Petite Mary

Ultimate Guide to Diving in Sipadan Island 4

15 Thrilling Sipadan Diving Packages For All Budgets! 

—

by

Maryam Zaidi
in ,

Are you looking for a Sipadan diving package? 

Sipadan is located off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysia, and is widely regarded as one of the top dive sites in the world.

I’m no fanatic when it comes to scuba diving, but it is the perfect thing to do to get away from my Outlook emails. No one will come and find you underwater 😛 

So far, I’ve been to Tioman Island, Sipadan Island, Tenggol Island and Koh Lipe! 

My first open-water dive was in June 2021, and it was also the time I got hitched underwater! 

YES! My now-husband-then-boyfriend proposed to me underwater when I thought we were going for a diving exercise on Tioman Island, Pahang, Malaysia. 

The beautiful ceremony was witnessed by fishes, corals, and my dearest scuba buddies 🙂

sipadan diving package 1
Somewhere around Coral Garden in Sipadan

Okay, whoops, I got sidetracked. On that jolly note, if you love scuba diving, Sipadan Island MUST be on your dive bucket list!

I’ve been to Sipadan; it was an incredible experience! 

In this article, I will be sharing all the available Sipadan diving packages (including the one I took) and other essential factors to consider to make your diving trip in Sabah as fulfilling as possible.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links that, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you purchase through my links. I hope you find the information here useful! Merci beaucoup 😀

sipadan diving package 2
Visibility was terrible in one of the dive sites, or my editing skills are terrible!

1. Downbelow Marine and Wildlife Adventures

This Sabah Tourism Award winner with 20 years of experience in the industry and they’re committed to responsible tourism. 

They offer a wide variety of travel and scuba packages. By choosing their Kapalai Dive Resort scuba diving package, you can dive at Sipadan, as this is the closest resort to the famous dive site. 

The booking starts from minimum 2 nights and comes with a diver and non-diver packages (snorkellers).

You can find the detailed itinerary and essential information on their website. 

The booking price starts at RM 5,990 (USD 1,273) for 2 nights 2 people with an additional charge for the permit as follows: 

  • RM 450.00 (USD 96) for international divers (including expatriates)
  • RM 300.00 (USD 64) for Malaysian divers (Malaysian Identity Card holder only)

The package is available for up to 5 nights. 

Of course, diving is fun, so if you would like to extend your stay, there’s an option for you to extend your stay by including the one extra night option to your package that starts from RM 1,395 (USD 297) for the divers and RM 1,035 (USD 220) for non-diver packages. 

Insider tip: Come by with a group of friends to get a cheaper price! If you come solo, a single occupancy charge is 30% more on top of the package rate. So, it is better to bring your dive buddies and save up on the accommodation cost!

BOOK:

2. Scuba Junkie Sipadan

Next on the list is Scuba Junkie Sipadan, a multi-award-winning diving company that operates in both Malaysia and Indonesia.

There are many packages/deals to choose from depending on the number of days of your stay. 

The diving packages include:

  • Accommodation at Mabul Beach Resort
  • Diving around Mabul, Kapalai, Si Amil & Sipadan islands
  • Equipment rental, meals including tea, coffee, and water
  • Boat transfer to/from Mabul at specified times 

If you’re wondering what’s Si Amil, it’s another island located 45 minutes from Mabul that offers an amazing variety of dive sites. 

Similar to the other islands, you can find a variety of marine life such as Rhinopia, Ambon scorpion fish, blue-ring octopus and so many more!

So, each dive day includes 3 dives, and they have their popular Sipadan packages at different prices depending on the number of days.

The islands for your dives will be based on the package you select. 

Their packages start from 3D/2N with different accommodation styles at different prices. 

The prices for the rooms start from RM 2,220 (USD 472) to RM 2,620 (USD 557). You can also find the departure times on their pricing schedule. 

If you think that the packages don’t fit your schedule, you can always reach out and have a package tailored for you. 

BOOK: Scuba Junkie Diving Packages

3. Dive The World 

Operating since 2002, this travel agency specializing in scuba diving holidays offers a variety of dive packages and liveaboard trips to some of the world’s top diving destinations including Sipadan. 

They offer 3 options to dive at Sipadan: Resort stay, liveaboard, and day trip. 

1. Liveaboard 

Join the MV Celebes Explorer 9 cruise and enjoy diving at Sipadan every day. 

You can get a package that includes accommodation, all meals, and dives with scuba equipment.This cruise is a great option for groups of 10 to 16 people, with available cruises every Tuesday and Friday. 

The price starts from RM 1,129 (USD 240) per day. 

2. Resort stay 

The most popular of their Sipadan dive options, you can choose to stay at one of their resorts on Mabul or Kapalai. 

Their packages will include accommodation, all meals, airport and boat transfers, and 3 dives per day including a trip to Sipadan every 3/4/5 nights depending on which resort you choose. 

The prices at these resorts start at RM 386 (USD 82) per day for the Sipadan Mabul Resort package and RM 941 (USD 200) per day for the Kapalai Dive Resort package. 

For both of these options, offer packages in various categories, including economy, good value, and luxury options. 

Insider tip: They can book scuba packages at any of these 6 dive resorts below in the Sipadan region for you.

  1. Sipadan Mabul Resort
  2. Borneo Divers Mabul Resort
  3. Mabul Water Bungalows
  4. Kapalai Dive Resort
  5. Sipadan Water Village
  6. Seaventures Dive Rig

You can reach out to them on WhatsApp to get the pricing details and booking. Additionally, as a first-time customer, you could qualify for free diving insurance on your trip! Check it out!

3. Day trip  

If you’re short of time, you can go for their day trips from Semporna. The dive trips and their prices are as follows: 

Sipadan and Mabul islands (every Tuesday):

  • 3 dives: RM 1,501 (USD 319) per diver
  • Snorkellers: RM 1,299 (USD 276) per person

Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Mabul, and Kapalai Island (every day): 

  • 2 dives: RM 310 (USD 66) per diver
  • 3 dives: RM 362 (USD 77) per diver
  • Snorkellers: RM 160 (USD 34) per person | RM 99 (USD 21) for children below 12 yrs

BOOK: Sipadan Diving with Dive the World

sipadan diving package 3
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

4. Sipadan Borneo

Formerly known as Sipadan.com, Sipadan Borneo is a resort located on the Mabul island. It’s only a short board ride to Sipadan & Kapalai. 

This travel agency offers diving and snorkeling packages that cater to luxury and budget preferences. 

Whether you are looking for a budget-type scuba diving package, or maybe for a slightly luxurious drive resort, or don’t mind settling down for a decent dormitory type with unlimited coffee and tea, it’s all up to you.

You get to pick according to your preferences. Check out different packages on their website.

BOOK: Diving Sipadan Package with Sipadan Borneo!

5. Borneo Divers & Sea Sports

Would you believe that this dive resort was visited by the French explorer and filmmaker, Jacques Cousteau in 1989?

He described Sipadan as an “untouched piece of art” in his documentary film “Borneo: Ghost of the Sea Turtle”. 

This famous resort’s Sipadan diving package price offer competitive prices for their listed packages. And as usual, these packages come with different prices for normal and peak seasons.

You can find the detailed packages and essential information on their website. 

IMPORTANT! The rates displayed on their website are for non-Malaysians.

For locals, you can drop an email at reservations@borneodivers.com.my to get Malaysian rates 😉

BOOK: Your diving experience with Borneo Divers here!

sipadan diving package 4
With my scuba buddy, running away from our Outlook emails.

6. Borneo Eco Tours

  • Location: Google Maps | Google Reviews: 4.6/5
  • Contact details: +(60) 88 438 300

Established in 1991, this award-winning Borneo tour consultant has 33 incredible years of experience in providing amazing holidays, earning them the title of Borneo Specialist. 

While they offer a variety of packages for a lot of water activities, I’ve found one package that offers diving in Sipadan, with amazing luxurious water chalet.

Dive Sipadan – Kapalai (3D2N)

  • Non-diver: RM 3,451 (USD 734) (per person)
  • Diver: RM 5,479 (USD 1,165) (per person)
  • Additional fees for single travelers 
  • Additional charges for extended nights (per person)
  • Activities for non-divers: snorkeling, kayaking, resort stay, and watching the sunrise and sunset

You can thank me later 😉

BOOK: Hop Onboard Diving with Borneo Eco Tours!

sipadan diving package 5
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

7. Scuba Junkie KK

This award-winning company is similar to the one in option 2 but operates in different locations. 

Option 2 covers Sipadan, while the one I’m about to share with you is based in Kota Kinabalu, KK. 

The packages are designed to work best with transferring between both locations (KK-Sipadan) efficiently so you don’t spend extra time traveling. 

YES! If you’re in KK and you want to dive, Scuba Junkie KK will make that happen for you!

Let’s look at some of the packages they are offering below: 

  • 5-day diving combo
  • 6-day diving combo (this package has two variations with one having more dives in Sipadan)
  • 7-days diving combo

Most of these these diving packages offer 3 to 6 dives in KK Marine Park, 4-8 dives in Sipadan and 3-7 dives in and around Mabul

It seems like this agent only offer packages for 5-6 days considering the travel time from KK, which can be quite lengthy.  

I’d only suggest this if you you’re planning to stay on for awhile. If it’s just for a quick trip, then this is not suitable for you.

BOOK: See School of Fishes with Scuba Junkie

sipadan diving package 6
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

8. Sipadan-Mabul Resort

This tour agency offers a Sipadan-Mabul diving package that starts with a minimum 5-night stay.

The prices vary for diver and non-diver per person. Their website didn’t specify if the prices in USD are applicable for Malaysians as well. So, if you’re a Malaysian, I’d recommend checking with them. 

You can find the current rates, detailed diving packages and essential information on their website.

Psst. They do offer unlimited jetty dives on Mabul’s house reef!

BOOK: Spend your nights with Sipadan-Mabul Resort!

9. Amazing Borneo Travels

Next up on the list is the award-winning Amazing Borneo Tours supported by the Malaysian Tourism Board. 

This tour company was founded by a Sabahan who has more than 20 years of experience in the tourism industry. 

They offer a variety of packages with accommodations at various resorts around Sipadan Island. Some of the resorts are: 

Mabul Island – Seaventures Dive Resort (Dive Rig)

  • The package requires a minimum stay of 4D3N, with options up to 6D5N
  • Prices start from RM 2,900 (USD 630) for Malaysians and RM 3,460 (USD 752) for non-Malaysians
  • The prices are different for divers, non-divers (adult & children)
  • 3 daily boat dives between Mabul/Kapalai Island or Sipadan island

Celebes Explorer 9 – Liveaboard & Dive In Sipadan

  • This package requires a minimum stay of 4D3N, with options up to 8D7N
  • The packages cater to both single and double travelers, with different prices for divers and non-divers
  • Price starts from RM 4,675 (USD 1,016) for both Malaysians and non-Malaysians as well as for divers and non-divers
  • Sail with Semporna’s only liveaboard cruising across the Celebes Sea
  • Daily dives at Sipadan

Mabul Island – Sipadan Water Village Resort

  • This package requires a minimum stay of 3D2N, with options up to 6D5N
  • Price starts from RM 2,335 (USD 508) for Malaysians and RM 3,460 (USD 752) for non-Malaysians
  • 3 boat dives daily (Mabul, Kapalai, or Sipadan islands)
  • Unlimited Mabul House Reef shore diving with a buddy

Mabul Island – Sipadan-Mabul Resort (SMART)

  • This package requires a minimum stay of 2D1N, with options up to 9D8N. You also have the option to extend the stay
  • Price starts from RM 1,780 (USD 387) for both Malaysians and non-Malaysians as well as for divers and non-divers
  • The resort accommodates children aged 4 to 1, with different prices for divers and non-divers 
  • Additional Sipadan dives for a day include 3 boat dives with a divemaster

This website provides all the necessary information for booking your tour and it is easiest to navigate through so far in this list. 

You can take your time to read the descriptions for each tour that I recommended on the website and select the one that best suits your budget and preferences.

BOOK: Experience One-in-a-kind Floating Oil Rig Accommodation!

sipadan diving package 7
Photo credit: Dive The World

10. Bigfin Divers Borneo

  • Location: Google Maps | Google Reviews: 4.7/5
  • Contact details: +(60) 12 389 0424 

This beach resort is located on Mengkabar Bay, opposite Pulau Pandan Island and this is the only diving spot on the list that comes with Mount Kinabalu as the backdrop. 

Eek! I’m so excited already. As you already know, I climbed the majestic mountain and fell in love with it. 

This beautiful remote resort offers Sipadan diving packages at various rates. This is surely going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience with Mount Kinabalu in the background. 

The price for a 2-night stay with a total of 9 dives, including 2 dives in Sipadan, is RM 2,440 (USD 519) per person. 

The prices increase if you choose packages with more than 2-night stays and a total of more than 9 dives. 

You can stay up to 5 nights and enjoy up to 18 dives. Quite a good bargain if you’re crazy for diving!

On a side note, there is an imporant thing to keep in mind. There’s an extra charge of RM 150 (USD 32) for solo divers. The fee is imposed when the are no other divers on the day. 

A 50 % deposit payment is required for booking and the balance must be settled before arrival.

BOOK: See the amazing underwater wonders with Bigfin!

11. DAsia Travels

So, have you decided on your travel agency/dive center yet? If not, keep on reading for more options before deciding. 

Next on the list is DAsia Travels, a ground tour operator specializing in tours both in Malaysia and overseas. This is the only tour agency that is located in east Malaysia. 

I’ve found a 5D4N Mabul Island Package for RM 3,600 (USD 765). 

However, it appears that the package requires a minimum of 5 adults to proceed with booking and arranging the trip. Kindly check on this with their representative if you have less than 5 pax. 

BOOK: Your next diving trip with DAsia today!

sipadan diving package 8
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

12. Orient Travel & Tours

Here’s another agency on the list which is located in East Malaysia.

Heads up! Their website is actually Marimari.com, which can be confusing with their official travel agency’s name. 

I’ve found a Sipadan Water Village Resort package starting from a minimum stay of 3D2N up to 6D5N. 

The prices start from RM 1,840 (USD 391) per person applicable for Malaysians, Singaporeans, and Expatraits.

They offer packages for 1-3 people, with options for diver or non-diver packages that come with different prices. 

Moreover, you can also extend the night which comes with additional charges. 

BOOK: Unbeatable Deals with Mari Mari

13. PADI Travel

  • Location: Zürich, Switzerland | Google Reviews: 4.3/5
  • Operating hours: 24 hours
  • Contact details: They have live chat & email services

PADI is an acronym for the Professional Association of Diving Instructors is the world’s largest diver organization. They are operating in 186 countries with more than 6,600 dive centers and resorts. 

Some of the dive centers and resorts on the list here have PADI diving instructors or are PADI dive centers.

One of the packages that they offer, and I recommend, is the Sipadan-Mabul Resort package. 

The price starts from RM 1,190 (USD 253) per day/person. In this package for 2 people maximum, you will stay at the Sipadan-Mabul Resort and dive with SMART divers, a PADI 5-star dive center. 

The diving package includes:

  • 18 dives per diver
  • Unlimited shore dives
  • Free DAN dive accident insurance (exclusive only with PADI travel)
  • Weight belt/weights/tanks
  • 3 boat dives (excluding arrival & departure days)
  • Free wifi at the resort
  • Round trip from/to Tawau Airport
  • Unlimited jetty diving (Mabul House Reef with a buddy)
  • Beach volleyball
  • 1 day (2 boat dives) at Sipadan Island – for certified divers
  • Standalone chalet rooms with air-conditioner
  • Jacuzzi whirlpool spa

Alternatively, you can book a tour with Seaventures Dive Rig as well. 

Important Note: The DAN dive accident insurance is valid for bookings exceeding RM 117,650 (USD 25,000) per person. Also, you need to pay RM 486 (USD 104) for the conservation fee and diving permit at the resort or dive center. 

BOOK EASIER WITH: 

sipadan diving package 9
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

14. BorneoDream

Next on our list is an authorized PADI 5-star dive resort and licensed inbound tour operator based in KK, Sabah. 

The best and closest resort to Sipadan is the Kapalai Resort. Borneo Dream offers a 4D3N non-diver package for 2 people starting from RM 3,451 (USD 734). 

A 4D3N diver package costs RM 5,709 (USD 1,212). For 5D4N, they also offer different pricing options for diver and non-diver packages. 

If you’re a solo diver, they also offer a package for one person (diver or non-diver) for 5D4N at RM 7,118 (USD 1,513). 

Some of the things that are included in the diving package are:

  • 3 guided boat dives daily with an English-speaking divemaster
  • Tank, weight, and weight belts
  • Night dives in front of Kalapai Dive Center – for experienced night divers only
  • Unlimited house reef dive in front of the dive center

Alternatively, you can also book another package at Seaventures Dive Rig Resort that starts from RM 3,600 (USD 765) for a 4D3N stay for 2 people. 

Other Options:

sipadan diving package 10
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

15. Seahorse Sipadan Scuba

  • Location: Google Maps | Google Reviews: 3.9/5
  • Contact details: +60 19-8030428 (WhatsApp)

Here, we are at the last option on the Sipadan island diving package list. This is where I stayed when I dive at Sipadan. 

Important Note: I dived at Sipadan under an Open Water License in December 2021. However, in 2022, they changed the regulations and are now ONLY OPEN to Advanced Licensed divers. 

To be honest, I’m glad that I managed to do it before they implemented the new rule. But the regulations were made to create a better future for the sea creatures and the ecosystem.

During my visit, I stayed at Seahorse Sipadan, where I took a 6D/5N package with a sea view room.

I am pretty sure that their prices and packages have changed since my last stay, so I recommend contacting them to get the latest information.

BOOK: Contact Seahorse Sipadan Scuba!

sipadan diving package 11
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

FAQs On Sipadan Diving Package

How Much Is It To Dive In Sipadan?

The prices may vary depending on the resort and package you choose.

However, for a 4D/3N stay, it can cost RM 3,915 (USD 831) which covers 2 days in Sipadan and 1 day in Mabul. 

You can find a package that suits your budget on the list that I shared with you. 

Is Diving In Sipadan Worth It?

Sipadan Island was at the top of Rodale’s Scuba Diving Magazine Gold List for ‘The Top Dive Destination in the World”. 

Isn’t this amazing? On top of all the compelling reasons I’ve mentioned earlier, this one makes it even stronger why it’s a must-visit for dive enthusiasts! 

How Much Is The Permit Fee In Sipadan?

In January 2023, the permit fee in Sipadan was increased, and you can find the revised fee below:

  • RM 250 (USD 54) per day (Malaysians)
  • RM 350 (USD 74) per day (non-Malaysians)

Remember to check with your resort or dive center to see if the package includes the permit fee. Most packages don’t, so it’s good to check with them. 

How Many Days Do You Need In Sipadan?

It’s recommended to stay a minimum of 3 days, or 2 nights to get the most out of it. Typically, the dive centers don’t allow you to dive on your arrival and departure days. 

That’s why a minimum of 3 days is recommended so that you could have at least two dives per day during your stay. 

Which Season Is Best For Sipadan?

The best Sipadan diving season is from March to May. It’s when you get optimal diving conditions with peak visibility ranging from 20 to 30 meters, calm seas, and sunshine. 

In addition, June, July, October, November, and early December are also the best times to explore Sipadan. 

sipadan diving package 12
Photo credit: Tripadvisor

Grab Your Masks and Your Fins!

That’s it! Now you have all the information you need to dive into Sipadan.

Are you ready to take a plunge and discover the mesmerizing mysteries underwater? 

I hope this article has been helpful, and now your holiday planning will be a little easier. 

So, what are you waiting for? Book the tickets and pack your things, you’re gonna embark on an unforgettable underwater adventure!

Related Articles:

If you find this article helpful, share some love and support by sharing this post. It means the world to me! 🙂

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *