
Juhouse Cafe & Lounge [$8-$20] – Offers a relaxed lounge setting with handcrafted cocktails and a menu of fresh seafood and mouthwatering bites.
Restaurant Rahimah, Mabul Island [$5-$15] – A small, very local eatery on Mabul, offering simple, authentic food, a good choice for those staying off-resort.
Mabul Cafe Papa & Mama [$5-$15] – A simple local spot on Mabul Island, serving basic Malaysian and Western dishes like hamburgers, a popular choice for budget travelers.
Sipadan Water Village Restaurant (Mabul) [Included in Package] – While a resort restaurant, it’s worth noting for its stunning waterfront views and array of buffet-style Malaysian and Western cuisine.
Uncle Chang Sipadan Mabul Dive Lodge Restaurant (Mabul) [Included in Package] – Offers full-board meals with a mix of local and international dishes in a laid-back, rustic dive lodge atmosphere.
Seahorse Sipadan Lodge Restaurant (Mabul) [Included in Package] – Provides buffet-style meals for guests, typically featuring fresh fish and local dishes.
Borneo Divers Mabul Resort Restaurant (Mabul) [Included in Package] – Offers a varied buffet with both Western and local choices to cater to an international diving clientele.
Arung Hayat Sipadan Adventures Lodge (Mabul) [Included in Package] – Provides home-cooked, mostly local-style meals for guests, known for its authentic, simple fare.
Local Warung on Mabul Village [Under $5] – Various small, unnamed food stalls/stalls in the Bajau Laut village on Mabul selling simple fried noodles, fried rice, and local snacks.
Egang-Egang Resort Kitchen (Bum Bum Island) [Included/A la carte] – A resort on a nearby island offering meals, a good option if you are exploring the bigger islands near Semporna.
Luma Kembara Kitchen (Bum Bum Island) [Included/A la carte] – Offers simple, locally-sourced meals on Bum Bum Island, focusing on fresh ingredients.
The Bajau Market Stalls (Near Semporna Jetty) [Under $5] – The area near the jetty where local Bajau fishermen sell their catch and sometimes ready-to-eat local delicacies like Tehe-Tehe (sea urchin often cooked with rice).
Latok-Latok Stalls [Under $5] – Specific market or street stalls where you can try Latok-Latok (sea grapes/sea wine), a popular, salty, raw seaweed often eaten with lime and chili sauce.
Kima Stalls [Under $10] – Stalls that sell Kima (giant clams), a traditional food of the Bajau community, which can be eaten raw after slicing or mixed with spices.
Sagol Vendors [Under $5] – Local vendors selling Sagol, a traditional Bajau dish made from a mixture of shredded fish (often shark or stingray) cooked without sauce (dry) or with a flavorful sauce.
Koling-Koling Vendors [Under $5] – Vendors selling Koling-Koling (or Bangi-Bangi), a traditional Bajau snack, often seen during festivals or special gatherings.
Pasar Ikan Semporna (Fish Market) [$10-$50] – Not a restaurant, but the place to buy the freshest catch directly from fishermen; some nearby stalls can cook your purchase for a small fee.
Semporna Night Food Stalls (Various Locations) [Under $5] – Pop-up stalls that appear after dark, offering a variety of grilled meats, seafood skewers, and local sweets.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Scuba Junkie Sipadan Island Dive Centre Bar (Mabul Island): Located on the beach at Mabul Island, this resort’s bar is a popular social hub for divers. They offer simple cocktails and beers, providing a quintessential island-chill atmosphere right on the sand with sunset views.
The Dragon Inn Floating Resort Bar (Semporna Town): Part of the famous floating resort complex in Semporna town, this bar offers a unique setting over the water. It’s a great spot to enjoy a beer or simple mixed drink while watching the town lights reflect on the bay.
Kapalai Dive Resort Bar (Kapalai Island): This bar, exclusive to guests of the luxurious stilt resort, offers a relaxing ambiance with stunning views of the Sulu Sea. It provides a quiet, sophisticated spot for a glass of wine or a simple tropical cocktail.
Sipadan Water Village Resort Bar (Mabul Island): Situated on the beautiful Sipadan Water Village resort built on stilts over the water near Mabul, this is a prime location for an evening drink, offering a tranquil and exclusive environment.
Seafest Hotel Sky Bar (Semporna Town): Located atop the Seafest Hotel, this is one of the few places in Semporna town to offer a slightly elevated view, making it the closest to a “rooftop bar” experience for a sunset drink.
Mabul Backpackers Bar (Mabul Island): A more rustic, budget-friendly option on Mabul Island, this bar serves as a friendly and lively social meeting point for divers and travelers looking for cold beers and simple company.
Pom Pom Island Resort Bar (Pom Pom Island): Part of the private and tranquil Pom Pom Island Resort, the bar provides a peaceful, secluded beachfront setting for enjoying a drink after a day of diving.
The Reef Dive Resort Bar (Mataking Island): Located at the resort on the picturesque Mataking Island, this bar offers a relaxed, casual spot for resort guests to unwind with a cold beverage near the beach.
Singamata Resort Bar (Semporna Gateway): Situated on the unique floating platform resort near Semporna, this bar provides an over-the-water setting where guests socialize and enjoy simple drinks and beers.
Restoran Al-Baiq (Semporna Town): While primarily a seafood restaurant, it’s a popular evening gathering spot for a meal and non-alcoholic drinks, offering a lively local town atmosphere.
Chubby’s Café and Bar (Semporna Town): One of the few dedicated small bar-like establishments in Semporna town that caters to international visitors, offering a simple selection of beers and basic spirits.
The Wave Bar (Semporna Town): A basic local spot in Semporna town where locals and some tourists go for a casual drink and simple bar atmosphere.
Local Seafood Stalls (Semporna Town Waterfront): Many of the open-air seafood stalls along the waterfront offer a lively evening environment where you can enjoy dinner with simple beverages (often beer or soft drinks) and soak in the local bustle.
MB Hotel Rooftop Terrace (Semporna Town): A modest rooftop area on the MB Hotel that provides a relatively quiet and elevated place to sit in the evening and enjoy the Semporna town views.
Arung Hayat Sipadan Adventures Resort Bar (Semporna Gateway): A resort bar near Semporna that provides a relaxed setting for guests to share diving stories and have a simple drink in the evenings.
Rhythm KTV (Semporna Town): A popular local KTV (Karaoke) spot in Semporna, this establishment serves as one of the primary late-night entertainment venues for locals and is the closest thing to a “club” atmosphere with private rooms and music.
Star Karaoke (Semporna Town): Another well-known KTV venue in the town center, providing private rooms and a lively atmosphere for singing and drinks, functioning as a late-night social gathering spot.
Ocean Treasure KTV (Semporna Town): Situated in Semporna town, this is one of the more established karaoke spots offering a chance for late-night entertainment and is often packed on weekends.
Palm View KTV (Semporna Town): Located slightly outside the immediate central area of Semporna, this venue caters to groups looking for a private and loud night out with music and drinks.
Restoran Bataras KTV (Semporna Town): Primarily a restaurant during the day, this spot often transforms into a lively KTV/dining venue in the evenings, popular with local crowds.
Mabul Island Resort Common Area (Mabul Island): On Mabul Island, the social common area or deck of the various resorts (e.g., Scuba Junkie, Sipadan Water Village) often turns into the most lively “club-like” atmosphere, with divers meeting up, music playing, and drinking late into the evening.
Borneo Global Sipadan Backpackers Bar (Semporna Town): This hostel/backpacker bar is a key social hub for young travelers in Semporna, offering cheap drinks and a guaranteed lively, communal atmosphere that goes late.
Seaview KTV (Semporna Town): Another dedicated KTV venue in Semporna offering a focused late-night entertainment option for those looking for music and drinks.
Dragon Inn Floating Resort KTV (Semporna Town): The KTV facility associated with the floating resort is a unique late-night option over the water, providing a specific, music-focused environment.
The Mabul Beach Bar (Mabul Island): A basic, no-frills beach bar on Mabul that operates as the primary late-night party/gathering spot for backpackers and divers on the island.