Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is located on Kapalai Island in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. The resort is built on stilts over the sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs, offering a unique water village experience. The nearest airport to the resort is Tawau Airport, which is about 17.4 miles away from Semporna – the town from which boat transfers to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort are usually arranged. The boat transfer takes about 45 minutes.
The area around Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort is known for its beautiful marine life and is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers. The resort offers diving and snorkelling holiday packages in Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. The dive sites around Kapalai are known for their macro-photography opportunities, and some of the world’s best dive sites for tiny underwater life are located just under the resort, accessible by swimming from the dive centre pier. Some of the local species include flamboyant cuttlefish, mandarinfish, blue ring octopus, dragonets, giant frogfish, gobies, leaf fish, scorpionfish, gurnards, crocodile fish, giant moray eels, rays and turtles.
The islands of Sipadan and Mabul are just a few minutes away from the resort by speedboat. Sipadan is one of the best spots in the world to dive, and Mabul has unbelievable macro-photography opportunities. The dive guides at the resort are highly experienced and offer guided boat dives to all the sites around Kapalai, Mabul and Sipadan. The resort also offers sunset or night dives on the house reef, which is full of marine life.
Apart from diving and snorkelling, there are other activities that visitors can enjoy around the resort. One can suntan at complete leisure while gazing out to the miles of brilliant turquoise stretching into the horizon offering the purest image of natural serenity. Visitors can also explore the nearby islands of Sipadan and Mabul, which offer great opportunities for bird watching, exploring on foot and beachcombing.
Attractions Near Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
Sipadan Island
Sipadan Island is a world-renowned diving destination located just a short speedboat ride away from the resort. The island is home to a diverse range of marine life, including turtles, reef sharks and barracudas. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and bird watching on the island.
Estimated Time: 40 minutes by boat ride
Suitable for: People who enjoy diving, snorkelling, and bird watching.
Distance: 8.3 miles
Mabul Island
Mabul Island is a small island located a short journey away from the resort by speedboat. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and bird watching on the island.
Estimated Time: 10 minute boat ride
Suitable for: People who enjoy diving, snorkelling, and bird watching.
Distance: 4 miles
Kapalai Island
Kapalai Island is a small sandbar located just a few minutes away from the resort by speedboat. The island is known for its beautiful beaches, clear water, and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkelling, diving and bird watching on the island.
Estimated Time: 7 minutes by walk
Suitable for: People who enjoy diving, snorkelling, and bird watching.
Distance: 0.3 miles
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort: Ideal Retreats for Every Traveller
Nature Enthusiasts
The resort is located in the Celebes Sea, off the east coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, and is built on stilts over the sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs, offering a unique experience.
The area around the resort is known for its beautiful marine life and is a popular destination for divers and snorkellers. The dive sites around Kapalai are known for their macro-photography opportunities, and some of the world’s best dive sites for tiny underwater life are located just under the resort, accessible by swimming from the dive centre pier.
Snorkellers
The resort offers snorkelling holiday packages in Sipadan, Mabul and Kapalai. The dive sites around Kapalai are known for their macro-photography opportunities, and some of the world’s best dive sites for tiny underwater life are located just under the resort, accessible by swimming from the dive centre pier.
The islands of Sipadan and Mabul are just a short journey away from the resort by speedboat. The dive guides at the resort are highly experienced and offer guided boat dives to all the sites around Kapalai, Mabul and Sipadan. The resort also offers sunset or night dives on the house reef, which is full of marine life.
Honeymooners
The resort has fifty elegant and spacious wooden chalets, each offering an ocean view balcony with total privacy – perfect for sunbathing or watching the marine life just a few feet below. The chalets are available in a double, twin or triple share configuration and feature ensuite bathrooms with both a hot shower and bathtub.
Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort and Transportation Hubs
| Transportation Hub | Distance from Hotel | Transportation Options | Estimated Time |
| Tawau Airport | 50.8 miles (81.7 km) | Private car, taxi | Approx. 90 minutes drive |
Unique Facilities at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
Private Jacuzzi
Each chalet has a private jacuzzi that is perfect for relaxing and unwinding, offering stunning views of the surrounding ocean.
Rental Snorkelling and Ocean Kayaking Equipment
The dive centre offers snorkelling and ocean kayaking equipment for rent, making it easy for visitors to explore the surrounding waters.
Broadband Internet Access
The resort has broadband internet access, making it easy for visitors to stay connected with friends and family back home.
Souvenir Shop
The resort has a souvenir shop that sells a range of gifts and souvenirs. Visitors can purchase gifts for friends and family back home or souvenirs to remember their trip.