Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort
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Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

Discover Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, an 5-star stay in Semporna. With a score of 8.3/10 based on 262 reviews, it offers an outstanding blend of quality and value, with prices starting from MYR 1,609.

Check-In & Check-Out

From 12:00 until 11:00

Nearby Attractions

Mabul Island: 6.18 km away

SWV Observation Tower: 6 km away

Kapalai: 0.82 km away

Amenity Highlights

Pets policy: Pets are not allowed.

Food & Drink: Restaurant, Bar

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

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We Price Match
Highlights
Great views
Ideal location
Lots to do
Amenities
All amenities
Property Description
Show more
Very good, we enjoy every moment there.
Surroundings
Landmarks: Kapalai
(820m)
Landmarks: SWV Observation Tower
(6.0 km)
Landmarks: Mabul Island
(6.2 km)
Landmarks: Mabul Backpackers
(6.2 km)
Landmarks: Lobster Wall
(6.6 km)
Landmarks: Spheredivers Scuba & Leisure
(6.7 km)
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11

Water Chalet

1 King bed
60m² | Floor: 1
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Toothbrushes
Private toilet
Room Details
Check Availability
8

Water Chalet - With Extra Bed

1 King bed and 1 Single bed
Has window
Non-smoking
Air conditioning
Private bathroom
Toothbrushes
Private toilet
Room Details
Check Availability

Average for similar properties in Semporna
Most Mentioned
Review summary
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Facilities: The resort's overwater bungalows are noted for their spaciousness and comfort. Despite some complaints about outdated facilities, the rooms are clean and offer a relaxing retreat with views of marine life from private balconies.(based on 30 reviews)
A‍n‍o‍n‍y‍m‍o‍u‍s‍ ‍U‍s‍e‍r
January 7, 2026
The hotel view is unbeatable; I even saw two large sea turtles from the balcony of room 53! At night, you can capture so many stars. However, dinner at the hotel was just okay, no crab or mango at all. A big plus is that if you take the 9:30 AM boat to the island on the first day, lunch is included. And if you take the 1:30 PM bus when you leave, you can also have another lunch.
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S‍k‍i‍p‍p‍e‍r‍ ‍S‍u‍n
January 6, 2026
The hotel is very photogenic, and though they offer three meals a day, I couldn't get used to the food. Luckily, I brought three cups of instant noodles. The most important thing is, I found a snake over two meters long in the morning 🐍! Can you believe that?!
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M‍3‍7‍2‍6‍5‍4‍*‍*‍*‍*
January 8, 2026
If you're going to the island, be mindful of the time and book your flight accordingly. The scenery here is beautiful, and the food suits Chinese tastes. However, there aren't many entertainment options; it's mainly about enjoying the view. I think a one-day visit is enough for a photo op; staying longer might get boring. If you stay more than two days, definitely try deep-sea diving – it seems really convenient!
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_‍W‍e‍C‍h‍a‍t‍2‍8‍1‍8‍0‍2‍*‍*‍*‍*
January 15, 2026
The environment is great, and the sunset is beautiful. The service is also good. It can get a bit boring if you stay too long, though. It would be more interesting if there were more entertainment facilities or if they added yoga and meditation classes.
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L‍e‍e‍ ‍M‍e‍n‍g‍ ‍C
September 13, 2025
Had a relaxing 4D3N surrounded with awesome view and lots of turtles and fish could be seen from the chalet.  Resort staff are welcoming, approachable and helpful.  Food provided was pleasantly prepared.   However, the public toilet need thorough cleaning & refurbishment, wifi to be made available, more lighting along all the walkways at night.
A‍l‍a‍n‍P‍h‍a‍n‍g
November 28, 2025
Love the mapping of the resort, nearby distance and everything is nice. However, the food is no good. 85% of tourists from china. The food were still Malay style..hope the management can do something about it. Overall the stay is good. Keep it up. Good job
F‍a‍n‍f‍a‍n‍g‍x‍i‍a‍n‍g‍d‍e‍z‍h‍o‍n‍g‍k‍i‍k‍i
August 29, 2025
If you're booking an overwater villa, remember to confirm the daily boat transfer times to and from the island. This will help you plan your flights and itinerary accordingly. **Boat Transfer Schedule:** **Arrivals (Dock to Hotel):** * 09:30 AM (Requires flight arrival by 08:00 AM) * 12:30 PM (Requires flight arrival by 10:30 AM) **Departures (Hotel to Dock):** * 11:00 AM (Requires flight departure after 04:00 PM) * 01:30 PM (Requires flight departure after 06:30 PM)
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K‍I‍T‍K‍A‍T
August 22, 2025
Complaint: Near the turtle viewing area, there were several sand pits on the beach that posed a serious safety hazard! My calf accidentally slipped into one of these holes. As we were about to leave the island, I was in such a rush that I didn't thoroughly check the injury. Three weeks later, the scar on my calf from the sand abrasion is still visible. 😣 Not only did I endure physical discomfort, but it has also significantly marred the appearance of my leg! 😤 Round-trip Airport Transfer (advance booking required): I booked the airport pick-up service. The bus was completely full and took a grueling 90 minutes to reach the pier. From there, it was a 50-minute boat ride to the hotel. The boat was incredibly choppy, and I felt so seasick I nearly vomited! 🤮 Cleanliness: The room's cleanliness was just average. Facilities: Outdated. Setting: The natural environment was well-preserved, and the scenery was beautiful. Service: It was merely average, with the food quality being particularly disappointing.
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Services & Amenities

Restaurant
Cuisine: Asian
Open for: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Property Policies

Check-in and Check-out Times
Check-in: 12:00–16:00
Check-out: Before 11:00

Front desk hours: 24/7

The property will provide check-in details after booking

To check-in, contact the property 3 days in advance.At the same time, please provide your flight information, proof of identification, your check-in time

Child policies
Children of all ages are welcome at this property.
Additional fees may be charged for children using existing beds. Add the number of children to get a more accurate price.

Cribs and Extra Beds
For all room types, extra beds can be added. Please contact the hotel for details about crib policies.
Fees for extra beds and cribs are not included in the total and must be paid at the hotel.
AgeFee
Children 1 year old and under
10% of room rate per person per night
Children 2–11 years old
50% of room rate per person per night
Children 12 years old and over
100% of room rate per person per night

Breakfast
StyleA la carte
AgeFee
Children 17 years old and under
Contact property
Adult
Contact property
Additional breakfast fees are not included in the total and need to be paid at the property.

Deposit Policy
DepositNo deposit required by the property

Pets
Pets are not allowed

Age Requirements
There is no age limit for checked in guests.

Paying at the hotel

Property Description

  • Opened: 1997
  • Renovated: 2024
  • Number of Rooms: 89
Phone:+60-89-674999
Email:mail@pearlislandresorts.com
When staying at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort, you'll be perfectly positioned to explore all that Semporna has to offer. When staying at this resort, you'll be situated just 821m from Kapalai.

Head to Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort's exclusive beach to relax or take part in snorkeling or diving.

Experience the flavors of Asian cuisine at the on-site restaurant. Finish your day off with a drink at the bar.

At this resort, you'll have access to a bbq and garden. The property is home to a 24-hour front desk and offers service in 3 languages, including English. This property also offers currency exchange and free luggage storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the check-in and check-out times at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?

Check-in time at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort starts at 12:00-16:00, and check-out time is by 11:00.

Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort have a pool?

No, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort does not have a pool for guests.

Are pets allowed at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?

No, pets are not allowed at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort.

How much does it cost to stay at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?

Room prices at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort vary by travel dates, hotel policy, and other factors. Enter your travel dates to see current prices.

What’s the cancellation policy at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort?

The cancellation policy at Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort depends on your room type and booking terms.

Does Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort offer airport transfers?

No, Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort does not provide airport transfers for guests.

About This Property

Average Price FromMYR2903
Hotel Star Rating5
A First-Timer’s Guide to the Area Around Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

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.